Jo'no breathes a sign of relief for both seeing that his action did not cause the whole crate to blow up, and at seeing Tania appear out of no-where.
The wizard nods towards Algus as he sees the alchemist advancing towards the bandit. Jo'no halts his advance and readies to cast the spell again should the thief move from his spot.
Jo'no catches Tania's sly smile as she notice's his handy work. The shoanti also smiles while he reminisces about the many times Tania was often the unsuspecting Guinea pig of the same spell during Jo'no's apprenticing years.
Algus slows his advance as he sees Tania closing in on the dazed Thug, quickly readying his crossbow, in case the thug tries to do anything shady. he feels relieved as the fireworks are safe and sound: should the rest of the thugs come back, he'll be able to handle them more easily with his own explosives.
he remains quiet as he begins to wonder just why would anyone want to cause cause disturbances on this day, and if so, who would have such nefarious intent.
True and Feldspar - The accolyte pales visibly at the Knights tone with him. When he is released, he almost falls before catching his blance and fleeing into the temple. His face had lost its outraged appearence though, and for that True was most likely thank ful.
The young blind girl sat groggily up, supported by Feldspar and moaning a little as she moved "Ah, it has been some time since I had one of my turns. Please, if you could help me to my home I have some tincture there that may help me with teh pain that usualy follows one of my fainting spells. After that, I can pass on the message I have for you Sir Feldspar." She pauses and looks towards True, her blind eyes staring slightly past the young cleric in the manner of the sightles folk. "Perhaps your.. friend? shall come too."
Behind this scene, Trues mother and her new beau slip quietly away from the cliff face and walk quickly back into the town proper, all but fleeing from the woman who had possibly ruined their morning walk together.
Idrian - Trooper Blunt listens to Idrians exlantion and frowns slightly at the tale. "Well, no harm no foul I say. Gentlemen, feel free to finish your delivery. I'll make sure our friend with the bow here makes it his place of abode without more incidents." The way he spoke the words made Idrian feel he may have been angry.
The two thugs grin at the sheriffs man nad walk quickly away, this time heading for the docks. The youngest one calls over his shoulder. "You keep that'un on a tight leashe terday Blunt. He'll have someones eye out with that thing before the day is through if you don't."
Marcus quietly takes the half elfs arm and leads him away from the two men and the gatehred crowd. "Best I take you where you're staying Idrian, you need to be thinking long and hard before pulling your bow out in a public place again. If old Leatherface Hemlock had been here, he'd have your bow under lock and key, and you on some form of community work for what you just pulled"
"Sure thing, Watchman, I'll be more careful in the future." He says with all sincerity. "I had planned on getting a place her at the dragon, if they still have rooms."
In answer to True's question, he shrugged. "She shows no sign of injury but the event was...unusual."
At the girl's words, Feldspar's concern deepened. "So you still have a message for me?" He paused, uncertainty in his expression and then nodded. "Very well, we shall see you home. You will be able to accompany us, True?" He asked the last with a hint of his uncertainty in his tone.
"This is True Vigileon, servant of Iomedae. Might we perhaps have your name, lass? "
As they escorted the girl Feldspar's thoughts returned to the strange words spoken by the...thing that appeared to have possessed the girl. It was certainly of evil intent, and such a presence demanded careful study but he was concerned of speaking of the incident to True too openly. He had been given to understand that humans were a particularly fragile people and he was fearful of what such a revelation would do to the blind girl's well-being. So he remained silent, hoping that her home was as near as she'd promised.
"Of course, Feldspar. However if the message is of a private nature perhaps...no well...I can be discrete."
True hefts the girl up and into her arms like a bag of feathers. Maybe True is not so fragile?
Tania, Algus and Jo'No - The thief suddenly snaps out of his magically induced stunned state, ony to be faced by Tania's spear tip mere inches from his chest. His eyes widen in shock as he realises these three have effectively captured him.
Slowly he raises his hands in the air, realising that trying to run just isn't going to work. He responds with a rough voice that only years of heavy drinking can provide "Names Braccus. Tweren't me own idea ter be takin' them flashybangs."
As the two arcansits move up behind the young woman, the crowd of children gather around them, asking questions at a great rate and generally making lots of noise. "Are you gonna kill him", "You're real pretty miss", "Hey Mr, why d'ya have a mask over your face?", "Show us a magic trick Jo'No!". Children have no boundaries nor concepts of personal danger it would seem.
