On the day after the dinner, Zelaria rises early and spends some time embroidering her new purchases, occupying her hands and freeing her mind to develop some manner of coherent dialog for her meeting with Father Dorrak. If Vulf is still residing with her family, she will encourage him to take a walk about the town to familiarize himself with its people and the surroundings without her aide, and meet with Dorrak in the middle of the afternoon.
Zelaria explains to him the history of her people so far as she is aware, the allegory her master Zurisatro has imparted to her through her training. The Varisian people once were enslaved in a golden city by masters who made pacts with demons to acquire magical power, but were saved by the clever manipulation of a figure identified as the cunning wolf who negotiated a contract for their freedom. They slipped away in the night and stood witness to the conflagration that consumed their former masters, but were pursued by the survivors across many lands. Wherever they settled the demons would find them and tear down their shelters and force them to flee once more. Such was the origin of their identity as wanderers, and their ready adoption of faith in Desna, the goddess of Dreams and Journeys.
"I have not always resided in Sandpoint. My people, my clan, were traveling folk, slain almost to the man in the night, save for myself and my brothers. There was little enough left to eat among the wreckage, and only a half lame mule to transport us. I... must have taken a chill without shelter, and Desna robbed me of my grief with her dreams."
Zelaria frowns and swallows. "I woke in this place. None could tell me what had become of my brothers. I dream of them sometimes..." she shakes her head. "Papa and Iolana are kind, but this city is not my home. I defended it because I did not wish for any others to suffer as I have, and I will continue to defend it should my aide be required, but... I feel lost here.
"I have always placed my faith in Desna, that She would show me the path, and I met Vulf," she pauses and blushes, "and disobeyed my Master's commands and touched my magics when I read his future in the Harrow cards. His final card was veiled, like Desna's prophecy... Am I important to him, or is he to me? Or is Desna speaking to me through them? It is unclear."
Zelaria lifts her eyes to look Dorrak in his. "I have feelings for him, and for Rohan as well, though those are different. I think on Rohan and Copper as brothers. The nature of my power is tied to my heart and I identify it with my faith as well. I wish to assist them with their troubles, but my training is incomplete, and... my ability to maintain my concentration is not great. I've never had so close companions as Vulf and Rohan, and between their sullen and angry moods, I find it difficult to maintain my balance. I don't wish to be a burden to either, or any others."
Dorrak listens intently to Zelaria's story and can't help but feel a sense of regret regarding the actions that brought him to Sandpoint. This girl's family was hunted and slaughtered by demons. Dorrak selfishly pushed his away by the poor choices he had made over several years in Janderhoff.
I'm very sorry to hear about the losses you've suffered, it's a terrible situation and I hope I can help you find some sense of inner calm. I think it will take time, these wounds are deep. You'll need to be strong.
Do you feel that you are being pursued? Perhaps a reading will help? I will say you should also talk to Father Zantus if you feel comfortable discussing your dreams as he may recognize a message from Desna where I would not. He's a kind and caring man and I trust him as he has helped me work through some of my own problems. Dorrak clears his throat, feeling it tighten as the familiar feelings of sadness and embarrassment are rekindled. He looks skyward.
As for Vulf... Dorrak inhales deeply through his nose and exhales slowly through his mouth, careful to choose his words. I'll be blunt and say be careful. Make sure you're not ignoring your troubles while trying to 'fix' his and make sure you're not relying too heavily on him to carry you on your path. Both situations will be detrimental to your relationship and maybe your lives.
He turns to Zelaria, looking her in the eyes to judge her reaction as he continues. You need to be confident and establish a strong foundation of independence. Not that you should push others away, of course, but trust your heart and face difficulty knowing your decisions are sound. I don't read cards but I believe the road ahead will lead you to great destinations, find your pace and don't let anything hold you back. Dorrak nods his head.
And if Vulf and Rohan don't cheer up I'm going to tie them together in their sleep and leave them that way until they do. Dorrak laughs heartily, trying to end the very serious discussion on an up note.
