Tarinhil watches the elf and the cards carefully, I don't think he palmed anything, and he seems very tied to his performance. And he figured out I'm an alchemist, which is somewhat impressive... unless he noted the flasks and reagent pouches I'm carrying... Now he's talking about the future -- I should pay more attention, there may be something useful there.... what's he... hey... he has 7 of the same card? I don't think that's a normal deck!
Tarinhil nods at the elf's grave pronouncement of there not being a future, That's not quite the way I want the Bleaching to be ended.... can we try a different path?
Finally, hearing that his fate rests on one card, he leans forward, then rocks back with a blink at the final pronouncement... I may find what I seek, but I may lose it if I am not careful.... That seems very profound, but, sadly rather unmeasurable. And, really, probably true everyday, not just tomorrow. I'm not seeing how all this works. I should really just ask for some blood.
As the elf slumps over, Tarinhil offers, "Thank you. I'm not sure I can say I know anything new about the festival, but I shall try to heed your warnings. Especially as they seem to have taken so much out of you. I am, indeed, an alchemist, by the way. I am Tarinhilliberanavius, formerly of Brastlewark and now of the road. Well met."
He pauses, watching the elf regain his strength then turns to the elf's larger companion, "Well met. You are?"
After shaking hands, he sits down, the smell of the food overwhelming him. "Pardon me, it was a long walk.", he says as he grabs the utensils and begins to tear into the spicy meal with gusto.
Tarinhil smiles, "This is wonderful! A new flavour for rations when I'm on the trail for certain! One of my favourites!"
Aéron watches the whole reading with the cards and doesn't move, he is too busy staring at the cards. It is obvious that when multiple cards appear of the same card he gets very confused. After it is all over he looks to the little man and gently accepts his hand, a gentleness one wouldn't expect of such a giant.
The size difference is obvious and he ends up shaking the little mans hand with just his thumb and first two fingers, then releases his hand to let the little man eat. "Tarin...hilli...beran...avius? That's a bit ova mouthful ... Could I call ya Tarin, it'd be easier? My name's Aéron, Aéron Skáh. What I am ... is hungry!" With that he bursts into a deep laughter, he finally stops laughing with a brush with the back of his hand over his mouth, "All I am is a man who's been trained as a warrior in the best group of warriors in all the world. I'm now in the employ of Zara here. What's an Alchemist?" When the food comes Aéron looks up at Ameiko and nods, "Thanks, it smells nice, do ya have any bread please?"
He picks up his fork and starts to eat his food, firstly with a small amount on the fork to get a flavour of it, then with a full fork amount each time, he swallows after his second or third mouthful, "Mmmm, it's nice." He smiles broadly at the flavour of it and then gets back to eating. He looks like he hasn't eaten in weeks, although you can tell he is trying to eat in a respected manner, actually using the fork is one such a way. Once about half of his plate is cleared, he takes a couple of deeps gulps from his drink and gets back to eating his food.
That's when he see's it, a small creature sniffing him, "What's he want ... food?" Coming to that conclusion he takes a small piece of meat out of his meal and places it in the palm of his hand, then holds his hand out in front of the small creature and is perfectly still, waiting to see if the creature will take it.
Tarinhil smiles proudly, "It is, indeed. Some of it is elven, some of it is Chelish. I'm quite proud of it."
He nods at the self-praise, then his voice becomes a little more guarded as he continues, "Tarinhil would be better, it's the core part of my name. Tarin's a little... intimate... for a first meeting." And it's what Marra used to call me, a reminder I'm better off without...
He takes a pull from the flagon of cider, letting the wondrous taste distract him and chase away the darker thoughts, draining what's left and slamming down the mug with a burp.
"That's good stuff.", he says, then looks back up to the warrior, pondering his other question. He cocks his head to the side, as if to evaluate the large man's motives, and then convinces himself that it appears to be genuine curiousity rather than polite conversation. He smiles again and explains, rather energetically, "An alchemist is one who studies and harnesses the magics inherent in the world -- well, all worlds, really -- generally using them to make potions, extracts, infusions... and even mutagens. Basically, we mix and match ingredients to make magic in bottles, powered with only the smallest trickle of our own power."
Aéron nods at the small man, "Tis a good name, so Tarinhil are ya here for the festival?" Aéron pays special attention to what Tarinhil says about Alchemists and thinks carefully, "So ... ya're like a cook that makes things with magic ingredients?"
Tarinhil ponders the comparison for a moment and then nods, "That's not a bad way of looking at it -- though it takes special training and a bit of innate magic to do it -- because we often have to find magic within the mundane ingredients of the world -- common things like river water and acorns, for example."
He dangles his empty mug for a moment before standing on his chair again, trying to catch Ameiko's attention, pointing at it and then smiling when she nods at him. He turns back to the brute before him and says, "I actually had been meaning to come for a while, looking into tales of beasts with strange properties... but the festival gave me a perfect excuse to come. How about yourselves?"
