”He’s right,” Hollie says without turning from the empty sarcophagus. ”I...we are in no condition to fight them if we even could find them. Whatever they wanted with...with my father’s remains...they’ve succeeded,” she adds, her body tremoring with emotion. ”I failed him. I abandoned him and now I’ve failed him...”
She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She looks turns and looks back to her new friends, feeling very small in their eyes now, and says quietly ”I...I need a moment.”
She walks off, heading through the village and to the beach on the far side of town. There she sits in the sand, drawing her knees up to her chest and sits quietly looking out over the water.
Before Hollie can walk away, Shaedeen tells her, "You didn't fail him. You helped protect the living. There's no way you could have suspected a bunch of goblins would be interested in crypt-robbing."
She stops for a moment, her eyes falling on Gritz as Shaedeen reminds her it was his people that were part of this. Her hands tighten into fists as she hangs her head, before she replies ”No. I failed him as a daughter by not even paying my respects after returning...”
Her hands relax as she resumes her trek to the sea.
Matthias wanders up behind Hollie, ears flattened back and wringing his tiny paws nervously. He looks up at her "Er.. um... Hollie? I'm sorry. That's so sad. I never met my mom. I don't know who she is or what she's like. But I try to make her proud, wherever she is." He pauses for a bit looking out over the water, then looks down. "I don't know why I said that... Sorry." And he decides to let her have some quiet as he doesn't really know how to help.
Hollie sits a few moments more in silence well after Matthias’ words have been washed away with the tide. She then says ”You knee us, Matt. You knew we didn’t know our parents. How he raised us out of the kindness of his heart. And how did I repay that kindness? By leaving when he needed me most, not being here in his last days, and then being too cowardly to visit his grave. And now even that is gone.”
She flops back in the sand, crossing her arms across her eyes. ”I’m a terrible person. I’m not worthy of the celestial blood that runs in my veins. Or my bond with Drax. Or a relationship with anyone. Everyone I get close to just suffers.”
Jes doesn't attempt to stop Hollie, instead focusing her thoughts on how to solve this mystery knowing that might help her more than anything she might say. After Hollie departs and the rest of the group remain she looks to each of them "Perhaps it is best if we call it a night? Let's all get some rest and recharge and then we can meet up in the morning and decide on our next course of action. Maybe we can all plan to meet at the Rusty Dragon in the morning?"
She turns to the sheriff and continues "We will do our best to find out what is going on here, though I think we are going to need all the help we can get." She motions to Grtiz "He has been extremely helpful and I think would be invaluable in figuring out what has happened. I know the town probably isn't very understanding after what has transpired tonight, but is there anyway you can help us to guarantee his safety? Maybe some official documents of proof he is assisting us or something?"
She crinkles her nose a bit, thinking, then turns to Gritz with a smirk on her face and says something in his native tongue.
Matthias nods. "Yes that is well. Let us meet in the morning." He looks expectantly at the sheriff, hoping that he will agree to Jes' proposal about Gritz.
When Jes invites Gritz to stay near her, Matthias sighs in relief. "Oh good. Glad that's taken care of." Then he scratches his chin. "I'll stay at the inn."
Gritz just stared between the exchange between Hollie and the others, tilting his head as he was utterly lost on the significance of any of this. Then again, goblins grow up veeeeeeeeery differently from longshanks. Or even Matt's kind. But this shaking from Hollie had him concerned... they didn't even find anything! What was going to happen to her if they DID find something? Perhaps she would be better served not going with them...
When Jes mentions that she had a place for him and Gubby to stay, he smiled and bowed his usual nearly-smacking-the-floor-with-his-head bow.
The Sheriff considers a moment and glances towards Father Zantus before responding. "I can provide you a writ to the effect that Gritz is currently considered a guest of the town and in Ms. Skyborn's stewardship. It will help with some but not with others so be sure have a care as to who you associate with, especially over the next few days. Stop by my office and we'll prepare the papers."
Father Zantus's heavy heart is evident on his face at Hollie's words. /b]"Child I studied under your father for most of my life and was glad to call him a friend and mentor. I won't pretend that he didn't feel your leaving deeply but I can say he was always proud of both you and your sister. He would have been especially proud of your actions today. This desecration is tragic but as terrible as it may be, the dead have gone to their rest, and you saw to the living today."[/b]
The Sheriff looks on sadly but allows Hollie and Mattias to leave without comment. To those who remain he says, "Thank you all for your actions today. Many more of our town would have been injured or worse had you not taken action. The loss of Father Tobyn's remains is a blow but as Father Zantus said we must look to the living. As your friend said, go and rest, you've earned it. I hope I might call on you again if need presents."
