"And buried them," Melon includes faithfully.
Tevyn nods in accord with Corinna. "One of the things that we have not considered is that the skeleton that spoke to Malan when he approached was the person who placed the chest there in the first place. I admit that I know very little about the undead so maybe that's not possible. Yet I've heard tales of men and women of such honor that they hold to their oaths even unto death. Whatever the reason for protecting the chest so zealously, I am concerned that we may have blundered into a business that is not ours to take part in."
He clasps his hands behind his back. "I would also add to the puzzle the question as to whether or not this chest and its contents belong to anyone else in this area. It may very well not, for who in town would have reason to go through such trouble to have it hidden and protected so deeply in the swamps?"
"Actually, that possibility was mentioned, but I think you were off begin high and mighty at the time, so maybe you didn't hear."
Tevyn glances curiously at the gnome, one eyebrow slightly raised. "I did miss that turn in the conversation, perhaps while I kept watch as Melon buried the bone fragments. It does remain a possibility then."
He turns back to Hemlock. "Have you any suggestion for how we should proceed from here?"
Momentarily put off by Tevyn's non-resistance, Gilfroy sputters, "Well, yes, it was said. So, yeah." He turns to look at the sheriff, waiting for the man's suggestion on what to do.
Sheriff Hemlock scratches his chin for a moment and looks down at the chest. "Well, I suppose we should start by opening this thing and taking a look at what's inside. I can't imagine this is the personal property of someone still living in Sandpoint. What would be the point, really? But it could have belonged to someone's ancestors."
After the chest is opened, he begins pulling out individual items, turning them over in his hands, and then placing them back. "That's an unusual-looking sword," he says as looks at that particular item. "Doesn't look local at all." He places it back and pulls out one of the fireworks. "Obviously, someone like fireworks."
He turns to Corinna. "Corinna, you've had magical training, haven't you? Any chance any of these items are magical, and if so, any idea what they do?"
"I... I really don't know what most of this is," she blushes miserably at being put on the spot and failing in front of everyone. "A few of the potions are divine in nature. You should probably take it to the temple. There's nothing here to identify who it might belong to, anyway." She moves hurriedly toward the door. "I've seen the chest safely here. I think I'll try to make it home in time for dinner."
Tevyn turns. "Wait, Corinna. You said you don't know what most of it is...what about the stuff you do know?"
"And as for the rest, I can help you with them tomorrow."
"Oh wow. You're eyes go all pretty when you do that." Melon's tired, but still takes an interest in Corinna when she goes through the arcane motions. "Is this magical?" She asks curiously as she presents the sword to Corinna again. As an aside she mentions to the sheriff: "The main skeleton had this, nearly took out Malan with it - so even if it looks a little broken here, its still gets the job done."
She stops at the door and sighs. "Curative potion," she says without looking back. "Potion to restore weakness and disability. Ring that improves climbing ability. Wand to identify magical items. Yes, the sword is magical, some sort of protective aura; I'm sure Malan can tell you what it does."
"That's a pretty impressive start, Corinna," the sheriff says as he looks at the sword Melon is holding out. "Gives us something to go with. I see this sword is the same style as the one in the chest. Well...Given their unusual make, I'd say the swords are probably the best bet for identifying an origin. Savah Bevaniky knows a lot about weapons. She might be able to identify the make and point you in the right direction. Alternatively, that Varisian, Sandru, is pretty well-travelled. He might have come across something like this at some point. Or Ameiko. Or Father Zantus. Maybe Brodert Quink. Koya Mvashti perhaps."
He thinks for a moment, but is unable to come up with anymore names. "One of those might be able to point you in the right direction. I must say, I'm impressed that you're looking for the rightful owners. A lot of people in your position would just take this treasure for themselves. It says a lot about you that you're willing to go the extra mile to get this stuff back to where it belongs. You should all be commended. Good work."
Tevyn moves toward Corinna. "Maybe Malan can tell us what the sword does...tomorrow. You're the only one who could tell us anything today. That might seem of little use to you but it's not at all. You are too hard on yourself."
At the Sheriff's words, he nods. "They've proven to be good people. They did not hesitate to fight when violence was needed and were quick to aid me when my life was on the line." He looks to the group as a whole. "I'm pleased to know you all."
"Thanks Tevyn, and to be fair, we probably would still be stuck in the swamp if you weren't there to get us where we needed to be."
Melon holds out the short sword towards Corinna. With her rendition of puppy eyes.
