The goblin salutes all those around him who offer him a drink, he shakes James Pollick's hand and speaks to everyone. "I appoligize for the confusion. I wish I could say this was the first time I was mistaken for my... cousins. But it seems to happen just about everytime. Good thing I like working for the Society... But where are my manners, My name is Fliters, but my friends call me Flit" He gives off a laugh and takes a drink that is offered to him.
He turns to Chadron and appears to be lost in thought for a moment, "Hmmm, a good story.... OH! I could tell you about the time that I walked in on Paracountess Zarta Dralneen, she's the Cheliax ambassador. She was having an issue with an "employee", more like lover was the proper term. When I went to her estates, it appears that the issue was already resolved and I walked in on them debating the terms of a new "contract" Flit gives off a shrill laugh and takes a large swig of his drink
Olly turns to stare as Chadron uses "friend" and "goblin" in the same sentence. Now that, I've never heard before. On the other hand, a goblin Pathfinder... there's a story there somewhere, for sure.
Swallowing her instinctive reaction to goblins, she picks up her drink (which somehow has managed not to spill through all the activity) and turns to listen as this curious creature starts talking. As Flit finishes his story, Olly clucks her tongue. "Come now, that's hardly enough detail for a proper story. At least tell us what sort of employee was involved!" I can't believe I'm asking this. But this could be a great story to add to my collection!
Accepting a drink from the bartender, Zella then listens to goblin talk. I've never heard a goblin with such a good command of the common tongue before. He actually sounds like a normal person.
After Flit laughs after telling that little tidbit, Zella asks: "Well now, how did she handle the sight of you walking in at such a delicate time. Shall we assume she didn't ask you to join in?"
Dair pays for Olly and Zell's drinks, then sits back to listen to the Goblin's story. He chuckles at the goblin's interesting phrases "Contract negotiations are often stressful. Of course, riding oneself of that stress can be fun" He says with a grin.
The over-worked waitress eventually brings a bottle of wine, and more cups, to the table of Varisians. Gudada hands her the entirety of his recently acquired funds. "Please, keep the wine flowing for my cousins until this is done," and he begins pouring the wine for those he joined.
The waitress looks at the coins in her hand, gives a typically flirty grin to Gudada and nods as she moves on to the next patron calling for somthing or another.
Once all of his fellows have a cup of wine, the young man stands before them and speaks in Varisian.
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Noro answering Talon's question actually I have a plash near the docks, well, rent actually.... her sentence trails off as Noro is watching the activities in the tavern she begins to focus in on someone.
I think I see shomeone I might know she get up from her stool and slowly approaches Gudada, she has that look like seeing someone you think you recognize but has been a long time since you last saw them.
Gudada? is that you? I havent seen you shince... she puases a bit, trying to remember if she beat him up as a kid or not well its been a while letsh leave it at that.as she slaps him on the back.
Talon is bemused by Chadron's reproach and thinks to himself 'Man he is unabashedly outspoken.' He wryly jabs back, "Hey, my job is to act first and act fast, I give others the chance then to think, to act, to ask questions if they like. Its not like I ran him through." he finishes with a smile.
Talon watches the exchange with the goblin and the Rusty Dragon's patrons. 'This has turned out much better than expected, such entertainment and we are still a week away from the festival' He grabs another ale for himself and another for the goblin and walks over to hand him a 'let bygones be bygones' brew.
Gudada? is that you? I havent seen you shince... she puases a bit, trying to remember if she beat him up as a kid or not well its been a while letsh leave it at that.as she slaps him on the back.
Looking up at the sound of his name, but still facing the table, Gudada's head cocks slightly as Noro asks if he is him or not. "Shhtoppet?" He turns to face her, obviously uncertain in both expression and tone. "Are you the gi . . .." His expression changes as he takes in Noro's build, her armor, and recognizes her face . . .. "Yes, I am Gudada. What did you say your name is, again?"
"A ready blade's nothing to apologize for," Chadron grins at Talon, "and a quick wit to know what and whether to do with it is a greater gift. Flit might have had a bloodier tale from this evening if your wits weren't quicker than your sword. Lovely blade, by the way. Is it one of James' here, or is he trying to pitch you an upgrade?"
As Chadron banters with Talon and James about steel, and keeps half an ear on the byplay between Flit and the performers, he's keeping an eye out for Blixa. 'That gnome, on the other hand, was all too ready with his dogslicer. It would be a great shame if he were to sour the mood.'