With that he shakes hands with all of you before taking Father Zantus aside for further discussion.
Matthias and Hollie make their way back across the town. The smell of smoke still haunts the air but eventually the cool sea breeze asserts itself and fills your nostrils with the smell of salt water and seaweed. The two soon sit in silence as the sun slips closer and closer to the horizon.
The constantly lapping waves makes for a meditative environment that seems to call forth thoughts for reflection. Meanwhile the steady darkening of the sky among the late day clouds throws a melancholy shadow upon those same thoughts. This lasts until the golden disk finally touches the far off waters and sets the sky ablaze with reds, pinks and purples. The clouds, formerly dark and dreary become a canvas of color. For perhaps a hundred heartbeats the dazzling display continues until, at last, the sun slips below and the colors darken and fade into night.
As the sun set, Hollie watched its last flickering beams fight futilely against the encroaching night. Without looking away from it, resting her chin on her arms that are draped across her knees, she says to Matthias ”Thank you. Thank you for being there for sis. And now for me. I appreciate it, and right now, I’m not sure I even deserve it.”
She rolls her head to its side to look at him, offering a weak, tired smile. ”We should get back. It’s been a long, hard day.”
__________
Matthias nods to Hollie. "You're always welcome." With that, he also heads off to an inn. "But first I should tell the rest of my group from the Abbey why I'm not going back with them!"
Jes will ask Father Zantus for 5 copies of the writ and offer to help with transcription to expedite the process. She will hand out a copy to each member of the group when she is able, to keep on hand in the event they get split up or have to be alone with Gritz. After finishing that up she leads Gritz along to the Old Light, doing her best to avoid as many of Sandpoints residents as possible. Likely heading along Cliff street and then Junkers Way.
On their walk Jes thinks over the events of the day trying to formulate any sort of link but comes up short, until she realizes something Gritz was saying earlier, she promptly turns to Gritz for her inquiry.
With night falling you all head off to your various living quarters. With a few quiet moments to reflect it occurs to those who might ponder such things how just this morning you'd all only been acquaintances at best and yet now you're...something more.
You wait at the temple for a bit for the Sheriff and Father Zantus to finish their discussions before traveling back to the barracks with the Sheriff. The streets are noticeably empty of townfolk even at this early hour though an obvious guard presence can be seen. Those passing you salute the Sheriff, some stopping to relay a bit of information and many looking queerly at Gritz though without comment.
Upon reaching the barracks the Sheriff speaks with one of his men who nods. "Samuel will see to the writ you asked for. Thank you again for all your efforts today." he says before taking his leave. It quickly becomes apparent that Samuel was the right man for the job as he deftly writes out a writ and even manages to avoid looking too put upon when Jess requests additional copies.
Paperwork in hand you then take the short walk to the light house. As you approach you can see dim light in a pair of the visible windows as well as a few torches burning along the last bit of the path to the door. A shadow moves across one of the windows as you approach and when you open the door you find Brodert Quint awaiting you.
"Jess where have you been?" a mix of concern and scolding in his voice. He flinches a bit as he notices Gritz and Gubby but, perhaps noting your calm demeanor, keeps his wits about him and continues, "And who or what is this?"
Heading south you eventually make your way to the Fatman's Feedbag. As with the northern side of town things are more subdued than usual but light still glows from the windows and the smell of greasy smoke floats on the air. You're hopes of sneaking to the back room you share with Cia, the other serving girl at the tavern, were quickly dashed by a voice almost as oily as the air.
"Shaedeen? Where in the hells have you been girl? Do you think I board you so you can gallivant around town? Get to work!" A dirty rag flies towards you from behind the bar to punctuate Gressel's words. You manage to catch it before it soils your hair or clothes but the sour smell of it hits you in the face.
Looking around you see the Feedbag has a crowd, if a bit smaller than most days. Cia is clearly flustered as she practically runs around the place trying to deliver mugs and food while avoiding groping hands. She catches your eye for a moment with a look of relief before getting back to the task at hand. You're own thoughts are rudely interrupted by a pinch to your backside.