Working decorative detail into a ring with a small file, Dorrak drifts into a meditative state as he so often does when crafting. The sudden rapping on his door startles him and he drops his file. Heart racing from the sudden start he shuffles to answer the call while doing his best to avoid appearing out of breath.
Yes, hello?
Zelaria is silent for a time as she ponders Father Dorrak's words. I should be independent, and cautious of our relationship? Have I not been been careful enough? she wonders. Holding hands, even kissing once, these things seemed nothing compared to the behaviors she had seen her cousins engage in with men well in advance of their own age, but they hadn't the responsibilities she had. Am I always to be untouched?
Zelaria gives a little shake of her head. "Aye, I will be careful, Father. Thank you," she replies, and smiles at his jest. "Perhaps you might add Aldern to your collection so that they might come to some amount of peace?" she suggests smartly and inclines her head in a polite salute to him.
Amele Baret waits outside the door to Father Dorrak's chambers, clutching her baby girl to her chest and holding her bawling young son to her side by one arm. "Father Dorrak? Oh thank Torag you're here! It's my husband... Oh Gods, my husband needs you now!!" She pulls you toward her house, she seems almost hysterical, and you notice blood running down her child's other arm.
Ok, I'm here to help. Tell me what has happened... he begins, trying to calm the mother down. When he notices the blood he examines the boys arm while keeping a quick pace.
Torag's beard, stop for a moment. The boy is bleeding. Let me tend to his wound before we continue. Are you or the baby hurt? Dorrak stops and kneels down to channel energy.
That should do it, let's hurry and please tell me what has happened.
Amele stops when you ask and waits for you, then begins pulling you along again. The boy's arm had deep bite marks in his bicep, the woman and her baby are unhurt. "It started at the attack. Aeren saw a goblin light a cat on fire and dance around the remains, he's been terrified ever since." She motions at the boy, still waiiling in spite of his new health. "Every night he screams in terror, and it sends our dog, Petal, into a barking fit. Every time we go up we find nothing, but he claims a goblin comes out of his closet and stares at him. We checked of course but found nothing. Last night Alergast, my husband, said that if Aeren doesn't be a man about it, he'd make him sleep in the woodshed." She stops and begins crying, suddenly sitting in the dirt. "We didn't go last night... we just sat there and heard it. We only went up when we heard Petal scream, then Aeren's screams pitch upward, early this morning." She begins rocking back and forth in the dust of the road. "When my husband burst into the boy's room, there was a goblin crouched on his chest, biting his arms... Petal was dead on the floor, with a knife in her ear... and we didn't go to him... we didn't go..." She trails off into incomprehensible sobs, merging with her sons to a near wail.
Know Nobility (Aldern Foxglove)
Florin meets with the party regularly at meals or to relax he is disappointed that they did not take Aldern up on his offer to go on a hunt but understands the reasons for their decision and maintains his good cheer always.
At the dinner Florin somewhat dominates the conversation with Aldern talking of hunting, riding, of dogs and extravagant feasts. Drinking late into the evening and leaving a little worse for wear in the morning. When not with his new friends Florin is with Shayliss the double life is difficult to hide but by a miracle no one finds out about the young nobles midnight excursions. Florin is besotted with the strong minded merchants daughter.
Florin also finds time to send a correspondent home to his father to keep him updated of his adventures:
I hope this letter finds you and mother well. I for my part have been having a great adventure. My travels have taken me to the town of Sandpoint. Where in I was fortunate enough to attend a festival. I engaged in a duelling competition alas I did not win though I maintained the honour of the Du Poisse family and fought with skill.
However it was in the evening that I was truly tested a group of goblins beset the town. I along with some fine people I am happy to call friends defended the town protecting the food stores from multiple attacks. Eventually we triumphed and the whole town was grateful, so much so that we were made honorary deputies. I have also met a fine gentleman by the name of Aldern Foxglove I have invited him as my guest when next we host a hunt.
I look forwards to hearing of how you and mother are fairing
Your devoted son.
Florin.
