Delendir smiles at the bartender "You can be sure you will remember the day!" then he takes one gold piece and places it over the table "Gold for gold." giving her a wink.
As Tal sees him and gets his attention, Delendir moves to the group table. "I had no time to "interview" them. I left them to Hemlock. I think the Sheriff knows better how to get information from the ofenders." Delendir looks to the rest of the party. The women seem serious and altered for some reason he cannot grasp. Even Vivi is less happy than usual. "He and the Major Deverin will met us in the square in about one hour. I guess they want to ask us to provide all information we can about we have seen today. Who knows, maybe Hemlock will even find out something from that goblin leader."
When the golden liquid arrives he one hand takes the tank and starts drinking frantically. "How did your scouting work out? What is the current status around the city?"
Arriving at the inn, Vivi follows Kiley inside. He sits and waits patiently for her to introduce him to the innkeeper, and merely asks for a cup of tea if he can get one.
When they enter together and sit, Jessica sits next to Tal and waits for the others to join them. She still looks shook up by the evenings eventing not as upset as she was earlier.
The nobleman precedes Kiley and Vivi inside, taking up residence at the bar as he begins to ask Ameiko about a room. He either doesn't notice or ignores Tal's attempt at civility, choosing instead to haunt a table across the room after he speaks with the owner of the Rusty Dragon.
The lady Ameiko Kaijitsu is a lovely woman of Minkai descent. She is dressed in traveling garments, with fashionable earth-tones layered upon one another. She takes Vivi's request for tea, a half-grin forming. "Anything else, handsome?" Her voice is huskier than her appearance would indicate, her dark eyes twinkling with mirth. She winks at Kiley.
Vivi is surprised by Ameiko's appearance, and decides to take a gamble.
Vivi gives a polite nod and a warm smile to her as he speaks. I hope that if she does not speak the common dialect of Tien that she will not take offense to my trying to speak to her in it. Some Minkai are rather touchy about that.
He switches to common to continue.
"I apologize about the conditions of my clothes. The goblins I faced had the worst of my blades, but my 'do-not-be-there' block did not always work."
Listening Tal's doubts, Delendir explains "Hemlock told me the goblins were sent packing, no thanks to us." Looking how the others are grieve and startled he shouts "Ameiko! Some more ale for my friends marvel! We have to celebrate we are another day alive!" Looking at Jess "I think our novel man here do not know we count here with a wonderful interpret. Maybe you can cheer us with some music before we go on more serious plans."
Apparently, being referred to as a goddess, even if it's a goddess of war, is enough to cause Kiley's cheeks to darken in embarrassment.
No mean feat considering her olive skin.
Noticing Aldern snub Talwin again, she decides to give up on trying to reconcile the two, and is honest enough to admit she's not the best for the job anyway. She notes the mood and after Delendir calls for ale, she pipes up.
"Mead and two shots of some Old Law for me please."
The woman's eyes crinkle in delight, and she edges forward towards the monk. Her dialect is not as crisp as Vivi's, but he is able to understand everything.
Continuing in common, her right hand sweeps her hair out of her face. "Looks like you got the best of the exchange, considering you're standing here and they're laying on the ground outside. Besides, scars give a man character." Again she grins that half-grin, arching a fine ebony eyebrow to join it.
Ameiko winks at Vivi before nodding to Delendir, drawing a pitcher of fine brew and bringing it and plenty of mugs to the table for them. She then hurries to the back, out of sight for a few minutes.
One of the assistant bartenders takes Kiley's order, giving her a dubious stare as he pours the requested drinks.
After a while Ameiko comes back out with a saucer with a steaming cup settled on it. She stands before Vivi and bends at the waist, presenting the cup of tea. (Assuming he takes it) When he takes it, she laughs and says, "your food will be ready in a few more minutes, what was your name again?"
