"Well if you'll excuse me, I'll go and say hello to a friend before I go and get some shut eye, better have a good nights sleep if we are to go hunting tomorrow." Selaros gets up and walks to Agustianna.
Sighing, Asa finishes her plate and goes back to the table with Korvut.
"So apparently that Aldern Foxglove fellow wants to take the 'heroes of Sandpoint' hunting boar tomorrow as repayment for saving his life during the raid. Hunting animals never was something I viewed as a 'sport', but I suppose it would be if you were rich enough." Asa sighs and shakes her head. "I said I would go only if you didn't need the help. Feel free to insist on my assistance with... well, anything really." Asa laughs nervously, as if this was only half a joke.
Korvut, with an effort, focuses his eyes. He speaks slowly and deliberately.
"Asa, you're a fine lass, and a deft hand in the forge, to be sure. I feel that you're meant for more than this, though. I know you're on your own path, but who knows? Sometimes you go farther on that path by running the opposite direction, if you catch my drift. Hells, thaswhahappened...excuse me, that's what happened...stop laughing, you two, I'm not drunk! Anyway, that's what happened back in the day with the three of us! Savrah there, looking to crack some Goblin skulls...me and Dante trying to find the Forge of the Maker...and then, boom! Blacksmiths to the heroes! Eh...Dante? Ever think about getting back into the game?"
Dante shifts his shoulders uncomfortably. This has clearly been talked about many times, though the conversations have been far more sullen.
"I...I guess I've thought about it, sure. But we don't have access to the Forge anymore, Kor. It was overrun by all those Ogres...which is my fault. Never would have been taken if I hadn't quit when...well. You know."
Korvut cracks a wide smile.
"That's more than we've gotten out of you in years! Asa, you should come drink with us more often...maybe you're a good luck charm! That's it for me for the night, though...if my 'prentice here is going hunting, I'll have to not be hung over. Nothin' worse than hammer on anvil when loud noises make you want to puke!"
Korvut dug some coins out his pouch and tossed them on the table, bidding his friends good evening. He staggered away from the table, but turns to catch your eye, Asa. He gives you an all-too-sober wink and, making sure Savrah and Dante are no longer watching, strolls out the door, any hint of wobble gone from his step.
"Aye. I know what you mean. After so long, though...it's probably a weight off his shoulders. True, he'll carry this for the rest of his life, but...at least now he knows, and can truly mourn, and move on. He's been grieving for his son for five years, now. Desna grant the man peace."
Agustianna sips her ale, thinking for a bit.
"You know, I hear they were really something back in the day. Adventurers and crafters beyond compare. Maybe you 'heroes of Sandpoint' should look into getting the band back together, as it were. Probably wouldn't hurt to have skilled craftspeople on retainer, right?"
Asa inclines her head minutely enough in response to the wink that anyone not sober might not notice it. "What are you playing at old man? Well, might as well pick up the conversation where you left it..."
"So Korvut has never really spoken much about this Forge of the Maker before to me, beyond that it exists. What makes it so special that you would need to seek it out? And how much convincing would it take to drive these ogres from it?"
He got even redder in the face at Miss Ameiko's harmless flirt. It was a good thing she continued on speaking to everyone else, his tongue was in knots. When she left he took a long pull on his ale and frowned, just slightly when Asa made her way to the table. He didnt eve's drop but he tilted his head just slightly as she spoke with the Blacksmith Korvut. He missed her words earlier about her 'injury' and despite being here for some time he had no idea she was the smith's apprentice at all.
He did however catch Rast's words to Eloisa and interjected there.
"I maybe could help with that. If you get a horse from the stables next door i know the horses well. Ol' Buttercup is a pretty gentle mare and an easy ride. "
He offered the pious half-orc.
"It's a long story, and I think we're both a bit to hammered to tell it properly! Suffice to say, it was a spectacular forge created by a legendary artisan. Rumors had it he could even create minor artifacts, though she possesses no magical power of her own. Old legend about an elf...can't remember all the details right now. The tools there, though, made us faster and better crafters. Never quite worked out how but they were all pretty strongly magical.
Like as not, the Ogres are too dumb to make much there... if they're even able to get in. See,.the Forge is located at a mountain near Magnimar, and unless you have a key...which we took before we left, you can only get into the supply room and larder. Looks like the Forge was once part of a larger complex, but it collapsed long ago. As for the Ogres, they're a large, powerful tribe. Taking them out is doable, but you all should have some magic gear before attempting it. You'd probably want someone capable of performing spells of the third circle, as well...if I remember right there was an Ogre-Magi running that clan. Plus...you'll have to convince Korvut and I that letting you go is a good idea."