Florin also finds time to visit the shrine to Abadar and prey for his good fortune and the continued fortunes of him his companions and of Shayliss and her Father.
And so it is that Dorrak comes across Florin bleary eyed and yawning walking back to the rusty dragon after spending the night with Shayliss. ”Morning Father how are… oh oh yes quite lead the way.”
"You do not offend me, Florin," Zelaria answers. "I found her behavior towards you offensive, and feared that she only wished to toy with your good intentions."
Zelaria's eyes dart away and her mouth tightens when Florin mentions Aldern and implied status of her relationship with Vulf. "Mister Foxglove is a noble and kind gentleman, but I've no interest in pursuing anything more taxing than friendship at this time."
Zelaria swallows and forces herself to look at Florin again and musters a gentle smile. "Which is not to imply by omission thus far that I consider you a fool, Florin. I wish you joy of your acquaintance with the lady Shayliss."
Vulf had walked about the town giving people their own space he flet the others needed it even without them saying so. he knew he could be...taxing on others. He even feared he was taxing Zelaria too much and he worried about that. people seemed friendly enough but he didn't know anyone besides Zelaria, her mother, Rohan and Copper to talk to about his troubles. The other companions had been nice enough but Vulf felt uncomfortable around the little man Dorrack, shaman's in his tribe were mystical and often violent to intrusinos on their time. And Florin...was different and was often gone to much to talk to now a days. Vulf did enjoy the nights Zelaria and her mother cook and let him stay in the second room.
At the dinner Vulf eats hurriedly and remains quiet throughout the meal not understanding the context of the talk. Hunting was hunting, you gave thanks to the animal once you had killed it for giving up its life so you could continue your own, so was the way of the Hunt. When the nobleman made advances to Aria, Vulf's face would darken slightly and he would unconsciously clench his hands on his buckskin pants in the effort to control himself.
When Zelaria went off by herself he saw she was hreaded in the direction to the church and Dorrack..again. He had remained silent the first time they had both gone to Dorrack, him just listening to the Dwarf's words. This is when he ran into Florin and blinking in surprise he says in reply
"No Florin, I do not begrudge you, it's just....I have many thiungs to think of and i am still new to the way of life you seem so accustomed to. Here it is so different than what I was raised to, and then theres...Zelaria. She gives me many things to think on. but i notice you are also pursuing a woman how goes that? have you made a wreath and given her mother and father your intent? What did they say?"
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"Yes we are. It was my home until a few years ago..."Rohan gets quiet and his eyes look down in sadness. Copper seeing this continues the conversation."It's basically one giant city on an island a few hundred miles from Avistan. It's lead by a gold dragon named Mengkare. I think I should tell you more at a later time." The little drake tells the bard looking back at his friend.
The pair spend their days exploring the town, stopping off to eat and drink at the Rusty Dragon. Rohan, awkwardly flirting with Ameiko occasionally and Copper laughing his tail off at the attempts. However, the tavern owner ends up being too busy to speak with him, which only further discourages the summoner. At night, the two stay at Iolana's place. Copper finding it hilarious that Zelaria stares at the ground whenever she enters their room to call them down for breakfast. So it is one of these days that the pair are surprised to find Dorrak hustling down the street. "What's the matter? Is there an emergency?" Rohan asks the dwarf.
Dorrak hears Florin's request and nods his head. Your feelings are normal for any man with a kind heart. He points his finger up at Florin and says sternly first, you need to understand and accept that your actions here have been right and just. He lowers his finger and strokes his beard.
Florin, I'm not going to tell you all goblins are evil and need to be wiped from existence. I will remind you that they did attack this village and meant to do great harm to innocent civilians. Through our actions we helped to limit the severity of the damage done to Sandpoint.
Dorrak intertwines his fingers in front of his body. These were not innocent lives that you extinguished, they were not the lives of helpless victims. They were the lives of twisted beings who have been convinced their role is to terrorize those around them.