Meanwhile, a kitchen helper brings out some bread trenchers and stew for the others at the table. The smell is delicious. It appears to be some kind of spiced salmon as the meat in the concoction.
Vivi's expression lightens at Ameiko's response. Good she understands a civilized tongue... I feel like my old teacher of elvish in this land... longing for someone to be able to understand me in my native language.
"I did indeed, kami give rest to their souls and better forms to them in their next incarnation." As he says this, Vivi's head bows solemnly and those who hear him can tell both by this and his tone that he genuinely wishes for this.
As she goes to the back, Vivi turns to Kiley and whispers to her.
He smiles warmly at her as she goes to join the others, and sits at the bar. When Ameiko returns with his tea, he accepts it gratefully and returns the bow.
He smiles sadly as he speaks, and takes an appreciative sip of his tea. He switches to common for the sake of those around him more than for her sake.
"This tea is well made, more fit for an emperor than a simple monk like myself. Is that a hint of jasmine I taste? If the food is even a portion as good as this tea then I am in for a royal treat."
The satisfied smile followed by the slightly less formal, deeper sip of tea speak to his enjoyment of the beverage almost more than his words.
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At the table Tal takes of his sunglasses (it's dark enough in here for that matter) and responds to Delendir.
"It's good to hear the goblins have run off properly, but their motivation for attacking us still puzzle me." Tal seems a little lost in thought over this.
When Kiley orders the stronger stuff, Tal raises his eyebrow in a judgmental fashion, but doesn't say anything. He makes sure that Kiley sees the eyebrow raise though.
I guess she has seen enough for a day that she needs it.
I'll be right back. He says to the group after the stew is delivered and proceeds to go to Ameiko.
"Hi Ameiko love, I hope you were safe from the goblin attack? Hopefully none of your patrons got attacked.
I am troubled by the attack itself, the way the goblins were organized and the motivation behind it. Could you tell me if the goblins attacked this city before and in this big number? What did they take, or was it just for the senseless killing? Anything you could tell me about the goblin tribes in the neighborhood would be welcome." Tal asks her
Ameiko gives the man an appraising look, then nods as though reassured.
Again she nods, ebony hair waving in the dim light of the tavern. "Jasmine, yes. And a hint of lemon, as well. I'll go check on your food, Vivi." She shares a conspiratorial wink with him before turning to walk off, almost running into Tal.
"I hope so as well, Talwin, though not all have returned yet. Perhaps they are good-hearted souls and are helping with the wounded." Her hand goes to her hip, her brows furrowing. "If it's a sage you're looking for, Master Quink can tell you all about Sandpoint's history. For local goblin activity, Shalelu is your girl. Although I think she is away at this point. I'm just a simple tavern owner. It hasn't been that long, so I don't know if anything was taken, but judging from the way those goblins were acting, I'd say bloodlust." She grins at the elf before retreating to the back once again.
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"I'll keep that in mind, thanks love. Any idea when Shalelu returns?" Tal asks.
After getting his answer he thanks Ameiko again and returns to his stew and has some of it before saying
"I guess we should see what the major and the sheriff want from us after we have had our stew and rested a little."
Delendir frowns his front recalling past moments as he listens Tal's questions to Ameiko.
Kiley enjoys the stew and the bread while waiting for her drinks, when those arrive, she downs one shot of whiskey and shudders as it burns like liquid fire down her throat. she leans back in the chair, letting the warmth fill her belly.
"Guess that means this is all I get to drink for now then." Kiley says before taking the mug of mead and sipping it, savoring the flavor and the sweetness.
Vivi follows Ameiko's switch to Minkai, though barely. Thank the kami that travelling merchant took the time to teach me enough to understand him... I really need to add that to my languages-to-learn list.
Delendir nods thoughtfully for a moment, before adding to the conversation. "Seems to me this attack is very unusual. The goblins around here tend to fight each other for territory and bragging rights, usually leaving the civilized areas alone out of fear. That they would strike like this, especially knowing they couldn't win, is very eerie."