"What difference could it possibly make whether the items are identified tonight or in the morning? Or a week from now, for that matter?" Corinna asks Tevyn. "They've most likely been in that cave for years. It's not like there's any great hurry."
Melon's deranged stare sends shivers up her spine, and Corinna takes the sword and steps away just to make her stop.
"Right now? Very little difference," Tevyn admitted. "But if we forced to camp in the swamps tonight then your discoveries would have given us a great advantage. Even now, if we were to be suddenly attacked by goblins like the Swallowtail festival a few years ago, we're in a better position than we would be if we knew nothing about those items. That's why someone of your skills and capabilities is of value to any team. We didn't happen to need those skills so much today, but that doesn't mean they're not valuable. I'm certainly of much less use to the group now that we're back in Sandpoint but that doesn't diminish my intrinsic value either."
The sword is +1. Once per day, it can cast shield other (CL 5th) on any creature touched by the blade while it's being wielded.
"The blade has a minor enhancement to make it more deadly," she reports, handing it back without much interest. "Standard entry-level magic sword, there. It has a divine effect layered on top, though, that allows the wielder to shield another person and take some of any wounds the other may suffer in his own flesh to protect him. Belonged to some sort of bodyguard, I should imagine, someone whose life wasn't as important as the person he served. But these items seem to be mostly priestly in nature; an actual cleric would know more about it than I would."
"We have done much today. I suggest we put these things away and go have a bath and good meal. Tomorrow we can begin to show them to those who may have more knowledge of the items' origins."
Melon smiles gratefully, "Hear hear." And makes to leave for the Rustic.
Tevyn nods. "You're welcome to join us, of course, Corinna. Good company makes a good seasoning for dinner."
Sheriff Hemlock nods his head. "Tomorrow then." He indicates the chest. "Do you wish to leave this here until then? You might have fewer people gawking at you that way."
Sheriff Hemlock nods his head. "Tomorrow then." He indicates the chest. "Do you wish to leave this here until then? You might have fewer people gawking at you that way."
"Definitely," Corinna says emphatically, feeling the box will be much safer locked up in the sheriff's office than paraded through the Rusty Dragon. "Leave the sword as well, Melon; we ought to keep everything together."
Tevyn nods. "You're welcome to join us, of course, Corinna. Good company makes a good seasoning for dinner."
Corinna looks momentarily tempted, then remembers what a poor time she had in the tavern after their last return, alone and conspicuous by her inability to join in the raucous company and ribald stories. "No, thank you," she smiles. "My mother will be worried about me after being in the swamp overnight; it wouldn't be kind to let her think I haven't yet returned while I'm sitting in a tavern, er, enjoying myself. Besides, if I go home before dark, I shan't need an escort."
"I rather enjoyed our little walk the other night. Perhaps we can do so again at another time. And do not worry, we will raise a toast in your honor."
Obviously unwillingly Melon leaves the weapon with the chest. "That is for Ameiko to see. It's where we going now." But she doesn't put up a fight about it.
"She can come and look at it at the sheriff's office in a controlled environment," Corinna insists implacably. "That sword is too valuable to be passed around a room full of ... tavern-goers." She refrains from adding any descriptive terms that might insult her companions who are, after all, she recalls, habitues of the Rusty Dragon. For Ameiko to see, indeed, she scoffs a little jealously. You'd think she was mayor, sage, and high priestess of Sandpoint all rolled into one, the way people go on about her. Thank Nethys I got out of this town instead of learning to kowtow to a failed adventurer and tavern-proprietress.
"Thank you," she replies to Malan. "I'm sure there's nothing I've done deserving of a toast, however. Be sure the rest of them drink to you, always placing yourself first in a fight and taking the brunt of the danger. Good night," she smiles at Tevyn, offering her hand. "I suppose I'll see everyone back here at the sheriff's office in the morning."
Tevyn takes Corinna's hand and offers a slight smile in return. "A good evening to you as well. I will indeed see you then."
Melon mumbles more to herself than anyone in particular, "I trust the blade more with me than in a chest. If Ameiko doesn't know what to do with it, I'll take it back and bury it with its wielder."
"Good day to you all. I must get cleaned up." Rajah takes his leave, returning to his humble abode.
Gilfroy, still in a foul mood, is quite content to drink a bit this evening. His moving shadows plague him extra tonight, moving his cup around and generally feeding on his bad mood. They run away when Rajah makes his appearance, however.