He stops and looks at Florin. I hope that perspective allows you to make better sense of what we have done
Dorrak clenches his teeth in frustration and anger knowing the boy's emotional wounds will be much more difficult to heal. Dark pits. He mutters. The slug will pay dearly for this, I promise you.
Hearing Rohan call out to them, Dorrak waives him to catch up. Not breaking pace he shouts over his shoulder aye, come quick!
When Rohan and Copper catch up Dorrak gives them a brief description of the situation. Seems a slug found its way to the boy's closet and has made some trouble. We're going to put a stop to it.
When we get to the house, Dorrak stands in front of Amele looks her in the eyes and says calmly Amele, take the children somewhere safe. Rohan, Copper and I will meet you when this is over. We just need to know which room is Aeren's and where will you be?
"Got it. We're right behind you." Rohan responds as the pair follow behind the dwarf. I thought all the goblin's left after we beat them back. What is one still doing here?
"No!" Amele snaps, suddenly lucid for a moment. "I can't leave until I know Alergast is safe. Aeren's room is upstairs, first door ont he right."
As Rohan, Dorrak and Florin enter the house, they are rather disheartened to find it entirely silent. Upon hurrying up to the room indicated, they find a spare child's room, with little furniture crafted from wood. The body of a small dog lays in the center, with a knife in it's ear and a puddle of blood forming around it. Next to the closet lays the lower body of Alergast, looking as though he has crawled his way into the closet. He is unmoving.
Okay, then. Wait for us here, DO NOT ENTER THE HOUSE. Dorrak warns.
From the doorway Dorrak looks to Rohan and shakes his head in disgust. Unbelievable... He looks around the room for potential ambush points, not wanting to be caught in a trap considering the pests are known to travel in small swarms.
Perception check:
Confident that they're not stepping into a trap he whispers a plan. We need to get him out of there and lend aid if there is still life in the body. If you take the right side with spear at the ready. Copper, can you take the left side to pounce on any ugly that appears? I'll check his ankle for a pulse and try to slide him out of the closet. Once we get him clear we'll further assess the situation. He nods to the duo and moves toward the mans body, hammer in hand. He kneels down near the mans right leg and checks for pulse.
Rohan nods his head in responses to Dorrak's request."You got it." Copper replies as he readies himself.
Following behind Dorrak, Rohan and Copper with his sword drawn, Florin readies himself at the door, watching out for anything untoward that may lurk in the shadows of the hallway.
Perception
”As you wish father lets get the boy out and then search the whole house for any sign of intrusion. I also believe we should send word to Zelaria and Vulf lest we find more than the three of us can comfortably handle.”
Dorrak touches the ankle and finds it still very warm, but sadly lacking in a pulse. As he pulls the body from the closet he can see they are far too late. The bodies face and most of the flesh of the neck and shoulders are gone, the large bite marks making it evident that they were used for food. Seconds after Dorrak pulls, a shriek is heard and an emaciated goblin, face covered in gore, leaps from the closet.
Rohan:
Copper:
Florin:
Goblin:
The Scourge of Goblins growls in response to the creature before he leaps upon it.
His teeth finding purchase as he sinks them into the goblin's neck.
"LIZARD FOOD!!" The ugly goblin screams as Copper's teeth find flesh. The goblin's nasty, makeshift knife flashes upward.
Scraping uselessly at Copper's golden scales.
With Copper attached to the goblin's neck, Dorrak will swing his hammer in a low arc to avoid possibly hitting the eilodon.
Attack:
Damage:
Twisted devil! Dorrak spits angrily on the goblin corpse. This family has been scarred by your actions and I fear your miserable corpse is far from appropriate retribution.
He wipes his mouth on his sleeve. Let's stay on our toes, there may be more. Dorrak moves toward the closet looking in at as many angles as possible while he advances.
Perception:
Florin stares at the small deceased form of the child feeling sick his mind is lost in a torrent of emotions shaken from his horror by the goblin’s shout Florin runs across the small room a long snarl escaping his lips.
Rapier attack.
Rapier damage.
With a heavy back hand slash the thin blade point traces a deep line across the goblin’s throat.
