Almar spent the whole night searching every nook and cranny of the village called Sandpoint but to no avail. If the man he's searching for passed through this place no one remembers him... and he isn't someone easily forgotten, as Almar knows all too well.
The moment Almar had known the man in black wasn't in the city was when he entered the town's brothel ready to kill, and found out the "staff" never met his man, which in turn could mean he's changed his modus operandi or more probably he never reached Sandpoint.
So Almar made his way to the Rusty Dragon with an heavy heart: the city of Sandpoint had certainly been lucky to be spared a visit from his accursed enemy, and Almar was certainly glad Sandru's people had not been forced to know the depths of his evil, but on the other hand he had been sure he was headed here. Once again he had made a mistake and someone, somewhere, was paying the price of his error that very moment, no doubt. Almar felt the guilt of his failure... of the way he had failed Koras and his duty as a shieldmarshall. He could barely remember there had been a time he never had to feel guilty for anything. Now guilt was with him every second of his day, with every breath he took, every time he saw himself in a mirror. He needed to find the man in black and get rid of him or die trying. He needed redemption, and he had hoped to find it in Sandpoint. And he had been mistaken. Again.
No matter. There would be a a rekoning. Almar forced himself to banish his negative toughts when in sight of the Rusty Dragon. He had to think positive. He had to to find Sandru and ask him how much time he wanted to stay here in Sandpoint, the Varisian had been a surprisingly decent fellow and he felt something akin to friendship for him. Even so he needed the caravan to move as soon as possible. The man in black was somewhere else, but Almar was still sure he was heading back for his home, and Sandru had considered the notion of going that very same direction so the caravan was his best chance. But it needed to move soon, or all may be lost.
Entering the Inn Almar searches for Sandru, hoping for him to be still awake. Sandru!he calls just after entering. Then, for an instant the former shieldmarshall stands transfixed as he lays his eyes on Ameiko and his hand instinctively goes to his pistol's holster. A woman. A tian woman!.
Sorin's eyes have a look of delighted wonder as Lisabett finishes her song. He stands transfixed for a few moments after it is done trying to impress the notes on his mind. But he quickly leaves after talking to Raziel.
Apparently fearing that the goblins will vanish into thin air if her doesn't hurry, Soring sprints back to the tavern. Why is it so hot all of a sudden?
Sorin bursts into the tavern. "Alazandaru! There's a..." Suddenly realising there's a stranger in the room, Sorin stares blankly at Almar for a few seconds. Seeing the firearm, likely for the first time, he seems further confused. Then, suddenly, his eyes light up.
"Another volunteer! Excellent! I don't know how you do it, Ameiko." Looking back and forth between Alazandaru and Almar, "There's a meeting at the Sheriff's about the goblins and missing party. If we don't hurry, I fear the Ulfen's will leave without us. Let's go!"
Without waiting to see if anyone is following, Sorin races out of the tavern headed for the Sheriff's.
Lisabett is completely focused on Minhzeri right now. It does not even occur to her to investigate what they are speaking about.
Having captured Minhzeri's interest with her song, Lisabett inches forward slightly and looks briefly to her mother.
"Do you know this song, Mother?" she asks in Varisian, "My words are still not very good," she apologizes in advance, encouraging the mother to join her and begins singing again.
Lisabett sings a simple tune that she picked up listening to the children of the caravan at play, intending that Minhzeri would recognize the tune and perhaps add her voice to theirs. Lisabett pours the strength of her wish to hear the girl speak into her song, her wish to recognize and claim her own voice as she had earlier, with Sandru.
Almar keeps staring at Ameiko undecided on how to act. On a rational level he knows he cannot burst into an Inn and shot down a person just because she looks Tian. On the other hand, she is the second Tian person he has ever seen, and the fact she is in Sandpoint seems significant. Is she one of the man in black's henchmen? Is she one of his contacts? He needs to find out, but sudden violence doesn't seem the best way... for now.
So intent is Almar on Ameiko he only half notices Sorin and the other people inside the Inn. A reference to the sheriff catches his attention "Stop there, fellow. What was that about the Sheriff again?" he says, stopping Sorin just a couple of steps out of the Inn.
