Merrick quirks an eyebrow and grins winning it.
"Well, to be fair, you did greet Shaedeen...a bit less than amicably, so as your new self-appointed emotional guardian, I've got to make sure you don't do anything rash! If you really want to go and do this then I've got your back, of course...I just don't think it's advisable, is all."
Asa levels a glare at Calin, but pauses momentarily. Hearing Merrick's addition, she sighs in frustration.
"I am not going to kill him. I just want to talk with him." She sheaths her falcata and thrusts it into the unsuspecting arms of Calin.
"You can hold onto that while I am doing so if you don't believe me. Or you can follow me if you are truly worried after the health a the man who just called half of your heritages' language the tongue of whores and followed it with accusing you of drawing the goblins to town."
Looking at Merrick, she adds, "You can come too if you want. I really am not going to dual the man, just ask for an explanation."
She begins positioning herself to walk past Calin and after the retreating elder.
You are going to return to the seats over there, drink more ale, eat more boar and forget an angry addled old man who just told his daughter she is disowned. There is nothing you can say to him that will change his mind. So here is your sword."
He began handing her the sword back, then quickly half leaning in and putting her over his shoulder as if she were a bag of oats and carrying her back to the table she came from and setting her down.
"Sit! Enjoy! Dont make me tie you to Ser Merrick to keep you from starting trouble."
He warned.
Merrick blinked.
Well, that would be a first.
Merrick was not quite so bold as to manhandle Asa in such a way, mainly because he suspected that she would melt his face off if he angered her.
Calin must have stones the size of an Ogre.
Asa screams in rage at Calin as he hauls her back to her chair.
"Mettez-moi en bas fils d'un éleveur de chèvre! Je vais allumer vos cheveux vert vif pendant un mois et faire votre haleine odeur de bière aigre pour cela!"
"Put me down you son of a goat herder! I am going to turn your hair bright green for a month and make your breath smell of sour ale for this!"
Seeing her words have little effect, she waits until he sets her down and begins to walk away to sweep her leg out in a quick trip attempt.
Connecting, she stands up over the now sprawled out half elf.
"I am going to let this slide this once. And only this once."
Face flushed with anger, she returns to her room above.
"Well then, Im glad she got that out of her system."
He began rising and dusting himself off. Well aware he was suddenly the center of attention he looked about. He cleared his throat and did his best to make a jest of the whole thing.
"WHen Miss Asa gets riled up she has to take her energies out on something or someone, seeing how she drove all the goblins off already I figured i could stand to take the brunt of it. Three cheers for Asa the goblin killer!"
He said as he rose finding a flagon to lift it up
"And three cheers for Miss Ameiko for having the finest drinking establishment in Sandpoints!"
He added hoping that was enough to diffuse everything.
Merrick will raise his own flagon and address the crowd.
"Well, it wasn't advertised as such, but hey! Free dinner, drinks, and a show! The Heroes of Sandpoint; we always deliver!"
Please let me be charming and amusing enough to gloss over the fact that one of us almost threatened a noble...
"Well things got lively all of a sudden, at least people have forgotten the tension and is enjoying themselves again." Selaros sits and looks at the Asa and Calin not really interrested in joining them, but can't help grinning a bit as Calin lifts her up like a miller's sack.
The crowd is slightly intoxicated and all have favorable attitudes toward you, so your check is successful, Merrick. Some laugh, and a couple of them playfully start offering odds on who would win in a fight.
Merrick breathes a sigh of relief. Once he's sure his allies are settled down, he'll go and check on Ameiko.
Merrick will clear his throat, rather obviously.
"Ah...mistress Ameiko. I, and I'm sure all of the rest, have great gratitude for everything you've done for us. This might not be my place, but I'll be happy to clean whatever you need or help out if you'd like to take a minute. I...well, if you remember, I never really got the chance to be that at odds with my family, but I don't imagine it's pleasant. If you ever want an ear...I mean, technically, it'd be confession, so no one would know but me, right?"