You travel a bit of the way back to the temple in Mattius's company before he heads off to the Rusty Dragon. Finishing your walk in solitude give you time to contemplate all the events of the day. When you reach the temple you can't help but note the dim glow emanating from behind the stained glass windows. In the gathering darkness their beauty offers a comforting light as they honor the various dieties the temple has been dedicated to.
Entering though a side door you quietly make your way to your chambers, a small room with comfortable, if sparse, furnishings. As you finish your preparations for bed a soft knock comes at the door. Father Zantus's voice comes quietly through the door, "Hollie, are you awake."
Wishing Hollie a good night you make your way to the Rusty Dragon where your small contingent was staying. Spending the day with Hollie, not to mention the terrible revelation at her father's tomb, couldn't help but drag up sad memories of your lost friend. Trying to push such thoughts you enter the inn, it had been a long day and you were looking forward to a quiet evening's rest.
With the distraction of your thoughts you didn't notice the boisterous sound of the place until it hit you full in the face upon stepping inside. The air in the Dragon was warm, fragrance with delicious food and full of life. If many in town had gone home to shake off the fear caused by the attack, those who came here were intent on reveling in the towns success in repelling it. The tables were full with more people standing in small groups. Serving girls deftly made their way through the crowd, beads of sweat on their foreheads but smiles on their faces. An older halfling woman seemed everywhere at once as she kept everything flowing like a well oiled machine.
Across the room a man who looked somewhat familiar was precariously balanced on a chair, one foot on the seat and the other on the chair back. The tankard in his hand sloshed away unnoticed as his arm swung back and forth to accentuate his words. A good number of the patrons were focused on the man's tale, or at least as focused as their somewhat bleary eyes could be.
Uncomfortable in the crowded room you try and make your way around the periphery to the stairs that lead to the rooms upstairs. Not three steps in however you hear the man boom out, "Oiy, there's one of them now!" Feeling like a thief caught with coin purse in hand you turn to look towards the man with a look of dread, hoping against hope he's talking about someone else. Those hopes are quickly dashed as you realize he's pointing his tankard at you and a good quarter of the tavern is now looking your way. There's an eternally long moment where panic fills your being but before you can act on it you're scooped up by two nearby men and hoisted into the air.
A cry of "Hero of Sandpoint!" rings out and is chanted by the crowd as you are paraded about the room.
Hollie has just slipped a nightgown on when Father Zantus’ voice came through the door. ”Yes, Father. Just a moment,” she says as she grabs up a simple robe. Her hands pause just a moment as they pass the fancy, sexy dress she and the other girls had bought earlier, and the sadness at the loss of the fun they'd have had had the play not been canceled. She then turns to the door and opens it as she finishes fastening the robe belt around her waist. ”How can I help you, Father?”
"I'm sorry to disturb you child but I know today was especially difficult for you. If you would like to talk, I'm here if you need."
At the Fatman's Feedbag
"The sheriff detained me in regards to the goblin attack," Shaedeen mutters. The teen briefly considers telling her boss that she actually killed some of the invaders but decides against it.
After stowing her gear in the tiny room she shares with Cia, the girl puts on an apron and gets to work. She's in a reverie about whether this crap truly is her lot in life or if maybe--just maybe--she's destined for something more when a pinch to her backside brings her back to her stark reality.
She looks demurely to the floor. ”Thank you. And I’m sorry about how I acted. I know it wasn’t ‘Priestess of Sandpoint’ material. It’s just...they were all the family I had left...and now they are gone. You’ve been kind to me and all and I appreciate it. But, it’s just...” she pauses as a new pair of tears begin to run down her cheeks. ”If it wasn’t for Drax...” she looks back at the dragon, sleeping off his wounds, ”it’s just him and me now.”
Again she looks to Zantus ”I’m sorry. You’ve been like an Uncle to me ever since I was young, and have always been kind to me. Too kind. But I’ve felt indebted to you letting me stay here all this time. And now that the Cathedral is done, I need to start looking for my own place. It’s not fair of me to put the burden of my room and board on you like this.”
Matthias cringes immediately, terrified of what is about to happen. His stomach leaps into his throat as these strangers grab him and throw him up in the air. "Pl... pl... please..." But his cries are drowned out by the sound. After a few seconds, however, he realizes they are celebrating and calms down a little, though still very tense. Eventually he gets to his room, fur incredibly ruffled, thinking that it might have been a pretty ok day.
