I never drink anything though, the gnome responds, still looking a little scared. It wouldn't do to not be able to mix the chemicals and regents I needed. I know lots of alchemists who have gone up in smoke and poof for not having a steady hand
"I can tell you are used to getting your way. Once your soft hands gain some texture, let me know. In the meantime, I leave you to your suitors."
Purrin nods in Kast's direction, then gets up and goes to get a room for the night.
Looking at Kast, Tell me, what do you know of the cat man?
Kast accepts the bag of gold, more money than he's ever held in his life. He stows it safely and says little else.
She's got me now, on my terms, not hers.
* * *
Kast stiffens as Purrin comes up to the Lady, hopeful that the elf begins to show a bit of class eventually.
Irori! Grant me patience. Grant me understanding! Grant me the endurance to find out how much rudeness money can buy.
* * *
Kast answers honestly.
"He is a newcomer to town. He fights well. He seems to have honor and pride..." ...it's not surprising that you don't recognize that; you've never seen them in all your long gazes into the mirror, Elf.
Thank you for that information Kast. You seem so uncomfortable. Perhaps your leg, I mean legs are tired. I do know something that could help you sour disposistion.
Kast regards the simpleton Elf with thoughts that are not usual to him: dislike. He was beginning to actively dislike this elf. Kast, as a rule of Irori, was not particularly taken to disliking anyone (not even Garridan, truly!). But this elf, to whom he was asked to guard, was becoming a focus of actual dislike.
Kast responds with an empty smile; she, after all, was used to emptiness.
"I am fine, M'Lady. I spend much time on my legs..." as opposed to my back, like you "...either practicing with my weapons or teaching that I need not notice weariness. Thank you for your concern," Kast answers simply, again looking for any element of good in this empty woman.
Kast, do not think that I am more than I present myself as. Do not think me as superficial as I present myself. Would you like a demonstration of my abilities? . You notice that she has an antique set of bracelets on. They are decorated with rubies of various sizes.
Helgarr had been completely dumbfounded by the flurry of activity all around her, people coming and going, a lot of conversations, cheers and toasts going all around her.
Sitting in a corner table, her weapon casually leaning against the wall next to her, she comments to a patron nearby - "Is this always like this? Are all this activity is result of the festival? Or perhaps the goblin attack?"
The patron responds, Probably a combination of the festival, the attack and the elf coming to town all at the same time
Kast, do not think that I am more than I present myself as. Do not think me as superficial as I present myself. Would you like a demonstration of my abilities? . You notice that she has an antique set of bracelets on. They are decorated with rubies of various sizes.
Kast continues to make nice.
"Oh, you have made quite a presentation to me and to the Cat. I do not think I need a further presentation from you," Kast answers.
She flashes her jewelry as if that makes her valuable.
Kast stops and remembers Irori's teachings and tries to clear his mind of the impressions of the past. Kast takes a deep breath and tries to find something good or noble in the elf.
"Maybe we have gotten off on the wrong foot. Maybe a demonstration would be nice."
At least it can't be worse than the impression I have.
Very well she says as she becomes very serious as she grabs her rapier and focusing on it begins to chant Ast thisnth erwue nenut nenut thindaron
All of a sudden the elf woman has become a very dear friend to you.
"I guess you are right" - Helgarr responds, and was about to follow up with another question, but at the edge of her consciousness, she seems to hear words of magic being spoken, and her hand goes instinctively to the weapon leaning close by, as she scans the room.
Helgar hears the chanting coming from the area where the elves have congregated.
She has no knowledge of magic words whatosever, but the tone and rythm sound as if a spell was being cast, so Helgarr focuses her attention on the elves, staring at them intently.
You see the elven noble woman chanting and waving her fingers about concentrating on her rapier.
Very well she says as she becomes very serious as she grabs her rapier and focusing on it begins to chant Ast thisnth erwue nenut nenut thindaron
All of a sudden the elf woman has become a very dear friend to you.
Kast smiles at her, feeling really good about listening to Irori's teachings about giving others another chance.
Maybe she's not so bad.
She smiles as she sees your expression soften. See Kast, why don't you sit down and take a load off while we chat?
Kast pulls up a chair, sits, then another chair to rest his left leg.
"Don't mind if I do. Sounds like a good thing...but I'm supposed to be protecting you, so maybe just for a moment."
Kast clings to duty, but bends a bit for his friend.