"Third level magic huh. Not sure I would even want to attempt something that complex. My mastery of first level magic is improving, but I barely have time to focus on it with everything else I am trying to master. So much to do just to become proficient enough to topple her empire. Still, I think I know someone who might just be able to wear that particular boot...." Asa glances at Eloisa and smiles grimly, turning back to Savrah.
"If these ogres are as challenging as you say it might be a good idea to run them off regardless of the Forge, though I am not in a rush to try just yet." A dark shadow passes over her face. "Did anyone else know of this forge and its power that you know of? I imagine you are right about the ogres not being that proficient at making the metal sing and dance, but could it be possible they might be acting under someone else's orders?"
Asa takes a long sip from her water, dark thoughts circling in her head.
"Well," he began slowly, "The history is spotty. But we think this is a truly ancient site. It looks like it's been featured in the legends of several cultures, but...something bad always happens. Piecing together what we could, the best guess we could make was that some powerful undead force had a vested interest in keeping the place dormant. There were wards against certain undead in there; skeletons, zombies, vampires. Best guess is some ancient bloodsucker with ties to the place worked trough minions, but we don't really know the how or why."
If there had been much color in Asa's normally pale completion, it would have drained over the course of Dante's tale. "I see. I may have to insist on clearing the place out and investigating it then. In due course of time, of course." She hastily adds that last line, trying to smile. "When such a time becomes opportune, would you be interested in working with me within it? We would, of course, clear the place prior to you arriving."
"No way in or out of the hells, planes, or planets that she isn't involved. She either wants the power within or fears it. And in either case I want... no... I need that power for myself before I face her."
Eloisa replies to Rast, "Honestly, I don't know much about hunting either. I'm certainly not very good a riding. I rode in a wagon from Korvosa or walked when I first arrived here. I'm guessing the fighters of the group will do most of the hunting. It won't hurt to have a healer along just in case. I've heard boars can be nasty." She says in a rush.
She finishes her supper, and prepares to head home for the evening. "If it's ok, I'll meet you all here for breakfast in the morning."
"I don't know that there'd be much point...unless Dante decides to rejoin our little band. But we have to work that out ourselves. Ask me in a month."
He ponders what she said and adds "Might be a good idea to approach them with the idea at some point. I'll mention it to Kovut's apprentice over there on the morrow." He takes another sip and continues "That reminds me, I've been invite along with the other 'heroes' on a hunt tomorrow, so I'll probably be gone most of the day. It's with some Alden Foxglove, I think it was, but not sure who he is other then a nobleman.
"Look at you, fancypants! Pray, when you're hobknobbing with nobles and are gifted estates, don't forget we common folk, m'lord!"
She stands up and gives an exaggerated curtsy, then chuckles.
"In all seriousness, be on your guard. Likely, you'll go to Tickwood and hunt boars; the hunters have been saying they're the only decent game about, but something has seemed off with them lately. They're apparently getting bigger and more aggressive, so watch yourself out there, hero."
"Of course, of course. As I said, I am not in a particular rush to run headlong into a nest of ogres. I merely would not want such fine smiths to miss the opportunity to work in such a fine forge once more when I do clear it and make it habitable again." Asa smiles, and while it is harshened by her mood, it is still genuine.
"I thank you for sharing all of this with me. I will continue to work on my form with blade and spell and hammer so that when the time is right the Forge can be retaken." Asa stands and inclines her head. "Well, since it seems that I am indeed going to be hunting tomorrow I had best get a good night's sleep. Have a good evening, gentlemen."
He finishes the ale and responds to her warning "But in all seriousness thanks for the warning, I'll be sure to wear my father's old armor. And you know I perfer to toss my blade rather then get close to the fighting. But Ameiko promises a feast if we bring home the bacon I dare say, so you should come and join us tomorrow night.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, handsome. I'm going to turn in early then...don't want to drink too much tonight! I'm sure there'll be ale aplenty tomorrow!"
With that, she pays for her drinks and leaves.
Selaros will get to his room and prepare for a good nights sleep.
Asa returns to her room and begins her spell preparations for the day. Distracted towards the end by her conversation with the smiths, she absently retrieves a history text that she brought with her and begins searching for information related to the Forge and the ruins it is a part of. Finally tired toward the end of her research, Asa tucks herself into her bed and allows sleep to take her.
One of the more interesting ones that you come across seems to say that the nation of Cheliax, in it's early days, feared the weapons that could come from such a place. There is a record of siege being laid to the place by one Ryiava Thrawn. The occupants of the Forge at the time, a surviving cult of Aroden, were eradicated, and the Forge disappeared from history for several centuries until it pops up in Korvosan legend.
