One by one, the group returns to their (mostly) separate rooms to sleep off the aftereffects of the night's many emotional events. The impromptu party continues downstairs late into the night, as the residents of Sandpoint celebrate the joys of a life they suddenly appreciate a bit more than they did earlier that day.
The next morning, much too early given all that happened the night before, each of you is awakened by a light knocking on the door; opening it reveals Bethana, the Dragon's halfling housekeeper (and sometime barmaid), blinking owlishly up at you. "Your pardon," she says diffidently, holding out a folded piece of paper, "but this came for you just a short while ago. Ameiko said to let you sleep another fifteen minutes and then bring it up...?"
The papers, which turn out to be notes, all have the same contents:
Your service to Sandpoint has not gone unnoticed, and it is the desire of the Town Council that it not go unheralded as well. If you would be so kind, the Council requests your presence at a ceremony this afternoon, at 4 PM, to honor your bravery. The ceremony will take place at the Sandpoint Cathedral speaking stand, one of the sites of your courageous actions last night. Please come dressed appropriately, and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Sincerely,
Kendra Devin
Mayor of Sandpoint
Tristan will go easy on the beer, since he's trying to stay on top of his game. He'll use his juggling talents to try to impress the crowd and maybe catch Sandru's or Ameiko's attention. It's a bit pathetic, but it's all he's got.Perhaps Tristan's motives are a little on the lame side, but he is clearly inspired by his audience and the company of his heroes, because his performance is really nothing short of dazzling. While he spins knives, ale mugs, scarves and small, hard apples through the air, a sizable crowd gathers, Sandru and Koya among them, and the two Varisians applaud as loud as any when he finishes - a few coins are even hurled his way without him asking for them. When he finally finishes, another round of drinks is pressed upon him, and one of the local girls, Shayliss Vinder, begins gliding toward him with a predatory gleam in her eye before being dragged back by her older sister Katrine.
Gan will get a bit drunk and just enjoy other people's company for once. If he can at some point he'll try to talk to Ameiko a bit about home.Ameiko shrugs, unoffended but uninterested in the topic. "Never been there," she tells him. "Don't think even my father has, in fact. My grandparents were Tian, sure, but my home's Sandpoint, born and raised. でも、私は天話しますか," she adds with a wink.
** spoiler omitted **
My spoiler tag messed up, so I'll just say the following is in Tien (I believe the people are called Tian but the language is called Tien):
My apologies for my presumption, but you remind me of a much younger version of myself. Still, it is nice to hear my native tongue again. I haven't spoken it in quite a long time. I promise I won't bore you with an old man's sentimental recollections, hehe. Thank you again for your hospitality.
One by one, the group returns to their (mostly) separate rooms to sleep off the aftereffects of the night's many emotional events. The impromptu party continues downstairs late into the night, as the residents of Sandpoint celebrate the joys of a life they suddenly appreciate a bit more than they did earlier that day.
The next morning, much too early given all that happened the night before, each of you is awakened by a light knocking on the door; opening it reveals Bethana, the Dragon's halfling housekeeper (and sometime barmaid), blinking owlishly up at you. "Your pardon," she says diffidently, holding out a folded piece of paper, "but this came for you just a short while ago. Ameiko said to let you sleep another fifteen minutes and then bring it up...?"
The papers, which turn out to be notes, all have the same contents:
Your service to Sandpoint has not gone unnoticed, and it is the desire of the Town Council that it not go unheralded as well. If you would be so kind, the Council requests your presence at a ceremony this afternoon, at 4 PM, to honor your bravery. The ceremony will take place at the Sandpoint Cathedral speaking stand, one of the sites of your courageous actions last night. Please come dressed appropriately, and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Sincerely,
Kendra Devin
Mayor of Sandpoint
Upon receiving this, Gan will clean himself up and go downstairs. He will order a light breakfast with some tea if they have some, and then he'll wait until the others arrive.
Tristan scoops up the money and gracefully accepts the rounds. Eventually he goes to bed dreaming of girls and what might have been.
After receiving his notice he puts on his best and gaudiest clothes and goes down to meet up with the others.