Jes smiles to see Brodet waiting up for her, half out of amusement for his concern and acting like her father used to when she came home late, and half to see he was ok after the days misfortunes. At his question Jes answers matter of factly ”This is Gritz and his pet.”
She wrings her hands behind her back, doing her best to look as unassuming as possible when she blurts out ”I know it might be a little odd, but he is a big help and I was hoping maybe he could stay with us? I mean I can share my room with him so he is out of the way and of course his pet would stay outside. So, I mean... it’s like he wouldn’t really even be here. But I want to make sure he is safe, and with everything that happened today I’m worried about him on his own. So... um... can he stay? Pretty, pretty please?” She gives her best smile to try and help her cause.
Realizing she already has something to help her cause she hops up and down a moment then pulls out the writ to show him ”See I even have proof he is helping the town!”
Father Zantus smiles supportively. "There is nothing to apologize for child and while I would not disparage the bond the two of you have, you are not alone. This town is your home and there are many here who care for you. For instance these new friends of yours, already I can sense a bond between you. Above all of that look to the Gods whose house this truly is. They have granted you gifts, beyond what I can claim to understand. I do not doubt they walk with you even when unseen."
Hearing your plans to leave the temple his smile saddens a bit but remains. "There is no debt Hollie. As I said this is your home and you are welcome as long as you wish to stay and whenever you choose to return. With that said if you feel it best to...leave the nest as it were then I certainly support your decision."
"Well I have kept you long enough and I think we have both earned our rest tonight. I regret that I lack any further healing to offer Draxtharian but I will stop by tomorrow once I have had a chance to meditate on Desna's teachings. Will you join me for morning prayers?"
"Can he what?" Brodert asks a bit reflexively and with a bit of annoyance in his tone. The man is clearly flustered by the rapid fire explanation and writ being shoved at him all at once. His eyes flick back and forth between Jess and Gritz...with occasional glances at Gubby. "Well this is...just what? Helpful you say?"
The evening drags on as it takes to it's usual routine. You make your way around the tavern either being ignored or garnering unwanted attention. At one point you barely manage to avoid one of the regulars vomiting onto your boots. By the end of the night, well after midnight, you're exhausted and the exciting events of the day seem a long time ago.
It takes some time to extricate yourself from the crowd at the Rusty Dragon. Free drinks find their way to your hand and you are constantly pressed for the days tale. During a rare quiet point the owner of the Dragon, Ameiko, sensing your discomfort with all the attention manages to sneak you off to the stairs. Before letting you go she says, "You've been a good sport. I hope you understand that they, well all of us, are just grateful for what you did today. As a bit of thanks from the Dragon you're room's covered for the week free of charge. Same goes for any of your friends who might need a place. Anyway get up stairs before the find you again." She smiles and heads back to the bar.
”Thank you, Father. He needs it despite his saying otherwise,” Hollie says, giving the dragon an affectionate look as he sleeps. She says her good nights to Father Zantus before crawling into bed herself.
__________
Thunder echoed across the night sky as storm clouds rolled over a vast mountain range. The storm rolled over all sorts of terrain, rolling barren plains, forests, lakes, towns, cities. Everything was being washed away in its path. Eventually, the silhouette of Sandpoint was approached by the storm. It seemed as if the town would be blown away by the sheer ferocity of it!
Then, a beam of sunlight broke through the clouds and drove the storm away. In some picturesque grove, the sunlight touched down into a clearing. Water serenely dripped from a leaf, as a beautiful, rainbow colored songbird sung its song from the branch beside it. The water droplet landed atop a beautiful flower, disturbing the rest of a butterfly that had been residing there.
It flew away and onto a window sill of a nearby cottage. Through the window, a golden key can be seen hanging from a hook by door. A bow and quiver of arrows leans in a corner. Resting on a small shrine near the hearth is the symbol of Sarenrae, an angelic ankh. And on the table rest three daggers.
The serene sunlight shining in is quickly blotted out, as the encroaching storm grows in intensity once again. In a flash of lightning, the cottage explodes in fiery wrath! The fire spreads to envelope the grove, then all of Varisia!
__________
Hollie bolts upright in bed! Her body is covered in sweat, and she is breathing heavy as if she had just finished a furious fight. She looked over and saw Draxtherian still resting, and noted the morning dawn was slowly creeping into the window. She sighs and calms herself a bit, before collecting some of her things and some clothing, before waking Draxtherian up. ”Come on, big guy. Let’s go get healed up. I’m sore, and I know you are too!”. Once healed, she and the dragon begin heading for the Rusty Dragon to get herself a morning bath and prepare for the hopefully better day.