Ameiko brings more cider and ales.
Don't mind this little fellow, he is always around town, looking for trouble. If you have anything shiny keep an eye on it though, he sometimes forgets that all shinys are not his. Right?
She leans down and scruffs the creature.
And you sir Gnome I am looking forward to your tale.
Ah Eryda! Good to see you again. She arches her eyebrows Must you always parade around in your armor? I promise I am not going to hurt you. Mead right?
Aéron continues to eat wile listening to Tarinhil answer my questions, "Sounds similar to a Shaman. They're people of great importance where I'm from. I didn' even know about the festival, but Zara was heading here, so I followed. What's this about strange creatures?"
Hearing that the animal prefers shiny things I eat the piece of meat in my hand and reach into a pouch on my belt and pull out a silver coin, rubbing it on my trousers to make sure it is clean and shiny, then roll it to the creature, "Here ya go. Ya can keep that." Aéron glances around at the small woman wearing big armour, nods and then turns back to the creature and Tarinhil.
The silver coin rolls and bounces across the floor, anothr patron makes a move for it but Draken is much faster, he snags it and then sticks his tongue out at the patron who was too slow.
Shakes his head and looks about for his food that is supposed to be coming. Your not the only one confused Tarnhilliberanavius. I have never had a reading come out so confusing and so dark. And as I sit here and cast it again and again it get the message that the trigger for it all starts tomorrow. Here in this town. He looks down at the cards and sighs before puting them away. He has been through the deck enough times for you both to see there is only one arcanist. And something should be happening soon for you to find what you seek I suggest you be ready for it.
In the shadow of the building, standing upon the steps, Sethran tears a piece of meat pastry.
He offers it to the diminutive dragon. Pastry?
As Sethran holds out the pastry he suddenly finds that the little dragon is gone. Odd. There is plenty of noise coming from the Rusty dragon down the street, and the children can be heard fainlty running around shouting and yelling about who gets to be the ice dragon. But Sethran finds himself alone.
"You may call me Draken, I meant no disrespect, just going with what the children said, so you are a what?" He continues to look in your pack and squirm over you.
*Edited see DMs post above -^
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The black ferret sniffs at the hand, licks the closest finger, looks up at the half-orc, then grabs the meat and nibbles on it. Holding the meat with claws and chews it bit by bit.
At the notion of Tarinhil saying 'beasts with strange properties' the black ferret looks over at the gnome. Then nods its head back and forth.
As Ameiko scruffs him down he moves so that she can scruff him in all the spots needed to be scruffed.
The little ferret runs off, likely storing his new shiney silver.
Soon he is back and smelling the gnome this time! Looking in any pockets or pouches. *Sniff, sniff, sniff*
Sethran finding himself alone decides to explore the source of sound... Sound is an indicator of life. The Dragon is where her supped the previous evening, though not where he'd stayed.
He enters discretely enough.
Welcome back! Ameiko calls from behind the counter.
Sethran enters in time to see a small ferret bound across the floor chasing a silver coin. The coins seems to have come from an enormous man sitting next to an elf with a strange mask on and a bizarre little gnome. Sitting elsehwere in the room is a dwarf in full armor, whom you had seen last night.
Sethran raises his hand in a return greeting to the hostess.
Then he stands beside the dwarf's table... He speaks Dwarven. Mind if I join you? I am Sethran, new in town. Festival should be nice. My first time.
Seeing the creature take the piece of meat I remain perfectly still and calm, watching it in fascination. Then when it is finished I roll the coin to it, but put a little too much strength behind the flip of the coin. Seeing the creature now chase the coin and manage tog et there before another patron I let out a laugh. Once it is back at the table I look at it curiously, "Where did you put the coin?"
Hearing Ameiko welcome another patron I turn to see who it is and see an Elf, this one not wearing a mask though. I nod and then pay more attention to the creature again, who is now sniffing at Tarinhil.
Tarinhil watches the little ferret for a moment and then says, "I have nothing to offer but dried fruit and spiced meat. Sorry, little friend. I'd try talk to you, but I'm not that kind of gnome."
Sees the ferrets antics and smiles. He reaches into a pouch and pulls out a few slated almonds and holds one out to the ferret. That will have to do for you til my food arrives. Which will hopefully be soon.
He looks around the table then back to the gnome. Oh yes I have been rude how discourtes of me I am Tiazara Tyrneamitore. Diviner. Wizard. Harrower. Traveller at your service and thanyou for letting me preform that reading for you . It was an honor even if not the one I had hoped.
