Aldern is a gracious host, offering dishes left and right and praising Ameiko's cooking to everyone who will listen. He doesn't take much part in the conversation once it moves onto the group's recent activities but instead keeps stealing glances at Morgana as the conversation goes round.
When the party finally breaks up he bids you each goodnight with a handshake or a kiss on the back of the hand and his charming smile. "Goodnight Ladies, Honani. I look forward to seeing you all in the morning!" His gaze lingers on Morgana, but he does nothing more without a cue from her.
-----------------------
Next Morning
As you all assemble at Damian Hosk's stables with the intent to purchase horses the burly stablemaster has surprising news for you all. "Not a single horse left I'm 'fraid. Fancy out of town noble bought them all last night! Even took my best grey - just paid me prices, didn't haggle or nuthin!"
Just as the hostler is informing you of his good fortune you hear a hail and Aldern rides up on a lovely bay, who looks impeccably groomed. His menservants are leading a bevy of other horses, all recently belonging to Damian apparently, including a lovely grey whose reins Aldern offers to Morgana with a seated bow. "Such a lovely woman deserves the best steed Sandpoint has to offer!" It is a credit to his breeding that he manages to make the compliment seem genuine and not more than a little studied.
The servants come forward leading horses for each of you and Aldern smiles excitedly. "Please friends, mount up! Our hunt awaits!"
He leads the way to the Tickwood at an easy pace, nothing too difficult for even novice riders. He is full of charm this morning, remarking on the weather with a turn of phrase suitable for a poet and supplying a seemingly endless series of amusing anecdotes about life in Magnimar, where it appears he and Morgana share a number of acquaintances. At one point his anecdote mentions the murder of a recent, rather ruthless serial killer and his fluent recital pauses for a moment.
As you finally approach the edge of the woods where you are to hunt Aldern smiles, "I suggest we disembark Ladies and Gentlemen, best to hunt on foot I think." He goes around, helping all the ladies from the saddle if they want and whispers in Morgana's ear when she dismounts. "I must speak to you urgently. It's about your companion."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Hosk." Marissia replies. "But congratulations on your successful sales."
At the sight of Aldern riding up with Damian's horses, she looks surprised. "Oh, my! Thank you so much, Aldern!"
She mounts the horse a little clumsily, but manages to keep herself in the saddle--likely due to the horse's fine training and calm demeanour, more than Marissia's own skill.
Atop her gentle brown mare, Marissia follows Aldern and the others to the Tickwood Forest.
---
Marissia does her best to keep up with Aldern's conversations. Unfortunately, she's never been to Magnimar, and though his anecdotes are funny, she feels a bit left out that he and Morgana share so much in common. She spends much of the trip trying to find topics that everyone can engage in (which proves a difficult task, indeed!).
---
When it's time to dismount and enter the Tickwood on foot, Marissia allows Aldern to help her down. When he leans into Morgana and whispers sweet nothings in her ear, Marissia turns away, giving them privacy. She looks at the forest, curious at the wildlife she might discover.
The evening had been pleasant in comparison to the activities that unfolded over the last few days. Trinity enjoyed the fine meal that was graciously offered and decided to finish off the night with a glass of the house wine. Although the spectacle of a young woman touting around a glass of wine wasn’t unusual in a dinning house like the Rusty Dragon, it was quite unusual for her. Generally the inquisitor tried to maintain a sharp perspective, which could easily be clouded by the presence of alcohol. After considering her situation, she had decided that the environment was stable enough with her new companions close at hand, to relax a little more than she was accustomed to. As the night concluded, Trinity made her way up to her room and enjoyed a night of good sleep.
The following morning, the inquisitor awoke and began her standard morning prayers and then sat down to a light meal. As the sun began to ascend, she decided to seek out a mount for the upcoming hunt.
A small gathering alerted Trinity that her friends had already beaten her to the stables. (I hope all the good horses haven’t already been chosen.) She thought as she closed the distance to her friends. Trinity was a little surprised, when she found out that the stables entire stock had already been plundered. It came as a relief when Aldern rode up with an onslaught of horses, which now made sense why the stable had been cleaned out.