A window opens up in one of the taller buildings making up the small square and a woman sticks her head out "You children leave them fine folk al....here, what's going on, I'll have the watch here soon, you mark my words!" There was growing alarm in her voice at the sight of the spear wielding woman and strange men with her.
Concerned not only of what the children could potentially witness, but also whether the man might try to make a grab for one and use them as a hostage, Jo'no picks up a small rock.
"You kids want to see a trick, well how about we play a game?" Jo'no casts a spell, illuminating the rock with a light spell. Excitedly he instructs, "the first one who can find this rock, gets to keep it." He tosses the rock to some bushes or any other dense vegitation on the far side of the courtyard where the children were playing.
"Pray tell then Braccus, whose idea was it? Come on, if you tell us quick, we'll let you go before the watch gets here."
"Jo'No, don't encourage them..." Zyirth sighs as he still holds a steady aim towards Braccus. he hesitates for a moment, but then decides that perhaps the best way to keep the children away from here is to scare them off. he pulls out a small bottle from his robes and cloak, and drinks the fluid.A rather weird time for a field test, but...the situation demands it.
due to the slightly oversized, wavy robes, the transformation isn't readily apparent, yet a slight increase in height and muscle mass happens to the alchemist, as his body experiences the mutation."So, you want to see what's behind the mask, huh?..." He lowers his crossbow as he turns to see the children. his voice has changed to a more deep, menacing and hoarse tone. "I'll satisfy your curiosity then." he takes off the cowl first, revealing messy, short dark hair; the mask still covers his face. he slowly places his hands on the mask, ready to remove it.
"Take a look then!!" the moment he speaks these words, he takes off the mask to reveal a rather nightmarish visage: a feral, almost goblin-like face filled with countless scars, and two dark, intensely bloodshot eyes looking down upon them. the man grins at the children, the face contorting and revealing a set of sharp, crooked teeth.
it's sad that I had to field-test it like this...but hopefully it'll save the children from further troubles., Algus thinks as he reveals the haunting image of his face.
True and Feldspar - The girl introduced herself as Maree, and gladly took their escort home. While she took True's arm out of courtesy, it quickly became evident that she could navigate fairly well despite her blindness. While they walked she cheerfully told them of her arrival in town earlier in the year following her dreams and the visions they provided her. When they arrive, her house is obviously well cared for, and tehy are met at teh door by a very firendly cat, which purrs deeply and wraps itself in ownership around the two holy warriors as they help its mistress into the house.
"Thankyou" she states with her strange half smile. "Now for your message. I will pass it quickly so you can return for teh opening ceremony.". She closes her eyes, although this is more instincitive than required and recites words as if reading tehm from inside her eyelids. "One born of stone will come, marked with the hammer of the Delver. Warn him to beware the runes of sin, for they mark the coming of ancient power." She opens her eyes again, only to reveal teh milky orbs beneath them and smiles "Yes that is it. Now, I have taken so much of your time already, please return to the temple so you can see the opening ceremeony. I hear it will be beautiful". The last is said with a hint of sadness, but is quickly covered by her warm smile again.
Idrian - Guardsman blunt escorts Idrian right up to the door of Rusty Dragon. From withiin can be smelt a spicy meal, simmering quietly above teh kitchen fire. Patrons are moving in and out of the place as the days light grows stronger and the hour for the ceremony to start grows nearer. At the door he stops the hunter and states bluntly "We don't want trouble today Idrian. Those men might've been up to no good or may have just been doing as they say. The fact you pulled your weapon so fast has me nervous. Now I'll cut you slack this once, since you've worked with us before, but you be mindful today. It'll be busy enough without me having to talk down more situations like that one."
No sooner had he mentioned it than a group of children came running up the street screaming about the monster trying to eat them and the lady trying to stab old "Banger" Green. With a frown, the turns and hurries towards the disturbance.
Tania, Algus and Jo'No. At first it looked like Jo'No's little game was working. The children ran laughing after the glowing stone even as the woman hanging out the window began shouting more warnings to the armed people in the courtyard. They quickly retrned though, as Tania was trying to etract information from the thief. As the man opened his mouth to respond, Algus pulled off his mask and gave teh children such a fright that they screamed as one and fled from the courtyard calling out warnings about the monster in town.
There was the bang of a slamming shutter above as the nosy woman slammed shut her window, swearing an oath to Desna as she did so and calling for her husband to "Fetch his big knife".
