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After almost four weeks, and a few visits to the town, Ery finds Urbar trying to train Ulfa. Urbar has made a small encampment in the forest, a tent, fire and log stool are in the centre of a small clearing. He doesn't admit it but he left a trail on purpose, so his friends could find him in the forest. He chooses to ignore the tea drinking elf for at least 10 minutes, making it clear that whatever he wants is a lot of effort for the ranger.
"You made it in the camp with some luck. A step or two to the right and your foot would be stuck in a bear trap."
The ranger says as he points to a well hidden steel trap a mere feet from where Ery entered the camp.
"You want me to take a bath?"
Urbar says with a raised eyebrow.
"Together...?"
He snorts and continues to help Ulfa with her exercises, ignoring him. A minute or two later he turns to Ery.
"I will join you, but not in the bath. Help me pack my stuff and we'll head into town."
-----------
Urbar walks into town and his face turns sour with disgust.
"Lead the way."
He says to Ery, following him to the bath house. Inside he walks straight to the door to go inside, being stopped by the gentleman at the door.
"No animal allowed sir."
The man says pointing to Ulfa. Urbar's face turn even darker, he shoves the man aside and orders Ulfa to stay outside.
"Will be back soon, there's rabbit in the forest nearby."
----------
After his gruesome bath and finding Ulfa back bloodied and happy he silently follows Ery, not looking where he's going. They go inside a building and Urbar looks up.
"This is the place you wanted to bring me to? Well, no place better to forget this dreadful day."
He says before starting an evening of merriment, women and gifts. His mood, with a few beers in him, turns for the brighter side and he even dances with Ery later in the evening!
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One Oathday, Locke was busy in some research.
The sound of something gone BOOM, followed by some slight sneezing and smoke, indicated some experiment didn't quite go to full expectations.
Regardless of it, Locke decided to take a break, and get on the roof of the shop to enjoy the sun and the overview of the town.
To some surprising glances, without doubt.
While half absent in daydreaming, the sound of Locke's name being called drew attention. Looking down from the low roof, Locke found Ery standing beneath.
A guys night? Eh, why not, could be interesting.
That night Locke was experiencing something long not been, a relaxing evening with comrades, as Locke admittedly began to see the group, rather than colleagues.
But the gesture of gifts and attention like this...Locke seems unaccustomed to this.
"A gift? Thank you...what did i do to receive this?"
(Voice of caught by surprise)
-------------------
Some other day, Locke tries to find Fiona, to ask her about a second opinion on brewing with specific reagants.
Not counting on people easily speaking freely to masked individuals, Locke tried the simple search and find.
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Tereze is worried when Ery invites her out, but after the night out is rather impressed with him.
I... I can see why you are so successful as an Escort. Zis was a wonderful evening. Zank you very much for zis. It was wonderful to have a night out.
She heads back to her room alone thinking:
Maybe he is more then just a screwup. I guess maybe I shouldn't warn Gwen away...
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Like a gentlemen, Ery accepted the offer to stay. But for him, the night was young and he had things to attend. He was surprised that Fiona offered for him to stay within the same house. That's closer then anything he'd been expecting.
Regardless, Once Fiona was asleep, the verdant wordsmith made his way out. sipping tea he brewed while he waited.
His sipping was the issue. He stepped lightly, but once he sipped the amber liquid brewed from the leaves of his own hair, he slurped. Comically so. He froze, gauging if she woke...hand on the door.
In the End. He took off. Tea in hand and a giddy laughter into the night.
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Gwen will spend some time working in the local inn, gathering up as much information and pointers that she can from the owner on how to run her own establishment when they finally return to Absalom. She picks up some pointers on brewer ones own brew rather than relying on purchasing from a distributor.
When the night of gathering comes and Ery shows up all in a fluster, Gwen simply grins. "I would be honored, Ery, to join you." She offers a genuine smile, but narrows her eyes and leans in closely. "Just make sure those vines of yours don't start to wander..." but she closes with a playful wink. She takes his hands and starts to take the lead, but then stops. She glances at Ery. "I don't really know much about courtship... My father never really covered that while raising me with my brothers... Perhaps you could take the lead?"