Eloisa just stands with her mouth hanging open as the insults and stew fly. She starts after Asa, but sees Calin quickly take care of the situation. Shaking her head in disbelief she takes a seat back at the table barely avoiding Asa as she storms off to her room. Way too much drinking for me tonight. That didn't just happen. I should stop. She grabs a half empty ale and finishes it in one gulp.
Shaedeen gawks in disbelief as the half-elf Calin woman-handles Asa with relative ease...until the dhampir gets a measure of revenge by tripping him immediately when he puts her back on the ground. Seeing Asa storm off to her room, Shae seems to consider going after her but then reconsiders.
Hmm, maybe my best play at the moment is to just sit here and act like I belong she thinks, getting a second plate of boar meat and veggies while nursing her watered-down wine.
Arriving with a huff, Asa almost slams the door to her room behind her. Setting her falcata down with a bit more force than necessary, she angrily turns to her books.
After considering her options, Shaedeen picks up her plate and cup, circles the table like a lovely vulture, and takes a seat next to Eloisa. While putting her own food and drink on the tabletop, she asks the serving girl to bring Eloisa another mug of ale.
"Mind if I sit here?" sshe asks the mage with a smile...after she's already settled into the seat. "I'd like to ask you a question or two about Asa.... Is she always this...disagreeable? I meant it earlier when I said we girls need to watch one another's backs, but...I didn't realize that Asa was at war with the whole world when I said that. Why do you follow her? Are you afraid of her?"
Merrick, give me a Diplomacy roll.
As for the rest of you, the people you were having private conversations with have gotten kind of thrown off the party mood and are making to leave for the evening. Calin, you in particular find Tessa gone, but she has left a note for you.
With the mood kinda killed Selaros says his goodnight to Agustianna, and go up to catch some shuteye himself. When he gets to his room, he'll take out the new glaive and give it a few pratice swings to get a better feel for the weapon, before he eventually ends in combat with it.
Selaros, your movements are definitely hampered by the enclosed space, but the weapon is superbly made. The balance is just right and you know it will swing true.
Merrick, you and Ameiko engage in light, friendly conversation for about ten minutes. She declines your offer of help; it seems that keeping busy is taking her mind off of things at the moment, but she's glad for your company nonetheless. At the end of it, her mood does seem improved, and she tells you;
"This is...still a bit to near for me to want to talk about. With parents...well, no one can screw you up like your parents. But...maybe some day soon, if you find me that Chelaxian wine I like, a friendly ear might be good."
The ghost of a grin appears on her face.
"Though I might have to watch my back...some of your 'admirers' might want to scratch my eyes out! Keep this up and you might flip the script...I thought normally it was the men-folk that had sexy nun fantasies..."
As for the spells, they were 0, 1st and 2nd level Necromancy spells. They seem for all intents and purposes to have been as they should be; all of the spells possess the proper descriptors (evil where applicable, death effects, etc).
With that Dungeoneering roll, you are certain that the ruins and the temple to Pazuzu were far, far older than the house on top of it. Whatever happened there, Chopper most likely did not create or build that subterranean complex. You think it may have connected to other routes below the earth, but those collapsed so long about that earth has grown around those passages in such a way that it seems completely natural. It would take massive resources and a dedicated work force months, if not years, to clear the complex. But it is absolutely far older than most things in Sandpoint...perhaps even old enough to be Thassilonian, though you saw no distinct markings.
As for Minkaian, it's real-word equivalent would be Japanese. You are able to work out that the word order is generally Subject-Object_verb.
Selaros, your movements are definitely hampered by the enclosed space, but the weapon is superbly made. The balance is just right and you know it will swing true.
Merrick, you and Ameiko engage in light, friendly conversation for about ten minutes. She declines your offer of help; it seems that keeping busy is taking her mind off of things at the moment, but she's glad for your company nonetheless. At the end of it, her mood does seem improved, and she tells you;
"This is...still a bit to near for me to want to talk about. With parents...well, no one can screw you up like your parents. But...maybe some day soon, if you find me that Chelaxian wine I like, a friendly ear might be good."