Aside from the nagging thought about Blixa, James settled in to enjoy himself thoroughly. A good tavern, engaging conversation, a frission of derring do. And the possibility of finding some real adventuring. James was never much of a student, or a one for memorizing tales, but the Pathfinder Society had an air of mystery and excitement.
'There must be a reason the Pathfinders sent someone for this quaint festival. And so far Fliters is telling tales about anything except why he's here. The ceremony's not for a week, but that may just be an excuse masking something else. I'll have to bend his ear quietly (generous, green ear that it is...) sooner, rather than later.'
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Noro pauses a moment at the mocking and takes several deep breaths.
Don't you remember itsh me, Noro she then cracks her knuckles as if that is supposed to be a reminder.
She merely gives Gudada friendly punch to the arm
I'll be nice to you shince it has been a while and it ish good to shee you again
she lets out a light laugh then buys him a drink then whispers to him Pleashe don't do that again.
Flit laughs at all the follow up questions. "I'm afraid I didn't participate, the Paracountess is a bit too interested in leather and whips for my tastes! HAHA!"
Flit hopes down from the bar stool, "I'm think it is time that I find my room. I have traveled far and I am quite tired. I bid you all a great night and I will see you all at the festival!"
Noro pauses a moment at the mocking and takes several deep breaths.
Don't you remember itsh me, Noro she then cracks her knuckles as if that is supposed to be a reminder.
She merely gives Gudada friendly punch to the arm
He rubs the arm, suggesting that her idea of a nudge might be a little more solid from his perspective. "Well, it HAS been nearly six years. I was only, what, 11?"
I'll be nice to you shince it has been a while and it ish good to shee you again
she lets out a light laugh then buys him a drink then whispers to him Pleashe don't do that again.
"I really never knew your name, Noro. We even called you that when we talked about you. It seems like every stage in life is 'us against the world'. At that point they were my us, and you were not. Things are always changing, but they always look the same, don't they?"
[/ooc]
The elf sat on the balcony and watched the stars.
He had to admit a slight dissapointment that the sacred standing stones that overlooked the sea were now surrounded by a towering cathedral and a sprawling town barely a century old. It seemed even the Lost Coast had no more truly secret places.
His boots sat beside him, the supple leather scuffed by decades of travel. The Cathedral was truly a magnificent thing, and in the last several days he had busied himself helping the priesthood with the last of the construction. The stained-glass was truly magnificent, catching the starlight and shimmering a pale blue. Tonight he had drunk with the glassworkers, but now he sat alone, listening to the noise from inside the tavern.
"In the north sky. That is Cynosure." the elf says in soft, patient tones to noone in particular. "One of the goddesses many silver palaces. The star around which all others dance. Below it, the Stair of Stars, guiding travelers northward. Beside The Sphinx, do you not see it?" He sits for some time, smiling as he maps out the heavens and watches the steam rise from his hot spiced wine. He takes a deep, contented breath of the night air and steps into the tavern, taking a few sweeping steps towards the goblin and staring at him perplexed with deep grey eyes.
"Mankoi naa lle sinome? Why are you here?" he asks the Goblin, softly, hand dancing near a sharpened starknife in his belt.
[/ooc]
"Leather and whips... that's loathsome." James' face contorts in disgust as he shakes his head. "I'll never understand why some can't simply have a good night without pain and strangeness." He seems even more perturbed by laughter at the thought and moves a bit away where he is ambushed by Talon and Chadron.
"A blade should be ready indeed Talon, though keep your wits about you. It could have been quite the incident had the little goblin died in our town." James eyes light up as he begins speaking about weaponcrafting. "Ah, the boy holds decent steel but I could make better practically in my sleep. See the mark there on the hilting? It's where the armorer spilled a bit of the steel as he went to attach the hilt and the blade together. Easy to do and a common mistake, not one many people worry about but not a blade I'd allow in my shop. The hilt and blade can be forged together there, but the full tang is much more solid and sturdy. Keeps the blade more balanced too." James continues happily, explaining his current projects (Mostly the tribal weapons of the Shoanti and the weapons favored by the clerics of the Cathedral temples, James had a better eye for business than many credited him for and he knew the travellers coming into town would want their patrons weapons or the novelty of ancestral weapons.) "The oddest among my collection is a big maul that the Shoanti call an Earthbreaker. It's a hammer with blunted spikes made to equalize the force as the wielder swings, but the haft must be very light. It's a tough project, and I seem to have fallen behind. I may not be able to get one on display before the festival, but that will be fine, I have two-bladed swords, starknives, crossbow bolts, and long blades in the window, I had a priest of Iomedae come in earlier and make a commission for a truly fine blade which I hope to finish before the day." James takes a long look around and seems to realize the others are not quite as... engrossed in weapons design discussion as he is and then takes a draught from his cup. "Ah... apologies... I tend to ramble."