After selecting a mount that seemed to favor her, Trinity turned to thank Aldern for his kindness. In that moment she found herself momentarily locked in an uncomfortable stair with the man just before he redirected his glance back over to Morgana. The look left Trinity frozen in her tracks as she considered the uncomfortable moment. It wasn’t the first time she had experienced such a look, nor would likely be the last. Her stomach turned with the thought that she might lose her new friends, just when things seemed to be going well. Hoping that she had misread the man’s gaze, she mounted her horse and began to follow along. (If he recognized me, this could change everything.)
Morgana couldn't help but be delighted by the horse. "Thank you Aldern, you are far too generous!" She swings into the saddle delightedly - grateful that she chose trousers for today's excursion rather than a dress or skirts.
As they ride Morgana quite enjoys Aldern's gossip, but realises after about ten minutes that no-one else has much to say and that she's unfairly monopolising their host's time. Taking her cue from Marissia she tries to open the conversation up, although Aldern doesn't exactly make this easy.
By the time they arrive Morgana is glad to be off her horse - Arthus, as she has christened him, is stretching muscles she hasn't used for some time and she's beginning to feel a little stiff. She accepts Aldern's help gratefully and is just about able to keep a blank face at his request. "Of course..." She leads him a few paces away and stands facing the group. "What's the matter?"
Tamiko has never ridden a horse before, and almost falls off her saddle a few times before she gets the hang of it. There's not much she can add to the conversation, so she focuses on staying upright and on the horse. After they stop at the Tickwood and dismount, she thanks Aldern for his help, then looks around, trying to gather her bearings.
The next morning finds Honani in a great mood. The prospects of leaving this gods-forsaken city and hunting boar fill the man with longing like a small child before their gift-receiving day.
He takes a stone across his guisarme to make sure it is in perfect working order before donning his armor. As the group moves to the stables, Honani cannot stop talking about how exciting this prospect is for him. "So if the boar does start to chase you, some say to pretend like you are dead, others say to scream at it, others will advise you to scamper up a tree. I on the other hand thinks these experts are fools. If you are being chased by a boar, best be faster than at least one person you are with." Honani looks askance at his companions clearly judging their speed.
Once out of Sandpoint towards the Tickwood, Honani turns to his companions, "Why is this named the Tickwood? Are there many ticks here, or do you always honor parasites by naming your geographical features after them? Shall I find Mosquito Plains, or Ringworm Creek? City-folk are so odd."
Once they reach the hunting grounds, Honain drops lithely to the ground. Pulling his klar and guisarme, he nods towards his hunt-brother. "I am ready. Let us strike hard and fast, and may our innards stay intact. Did anyone bring curative magics?" Too little to late, Honani thinks to the others safety.
"Oh, yes, Honani there are plenty of ticks. Giant ones the size of dogs." Marissia replies.
"Yes, let's hope all of our innards stay intact. Oh, curative magics? I only have one potion left, I'm afraid. I can brew more when I get paid next, but I didn't have the ingredients to more this morning." she looks around hopefully. "Anyone else?"
Marissia manages to make conversation and with Morgana's help they manage to keep a more accessible flow going, keeping all engaged until Honani asks his question about parasites which Marissia was delighted to answer.
Trinity's uncomfortable feeling intensifies when Aldern and Morgana step aside from the group and begin talking in hushed voices.
"That woman you're travelling with, the Iomedean, she's the daughter of the man I was telling you about - that indecent fellow. I can make out the resemblance clearly, it wasn't the sort of face you'd forget in a hurry. I am sure you have an excellent reason to consort with her, but I felt it was my duty to speak up in case you have been deceived."
With their private conversation over, Aldern turns back towards the hunting party and collects a spear from his manservant without much gratitude or acknowledgement - he is clearly concerned about something else. Nonetheless he puts on a smile and gestures into the wood.
Aldern calls over his shoulder, "Let the hunt begin!
-----------
Making your way through the woods is very pleasant on this cool, sunny day. The sun dapples on the floor of the woods giving you enough light to see clearly and all look carefully for signs of boars.
Soon, Trinity notices a silhouette up ahead and waves the group to a halt. Luckily, you are approaching from downwind and it does not seem to have noticed you yet. With stealthy movements, you may have the opportunity to take it by surprise.