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Adjusting his posture with a noticeable grin, the elf laughs, rubbing the back his head with his free hand while looking over Gwen."Sure. I can lead."
Once Gwen mentioned the lacking knowledge of courtship, he began to explain.
"Well, that parts is easy. though, do you want to stay dressed as is or..." He trails off while adjusting their arm placing, putting his elbow out and sliding her arm through it.
"...Do we fetching something stylish?"
He gave her a wink, whilst shaking his head. "Or nothing at all. Always an option."
"So, if I'm understanding you right. You've done none of the courtship game? Not even the flights of fancy?" He made a clicking noise form the back of a tooth."Huh. Well, In affect, its all a game. By human standards, its a game played very differently by everyone but the goal is same. Normally sex. Or the security of..."
He laughs, patting her hand in his. "Fret not. I have...elven tastes in the game. Longer reaching and...arguably, longer lasting."
He looked onward, leading them on a walk. Occasionally, Ery would increase the pace or slow it down, gauging how well Gwen could respond to the seemingly erratic movement. However, to those that noticed, he was dancing, or leading a sideways waltz. The sudden side step he'd lead her into and the sways he eventually created were full of missteps on his part it seemed almost intentional, tripping on his own feet or getting tied up in an awkward lock of arms or hands. Regardless of how awkward the view or how terrible the dance may have become, he always recovered and adjusted before it became catastrophic, exercising some of his grace. In the end, he was always smiling, seemingly unaware of onlookers, only focusing on Gwen.
"We can join the others when you're ready."
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Gwen gives him a sideways look at his final suggestion of no outerwear, but then thinks a moment. She blushes a little and looks hesitant to say anything. "...Well, perhaps..." She sighs, appearing decidedly uncomfortable. "Perhaps I could dig out that dress from the dinner party again..."
"No, I've never played the 'game' before. There were those in my hometown that tried to play it with me, but it just seemed the more they pressed the issue with me, the more it angered me. They didn't seem to get the idea until I knocked out one boy's front teeth." She shrugs her bare shoulders. "I don't really know why though. Perhaps it was because the older I became and the more my spirit yearned for release, the more Trunau just seemed like a bower trapping me behind the wall. All these clucking women turning up their noses at the silly girl with the bloody knuckles and skinned knees. Even in a warrior society such as ours, there were those woman that did not agree with my choices. I suppose that was what turned me off to such things." She sighs and stops suddenly during their walk. "You know, I've... never really talked about that before. With anyone."
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The next morning Urbar wakes up in the middle of a field with a pounding headache with Ulfa lying against him.
"Ugh..."
He slowly stands up and finds a ribbon tied to his cloak. He checks his pockets and finds more odd little gifts.
"What happened last night... What did that elf do?!"
He slowly makes his way to the nearest stream to clean his face and freshen up a little. Afterwards he makes his way back to town to find the others before the auction starts. Around midday he arrives in the town centre and sits down on a bench, exhausted.
Urbar looks up with narrow eyes, shielding them against the sun. The ribbon is still tied to his cloak from the night before.
"Move a little to the right."
He moves away his hand and nods, showing a red lipstick kiss on the top of his head, as the person now shading the sun for him.
"Thanks, a lot better."
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Locke, I guess you do 'find' Fiona since she's not really trying to keep low - she's just minding her own business. RP away...
After walking a number of hours, Locke finally saw Fiona in the distance.
When the moment came that she was not occupied with people in need of healing, Locke walked up to her.
"Hello Fiona, could i have a moment of your time?
I've heard some say Mint is good for the vocals, some say it's not.
With my own -little problem-, i'd like to know if it is true or not, as i've used powdered honey in my mixtures so far."
"....and would you happen to have a few leaves, by chance, if it is true?"