Uncharacteristically quietly, Chadron gathers his bundle from beneath the bar. As he heads for the stairs, he grunts, "Going to drop my kit off in a room. I'll be back down for a nightcap in a bit."
Silent as they head up the stairs, as Flit and Chadron look for their correct doors, Chadron addresses Flit directly, "Master Pathfinder, I doubt you need my help, but I need an opportunity. Please allow me to be a strong arm and a bright eye to aid your efforts on behalf of the Society. I came to Sandpoint seeking adventure and glory, monsters to slay. I can only think that some divinity has put me in your path."
Realizing the extent to which he's put himself forward, and made himself vulnerable to the judgement of this goblin, who, however personable, is still a stranger, Chadron continues on. "My alternative is to hunt about for some trouble to emerge. Perhaps I'll see if the town guard needs help for the festival." Looking sharply again at Fliter, "but it seems very vague and undirected, when I'm betting you've got trouble on a leash."
Chadron ducks his head a bit abashedly, and fumbles a key into a door, looking for a possible exit if he's shot down.
Darius' ears perked up at the mention of a two-bladed sword. "You, smith, did I hear you mention a two-balded sword? Excuse me, milady." Darius gets up and walks over to James. "May I ask, if you have ever seen one such as this?" Carefully draws his blades and connects the locking mechanisms on the pommels, completing the weapon to form an elegant two-bladed sword.
James looks over the blade with a critical eye. "I've never seen a two-blader that does that. May I look closer?" He tales the blade with respect and moves it lazily about for a moment, then sets it on the table and looks at the locking mechanism closely. "Very interesting. It's not as tough as the ones that I make as one piece, but it's more light, and could likely work as a pair of long blades in apinch, though they'd be a bit unbalanced. That locking mechanism is ingenious. I can't seem to find a way the blades would come apart without you triggering it. Whoever forged this was quite excellent at the smaller details to get thus seam correct. I'd love to see if I could duplicate it sometime." After his careful analysis James hands the blade back. "A good weapon. Mayhaps not as good as one of mine but it has certainly given me a few ideas." The big Varisian smiles at Darius widely, "But here I am chatting you up about swords before we've even been properly introduces. James Pollick, son of John, born and raised here in Sandpoint."
Receives the blade back from James, then detaches and sheaths the blades in a blink of an eye. "And my name is Darius Valinargus. A pleasure to meet you sir. The blades were my fathers, he was.... not from around here. As for them being used individually, I'm sorry to say that it's not possible. They are more unbalanced then they appear when separated." Darius orders another glass of red wine.
Kojan watches the smith for some time before stepping away from the bar and nodding in greeting. "Well met, son of John." he says, bowing siffly. "And you, Elf." he adds, with a nod toward Darius. "You say you make Shoanti steel?" he says, in the tones of someone who is offended by the thought. His expression softens, however, and his tattoos twist in the gloom as a smile cracks across his face. "I would happily see your wares, Son of John, and your forge. I fear my Klar is in need of repair, the hide of the ogres is thick indeed, and I fear the blade has been pried loose. It will need to be inlaid with iron, to make it strong." he says, continuing on and speaking more than he has since he entered the tavern.
He flashes an apologetic glance at the half-elf. "Ah. Forgive me for interrupting, my friend."
Bows his head slightly, "It is not a problem friend. I am Darius, and you are?" Finishes his glass of wine and orders another, throwing a sly wink at the barmaid in the process.
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Noro pauses a moment at the mocking and takes several deep breaths.
Don't you remember itsh me, Noro she then cracks her knuckles as if that is supposed to be a reminder.
She merely gives Gudada friendly punch to the arm
He rubs the arm, suggesting that her idea of a nudge might be a little more solid from his perspective. "Well, it HAS been nearly six years. I was only, what, 11?"
"I really never knew your name, Noro. We even called you that when we talked about you. It seems like every stage in life is 'us against the world'. At that point they were my us, and you were not. Things are always changing, but they always look the same, don't they?"I'll be nice to you shince it has been a while and it ish good to shee you again
she lets out a light laugh then buys him a drink then whispers to him Pleashe don't do that again.