Silently, Florin gathers the sheets off the bed and covers the small body of the child, tenderly wrapping the still warm corpse. Still in silence he gently picks up the boy in both arms and walks out of the room and then out of the house. Outside he carefully lays the bundle of sheets on the ground, near the feet of the mother. Then, in a voice devoid of its usual cheer, he says.“I’m truly sorry we were too late.
Florin will then attempt to comfort the mother as best as he can.
When the others come out to join him he will say fervently:”I will run and alert the sheriff of this. Please Dorrak, as a man of faith say some words to preserve the boy’s soul until he can be laid to rest. Copper, can you sweep the perimeter of the house to check for any sign of intrusion. Rohan, please stay with Amele and guard the house until we can conduct a thorough search. I will gather Zelaria and Vulf and be back presently.”
And with that he will start off at a run towards the Sheriff via Zelaria and Vulf.
Florin feels numb when he looks again at the body of the father taking the sheet over the bed and laying it over the body. ”let’s give this man some dignity. Father Dorrak would you say some words to preserve this man’s soul till we can lay him to rest. We should alert the watch swiftly and tell the widow. Then I would suggest a full sweep of the house and garden to find out how the creature gained entry. With the sheriff’s support we should also search other houses in the area, awareness is key this cannot be allowed to happen again.”
"Copper and I will search the house and the property while you two lay him to rest. We'll find out how he got in." The pair start scouring the house looking for where the goblin could have gotten in.
Rohan Perception
Copper Perception
Rohan can find nothing, but Copper notices that some of the floorboards in the closet are broken, with bloodspattered hole beneath some furs. It looks as if the goblin likely has been hidden here since the raid, with only a couple mouse bones in the bottom to indicate that he may have eaten at all.
As Florin leaves the house he sees that Sheriff Hemlock, obviously quite well informed, has arrived and almost runs into him on the way out. "What happened?" The big Shoanti asks, noticing Florin's bloodied blade. "Is Alergast all right?" Amele says as soon as she sees, her words tripping over the Sheriffs.
After Copper finds the hiding spot, he informs Rohan of it. After which they will meet back up with Dorrak and Florin to report on their findings.
Dorrak covers Alergast's corpse with some nearby blankets, wrapping the body respectfully in a Dwarven style death shroud and says a prayer asking Torag to help guide his soul on its journey.
When Rohan and Copper return he looks up shaking his head. This is what troubles me most about these creatures. Too stupid to run away it hides in a closet with no food, no water, no plan for survival. Terrifies a boy, kills his dog in front of him, kills his father. Makes a widow of the wife ... This family is scarred now and this miserable creature will be remembered as long as the three people outside live. He stands and wipes his brow. We can't let the boy or the mother see this but we need to tell her what has happened. They needs to know this man was a hero and died defending the family...
He stands staring at the body for a moment, inhales deeply and lets it out as he turns toward the door to the room.
Florin turns to the widow and holds her hand gently I’m sorry we were too late. Your husband’s selfless act of heroism saved many lives.
Now turning to the sheriff ”This morning we were alerted by Amele to the presence of a goblin within her domicile. We dispatched it but unfortunately we were too late to save Alergast who perished valiantly defending his home from the creature. Rohan informs me that the goblin had been hiding in the floor since the attack. This may not be an isolated incident. It would be my recommendation that we make inquiries around the town for any other unusual occurrences.”
Dorrak exits the house with dour expression. He sees Florin comforting the widow and the young boy looking up at them lost and confused. Dorrak approaches the boy and, with hands on his shoulders kneels to look him in the eyes.
Your Father was a hero but you're the man of the family now. Be strong.
Amele Screeches and attempts to reach the house, held back by Belor. After she calms a bit, he looks to Florin and Dorrak. "Thank you for doing this, I wish you'd been able to get here sooner. I'll have my deputies warm people to search thier houses for any more of the little menaces. In the meantime, I'm going to escort Amele here to Father Zantus, he can keep her in the Cathedral until she decides how to proceed from here. I'd like you to gather your friends and meet the Mayor at the Town Hall. An old friend has returned to town and we need to speak of some things with you, as well as give you a proper reward for helping Sandpoint in this crisis." He begins leading the woman and her children away, talking soothingly the whole time, with Amele looking brokenly at the floor.