Morgana manages to keep her face composed as Aldern casually reveals that she's been working with a murderer's child for the past few days. "Yes, of course. Thank you for telling me Aldern - I appreciate you taking such good care of us." She ends the conversation there, mind processing furiously.
On their way through the woods Morgana is barely paying attention to the hunt, her mind far away in Magnimar as the events Aldern described come rushing back to her recollection. So Trinity is that monster's daughter? It seems almost impossible. Maybe Aldern was mistaken?
Jerked from her reverie by Trinity, Morgana is slow to crouch and actually take in the situation. Once she does however, she produces her new bow and carefully nocks an arrow, before making a walking gesture with her fingers and raising an eyebrow.
Realizing the point of the boar hunt is probably not for Marissia for fire a bunch of magical beams of energy that never miss at the boar, Marissia bites her lip and holds back.
What can I do that won't wreck this hunt for everyone else...?
Marissia draws her dagger and ducks down low.
Perhaps I'll throw it at the animal if given a chance. I can always use my magic to help later.
Trinity dismounted her horse and readied her crossbow for the hunt, while quietly observing the intimate conversation that took place between Aldern and Morgana. Her trepidation increased with each passing moment, which left her in a difficult state. The inquisitor closed her eyes for a moment to allow the warmth of the sun to envelop her, while the cool breeze of the forest brushed lightly by her skin. This left little doubt about the quality of the day. The mental escape only lasted a moment before Aldern called for an official beginning of the hunt.
The inquisitor took a lead spot as the group carefully made their way through the forest. She was quite surprised when a small silhouette move out from under a shrub. Not wanting to spook the creature, Trinity raised a hand high into the air, which brought the group to a halt. Slowly she lowered her crossbow and took aim. Her hand shook slightly from anxiety, which made it difficult to keep the crossbow on its mark.
Just before firing the bolt, the sound of a branch snapping beneath the inquisitor’s heavy boot resonated throughout the area.
Approaching the small clearing, Honani can see the huge boar rutting in the dirt. His palms become sweaty as he grips his guisarme and klar tighter. Crouching down, he makes his way through the light underbrush hoping to take the pig unaware. . Though he has grown up on the Cinderlands stalking prey, masking his movements to the silent shadows was never Honani's strength.
Fully aware that his presence is noticed by the boar, he hunkers behind his klar, ready to stab out should the pig approach him.
Tamiko spots the boar at around the same time as the others, then freezes, one hand on the hilt of one of her blades. The creature is a lot larger and scarier than she'd imagined - either the ones Ameiko serves up at the tavern haven't grown as big or they shrink when she cooks them. Anyways, Trinity then inadvertently alerts the beast to the hunters' presence, so Tamiko without thinking draws her blade and prepares to defend herself if attacked.
Suddenly, a lot of things happen at once. Trinity steps on a twig, which snaps loudly - causing the boar to jerk around, just in time to take Morgana's arrow in the shoulder instead of through its eye. Roaring in pain it charges forward at the nearest target, which by now is Honani, as the brave shoanti advances regardless of his comrades stealth (or lack thereof).
Luckily Honani is too wily for the boar and he leaps aside from the pig's disemboweling swipe.
In the chaos, Trinity found it difficult to regain her aim. Her shot flew high and to the right of the enraged boar. Surprised by how fast the beasts was able to engage Honani, Trinity found herself fumbling for another bolt.
Surprised at the vicious looking attack of the boar, Marissia decides that perhaps that magic missile wouldn't completely wreck the boar hunt...
"Incantius estar!" she exclaims, waving her arms at the boar. A burst of magical energy vaguely resembling a bird in flight flies from her hands and slams into the boar's flank.
Blade in hand, Tamiko moves in and stabs away at the boar, hoping to hit something important without completely ruining the corpse, but her blow is off target. All the better - it would of course do no good if they went boar hunting and came back with a bloody corpse hacked to pieces...or at least that's how she thinks this is supposed to go. And now she's next to a giant angry boar... Thankfully she remembered to bring her armor and buckler along, not anticipating needing her magic, so she raises the small shield to better counter any strike from the creature.
Morgana drops her bow and strides over to stand by Honani, drawing her sword as she does so. As she comes into range she strikes a heavy overhead blow.