That Sorin, always in a rush, Raziel thinks. He returns his attention to Lisabett and her efforts with Minhzeri.
Sorin rushes out the tavern door and, realising that someone was talking to him, rushes back in.
"Yes, the Sheriff. She has important information about the goblins; I don't know what. But the search party has already been missing three days and the Ulfen's seem eager to start."
Sorin turns to rush out the door again but stops.
"Oh, of course. You're a stranger here and don't know the way. Well, follow me then but I really think we should hurry."
Sorin will wait to be followed but is somewhat fidgety and is clealry impatient to get going. Unconsciously, he starts trying to hum the parts of the tune Lisabett sang to the child that he remembers.
Ameiko returns Almar's stare. Sandru's smile fades. Sorin bursts in. Ameiko and Sandru's eyes do not stray from Almar as Sorin speaks.
And then Koya is between you and them, though you did not sense her movement. The elderly woman's frame is small, but she is an imposing presence nonetheless. Her left hand is behind her, resting on Sandru's, which in turn rests on his dagger hilt. She stares directly at Almar with an expression both serene and stern.
Minhzeri's trust of Lisabett is obvious. Her eyes are intently fixed upon the Ulfen woman.
Kasha nods and sings with Lisabett, as cheerfully as she can. Though the song is lighthearted and happy, it carries a certain sadness. Tears form at the mother's eyes as the song ends, but still the little girl does not speak.
When Lisabett's song ends she offers her hand to Minhzeri. "I understand," she says in Varisian. "Better than many. My friends and I go soon," Lisabett almost stumbles over the words, her mouth curiously dry. "Desna has lighted this way for me, and I walk it, but I will come back. And my words will not be bad then," she continues hopefully, and smiles. "Will you have me, Mother?"
Koya's movements jerk Sorin out of his reverie. He looks around the room suddenly noticing the tense faces and postures. What have I missed now?
Putting on a friendly smile, he walks slowly up to Almar (Sorin is not currently armed of armored).
"Greetings stranger," he bows to Almar. "My name is Sorin Nicusor, servant of Shelyn. You were asking about the Sheriff were you not? It would be my pleasure to escort you there. I'm sure whatever business brings you here would best be discussed there...don't you agree?" Sorin gestures towards the door still maintaining his friendly smile.
Goblins? What is this nonsense about goblins now? A search party for what? And a priest of Shelyn of all gods? There's something amiss here... thinks Almar momentarily distracted by the strange man who bursted out of the Inn.
Well... I'm not exactly sure of what you are talking about, I asked about the sheriff, true, but I think he may wait a little... and if it's about the goblins stuff you were talking about I doubt it involves me... best of luck for your goblin hunt though
Then Almar directs his attention to more important matters, still very aware of Ameiko he nontheless directs his attention to the Varisian Sandru... I think we need to talk...
"I'll say we do." Sandru replies coolly. "You stare hungrily at Ameiko, and I would know why."
Kasha gives you a sad smile. "You are a welcome friend, now and in times to come."
Lisabett rises slowly, not wishing to frighten Minherzi. I cannot reach her myself, but then, neither have these priests, she muses.
"I will return," she vows in not wishing her intent to be mistaken.
Lisabett exits the room, and returns to where she left her gear, dons pack and arms appropriately, but simply holds her cloak over her arms, folded across her chest. She feels a particular chill in her gut, the chill associated with memories of her wintering, but she phrases her words for the priest with exceeding care.
"I have observed that Minherzi responds to singing. I do not know if the songs themselves relieve her pain, or it is simply familiarity that delivers her from the darkness inside," Lisabett frowns. "I intend to enlist to aide them that march against the goblin threat. Should I fall, I ask that someone inform her that... I died honorably," Lisabett's voice is strained at the last.
Lisabett gives the cathedral one last sweeping glance, then affords the priest a polite excuse and begins moving towards the area where Brother Holheim indicated the sheriff's office was.
Sorin raises an eyebrow at the use of the word "hunt" but says nothing. He puts his arm down but stays where he is.