Well at least let me get my friend something to eat. Water I presume to drink? Just because you are guarding me doesn't mean we cant be professionals or at least friend, don't you think as one of her servants brings you a heaping plate of roast beef, gravy and mashed potatoes. What is up with the young man in the corner, he looks like someone just died.
Kast looks at the food and eats more than a few bites, enjoying the free meal.
He looks up to where Elrawien points.
"Oh, Garridan? Oh...yeah, he could use some cheering up. His house burned down and one? or maybe both? of his parents died. He's a good guy for the most part, but today's attack hit him hard," Kast says, dipping some bread into his gravy, mushing some roast beef into it, and chomping down...just like he would eat with friends.
That is terrible news. I remember when I lost my mother. It was more years that you have probably been alive. How old are you friend? What do you know of Calisitria, the Savored Sting?
Lokien works out the kinks in his shoulders and back having spent quite some time at the temple helping the priests there. Seeing that they seem to have it well in hand . Lokien will head back towards the tavern, his spells all but spent for the day.
They thank you and Torag for your help but they seem to have the situation under control.
That is terrible news. I remember when I lost my mother. It was more years that you have probably been alive. How old are you friend? What do you know of Calisitria, the Savored Sting?
Kast saddens again for his new friend. "Losing a mother is hard, indeed. Poor Garridan. Poor you."
"Me? I shall 20 this summer. I know some of Calistria."
You are young for a human. I have lived almost 5 times as long as you have, my new friend, Kast. I lost my mother before you were even born but I found solace in the arms of the Savored Sting. She is the highest goddess of the elven people. She comforted me when I was so alone and sad. My twin tried to comfort me to no avail
Seeing that you are almost done with your meal she tells her servant something in elven and they produce for you a warm piece of apple pie with fresh cream and strawberries. Some dessert?
I lost my mother before you were even born but I found solace in the arms of the Savored Sting. She is the highest goddess of the elven people. She comforted me when I was so alone and sad. My twin tried to comfort me to no avail
Know (Religion)
Kast nearly chokes on his last bite of beef when Elrawien makes her outrageous claim. Ever in the mood for a good scholarly debate, he challenges her as a friend might.
"Calistria is the highest goddess of the elves!? Surely you jest! What about Desna!? Or Findeladlara? Yuelral? What makes you think Calistria is highest?" Kast asks jovially.
"Apple pie? Sure! But you still need to explain that last comment!"
Amren tries to to eavesdrop on the elf and her conversation with Kast.
A little information is always handy. Who is this woman? Why did she show up right after an unprecedented attack by goblins? Perhaps I'll get with Kast later, see if he found anything out. For now, Garridan.... What does one say? I am truly at a loss.....
He sheathes the daggers he was playing with and motions Helgarr over.
Perhaps more company would be best...
When/if she takes a seat at their table, Amren tells her of his plan.
Well met again, Helgarr. Tell me, you found it curious that the goblins attacked a city in broad daylight, during a ceremony full of armed guards, I presume? In all my years traveling this country, or living in Sandpoint, have I ever heard of such a thing. I mean to take a small group to Thistletop, a place I know is crawling with the creatures, and see why they did. It's mostly a sneaky, reconnaissance type affair, and I mean only to find out and inform the Sheriff and a local ranger of famous skill, but the more steel, the better, you know. Interested?
He glances over at Kast and the elf again, and whispers,
Also, I find it strange she visits here the day of the attack.
Well yes, she is. She takes on Elvish form and is a more active, if not more subtle influence on the elves. She hears our prayers to banish Treerazer and the other demonic spawn from our homeland. She also teaches us how to love and reveal in who we are. Tell me, what do you know of theology as she arranges for an after dinner digestivi for Kast. Just a little something to aid in the digestion as cookies are brought for dunking.
Amren, you do notice that Kast is much more talkative and relaxed than normal.
Kast dunks a cookie, really meaning to get back on his feet and back to guarding, but continues to chat away.
"Oh come now! Desna encompasses the spirit of the Elves! The art! The music! The capricious love of life! That is the elven spirit, is it not?" Kast continues to good-naturedly debate, while he dunks another cookie. Kast will ramble and argue for about a long as a 23 knowledge (religion) will get him.
If pressed further, he'll use his "think on it" for another 10, drawing some deep knowledge from his depths to make a point.
Enough about me my new friend I know nothing about you.What makes you tick?,What is your passion?
He was of two minds of this new mission, Part of him very much looked forward to being around Elrawien again, it was had to not enjoy her presence she could be quite intoxicating when she chose to. He hoped when he saw her she had indeed cooled off. Her father however had not only cut her from the family funding but demanded she repay the funds mispent and her favored servents were to return to Magnimaar immediately.