Lamsfel gets the note from Bethana and turns to Tybus, "Looks like we are guests of honor this afternoon, my friend." Considering his options, he's not sure what 'appropriate dress' would mean. He's traveled light and doesn't really have a lot of options...
"I guess I will go looking like a hero, hey? Wear my armor and swords like I'm expecting more goblins, you know?"
Aye, that may be what they mean. Truth be told, I feel suitably thanked already by this town. Ameiko runs a fine establishment.
Tybus breaks out his spellbook and starts studying it. If you'll excuse me, I need to bury my nose in this tome for a bit. I'll catch up with ye later.
Thanking Bethana, Marcelina asks her where she might get a bath. Clean and gussied up once again, she makes her way down for a late breakfast and then a day on the town. Since she also travelled light, and doesn't really have anything she considers to be 'appropriate', she finds Koya to ask her where she might purchase something suitable.
Gan with stay with Tybus and Tristan, preferring to stay with the "muscle", hehe.
The whole crew's going? Then Tybus will pack his bow and arrows and tag along after he's finished with his spell book. "Stick with yer mates, and they'll stick with you."
The whole crew's going? Then Tybus will pack his bow and arrows and tag along after he's finished with his spell book. "Stick with yer mates, and they'll stick with you."
** spoiler omitted **
After chatting with his familiar/memorizing spells, Gan will also go with everyone.
As the group gathers for breakfast, Bethana brings fruit, baked fish, fried eggs and potatoes around to everyone, with juice alongside. As you eat, bits of news from the night before swirl through the air around you: there were two Sandpointer deaths, a young girl of about 9, killed during the initial attack in the streets north of the cathedral, and a shopkeeper and father of two, attacked in his home by a goblin who also tried to eat his baby son. The rumors also speak of some kind of mischief at the Sandpoint Cathedral itself, or rather the graveyard behind it, as at least one and possibly several graves were dug up or otherwise disturbed.
On the way to Madame Mvashti's house (just around the corner from the Rusty Dragon, only a few yards north of the market square), you can see the aftereffects of the attack all around. Bodies have been removed and fires put out, but a smoky pall still hangs in the air, and several buildings show some sign of damage to roof or walls. The market square itself would not normally be open today, but the village children who would otherwise be taking advantage of the open space to play are nowhere to be seen.
The Mvashti Mansion, as it is often called, is actually just a large manor house and a somewhat run-down one at that, with a few crumbling roof tiles and a window or two that has been boarded up rather than having a broken window replaced. During Sandpoint's early years it was home to both Niska Mvashti and her daughter Koya (then a young woman of twenty-five or so), along with the many "adopted" orphans and other stray urchins Koya took in and raised, including Sandru Vhiski. Now, however, Koya spends most of her time traveling as part of Sandru's caravan throughout Varisia, and the elder Mvashti lives in the large house alone. The matriach of most of the Varisian clans in the area, Niska Mvashti's age is not known, but that she has a daughter who is herself in her mid sixties tells you much of what you need to know.
When you knock on the door, there is only a brief pause before Koya answers the door, a worried frown transforming into a warm smile when she sees who stands on her mother's porch. "You came!" she beams at Lamsfel, stepping aside and gesturing for the group to enter. "Mother will be so pleased. Please, please, come in, all of you, and be welcome!"
Closing the door behind you, Koya leads the group through a short entry hall into a sitting room, separated from the hallway by a thick curtain of beads. In the dimly-lit room beyond, a small, wizened Varisian woman with a strong resemblance to Koya looks up from a Harrow deck with a frown on her face. Her piercing gaze sweeps across you all, pausing for only a moment when she looks at Lamsfel. "The Heroes of Sandpoint," she murmurs, half-ironic and half-musing. "In my home. Auspicious, or merely coincidental?" She stands, holding out her hands to grasp Lamsfel's, and says, "You have been gone too long, my friend. My house has missed your footsteps. Please, please, all of you, sit and rest. You are among friends here."
At Koya's greeting, Lamsfel places his hand to his heart with a mock aggrieved look. "Young mother, you doubted me? Oh, I am cut to the quick!"