Not feeling overly confident in her skills of persuasion Jes is already running over her other idea in her head. Even if he can’t stay here, the ruins of the Old Light should be safe for him to stay overnight. It’s still really close and no one else in town really cares about the ruins so there shouldn’t be much risk of him getting in trouble.
Gritz remains silent, Gubby at his side and scratching at his head as Jess tries to explain things. But, clearly, she's having a bit of trouble. This was her... chief? No, what was the word... teacher? Close enough. It would be like challenging the chief on a matter. HE had the final say.
His little brain flashed back to a picture he recalled seeing in his book. A brave knight standing resolutely, but reverently before a fairy queen, bowing gracefully. 'Resolution and grace must go hand in hand.' That's what he got from that image, anyways. Stamping his glaive into the ground, Gritz stepped forward, bowing with a bit less enthusiasm than his earlier bows. He had to mimic that knight... or at least fake it.
"Please not be upset with Shinies Lady Jes. Gritz is Gritz of Treestrider tribe. Shinies Lady Jes say that Gritz and Gubby may stay in old place. It nice for Gritz, Gritz sleep anywhere! Except in water... too wet. But Gritz not want Shinies Lady Jes to get in trouble. Gritz go elsewhere, if it helps. Gritz know that goblins cause trouble for longshanks, and Gritz is goblin... longshanks not trust Gritz. But Gritz not cause trouble, and Gritz not want Shinies Lady Jes to get in trouble with her chief."
Brodert's face pinches up in frustration as he begins to speak "Jessalissa, I don't have to remind you that this is a place of great historical significance, not an inn..."
Gritz breaks in with an eloquently delivered jumble of thoughts. Despite this something in it seems to speak to the older man.
"Chief? Yes I suppose... Well it can be difficult being an outsider." he sighs a bit. "Fine, fine...you're "friend" can stay the night but make sure he doesn't touch anything." As he's about to turn away he pauses and looks back, "And that....dog...stays outside!"
Matthias nods thankfully to the woman, overwhelmed with all of this positive attention. Emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted, in addition to quite tipsy for the first time in his life, he collapses into his bed and is out in seconds.
Hollie and Drax make their way to the Rusty Dragon, a quiet walk as neither really felt up to talking after their restless night. As they walk through the door, Hollie immediately looks for Ameiko, hoping to beat the early morning crew to her tubs.
"Don't you just love the smell of last night's vomit in the morning?" Shaedeen snarkily asks Cia as the two girls mop the floor and tabletops of the Fatman's Feedbag, prepping the dive for another day's business.
At least they have separate cleaning tools for the two jobs, Shae thinks as she wipes down tabletops with a rag that's still far from hygenic.
When she's finished, she drops her adventuring gear out the window into an alley before scooting outside to retrieve it and slip into her armor. She then heads to the Rusty Dragon in the hopes of again seeing her new friends.
Seeing Shae approaching, Hollie smiles at her from the doorway into the Tavern still dressed in a plain robe and carrying her own gear. ”Hey. You having the same idea I was?”
Draxtherian bows his head to Shae in greeting, but remains quiet.
Shaedeen doesn't immediately answer Hollie; her jaw's dropped open as she stares upon Draxtherian. The teen rushes forward impulsively and tries to hug the dragon around the neck.
"Drax! I thought you were dead...gone forever!" She looks to Hollie for an explanation and then answers her question: "If your idea is to have a big breakfast off a relatively clean tabletop...count me in!"
Hollie giggles. ”Eventually, but first,” she lifts her gear in her arms, ”a nice long, hot bath to soothe the aches from yesterday!”
Draxtherian smiles and puts a foreclaw around Shaedeen’s shoulders, returning the hug. ”No. No. I am not even sure if I can die, so long as Hollie is okay. It’s something weird about the bond we share. If I’m ever mortally wounded, I am sent to Elysium until I can recover enough to return at Hollies call.”
Things are subdued at the Rusty Dragon almost as if the inn itself was feeling the effects of last nights activities. Upon entering you see a few patrons who were uncharacteristically allowed to sleep on the floor by the fire. Elsewhere in the common room a halfling woman locals would know as Bethana is hard at work preparing the place for the days business. Already the air carries the delectable scent of sausage and onions frying.