The man in front of them all opened his eyes wide in shock at the sight of the alchemist, the words he was going to say completely lost in the moment. "Gods above, you look like a pelican baught you back up from its gizzard man. I 'aint seen no one as looks a sugly as you!" The man has a mixture of awe and fear in his voice, almost as if he was willing to admire an ugliness so profound it would scare children and women folk into running.
From the direction that the children ran, a males voice calls out. "You folk need to put down those weapons and let the watch sort out this problem. I've already had one bloody incident with hasty weapons today, I don't need any more!" The voice is soin follwed by a tall young guardsman walking into the courtyard with his hand on his sword hilt.
Feldspar is motionless for a moment, considering the woman's words. "I thank you for the message, Maree but what of the one who sent the message? Who might he or she be?"
As they leave Maree's house and return to the church, Feldspar looks to True, still uncertain. "I am sorry I did not speak earlier, but I did not want to frighten the girl. Before her faint she gave another message that also seemed intended to me. It was delivered in a voice not quite her own; I suspect she was possessed by another entity of some sort, of evil nature. I will need to look into this more, but thought perhaps it should be discussed with Zanthus first." He relayed the earlier message word for word as given to him.
He shook his head, eyes troubled. "I do not know what to make of these things."
I'll follow after him.
At first, Tania doesn't understand what's going on: What are the children doing? Then, as Braccus shuts up, she thinks: Ah! So close...
She then turns her attention towards the guardman, only to catch sight of Algus' feral features: "What in Desna's name! Algus, is that what you wanted me to drink!?" She hesitates as to where should her spear point...
Then she catches herself, woken by the guardman's words. She raises her spear vertical and lifts a hand up, in peace: "Glad you're here Watchman. We have stopped this man and his colleagues, who have fled the scene, trying to steal these boxes of fireworks. We only wish to see the boxes back to safety. Who knows what evil intent was at work here." Damn it! How are we going to be able to know more if that guy is in the way... Why is the guard always seems to be...
She'll then try to whisper to Braccus: "The deal is still on. If you talk to me, I'll back your story..."
Jo'no looks shocked at the alchemist's visage, and even more horrified as he sees the kids scared out of their minds, sure to have nightmares for the next week.
As he looks to Tania in disbelief, he hear's the cries of the guardsman. Reasurringly, Jo'no waves him over.
The shoanti nods as Tania explains the situation.
True stares at Maree hard then puts one hand on her shoulder. "Come with us Maree. I will describe everything to you and you will be able to hear, smell and taste the festival. Come with us and it would be an honour to be your eyes."
When Feldspar mentions the evil presence, then True listens intently and fixes the dwarf with her iron hard eyes. "Iomedae would wish me to find the truth in this. I will help you however I can. Maybe Zanthus should know but not until after teh festival. His mind would not be on us, perhaps tomorrow morning?"
"Apologies, friends." Algus says as he puts his cowl back on, as well as the mask. "I didn't mean to scare you so." he lowers his weapon and begins approaching the guardsman, pulling out a small parchment from a pocket in his clothes.
"I can corroborate Tania's recount. a group of thugs began hauling the crates as the situation on the harbor grew tense. we followed in pursuit, and managed to capture one of them, which would be Braccus." the alchemist speaks calmly towards the guard, even if his voice still holds a deep, hoarse tone. he then stretches his hand out to show the parchment to the guardsman.
"As for my...appearance...the mayor has allowed me to create and use these concoctions for my own use. I have assured her that no thief would be able to use them, and have kept my word over it. this edict here is proof of such arrangement." he approaches the guardsman to hand over the parchment. the looks of shock from his acquaintances is not of much surprise; after all, he was also surprised when he discovered this powerful ability.
Algus - posted for you in the ooc thread.
"I have to get one of those. Hey! How do I get one of those writs?."
Feldspar and True - Maree smiles beautifully at True's offer. "That would be delightful, just let me get some breakfast and tea. Would you care for some?". She moves confidently through her home, and again it is very apparent just how tidy she maintains the place. Eveerything is in its place, and when she finishes using an item, she carefully puts it back where it came from.
As she moves around the room, she answers Feldspars question. "I get my messages in my dreams sir Knight. They are vivid, like writing in flames across a sky of darkness. Always I remember those ones. No one seems to give them to me, I never hear a voice or see a face, just the writing. It seems to have upset some of the church folk in town, but Father Zanthus has been kind to me, and visits occasionally to check on me."
Again, she gives the impression that she is completely unaware of the posession she experienced earlier today.