Grinning for ear to ear, Honani is so excited to be hunting this majestic beast. His eyes go wide as the boar thunders down on upon him. Crouched behind his klar, Honani weathers the boar initial attack. From beside him he can hear the 'TWANG' of Trinity's crossbow bolt, Marissia's arcane spell casting, and Tamiko and Morgana's swipes.
Relishing in the hunt, Honani cannot be outdone. Stepping back quickly, still behind his klar, he stabs out with his guisarme.
Stumbling over a root, his thrust goes wipe of the mark.
The boar stumbles, bleeding from wounds which should have left it unconscious on the floor but its rage keeps it standing and it sweeps its tusks to the right, attempting to reveal Morgana's innards.
Fortunately for the noblewoman the swipe is low, but it leaves a huge gash across one leg and Morgana sways at the sudden blood loss. The boar doesn't look much better though.
Aldern aims a crossbow and fires, sinking a quarrel into the boar but it squeals defiance and fights on!
Party Up!
Morgana reels as the boar slices through her leg as easily as a dressmaker's scissors through good silk. She retains enough presence of mind to strike again, thrusting towards the boar's eye in hope of blinding it, but her weak leg can't hold her up for the blow.
Having decided to forgo another embarrassing crossbow shot, Trinity moved behind Morgana and placed a hand lightly on the woman’s shoulder. While whispering words of prayer to Iomedae, the inquisitor allowed herself to become a conduit of positive energy. The warm healing energy cascaded through her hand and into Morgana’s shoulder, which brought a sizable relief to the woman's leg.
Watching others make their mark in the hunt, gaining honor in the process, Honani grits his teeth and once again stabs out, determined to land a solid blow on the seemingly dead-on-its-feet animal.
He lets out the breath he was holding as the guisarme pierces the thick hairy, side, allowing its precious life blood to spill on the earth below.
Placing his klar and guisarme down, he walks up to the boa. Kneeling down he stabs the boar through the heart with his long knife.
"You are a noble creature, and you have gained honor with your bravery. We thank you for your sacrifice, and pray that your spirit is now free to roam forever." He looks to Aldern as his knife hovers above a tusk. "May I?" he asks before cutting it off.
Marissia sighs in relief as the boar falls to the ground dead.
"Oh, well done!" she exclaims, clapping happily. Then she turns to Morgana. "You're practically good as new! Trinity did a wonderful job."
After a quick examination of her companion's health, Marissia finally remarks. "Well, we got through that relatively unscathed."
"Good job, everyone."
She looks over Honani's shoulder at the boar. "Is it a good one? For eating, I mean."
Tamiko jumps back as the boar starts to thrash wildly in its death throes, hitting Morgana in the leg. As the beast finally falls, she sheaths her blade. Breathing hard though she didn't do much, she gasps out, "Looks like this one's down. What's next?"
Between Trinity's healing and Honani finally slaying the beast Morgana's heartbeat slows back down to a more normal rate.
"A fine hunt indeed. What do you think Aldern, will this do?"
"Oh what a fantastic beast! It will surely feed everybody this fine evening," exclaims Aldern.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That evening, a lot of the town guard are present, invited by Aldern as a thank you, as well as a small selection of other notable members of the town. Ameiko has cooked the Wild Boar to perfection in an exotic blend of spices combined with a flavourful lentil dish.
15 minutes after food has begun, a surly visitor slams the tavern door open and bellows out a sharp command in a strange language. "我的女儿在哪里?"
The other patrons of the bar grow very quiet and quickly become interested in their meals.
His eyes scan the room, trying to find a person who may know who can help him and his eyes fall on you all, the new heroes of Sandpoint. The elderly man advances towards you all, his face scrunched into a storm cloud.
"You! Why do YOU think you are so important, gallavanting around the town and soaking up your new found glory? All you did was endanger the townsfolk will your ill-advised antics against the Goblins - not leaving it to the trained professionals"As he says this, his eyes land particularly on Marissia, a native of Sandpoint.
After returning to town, Marissia bids her companions goodbye and hurries off to the Cathedral to find Father Zantus.
"Good evening, Father. Might I speak with you for a while? It concerns our unfortunate discovery in the graveyard the other night."