--------------------
The day after the 'Guys night out'
Locke had taken a mutagen the previous night, to avoid getting intoxicated, and was feeling refreshed. Taking a look sideways, there were a bunch of small items, given the previous night.
"Ugh...that was a fun evening...but that one was so clingy... *shudder*, crazy woman tried to pry my mask off."
Locke held the mask in both hands, looking at its face.
"Some day..."
After donning all clothes and cloak, Locke headed down for a quick bite.
Wandering around to stretch the legs, Locke found Urbar sitting on a bench, with his wolf beside him.
*Step...step...step*
"How did yesterday work out for you, after you walked out with that brunette? Did she... *sees the ribbon and lipstick kiss*
(Chuckles for a few moments)
...have you taken a proper look at your forhead yet?"
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When she suggests the dress, Ery ponders: "Dresses flow and breath, They reveal only as much as the wearer wants and suggests a variety of things on the observers. I, personally, enjoy the opportunity to look and feel extra fantastic when Im able. Our line of work seldom allows it." He offered with a shrug, standing in place with Gwen.
"Comfort, however, takes priority, and you're always fetching regardless of what you where...or don't where." He gave a playful wink.
Listening carefully, Ery stifled a variety of laughs, with mixed successes as he envisioned Gwen breaking suitors. When she he made her finishing comments he gave a nod.
"You should be proud of how you were or who you are now." He said simply, motioning toward the meeting spot. Or so it seemed.
"Scenic routs toward the gathering place would allow us to arrive a little late. Fashionably, if you will."
He wore his non-fading smile. "Did you know the only reason I arrived in Absolom in the first place was because the city I came from didn't enjoy my...obsession." He chuckled. "Different is good. It keeps us above the mundane and allows us to do as we do."
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She smiles shyly as she looks down at the dress. "I've never owned anything this nice and although I scoffed at the women who wanted to stick me into something like this... I have to admit I feel like a different person when I wear it; more... daring? No, that's not the word, I'm not sure what I'm trying to say." She shakes her head.
She laughs heartily at Ery's final statement. "Well, you are quite obsessed with it!" She teases playfully. "All of us are a little different and I think that's why we all work together so well."
The day of the Hunclay estate auction has finally arrived. The auction is scheduled to take place in the afternoon on Oathday, at the open-air amphitheater known as the Belhaim Commons. Despite the large number of invitations sent out by the baroness, only a handful of prospective buyers arrive in town the day of the auction - the remoteness of Belhaim and Hunclay's limited fame in arcanist circles makes the auction less of a draw than hoped.
There are, however, at least some parties present to represent wealthy, out-of-town interests: a trio of white-clad Kalistocrats from Kerse; two black-robed individuals of indeterminate gender representing the Mercantile Consortium of Maheto; a snarling half-orc named Mr. Pickets representing Duchess Selphine Telegonus of Cassornir; and a brown-haired man in a red felt hat with a large blue feather stuck in its side, who calls himself Clausyre and represents an unnamed interest from the north.
The auction is open to the public, and many of Belhaim's citizens attend out of curiosity, even though few have the means to compete for the big-ticket items. You're given a place of honor with front-row seats, whether or not you're interested in bidding on items. Serious bidders, including locals, are seated within the first two tiers closest to the stage. Spectators fill whatever other seats are available. The baroness is present and seated next to her son Arnholde.
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Eryzule arrived with Gwen in arm a few minutes after everyone else, A soft smile worn on his face as if laughter and jovial moods were an all-day endeavor for him.
Leading them both to the table, Ery sat to Gwen’s side.
Although he engaged the group constantly, making jokes about how Ulfa was cleaner than Urbar…and telling everyone that he was able to get the ranger bathed…a difficult task. He made reference of remnants stains on the mask Locke wore, perhaps lipstick marks that had been cleaned away.
Fiona he smirked at, inquiring if she slept well and enjoyed her time well enough.
Tereze, he was most curtain felt some fulfillment prior to his taking her out, so he was pleased to see her in good spirits.
