The front door of the Rusty Dragon opens and a shortish, lightly-built young woman sweeps into the common room, her eyes immediately falling upon your rather large gathering. Although a red bandana covers the top of her head, some of her raven hair hangs in ringlets to frame an angular but attractive face. Although some of her stylings and trappings appear Varisian, she’s rather pale-skinned and wears none of the bangles or baubles most Varisian women seem to adore. She flashes a pretty smile as she approaches, and she extends her hand to anyone who’ll shake it.
”You must be the other heroes and heroines of Sandpoint!” she exclaims. ”Or some of them, at least. So thrilled to finally make your acquaintance! My name’s Shaedeen. I killed three goblins single-handedly during the raid down by the bridge next to the tannery—no doubt you’ve heard the story. I also drove off two more goblin reinforcements that were on their way to support those who attacked dear Lord Foxglove and his poor doggy—you’re welcome. But I’m not in it for the fame—just doing my part to protect this charming little town.”
”Lord Aldren informs me that you’ll be accompanying us on our boar hunt to celebrate our rout of the goblins. Isn’t he just so thoughtful and generous? I hope some of you have experience with that sort of thing—I haven’t ridden a horse since I was a little girl!”
The lass takes a quick, deep gulp of air and then keeps talking.
”But that’s not why I’m here! Are you folks acquainted with Savrah Beraniky, proprietor of Savrah’s Armory about a block southwest of the cathedral? I’m an associate of hers…well, sort of. Actually, I’m more of a spokesmodel and walking, talking human billboard for her goods. She helped set me up with this wonderful armor—snug and stylish!” Shaedeen does a graceful pirouette for your viewing pleasure. ”She also helped to design this amazing backpack I’m wearing—color-coordinated with the armor so its straps are all but invisible when you wear it! Plus, I swear I can carry more weight in it than I could in my old one.”
”Anyhow, Savrah mentioned that some of you have grown close to an old friend of hers named Dante. Savrah was hoping that you might be able to convince him to re-open the old venture she shared with him and Korvut. She sent me to deliver the message since she needs to tend the store herself. Plus, she thought it’d be a great opportunity for me to finally meet up with Sandpoint’s other saviors, you know? So here we are!”
The young woman takes another deep breath—this time through her nostrils--and her eyes shift to and settle on the bacon platter set out on the table. ”Mind if I join you for a quick bite?” she asks with a smile that’s about one-quarter apologetic wince. ”I didn’t have time for breakfast earlier.”
"That was quite a mouthful here have something to drink. I'll fetch you a plate of eggs and sausages. By the way I Selaros the aid in the Inn, and I suppose one of the heroes." he says getting up and walks to the kitchen for some food for Shaedeen
The first thing Asa notices about the longwinded woman is her pale complexion and dark hair. "Chelaxian? Or is she like me...?" Immediately her hand goes to the hilt of her blade. Over the course of her self introduction, the hand relaxes and returns to the hilt seemingly in cycles, ending with it being no longer merely on the hilt but firmly grasping it, an eighth of the blade drawn reflexively. "She knows too much. She must be a spy for the Countess. Time to deal with this."
Clearing her throat, Asa coldly looks at the woman. "It seems you and I might have business outside to discuss. Let us go now before the rest of the town rises. No need to involve these others in our affairs, after all." She calmly sheaths her blade and stands. "If you would lead the way please. The rest of you stay here. I will deal with this alone."
Locking eyes with Eloisa she adds, "Opinor haec esse agens genitore meo. Observa alios, si reditus non erimus tum paulisper. Aut si tunc revertar aut neminem."
"I suspect this woman to be an agent of my progenitor. Keep the others back, if she is not then we will both return in a few moments. If she is then either I will return or no one will."
Shaedeen's at her charming best when Selaros offers to get her a fresh plate of food, offering her thanks and a warm smile. When Asa suggests going outside to discuss 'business,' however, the young woman's smile persists though the friendliness drains from her green eyes as she sizes up what seems to be a potential foe.
She's got a couple of inches and pounds on me...but I bet I can take her!
Discretion being the better part of valor, however, Shaedeen passes on the offer. "Business? You and I? I don't think so. You seem angry.... Are you jealous that Lord Aldren invited me on the hunt, perhaps?"