He didn't even return my introduction. Should I be surprised that some random stranger walks into town and Sandru knows him?
Though the threat of immediate danger seems to have passed, Sorin folds his arms and watches the scene unfold.
Father Zantus frowns. "I dearly hope it will not come to that, child, but should it, you have my word that I shall bear the ill news. Thank you for trying to soothe the child. Would that I could sing as well in your stead." He smiles. "Desna be with you."
The sheriff's office is not far from the cathedral and you reach it in less than a minute. A poster hangs on a post out front, its ink still fresh. It reads:
Attention, men and women at arms, defenders of Sandpoint. Let it be known that the goblins of Brinestump Marsh have made themselves known as a threat and will be dealt with by the sword. Each goblin ear will fetch a sum of ten gold. Should one of you fell their chieftain, his head is worth thirty times that.
Signed,
Sheriff Belor Hemlock
Lisabett's eyes narrow and her body language becomes rigid as she reads the announcement. She looks about the area for any others that have read the message.
This sign is as good as a death sentence for them that are unprepared, Lisabett's mind seethes, she reaches forward and rips the announcement from the wall, folds it and presses it into her hand.
Lisabett looks to Brother Holheim. "Brother. We should return to Lady Ameiko's establishment, and gather a troop before any who might have seen this announcement get it within their heads to wander into a marsh without proper preparation," she says. She looks to the door of the office, and to the announcement in her hand, and crushes it. "I will not be responsible for any more deaths."
Lisabett tugs her furs back into place around her shoulders and neck, hiding the bulk of her tattoos again, shrouding herself in the familiar. It is the coward's way, she knows, but she has no place here. Perhaps, I may make one with this... Lisabett shakes her head and continues to the Dragon.
Raziel hurries after Lisabett as she leaves the catedral.
What nonsense about dying honorablely? As if I could let people die! It then strikes him that somewhere during the time he has also resolved to hunt those goblins.
Catching up to Lisabett at the Sherif's, he listens to her comments, and as she turns to head back to the Rusty Dragon, he speaks.
"Actually, others are already planning to hunt the goblins, Lisabett. One of them just spoke with me, and was going to gather a few people to meet me here at the Sheriff's. We were going to try to gather information first, and not rush blindly out to the marsh.'
"And this 'died with honor' that you're spouting. As a priest of Sarenrae, I'll be going to make sure that no one dies, and everyone comes back, including you, if you would join us."
Raziel almost winces at how bold that came out of his mouth. She might take offense at your words. He watches Lisabett for her reaction.
Lisabett arrests herself when Brother Holheim speaks. "You have the gift of healing?" she inquires, her voice indicating awe for a brief moment. Lisabett's fist, already closed around the announcement tightens as she recalls her last wintering, when the mercenary captain, in drunken ignorance, had murdered the community priest when the man began casting a spell to pacify his rage. Three men, seven women and twelve children had died when their grains and meat spoiled, and dozens more from chill and flux that might have been prevented with care.
Lisabett gives the barest of nods. "Such gifts are rare in my home. There are many who know herbs and poultices, as a matter of study passed from one generation to the next," she says, and frowns. "Our priestesses are skilled in nature magics, and may turn the tide of battle in favor of any who might enlist one to their cause. Such women are..." she trails and shakes her head. "They are Desna's children. They are called Sky Maidens, and rarely take part in the affairs of men."
Lisabett darts a nervous glance at the sheriff's office again, then to the announcement crushed in her large fist. "If you are one who would maintain our health, what think you of the possibility that silly men seeking profits might see these words?" she asks. "If your allies intend to meet you here, should we not ask within if this announcement has been posted elsewhere?" she suggests.
Well... the cat is out of the bag already it seems... Thinks the former shieldmarshall while stepping toward Sandru Careful now... this doesn't need to end up in a bloodbath... I hope
Well I came here to ask you when will the caravan be ready to move again, since the person I was serching for isn't here. As for the the stare, I guess I did look at missy here... let's just say the man I'm searching for is Tian too, a lean fellow always wearing black... could it be he's one acquitance of yours and you know him?
