"You keep snakes?" Liera blurts out suddenly as Walthus mentions the beasts, then quickly falls silent again. She wonders whether to tell him what they're doing in the swamp, or wait for someone else to answer him - she opts for the latter, taking a seat and folding her legs under the chair as best she can.
Lou goes to help him with the tea. I am a cook by trade, and my father showed me how to make some really good Tien tea. May I?
Lou stays as polite as possible but still scans the kitchen area for the right blend for a good tea.
Walthus is pleasantly pleased at how the folks are helping him, especially with Lou making the tea into something decent rather than simple roots boiled for their flavor. "Snakes? Sweet things if you can handle 'em right. Have to show them who's boss, and having a touch of nature about helps. Nothing too difficult with them." The Halfling snaps his fingers and goes upstairs and returns a few moments later, a bundle of cloth in his arms. "Here, I don't have much, but my pops got this years ago, and I've tended to wear it when handling me snakes. But the swamp is a tad dangerous these days, so you lot can have it." Throwing it open onto the table, it's revealed to be a cloak, and a well made one too.
Liera sips her tea, sitting close to the edge of her seat, skirts hanging loose and thick around her. When Walthus puts the cloak on the table, she leans forward, examining it curiously.
Walthus beams at the group before furrowing his brow. "Your all's bird-pal, you think he'd like a cuppa tea?"
At ease now, Fenra smile at the halfling.
"I'm not sure if he likes tea, but I will go ask him if he would like some."
Fenra returns to the door.
"See anything of interest Kaaji? If you would like a cup, Lou and our host are making tee; I can bring it to you out here?"
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The ranger doesn't turn his eyes from their scanning. "No. Nothing comes. But Tengu Matagi are trained to be patient. Hunt. Kill. Defend. Kaaji is one. And now Kaaji serves your group as vigilant." Kaaji's tone is cold and flat, as if he would not want to be bothered to leave his post. His scimitar is sheathed now, but the bow is in his hand, his black claws wrapped around it tightly.
"Kaaji not trying to be mean to Lady Elf. Kaaji just not one for...social...interaction." He looks to Fenra and gives a polite bow before returning his gaze outward.
Smiling, Fenra gives a slight bow to the tengu in response to his own. "No offense taken Kaaji. You vigilance is much appreciated. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."
Fenra returns to the others. She sit at the table quietly waiting for someone to begin.
After making the tea, Lou takes a seat. sipping his own tea.
not too bad considering the available ingredients. Listening to the Halfling's "tale" what do you know of goblin activity in the swamp? Lou asks when an oppurtunity presents itself.
Liera continues drinking her tea, finding it calms her nerves somewhat. Lou makes wonderful tea, she thinks idly, one hand back in her satchel. She watches as the cook begins questioning Walthus, hoping he knows what he's doing - she sure doesn't.
Walthus pours a cup for himself, taking seat at the table as well. Well, his seat is taller than the rest, but sit he does. "Goblins? Well, now that you mention it, the fool things seem to have gotten hold of some Tian stuff. Whatcha callem... Firemakes or something. Well, never had a taste for them myself. Been setting them off for a few nights now. Been riling up the critters in the marsh, that's for certain." He takes a long sip eyeing the group. "Let me guess, the folks up in town got riled up too over it and hired you lot to clear 'em out I guess? Well good on you. Always causing trouble for me and my pets. Caught one a few months back trying to sneak in and steal things. Squealed and ran like mad after Vipsy nipped 'em." He chuckles as he remembers the incident.
"Well, besides my cloak here, I reckon I could lend you all rooms if things turn. Safer than trying to head back to town with a pack of gobbies on ya, I suppose. Least I can do for saving me like you did."
"We've... been offered coin. To bring back their ears." Liera immediately wishes she hadn't spoken, quickly casting her gaze downward as she sips her tea again.
The Halfling nods, not really caring who had spoken up. "I see I see. Well, who am I to hold up some fine warriors like yourselves? I can't head out with you, I'd be more a problem to ya than the goblins way I am now. But head back up the trail, and then get on the road again, Head south on it 'til ya get to the river. Nasty overrun track of muddy water, but follow it towards the swamp then walk the edge of the swamp a ways. You'll see the Old Fish Trail. Goblins love it for some reason."
He takes one last sip from the cup before setting it down. "And be careful out there. Besides the Goblins, somethings been a'riling up the critters out there for the last month or so. No clue what it is, haven't seen it, but I seen what it does to it's food, if it is even eating them." A slight shudder passes over him.
Liera nods slowly, noting the directions. She glances at the others. "Um, who'll take the cloak?"
Walthus scratches at his ear some at Liera's question. "Good point. Don't think you all want to cut it up and wear it as a scarves I assume. Though who knows, I don't know what the fashion be like no more. You all decide, now, it is yours."
Lou cleans up from the Tea and gathers his belongings. He also arranges some of the kitchen to help him prepare better food.
So we ready to head out? I think we got some goblin ears to gather.