Before long, the meal is over and the three are walking back to the high cliff to witness the oopening ceremony.
Tania, Algus, Jo'No and Idrian - Marcus takes the paper and reads it carefully, like a man who knows his words but must piece the meaning together carefully. He frowns at the end before speaking "The sherriff told us about you. Says you've got some backing by those folk in town as know about such things, but warned us to keep an eye on you none the less. He'll be wanting to talk to you about this when the day is done, mark my words"
He looks up at Tania then, and blushes visibly. Tania remembers him as a youth, and they always got on well, even flirting together towards the end before she left. He always struck her as a solid and dependable man. "Tania, I'm sure you have reason to hold old "Banger" here at spear point, but we tend to avoid that type of thing if we can." He looks over her shoulder and frowns at the thief. "Looks like you'll be spending the day in lockup again Banger" he states simply.
Braccus "banger" green just glares at the ground, he snorts at the young bards offer to back his story and snarls back "Too late now innit. You watch yer backs, the three of yer" he warns as he moves off to the young watchman.
Officer blunt asks them to return the fireworks to the cart being loaded on the docks while he takes the thief back to the watch house.
"And no more trouble from any of you mind!" he states, looking at both Idrian and Algus as he does so. "Idrian, you help these folk with the crates and I'll call us square on what happened earlier, ok"
With that he escorts Braccus away, shooing away the curious children that had follwed him and were now peering around the edge of teh building to see what had happened to "the monster".
"No worry, guardsman. I'll report to the sheriff by the end of the day. again, I am deeply sorry for giving the children and all of you such a scare. but I deemed it rather necessary..." Algus says to the watchmen, in a rather humbled and polite tone. he begins approaching the crates, strapping the crossbow to his back, ready to haul the crates back to the harbor. he turns to see the half-elf hunter that now accompanies them.
"You asked me about this edict, friend? I talked to the mayor as soon as I arrived for that matter....since making these kinds of experiments is rather volatile. you should ask her about it, if you need any kind of permit...but as you saw, it's not infallible." he calmly replies to the question Idrian asked, still in the rather hoarse, deep tone that the mutagen gives him.
Tania puts a shy smile on her face and blushes slightly. She makes sure only Marcus hears her: "It's good to see you Marcus. You look well, and I'm glad to see you have this town at heart. May be we could meet sometimes? I'm either at the Rusty Dragon... or at my dad's..."
Looking at Idrian, after Marcus and Braccus have left, making conversation as we carry the boxes: "Hi there! Idrian is it? I'm Tania. May Desna favors your path and make it interesting. You also have met the snapping hand of the law on this day? What for? Us? We ran into people up to no good, stopped them, and got in trouble for it, with not even a thank you!"
With a chuckle Idrian responds "Funny. The same thing happened to me. I stopped a pair of ne'er do wells from setting something on fire and now I'm helping you carry fireworks back to where they were stolen from."
True guides Maree with one hand tucked into the crook of her elbow and keeps a constant eye out for obstructions.
"I have two questions, Maree. When did this start or maybe better what caused it to begin? And what did Zanthus say when this was brought to his attention? The acolyte's reaction means that this is no secret within the church. Feldspar do you have anything to add? Oh, that's another question, sorry."
True and Feldspar - The walk back through town is pleasent and filled with Maree's friendly chatter. She happily tells the two holy warriors about her life, and the visions she had recieved since losing her vision. "My eyes began to cloud when I was very young." she states simply "One day I found that when I awooke, the light of day had faded completely and I was forever in the darkness." she smiles then, remembering some part of her past before continuing. "I still remember colours and items, but those are the memories of one much younger than I am now. The visions started within a year of me going totally blind. At first I didn't know what to make of them, and my parents tried to have me looked at by the local druids. They could do nothing for me however. One old sorceror eventually told my parents to listen to the messages I told them and act on them. It is what I have been doing ever since. Sometimes the dreams let me know things that are useful, and other times I have no idea why I am saying them."
She turns to face the young woman holding her arm, her eyes not quite meeting True's, as is the way of those who are blind. "The fainting only started some two years back though, after my parents both died in an accident on the road. I have no explanation for it, though Father Zanthus has said he would try to help me with them if he could."
Before they realised it, he trio had returned to the square in front of the great church, where a throng of people were gathering. Colourful stalls were being erected around the perimeter of the place and already and enterprising person was walking around carrying a tray of warm pastries for sale. The air was filled with a festive excitement that was nothing if not contageous.