There! Let's see where this goes now...
"I must confess that I am not quite that good with herbs and poultices, but Sarenrae has granted me a touch of her healing gifts," Raziel answers. "Father Zantus has Desna's blessing, and is much more skilled than I."
"As for those who would go out in search of profits, I believe some others have already done so. But the Sheriff would know more about this than I. Sheriff Hemlock is a good man, and I am sure he will talk with us. We can enter and speak to him now, if you wish. My friend will come here later, since he was to gather others first."
Raziel makes a polite gesture towards the door, wondering if Lisabett will step in or hang back. Something is eating at her, and driving her. I'd better watch her to make sure she's not trying to get an honorable death to atone for something else.
Lisabett inhales sharply when Brother Holheim gestures to to door. Have I committed a crime since I arrived in this place? she wonders. It is difficult to discern, she certainly has not since being dragged behind Sandru's wagons, nor had she any desire to.
"Very well," Lisabett says, "Let us assess what manner of damage has already been done, hmm?"
Lisabett opens the door and enters the Sheriff's office.
Ameiko laughs derisively. "All Tians know each other, of course. Why, it's commonly believed that each year, every man, woman and child of Tian descent gather for a communal feast in which-"
"Enough of this." Koya's voice is quiet but full of authority; it shushes Ameiko immediately. The old woman does not look in her direction. Instead, she gazes deeply into Almar's eyes. "This will not do, child. I watched you while we traveled together, and I have sensed your desperation, but it will not do to let it free here. You are among friends."
Ameiko snorts. Koya turns and gives her a sharp glare before turning back to Almar.
"I will help you seek your answers, child, but not under this roof. We should walk from this place, and you should have more care with this." Koya reaches down and takes hold of Almar's hand. "For it clutches at the device you wear on your belt, much as an old woman who finds difficulty walking clutches at her cane. See what you can learn without it."
Koya squeezes Almar's hand tightly before letting go. She turns and walks out the door, with no help of a cane.
"Come."
The door creaks open into a room wider than its purpose would suggest. For the most part, the office seems neatly organized, but there are corners where cluttered papers are stacked high, and several drawers yawn open. At a large desk in the corner sits a man with weathered skin and a bald head. He looks up, squinting at the two of you.
"Why, here comes Raziel Holhiem. Good day to you, friend. And who is this?"
Hmm, a bounty on Goblins eh... the young rake thought to himself as he listened to the conversation. A little riskier than gathering protection money for the Sczarni, but at least I wouldn't have to 'tithe' anyone my share.
Clearing his throat, Alazandaru spoke as the Ulfen lady volunteered, offering his own services.
I will also contribute my blades to halting the foul creatures! he said boldly, flashing a grin at Ameiko as he hoped to impress her with his daring.
(Charisma check to impress Ameiko and win a smile, DC15)
Seeing Sorin introduces himself, ALazandaru does likewise, bowing to the newcomers and also kissing Lisbett's hand, swiftly following Sorins example.
Alazandaru Viorec at your service.
After Lisbett and Raziel leave, he pulls up a chair, putting Sorin between himself and Sandru.
As Almar bursts into the tavern with a gun in hand, Alazandaru wastes no time, interposing himself between the stranger and the others in the tavern, his spring-loaded wrist sheath ready to have a dagger in his hands in the blink of an eye. When Koya leads him off, he sighs in relief. The shirt he is wearing is far too clean to have blood on it so early in the day.
Lisabett's eyes are narrow when she takes in the scene. Not a lord, no... this one seems a slave to routine. Less than a slave.
Lisabett unfolds the announcement as she approaches the desk, and uses her large hands to smooth it across the surface as best she can. "I am called Lisabett. May I ask you, sir, why you are so eager to send men to their deaths for coin?" she inquires.
"LISABETT!" Raziel exclaims, almost in shock. "I'm sorry, Sheriff, but she said she wanted to talk to you, and she did seem to help with poor Minhzeri at the cathedral... I had no idea she would be this rude."