Well letsh just say that you seem to have matured, more than shome of the others. I work with few down at the docks I'm sure you'll recogize them though not exactly ash you may remember them kind of indicating they may have a broken nose or black eye now.
anyway, what have you been up to?
It would seem that her speech seems to be more normal as she becomes more relaxed but the impediment is still there.
Olly watches the goblin leave. Somehow I don't think I'm going to be telling that story any time soon. Shrugging, she turns to Dairkal. "Thanks for the drink!" she says, smiling. "Don't know as we were properly introduced. I'm Olly, Olly Ackenthorpe. That's a nice set of pipes you've got going. Maybe we should put together an act -- maybe with our dancer friend here?" and she turns and smiles at Zella. "I'm sure we could at least pick up a few coins during the festival."
Whips and leather? I'm sure that was quite a scene the little goblin walked in on. Shaking her head to try to clear that image from it, she sips from her cup and turns towards her two new little friends. "The next round will by my treat and my name is Zelladania. Putting an act together for the festival sounds like a good idea to me. Good way to hopefully make some coin and get some attention.
Talon smiles are Chadron's good natured compliment and continues their back and forth with amusement.
He watches Noro engage the man with two purses, at first not sure what her intent might be but seeing quickly that they apparently know each other. Talon tucks his waist purse under his tunic just the same.
Now fully imbibed he waltzes over to Olly and Sella in a confident gait, though a slightly more than tipsy one and says "Ladies, I am swept up by your talents, I really enjoyed your performance.. It's clear to them that while he is intoxicated and over reaching, he is also sincere.
"Of course I could sharpen it up. Or even make you a better one if you'd like." James smiles at the man. "And I should assume he was not from around here with skin like that. Not that I wish to be prejudiced based on your culture." James adds in a rush, realizing how it may have sounded. "So you're a Shoanti? Why are you here in Sandpoint?" The smith asks with interest of Kojan.
Giving an appraising glance at the young man as he speaks, Zella then gives a little bow while being careful not to spill her drink. "Thank you for the kind praise. I hope most of the townfolk will be as appreciative of our future performances." Always nice to receive praise for a performance. Perhaps word of mouth will carry news of my talents to Drokkus."
... a certain deadly sin may make its presence known.
anyway, what have you been up to?
It would seem that her speech seems to be more normal as she becomes more relaxed but the impediment is still there.
Gudada nods to the Varisians at the table as he stands and tries to nudge Noro back to the rest of the crowd. "What have I been doing? The same thing I was doing when we were teasing you, really. Taking from those who do not know how to protect what they have in order to provide for 'us'. That version of 'us' seems to be over, now, too, sadly. I was comfortable as part of Shandor's caravan. I knew my role, was respected for my contributions, and was able to enjoy myself." He sighs, looking at the still growing crowd while fingering something inside his vest. "Now it seems I am looking to define 'us', again. Jubrayl would probably be happy to help me with that, if nothing better turns up." 'Dada snorts, whether at that thought or the next could be hard to guess. "I certainly can't become my father and tie myself to a forge.
"What of you? What have you been doing with yourself, Noro?"
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Gudada nods to the Varisians at the table as he stands and tries to nudge Noro back to the rest of the crowd. "What have I been doing? The same thing I was doing when we were teasing you, really. Taking from those who do not know how to protect what they have in order to provide for 'us'. That version of 'us' seems to be over, now, too, sadly. I was comfortable as part of Shandor's caravan. I knew my role, was respected for my contributions, and was able to enjoy myself." He sighs, looking at the still growing crowd while fingering something inside his vest. "Now it seems I am looking to define 'us', again. Jubrayl would probably be happy to help me with that, if nothing better turns up." 'Dada snorts, whether at that thought or the next could be hard to guess. "I certainly can't become my father and tie myself to a forge."What of you? What have you been doing with yourself, Noro?"