Just then Selaros delivers her breakfast plate and Shaedeen digs in, apparently considering the threat of cold eggs more pressing than the one posed by the angry woman.
;)
Merrick paused, midway through eating a strip of bacon, eyes widening as the woman spoke.
- 16
Well at least now I know she isn't an undead. I had to check! I've never seen anyone talk so much without breathing...
Merrick hastily finished chewing and swallowed his food. He made to offer his hand and greet the newcomer, but before he had the chance, Asa uttered some words in a bizarre language.
Merrick didn't understand the tone, but Asa's body language was anything but relaxed. He was concerned, but again, he was an outsider here and didn't yet feel comfortable gainsaying anyone.
Still, his discomfort was obvious. He shifted a bit, then looked at Rast a tad desperately.
His eyes couldn't scream, exactly. But if they could, they'd be saying something like;
So is Desna, like, playing a joke on us?
"Anger? Perhaps. Your mistress has much to answer for, but then you know that. More than likely you were behind the goblins attack, the apparition and book on the Isle, and who knows what other atrocities. I know not what she wants with Sandpoint, nor do I care much." Without realizing it Asa draws her falcata halfway out of its scabbard, only seeming to realize the long practiced motion at the last moment, freezing. "But here is not the place to have this... discussion." She sheaths the blade again with that final word. "You and your ilk might not care about what happens to bystanders, but I do. Now get up."
Shaedeen's eyes widen at the woman's escalation of hostilities. She doesn't answer immediately, though, instead choosing to chew her eggs thoughtfully for a few awkward seconds before swallowing.
"I think there's been some mistake," she says evenly. "I don't have a mistress, I don't associate with goblins, and...well, I don't appreciate it when people start talking about my 'ilk,' whatever that refers to! Still, if you insist upon a...discussion...so be it."
Shaedeen pushes back her chair, glaring at Asa all the while. She grabs a last piece of bacon off her plate and tears into it in a laughable attempt at intimidation. As she heads toward the front door she says something softly over her shoulder.
"I'll be expecting two things when we get back from out little talk: an apology and a fresh breakfast."
"Now ladies there is no need to fight, U'm we can handle this without violence." Selaros tries to calm them down befote they both do something they regret.
He had worked up quite the sweat early in the morning, getting the horses ready for the hunt, but he had done enough to give himself a tiny respite, even if only to get a quick breakfast. He hurried next door, running his hands through his hair... he was unprepared for what he walked into however, in fact he almost ran over a pale skinned woman at the door.
Turning red in the face he swallowed.
I... er pardon me miss, I was in such a ruch for breakfast i didnt....
It was clear something was going on in the room, the way everyone was staring. He of course looked to himself first, sure he was a little sweaty and dishelveled, but he didnt look that bad.
"You have my apoligies and of course I will get you breakfast."
He said with some confusion. He loosely recalled the woman, something to do with Savrah and he wasnt sure why he owed her breakfast... perhaps she felt it was almost bowling her over. She and Asa were bound to become best of friends with no nonsense demanding of things like that.
"Oh hey everyone most of the horses are about ready, just thought i would grab a quick bite and then finalize everything."
He added to the gathered group.
"I think that breakfast might be the least of your worries afterwards."
Hand never leaving her blade's hilt, she raises her voice. "Everyone stay here please. This is exactly what I said at the start. A private matter." Locking eyes with Shaedeen as they reach the door, she adds loudly, "My apologies for interrupting everyone's breakfast." She almost smirks at the woman as they exit the room.
Prior the vocal apology, she shakes her head at Selaros. "Les choses pourraient ne pas escalader jusqu'ici ... mais si elles le font, je pense que toutes les parties concernées préfèreront qu'il soit à l'extérieur qu'à l'intérieur."
She almost runs into Calin by accident, not paying attention to her surroundings. Nodding to him she merely says, "Thank you. Please, go enjoy your breakfast. You deserve it after getting everything ready for us." She smiles half-heartedly, but more due to being distracted by pressing matters at hand.