Tania, Algus, Jo'No and Idrian - The group of four carefully halled the heavy crates of fireworks back to the main road leading up from the docks. They met the gnome as he was driving the laden cart up hill, very close to the entrance to the Rusty Dragon. He pulled up on his reins and looked quizzically down at the crates, his eyebrows shooting up when he realised they were part of his own stock. After the group explain what happened he exclaims in happiness and promises to reward their actions. "Come and see me after the fireworks tonight and I shall see what I can do for you all. I hate to think what these might have been used for in the wrong hands, I must say."His voice is high pitched and excited, like a small child giddy about a new toy. Even as the last crate is hauled back on the cart he gees the horse along and the cart moves on up the street. "Than you again. I'll see you tonight!" he calls over his shoulder, leaving the four of them standing in the street.
Around them, people are moving steadily up the hill towards the visible dome of the new church, visible over the houses on its place on the high cliff overlooking town. By the sounds of things, the opening ceremony was about to commence.
"The festivities should be starting soon. We should be getting to the cathedral." Idrian suites action to his words and goes to the cathedral.
Algus nods quietly to the words of Idrian, and follows suit to the cathedral. he sighs quietly in relief; the situation didn't escalate enough that he had to use his dangerous devices, and the thugs' plot had been foiled. the humble man only hoped that the entire plot was just a simple smuggling....if not, his "vacation" may end up being disturbed.
"I am sorry for your loss, Maree." The priest shares a look with the holy warrior, Feldspar and then continues describing the festival.
"Now I can talk about the colours as well. It heartens me a little your attitude and love of life, especially when you have known sight in your eyes once."
"There are dozens of families entering the square and there is happiness all around. The high dome of the church is shining with the warm sunlight you can feel. That smell is the cooking of meat to our left, someone is cooking...sausages and onions. The steam is rising off the fire and wafting over towards us from the sea."
True continues with the descriptions and when her mouth runs dry so looks at Feldspar for help.
Feldspar takes over the description, detailing the bright and cheerful clothing of the other attendees, the stalls and the wares displayed for everyone to see.
He pauses just long enough to buy fresh pastries for the three of them.
"thank you, kind Feldspar. That is most welcome."
Jo'no shugs as the half-elf who seemingly appeared out of no-where, deaparts as quickly as he arrived. The wizard approaches the fireworks and quickly examines the crate to ensure it is still intact.
"We can pick up the lid on the way back."
Jo'no grabs an end of the crate and readies himself to lift it.
As Jo'no makes a strange face, Tania worries that he might have drank some of Algus' stuff.
At the mention of a lid, she remembers: "I saw a lid in an alley when chasing. I'll go get it! See you at the cathedral!"
She then proceeds to find that lid again and bring it to the gnome. She will then get herself ready, put on some clothes a little more colorful, and get to the cathedral. I'm hungry!
As the two groups finally make their way to the great courtyard in front of the church, it is clear that nearly all of the town ship has gathered near, with people throgning to teh place and filling the square and the surrounding streets.
Upon the stairs leading into the church proper, a large podium has been placed, and Mayor Deverin moves up to address the crowd. There is quiet applause for the woman. She makes a rousing speech, seamlessly blending humour and excitment about the event into her words, clearly showing why she has been mayor of the town for past few years. There are good natured chuckles at the jokes she makes at her own expense, and a great cheer when she finally finsishes.
Sheriff Hemlock brings the mood down slightly as he calls for a minutes silence to remember those lost when the original chapel burnt down. After the moment has passed, he quickly warns folk to be careful around the bonfire and fireworks planned for the evening, and calls for folks to me mindful of how much they drink since "There are so many armed folk here today"
Next up is Cyrdakk Drokus, the master of teh local playhouse and a character who is larger than life. He clearly loves performing for teh crowd, and this one is no excpetion. With everyone already excited about the day, it takes him no time at all to have them laughing at his jests and cheering with excitment. He concludes by reminding everyone that his new play "The Harpies Curse" will be opening tomorrow afternoon, and he takes this moment to announce the lead will be played by none other than the famous Magnimarian Deva Alishandra!.
Many of the more sophisticated folk in the town mutter in excitement about this news, and there are mutterings about "Sandpoint must be really moving ahead for the likes of her to be coming here"
Finally, Father Zanthus makes a brief speach, thanking everyone for attending and declaring the festivities to be open. As he does so, a single chime of the large bell on the chappels roof sounds a clarion call across the morning and a great cheer erupts from the crowd. The swallowtail festival has begun.