Seeing most of the others decided to retire down and put the drink away. He rose, left coins for his drink and made his way home to rest. He intended to try and wake up a bit early to get some work down and still be ready to go on this hunt.
Well, all right then!
Moving along...
The Father has been reluctant. You know there is more to it than caution...over the last five years, he has come to regard you as a son, though the two of you are careful not to use filial language with each other, mostly out of respect for you fallen parents. Yesterday, however, after praying, Father Zantus came to you, white as a sheet and drenched in sweat. He had received a direct and ominous portent and decided that, no matter his misgivings, Desna's message was loud and clear; she wished for you to follow your path.
Father Zantus told you to ready yourself and your gear, and today, he brought you with him to introduce you to the heroes of Sandpoint.
What's more, Savah has proved a gainful employer and a good ally. She's requested that you link up with the heroes of Sandpoint and get them to help convince Dante to rejoin her and Korvut. Seems like a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone...
Whenever you make your way down to the common room, Father Zantus is sitting there along with a man that you think you recognize from the Goblin attack. You seem to recall him aiding in the defense of the Cathedral.
Father Zantus has a large platter of eggs, bacon and sausage, as well as plates, utensils, and ale or water for all of you, and waves as he sees you come down, motioning for you to join him.
Merrick sits at the table, a bit nervous but mostly excited. He has already had some bacon and eggs, and is drinking water. He's not opposed to liquor, but has little experience with it and wishes to keep his wits about him. Merrick waits for the others to arrive, and will keep silent until Father Zantus introduces him.
Asa awakes, once more cursing the sun and its brightness. Grumbling, the woman washes herself and dresses. "The forge had to be something feared by the Countess. Perhaps this Ryiava Thrawn woman was an associate. Regardless, I seriously doubt that all of this could be chalked up to mere chance and coincidence." She shakes though thoughts and attempts to focus. "Drat, we have that hunting trip today. I am more tempted than before just to feign illness and head to the Red Dog instead. Still, Korvut would probably ask why I was there instead of with the other 'Heroes'... and I will likely need the help of at least Eloisa to retake the place anyway, so keeping relations good with them is a good idea."
After briefly ensuring that her falcata is ready to face whatever foes the day might bring, beast or otherwise, she unwraps the bandage from her hand. "Well, you are healing but not fully recovered, oh hand of mine," she mutters to it after making a fist and feeling the residual aches from within it. Shrugging, she makes her way downstairs.
Upon seeing Father Zantus beaconing, Asa sighs. "Father. Don't tell me there are more lights and noises to investigate... the last place was too heavy on the creepiness but lite on the lights." Asa smiles grimly as she says this, clearly not looking forward to yet another random task from the scared townsfolk. While she also sees Merrick sitting there, she disregards the paladin almost as quickly as she notices him, assuming him to be the eye witness in question to whatever new tasking the Father is bringing.
Father Zantus smiles, somewhat weary. Given the events of the last week, including putting together a hasty service for the Piero boy, it's easy to see how the cleric would be exhausted. He waves his hand and shakes his head, then speaks.
"No need to worry, young miss! Nothing quite so dramatic this time. In fact, in a roundabout way, and one not so roundabout way, I have something for the lot of you. You have done us a great service, in more ways than I could possibly expect. One of Desna's own travels with you and in barely a day with you, he has done remarkable work in Her name. I have little doubt there is divine guidance at play, and so I have brought you a gift."
Father Zantus produces a wand from his robes and places it on the table.
"I had been prepared to use this wand to heal those that were injured in the Goblin attack, and on any since. But with everything you've done, there hasn't been much need. So I'd like you to have this. This wand is fully charged, and will replicated a basic Cure spell. I've..also consented to have a member of our specific Church join up with you all, if that's acceptable. There have been some portents from the heavens, and while I know Rast is more than capable, I have a feeling that two servants of the Song of the Spheres in your corner will be more helpful than you might think. Allow me to introduce Merrick. He's rather a skilled archer and has chosen the path of the warrior, dedicating himself to eradicating evil and the minions of Lamashtu."
Merrick smiles warmly, and extends his hand to Asa. Youthful energy seems to strain within him, restrained by the discipline of a young man that grew up in the church.
"I'm rather pleased to meet you! Father Zantus was telling me a bit about you all. From his description, I would assume your Asa, correct? Uh, sorry if I pronounced that wrong...is it a hard 'A' the first time? Or more of an 'Ah'? I have a thing about mispronouncing names, drives me nuts!"