Selaros looks at Calin when he places a plate in front of him "Women once they get something stuck in there head, it's almost impossible to talk them out of it again. Have you chosen a gentle horse to me? I must admit I've never ridden before, my parentd passed away before they had a chance to teach me." he says trying to change the subject to lessen Calins confusion.
Shaedeen's so taken aback by the swordswoman's apparent intent to make this 'discussion' deadly that she fails to work her charms when she nearly collides with a handsome half-elf at the door. "No problem. My fault--wasn't watching where I was going," she tells the fellow as she passes through the doorway into the streets of Sandpoint.
Once she reaches the middle of the road, though, Shaedeen whirls about swiftly, facing her foe. Her hand goes for the hilt of her rapier as she snarls, "This is as far as I go with you, Crazy Lady! Just who the hell do you think I am that you're ready to cross swords with me?"
Fully drawing her falcata for the first time, Asa smirks. "Cut the act. No one out here to buy it and you might as well go into combat wearing your true face." Asa's free hand forms a small sickly green ball of acid, it hovers over it like a sickly baseball.
"How long has the Viscountess had her eyes on this town? And why here? Beyond the Lady there is nothing of note that she could not find elsewhere in less populated sections of the region." A cold, serious smile graces the woman's face, showing full enlongated canines.
"Finally, where is she hiding that I might send her your head? I even will attach a note. How does, 'Dear mother, next time send better agents and assassins, looking forward to killing you soon, love Asa,' sound to you as the final words wrapped around your Chelaxian vampire-collaborating head?" Ass snarls the last words, her blade shaking with rage in her hand.
Before Asa left, Merrick's eyebrow quirked.
"Est-ce que des étrangers vous traitent souvent des marchandises comme des menaces voilées?"
"Are... are they about to fight?"
He asked still clearly confused as to what is going on. He glanced to the paladin, one of the few men in town he knew of that girls might be willing to rough and tumble over for just a split second.
Ive readied most of the more common horses, the a few whom are super gentle. I can show you the finer points of riding along the way to wherever Mr. Foxglove plans on taking us...did anyone tell miss Ameiko she is about to have a fight on her premisis?
He asked still... concerned over the boiling blood so early in the morning.
"They are outside so the street is their arena now. But we can hope they settle things before it turns violent. But I would not dare to step in between them at this moment."
"Oh f-f-fiddlesticks!" is the best Shaedeen can manage as things go south much faster than anticipated. The falcata had concerned her; the magic (especially if it was flesh- and beauty-eating acid) alarmed her deeply; the vampire fangs...Gulp! Shae drew her suddenly-pathetic rapier, determined to at least go down fighting. Her jaw dropped not once but twice as she searched for the words that might get her out of this bind.
"Chelaxian--yes, by birth!" the terrified teen sputters. "Nobility--hardly. Assassin--I wish! Please listen! I'm not who you think I am!"
Asa blinks at the man as he responds to her in elvish. "I really need to remember that I am not the only one who knows other languages..."
"Si le lancement de biens et de services était tout cela, il n'y aurait pas de menace. C'est quelque chose de plus."
"If the pitching of goods and services was all this was about there would be no threat. This is something more."
Merrick shrugs off Asa's words. It was, quite clearly, none of his affair.
At least now she might think I'm more than a dumb, pretty face with a bow.
"Father Zantus and I can take care of any injuries that might arise, but I hope the two see sense! This wasn't precisely what I thought my morning was going to entail..."
Asa smiles through her rage. "Committed to the act to the very end, eh? Very well, I will play your game a moment longer." She clears her throat mockingly.
"Ahem. 'You mean you aren't an agent of Varyia Wrenth, the self-titled Viscountess de Corentyn, noted vampire and scourge of Inner Sea? Oh, then who are you then? And why do you have an interest in getting Dante to work the Forge again if not so that your mistress can finally destroy what she fears most?'" The sarcasm is practically dripping from Asa's words as she spits them out, taking paces around her opponent as she does. "Is that enough pretend questions or would you like me to think of a few more before you cut the kobold crap and answer my real questions?"
Again Shaedeen's jaw drops as she searches for the right words to save her life. The mannerism also helps her stall a bit, and she begins looking around desperately for an ally or at the very least a potential witness to her impending murder.