"As you are well aware, Father Tobyn was a beloved citizen of Sandpoint until his death. His remains are important symbols to many." She explains. "The theft of these bones in particular are no coincidence, and certainly not something a group of goblins would do without guidance. Whoever disturbed his rest knew he meant something to our town. That means they know Sandpoint, and have for some time..."
She pauses in concern before continuing, "I would like to determine whether the body thief has a grudge against your Cathedral, Father Tobyn, or Sandpoint in general, and I was hoping that you could provide me some insight into Father Tobyn's life. Did he have any detractors or enemies during his time? Were there any groups or people he was often in conflict with? Were there any competitors for his position? Or, perhaps people who felt misled by advice he had given them? Anything you could tell us might be of use."
"And what about the Cathedral? Was there anyone who expressed dissatisfaction with its construction? Or the consecration, perhaps? Have there been any parishioners who were particularly upset with you or any of your clergy?"
"One last thing, Father, if you please. Have any townsfolk come to you who mentioned seeing anything or anyone near the graveyard that night that poor Father Tobyn was taken?"
---
After leaving the Cathedral, Marissia heads out into the graveyard, looking to find the grave digger.
---
After leaving the graveyard, Marissia heads home to clean herself up and put on fine clothes for the party. She puts on clean black leggings, and her finest tall brown leather boots. She buttons up her clean white blouse with billowy sleeves, buttoned neatly at the wrists, and puts her fine brocade green vest on top, buttoned, with a leather belt on top. She brushes her red hair, and does it up in a fine bun. She has little jewelry, but she puts on what she has, her plain silver earrings, a bracelet, and of course, her mother's necklace.
Sparing herself a glance in the mirror, she sighs. "Nothing like Morgana owns, of course... But presentable none the less."
Satisfied, she leaves her home and walks through town, passing through the town square on the way to the Rusty Dragon.
As she enters she takes a deep breath, causing her stomach to grumble.
"Oh, that smells delicious!"
She smiles and greets everyone she passes, taking a few moments to speak with everyone on the way to her table.
"Oh, Ameiko! You've cooked the boar to perfection! It smells stupendous!"
When she reaches their table she greets Aldern and her companions.
"Good evening, everyone! How was your afternoon?"
---
Marissia jumps in her chair as Lonjiku Kaijitsu appears at the Rusty Dragon, storming in and slamming doors.
"Oh, dear." she mutters, trying to ignore the nobleman's poor manners.
Under his scrutiny, Marissia blushes and casts her eyes to the table. "Lord Kajitsu... I... We..."
How rude! We helped people.
Marissia turns her face to Lonjiku's in defiance. Features in a mask of calm neutrality. "I'm sorry you look down upon helping people, Lord Kaijitsu, but I've always found saving lives to be a very worthwhile profession."
Tamiko hovers around outside a bit more than usual, hoping to catch Ameiko at a free moment, though she doesn't expect there to be one. Ameiko is busy, after all, with that giant boar they brought back.
As she spies Ameiko taking a small break, Tamiko greets her and calls her over, then lowering her voice, asks: "Have you heard any...credible...rumors about the goblin attack a few days ago? We've been trying to figure out why it happened...any information we can get would help now".
Eventually, Aldern and the others file in to the tavern, and Tamiko takes her place among them. She notes the others' finery - I really should go shopping with them sometime... - but settles in comfortably in conversation. "I've been around the kitchen all afternoon watching the boar - and I can't wait for it to finally meet its end in our bellies!", she jokes.
A while later, as Lonjiku storms in angry about something as usual, Tamiko glares him down. The old man snaps out something in Minkaian - Tamiko hadn't learned much, her mother having spoken the local common well enough that she didn't need to learn it to communicate with her, but she managed to catch something about his daughter...Ameiko, of course, she must have done something he's not happy about again. Said daughter is at the moment nowhere to be seen, but then he turns his attention to the group. Tamiko continues her glare, though she's unwilling to talk back to an elder; thankfully Marissia takes the plunge and responds to his silly protestations. As they trade barbs, Tamiko's mind wanders to the boar...one of these days, Lonjiku's going to end up roasted on a spit, he's even more ill-tempered than the beast we're eating.