The boy looks into Dorrak's eyes, his own filling with water, and nods, not able to attempt words.
"Me and Copper will go get Vulf and Zelaria. Can you two find Markellus and meet us at the Town Hall? I haven't seen him in quite a while." Rohan asks while looking at Dorrak and Florin. Something isn't right about all this. Goblin's are usually too afraid of humans to stage an all-out attack like this. At least that's what the books always said.
Zelaria sits in the garden sewing, passively observing Vulf practicing his forms. Dorrak's advice and Florin's infatuation with his lady love prey heavily on her mind. Would that I might have such easy grace, ignorant of any semblance of duty to myself, or my clan Zelaria pouts, her mouth tightening as she restrains herself from arousing Vulf's attentions. My duty to my clan, Zelaria muses and frowns, moisture springing to her eyes, died with them, and my place among my own people is tenuous at best. I had thought that Desna placed these men in front of me to steer me from stagnation, but... the goblin threat?
Zelaria inhales sharply, something like a sigh and drops her needlework into her lap. She had not the patience or skill with it Iolana could claim, but her attempts were passable. After all, there were very few who would be examining the stitches in a peasant girl's bodice, less now that the fervor for the heroes of Sandpoint had died down to a manageable level. Zelaria was proud that she had not succumbed to the temptation of the moment to rob her fellow citizens of their living for a few moments of celebrity.
"Pray, excuse me," she says to Vulf, rising. Her eyes ache with unshed tears and the effort to maintain her composure when she would sooner be looking upon him awe, like so many empty-headed, moon-eyed lovers she encountered among her peers, and her hands tremble with the effort to contain the swell of her magics beneath her skin. Since she had trained in the signs, there had been far fewer incidents of objects melting, or ether pouring from her mouth when she spoke, but the temptation to embrace the torrent inside her was always present, like the press of the shadow figures dancing behind her eyelids, remnants of her nightmares which haunted her days of late.
Crossing the house to obtain a glass of water, Zelaria is startled when there is a rap at her door. Iolana was away with a client, and it was known that she would not accept solicitors at her home. Zelaria collects herself, scrubbing at her puffy eyes with her apron, and answers the summons, and is quite suprised to find Rohan and Copper without.
"Is something the matter, brother?" Zelaria inquires. "I thought you meant to take supper with Lady Ameiko at the Dragon."
Rohan is startled and his face blushes at first as Zelaria mentions Ameiko, but he fights the feeling in favor of a more serious expression."N..No, she's been too busy to talk to me." She's probably not even interested. Why would she be? "But that's a different conversation for another time. I won't go into specifics, but the goblins seem to still be an issue. The mayor wants us to meet him at the Town Hall. He wants to reward us and to talk to us about something."
Zelaria licks her lower lip and inhales, then nods. "Aye, brother," she says. "Copper, are you well?" she inquires after an thought, sparing a smile for the gold dragon. "Vulf is in the garden, training. Please have something to drink while you wait."
A consummate hostess, Zelaria invites Rohan and Copper into her home and shows them to the cups and water, then steps out into the garden.
"Rohan reports that there is some manner of trouble with the goblins," Zelaria prefaces, "We're being summoned before the mayor. Will you come with us?"
"Yep. I'm peachy keen, Aria." Copper responds with a little less enthusiasm than usual. The pair drink down the water as they realize they have built up a thirst from the incident with the goblin."Well, the mayor wants to see all of us, so Vulf should come along. We're going to meet the others there."
Vulf glances up from his meditation with his blades when Zelaria reenters the garden he had followed her movements and mannerisms over the past few days with his eyes trying to figure something out. After her last meeting with the dwarf she had acted....differently. Or maybe it was the kiss? Do city customs forbid that act? He sighed heavily to himself and met her statement with a grin. "Maybe he wishes to report we are to get some reward from slaying the goblins." he jests weakly having nothing else to say.
