Sayniek nods in agreement with Vidar:
True. This threat, if you can honestly call it that, is eliminated. Now we need to make camp and then keep heading north. Something is assuredly happening, and we need to stop it.
I'll keep watch. You guys go get your sleep. Pinocchio volunteers.
Pinocchio will stare at them again. All night. Just to make the point that we shouldn't be followed again because one of our company literally never sleeps.
The men seem to take the point and offer no complaints when the party packs up camp the following day leaving minimal supplies and the two Skinsaw cultists tied to a tree.
The day promises to be cooler and somewhat dark in the wood but hopefully relatively clear of further threats.
Sayniek will seek to counsel them on the wrongness of following the god of murder. It is unlikely to be effective, but she will allow them to remain alive in the hope that they have seen the error of their ways.
"Well, it has been an interesting trip so far has it not? And we have yet to meet any of the bandits hereabouts."
Vidar chuckles a little as a thought occurs.
"Ah yes, this group...we travel along a road known as the "bandit trails", and not content with the bandits we may encounter, we bring along our very own.
Hah!"
Kithian grins at his friend and just shakes his head as he moves to take a point position in front of the group. "Not sure our paladin would appreciate you torturing our prisoners. I am just saying that the boy may think it is cruel for you to continue with your ceaseless prattering....the gods know I do."
Vidar merely harrumphs at Kithian, not at all shy about a return salvo.
"Ah yes, it must indeed be a torture for you master Darlok, being constantly subjected to intelligent repartee.
Why, I will admit it is fairly cruel of me to constantly attack you in a battle of wits, when you so clearly remain unarmed."
Pinocchio snickers at that last one
The next few days pass uneventfully, the group seeing little other tha the occasional wild animal. Whatever bandits this area is meant to harbor clearly are nonexistent or wise enough not to test the party as it moves with direction and purpose once more.
On the third night as you make camp you check your bearings and believe that you are not far from your destination perhaps able to make it as soon as by next night fall.
The group progresses through the forest and makes its way to a clear shore on the southwestern shore of Clay Bottom Lake, one of the main waterways , along with the Skull River, that serves as Turtleback Ferry's mercantile access to the rest of the area.
In a small milling village that serves as waterway access, with a variety of different small boats and larger brges loading and unloading good and people to take the very paths the group avoided, the party can see the town across the water beyond as the day is bright and clear.
More noticeable, however, is the lithe form of Shalelu Andosana who sees the group approaching and waves as she walks towards you.
Passing the people she closes with the group and ignores all other greetings to grab the wizard roughly and harshly push her lips against his. The moment lingers just long enough to be uncomfortable before she separates from Vidar and then cuffs his chest, Can you not even walk in the woods without getting into trouble?
Somewhat flushed, the wizard laughs and rubs the back of his head.
"Ahaha...no, but in my defence, trouble cannot help but find me when it is already searching for me.
Fear not, just a few surviving cultists that managed to scrape together enough coin to hire some not very loyal mercenaries."
Vidar turns, still blushing a little, towards Kithian and gives him a glare that seems to say "don't you ruin this for me!" before turning back to Shalelu.
"Ah, but as much as I am overjoyed to see you, you are here for a reason I take it?"
The elf purses her lips in contemplation as though to suggest she might not tell you why she is here but thinks better of it as she waves the group to follow her into the small bustling area on the shore,
I stopped in to talk to Ameiko and she mentioned where you were heading. I have meant, in my long-lived elven way, to make it to this area for some time and it occurred to me that if you were already here then I might help you and you might help me. I understand you task brings you to the Ferry while I myself might need to head to the Fort itself. I understand you may have some cachet with the Magnimarans...
Shalelu leads the group to a small but well constructed crossing raft manned by a youth of certainly no older than 14, I secured us crossing and Eamon here has been waiting patiently. Shall we cross to the town proper?
Pinocchio waves to the boy and smiles his slightly unnerving smile. It's nice to meet you both!
Vidars inborn sense of paranoia and distrust briefly flares up, but he does trust Shalelu, so it's not too difficult to fight it down.
"Well now, this will certainly help. Yes, let us explore yonder township.
If nothing else, we can stock up on supplies while we are there."
Inwardly, Vidar is quite giddy at the idea of travelling with Shalelu, though he doubts there will be time for much romance on the trip.
Kithian smiles an actual warm smile at his friend but then breaks into a lop sided grin as he mouths the word "Later".
Camilo smiles, "Milady, it is always good to see a friendly face."
The boy winces at the unnerving little wooden man but Shalelu is nothing if not polite in offering a formal elven greeting to Pinnochio.
After the pleasantries of the moment has passed the ranger guides the group onto the raft and the young Eamon pushes off across the lake.