Then, smiling, he reaches to her shoulders and, leaning down, greets her with a kiss to each cheek. "There was never any doubt but that I would visit the Mansion." He steps past to let the others greet Koya as they choose, stopping to be recognized by the venerable Niska.
After her remarks, Lamsfel says, "Yes, Grandmother, may I present the Heroes, recently crowned. Lady Leena - I'm sorry, Marcelina, whom I've only just met, but the gods favor her and she shares their blessings with those she deems worthy. My good friend Tybus, a man of the sea and, with his scimitar, a good man to have at your back. The talented young Tristan, whose blade is sufficient to bring down whole goblin hordes in a single blow. And last, but certainly not least, the wise and powerful Gan, a man of Sandpoint who I gather has only just come to feel like it is his home."
He steps up to the woman and moves to take her hand. If she allows it, he will bend down to kiss it. "And, dear friend, my footsteps have truly missed your house. It has been long and I have learned so much. I feared to return and find you gone. I must admit I delayed my return to your door because I did not want to find out the worst - better to appreciate Desna's festival again first." With a grin, he adds, "But I should have known - you were here when the town was founded, you shall be here when it crumbles to dust!"
Turning to the companions, he makes a sweeping gesture, "Lady and gentlemen, comrades-in-arms, may I present to you Mvashti Mansion and probably the most important person in all of Sandpoint, Grandmother Niska Mvashti."
Tybus smiles when his name is introduced, and dips his head in an unrefined bow. At Niska's bidding, he looks around for a place to sit, then perches at the edge of whatever chair he selects.
Tristan slumps a little awkwardly down onto a chair, a little worried if it will bear his weight and clearly out of his comfort zone. He appreciates the Varisian hospitality though, and utters a few conventional phrases of respect to the old woman.
Gan approaches Niska and smiles warmly, extending his hand in greeting.
Gan Liang, pleased to meet your acquaintance. You have a lovely home here.
Marcelina greets Koya with a wide smile and a friendly hug. "I would like to talk to you about a matter, but first, I would be most honored to meet your mother."
She moves through the house with obvious respect, yet also seeming to be instantly at home. After Lamsfel's grand introduction she cannot help but blush as she makes a deep curtsey. "Madame Niska, it is a great honor to finally meet you. I owe your daughter my life, a debt I hope to someday repay, gods willing." She then takes a seat herself if there is still one available, folding her hands in her lap as she watches the exchange between the old woman and Lamsfel.
There are chairs enough for everyone, one of the many things that makes the house feel far too large for its sole occupant. Although there is a seat for her as well, Koya does not sit, instead getting tea for everyone and then hovering protectively over her mother. The aged Madame Mvashti seems bemused by this behavior, but she is clearly used to it, if not necessarily comfortable with it.
He steps up to the woman and moves to take her hand. If she allows it, he will bend down to kiss it. "And, dear friend, my footsteps have truly missed your house. It has been long and I have learned so much. I feared to return and find you gone. I must admit I delayed my return to your door because I did not want to find out the worst - better to appreciate Desna's festival again first." With a grin, he adds, "But I should have known - you were here when the town was founded, you shall be here when it crumbles to dust!"
"Hmph," Niska snorts, though she is smiling as well as the elf kisses her hand. "You and I both know better than that, my friend. I am no elf; my time will come soon enough, and then Sandpoint and my daughter both will be able to move along without me." Koya makes a protesting noise, but Niska shakes her head firmly. "Don't argue with me, girl. You waste away here. Your children are grown, but you still fuss over me as though I were one, for all that I suckled and raised you. You're old enough yourself - you should kick free of this place before Desna takes you on your last trip among the stars."
She turns her piercing gaze across the rest of the group, noting Tybus' and Tristan's unease. She cackles slightly, glancing at Lamsfel - "Your 'heroes' are quick to face down goblins, Lamsfel, but apparently one old woman still scares them!" Marcelina's poise and Gan's courtesy are met with warmer smiles. "Ah, you have the Star's mark upon you," she tells the younger woman, with a sideways glance at Tybus, "and there are always those who will follow that star anywhere." She chuckles again, but it is a warmer sound, and she looks sympathetically at the sailor.