Noro pauses at the question searching for the best way to say.
finally she in a more quiet tone. I have been off and on working for Jubrayl part bounsher and part..... well letsh just leave it at that
she suddenly perks up a bit hey.. I could talk to Jubrayl for ya shee what he can do for ya
"What of you? What have you been doing with yourself, Noro?"Noro pauses at the question searching for the best way to say.
finally she in a more quiet tone. I have been off and on working for Jubrayl part bounsher and part..... well letsh just leave it at that
Gudada chuckles.
she suddenly perks up a bit hey.. I could talk to Jubrayl for ya shee what he can do for ya
"Thank you, but no. A man should conduct his own business, and if you approach Jubrayl on my behalf, he will assume that I am less." The young Varisian looks directly into Noro's eyes. "I hesitate to go to him because I believe he will want me to claim property for profit instead of to provide. There's nothing wrong in taking what you and yours need. Taking what you can because of someone else's greed, though . . .. I don't think Nadya, Shandor, or Petsha would approve. I don't think I want to be that."
Tessara just sits back and enjoys the night, trying to listen in on all the conversations and things going on.
Talon approaches the mixed trio discussing their weponry and listens in. He volunteers his won rapier, aiming the worn hilt towards the group. "Yes James, I could definitely use your help with this old fellow or perhaps a replacement. The sea air has not been so kind to him and I fear his true days are numbered. Nothing fancy mind you but dependable - this one has saved my hide on many occasions."
He admires the strength and honor with which the tribesman and smith carry themselves, he sees the same strength of conviction in the barbarian though his is a little rougher around the edges, it is nonetheless pure.
Gabriel Cailean quietly enters the Rusty Dragon Inn. He approaches the bar and although tries to speak quietly is betrayed by his deep baritone voice "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like a glass of wine"
Olly grins at Talon as he comes over. "Why thank you, sir! Always glad to play for an appreciative audience."
Olly quirks an eyebrow as she notices the woman who had tackled the goblin earlier keeping a close eye on Talon.
As Talon leaves to join the weapons talk, Olly leans close to her two fellow performers and whispers:
"So, Zella, are you from around here? Or chasing the theater like the rest of us?"
Laughing, Zella replies: "Perhaps I should try finding someone to appreciate my talents then. I don't think I would want to end up in a fight with that one." Zella then makes a show of scanning the other men in the bar, as if she is already trying to find another person to display an interest in.
Laughing yet again, she turns back to Olly to answer her questions. "Yes to both actually. I was born here, though never stayed here long as the caravan my parents are with came and went between many places. I decided to leave life with the caravan in order to pursue a career in the theatre. I do so love performing in front of a large audience and I wouldn't mind learning a bit of singing or acting."
Notices Zelladania looking around the room and is intrigued. "Pardon me friend, but I believe that gorgeous creature over there might be looking for someone." Finishes his glass of wine in one gulp and finds a spot near her. "Excuse me dear lady, are you looking for somebody in particular? Or just, somebody?" Grins in such a way that one of his eye teeth seems to sparkle. "I'm Darius by the way, and what name would a beauty such as yourself carry?"
A bit surprised she actually managed to get someone's attention with that look about the room, she nonetheless decides to play along. Zella smiles up at the unusual half-elf as she responds. "My name is Zelladania and I was looking for somebody worthy of my attention. Preferably someone without an angry admirer to take issue with me." That last bit was said with a giggle. Darius may get the impression that he arrived to the group a bit late to get the joke.
"May I ask what brings you the festival? Entertainer, merchant bodyguard, priest?"
"I am Kojan, of the Shundar-Quah." he asks, in answer to both of their questions. "I am hear to learn. We of the Spire clan take a Journey once we come of age and learn the ways of each quah, but the elders looked southward and decided I had much more to learn."
The elf drums his fingers on the bar, having Ameiko fill his wine-flask and fetch him a wheel of hard smoked cheese, both welcome friends on the road, and smiling his appreciation before fetching up his pack and making his way towards the stairs.
The pack is a small, well-packed leather affair, but still quite heavy. As the elf dodges out of the way of Darius, his pack bumps into Nolo with surprising force, and he looks up to meet the mixed-race woman and her Varisian friend with an apologetic smile. "[i]Amin hiraetha[i], my apologies. I did not see you there."
The elf drums his fingers on the bar, echoing one of the kitchenhands over and placing a few silver coins on the bar. He has her fetch a wheel of hard, smoked cheese and refill a leather flask with wine for his journey, and acquires himself a room until the night of the festival. He means to hit the road again, by starlight, on the festival eve. Thanking her, he swings his pack onto his shoulders, and stepping out of the way of Darius, the heavy pack bowls into Nolo with surprising force. He smiles congenially at the mixed-race woman and her Varisian companion. "Amin hiraetha, my apologies." the elf says, dusting off his travelling clothes of most of the sawdust from the Cathedral. "I have never been good with crowds. Please let me buy you a new drink." he says, apologetically.