Shalelu turns to the group, So. The Ferry. I take it you think something of what was happening in Magnimar has made its way here?
"Not quite, we KNOW that the places are connected."
Glancing over at Eamon, Vidar continues with some care.
"The one responsible for the troubles in Magnimar has an equal, likely employing subtler methods at the Ferry."
Pinocchio returns the greeting in fluent elven and then falls silent. Well, almost. He takes to very quietly humming an elven children's song that begins it's verses with that very greeting.
Camillo addresses the boy while Vidar visits with the accomplished scout, "So, Eamon is it? I have never been to yon town. What can you tell me of the people that live here? Are visitors welcome?"
The boy seems eager to not contemplate Pinocchio further, The "Ferry"? ITs a big merchant crossroads so all sorts come an go. I hear its pretty friendly all considered with the Fort nearby and the wilds and the tribes to the north. Korvosa's wild land after all and we get our fair share of trouble but folks like that we have Magnimar to rely on but not be so close as to be breathing on our ears at a moments notice yeh?
Sayniek listens to the others. She does not know the tall elven woman, but it is clear that the others do, so she assumes that they will introduce her eventually.
When the young man talks, the paloracle listens to him, trying to discern any sign that he is other than he appears.
Sense Motive:
Kithian throws his ack down onto the deck and quickly lays down using it to lay on. "More importantly, does this place have a tavern? I ran out of booze 2 daus ago!"
The boy appears to be a blossoming businessman, adapet at crossing the lake with some skill and ease of tongue but otherwise is as he seems, Ale aplenty sir and harder vintages to be sure...
As the raft closes on the opposing shore the young man makes his way too and fro on the deck to adjust the trajectory and spin of the raft, skillfully bringing the conveyance home at a small dock. The boy nods at the party and Shalelu, who pays the remaining fee and gestures to the party to come on shore, Where to next? Do you have specific designs? A need for rest? It is getting late...
At first Vidar gets a little thrill, hoping to discern a hidden meaning in Shalelus words, but then he decides he is probably being overly hopefull. Instead he sighs wearily and runs a hand over his face.
"I cannot think other than we all wishing to complete our tasks here as fast as possible, and as such I would say an early start would be beneficial.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise..."
Never to bed, always arise makes other people crazy! Pinocchio adds with a fiendish grin.
Sayniek agrees:
Yes, we must rest and get some of the road weariness off of us. I have no doubt that we will have some long days ahead of us.
Shalelu guides the group through the dock area, I arranged rooms as well though there appears to be one extra as I was expecting another but from your description of events I think it safe to let that room go. Forgive me master Pinnochio but I took the liberty of getting you a room despite your lack of sleep. I assume you must rest on some level to replenish your powers or, at a minimum, have some time to yourself.
Shalelu stops to a sturdy but plain looking inn which features a raised exterior stair and outward facing doors while a wooden sign with the words "Turtleback Commons". This seems to be as much precaution as much a amenity as the raucous taproom attached fills the ever emptying street with music, laughing and yelling.
Shalelu reaches into her pocket and produces keys with room numbers and passes them out until two keys are left in her hand. Shalelu looks at Vidar, Ah...as I said...one...extra key. I should...return the extra to the desk and then we...should call it a night?
In the dim light of post dusk as the final light gives way to the night time sky amidst the flickering torches it is clear that Shalelu Andosana is almost beet red but does not waver in keeping her eyes on Vidar to see what he does next.
My own room would be great! Thanks Shalelu. I need to do some work that must be done in private. Pinocchio says. He promptly disappears into his room and is thankfully absent just a few moments later. Having him around during Shalelu's suggestion would probably have made things unbearable instead of slightly awkward.
Vidar's eyes narrow a little, making sure to take in ALL of Shalelu for a moment, not wanting to make any mistakes here.
Is she...? She is! The mighty huntress is blushing! Well now, time to even the scores just a little...
Taking a brisk step forward, Vidar puts one arm around Shalelus lithe waist and pulls her to him, giving her a long lingering kiss, and then he leans in and whispers in her ear.
"Sod the key! Returning it can wait..."
Then he puts his forehead against her and smiles softly.
Shalelu and Vidar depart.
Kithian slaps his friend on the back as he heads to the bar.
Overnight Pinocchio's room creaks and flashes with weird lights. Sometimes you can hear him muttering if you stand at the door. In the morning he emerges fresh and happy, like always.
Camillo is only slightly jealous of Vidar's good fortune and takes care to leave the two of them alone swiftly but not too swiftly. He lays in his bed with thoughts of one not close enough and composes a song to the pleasant memories.
He awakens early and makes his way to the commons where he quietly puts the song to music on a lite he has conjured up. He visits amiably with any that are up at this hour, working to get a feel for the community.