Straightening her shawl, she leans back in her chair and picks up the teacup Koya has placed there. "So why have you all come, my friends? Are you merely here to shield Lamsfel from my wrath at his tardy arrival, or is there something you would seek from the 'great Madame Mvashti'?" Her laugh is gently self-mocking as she looks at each of you in turn.
Tybus clears his throat and casts a sidelong glance at Marcelina, hoping he's not showing any extra color in his cheeks. When she fixes her gaze upon him, he resolves to speak. Uh, no, Mum. Mere that me and Lamsfel sailed together a bit and he mentioned you in fair passing. I thought I'd say me hellos. He's a fine man -- er, elf.
Lamsfel nods slightly at Madame Mvashti's statement that her end will come, but the smile never leaves his eyes. He moves back and finds a chair and looks around at his circle of friends, but he holds his tongue for the moment, chuckling at Tybus' discomfort like friends will do. When the sailor looks at him, he just grins some more and winks.
Marcelina follows Niska's eyes over to Tybus before realizing what it is she's is saying and quickly looks away as that realizations hits her. She finds her lap fascinating for a moment while Tybus speaks, then as silence once again descends she looks back up at the matron.
"I must admit I came primarily to ask Koya where I might find a dress appropriate for a 'heroes ceremony' that the mayor has planned for us. But now that I am here... I do have another request. If you are willing." She glances quickly to the harrow deck. "I would be privileged if you would perform a reading before we leave."
Koya visibly flinches at Marcelina's words, although she covers it quickly. "No, that's all right," she begins, stepping in front of Niska, "If you'd like a reading, I'd be happy to-"
"Koya." The word is a whipcrack, an astonishing amount of force from a woman so small. "The girl has asked that I read for her. Despite everything, I think it would be wise for me to do so."
Koya looks back at her mother, who is carefully and deliberately setting down her teacup. With a nod, she steps aside, going instead to seat herself on a stool near the wall. Niska leans forward and scoops up her deck, shuffling through it with the ease of long familiarity. "Ask me your question, then, child, and we shall see what the cards tell us today."
For the first time since entering, Lamsfel shows some concern and doubt as he looks between the two Mvashti women. He looks a question at Koya where she has perched near the wall. What is it? What concerns you?
But he holds his tongue and watches the reading, looking for anything unusual from what he remembers of Niska's readings in the past.
Gan appears uncomfortable at the exchange, but can't hide his interest, nor his admiration for the old woman.
Tybus tries a number of different sitting positions in an effort to simultaneously appear relaxed, respectful, nonchalant, and reverent. It probably doesn't work.
When Marcelina requests a Harrow reading from Niska, his heart begins thudding in his chest unexpectedly. To cover, he crosses his arms and brings a hand to his chin to appear interested. He looks at Marcelina when she's not looking, and avoids her eyes if she looks back at him.
For the first time since entering, Lamsfel shows some concern and doubt as he looks between the two Mvashti women. He looks a question at Koya where she has perched near the wall. What is it? What concerns you?
But he holds his tongue and watches the reading, looking for anything unusual from what he remembers of Niska's readings in the past.
Koya's expression is more surprised than worried, and she makes a soothing gesture in response to Lamsfel's look. She still watches the proceedings with interest, however.
Tristan savors the opportunity of watching a skilled Harrow reader in action. He's leaning forward on his chair, barely able to contain his enthusiasm.
Marcelina is taken aback by the brief confrontation, and clearly looks as if she wishes she hadn't asked. However, as Niska settles in to give the reading, Marcelina apparently feels that what's done is done because she sits a little further on the edge of her seat, focusing on the matron.
She considers for a moment, her face screwed slightly in thought before speaking softly. "I suppose I was really just thinking about myself." She shifts nervously. "I've come here, but I don't know where to go now. Can you give me any insight into what I should be doing?" Her voice is tinged with the sound of someone who truly is lost.