Morgana spends far more time than she would admit to getting ready for the evening, well aware that it is probably the last time she's going to see Aldern for a while. She opts for full on dress tonight. No goblins, no fearful townfolk - tonight I am getting dressed up properly!
She eventually arrives at the Rusty Dragon wearing a fine dress of green silk, gathered at the waist with a silver belt and accented with a silver necklace and bracelets. Although she'd deny it if asked she's really hoping to make a final impression on Aldern.
The meal was going swimmingly - good food, good company, and Aldern seemed quite enamoured, until Lonjiku Kaijitsu stormed in. In her surprise it took Morgana a few moments to place him, and Marissia was first off the mark to defend the party but as Morgana gathered her wits she knew there was no way this was going to pass.
"Lonjiku Kaijitsu - you should be ashamed of yourself! Barging in here and laying insults around is a most reprehensible form of behaviour. You are a disgrace sir! A disgrace to Sandpoint, to the noble house of Kaijitsu and most of all a disgrace to yourself and your daughter! Now unless you are going to conduct yourself with dignity and actually ask to speak to your daughter - rather than demanding things like a town drunk then you will leave. My friend here," She gestures towards Honani. "Will be delighted to escort you if required. As for us." She steps closer to the old man and her face clouds even more. "What you think is immaterial, you doddering, pathetic excuse for a man. Not all of us are too scared to leave our houses for fear that our wives will sneak away if we aren't watching, we actually this community, so if you don't like it then leave - no-one will miss you!"
If she'd not been so upset by the spoiling of a lovely evening Morgana might have guarded her tongue more - but alas...
Marissia's eyes widen at Morgana's scathing reprimand and insults.
Oh my!
Having managed to avoid the reason for Aldern’s uncomfortable glare, Trinity made it a point to stay low key for the remainder of the hunting trip. Her attention seemed fare away, while from time to time she could be observed carefully watching the nobleman’s interaction with Morgana. Her shift in behavior, combined with a heavy brow, left little doubt that the inquisitor was concerned about something.
Later that evening, Trinity made her appearance at the Rusty Dragon at the appointed hour. She had definitely spent a fair amount of time cleaning up from the rigorous day. After locating the rest of the group, she politely approached the table. “Hi everyone.” She stated while pulling up a chair. “The room smells absolutely amazing. Is that the boar I am smelling?”
Aside from the light conversation that generally followed a large meal, Trinity kept a fairly quiet presence at the table. Her attention, as she sat quietly and enjoyed the meal, was mostly directed at the two nobles as they engaged in pleasantries.
In response to the abrupt man, who found it necessary to interrupt an otherwise delightful meal, Trinity leaned comfortably back into her chair and listened while Morgana verbally castrated the man.
Honani stops mid food shovel to turn and stare at the belligerent man. The Shoanti held great respect for their elders, even when their wits were addled and they acted like young ones.
As Morgana hurls verbal insults at the man, Honani turns to look at her agape as his name is mentioned.
"My dearest race-sister, it would not being me honor to man-handle an elder like that. They should be treated with kindness and above all respect. But then, my customs are not your customs, and you seem to be a leader of these city folk. I shall do as you ask." Honani stands from the table and moves over to the old man, Lonjiku, as people called him.
"Respectfully Lonjiku, I am Honani of the Shoanti people. My deepest apologies if my actions offended you. I meant no disrespect, only to honor myself in a battle." Honani shows him the gruesome collections of trophies. "Many of your city-folk lives were saved by our slaying of these beasts. I would have thought that would have pleased you, being a leader like my race-sister." he gestures towards Morgana. "What would you have us do?" Honani stands impassively in front of him.
Lonjiku stands stunned for a second, listening to the mostly civilised tirade from a bunch of commoners.
His lips curl into a snarl, and just as he opens his mouth to reply the kitchen door crashes swings open, hitting the door with a bang and he swiftly turns on the spot.
Standing in the doorway is Ameiko holding a ladle of dripping soup in her hand.
"Father, what is going on here?"Ameiko asks abruptly.
"You need to come with me now young lady, we are leaving for Minkai forthwith."rages Lonjiku.