Leaning on the chair that Merrick is sitting in is a bow that looks like it would be enormously difficult to draw. Sigils of Desna are carved into the wood.
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Rast rises early and completes his prayers finding it unusual to be contemplating his healing experiment on Asa. Once completed, and for lack of really knowing how to dress, he puts on his armor and straps his mace to his hip.
This might be a bit much for breakfast.
With that thought he heads down for breakfast.
"Good morning everyone, father."
Listen to father Zantus speech Rast is very interested to meet Merrick but chooses to hold his tongue for the time being knowing it might betray him again.
I will need to speak with Asa alone to see if this forum of healing will work.
Asa looks first at the wand as it is produced, keeping her innate fear off of her face as best as possible given the company, and then at Merrick. Taking the wand gingerly, "Come on now, it is a wand like any other, not a snake about to bite me," she inclines her head in way of thanks to the priest. "I am sure that this will come in handy, though you will pardon my asking the mistress of Waves and master of Winds to ensure it is not needed today. I will see that Rast receives this when he awakens should he get here after you have finished your breakfast."
Turning to Merrick, she bows slightly. "You will forgive me if I don't shake hands, my hand is still healing from a minor burn suffered while aiding Korvut at his shop yesterday."
She holds up her hand by way of explaination, but swiftly adds, "No need to worry too much, it is healing fine on its own and probably will be fully functional by tomorrow. Hence not seeking aid yesterday, Father, as some pains are worth the price if only to remind us to be careful in the future." She laughs a bit nervously, but proceeds on. "As for your question, neither actually. It is Eyh-Sah, like mesa without the 'm'." She smiles, though only with her lips.
"Great, another 'companion' to worry about. That makes three that don't know my... nature... to four that do. Well, five if the Desna Knight shows up."
Merrick raised an eyebrow. Something about that statement rang as untrue, but her hand was clearly slightly injured. He decided not to comment on it and simply inclined his head in return.
"Ah! Perhaps if you've some spare time, and I've sufficient coin, you might consent to upgrade my weapon, here. The balance is a bit off...but that's for another time!"
Merrick greeted Rast warmly.
"Good to see another of Desna's faithful, friend! How fare you today?"
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Caught off guard mid drink.
Ok, well so much for blending in.
He extends his hand then pulls it back to wipe it off, even though not dirty, then extends again.
"Hello Brother, I'm Rast.. hmm.. you probably got that already. I'm new in town, from Trunau."
Clearly running out of things to say he looks to Asa.
"Asa, can we speak later."
Father Zantus was probably wise to bring him. He seems very able.
Looking at the bow, Asa frowns. "I suppose I can try. I am more skilled with metallurgy than with woodwork so I am not sure how much assistance I will be. I could always ask Korvut or Savrah for pointers though." After a moments though, she adds, "Or even Dante for that matter." Finally seeing Rast, she gratefully nods. "Of course." Taking some of the ham and bacon, as well as a glass of water, Asa excuses herself from the company of Merrick and Father Zantus, indicating an isolated table at the back corner of the Dragon for Rast to join her at.
Well...that was brief. He's a Half-Orc...does he not know how to person? I'll help show him how to person.
Merrick allowed the two to have their private conversation, seemingly calm but questions already fomenting inside.
Asa thinks hard and long about the proposition Rast made in so few words.
"Not yet," she finally says between bites of bacon. "We are going hunting, and boars can be viscious when wounded. I don't intend to get gored today, but no one ever does. If it comes to that I would rather you attempt it then. Especially if our new friend has any skill with divine healing. Wouldn't want him inadvertently making things worse." She nods over in the direction of Merrick. "If the trip is uneventful you can make the attempt tonight after we return. Assuming you still wish to." Asa smiles at the half-orc.
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"I will stay close to you..er that is if you don't mind. I worry.. if your injured he could try.. well it might not be good."
After a pause.
"I think danger is going to keep finding us. Does your blacksmith friend make armor? Gil, well, he said my leather would not be enough
I'm.. not quick on my feet he said. More a straight ahead. I will come up with some gold when the times comes."
Asa smiles, "You can stay close if you wish, but don't worry. I may not wear armor but I am pretty nimble for my size." She tears into the last of her food, washing it down with a long swig of water.
"As for armor, I am honestly not sure. I have always had better luck making weapons myself, though I have been branching out to make more... mundane... items lately." Asa pauses, thoughtfully. "I will ask him after we are done with this... hunt. I had other business to discuss with him anyway, so it is no trouble." She looks over at Merrick and sighs. "Well, I suppose we should go and be sociable. Not exactly my strong suit these days, but if Father is insistent that he join our band then there is nothing for it." She smirks and adds, "Even I don't triflyl with the gods when they set a clear path before someone."