Ameiko shrugs at Tal. "She usually returns only once a season...so it could be days or weeks."
The Minkai woman then turns to Vivi, a devious grin on her face. Vivi gets the impression that the change was on purpose, testing his knowledge.
She claps Kiley on the shoulder as she passes by. "I heard you accounted for yourself well today, Kiley. Or should I call you the Goddess of War?" Ameiko giggles and hurries off.
"Stars above! You heard that?!" Kiley's voice almost squeaks as her cheeks burn crimson.
Jessica hears the comment and sees Kiley's reaction, and then begins laughing. "You make a great goddess of war, who knows, maybe Vivi sees more than we give him credit for." She quickly comes to her sense and then utters a brief prayer with a contrite tone and pose. "I should probably go change before we meet the sheriff. I don't normally wear my clerics vestments for anything other than formal clerical activities."
She quickly finishes her stew and then gets up to go change, "I won't be long." She then heads off to her room.
"Me too. Plus I want to take a fast bath." finishing his beer tank with a final gulp Delendir adds "I will take my full equipment this time. And you better do same. I don't know what that couple want, but we shall not lower our guard until things are proved calm again."
That way Delendir goes up the stairs and starts changing cloths and dressing for adventure.
Ameiko laughs wickedly at Kiley's comment, continuing to the back to retrieve Vivi's veggies and rice. She comes back out, the model of efficiency, bringing a large plate full of steaming vegetables and a bowl with white rice. "You all better hurry. I heard Hemlock and Deverin were wanting to see you."
Coming back from changing, you can easily see that she has returned to her original clothing and cleaned up as best she could in the time available. She is also carrying a crossbow and bolts in addition to her glaive. "I'm ready whenever the rest of you are."
Kiley wastes no time finishing her meal, downing the second shot of whiskey and following it with the rest of her mead after scrapping her bowl clean with a piece of bread.
When the others are ready, they find her outside next to a rain barrel, almost finished cleaning the last of her gear with an old rag.
Vivi just smiles as she brings him his food and replies, "I would appreciate that, if you have the time and patience."
He digs into the vegetables and rice with gusto, pausing only to take sips from his tea or watch as the others come and go. Having no spare outfit to change into, or even a room to do so in yet, Vivi is resigned to appearing as he does now.
Vivi stands up and bows formally to Ameiko once he is finished.
He raises his head and then proceeds outside to join Kiley, Delendir and Jessica .
Delendir goes out of the Rusty Dragon, apparently renewed and smelling to no other thing than soap. Looking at the others there he asks "Are we ready?"
And he then joins the walk as the party leaves towards the meeting.
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Pity about hose vestments, she can wear them anytime for me Tal thinks but is wise enough to keep hit to himself.
"I will have to get my gear from home and check on my aunt to make sure she is all right. I will meet you at the appointed time with the major and the sheriff." Tal says before he takes off.
At Tal's home:
Tal goes to Nishka's place and check the outside and surroundings for damage.
Once inside he check to make sure his aunt is all right and tells her of everything that has happened surrounding the goblins, that he and a couple of visitors, Kiley and Delendir fought them. And that now the major and sheriff are asking for them, so he has to get his gear.
As the party walks along the streets, Delendir asks "What do you think they want from us?"
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"I'll try to let the fighters take the beatings while I support them with my arcane spells Niskha." Tal says with a light tone and a grin. As he was about to leave through the front door he hears her request for salt and flour. "I'll see what I can do!" He says over his shoulder as he walks out with his weapons and gear.
As the group just arrived at the mayor and the sheriff, Tal walks over to rest. He is dressed pretty much the same but took his leather long coat with him. Over his shoulders you see an elegantly carved dark green crossbow and a regular seeming quarter staff.
"I didn't miss much I take it? So mayor, what would you have us do? I hope we don't have to hunt stragglers in the swamps?"