Rajah returns to the Rusty Dragon when he gets himself cleaned up. Looking like his normal spiffy self, he moves in and takes a seat next to Gilfroy. "Gilfroy, my good gnome," he gives him a pat on the back. "I must say, that was quite the trip, wasn't it? At least we made it back in one piece and Malan is not dead." Rajah smiles and notices Gilfroy doesn't seem to be in his normal jovial mood. "Gilfroy, you seem a bit quiet this evening. What seems to be troubling you?"
"Troubling me? Nothing. I'm just mad at you."
Gilfroy turns his chair slightly so his back is to the cleric.
Corinna retraces her steps toward the Valdemar manor as quickly as possible, hoping that if she arrives soon enough, she'll have time for a real bath before dinner. Prestidigitation may keep the surface tidy, but after all the mud she's slogged through over the past two days, only a good, hot soak will make her feel really clean.
Rajah sighs in acceptance. "Very well. I'm guessing it is because you feel I accused you of being a thief?" Getting no response from him, "I can assure you, my friend, that was not my intention," he says sincerely. "But, that is neither here nor there. I have obviously offended and hurt you, so without further ado, I offer my deepest apologies. Would you please forgive me for such foolishness?"
After getting cleaned up, Malan partakes of some honey wine and vegetables. He is jovial and festive. Again he produces a flute and plays rather poorly.
"Do not be too hard on Blue Rajah, Gilfroy, he is only human."
Tevyn goes home to wash up before making his way to the Rusty Dragon. When he at last arrives, his long hair is clean and neatly tied back with a leather cord. As he walks into the common room he scans the crowd for Amieko and (if he sees her) waves in greeting before locating the group and puling up a chair.
"One of the true pleasures of journey into the swamp," he remarks, "is the satisfaction of being clean again afterwards."
"But whether or not you meant to accuse me of thievery, it was the result, insinuating that my eyes would glaze of at the sight of treasure and never a thought for its owner, whomever that may be. Maybe. Maybe, I'm over-sensitive to it, I don't know. People have some pretty strange ideas about what it means to follow Sivanah. I follow her because she called me, the mysteries, the shadows, the excitement that can be found in the freshly dusk air, the love of the illusion, to which all gnomes are partial. When people first hear that you're a priest of Saranrae, the first thing they do is smile, ask for your blessing, but when I tell someone I am a priest of Sivanah, the first thing they do is grab their coin purses a little tighter. Yes, thieves worship Sivanah in a disproportionate number, probably because Sivanah's veil and shadow cloaks their activities as well as anybody else's. As I traveled, of something in town went missing, it must have been the Sivanah gnome that took it. Something tells me that if you're traveling from village to village, and a fire breaks out in somebody's kitchen, they don't start chasing you with pitchforks. You know I'm not a thief; I've never stolen so much as a copper, even when I was an artist in the streets of Magnimar and starving out from one day to the next. I've known poverty, and if that chest of treasure has been sitting there for a hundred years and was going to go unclaimed for another hundred or a thousand, then yes, I want a share. But you should know that as long as there's any chance of tracking down a legitimate owner, I would never touch a penny, nor would I support it, but you go and immediately side with him" he says, thumbing in Tevyn's direction, "who we don't even know. So yeah, I'm mad at you, because some times I like you, and sometimes you're a stuck-up, full of yourself, sanctimonious prick. Like today. I'll probably be over it tomorrow and apologizing to you, but for now, I'm still mad."
Rajah ponders what Gilfroy managed to say without a single breath. After a thinking it over, "Fair enough, my friend. I did not realize my actions resulted in such a appearance. Perhaps that would have a lot to do with the environment my childhood revolved around. But that matters little at this point. I will accept full responsibility for my actions, and work to change them," he says, quite determined. "And for what's it's worth, I never thought you a thief, Gilfroy. I would most assuredly trust you with my life and my possessions. Of course, you would have to have Umbral carry them for you," he says with a sly grin.
Once Melon is back at the Rusty Dragon she let's go of all obligations and hides in the kitchen a bit. At least long enough to use the kitchen sink and get her face and hands thoroughly washed. "Put it on my tab," she mumbles as she pulls a loaf from the board as it comes out of the oven - playing hot potato with it for a few seconds until it is cool enough for her hands then goes off to find a quiet spot for herself away from the common room. The last few days have taken more from her than she cares to admit and anybody that cares to look for her finds her huddled near the warm stones of the chimney - fast asleep with a mostly eaten loaf of bread still tucked into one hand.