The ghost of a grin appears on her face.
"Though I might have to watch my back...some of your 'admirers' might want to scratch my eyes out! Keep this up and you might flip the script...I thought normally it was the men-folk that had sexy nun fantasies..."
As for the spells, they were 0, 1st and 2nd level Necromancy spells. They seem for all intents and purposes to have been as they should be; all of the spells possess the proper descriptors (evil where applicable, death effects, etc).
With that Dungeoneering roll, you are certain that the ruins and the temple to Pazuzu were far, far older than the house on top of it. Whatever happened there, Chopper most likely did not create or build that subterranean complex. You think it may have connected to other routes below the earth, but those collapsed so long about that earth has grown around those passages in such a way that it seems completely natural. It would take massive resources and a dedicated work force months, if not years, to clear the complex. But it is absolutely far older than most things in Sandpoint...perhaps even old enough to be Thassilonian, though you saw no distinct markings.
As for Minkaian, it's real-word equivalent would be Japanese. You are able to work out that the word order is generally Subject-Object_verb.
When she says the bit at the end, Merrick is drinking his ale and he flat out chokes on some of it. He sputters and coughs, rather pathetically. Once he's somewhat under control, his eyes are obviously wide and he is searching for words.
"...I have no response to that. Um...I look forward to speaking with you again?"
Merrick awkwardly bids Ameiko goodnight and retreats into his room, not quite knowing what to think. He'll bed down for the evening, confused by his feelings.
Well... its wasnt a complete failure the night, though the end of it felt bad enough. He shouldnt have excused himself from talking to the pretty maid, he had meant to ask if he she needed coin for her time. He after all didnt want to interupt business. What was Asa thinking? you dont go accosting people for no reason... He sighed heavily and wondered if he should tell the sheriff about her nature I mean maybe that was why she was so hotheaded.
He sat there drinking the ale quietly alos frowning in thought. That wasnt right of Miss Ameiko's father to be so rude. His words torwards elven kind were very uncalled for.
One drink turned to two, two to three, and by the time he made his way to the very small home he had he was certainly regretting having any. He wondered if there were anything else crazy going to go on soon. He certainly hoped not.
Asa's fury slowly boils down to a low simmer by the time she finishes learning more about Minkaian sentence structure than she cared for. "Gods what an odd language... still, it gets the point across I suppose. I might have to have Ameiko give me some lessons at some point... I hate not knowing what people around me are saying."
Closing the book, she reflects on some of the other revelations she learned through her rage studying. "I wonder if those tunnels were somehow connected to the Lady at some point. No way of telling now, but it would make sense. Still, one does have to wonder. Was the darkness within brought there by this Stoot fellow, or did he merely wake it up..."
Turning to her spellbook, she begins to pick out spells for the subsequent day. "Didn't get a chance to test out that healing Rast wanted to do. Won't likely be injured still, so might have to improvise if we want to give it a whirl. Perhaps Calin will give me a reason to fight him... speaking of..."
Asa grins as she turns to a section she had not used in quite some time.
"Ah, this should do nicely. It might not turn his hair green for a month, but it should drive the point home about getting in my way again." Laughing to herself, Asa blows out the candle and tucks herself into her bed.
Eloisa takes a swig of her ale looking confused when Shadeen asks why she follows Asa. "I don't follow Asa. I just met her the other day. As hero's of Sandpoint, we were asked by the sheriff to do research Chopper's Isle. We've had our issues I'll admit, but I think she will be a good adventuring companion." And maybe a friend. "You have to admit working with her won't be boring. I'm just a wizard who's trying to make a living so I can research my interests." she shrugs and weaves a little in her seat, "That's what wizards do. Learn things. Hanging around Asa is certainly educational. No I'm not afraid of her. She's short tempered, but good in a fight." She slowly rises from her chair. "Goodnight I'm heading home." she leaves the Rusty Dragon and makes her way to her small home.