Bethana notices you enter and says, "Oh if it isn't three more of the heroes of Sandpoint! Come in, come in! Ameiko, look who's here!"
Hollie blushes. ”Hey Bethana!” she says quietly, hoping to not disturb the sleepers. ”Are Amei’s baths free? I think the three of us want some nice hot ones after yesterday!”
Jes jumps up and down in excitement as Brodert agress to let Gritz stay "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She has a big grin on her face as she turns to Gritz "Come on, let's get your pet setup in the back yard and then I will get a spot made up for you!"
After getting Gubby settled in a safe, out of sight place, Jes leads Gritz into her room. The room is small, but comparatively to their size, big enough. A comfortable looking bed was pressed against the eastern wall. A pair of bookshelves containing any number of odd titles resided on the southern wall. A table, somewhat charred, was under the western window containing a number of different implements used for alchemical processes. Finally, a small armoire in the corner of the northern wall with a changing screen next to it made up the contents of the room.
She looks about trying to decide how best to set things up then shrugs
Unless there are any objections Jes grabs one of the spare pillows and blankets and sets it near the foot board on her bed. Lots of questions were rolling through her head as she lets out a deep yawn. She sighs deciding she needs to get some rest instead of talking all night with her new goblin friend, and goes to mix some of her alchemical agents to let them set overnight and be ready for tomorrow. As Gritz gets settled in, Jes grabs a nightgown out of her armoire and changes behind the screen. After she is finished, she hops in bed ready for some sleep. "Night Gritz" she says as she closes her eyes and promptly passes out.
Matthias sleeps in, exhausted from the crazed adventures of the previous day. But thankfully, he went to bed as early as he could manage! A few hours after sunrise, he walks down into the front of the Rusty Dragon, rubbing his small black eyes.
Hollie pays for her, Draxtherian, and Shaedeen if she wants to each have a hot bath. Hollie and Drax, especially Drax, soak up the heat from the water until it is all faded out either into their muscles or into the air of the bath chamber. As their muscles relax, so too does their mood, and by the time she is donning her adventuring gear, she is back to her bubbly, happy self once again.
She then makes her way back downstairs, her hair still a bit damp, and spots the sleepy Matthias just ahead of her. ”Hey Matt! Sleep well?”
Draxtherian darts past them both and over to the bar, where he climbs up onto a stool and starts looking around for Ameiko eagerly.
Gritz nods and bows politely to the human, before ushering Gubby along to the back yard. Finding a nice place by a pile of wood, Gritz grabbed some sticks and made a simple thatch covering for the goblin dog, issuing a few gruff goblin words as the little rat dog curls up underneath the construction and settles in. Judging from how fast he closes his eyes, Gubby seems utterly unfazed by his homely conditions.
Following Jes upstairs, he listens, tilting his head in utter confusion at the implications. Clearly, it's flying right over his head. But given the state of his armor (and himself) and not wanting to ruin her current set up, Gritz instead takes the pillow, the blanket, and stuffs them under the bedding, before squeezing himself underneath and talking from it as he settles in himself.
Matthias' eyes finally pop open when he hears Hollie call his name. "Oh! Good morning, Hollie! Er umm... Yeah I did sleep pretty well." He laughs nervously while scratching the back of his neck sheepishly, recalling the partying and drink. He looks up at her and asks sincerely "How about you? You look like you're feeling well..."
”Bad dreams,” she says as she flips her wet hair back away from her face. ”But yeah, a hot bath does wonders for the body and soul. Yesterday was hard, and I just wanna put it behind me and move forward!”
As the early morning light filters through the window, Jess stretches and rolls out of bed. As is her usual routine she heads over to her alchemical items and makes sure all is well. Finding one of her concoctions finished she pours it into a vial and adds a cork before setting it down on the table. She rubs the sleep out of her eyes as she turns back toward the bed and freezes, as she catches a glimpse of something under her bed. Her heart skips a beat for a moment before she remembers last nights events, then she just begins laughing at herself. "Hey Grtiz, wake up. We need to go meet the others."
As she waits for him to get up and ready to go, she grabs an outfit and changes behind the screen. Once finished, she gets her pack and pulls out two bandoleers that she drapes over her shoulders and then starts placing vials inside them, including her newly created one.