The Shoanti man stands, easily matching Lisabett in height. "You speak boldly, Lisabett. I have no eagerness for death. I know what fools men become for coin. The goblin bounty was originally revoked because men drowned at sea while seeking the creatures." He turns away and lowers his head.
"I am left with little option when Magnimar ignores my requests for assistance. And so I must place my faith in those that seek gold with sword in hand. Better their lives risked than the innocent of Sandpoint."
"Very well milady, I bow to your wisdom. After you", says Almar with a bow, while making space for Koya's exit.
Well, this' what I'd call an unexpected development... but a welcome one nontheless. This woman knows things. Even on the caravan no one disputed her judgment; whatever else she may be she's certainly wise... and I most surely need wisdom and answers at this moment
Lisabett does not deign to address Brother Holheim when she speaks. "You speak as one who commands. I would also spare the innocent, and those unworthy of bearing the responsibility for another life," she says pointedly.
Lisabett inhales sharply and places both of her hands on the desk, bowing her head slightly to the sheriff in the process. "I have been informed that one party is unaccounted for, and Brother Holheim's companions are in the process of forming another. Please tell me where my men might find these vile conscripts so that they may be disposed of before any more are added to the list of the likely dead. Sellswords or no, each man has an equal right to life and your protection."
Ameiko frowns after Almar and Koya have left. "That was a firearm, was it not?"
"Yes." Sandru answers. "I told you you'd not believe what he carried." Sandru is quiet for a moment, but he does not relax. "If he hurts Mother Koya..."
"She can take care of herself, Sandru."
"She can."
"He's in your employ?"
"His name is Almar. I found him in Korvosa, eager to travel west with a caravan. I didn't even notice what he carried when I hired him. I have not questioned the decision until now, however." Sandru shifts his weight, uncomfortably. "He is skilled."
"And the man he claims to seek?"
"The first I've heard of it, though Almar had a line of questioning ready for the locals of every settlement we passed through." Sandru rests his chin on his hand, lost in thought for a moment. "First in Harse, then in Biston, I heard him inquiring about some trouble with robbery and...and rape." Sandru's brow furrows. "The same trouble I heard about in a few other places along the way, now that I think about it...I figured he was just being proactive about the safety of my caravan." Sandru lets out a hollow laugh, but is silent a moment later, his face darkening.
"Your eyes are tired, child, and filled with anger. I have noticed this. Yet for all that, you are no murderer. I suspect you seek justice, and it has worn you down." Koya moves steadily in front of Almar, but does not turn around as she speaks to him. "Ameiko Kaijitsu is a keen girl and a lover of tales and rumors. She is like to pick up the whisperings of many lands, and there may come a time when she recalls hearing some clue about the man you seek. If she does, however, you will never have it out of her with a threat. That is not her way, nor should it be yours."
Belor Hemlock looks upon Lisabett, seeming to size her up. Finally, he laughs. "This friend of yours is bold, Raziel. Perhaps I should offer her a job as a deputy. The ones I have can be as sheep."
"I know only of the first group, and it is true that they have not returned. As for a second group, well, I've seen no volunteers, unless you are one."
He had some nerve... Alazandaru said, glowering with barely restrained fury.
He had some nerve... Alazandaru said, glowering with barely restrained fury.
Ameiko flashes a smile towards Alazandaru. "Excellent, Alazandaru. Few in town are more apt for the business."
Glancing about the office again, Lisabett frowns. I do not believe that this is the path that Desna intended for me, she prays. "Not I, but perhaps my men might be persuaded to join you," she demurs.
"As for attaching myself to this party, I would know more about this marsh where the goblins are found. I am a stranger to these lands, but most certainly the quarry are not, and would command that advantage over any that entered. This is, of course, speaking nothing of the foul devices which they employ."
Ameiko flashes a smile towards Alazandaru. "Excellent, Alazandaru. Few in town are more apt for the business."
Alazandaru feels a rush of triumph as the object of his affections favors him with a smile!
"You had some nerve too, stepping in his path, Alazandaru." Ameiko pats Alazandaru gently on the shoulder. "Thank you."