He was sure there would be quite the shriek when that information was relayed. The smoke on the horizon caught his attention far before the town walls did. And it was a quiet subdued guardsman who waved him through the gates. "Is everything okay here?" He asked the man who stared at him quite blankly for a moment he almost asked again.
"Goblins... goblins attacked during the festival... and and... Calin frowned and offered a short bow from the back of his horse.
" I am truly sorry for your troubles did a wagon with elves bearing this crest pass by?" He began motioning to the heraldry on the shield he unslung from his back The man's eyes widened a bit.
"Indeed headed to the Rusty Dragon, Its right down the road here cant miss it with all the wagons." He nodded and guided his horse through following along. The wagons were indeed an easy thing to spot outside the place and he paused sitting there watching it for a long moment. In truth he was steeling himself for the ...confrontation. Elrawien had been his first lover... his only lover in truth, and for a while he had thought they had been meant to be together but she was so wild it had been too much for him to take.
He dismounted and made his way into the inn, removing his helm and glancing about the common room. He hoped she wasnt about, that she was in a room upstairs so they could do this without too much a public display. He smiled and nodded to one of her serving girls who froze in place obviously shocked. Her could hear her voice and he sighed straightening his shoulders he moved towards the sound of her voice. She was at a table conversing with one of the local militiamen it seemed. He hoped the man wasnt her newest fling. He didnt want trouble.
"Sorry for intrupting my lady, your father has a missive for you that he told me to deliver." He began pulling the sealed scroll out and setting it in front of her. He already knew what it contained. He took a deep breath waiting to see her reaction.
Enough about me my new friend I know nothing about you.What makes you tick?,What is your passion?
Kast is about to answer the Lady when Calin approaches. He stands quickly, holding his longspear, relaxing a bit when the man shows good, even familiar, manners.
Kast waits as well for the message to be read, not willing to answer her while others were about.
She smiles ever so happily as Calin enters the room Calin Moonbreeze, now that is a face and an bum I never thought I would see again as she looks him over. Still in daddy's employee I see.
Looking at Kast, It is ok my friend, he is a friend, or was one. Calin Moonbreeze may I introduce you to Kast Phaer. Say hello Kast, you two might become good friends and might have something in common. What brings you here from Kyonin, Moonbreeze.
With a smile she takes the parchment and chants a little bit Ast nitno oenru orn. Can't be too careful. What does daddy want?. As she reads the note all color drains from her face and without a word she goes back upstairs and the inn shakes as her door is slammed.
Kast shrugs at Calin and politely follows the Lady up the stairs where he will stand guard.
"I expected a scream, maybe my job will be easier than I thought. He began glancing at the human man. In common huh? He thought fighting off a scowl. Was he her new lover or something else.
Have you 'known' the lady Elrawien long Kast?" He asked following the man up. He would go in to check on her in a moment, but he didnt want to be up there if she was throwing things.
Kast as you stand outside the room,
Kast after 4 hours the charm spell will no longer influence you.
He sheathes the daggers he was playing with and motions Helgarr over.
Perhaps more company would be best...When/if she takes a seat at their table, Amren tells her of his plan.
Well met again, Helgarr. Tell me, you found it curious that the goblins attacked a city in broad daylight, during a ceremony full of armed guards, I presume? In all my years traveling this country, or living in Sandpoint, have I ever heard of such a thing. I mean to take a small group to Thistletop, a place I know is crawling with the creatures, and see why they did. It's mostly a sneaky, reconnaissance type affair, and I mean only to find out and inform the Sheriff and a local ranger of famous skill, but the more steel, the better, you know. Interested?He glances over at Kast and the elf again, and whispers,
Also, I find it strange she visits here the day of the attack.
"I do not trust that one" - Helgarr nods in agreement - "Just a few moments ago I saw her casting some sort of spell - even though magic users are not uncommmon, I find it strange that one would have the need to use it here just like that"
Turning back to the halfling, she continues - "You mirror my thoughts - actually I find it strange that Sandpoint is not up in arms as we speak. The goblin attack makes no sense - surely they could not expect to overtake the town with such a meager force, and even though goblins are not known for being smart, why would they simply act on such a suicide mission?" - Helgarr ponders.
"If this Thistletop region you speak of would be the place to search for a better explanation for all this, then I would be interested in accompanying you yes - I am not particularly sneaky, but I believe I can offer my blade as protection while you do such scouting" - she ponders - "Are you planning on recruiting any others? How far is this area you speak of?"