Asa stands and rejoins Merrick after bussing her plate to the kitchen area. "Thank you for your patience, Rast was answering a question I had posed yesterday." She smiles, lips closed, at the man in a friendly enough manner.
Merrick's words and gestures come across with grace and aplomb.
"But of course! I am a stranger, though I hope to not remain so for long. I wouldn't dream of intruding. Perhaps we could all come to know each other a little better. What ventures do you have planned today?"
Eloisa rushes into the Rusty Dragon. She comes to an abrupt stop when she sees the father and the newcomer sitting with Asa and Rast at a table. Am I late? I don't think I'm late. I wonder if Rast has had time to do the experiment with Asa yet? I want to see how that works out. She halfheartedly straightens her clothes and hair, and gently pats her Ausarta who is hanging from her usual place on on the amulet around Eliosa's neck.
"Good morning. How did everyone rest last night?" She takes a seat next to Rast, and orders breakfast with tea.
Asa struggles not to roll her eyes at the man's eagerness. "Patience, kid... no need to be so eager on your first day of school..."
"Apparently we are hunting boar with a nobleman. Foxglove or something like that." Asa sighs, partially in frustration, partially in exasperation. "Not my particular choice for reward or recreation, but Ameiko seems to think it a good idea, so who am I to argue with the suggestions of the woman graciously allowing me to stay in town rent free for the time being?"
Seeing Eloisa approach, Asa smiles. "Well enough after spell preparation and recreational studying. Remind me later on to let you in on the topic, I think you might appreciate it."
Asa holds up her healing hand to show her. "As you can see, my burn is healing nicely on its own. I know you were a bit worried about it, but as I told you it wasn't quite as bad as it looked." Asa smiles, looks at Merrick then back at Eloisa. "Oh, where are my manners. This is Merrick. Father Zantus introduced him to myself and Rast earlier, saying that Desna insists he join us in the hunt."
"Please be as smart as you think you are.... please be as smart as you think you are..."
Merrick will smile and rise to greet Eloisa.
"Pleasure to meet you! Ah, I don't know about this hunt, really. Just that there are evils that we might need to join forces to combat. I don't think that's necessarily relevant to today. Apparently you have some festivities planned...I wouldn't want to intrude. Now that we've met, I'd be happy to merely meet you again later on."
Selaros comes out of the kitchen with plates for the newcomers and those still to come join us. "Good morning everyone here is some breakfast for the rest of you." he says smiling.
Always the keen eye he notices Asa's hand looks better, "Ah miss Asa, seems your æittle accident isn't so bad afterall, you should have your graceful hand back to normal in no time."
He turns to the man the are speaking with "I see we have a new face joining our breakfast today, well not completely new I'm sure I have seen you around the church before?"
He turns to the others " So are everyone fresh and ready to hunt tonights dinner?
Selaros, you and Calin have seen Merrick before. You're all fairly involved in the community so you know of one another.
Merrick nods at Selaros.
"And you were quite the force during the Goblin attack yourself! Well met, friend. I'm called Merrick."
Selaros, Ameiko's aid. I didn't do that much in the raid. Only tried to keep my freind safe. These others are the real heroes." he nods.
Asa snorts at Selaros' words, though most can tell that she is not doing so maliciously. "Heroes indeed." Shaking her head, Asa turns to Merrick.
"No no, you should come with us. After all, how else would we know what you are really capable of when the forces of darkness truly do raise their heads? Or more to the point, how would you know what we are capable of?" Asa smiles and turns back to Selaros.
"I hope that you are ready to kill what you cook. Boars can be rather a handful at times, though I have not run across any in this part of the world to have a proper measure."
"Ameiko's aid, eh? Let's talk later! I can never quite get her talking about her adventuring days, but maybe she's let a bit slip around you!"
Merrick flashed another grin at Asa.
"Well, given what you did at Chopper's Isle, I've little doubt of your capabilities, Mistress Asa. But I certainly don't mind proving my worth! Are you meeting the rest of your group here or elsewhere?"
Selaros smiles back at Asa "I'll try my best, but I expect I'll not be the one getting the kill from what I've seen our paladin here do with his bow."
"Oh by the way Asa, me and my friend gotinto talking about the blacksmiths yestetday and we were wondering if maybe we could try and talk them into make gear for the heroes like they did in the olden days with adventures. Do you think that would be posdible?" he adds after taæking a break to get something to eat himself.