Maybe I should have a talk with this dwarf find out if I have done something wrong. Although an inward more violent side suggested, find out what the dwarf has said to her.
As he ties his hair back into a quick braid he joins her as they walk back to Rohan.
"Hail Rohan, and mighty Copper! How fairs the lovely Ameiko I hope you haven't laid the wreath before her without your friends."
Why does everyone ask about Ameiko and I? They're all more interested about us than she is. "No I haven't. We're needed at Town Hall." Rohan answers rather bluntly, seemingly annoyed at the questions about him and the innkeeper. He turns to leave hoping his friends follow. Copper just shakes his head at the whole situation, following right behind him."You all comin?" The little wyrmling asks.
Zelaria bites her lower lip and her next breath sounds something like a hiss as she watches Rohan walk away in anger. She looks away a moment and exhales slowly, and completely, gathering her concentration about herself again, then looks to Vulf. "Follow him, please. I will leave a sign so that Iolana will recognize that I am without for a purpose, and not simply vanished," she says and gestures towards the door.
When Vulf has exited, Zelaria turns down her bed and places her sewing on a low bench beside the hearth, intending to pick it up later. She rejoins Vulf outside, and shuts the door to their dwelling securely.
"We should hurry," she says, seeing that Rohan and Copper have advanced without them.
Vulf stares after Rohan in what was almost disbelief. "What did I say?" he asks Zelaria as he strides with her after Rohan offering his hand to her out of reflex.
Copper will wait for the pair to catch up."Don't worry about him. Like I told you, he's really weird about stuff like that. Just avoid that subject for a little while, it hasn't been going too well for him." He says in a low voice hoping his friend doesn't overhear. He will choose to give Rohan his space and hop alongside the pair unless they object.
Zelaria colors slightly at Vulf's offered hand and tentatively, letting her fingers touch his softly, applying no pressure, like his kiss. When Copper speaks, she acknowledges his advice with a nod. "Aye, that... I am sorry to hear," she replies.
"What was the issue with the goblins, Copper?" she inquires after a pause.
"It's okay. I've talked to him, but even one as great as me can only do so much. Perhaps you can speak to him, Aria? Maybe it will be more effective coming from a female. As far as goblins, we found a straggler from the attack and we had to deal with him. Which of course is also on his mind. This is not the best day for my big bro." Copper responds, giving his best puppy dog look to Zelaria.
"I am not certain how effective I would be at alleviating his pain," Zelaria admits, "but if you believe I could be of some help, Copper, I will speak to him when the opportunity presents itself," she pledges.
Although, if Father Dorrak were to hear of it, she muses, and then shakes her head. If Rohan wished for Father Dorrak's guidance, he could just as easily approach him. I cannot continue to hide while those I care for suffer!
Zelaria looks to Vulf for a moment and presses his hand slightly, then spares him a soft smile.
"Thanks, I think he just needs some advice on the subject. He's pretty clueless about it. And I figured a woman would know more about what goes on in a woman's mind. Sounds logical right?" He begins his trademark grin.
"A woman might, but I'm still a girl," Zelaria demurs, "and no two of us shares the same mind. Had I half the gal of Florin's Shayliss," Zelaria begins and then colors.
Sooner she had half the attentiveness to the good hearts of others. Though Zelaria wished Florin the best of his entanglement, she did not believe that she could like his Shayliss.
"I am afraid I am quite rapt in my own drama, shamefully," Zelaria admits softly. "If Rohan will speak to me of it, I will attempt to aide him, but I'll not pry. I do not wish to risk our friendship."
"He's way too embarrassed to come up to you with it. But I think I can get him to talk to you. But what about, is up to you. Does that sound good? I don't think he'll hate you or anything for just talking to him. Trust me, I talk to him enough to know that. But if you feel that strongly about prying, I understand." Copper looks a bit apologetic for being persistent.