Vivi waves as Tal approaches, the food having done much to restore his color and energy. Still, you can tell he is still hurting by the way his hand then clutches the wound on his chest once it finishes waving.
He smiles as he says this but a frown does cross his face. I need to train harder. I could not have continued the fight much longer, and without Jessica-sama's help I would be in much worse condition.
Jessica curtsies to the mayor and sheriff when everyone arrives at the appointed place. "I'm Jessica DuMorne, I understand you want to talk with us?"
Kiley, much less formal than Jessica, just waves at the mayor and the sheriff.
"Hi, so as the pretty lady says, what's this all about?"
The first thing you notice when you (re)enter the square is that it is crowded. Not quite as crowded as earlier, during the Festival, but hundreds must be out. The place is lit with magical light and torches, the stage the center of attention as the Mayor and Sheriff await you.
As you approach, Mayor Deverin smiles and encourages you to come up on stage with her. Hemlock's expression doesn't change a bit, but he nods and steps out of the way to allow you to pass upwards.
The mayor addresses you quietly. "I appreciate you coming." She then grins and turns to the crowd with the grandiosity of a showman, or woman, in this case.
"Today was a sad day for Sandpoint! Our Festival was set upon by cruel goblinkin, who cackled and laughed for no better reason than the meanness of it, the cruelty of ruining a day we have built towards for years, the completion of our new Cathedral. The cost to us was high...a few of our citizens died defending their homes..."
Hemlock mutters under his breath, "Most were stabbed in the back trying to outrun their neighbors."
Deverin continues, unperturbed. "but take note, for while the price was high for us, the goblins paid for their attack dearly. Their dead littered the streets as we rallied and sent them packing!" She punches her fist into the air, and the crowd really gets into it, clamoring.
"Tragedies like these tend to bring out the best in certain people. Standing before you are five that rose to the occasion, and because of them the price to Sandpoint was kept low as they swept the streets clear of the goblin menace. So let's cheer the Heroes of Sandpoint!" The crowd cheers loudly for you, many of the people clapping their hands.
At this point, Deverin and Hemlock somehow sneak off, Deverin with a wide grin, Hemlock with a smirk, as the stage is swarmed by the crowd. Many individuals offer kind words to you, mentioning a friend or family member who 'might' have been killed or endangered had your group not driven off the goblins.
Delendir does not succeed to react, both overhelmed between the proudness of being valued by the city and the rage against Deverin for not quite understanding the danger again.
Not quite decided if the redness of his face is due to shyness or rage, Delerin tries to get rid of people kindly while giving a rage stare at Deverin.
Talking to whatever member is close enough he mutters "I think we have been fooled and used for our governor goals. There were hundreds of goblins we just killed a pack or tow and now we are heroes?"
At some point he tries to get with the Major or the Sheriff, or both and have a talk.
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When he sees the big crowd gather Tal get's suspicious, he really doesn't want to get into the spotlight for some specific reasons. So as they are invited on the stage he stands his ground looking for a way out.
This is bad, if word get's out with my description... There might even be someone in the crowd with ties to them.
He looks around nervously into the crowd and slowly walks backwards away from the stage.
"You guys go up ahead, this attention is not my style." Tal says, trying to cover his actions up with being too cool for it.
Surprised at what is going on, Jessica prepares to go up with the others on stage. Seeing Tal's reluctance, she stops and turns back to him, reaching to to take his hand, "Aren't you coming Tal, there's no need to be shy?"
Vivi shakes his head, but does not force Tal on stage... leaving that to Jessica or Kiley. Vivi himself keeps to the back of the stage, and leaves as soon as possible, sighting his still needing to get a room and still needing to sleep off his injuries.
As Delendir pushes people trying to reach the Major he cannot avoid talking with the people "We did not do that much, seriously. Most of the hit was taken by the guard." upon receiving compliments he just asks questions "What have you seen the goblins attacking? Have you seen any goblin flying away? Did you see the guards fighting? What do you think the goblins wanted?"