He turns to Aeron and watches him with the ferret. Tsurna getts jealous and pomes her head out demanding scritchies with which Tiazara unconsciously obliges. Petting the small white cats red tipped ears he takes in another look around the inn a sense of foreboding growing. He turns quietly to Aeron and says just loud enough for the table to overhear. Aeron if you would even it they have to be peacebonded make sure your tools are at hand tomorrow.
I look at Zara, "I'll go 'n' fetch ya'r food for ya." With that I stand and head over to the bar and smile at Ameiko, I tower above her, "Excuse me, ma friend ordered some food 'n' I'm here to pick it up before he gets too hungry." Once the food has been given to me, "Thanks." With that I bow my head and head back to the table and gently place the plate down in front of Zara, "There ya go. Enjoy." I then carefully sit down in my chair again, making sure not to land too hard and break the chair.
As Zara whispers to myself, I reach behind me and stroke the handle of my hammer, then put my hand back on the table while I take a drink. "Ya can count on it Zara. I'd like to visit someone too, if that's alright? A Mister Daviren Hosk, he knew ma mother."
Eryda accepted her drink as graciously as a dwarf would - with a cheerful grunt. After taking a swig, she replied Ameiko. I like to think of it as advertising my expertise. I am, after all, now relieved of duty at Red Dog's. Maybe I might try- She pauses to drink from the mug again as Ameiko welcomes a new patron. Try my luck at Savahs'. Or would you hire me, Amy? *chortles*
A sudden indrocuction in Dwarven startled Eryda slightly, causing her to hiccup. An Elf speaking rather Dwarven standing next to her table. She raised an eyebrow and spread her hand out toward him, as though offering a seat. Tis not the day for hallucinations. I have only my first mug and already I do be hearing Dwarven from an Elf. Tell me that he do be real, Amy. Sit, sit! The bar do be for everyone, tis not any table of mine!
Thanks and of course it is. Do you wish company? Looks down at his plate and sighs at the salad. At least there's chicken. He plucks a piece out and offers it to the ferret and then starta eating.
hmmm I meant to say that she brought you a cider and a special sorry
The ferret does not say anything to Aeron, though nods its head to the right and left.
The ferret shrugs when Tarinhilliberanavius says he has nothing to give.
The ferret then goes and takes the salted almond chewing it bit by bit.
*Edited
The ferret takes the chicken offered by the elf and then offers it to the cat.
Smiles and offers the ferret another almond picks at his salad. He pets his cat and then holds his hand out to the ferret to see if wants scrictchies. So who do you belong to little one? Or are you just a free roamer? If you are perhaps you would like to travel with me and my friends when we leave. You could do tricks get petted by new and strange people. Eat new foods smell new smells and have a warm home.
Ameiko hops up and silences the crowd.
The first story of the night will be told by a newcomer. The gnomish adventurer Tarinhill...such a long name!
The crowd laughs, warmly with Tarin, very clearly not at him
The ferret nods after your questions. He jumps up standing on his front paws, walks to the ledge jumps off backwards and lands on the elfs free side, back exposed to get scratched.
Looks at my table mates and down at the ferret. I suppose I should get to working on my story hmmm? And what about you do you like applejack? Pours a bit of his extra hard cider into a shallow plate and puts it near the ferret as he rubs him down.
Aeron you were a shamans apprentice surely you know a few tales.
Tsurna yowls at all the extra attention the Draken is getting. His eyes peer out from the satchel he looks forlornly at Zara
I thought we were friends... he seems to say
Looks down at Tsurna. Hush little girl you know your always first. I petted you just moments ago. Do you not want a friend when we leave this place? She looks up at him and he reaches down to pet her making sure to get all her favorite spots. He sighs as he stares at his salad. She is still staring at him as if to say He is food you don't befriend food.
Now one of you has to give up being petted so I can eat. Tsurna this it will be you next timeit will be him tthat's how its going to be. He keeps petting the ferret and picks up his fork and finishes eating.
He drinks up the cider quickly and curls up into a fuzz ball on the table with his head up looking around at the table mates.
Sethran gives her a quizzical look. Apparently taking his linguistic bent for granted and continuing in Dwarven.
Hmm... perhaps you have a point. At least they're not watering down the drink. Now, what war are you all girded up for? Sandpoint, Swallowtail Festival... future is look bright, figuratively.
I heard there is a glassworks in town.
Gathers the sleep ferret into a pocket and lets Tsurna out for her turn at being petted. She purrs happily he also feeds her bits of chicken from his salad. He gazes across the room at the other elf and the dwarf. Hmmm perhaps I should send them a round. He flags the serving wench and sends over to Seth and Eryda a round of whatever they are having.
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As the elf took his spot at the bar, Eryda proffered her mug as a toast. Don't let Amy hear you. She takes not so kindly to people wjo make assumptions about her fare. And don't mind the armor. It is basically all I have left to my name. I was recently employed by the local smith to assist with constructing the cathedral. Bits and pieces. These armaments were something like a gift from him.