Tania wanders around the stalls for a bit, then watches in complete awe, first at Mayor Deverin's great speech: I like how she uses alliterations! And hear that drop in voice. Masterful! Delightful!; then to Cyrdakk Drokus: Such talent! May be someday I'll be up on that stage? Got to keep working on those limericks!
After the speeches, she keeps wandering the stalls. Hungry, she makes a point of trying the awesome and the strange: "Now what part of the donkey rat are those sweetbreads from again? Seriously?!" Meanwhile, she asks about the people at the stall, where they're from, whose cousin is this one, how is life just outside of Sandpoint? I missed this place! I should have payed more attention I guess.
She will also keep an eye out for her dad. She hasn't seen him that much in the last few days, as she kept busy meeting old friends at the Rusty, often staying the night. She will get a little conversation going with guardman Marcus. I wonder if he still has feelings for me... And the other way around too I guess!
She is joyful and laughs like a small cascade filled with the melted waters of Spring.
If she gets a chance, she will sincerely congratulate Mayor Deverin for her speech and try to learn a few things about what went on since she left, and what to expect in the coming months.
Algus is rather interested in hearing that a notable performer is going to appear on a local play. however, other pressing matters arise in his mind: he's rather unassured that the threat of the thugs was just a simple smuggling, especially on such an important local festivity. he also desires to apologize as soon as possible to the sheriff, and express his doubts about the happenings earlier.
but first, he dedices to find a quiet place to craft a new Mutagen. it worked well as a scare tactic, yet the battle prowess has not been tested yet. he starts looking for a stand that can supply alchemical tools for a little while. perhaps his gnomish colleague can help him....
Jo'no feels a little uneasy with the swelling crowds. Its been awhile since he's been in "civilization" and the many people standing densely together start to make him feel a little claustraphobic. Jo'no backs his way through the crowds so that he is able to stand along the outer edge of the crowds.
Once the speeches are over, he again withdraws, watching the crowd dissipate and spread out for about 30 minutes. He will then approach a few stands of foreigners and will talk to them, sharing lore of his lands as they share lore of theirs. Jo'no will also buy some various fruits to take home to his mother.
After about an hour or so he will take the fruit home to his mother and let her know of the day's events. He will then return to the fair area, and will try to seek out the Sheriff to see if they have had any luck ascertaining why Banger was stealing the fireworks.
The mayor's speech is delightful and Idrian laughs and applauds it. At the sheriff's request, he pays silent respect to the departed and shrugs at the sheriff's admonition of armed men. While Cyrdakk's speach is amusing, his final announcement falls flat with Idrian, who spends so much of his time away from civilization.
After the speeches, he wonders through the crowd enjoyin the festivities and talking with many of his friends. He spends a little time at the Widow Helm's booth where she is busy making some floral necklaces and crowns until she shoos him off so that her and her customers can talk of 'womanly' things. Little Violet Bacher gifts him with a paper mache' butterfly in honor of Desna with streamers on it. Her father, Thod Bacher, can't keep the smile off his face as she insists that Idrian mounts it on his bow as a decoration. The sight draws some attention and good natured chuckles from those who are familiar with the stoic ranger. It also gets the attention of April, May, and June, a trio of friends who seem to be in competition for Idrian's attention. They always seem to find him whenever he's in town.
He sees Feldspar and True. He uses them as a reason to excuse himself. "My pardons ladies. I must be off on an important errand that Sheriff Hemlock has tasked me with. Until next time." As he leaves them behind, Idrian wonders if that's how a deer feels when being harassed by a pack of wolves. He makes it over to Feldspar and True. "I'm sorry for taking so long to get back to you. It has been an eventful few hours. True, I know you know the town, but please allow me to accompany you nonetheless."
True nods her acquiescence, "eventful, how so?" Then she points to the blind girl at her arm and gives Maree an introduction.
"Idrian, Feldspar, Maree is there anyone you wish to see this morning at the festival? Or should we just stroll around perhaps. I see plenty of townsfolk who probably only half recognise me. There is Dashiell the woodhound seller, I liked him and his dogs."