The young man looks to the disturbed woman, hip checking the elf slightly away. "I think the choice is yours."
He then looks back to the elf, OBVIOUSLY scanning him. "Your caution disagrees with your words. With the exception of the tools you are likely to need quickly, you have things tucked well away, protecting them from the kinds of people who tend to fleece the sheep in such crowds."
Gabriel Cailean carefully sips his wine and scans the crowd, looking for fellow thespians, before spotting Zelladania.
Leaning over in Zelladania's direction, Gabriel introduces himself in a surprisingly deep baritone voice.
"Ahhh, a fellow thespian. Tell me, where might one best find that sort of work here
Gabriel pauses for a second before continuing
"...and pardon my manors, I am Gabriel Cailean, actor extraordinaire"
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The elf drums his fingers on the bar, echoing one of the kitchenhands over and placing a few silver coins on the bar. He has her fetch a wheel of hard, smoked cheese and refill a leather flask with wine for his journey, and acquires himself a room until the night of the festival. He means to hit the road again, by starlight, on the festival eve. Thanking her, he swings his pack onto his shoulders, and stepping out of the way of Darius, the heavy pack bowls into Nolo with surprising force. He smiles congenially at the mixed-race woman and her Varisian companion. "Amin hiraetha, my apologies." the elf says, dusting off his travelling clothes of most of the sawdust from the Cathedral. "I have never been good with crowds. Please let me buy you a new drink." he says, apologetically.
Noro grabs her side in pain as the elf's pack slams into her, right where she was bruised just hours ago. she takes several deep breathes her teeth clenched as she pushes the pain aside.
she stands fists clenched tight, not sure if she is just trying to control her pain or is ready to give the elf a right jab. She takes several more deep breathes.
Noro scans the room and noticies that this is not the time nor the place.
no wooriesh... she manages to squeeze out. as the drink comes her way she grabs the glass and chugs it like a sailor on his first shore leave.
realizing that this small town tavern is becoming more and more congested Noro manages a smile at the elf but it can easily be seen she now just wants to go home for a good night rest.
Noro heads outside for some fresh air.
"May I ask what brings you the festival? Entertainer, merchant bodyguard, priest?"
"I'm here for a resupply and relaxation. I.....am hunting something." Darius' smile slightly lessens, then perks right back up. "But enough about me, what about...." Then Gabriel intercedes. "My Gabriel...you certainly have a deep voice. My name is Darius, nice to meet you."
Dark hair whips in the wind as Lohrgan Ratkin stares out over the bluffs of the Lost Coast. Ever since coming to Varisia, he's found the sea to be a calming entity - vast, featureless, and seemingly without end, it possesses a grandeur unlike anything he's ever seen. He could stay longer, but it is nearing dusk, and that is how he prefers to enter a new town. He's found that the dwindling light makes a good mask. He takes one last moment to savor the salty spray tickling his face and turns back towards the road, making his way towards the town of Sandpoint.
In spite of his determination to be melancholy, he begins dreaming on the upcoming festival. He's heard stories from those who have attended in the past. Fire dancing through the night sky, pleasant aromas wafting through the streets, and best of all, throngs of people. Perhaps in the merriment everyone will be able to forget his jutting jaw, his tusks, his sloping brow, and allow him to be just another face in the crowd. He stops as he comes to a sign in the road. A mirror is affixed to a pole, and beneath it is scrawled the phrase "Welcome to Sandpoint! Stop to see yourselves as we see you." Lohrgan takes a long moment to ponder his reflection, eventually sneering at his own face as he thrusts his hood over his head and hurries his pace.
As he arrives on the outskirts of town, his belly begins to rumble. He checks his store of rations, then checks his reserve of gold - both are growing low. Then he catches the scent of roasting fish in the air and immediately abandons all thoughts of caution. Mouth watering, he picks he way through the streets, keeping his head low as he follows that heavenly scent. He finds himself standing before a establishment that proclaims itself "The Rusty Dragon." He hears music and raucous laughter, and warm light seeps out from beneath the door. He shakes his head. He's battled warriors from enemy tribes, cruel templars, and more than a few demons, and every time he's met them without hesitation. But meeting people always gives him pause. A strange type of cowardice, he muses. He is hungry though, and weary from the road. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he opens the door and steps inside.