You're on your own girl--think! Why isn't the sun scorching her if she's truly a vampire? Can I outrun her to the stables? Maybe...unless she can turn into a bat! Fiddlesticks!! Wait--she must be one of those half-vampire 'dhampir' things! Not sure that really counts as good news, though....
Shaedeen takes a deep breath and wades into unfamiliar waters...the truth (or at least partial truths).
"My name is Shaedeen Valzanar. I was born in Westcrown. My parents were killed in Magnimar during a business trip there several years ago. I don't know any vampires! I don't even know this Dante guy other than his name. I really AM working for Savrah...to cash in a bit on my Sandpoint Hero status."
Shaedeen takes a deep breath and raises her rapier, waiting to see if her words have any effect on her fearsome foe.
Roll Sense Motive or Perception, Asa.
|
Rast makes an attempt to rengage with Merrik, what he knows of Asa makes him think she has good reason for her actions.
"So, umm.. Merrick. Are your from Sandpoint? It is good to have another healer although sicne the, um, goblin attack I have don little."
Pauses slightly and then in a lower voice.
"Did Father Zantus tell you about The, um, Isle? Terrible place but I think I have learned some.
Ask a question, keep him distracted.
"I have never seen a cleric with a bow."
That was not a question.
A frown creases Asa's brow as she notices the sweat, the genuine terror and tremor of her voice, and the sincerity to her declaration. Doubt begins to replace certainty, and anger begins to fade to sobriety.
"What if she is telling the truth? And if she is, how do I diffuse this mess I have made?"
"Let us say for a moment that I believe your account. What then?"
Merrick began to reply every time Rast stopped, but then the Half-Orc continued. After Rast asked about the bow, Merrick paused for a moment, waiting to see if there was more. When there wasn't, he responded.
"Yeah, I guess you could say I'm a local boy! Grew up here. I did hear about Chopper's Isoe...good work there. That plays sounds awful. I'm not actually a Cleric, though. Father Zantus says I, uh, lack the proper temperament. I'm a Paladin of Desna. As I'm sure you know, Desna and Lamashtu have been ever at odds. I've dedicating myself to ridding the world of the spawn of the Mother of Monsters, and other ills that befall the good folk of Volarion."
Shaedeen shrugs. "We shake hands, go back inside, and maybe try to bond a bit during the boar hunt?" she suggests rather nervously. "I'd honestly like to hear more about this vampire you seem to be warring with, if only so that I can steer clear of the coming battle! Seriously, goblins I can handle. Vampires are likely beyond my capabilities presently."
"And I'll withdraw my demands for an apology and fresh breakfast. Deal?"
|
|
Again to Merrick, the words come much faster and confident at first.
"Oh a paladin, I am sorry. I... Well I am new to this. Father Gil, you may of met him I don'know, brought me here. Back home was different. I was different, I tried to... well never mind."
Calm down, you want to sound good not like a halfie.
"We traveled here and he taught me of our lady Desna. I have a strong back so he, well, he said I should meet people and help where I. umm, can."
Ok get it together..
Asa holds her guard up while she considers how best to proceed. "If she is lying she is doing a very good job of it. If not I will be fighting an innocent employed by the very people I need to open the forge for me again. Even if she is lying about her motives she likely is not about her involvement with Savrah, so unless I can find definitive proof on her body to indicate that fact... same outcome as if she was innocent. I hate to gamble, but I really have little choice it seems." Asa lowers her falcata, and points the acid ball away from Shaedeen.
"The vampire in question killed my parents. I have not met her yet, so what little information I have is second or third hand. Beyond her name, assumed title, and initial nationality, I know only that she has a scar in the shape of the holy mark of the dead god Aroden on her left hand... and that she has been attempting to build some form of dark empire since the fall of Cheliax." She shrugs, and laughs nervously. "Honestly I was hoping to learn more about her from you, as I thought you were one of her agents. We have reason to believe that some humanoid creature was involved in the goblin raid. Further, we were investigating Chopper's Isle yesterday and came across..."
Asa pauses and trails off, a thought occurring to her. "A notion occurs to me. If you want me to believe you beyond any shadows of a doubt, write out an oath to whatever god you believe in, swearing to what you just said. We will give it to Father Zantus and if it does not burn in his hand as a lie I will not only publicly apologize to you, I will even serve you said breakfast. Is this acceptable?"