Eryda pauses and drinks deeply from her mug.
I smile at Zara, "Thanks, but I think I should go on ma own, I'd like ta hear what he say's about ma mother." I watch the creature with fascination, "It seems ta understand me." But before he can say anything else Zara mentions his training, "No, no stories ... ya ever heard ova spirit ova dead person attach itself on ta living person before?"
The Elf's Dwarven is formal and perhaps archaic, using words, pronunciation of words and even combinations of words that may have evolved to a more modern or common form.
Seems I've spent too much time in Kaer Maga of late, they'd cheat you out of water if they could. I've seen no such penchant here at Sandpoint.
You worked for the smith? A crafter then? Truely delightful. I've been considering and dabbling... But, still have a way to go. The reason I'm so pleased is it appears I've developed a sensitivity to bright light from spending so much time poring over scrolls in basement libraries or at excavation sights.
Sethran sips at some cold honeyed mead. Refreshing.
Yes I have happens all the time. In fact they also attach to objects. My Harrow Deck is such a spirit hallow. A bit of every person and creature who's bones make up the cards spirit is in that deck. That's what makes it so powerful and allows me to generate divination effects beyond my ability to cast by myself. The spirits guide my hands. Some are their willingly they gave of themselves to guide future generations such as the family in this deck the eldest is freed when the deck passes on to the next holder so each generation one is freed unless something goes wrong. Others because they owed great debts in life they failed to pay and now must work off the cars made from them will crack and break when the debt is evened freeing the spirit. And others because of their crimes they will serve forever. Unless I or another holder of the deck decides their crimes have been paid for. This deck currently goes back 54 generations of Varissans for the regular cards. Which makes the main arcana just over 3000 years old for the eldest card. I have been told that the oldest card in the deck now isone of the major arcana and came from a dragon 4000 years ago. During this hole speeach he is shuffling his 74 card harrow deck of bones.
I listen to Zara intently and glance at the cards nervously, "Well something similar's what happened ta me. Ma mother clung ta me after death 'n' I was accused of devouring her soul. That's when ya came. The only other things that happened was battle 'n' training." This is the first time I have spoken about this, even to Zara, but he is now starting to feel comfortable with Zara as he hasn't led him astray yet.
Ah the cards told me too. In fact you would still be there if it wasn't for these I wouldn't have found you. See i was seeing trouble He flips over The Dance in opposition. And I wanted a way out of it to avoid it. He flips the titian side ways. This is you its also unique to my deck. It shows great potential strength but in this postion its bound and can not defend itself from He flips the beating. See you were under attack from all sides you need the He flips the Juggler in alignment. That's me. And with me you found He smiles as he filps over The Big Sky. That is freedom and in more than one way. That was the reading that lead me to seek you and from there it was auguring left right or straight which was easy. Through it all he never touched the deck with more than one hand and your fairly certain he didn't stack the deck. Having played poker with him your certain he doesn't know how.
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Eryda dfained her mug and set it down firmly on its side, a sign Ameiko was used to seeing. As she waited for her next round to come, Eryda decided the gnome was probably not going to start his story anytime soon, having been distracted by little animals. She turned to face the elf proper, noting a mysterious coloring in the eyes. Too much darkness. Sunlight would probably disagree with him.
Ameiko brews a drink fine enough to rival that of my home. Kaer Maga, you say? I've only seen some mention of it in the lorebooks my Mistress used to have in her home. Pity the house burned down in the same fire that brought down the old cathedral. My only comfort was that she had already passed on, and could not witness the loss of what must have been decades of lore.
Eryda sits quielty for a few seconds, reminiscing. She suddenly jerks up and calls out. Amy! Don't keep a jobless fool waiting for her ale! Once more adressing the elf, Eryda inquires. Pardon me, but I do believe we have not been formally introduced. Eryda Stouthaft, cleric of Torag!
Tsurna sees the resting Ferret and actually hops out of the satchel onto the table and begins to sniff it. She then circles him and licks his forehead. He looks up at Zara as if to say. This one is acceptable. She then swats him on the head and races back into the sack. Draken pops up looks around and then hops onto Aeron's shoulders like a stole.
Ameiko wanders over t Zara. Not a fan of the salad? Try this. She plops down a meat covered plate and scoops away the salad.
She moves over to Eryda, her hips swaying dangerously and puts down two mugs for her.
Must we do this every night Eryda? Two ales, extra head. And I took th eliberty of bringing you a wine sir elf.
A cleric no less! Sethran, Student of History, researcher and scribe. Thank you both... for the drink.
The glass frosts up as Sethran accepts it, chilling the white wine. Please, I am not a drinker. Food, I enjoy... the more spiced the better.
And, let the food be on me.
Ameiko returns shortly w a spicy stew.