"I'm staying at the White Deer currently," Shaedeen informs Eloisa, "though I might move in here if Ameiko's got any rooms available. I can walk with you at least part of the way home, if you'd like."
"Happy to have the company on the walk. You never know. Those goblins put everyone on edge."
Nothing happens while you walk home but feel free to RP in spoilers.
The next morning, you wake up. Those of you not at the Rusty Dragon make their way over. Those of you staying there notice something odd. You have become used to the smell of bacon and sausage cooking greeting you as you descend the stairs for the morning, but today, no such smell is present. Indeed, the only person you can see in the common room is Bethana, Ameiko's assistant. The halfling woman looks pale and frightened.
At first Selaros doesn't think about there is no smell of food, he is useal the one to start preparing it. But as he wakes up fully he remember it's not his day to make breakfast. "Bethana, has something happened? You look like you've seen a ghost." he asks concern in his voice
Waking with a grumble once more at the cursed rays of the infernal celestial orb in the sky, Asa makes use of her recently prepared skill to aid in a much more speedy dressing and cleansing.
"Might as well get full use out of the spells," she says with a smile as she uses mage hand to hold her garments out for her while simultaneously using prestigidation to clean them and herself. Satisfied, she grabs her falcata and heads down the stairs. "Strange, normally you smell the cooking before you get much further than your doorstep..."
Seeing Selaros and Bethana, she nods as way of greeting.
"Good morning. Sorry if I caused any problems last night, it's why I normally don't drink. Where is Ameiko, I should probably apologize to her too."
|
After drinking too much and missing most of the excitement Rast is happy to rejoin the group. Somehow his brief conversation with the red headed girl has given him a little more confidence.
Seeing the others speaking with the halfling bar maid he approaches.
"Good morning Asa, Selaros. What an interesting night."
He listens as Selaros speaks with Bethana.
As you speak to her, Bethana lets out a startled exclamation and jumps. After a moment, she collects herself, and starts speaking.
"Selaros...I, I don't know what happened! They were here last night and now they're gone! Ameiko and Agustianna! I don't know where they are!"
The halfling is clearly agitated, and needs to be calmed down. Someone can make a Diplomacy checl.
"Who's Agustianna?" Shaedeen asks breezily as she enters the front door of the establishment, armed, armored, and ready for heroics.
A moment later her brow furrows and she asks, "And why don't I see or smell breakfast?"
Merrick makes his way down, already fully prepared for the day. As was his custom, he rose before dawn, said his prayers and made sure he was ready. Now, however, it seemed something was amiss.
"If I remember the last couple of days correctly, she's a friend of Selaros. Bethana, my dear, I need you to relax a bit, please. I know you're under a lot of pressure but we're here for you...we just need to know what happened. Take a few deep breaths, and start from the beginning."
With some difficulty, Bethana gets herself under control.
"Right. Sorry. Listen, Ameiko is gone. She's normally up by now and I normally would never barge into her quarters but she NEVER misses work. Anyway, she wasn't in there, and I found this letter on the floor. Agustianna got a little deep in her cups tonight and decided to room with Ameiko...they're old friends, from the time they were girls...and she's gone, too! I don't know if they're safe...that scoundrel Tsuto is up to no good, I just know it!"
"She's probably visiting with her father--Ameiko, that is," Shaedeen suggests. "Apologizing for raising their voices, insulting people, bashing skulls with ladles and the like. Is there really no bacon this morning?"
"Hmm...this letter makes me wonder...could the elder Kaijitsu have found out that his children were meeting to bring him down and...well, I don't know what he'd do to his own kin. If he was in on the goblin raid somehow, maybe the old man needed to silence his children...perhaps permanently."
"Maybe we should see if they're still at the glassworks, eh? Bethana--could you gather a loaf of bread and some cheese? I can survive without bacon this one time, but I'll need some nourishment if I'm to rescue people."
Upon reading the letter, Merrick hands it back to Bethana.