Merrick thought for a moment.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting Father Gil, actually. I understand the notion though...those of us that are called have to help where we can, eh?"
Shaedeen pauses before agreeing. "In truth...I'm not the most religious person you'll ever meet. I put more faith in myself than I do in the gods. Zanthus reveres Desna, correct? Would it suffice if I were to swear under punishment of her wrath? Surely a priest dedicated to her could detect a falseness sworn in her name, correct?"
"And we can do this inside? I really don't like cold eggs."
Asa pauses a moment, then nods. "Both should be acceptable." Sending the orb harmlessly into the dirt of the street away from anywhere droplets splashing from the impact could harm anyone or anything, she places her falcata on her shoulder in such a way that it both poses no immediate threat, but also is still in hand should Shaedeen decide to attempt an attack.
"After you. Oh, and amongst the townsfolk only Rast, Eloisa, Calin and the so-called Desna Knight know what you know now... hells, they actually know a bit less than you do in truth. I won't kill you to keep it that way, other wise I would be no different than the Viscountess and her ilk." She pauses at the word, then adds, "Of which you seem to not be a member of, so my apologies for lumping you with them. Anyway, I still would rather keep it that way if possible. Not many... well, not many folks are willing to overlook something like that." Asa sighs, and sheaths her blade finally. "Not that you owe me anything given my... behavior."
Aldern is waiting for you at the stables. Your mounts are already all paid for. He greets you warmly and you are all on your way.
Aldern addresses the group as you leave.
"It occurs to me that for those who have done so much, not much is known about you! The Heroes of Sandpoint are, by and large, unknown. Tell me, friends, what is your story? How did you all come to be our saviors?""
While he is speaking to all of you, he is, noticeably, speaking more and riding closer to the women. While he's friendly to Calin, Rast, Merrick and Selaros, he's downright flirty with the ladies.
As you continue into Tickwood Forest, anyone who wishes to may make a Survival or a Perception check.
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To Merrick as Asa and Shaedeen return.
"Yes, that is what, um, Gil instructed me. It is easy this town is, um, nice so I want to help."
Rast thinks for a moment considering the new comer.
"I think i am happy for your company."
**************
On the way to the stable Rast will brefly to Calin.
"A very clam or old horse might be good for me. I am new to this."
When the party moves out Rast will ride in quiet. Probably staying fairly close to Asa in his attempt to help maintain her secret.
"My lips are sealed," Shaedeen promises. Back inside the tavern, she writes the oath Asa required of her. If anyone asks about the terse confrontation, Shaedeen laughs it off as a "simple misunderstanding." Then she more properly introduces herself to Rast and the others.
*******************************
Shaedeen seems to enjoy the young nobleman's attention. "As for why I chose to be heroic...well, I happened to have my blade on me when the goblins attacked. So many townsfolk were unarmed and at the little beasties' mercy. I just did what I was able to...nothing more, really."
He for one breathed a sigh of relief that no one was hurt and that a fight didnt happen. He would have never forgiven himself if the Asa, the dhampir had harmed Shaedeen. He hurried paid for a simple breakfast of bread and cheese only giving Asa one... mistrustful glance on his way out the door.
Next door at the stables He had all the horses ready and lined up and he did his best to not bite through his lip at the nobleman's flattery towards the women folk. Not that he could blame them all eyeing the man. He had everything Calin thought someday he wanted.
He knew both Rast and Seleros had worries about their ability to ride horses, so as they traveled he stuck near then, doing his best to show them the finer points of riding and making sure they didnt get over their head. His horse Espérer was a beautiful thing, easily 2 hands taller than the gentle horses he found for some of the others, the fiery deep black steed at first fought at the slower pace they set. It had been some time since he had been on the horse out in the country where it could run.
He fought the urge of course to let him gallop and jump and leap, there would be plenty of time for that he was sure, and as much as he would like the attention probably, he didnt want to seem to be standing up the lord or anything.
Asa nods in quiet thanks at Shaedeen's words. Taking the oath, she scans the document briefly, seeking confirmation that she had different handwriting than the mysterious necromancer of the Isle.