Liera nods at Lou's words, keeping her eyes on the cloak. "We should probably go," she agrees, coaxing Speckle back into the case at her hip. She stands awkwardly, smoothing down her skirts. "How many do we have so far?"
Gathering her things, Fenra nods to their host, "Thank you for your hospitality, sir. Let's fetch Kaaji and be on our way. Afterall, we've goblins to kill."
Walthus nods, smiling. "Well, best of luck to the lot o' ya. My marsh will be a much better and safer place without those blasted goblins. And remember, if you be needing a place to rest up, my door is open!"
Lou looks back as they are leaving. Maybe you should keep your door closed, look what wandered in last time. he says with a laugh.
Lou heads on, following the directions given.
Walthus erupts with laughter before wincing slightly in pain. "True! But I'm sure ya'll would come help, right? Now just follow my directions and you'll deal with those critters well enough." He rises to see you all to the door.
Liera scurries after Lou, pausing for a moment to give Walthus an awkward half-hug, blushing furiously the whole time. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I'll treasure this."
As she leaves the house, she pulls on the cloak, smiling to herself. Isn't this nice? I've never owned nice things before, she thinks, one had in her case to play with Speckle's ears. She gets an almost pleased feeling from the small creature, which warms her somewhat.
And with that, the party moves along back along the trail. About 30 or so minutes later, you all arrive at the Old Fish Trail. The stink from the marsh is somewhat harsher, if that's even possible, with the wind coming in from the sea really picking it up and moving it towards you.
The stink and the sea wind make Liera shiver, and she draws the cloak tighter around herself, making sure to hold it over her nose. She follows the others, making sure to stay close behind Ish. "I don't see any goblins..."
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Kaaji, previously trailing the back of the group makes his way to the point, sniffing and looking about with his shapr and keen eyes. "Kaaji doesn't like this smell. We must move and not stay still. Keep eyes and ears open. Nose will be no good. Goblins live here, Kaaji thinks we should be prepared for blood." The ranger pulls an arrow from his quiver and knocks it to the string. His grip tightens on his bow and his fingers trace the string to the feathers of the arrow. He bends his knees and starts moving, beckoning for Lou and Ish to move in front.
As the party heads into the Marsh, the wind from the sea slowly ceases as they are surrounded by the gnarled trees of Brinestump. The area is fetid though, and obvious signs of at least something living in the area is obvious.
"I know marshes normally smell, but do you suppose its the goblins or... whatever the other other creature that's killing people? Maybe it emits its own foul stench..." Fenra lets her thoughts trail off, realizing that now may not be the best time to be gabbering on. She tights her grip on her spear.
I don't know much about death but I do know what some of the Drunks at the Dragon smell like. and I don't think there is much difference Lou replies.
As the party begins to trudge into the marsh, more and more signs of humanoid life become apparent on the trail. But the further in one goes, the more one realizes that there seems to be little noise. Which is odd because goblins aren't known for being quiet...
After about 20 minutes of trudging, the group rounds a small bend, discovering a large encampment with several buildings and a walkway. One building is demolished, and several show signs of fire damage...
Liera takes a cautious step into the village, looking around for goblins. "Maybe they aren't here?" she suggests in a small voice.
If they aren't here, then where are they?" Stepping up to one of the huts, Fenra muses, "And why would they burn their own homes? Well, perhaps that's a silly question as these are goblins we're dealing with; they don't need a reason to burn anything. Although her tone is somber, there is a hint of amusement to it.
The 'village', if it can be called that, is eerily silent. Signs of goblins are everywhere, with bits of trash and other refuse littering the place, but beyond that, nothing.
The thought of searching all the goblins' "buildings" does not sound appealing, but without other indication of where they went or what happened here, Fenra moves to towards the closest hut.
"We should search the buildings. There may be a few goblins still hiding. Or perhaps some clue as to the other beast that has been terrorizing the area. Unless anyone else has an idea..."
Liera crouches, opening the satchel at her hip and pulling out Speckle. The rabbit nudges her fingers, but stays close when she places him on the ground, hopping around her feet. The girl straightens, smoothing down her skirts. "Good idea. Shall we stay together?"
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The ranger steps silently around, his eyes peering through the ruins. "Kaaji thinks we examine buildings. Elf Lady right. Clues good for tracking. Goblins good for killing. Goblins reason we came." With that Kaaji begins to make his way towards one of the demolished buildings to investigate for a cause.
Lou just wanders the "camp" looking for clues as to what happened. but not a skilled tracker like Kaaji is he most likely mess up anything he finds before realizing he found it.
AS Kaaji and Lou move about, signs of chaos in the camp become evident, with tracks both small and human sized (and an animals) seems to have ran rampant near the entrance of the camp.
Of note, and easily noticed as you enter, is that the small pit (Area H3) has several bodies in it, skin burnt black.
"Let's not wander too far apart. No offense, gentleman, I know you're capable, but I have a bad feeling about this place..."
Fenra walks to the pit and examines the charred bodies.