After saying her prayers to Ragathiel, Sayniek takes off her armor, and actually enjoys the comfort of a bed, hoping against hope that she is actually able to get a full night's sleep.
Kithian drinks at the bar until they close then climbs a top the bar and promptly begins to snore.
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Despite being exhausted, Vidar had not gotten much sleep that night.
At the moment, he was wide awake, looking down at the peaceful Shalelu next to him.
It was a misunderstanding that elves did not sleep, they normally don't, but they CAN, if sufficiently tired or hurt.
There had been something new to the lovemaking that night, something almost...desperate.
And now Vidar's mind was churning.
He could feel that he was just one step shy of coming to a great revelation, something that truly would change everything.
It had all started with her blush, the first time he had ever seen that.
Vidars' eyebrows rose as he realized it was the first time he had truly seen her vulnerable, the time at the goblin fortress had not counted, because that wasn't something SHE had done.
Was that it? A touch of fear to the lovemaking? But why then? Why was this time different?
It wasn't the first time they had been apart, and the reunions, while always pleasurable, had never been like this.
The revelation came slowly, not as someone breaking down a door and storming in, rather as someone carefully opening the door and sneaking in so softly that they were not noticed until they were already in the centre of the room.
Vidar knew he loved Shalelu, but...she might just love him back...
Truly, that thought had not occurred to him even once before.
It was exhilarating and frightening at the same time.
To say that Vidar was a man of convictions and confidence would be to say that Kithian had a fondness for the occasional strong drink, so when he had found an arcane way to become more or less immortal, it had never once occurred to him that he might not succeed.
The thing was, he had mostly abandoned that though, and the reason was that he had not truly wanted to live that long alone.
But now it was back, because he realized that even if he had to live a millennia all alone, if it meant he got to spend all of Shalelus life with her, it would be worth it.
It was scary how much he wanted to be with her, but that paled in comparison to the thought that she might feel the same way about him.
Words were not enough at the moment, instinct guided him, and it guided him to a place he never thought he would go, to song.
Oh I can't keep it in, can't keep it in
I've gotta let it out.
I've got to show the world, world's got to see.
See all the love, love that's in me, I said
Why walk alone? Why worry when it's warm over here?
You got so much to say, say what you mean.
Mean what you're thinkin', and think anything.
Oh why, why must you waste you're life away.
You've got to live for today, then let it go, oh
Lover, I want to spend this time with you.
There's nothing I wouldn't do, if you let me know.
And I can't keep it in, I can't hide it and
I can't lock it away.
I'm up for your love, love heats my blood
Blood spins my head, and my head falls in love.
No I can't keep it in, I can't keep it in
I've gotta let it out
I've got to show the world, world's got to know,
Know of the love, love that lies low,
So why can't you say, if you know then why can't you say
You've got too much deceit, and deceit kills the light.
Light, needs has to shine,
I said shine light, shine light.
Love, that no way to live you life.
You allow too much to go by, and that won't do, no
Lover, I want to have you here by my side
Now don't you run don't you hide
while I'm with you
Now I can't keep it in,
I can't keep it in I gotta let it out
I've gotta show the world, worlds's got to see see all the love,
love that's in me I said why walk alone
Why worry when it's warm over here
You got so much to say, say what you mean
Mean what you're thinkin' and thing anything, why not?
Now why why why not?
Kithian rolls off the bar and groans loudly....somewhere a dog howls...
Shalelu too seems content at the night's passing and reveals a much more energetic and almost "human" side to her in taking up with Vidar. Though by morning there is a cooling, a professionalism and surety of purpose that builds upon her just as the layers of her clothing and gear do.
The group reconvenes, rested or dutifully lubricated from the evening's events and gather to discuss next steps. Shalelu for her part is purely business, eating in preparation for a long day, So any notion of where you mean to start?
Vidar finds himself a little sadden by the mask of aloofness that seems to have slid over Shalelu again come morning.
Perhaps he had expected too much, or too soon, but he had all been ready to climb to the rooftops and sing the same song.
Now he suspected it would be a pretty bad move, Shalelu didn't seem to be keen on that kind of display.
Deciding that the only way to deal with it would be to let her have some more time, his own mask of gruffness comes on.
"Hmmmph, as we have no obvious clues, perhaps a look at the fort? There is a chance that they have information we could use to help us.
Plus, if we are seen not to linger here, we might throw off any people who keeps an eye out for newcomers."
Despite Vidar's paranoia Shalelu softnes in her gaze as it falls to Vidar. Elves were complex creatures, after all. The fort is still a but past the city but you mentioned some concern in the city itself? I am fine to head that way, I know a shortcut, in fact, but I dojn't want to hasten us leaving if you have other things to do?