Helgar, you heard chanting twice.
"I expected a scream, maybe my job will be easier than I thought....Have you 'known' the lady Elrawien long Kast?"
Kast seems somewhat bothered that a Calin deems it necessary to follow them, but remains polite.
"Just met her a few hours ago. I didn't like her at first. I actually rejected her advances and left her very angry...but I made a mistake. She great..but I don't know much about her. I just hope she's okay."
By the time Lokien reaches the Tavern, he's already feeling the effects of his labors and as he walks in, he doens't look around much looking to rent a room after a nice hot meal and a drink.
Heading to a seat. He waves over a server.
"I'd like a meal and a jug of ale. It's being a long day with all those wounded."
Carefully putting aside his hammer, he settles down to wait.
I think there would be rumors and your wanderings might know.
Amren looks at Helgarr over a fourth mug of ale.
Aye, I can get us there. I won't expect anyone to do the sneaking, but I would feel more comfortable with some extra steel at my back.
He takes a long pull on the ale and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
Kast seems somewhat bothered that a Calin deems it necessary to follow them, but remains polite.
"Just met her a few hours ago. I didn't like her at first. I actually rejected her advances and left her very angry...but I made a mistake. She great..but I don't know much about her. I just hope she's okay."
He frowned at the man's strange back and forth. It sounded like his ward was using her magic again. He hoped it wouldnt lead to problems in this town. She will... well she should be okay. She received some unwanted news from her father. I was once hired to be her bodyguard, unlike you i didnt have the strength to reject her advances. Now i work for her father. He explained doing his best to attempt to explain his situation as delicately as possible.
He glanced at Kast and offered a slight smile. "From the way you moved to follow her to the door i take it she has hired you to guard her about the town. Should the Lady have questions of me I shall be downstairs attempting to discover her expenses while in town. He offered the dutyful Kast his hand to shake. He admired the man's sense of duty, it reminded him of his own, he just hoped they wouldnt have to come to blows over anything Elrawien said or done.
He made his way downstairs looking for the owner of the place, hoping to find out what his ward had spent gold on so far. He stood at the bar and waited for the owner to have a moment to speak with him.
Ameiko will tally the bill It comes up to 1500 gold pieces for food and drink for the inn keep. 350 gold pieces for renting of her suite and a 1000 gold piece donation to the town. She also owes 50 gold pieces for the care of her horses and the stabling and care of them and the wagon plus 50 gp for laundering services for a grand total of 3000 gold pieces. Will you or the lady be paying the bill?
Elrawien will send a telepathic message to Kast
Lokien you are informed that the meal has been paid for by the elven woman who you saw talking to Kast. You are served just as a half-elf enters, hands her a note, and she leaves up the stairs. Kast goes after her after chatting with the newcomer and you overhear the conversation between the halfling and the barbarian.
His eyes widened at the amoung of her excess and he stiffened. "That much already?" He said half incredulous. Her father was going to kill him. "I have a letter of mark from the Lord Lantherion, I will annotate the costs and an agent will be here with the coin in an appropriate manner. I will ask that my Lord perhaps throw in a case of fine wines for the delay I ask you this favor though good lady." He began quietly part of his mission was to fix the damages done by the lords foolish children. He leaned over and whispered to the pretty owner of the tavern.
The lady and her brother are no longer in funds with my lord, they are being taught a hard lesson he hopes. Do not accept any requests that require the expenditure of coin without coming to me first I beg you. I will make sure you are renumerated for your troubles. I swear by Shelyn." He finished quietly. He blushed a bit, already embaressed by her actions. He hurried up the stairs hoping she had some amount of coin on her to help offset the fee. This wasnt going to be pleasent. He nodded to Kast (if he is still at the door.) and entered the room.
Oh dear Elrawien... I beleive we need to have a little chat about your spending habits." He called out hoping she wasnt arming herself with things to throw.
He offered the dutyful Kast his hand to shake. He admired the man's sense of duty, it reminded him of his own...
Kast shakes the mans hand, completing a man's ritual more than agreeing to anything. Maybe it was agreeing to *not* be hostile, and Kast shakes affirmatively.
When Calin returns from speaking with the barkeep, Kast will have him through to see the Lady. He is happy his shift is over and another now guards his friend.
"The Lady wishes to see you, Mr. Moonbeam," Kast says, opening the door. "I'll be back on the morn."
Kast leaves, goes to his room at the Academy, and rests. He will return before first light.