"Tapper has set up a stall selling his famed brew. I was going to take Feldspar there." As they walk (to wherever they decide to go), Idrian answers True's question. On my way to the Rusty Dragon, after leaving the two of you, I saw a pair of shady looking men who smelled of pitch. I followed them to the Rusty Dragon and I'm sure they were up to no good, but Watchman Blunt let them go because I was... over eager in stopping them. Just after that I came upon a foiled theft of some fireworks. Tania Teg and Jo'no Screaminghawk were there. Do you know them, True? Anyway, the two things may not be related, but I suspect that they are. When I get the chance, I'll speak with the sheriff about it."
As each man strode to the stage, Feldspar assisted True in describing them, their dress, stance and expressions of pleasure on the part of the mayor and the more somber attitude of the sheriff.
He clapped along with the crowd as each speech ended and when the speakers had all stepped down and the festivities began in earnest, was not entirely certain what to do next.
As Idrian appeared, however, he smiled more broadly and took the man's hand in his own.
"Do not concern yourself with your absence, good Idrian. We have had plenty to occupy ourselves so far this day."
At the mention of a famed brew, Feldspar's smile broadened. "A drink would certainly be welcome. I'm afraid everyone I know in town aside from Father Zanthus is present here already. So I will follow you with appreciation."
As Idrian described the activities that had consumed his morning, Feldspar frowned. "It is most unfortunate that such lawless events could occur on such a grand day of celebration. Were these fireworks thieves apprehended?"
"Sounds good, Idrian. Maree shall we have a drink to get the day off on a good footing. The Rusty Dragon it is."
"Not at the dragon. Over there, by the roast and the fire-breather."
Tania -
Tania's morning is filled with happy moments and smiling folk. Many of the visitors to town are farmers, folk who she has only the griefest memories of from her earlier life in town. She is surprised to find how many of the girls her own age have already found partners or are married with children. A consequence of life on a frontier town is how fast people move this way, for life can be shortened unexpectedly.
She finds her father helping with a food stall being set up by the White Deer Inn. He has become older than she remember, and some of the life has left his eyes. When he looks at her, he seems sadder and reflective, though he smiles and chats amiably enough. His sadness is one of the reasons the young troubadour has been out with friends so often as it is almost stifling in its nature, and hangs like a palpable gloom over their old house.
Before she knows it, the morning has passed, and she hasn't seen hide nor hair of Marcus. One of the older women tending some young children mentions to her that he was dealing with patrols down near the docks today, but she hadn't seen him for some time.
Algus - Algus finds Veznett Parooh, the little gnome from the docks, easily enough. He merely follows the road down to the Old Light house ruins, where the little mage is busily setting up his fireworks display for the evening.
Viznett is humming hapily to himself as he works and jumps slightly when Algus approaches "Gah! Scare me pale there Algus!" he states with a smile. When the young alchemist asks about using his house to brew more of his potion, he frowns slightly but nods and hands across his keys. "Careful that Janks doesn't attack you as you enter. He's a bit put out that I'm not letting him around the fireworls. Ravens like pretty things though, and he'd like as not steal something that would prove a little lethal, if you get my drift.". As Algus walks away, the gnome calls out one last thing "Be careful young man, too much playing with the magics of the alchemist can be dangerous!" there is a hint of true concern in his voice, though whether it is for Algus or the possible danger to his own home is hard to tell.
Jo'No Jo'No's discomfort in teh crowds doesn't ease much throughout the morning. While the great throng that gathered for the speaches had dissipated, the town itself was quite crowded with folk who had come in specifically for the fair.
As he moved around, he was even surprised to see a group of the Shoanti tribesmen had come to visit. The dark skinned and bald men looked around with impassive expressions as the Chelaxain and Varisians went about their business. While it was clear they were as uncomfortable in the town as Jo'No was in the crowds, they were here to trade and seemed to be doing well for themselves. Their skins and decorative fetishes and dream catchers were selling fast, and children where walking from the stall with little wodden whistles and skin drums, making a terrible din and generally having a great time of things.
The seasonal fruits he purchased brought a great smile to his mothers face. She ate with him and chatted incesantly about the fair, but had no intentions of traveling out to see things herself. Too many years of being ridiculed by small minded folk had spoiled her taste for public events, though her soul obviously still clammered for the world. "Maybe later this evening, when the stars are out and the feasting starts. I will come out to see the fireworks with you" she states to any requests to go out.