Zelaria colors. "I did not mean to imply that I would not try, Copper," she says, and leans down and pets the wyrmling. "Questions of the heart are especially delicate. A wrong word may be taken as an offense when none was intended," she explains. Zelaria raises Vulf's hand in hers to her lips to place a soft kiss on his finger tips and smiles at him. "If you will get Rohan to speak to me, I will do my best to support him and assure him of his fine qualities."
Copper nuzzles her hand when she leans down to pet him. "I understand. I'll get the big lug to talk to you. It shouldn't be too hard to get him to talk to you. Thank you Aria."
As you arrive at the Town Hall you are immediately sheperded in to meet the Mayor. You see Mayor Kendra Deverin, who also made a speech at the Swallowtail Festival, is accompanied by Sheriff Hemlock and an unfamiliar elven woman with long blonde hair. This new woman seems ragged and tired, with a spot of dirt upon her face and windblown, wild hair. As you file in the Mayor greets each of you by name, thanking you profusely for your help with the goblins, both today and in the past. She sneaks glances at the woman to her left all the while.
Finally, Mayor Deverin asks you to sit, and Sheriff Hemlock steps forward. "This," He points to the elf, "is Shalelu Androsana, an unofficial member of the Sandpoint Militia." His introduction draws a slightly bemused smirk from Shalelu. "She is our most useful thorn in the goblin's side, and she's been bothering them for years. Unfortunately, she's come to me with troubling news. Seems we aren't the only town in the region with goblin troubles. There's been a sharp increase in raids along the Long Coast Road, particularly between Mosswood and Nettlewood. Yesterday, a farm was burned down by the pests in just south of there. Shalelu was nearby and managed to save the family, though the farm was a loss. Tell them what you told me, Androsana." He steps back, ceding the floor to the tall, pretty elf.
She steps forward, her voice considerably less melodic than the usual elf, likely roughened by the smoke yesterday. "Belor’s told me of your work against the goblins... well done. I’ve dedicated the last several years of my life to keeping them from causing too much trouble around these parts, but they’re tenacious and fecund little runts. Like weeds that bite. Anyway, there’s five major goblin tribes in the region, and, traditionally, they’re pretty good at keeping each other in line with intertribal squabbles and the like. Yet from what I’ve been able to piece together, members of all five tribes were involved in the raid on Sandpoint. A fair amount of the Mosswood tribe goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the ‘longshanks’, and a dwarf, who killed so many of them." She stops to smile at the group. "Now that i’ve met you, it seems obvious from their descriptions who they were talking about. Seems like you’ve made an impression. In any event, the fact that the five tribes are working together disturbs me. Goblin tribes don’t get along unless they’ve got something big planned, and big plans require big bosses. I’m afraid that someone’s moved in on the goblins and organized them. And judging by these recent raids, what they’re organizing seems like bad news for all of us.”
The Sheriff steps forward again. "In light of this troubling news, I've decided to take a few of my men south, to Magnimar, to pick up some reinforcements from the Garrison there. I've asked Shalelu to sniff around while I'm gone and see what she can learn, but I would like all of you to maintain a public presence while I am gone. Go to a few parties, meet new people, shop around. The locals need to know that though I'm gone, there are people to help them if they need it. And this should help with that." He tosses a satchel to one of you. "It's the money we took off the goblins you killed, as well as some from selling and melting down their scrap gear. Feel free to buy yourselves something nice."
Inside the purse is 540 gold coins, and three potions, labelled with the cross sign of healing.
Mayor Deverin thanks you all stiffly for meeting with them and her assistant returns to usher you out. As you stand outside the town hall Shalelu stretches languorously. "Oh the people I would kill for a hot bath. I'm off to the Hagfish, since the Sheriff won't leave till tomorrow, I'd like to spend the night in a nice bed. Any of you wish to join me for dinner over there later?"
Any of you who have explored the town extensively know that The Hagfish is one of the three Inns, and the nicer one in the seedier part of town. It's frequented by gamblers and fishermen, and, though a bit rough, is a safe enough place.