All the while these engagements tool place, slight caresses and suggestive banter was had with Gwen. Nothing overbearingly lewd but playful and flirty non-the-less. Where the night would end for him, he didn’t really think on it. That fact he had an official date with Muscles was something he had wanted for months and he was enjoying every minute.
As festivites died down and the call to sleep summoned his comrades, He escorted Gwen to whom he allowed lead the remainder of the evening.
----
The Auction!
Sitting comfortably with his casual wear, the elf looked over the items. Having balanced his own assets, he was pleased with what he had, but was sure the nobility would oust him the moment he had a chance. A difficult task. But some of this called to him…
Looking to Gwen, leaning back in his seat to avoid speaking in front of people.
”Oh, I have idea.” He gave a wink
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Urbar shrugs.
"Dunno what you're talking about..."
He moves his hand over his head, his fingers coming back slightly red. he grabs a piece of cloth and rubs his head clean.
"You haven't seen that."
He says as his face turns a slight crimson. He removes the ribbon afterwards.
"Let's get a move on. The auction is starting soon."
He stands up and half ignores Locke as he moves in the general direction of the auction.
With a slightly disheveled look Urbar sits next to Ery.
"Nothing for me, I think."
The gruff ranger, with a slight redness to his face, responds to Tereze.
A middle-aged man with dark brown hair combed in a gentlemanly fashion, an equally neatly trimmed beard and mustache, and posh clothes steps into the amphitheater's open space. The gathered crowd quiets down as he starts talking. "Welcome all, to the Hunclay Manor auction! My name is Chosk Grellen, and I'll be your auctioneer! First item up is..."
The auctioned items vary from the exotic birds you encountered in the manor's hall, to the stuffed grizzly bear from Hunclay's bedroom, to the entire kitchen apparel, and to the rare tomes you found in the cave. All in all there are twenty-one auction lots.
After being outbid on the 18th lot, the rare tomes, a brown-haired man in a red felt hat with a large blue feather stuck in its side stands
up dramatically and loudly makes an ominous announcement: "Very well! I must deliver this bad news to my employer immediately. I bid
you all good day!"
The man, who you recall called himself Clausyre and represents an unnamed interest from the north, then storms out of the amphitheater. An awkward silence follows in his wake.
"I suspect he didn't mean that last bit," someone a few rows back suddenly says. This wry crack breaks the tension, causing laughter to fill the crowd, and the auction continues with the next lots.
It's nearing dusk when the final lot is opened: Hunclay's manor home and his land. The auction is running long, and Chosk pauses for several minutes while servants quickly light lanterns throughout the amphitheater. Eventually, the last auction begins with an opening bid of 2,500 gp. As the bidding gets underway Urbar's the first to notice a dark shape flying in the skies above. A few moments later, mayhem strikes in the form of four bat-like humanoid swooping down from the sky.
Everyone else present at the auction jumps up and starts screaming hysterically, creating a difficult terrain to traverse if you'd want to get to the bat-like creatures. The creatures themselves aren't bothered by this, easily staying afloat just above the crowd as they try to either stab people with kukris or bite them with razor sharp fangs.
Round 1 (difficult terrain):
Gwendallyn
Fiona
Tereze
Ugly thing, red (5 feet up)
Eryzule
Ugly thing, green (5 feet up)
Locke
Ugly thing, blue (5 feet up)
Ugly thing, yellow (5 feet up)
Urbar & Ulfa
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Gwen quickly takes a step towards the nearest creature as she makes a giant leap into the air and grabs hold of the beast's legs, seeking to drag it down to the ground where she has the advantage!
Tereze recognizes the creatures as grioths, batlike humanoids native to the depths of darkest space. She knows they're sensitive to light, and immune to cold.
Tereze casts bless while sharing what she knows about the creatures.
Gwendallyn draws a dagger and throws it at one of the creatures. The dagger sinks into its chest and the creature has trouble staying in the air, looking like it's about to faint.