Eventually, the young Shoanti leaves to track down Sheriff Hemlock. The Sheriff had just finished being the gest judge at the marmalade and cake stall, and seemed very happy to have an excuse to slip away from the gaggle of woman pestering him for the reasons he had chosen his particular favorites. He shrugs at the questions about the mornings events. "In trth, i haven't had time to get to the barracks yet. If you say Marcus handled things then I'm sure he has them in hand. However, Banger is too stupid to work alone or even think aobut something like that on his own. You can almost bet if he's involved then the Creedy boys would have been there too." At the thought of those three particularly troublesome and relatively stupid men playing with dangerous alchemical devices, his frown deepens. "Maybe I'll go have a chat to "Banger" now." He seems to come back to the present and looks at the young man "If you see those boys again, you come find me Jo'No. No more working with your friends to stop this. I admire your courage and am grateful for the help you gave, but the folks that those boys run with have no love of the people (a shoanti term the yuse to desribe their race). Best if and my boys work this out." He smiles warmly then, and heads back to the barracks to investigate a little.
Idrian, Feldspar and True - Idrians morning is pleasant, one of teh reasons he's stayed on in these parts for so long. While some folk in Sandpoint where less than courteous, the majority believed in a live and let live attitude. Certainly his skills as a woodsman had garnered him respect amongst the frontier folk in town, and at least three of the young women in town were interested in nailing him down as a more "permanent resident". As he moves across to join True and Feldspar, he catches a few jealous looks from April and May. He was sure to hear about that at some stage, he was sure.
Maree is delighted with the company and the sounds and smells of the fair. Her three companions do well to keep her informed of all that occurs, and she is particularly impressed with the heat and sounds from a visiting Varisian fire breather. "I can almost see the glow when he does that!" she exclaims.
At the mention of ale, she seems hesitant at first, but eventually agrees to taste some of the strong brew. Tappers reputation is well deserved, though Feldsparr notes it doesn't have the heavy taste and palate of the dwarven beer from home, nor the amazing kick of the ceremonial Ale the dwarves make. It is however, quite excellent, and after two pints all four of them are feeling more relaxed and talkative. As they are talking and describing things a shadow falls across the group and a deep male voice speaks with heavy intent "True! What have you said to mother?" Turning, the Knight of Iomidae is confronted by her brother. Tall and broad was the easiest way to describe him, though still young in the face. He had filled out since she left, but the look of thunderous anger on his face was not something she was used to.
The people around the group stop and look, all of them suddenly very interested in what was about to be said.
"Hello Honar, this is my brother everyone and he is in the middle of one of his temper tantrums again. Honar, this is Maree, Feldspar the dwarf and Idrian you probably know too. No scenes please at such a pleasant festival, we can talk later when I come to tea with Mother." True turns away from the angry boy.
"You would'nt think I had been away, would you? So I was saying Maree Iomedae teaches that drinking..."
A little sad that she doesn't see Marcus in the crowd (Oh well, he's pretty busy I guess.), Tania heads to find Jo'no and Algus.
On her way, she sees Idrian with some strangers, among which she quickly recognizes True and Honar, and moves up to him, hoping to know more: "Hey Idrian! You left in a hurry this morning."
Seeing two girls blush at her words, she realizes her faux pas and readjusts: "This is NOT what I meant!"
And blushes herself.
"True, Honar, what a delight! It's been aeons I would say!" But the look on their face tell her it's a bad moment...
Maybe I should just shut up..?
Na!
"Anyway... Idrian! Have you heard more? Have you seen those men you described today? Are they around? Have you seen Marcus?" Her skin then turns to a darker shade of red as she hears the two girls giggle behind her.
Feeling pretty good after a few pints and some food, Idrian waves Tania over. "Sit and enjoy yourself. Haven't seen them anymore and I'm not worried about them right now. Right now, I am enjoying the festivities. You should do the same. The time for work will come. Now is the time to eat, drink, and be merry."
"Thank you for your concerns, Viznett. I do realize the dangers, but... " Algus says in his usual, polite tone, before turning to face his gnomish colleague. it was hidden behind the mask, but a rather determined expression was now on the young Alchemist's face. "Trust me!the rewards far outweigh the risk, in the end."
he begins walking towards the lighthouse, with his conviction rather strengthened. his mutagen worked as a scare tactic; now he felt a desire to test out an actual combat test. he entered the old lighthouse and began to brew the mutagen and the extracts for the day.
After finishing his brews, he walks out of the Lighthouse. if Viznett is still there, he thanks him for the aid, and proceeds to return to the festivities. perhaps the Sheriff is there now, so he feels it to be wiser to simply explain the happenings and his reasoning to him. it would be rather sad to be in a bad standing with the townsfolk during his stay here, he thinks.