Satisfied that the writing is indeed from another hand, she passes the oath to Father Zantus. After it fails to spontaneously ignite, "As if false oaths would do that... well, usually I suppose they wouldn't," she clears her throat and picks up a plate of eggs, bacon and sausage. Gingerly she places it before Shae, then stands next to her.
"Everyone, if I might have your attention again. I am sorry to keep interrupting everyone's morning meal, but I wanted to publically recant my accusations I made earlier about Shaedeen. I had reason to suspect that she might be someone she was not, but she has convinced me that I was very much mistaken. Furthermore, she has graciously accepted my apology. As my accusations were a bit more public than I would have liked, I wanted to ensure that none of you had reason to suspect her of any crime I implied she might have been involved in." Asa is blushing about as much as she can while saying this, but she maintains her composure throughout and keeps her voice clear enough that all within can hear it. "Please, go back to your breakfast and do not worry about further hostilities between myself and Shaedeen."
Merrick claps a hand on Rast's shoulder, a wide and honest smile suffusing the young man's face.
"And I'll be glad to call you friend!"
Asa and Shaedeen came in, and Asa spoke. Merrick relaxed a bit, then spoke.
"It is a blessing to be able to see an error before it has gone too far to correct. I know I am new here, but I do hope that this is the end of any, ah, awkwardness and that we can work smoothly together moving forward. I know you've no reason to currently, mistress Asa, but hopefully you will see me as someone safe to confide in in the near future. We are meant to work together for the good of all, I can feel it.
But, enough of such heavy talk. I apologize, I can get a bit, uh, heavy sometimes. Let's just have a pleasant hunt, yes?"
*************
Merrick will greet the noble with warmth, but not pay too much attention. Aldern Foxglove was a distraction; Merrick's purpose was to mesh with the group. He wanted to impress them, and there were many ways he could do that.
Merrick walked about the stables, looking for a horse that was more temperamental than the others. Eyeing a sleek, powerful charger, Merrick approached. The horse twitched a bit and pawed the ground as he approached. It was clearly in the process of being broken, and Merrick could see that it was almost ready...
The horse snorted and blustered as he got close, but Merrick held his ground. He kept his body loose and smooth. Merrick kept his eyes locked onto the horse as he reached into his pack, retrieving an apple. Slowly, he extended it. The charger sniffed it, suspicious, and after a moment, decided it was good to eat. Still moving slowly, Merrick got closer, using her free hand to stoke the charger's powerful neck and whisper to it soothingly in Elvish. After a bit, Merrick stopped, and the charger actually nuzzled his hand for more affection. He smiled widely.
"I'll be riding this magnificent creature today."
**********
Merrick will spend the ride talking more to the others than Aldern. If the noble attempts to directly engage him then Merrick will certainly chat amicably, but he's more interested in getting to know the others. If any of the ladies look like they're annoyed by Aldern's obvious flirting, Merrick will engage in conversation, but otherwise he'll chat with "the boys".
Merrick's bow is in his hand and an arrow is nocked but not drawn. He will give his mount with his knees and keep an eye out for signs of the boar.
At the Rusty Dragon.
Eloisa sat looking stunned as the two women argued. I'm not sure what I can do to keep everyone from heading out the door to watch the fight. She sighs when no one seems interested in following. "I'm sure you have chose well for our mounts Calin. I'm excited to try to ride for the first time. I hope I don't fall to the ground first thing. I've never been on a hunt. Hopefully I can be helpful."
When the women return to the inn she says asks Asa, "
Omne inita inter vos? Donec primo die certaminis." as she finishes her cup of tea and pours more.
Is everything worked out between the two of you? It's to early in the day for a fight.
On the hunt:
Eloisa allows Calin to point her to a gentle mount. She pets it excitedly before heading out with the group. She's a surprised with Aldern's interest in her. "I'm just a wizard. I've had a bit of training, and came to Sandpoint to study the Thassilonian ruins in the area. I'm trying to make a small living by teaching some classes, and scribing scrolls." Too bad not to many people are interested in my classes or my scrolls. I hope adventuring pays better, and I can find some more interesting books. Right in the middle of trying to flirt back at Aldern she pushes her glasses up her nose, and squeaks a like a mouse as the horse makes a sudden move.