"I can tell you some about Brinestump March, but there are others that would know more. A few fishermen in town journey there. Until recently, the goblins hardly gave them trouble." Belor scratches his bald head. "If you really want details on the area, you'd best ask Walthus Proudstump. He's a halfling that calls himself 'warden' of Brinestump. The only catch is that he lives there, so he's not much good to you until you're there."
Lisabett smiles, a ghost of a dimple appearing on her face, and inclines her head in a salute. Fishermen, she thinks and hums. It is still early yet, but the like are always willing to speak for a round of mead or a fattier slice of the haunch to feed their wives and children.
"Your insight is invaluable, Sir," Lisabett says cheerfully. "If Desna should favor my return, and Her prophecy is in error, I might consider your kind offer of employment. Although, I must admit that the sedentary life is not one that I would easily accept."
Lisabett looks to Brother Holheim. "It is still early, yet. If your companions will be tempered by your wisdom, I may be able to convince a number of fishermen to join me at the Lady Ameiko's establishment so that we may have a more accurate appraisal of the terrain."
Raziel is still stung by Lidsbett's dismissal of him and his friends. He turns partly, so that his back is to Lisabett, and his voice takes on an edge.
"I will try to temper my companions with wisdom, but they might object to being joined by one who feels they are mere sellswords and easy prey for goblins."
Raziel pauses, and then continues his acidic comments.
"Or they might wonder why someone seeks an honorable death instead of an honorable life. That maybe death is the only way to clear honor?"
Lisabett narrows her eyes at the mention of honor from one who so clearly is not a warrior, or in possession of any traits that would mark one as a leader, calling her out in public. Her nostrils flare as her temper does, and she rounds on the man.
"Think you I counted your companions amongst sellswords?" she repeats, her accent thick with her anger. "Had I, do you believe I would be here with you?
"Pray tell when I have claimed to be an expert on the ways here? I would thank you not to speak again to me of a life of honor, as you are unfamiliar with mine. For among my people, honor is earned with deeds and measured in victories, not with bold words and good intent," she continues.
Lisabett's anger abates when she recognizes that she is standing before the Sheriff still. She stares hard at Brother Holheim's back. "I do not wish for any to die. I...am uncertain how you have mistaken my intent. I will go among the fishermen myself and discern the lay of the ways within. Or perhaps you know of one who might provide us with a map? You gave every impression of being familiar with the ways here," Lisabett's tone becomes much less harsh as she considers this possibility.
Sorin rolls his eyes.
"I beleive Raz and Lisabett were going to talk to the Sheriff after seeing the girl at the temple. Better to meet back here than try and cram in the Sheriff's office and make him retell everything. I'll see if I can catch up with them and meet back here."
Sorin will take off at a rush to the Sheriff's.
Sorin dashes in and pauses a moment to catch his breath.
"Sheriff Hemlock, always a pleasure." he gives the Sheriff a bow.
Turning to Raziel and Lisabett "Well, it would seem everyone's willing to go. I hope we can still find the original party alive but three days..." Sorin shakes his head. "Are you finished here? The others are waiting back at the tavern."
Raziel turns toward Lisabett, and steps closer to her. His 5' 9" almost matches her 5' 11", and his blue eyes bore into hers.
"I don't know your people, but then you don't know mine either," he comments icily. "You seem to look down on us because we are peaceful, and don't have to drag our armor and weapons everywhere we go. You're always 'I and my men will deal with it', as if we in Sandpoint matter not. I have a weapon and armor too, and Sarenrae does not only give me her healing grace, but also her fires to burn away the unclean."
Raziel glares at Lisabett a moment more, then turns away.
"Sarenrae also is forgiving. Please forgive my outburst. I may have let my temper run too far ahead of my thoughts."
Alazandaru felt himself blush a little as Ameiko placed her hand upon his shoulder. When she removed it, he missed its presence, the warmth and the sense of camaraderie it carried with it, albeit briefly.
Heh, I was never in any real danger. That Sorin eh... Always rushing around. So, whats new Sandru? The journey wasn't too troublesome I hope.