Lamsfel relaxes visibly at Koya's sign that all is well and turns to hear Marcelina's question. Hearing it, he nods thoughtfully and says to himself, just loud enough to be heard, "Excellent choice."
He turns to the matron, as eager to hear the results as any of the others.
Niska purses her lips at Marcelina's question - it's difficult to tell what she thinks of it. Nevertheless, after a moment's consideration, she pulls several cards from the deck, shuffles them quickly, then spreads them before her on the table. She looks up at Marcelina, then around at the rest of the room. "Choose one," she tells the younger woman. "And any of the rest of you who wish guidance on the same question: you should choose as well."
Tristan eagerly chooses a card.
Lamsfel reaches, considers, and selects.
Gan cannot resist and chooses a card.
Unsure why he's so apprehensive, Tybus reluctantly reaches out and takes one.
Marcelina actually waits for everyone else to pick, before she chooses one for herself. Odd, since she's the one who asked for it.
Tristan eagerly chooses a card.
Tristan's card shows a large ant, wearing what looks like a fur coat and eating a bunch of grapes. A golden crwon sits on its head, and several grubs surround it on the ground. Across the bottom, the card is labeled, "The Queen Mother."
Niska's eyes move quickly between Tristan and the card. "The Queen holds secret truths, and she shares them only with those who prove themselves to her," Madame Mvashti says slowly. "You feel a strong need to find your place in the world around you, young man; there is a strong woman somewhere in the world who will help you find that place, but beware losing yourself to the greater needs of society."
Lamsfel reaches, considers, and selects.
Lamsfel's card depicts a friendly-looking cyclops holding a tankard of beer high over his head in his right hand, and a graceful arc of ale pours from it into another mug in his left hand. He wears a leather apron, and his long white sideburns reach down to his chest. Behind him, passed out celebrants litter the ground. The card is labeled, "The Publcan."
Niska shows no surprise whatsoever at the card - if anything, she smiles slightly in satisfaction. "The Publican is an emblem of friendship to others and camaderie with your fellows," she tells the elf with a quirk of her lips. "You occasionally appear too involved in your own enjoyment to acknowledge world around you, but have more insight than most realize. Beware placing your trust in the wrong person, however - the wrong word at the right time might be your ruin."
Gan cannot resist and chooses a card.
Gan's card shows a man fleeing from a horde of skeletons, the whole scene awash in a crimson glow from the blood-red sky. In the center of that sky is the sun, but it is blotted out by a dark black circle. The card is called "The Eclipse."
Niska frowns when she examines the card, and her eyes search Gan's face for a long time before she speaks. "You have long doubted yourself," she says slowly. "Your faith has wavered, and you have hidden away from the world as a result. Your power flows from above, but it is occluded - you fear whether you should trust it." She shakes her head slowly. "It is too soon to say whether you should, but you have within you the potential for abilities no one - not even yourself - yet dreams of."
Unsure why he's so apprehensive, Tybus reluctantly reaches out and takes one.
Tybus' card shows a coiling serpent with a white body and green head, and a pair of brilliant rainbow-colored wings flaring out to either side. Though it seems fearsome at first, something about the serpent's expression seems kind. The card's name is "The Winged Serpent."
With a reassuring smile for Tybus, Niska considers the card for a moment. "You are a bridge," she tells him at last, "a connection between two forms of thought that few understand properly. You have reached this point through acting at the right moment, seizing opportunities when others would have, or indeed already had, passed them by. This instinct to reach where others hold back is your great strength, but beware that you do not mistime your bravery. Not every opportunity can, or should be, seized." Her gaze remains steady on Tybus' face, but somehow Marcelina also feels the weight of those words.
Marcelina actually waits for everyone else to pick, before she chooses one for herself. Odd, since she's the one who asked for it.
Marcelina's card is easily the most disturbing of the group. It shows a close-up depiction of an old woman's face, with long white hair, wrinkled purplish skin, long tapering ears and only dark shadows for eyes. The only spot of brightness is the white eye the woman holds in her mouth, gripped by pointed yellow teeth. She holds up her left hand, palm out, her thumb with its claw-like nail folded across the palm. The card is labelled "The Mute Hag."