Calin was helping Rast mount his horse the most placid mare he had ever seen when he saw the Paladin Merrick move torwards Enfuego The Cinnamon colored charger that had already taken 4 weeks longer than Calin had ever seen to accept bit, bridle and saddle... and even then he would give a nasty bite if you werent paying attention.
"Sir ah... Merrick you shoul...."
He started to warn than just sort of tilted his head and sucked in his lower lip sort of biting on it in thought as the paladin somehow earned the horses respect.
"Huh."
Was all he could manage to vocalize watching carefully for a moment as the paladin mounted the temperamental creature before he shrugged and went back to helping steady Rast on the horse.
Asa drops her eyes and sighs at Eloisa's question.
"Omnia est denique iam. Ego primus in aestimatione puellam fefellit. Suspectum videtur proponendum fuerit adeptione meliores mores et naturam exprobrabilis. Et quantum ad te quoque puto."
"Everything is fine now. I was mistaken in my initial appraisal of the young lady. It seems my suspicious nature has been getting the better of my manners or sound judgement. With regards to you as well, I imagine."
"Forgive me. I was not always so hasty. Or harsh." She smiles sadly as she says this in common, loud enough for her immediate companions to hear.
Turning to Merrick, she regards him with appraising eyes. "Perhaps I shall, in time. I am not very trusting anymore for... reasons I keep to myself. As we get to know each other, perhaps I might share some of them with you." She gives the man a partial smile with her lips, though it does not quite reach her eyes.
Asa manages to keep her composure on horseback, though it is clear that she is not much accustomed to riding. "You would think all my years in the caravan would have taught me a bit more about horses, but typically we rode in the wagons being pulled by them... or walked behind them." Smiling sheepishly, she almost seems happy thinking back on those days. After a moment, the memory and emotion pass and she focuses on the present.
"I was working for Korvut prior to the festival. He had done some work for an... associate.... of mine years ago, and she had recommended his shop as a place I could earn some coin while traveling. I had not intended to stay for long, truthfully. Had the goblin attack not occurred I likely would have left days ago."
Merrick grins somewhat apologetically at Calin.
"My da raised horses when I was young. Some of them were right bastards to him, because he was the one breaking them. A bit of touch from a different hand usually got them sorted! I'm thinking of finding one of my own some time soon."
Noting her scholarly bent, while Aldern is busy talking to one of the others, Merrick will pull up next to Eloisa. Merrick will lean close enough to talk softly, though he isn't trying to be secretive, merely converse without disturbing the other conversations.
"I've got a pretty decent ear for languages, but I've no idea what the one you and Asa were speaking earlier was. Some of the word sounds seemed almost Chelish, but they were definitely older and had different root forms and conjugations. What language was that?"
Asa gives Merrick a look, but shrugs. "No sense in interrupting, the question was not directed to me after all."
"Calin, do you know where we are? I am having trouble telling even which way is north right now."
"I for one am glad you solved this without violence, wouldn't want a tense party going om a hunt where we all need to be awake." Selaros says smiling at the women as they are heading out.
"I thank you Calin, riding is a different experince but I think I would perfer to walk whenever I'm giving the chance to choose myself." He says a bit uncomfortable on his horse.
Turning to answer Aldren he says "I'm Sandpoint born, my father a priest of the church and my mother a traveling elf, who he met on a mission outsider of Sandpoint. They oth died in a goblin attack on the town years ago. I'm trained in the use of the starknife, I myself perfer to throw it, I mostly defended just me and my friend, but ended fighting the goblins off as they just kept coming." "About as good as my story gets without revealing anything."
Anyone who got above a 15 can tell by looking around that boar-sized game have been active in the area lately. You all get a general sense of where the boar might be, and you're closing in on that area.
Selaros, you notice that the tracks that are being made are a bit larger and heavier than they should be. You're also able to narrow the most likely location of the boar down to a thick copse of trees. It would probably be a good idea to try to stealthily scout your game and perhaps set an ambush.
"Boarsign. We're getting close."
Merric sits up straighter in the saddle, glancing about with keen eyes and readying himself.