Tevyn sighs. "As I said back at the cavern, my only concern was for why a skeleton would accuse Malan -- and by extension all of us -- of thievery. I did not intend to label you as a thief then or since, Gilfroy. If my behavior has somehow suggested otherwise, however, then I extend my sincere apologies. I seldom spend time in social settings and I suspect my regular forays alone into the wilderness have left my manners rather...rusty."
He looks down at his hands, thinking that he has never been particularly good at social gatherings. The only example he's ever had to emulate have been those that shunned him, after all. Gilfroy's instant dislike of him has kept thoughts of those previous encounters ever present in his mind.
The evening at the Rusty Dragon proves to be quite relaxing. Ameiko and Sandru arrive shortly after your party. They're carrying several bundles of meat and vegetables that they carry back to the kitchen. Ameiko once again offers the group free food and board, and both she and Sandru are interested in hearing about your adventures in the swamp.
Assuming the recovery of the chest is mentioned, Sandru comments, "A chest of exotic treasures! Not a bad find at all. I wish I could say I lost just such a chest once. Alas, that would be a bold-faced lie." He laughs. "I wish you luck in finding the rightful owner. However, don't be surprised if there's no one with a rightful claim to it. If that's the case, don't be afraid to claim it for yourselves. You've worked hard. You deserve a bit of a reward."
"I'd be happy to use what contacts I have to help you find the owner," Ameiko offers. "Running an inn helps you get to know lots of people."
"Well of course it accused us of thievery! It was guarding something and we came upon it. Goblins had just stolen the chest, it got the chest back, and now there were some more invaders, so it called us 'thieves'. The way you go on about it, it's like you think an animated pile of bones stuck in a cave for a hundred years, was going to suddenly be able to divine the inner-most thoughts of a random group of people it just met and spot the lot of us a callous burglars who'd managed to fool you when we suckered you into our little swamp expedition to rip off the nearest undead colony!"
"Besides, at some point, the laws of life have to take over. If you lock something in a vault in the Bank of Abadar, ward it with traps and post guards you pay a decent wage and somebody comes and takes it, that's thievery. If you hide it in a moldy cave and surround it with the violated animated remains of sentient beings, it's fair game. Maybe that's a little civilizo-centric of me, but whatever."
Later, as Sandru echos the gnome's own thoughts for the group, he smiles, humour returned. "Thank you Sandru. A wise man indeed."
At Gilfroy's response, Tevyn takes a sip from his mug and sighs. "The very existence of those skeletons is offensive to me and frankly, I never imagined that they'd have anything to say at all. I can't get the sound of that voice out of my head. The words were not those of an abomination. Don't you find anything extraordinary if not downright frightening about that?" He shrugs. "What can I say? It knocked me off balance."
After Sandru and Amelia join them to hear their tales, Tevyn offers a small smile. "It is hard to imagine that anyone around here would store such a chest in the swamps," he says. "But if such a person does exist, it's even harder to imagine that one of you wouldn't have come into contact with them or someone who knows them at some point."
Corinna gets back to the manor in loads of time for the family dinner, so she is able to clean up fully first. Her mother is very glad to see her back and hugs her fiercely. "I did worry when you didn't come back last night," she says. "I know you said you might have to spend the night in the swamp, but it still worried me that something might have happened."
"Absolutely nothing did," Corinna reassures her mother, "to me, at any rate. I just ... stayed in the back and out of the way. I was never in the slightest danger. The whole trip was a fool's errand, really. There was no point in my being there at all. I would have spent my time more wisely staying at home."
Later, as Sandru echos the gnome's own thoughts for the group, he smiles, humour returned. "Thank you Sandru. A wise man indeed."
"Wise? No," Sandru says with a laugh. "Just the voice of experience speaking. Trust me, I've done some pretty unwise things in my life."
"It is my intention to claim a fair portion of the treasure once we have made an attempt to locate its owners, of course." Malan gives a sideways glance and grin at Blue Rajah. "You and Ameiko being so well traveled, we would ask if you wouldn't mind taking a look at some of the treasure for us? Your vast knowledge could be instrumental in locating the treasure's owner. We can bring some of the items here for the two of you to peruse if it would make it easier for you."
Rajah just nods and gives a raise of his hand in defeat. Knowing nothing will come about to continue to argue the point.