"With Agustianna? No...something's not right here. This letter implies that Tsuto is her brother, and there's something that's off about this family...there's something off about this whole situation. I'm going to go to the Glassworks to check on them. I think you should all come with me."
Without waiting for a response, Merrick moves to leave. He has a bad feeling about this...
|
|
Wow, now that is the ability to spring in action! Is everyone even here with us?
"Brother in Desna, I am with you. One moment though, I must grab my mace and shield, I, well, didn't think I would need them at breakfast."
From now on I stay armed I guess. I am going to be an adventurer so I need to learn the habits.
Rast exits for as short a time as possible, returning armed and armored.
Asa nods at Merrick. "I will be right behind you."
Turning to Bethana she gives the poor woman a consoling smile.
"Don't worry, I for one owe Ameiko greatly for allowing me to stay here as long as I have. No harm will happen to her and she will be back to running goblins and no good parents off with her ladle in no time."
"And hells help anyone foolish enough to try to stop that."
She checks that her falcata is ready to draw and follows after the paladin.
Selaros get's kinda pale also by the news "Oh I feared this would happen at some point, how do I help her this time." "We have to save Agustianna, well the both of them. Should get to the glassworks immediately." Selaros doesn't know what he should do, but he is ready to help
Asa turns to Selaros. "Don't worry, I am sure they are both fine." As they walk out of Bethana's earshot she adds, "If not we will make whomever has this much audacity pay for it." Her smile is determined. "Who knows, perhaps we will arrive to find the Desna Knight there, solving the problem before we have to get our hands dirty."
"Well that would be quite the sight, but I wont be able to rest untill they are safe." "Would be quite the sight. Dunno how I am supposed to get out of this one to change. It's impossible to excuse myself when I am this eager to save Agustianna. Maybe the other heroes deserve to know."
Seeing everyone ready to rush off, Shaedeen (surprise!) decides to act a bit contrarian.
"On second thought...I'll go fetch Eloisa," she announces. "We'll catch up with the rest of you presently."
With that, she shoots out the front door and follows the path she and the mage took after leaving the Dragon the previous night.
Asa looks after Shae and calls to her, "If you see Calin bring him too. Tell him if her father is involved in this that I hold him responsible for this mess!"
It wasnt hard to find the half elf at all. He was quietly at work that morning with a few of the riding mares out in the small walk making sure they got a brisk exercise right next door to Ameiko's very establishment. He nodded and gave a friendly wave torwards Shadeen as she hurriedly left to find Eloisa.
You all make your way to the Glassworks. It is a rather large building, and you find it locked.
Once everyone has arrived, Asa draws her falcata. "I hope that I don't have to use this, but best to be ready."
Walking to the locked door she hammers on the door with her free hand.
"Ameiko!! Augustina!! If you are in there please open up!"
Eloisa is on he way to the Rusty Dragon for breakfast when she sees a small black haired streak heading her way. "Shaedeen what is going on? Is there a fire?" After hearing that Ameiko and Agustianna are missing from the Rusty Dragon, and presumed at the Glassworks she heads there as qucikly as she can following Shaedeen. "Why would she be at the Glassworks? Seems like a strange place to go after last nights party, and visit from her father."
As they are approaching the glassworks Asa notices Eloisa, Shaedeen and Calin approach. Her eyes narrow at the last one.
"Well, glad that you all can join us. Seems that Ameiko might be in a bit of trouble. Take a gander at this and see if you still think I shouldn't have had a word with the man last night." Asa practically forces the note into Calin's hands as they walk toward their destination.
"Not that I was going to ask him about that, mind you, but given his mental state he might have confessed on his own. And then Ameiko would probably have had no cause to come to this fishy sounding meeting in the first place."
As they arrive, Asa stands squarely before Calin. "It might not be entirely fair, but if something bad befell Ameiko or Augustina and it is the fault of the old man I am holding you accountable for it. So that we are clear."
Without waiting for a reply she walks up to the door.