Lisabett raises an eyebrow as Brother Holheim approaches and glares at her, but holds her peace as he speaks. "Mine weapons are my honor, my pride of a warrior. To surrender them is to abandon my self," Lisabett says, and expose my weakness her mind finishes. "What have I in these foreign lands but mine own ways?"
She shakes her head as Brother Holheim steps away, and spares an apologetic glance for Sheriff Belor, then steps up to the priest and speaks to him softly. "You are of fire, and I am of ice. Our elements are opposed, but men and women are not the sum of these, or their instruments, hmm?" Lisabett hums.
Lisabett looks up when Sorin enters, and steps back slightly, confused and embarrassed by his earlier liberties. "I've an errand to run that perhaps might be best accomplished alone. I thought to interview some fishermen concerning the marsh. If you gentlemen will point me in the correct direction, I will return to the tavern directly."
Sandru doesn't respond. He stares at the wall. Ameiko shoves him with her foot.
"Wha-?
"What's new? How was your journey?" Ameiko tilts her head indicating Alazandaru as she speaks.
"Oh. It went well enough. Goblins...mercenaries. Standard fare. And how have you been, Alazandaru?"
Sheriff Belor Hemlock's eyes shift back and forth between Raziel and Lisabett. His expression is at first concerned, but by the end, a smile plays at his lips. "I'm of fire, am I?" He laughs.
"There is nothing like a good, fundamental disagreement among friends before they entrust their lives to one another. But in truth, it is easy to be offended by what is different in others when you are in the safety of civilization. Get into the wilds and...well, you discover what you have in common. Take it from a man born of one world and absorbed into another...philosophies and customs shift and melt away. In the end, the only universal things seem to be courage and fear. Raziel Holhiem is a deeply courageous man." Belor indicates Sorin with a bow as he enters. "And so is Sorin Nicusor."
He leans forward and peers at Lisabett. "And so it would seem with you, Lisabett. I am pleased to know you will look into the goblin threat, whether or not you approve of the coin I would give for it. As for the fisherfolk, they are easy to find among the southern docks"
Lisabett affords the sheriff a salute. "I will consider your wisdom when next I observe the spheres," she says. "For now, I believe that our combined efforts are better suited obtaining the information needed to ensure the defeat of the goblin host." Lisabett suggests to Brother Holheim and Sorin.
Did I just miss something again? Of course I did... Sorin represses a heavy sigh.
"Information gathering is it? A good idea. They say when rumors fly the fisherman are the first to see the birds...or something like that."
Sorin pauses a moment, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Sheriff, at times like this, it isn't unusual for Shalelu to make an appearance. She knows the land for miles around better than anyone, I would guess, and knows more than most. Has anyone seen her?"
He turns to Lisabett with a smile. "If you would pardon a slight delay, the expression you use: 'observe the spheres'. Would you please explain the meaning to me?"
Lisabett flushes and smiles, which causes a single dimple to stave in her scarred cheek. "I...," she begins. "I observe the stars in the evening. In... in private," she demurs, sneaking nervous glances at Sorin, thinking of the kiss earlier.
"I wish Shalelu were around to assist, but I haven't seen her in some time." Belor furrows his brow. "Anyway, if you hurry, you might catch the fishermen before they sail out of for their evening catch. Do you need anything else from me?"
"A safe location where I might observe the spheres this evening?" Lisabett suggests sweetly. "I prefer the free evening air to lodgings when the weather permits, but do not wish to expose myself to danger."
"Hmmm. Let me think." Belor Hemlock taps his chin with a finger. "How about Sandpoint?"
He laughs hard at his own joke.
Lisabett shakes her head slowly, though she smiles at the jest. "Shall we?" she inquires of her companions, then gestures for them to exit the building.
Lisabett will wait on her companions if they choose to follow her, but she wishes to hurry, as the Sheriff suggested, and gain as much information from the fishermen before they sail as they might. If Brother Holheim and Sorin join her, she will ask if they will agree to splitting up and conducting separate interviews, so that the pool of information is larger, and hopefully mete out any inconsistencies.
Lisabett will offer a reward for information, coin if the fishermen will take it, or ale with her at the Rusty Dragon in the evening if they prefer.