"You have great power," Niska says slowly. She seems slightly unsettled by the card's appearance. "But that power has cost you your words. You have broken the bonds that tied you to your family, the ancient agreement between you and the hidden powers you commune with has bound you along a different path. But there is a lost secret that lies across that path, and the gaze of evil will pierce your protections. Against that evil you have only one hope, the loyalty of those closest to you."
The Choosing done, Niska collects the cards again, shuffling quickly into the whole deck. After a few more riffles of the cards, she lays them out across her table in a three by three spread. In the left column, the cards are these:
The Empty Throne, showing a noble kneeling before a king's grave monument
The Rabbit Prince, depicting a humanoid rabbit in noble finery and carrying a broken sword
The Unicorn, which displays the titular animal laying in a field of grass with a pear impaled on the tip of its horn
In the center column, the cards are these:
The Idiot, which shows a festival-style figure in an oversized mask, being lead by cackling goblins
The Midwife, depicting a woman holding a devil-baby (horns and tail visible) while a man weeps in the background
The Survivor, where a badly wounded figure sits in a chair surrounded by ghosts that are all staring at him
And in the right column, these are the cards:
The Liar, displaying a woman with a snake's tail in place of her legs who holds a bunch of dead roses
The Big Sky, which shows a man with broken chains around his wrists reaching for the brilliant sun overhead
The Beating, where you see a man being grappled and pulled to the ground by dozens of blue-skinned hands thrusting up from the earth
Niska studies the arrangement for several long moments in silence; at first, her only words are a whispered, "I should have expected no less..." At last, though, she looks up and begins to speak.
"Your path was set long ago, by a death in a distant land," she says, laying her finger on the Empty Throne. "When word arrives of this death, you will know your journey has truly begun." Niska's hand moves down to touch the Rabbit Prince. "The young scion of the forgotten line has already touched your path, and together you will face great struggles - struggles that can lay even the strongest warrior low." With a frown, she brushes the Unicorn with her fingertip as well. "But the path is set also by betrayal. This betrayal too has already occurred, but its poisonous fruits may not yet have been revealed."
Moving on to the middle column, Niska again begins with the topmost card. "Now, the goblins have come among us," she says, tapping the Idiot, "but they are only a mask for the true power behind them." Skipping over the Midwife, she moves on to the Survivor. "One of you, or one close to you, will find he or she is all that is left, having suffered terrible loss. That person will be forced to go on alone. The rest of you will be the only support that person still has."
Finally, she moves to the last column. "From tragedy and pain, a new relationship will grow among you, though the cost will be high," Niska says, indicating The Liar. Again skipping the middle card, she moves to The Beating, sighing heavily. "And those bonds will be needed, for know this: all I see going forward is relentless attack, from enemies you do not even imagine now. So stand together, united, or else realize that your doom is inevitable."
Letting out a deep breath, Niska leans back in her chair and closes her eyes, looking pale and shaking slightly as though she had just run some distance. Koya leans forward, clearly worried, but Niska opens her eyes again and waves her off. "My friends," Niska says slowly and with much less force than she had shown moments before, "I feel suddenly tired. Lamsfel, your tardiness is forgiven; however, if you will all excuse me, I believe I should retire now." Without waiting for an answer, she rises and moves tiredly to the stairs, again waving Koya away when her daughter goes to try to help. Once she has gone upstairs, Koya shakes her head in a mixture of frustration and worry.
"Blast you, mother..." she whispers, before visibly pushing the matter aside and turning back to you all. "Well then. Can I get you anything before Marcelina and I bore the men with our talk of dresses?"
Marcelina seems visibly shaken by the reading, her eyes staring off into the middle distance where Niska had been sitting. She has seen Harrow readings before, but never anything so ominous. Still, she knows their power, and even more, she knows better than to dismiss them.
She starts slightly at Koya's words and looks over to her with concern in her eyes. "I truly am sorry, Madam Koya. I didn't mean to..." She falters, "I mean... I should not have asked. I am truly sorry for any pain I may have caused."