"Father you must know by now that I have said no, my life is here"
"IF YOU DO NOT COME WITH ME RIGHT NOW, YOU WILL BE STRICKEN FROM MY WILL"
Ameiko replies, stating that she would never leave this town, and anyone listening and understanding is shocked by the creative and shocking use of profanities she hurls at her father.
After the quick exchange in an unfamiliar language to the town, Lonjiku strides forward to grab Ameiko by her collar to drag her from the tavern, but she dodges and hits him over the head with her soup ladle, splattering fish stock all over his clothes and hair.
Lonjiku, totally taken aback with wounded pride, splutters for a moment and quietly replies:
"You're as dead to me as your mother," swiftly leaving the tavern before anyone else gets involved.
Ameiko stands in the doorway, tears pooling in her eyes before inspecting her ladle, pulling a hair out of the mess "I'll need a well-cleaned ladle now, since jackass stew is not on the menu."
She shoots a look at Tamiko and heads back into the kitchen with a few nervous laughs from the patrons.
With wide eyes, Marissia sits in awkward silence for a few moments.
"Oh, dear..."
"Uhhhh... How about those..." Marissia sputters for a moment. Turning to Honani she asks, "Have you killed many great beasts before arriving in Sandpoint, Honani?"
Unsure how to react to the event that just unfolded, Trinity sat quietly and watched the reactions of the rest of the group. Being new to the city, she found herself a little lost at times when it came to dealing with the local population. Had she been more familiar with the young lady with the soup spoon, she might have attempted to console her, as it had become obvious that the woman had been emotionally injured in some way. The situation being what it was, she was unsure if her intervention would have been welcomed or frowned upon.
The day had been taxing. With the hunt now behind the group, Trinity found herself able to enjoy the meal without any concerns about the politics or expectations of the hunt. Still, even with the closing of the meal, she found herself wondering about the odd look she had received earlier from Aldern.
(I wonder if he knows about my past. I have seen that look many times over the years and it has never ended well. I am surprised that nothing has been said yet. He either knows, or thinks he recognizes me in some way. That look was very specific. I suppose only time will tell.) The inquisitor thought as she sat back quietly in her chair and sipped on a glass of the house wine.
Tamiko can't really follow the conversation with her horrible Minkaian, but it's clearly a heated argument. Then, Ameiko hits the old man, who beats a hasty retreat. Tamiko returns Ameiko's look as the latter retreats herself back into the kitchen, a bit shocked - she can count on one hand the number of times the times she's seen Ameiko cry. For a moment, Tamiko wants to get up and run into the kitchen to see if she's okay, but then she thinks better of it. There's nothing neechan can't handle...and this is her business to deal with anyways. Best to not get involved. I'm sure she'll come find me if she needs anything.
Morgana catches the exchange of glances between Tamiko and Amiko, possibly because she too is feeling rather upset by Longjiku's barging into their evening.
Catching Tamiko's eye she nods towards the kitchen and raises an eyebrow, trying to convey what are you waiting for?.
She looks around the table at her companions and takes a deep breath to try and calm herself. "Friends, thank you for being here tonight. I've only known most of you a short time but you are all wonderful people, brave and kind. I am proud to know you all. I imagine we all have skeletons in our closets, fathers we are not proud of." She nods towards the kitchen door as she speaks. "But I want all you to know that I believe that our parents actions have no bearing on us. A toast then, to forging our own paths!" As she raises her glass to drink she catches Trinity's eye and nods to her, before downing her wine.
Marissia looks surprised at Morgana's words...
She doesn't care that my father's deranged..?
A bright smile spreads across her face. Looking positively ecstatic, Marissia nods enthusiastically.
"Oh, yes! Well said, Morgana!"
Tamiko responds to Morgana's raised eyebrow with a resigned shrug, whispering to nobody in particular "Let her be, she'll be fine". She nods longingly at Morgana's mention of fathers - it's been years since she's seen hers - but raises to the toast all the same.
Honani is completely oblivious to all that has transpired between the two. As the words are spoken with more and more emotion he quietly withdraws back to his seat and continues to eat his meal. He grabs a noodle bowl with hot steamy broth, a few floating vegetables and meat chunks. He tips the bowl into his mouth and slurps nosily with small rivulets dripping down his face.
"So what's next? Did anyone find anything out about our mystery dead but once was living but now are living again enemies?"