Fiona uses her slumber hex on one of the creatures, but it's resisted.
Round 1 (bless & difficult terrain):
Gwendallyn
Fiona
Tereze
Ugly thing, red (5 feet up)
Eryzule
Ugly thing, green -13HP (5 feet up & Disabled)
Locke
Ugly thing, blue (5 feet up)
Ugly thing, yellow (5 feet up)
Urbar & Ulfa
Eryzule shoots two magic missiles at a creature and wounds it badly.
The creature that has Gwendallyn's dagger protruding from its chest flies over to Gwendallyn, not bothered by the fleeing crowd on the ground. It hits Gwendallyn with its kukri, giving her both an ugly scratch and bruise. The strain on the creature's body then causes it to drop to the floor, where it lies still.
Round 1 (bless & difficult terrain):
Gwendallyn 32/37HP 4NL
Fiona
Tereze
Ugly thing, red (5 feet up)
Eryzule
Locke
Ugly thing, blue -9HP (5 feet up)
Ugly thing, yellow (5 feet up)
Urbar & Ulfa
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"Thanks, i'll try that."
As Locke puts the leaves and honey away; "It wasn't such a bother, taking a walk, gets one to see the area."
When everything is put away, Locke pulls together the straps on the backpack.
"Unless i could help you with something, i'll take another walk before we head for that auction."
Locke makes a short waving gesture with a hand, "Thanks, you're an angel. See you later."
Currently:
"Not cold huh. I usually prefer fire anyway."
Contrary to that, Locke draws the bow and takes aim at yellow.
Locke shoots an arrow at one of the creatures. The arrow pierces its chest and it goes down.
The creature with the blue eyes 5-foot flies up to Eryzule, but can't stay afloat and has to lands next to the Eryzule. It attacks Eryzule with both its kukri and a bite, wounding Eryzule badly and leaving the elf shaken.
Round 1 (bless & difficult terrain):
~
Urbar & Ulfa
Round 2 (bless & difficult terrain):
Gwendallyn 32/37HP 4NL
Fiona
Tereze
Ugly thing, red (5 feet up)
Eryzule 9/16HP 1NL (Shaken)
Locke
Ugly thing, blue -9HP
Urbar & Ulfa
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Seeing her companion in danger Tereze threads her way through the crowd and pulls forth her Morningstar. She steps up to the creature threatening Ery.
You will leave him alone!
Then she swings at the creature who is now on the ground:
As she does this a bruise appears on her shoulder and Gwen feels better.
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"I'll think of something. I'll see you there, then."
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Later, when you come to said village, you see no sign of the person.
There is chatter.
Woman #1: "Really..i'm not kidding, he swore he heard 'a certain someone's voice', and rushed away from his tankard at the bar."
Woman #2: "Then what happened?"
Woman #1: "He saw a cloaked figure and roughly shook it, at least tried to, yelling angrily. It turns out it was Herbert the lumberjack."
Woman 2: "Ow...bad move, that man's 6ft 8 and the broadest man around here."
Woman #1: "Herbert is the no nonsense type, and well...it is said to have ended with him tying up, and gagging, the man and put him in the pig pen for the day."
Locke was waiting, talking to an elderly man about a variety of things.
Apparently after a tonic to set a voice to one singular, before giving you a short wave.
Locke pauses the conversation and walks up to you.
"The angry guy won't be an issue for today, you'll be undisturbed.
I'll hang around for a while, the old man and his wife had some interesting tales about their own youth.
That Herbert fellow is a cool guy too, quite sociable."
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Gwen grunts with the impact from the ugly creature, but she smiles when it suddenly drops to the ground with her dagger still protruding from its body. Her grin drops as suddenly as her stomach when she sees Ery take a solid hit from the winged creature and she suddenly has a flashback to that horrible day in the desert... Before she can deal with the threat to her friend, Tereze manages to take care of it. Gwen bodily grabs Ery and shoves him to the ground and then stands protectively over his prone form! "Stay down! I'll protect you!"