...the gaze of evil will pierce your protections... She nearly shudders to think what that could mean. ...relentless attack... enemies she can't even imagine... This certainly wasn't what she had intended. She had just been looking for a direction. Like... Head to Riddleport...
[ooc]Hey guys, just bought a house yesterday so I've been a bit busy. I skimmed the tarot reading and it looks awesome. Tonite I'll post here and on the discussion thread [\ooc]
Gan is shocked--it's as if she has read his mind. He looks around to see how the others have responded, and if they look at him strangely based on Niska's words about Gan's power source.
How...could she know that? I have never spoken with her before...
Tristan is struck dumb by the ominous prophesy. As he ponders what it might mean, he feels as if the ground has been swept away from under his feet. He looks intently at the others to gauge their reactions.
Marcelina seems visibly shaken by the reading, her eyes staring off into the middle distance where Niska had been sitting. She has seen Harrow readings before, but never anything so ominous. Still, she knows their power, and even more, she knows better than to dismiss them.
She starts slightly at Koya's words and looks over to her with concern in her eyes. "I truly am sorry, Madam Koya. I didn't mean to..." She falters, "I mean... I should not have asked. I am truly sorry for any pain I may have caused."
Koya shakes her head firmly, placing a reassuring hand on Marcelina's arm. "You did nothing wrong, child," she says. If she is also troubled by the prophecy, she seems not to show it. "In this Age of Lost Omens, fortune-telling is weakened. Mother isn't comfortable with that, and she's become less and less comfortable with it as she's gotten older - maybe because more and more prophecies have failed to come true. But the cards still have power, and clearly she thought it was worth trying for your sake. Her readings have gotten darker for the whole town recently... I think even my mother wants to put her hopes in the Heroes of Sandpoint." Koya smiles,looking around at the group. "I know I do."
Gan is shocked--it's as if she has read his mind. He looks around to see how the others have responded, and if they look at him strangely based on Niska's words about Gan's power source.
How...could she know that? I have never spoken with her before...
"You didn't need to tell her anything," Koya replies with a shrug. "The cards told her."
Tybus sits silently as his mind twists and turns like the serpent on the Harrow card he drew. Then he looks at Marcelina with an expression of extreme concern for a moment.
After Koya speaks, Tybus shrugs away any further unease and tries to lighten things up. He stands, and claps his hand on Lamsfel's shoulder.
New friends, new enemies and lost omens! When ye can't fight the wind, ye let it takes you where it will! And when that happens, it's good to have mates like you at your sail!
Bowing again to Madame Koya, Mum, it was a pleasure.
Men, let's leave the ladies to their talk of frillies and drillies. I've a mind to see if there's any more excitement back in Sandpoint before our appointment.
Obviously trying to put the reading behind her as well, Marcelina gives a brave smile. "Thank you Koya. Please express to her my thanks." She then turns that same smile over to Tybus, perhaps widening just a bit. "What a brave soul. You'll face down a goblin raid, yet retreat at the thought of two women talking?"
That's cause I know where the true danger lies. He follows that up with a wide grin and a wink.
As Niska gets up to leave, Lamsfel quickly stands and bows to her, "Grandmother, you are generous to share your gift with us, we are indebted to you. I plan to remain in town and will visit again - if you have need of me, I'm sure your daughter will be able to find me."
He looks at the others after she has gone and Koya has replied and says, "I have had the pleasure of readings in the past. Remember the best readings only show part of the story - the darkest reading may obscure a bright future and a wonderful reading may neglect to mention the darkness that accompanies it. Only a fool would ignore it completely, but a different sort of fool will allow a reading to completely determine their future path."
Looking at his new friends, he replies to Tybus' remarks, he grins and says, "Well said. New friends and new enemies, indeed. Whatever comes to pass, it seems to me that we will be best served if we look out for one another. Milady Leena will be safe enough here with Mother Koya, but I fear the four of us might be overwhelmed should we stay. Tybus, lead on!"
Leaning in to kiss each cheek of the Mvashti daughter again, Lamsfel moves toward the door. "We will let ourselves out! Until later!"