Dinner winds its way to a close, faster perhaps than it would have done before Longjiku intruded, but not too quickly to feel rushed, or to prevent everyone gorging themselves on Ameiko's superb cooking - including a new stew she calls 'Not-Jackass Stew'. It is well received all round and at the round of applause and support Ameiko begins to look more like her old self.
As the party breaks up Aldern catches Morgana's hand, holding her back a moment. "My lady, Morgana, it has been a true delight to come to know you better." He says, gazing into Morgana's eyes. "I hope we will have the chance to become even better friends in future?"
As the party makes its way out of the Rusty Dragon there is a cry of surprise from a nearby house and a young woman comes stumbling out of the door. She looks around, catches sight of Sandpoint's heroes and comes rushing over, her low-cut neckline threatening to slip at any moment. As she arrives she pants in deep breaths, her bosom rising and falling in an almost exaggerated motion. She grasps Honani's arm and gasps out her message, breathing heavily into his face as she does so.
"Please kind sir, come and help me! There's a rat in my father's basement - its the size of a dog! I need a strong man to slay it. Please mighty warrior, you must come and help me!" Her distress sets her bosom heaving again and her large, impressively dark eyes stare pleadingly at Honani.
"Oh, dear, Shayliss! That sounds horrible!" Marissia exclaims. "It must be terrifying to make you so out of breath! Lead the way and we'll handle it for you."
Trinity found the woman’s plead for assistance to be earnest. With one hand on the hilt of her sword, the inquisitor turned and prepared to assist the woman.
“Please show us where this vermin is. I’m sure we can make quick work of it." Trinity stated without any concern over the fact that the woman was overtly focused on the group's muscular warrior.
Tamiko is preparing to retire to her room for the night after dinner, when she hears a cry outside. As Shayliss Vinder approaches and latches onto Honani, Tamiko rolls her eyes - of course she'd be directing her pleas towards the biggest, strongest man around. After all the beasts they've dealt with recently, though, Tamiko is sure that she won't be needed.
Morgana looks back at Aldern, his handsome face shining in the firelight. "It has been a pleasure getting to know you too Aldern." She pauses for a moment, trying to decide whether she wants the night to go on any longer. Much of her wants to take Aldern to her bed, enjoy the heady passion and heat of two bodies entwined, but the sight of the common room - still full of patrons, and the thought that flashes through her mind I still don't know much about him - what if he's married? tips the scales. "I hope you come through Sandpoint again soon. I'd like to see you again."
She extracts her hand gently and leaves the inn, unable to avoid turning back to look over her shoulder as she leaves.
As Honani and the others finish their meals he turns to them, "I could eat Not-Jackass stew every day! Can you cook like this too?" he asks the others hoping one of the females can replicate the delicious dinner.
As they head outside and are acousted by the buxom female, Honani cannot help but stare at her chest. He completely ignores her impressively dark eyes and the plea for help. Once his friends begin to offer assistance he emerges from his stupor. Brandishing his klar, and guisarme, he shouts "I will slay all the rats in Sandpoint for you! Come race-sister and dear friends, we have rodents to catch." With that Honani bounds like a deer through a thicket into the house.
Marissia shakes her head sadly. "I cannot. Sorry, Honani. Perhaps if Ameiko gave me the recipe, I could learn?"
As Honani blatantly stares in awe at Shayliss' abundant cleavage, Marissia looks a little sad. She's lucky to be so beautiful! I never get attention like that...
Left behind by Honani's zeal, Marissia follows behind him, hurrying to catch up.
"No, please, I don't want to trouble you. I'm sure Honani here will be able to deal with them alone!" Shayliss cries, dragging Honani towards Sandpoint General Store.
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Tamiko, from the top of the stairs, sees Morgana and Aldern make what appears to be a tender, but chaste farewell, before Morgana leaves the Inn and Aldern comes towards the stairs looking slightly disappointed.
"Oh..." Marissia remarks, as she discovers she's not wanted, again. "Well, alright... Goodbye, Honani. Bye, Shayliss."
Marissia watches a little sadly, then turns to the others.
"Good night, everyone. I had a lovely time! I hope to see you again soon." She smiles kindly, then turns and starts off on the walk home.