As Gritz is getting ready she goes to find Brodert. The old man is up early, like usual poring over his tomes. "Morning!" she says as she walks into his study. We are going to head out to meet some friends and see if we can't figure out what this whole mess yesterday was about." She snaps her fingers remembering something important while also intentionally changing the subject "Oh, I almost forgot! There was this vendor selling books. Some of them on Thassilon, if you want I can tell them to come and show you their wares so you can have a look, you know, if I bump into them again today." She smiles as she continues "They looked really old and authentic, just what I know you like."
"Hollie, Drax...it's good to see you." calls Ameiko as she comes out of the back. "And is this another of the new Heroes of Sandpoint?" she asks holding out a hand to Shae.
After introductions you inquire about a bath to which she replies with a laugh. "Of course, of course. It will just take a few minutes to get the water heated." She brings you to a small room off the back of the building with two large tubs of water. A folding screen leans against the far wall allowing for the room to be seperated if needed. Towels sit on a small bench on the side of the room. Nearby a fire already burns in a small outbuilding and as you prepare for the bath one of the serving girls makes multiple trips to add hot water to the two tubs. When they seem about ready Ameiko leaves you to it, flatly refusing to accept payment from the towns new heroes.
Brodert scowls a bit at the metion further adventuring on Jess's part. "Do not forget your studies young lady. But if you're going to be trouncing about town be sure to stop by the Grocer's Hall. I've been expecting a restock of supplies for our larder for some days now and, excuses about the festival aside, Olmur had best have them ready!" he hands you a small purse of coins and seems ready to continue when you cut in with information about the books.
"Oh well that is interesting. Thassilonian you say? Yes, please send them here or perhaps we can meet at the Curious Goblin." The excitement at a potential new source of knowledge is obvious on his face. "Go then, shoo...find that book dealer and see to Olmur."
Hollie smiles at Ameiko, ”Hey Amei. Yes, this is Shaedeen. She is new to town and already has proven her worth by helping us fight off the goblins.”
Draxtherian hops off the stool and darts over to Ameiko, causing the stool to clatter to the floor and likely wake up anyone sleeping in the common area. He says excitedly ”Ameiko! Is that sausage I smell? Is it ready?”
Matthias nods at Hollie. "Yes. We should track those footprints, if we can." He jumps in fear as Drax zooms around the front room of the Rusty Dragon. "Oh uh... Hello Drax..." He seems slightly braver having fought alongside the dragon but is still fearful.
Shaedeen doesn't pass up the opportunity for a free bath...something NOT featured at the Fatman's Feedbag.
”So Shae...you want me to ask Ameiko if she’s hiring? I’m sure Lord Foxglove would prefer to visit you here instead of the Feedbag...”
”I don’t think so,” Hollie says in reply. ”Whatever the...thieves wanted with Father’s remains, they’ve already gotten it. And I’m sure there is plenty of work to be done here in town to fix what the goblins broke.”
Draxtherian makes his way over to Matthias, nodding his head in greeting. ”Hi Matthias. You can relax, I won’t joke about eating you anymore. You fought alongside us bravely, and for that, I will protect you just as I do Hollie. Well...not quite to that extent, but in a manner of speaking.”
Matthias nods gratefully to Drax. "I appreciate that v... V... Very much. I'll help as much as I can." He turns back to Hollie. "You don't think we should follow the tracks? We'll I guess that's ok if we need to help out around town."
Jess nods and takes the purse of coins "Okay, will do!" Heading back to her room to get Gritz, she grabs her bag and crossbow and asks Gritz to follow her. Before they head out, Jess finds an old cloak and gives it to Gritz "It's not much of a disguise, but hopefully not many people will think twice about someone my size travelling along with me and at least you won't stand out quite as much."
With Grocer's Hall on the way to the Rusty Dragon, Jess decides to swing by there first to get that errand out of the way. Still doing her best to avoid people with Gritz in tow, she heads along the cliffs near the Glassworks to Water street, then toward Grocer's Hall.
Jess heads inside, the shop not being too busy this early in the morning. "Oh Olmur! I've come to pay for supplies. You know good old Brodert, he really can't stand being without his prunes and he said you are running behind on his delivery." While Jess doesn't know Olmur overly well, being one of the few other "small people" in town they immediately hit it off, especially since it saves him having to deal with Brodert who can be a grump sometimes, specifically when it comes to dealing with the mundane affairs of shopping.