He is so much swarmed he can hardly see his mates, but when he eye contact with them, the gaze is of understanding and rage same time.
Kiley's dumbfounded by all of the attention and excitement. She doesn't know if she wants to laugh, or cry, or just throw up as the waves of praise and cheers sweeps over her.
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Tal looks at Jessica and back at the crowd. Better not risk it. It is bad enough that the locals know me, I don't want all the strangers present to notice and possibly me.
Tal gives the hand a kiss and releases it while saying
"Not at all my dear, it's just that I know that fame is not always a good thing. I will watch from the sidelines, but you do go ahead and enjoy it. I will wait until it is over."
With that Tal turns away and moves to the sidelines of the crowd, scanning it for out of towners that could have ties with Sczarni with his sunglasses on.
@ Tal - Mayor Deverin's gestures clearly indicate you with the rest of the party, and you find yourself fending off a hoard of people without even the benefit of the stage itself as a natural buffer.
@ Delendir - "People!" is the overwhelming response to your first question. Most laugh at the second question, some saying, "Flying?" At the third question, "Yeah, they were fighting, but not as well as you guys!" Ignorant shrugs greet the fourth question as the ranger gets clapped on the shoulder so much he feels it might be sore the following morning.
@ Kiley - Your 1000 yard stare is taken for a look of stony fortitude, and you receive just as many claps and "Here Here's" as Delendir, perhaps even more so since you are a well-liked local.
@ Jessica - The crowd is a bit more subdued around you, and you get the feeling that it has to do with you being a priestess. Instead of claps on the shoulder, you get bows and hand-kissing/grabbing.
@ Vivi - You are as swarmed as the rest to begin with, but being the least known besides Jessica (and not a good-looking woman with mysterious powers), you find yourself with an opening to slide away relatively quickly and take it.
Taking the chance to remove himself, Vivi wanders back to the Rusty Dragon and seeks out Ameiko.
He smiles but it is a strained one.
"Um, thanks?" Kiley replies to the cheers and "Here Here's" as her face darkens and a nervous grin shows off her teeth. The effect made her look like she's a little girl who was trying on her father's or her brother's armor.
Jessica accepts the gestures calmly, delivering the occasional blessing, while waiting for a chance to get away.
The owner of the Rusty Dragon winks at Vivi, mischievous grin in place after handing him the mentioned key.
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The crowd disperses after a few minutes of praise and thankfulness, and the rest of the companions are finally free to extricate themselves.
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Crap crap crap! Tal thinks as he is surrounded by hordes of people, familiar and not. Tal looks around, looking for an exit. "Look the mayor has something else to announce! " Tal says pointing at the stage.
With that diversion, he makes a run for it to Ameiko's bar.
He comes rushing in and closes the door behind him. Peering out the windows he says out loud. "These people are crazier than those goblins. Calling me a hero pfft. " He walks over and sits at the bar, joining Vivi. "Now I can never get a peaceful drink anymore. Two strong ones for me and my foreign friend here Ameiko.
So you left the others at the stage? I guess you're not one for crowds either hmm Vivi? "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Crap crap crap! Tal thinks as he is surrounded by hordes of people, familiar and not. Tal looks around, looking for an exit. "Look the mayor has something else to announce! " Tal says pointing at the stage. [dice=bluff]1d20+6
With that diversion, he makes a run for it to Ameiko's bar.He comes rushing in and closes the door behind him. Peering out the windows he says out loud. "These people are crazier than those goblins. Calling me a hero pfft. " He walks over and sits at the bar, joining Vivi. "Now I can never get a peaceful drink anymore. Two strong ones for me and my foreign friend here Ameiko.
So you left the others at the stage? I guess you're not one for crowds either hmm Vivi? "-Posted with Wayfinder