"Sitting out the entire day here? You'd be wasting time, time you could spend seeing the shops, markets, chapels if you're of a particular faith. But the rarer the general worship, the less chance however."
Thorn thumbs around at the Holy Symbol upon his necklace and looks to Mary then to Tessa.
Whatever you decide to do on your first day in the city, the others + a few others are on the coach back to Kharum.
No plans for the entire day?
If you do decide to spend the entire day sitting at Mary's, roll me perception checks.
The group coming back in the coach make the stop for the night at the inn they visited on the trip already. The inn is still welcoming and the barkeep recognizes you.
"Greetings, i see you've all made it back....along with some friends i see?
Have a seat over there, there's a table near the fireplace. I'll be right with you."
Grint sits by idly, giving the events of this building a place in his mind and rests a bit, closing his eyes. To others he might look he's sleeping, but giving his mind some rest to put it at ease is something he needs utter relaxation for.
When Father Burdock returns he stands up slowly and asks.
"So? Everything alright now? Could Lily translate our text?"
The text, taken from the pirate wizard, was later translated when you had Lilly read it. It turned out to be a 'devotion script', to those seeking power via service to the mysterious "Y". Given that Lilly had an episode which gave you a terrifying vision, you can deduct it's not the most virtuous of sources. She asked back then if any had heard of 'The Night Heralds'.
The Night's Heralds, Lilly mentioned, is an ancient cult dedicated to worshiping the Outer Gods, entities of tremendous and horrible power, residing in the outer void.
Paying attention, you can hear talk from tables to either side of you.
Table 1
1):"Seems that Golden Compass ship, the one that 'The Heroes of Kharum' wrestled from pirates, is back in duty. Though rumor has it, captain Valux's famous luck saved him, he escaped capture."
2):<"We'll see, if anything, she's bound to make the waters safer again."
1):"That aside, i've heard the pumpkin farmers who supply the city with their pumpkins, haven't delivered yet. It's the season for their delivery, yet the stalls at the market don't have them."
2):<"Bad harvest maybe? Think we should ask the stalls, maybe they'd pay some coin for looking into it?">
1):"Not a bad idea, save for the fact i'm leaving port in 2 days."
Table 2
1):"Say, have you noticed? I've seen a few people in ulfen clothing walk in the city the other day, a bit far south for those lot, don't you think?"
2):<"I guess it is, those normally keep up north, unless they have some serious business, if they drop by in a port city.">
Tessa has a lovely time watching the flow of people, her thoughts on what to say when the elf returns, and enjoying the food and drink. She smiles a moment at thorn's fidgeting
Patience isn't thorn's way, but he's so withdrawn. He didn't even notice Mary flirting with him. Knots wake up please.
The last thought is responded to with a pulse of irritation from her back, then a slow sense of attentiveness.
He'll return when he returns, for now enjoy the quiet time. Life is full of excitement as an adventurer, but you have to value the simpler moments too.
Thorn fidgets with his symbol a bit more before realizing that Tessa was speaking to him once more. It wasnt that he he didnt pay attention.. it was more he paid too much attention.
" O-Oh M-Milady Tessa, I was watching the people and got d-distracted. T-there are quite alot of t-things going on here. H-Heros of Kharum.. the d-dissappearance of the p-pumkins aroud here. And t-those related to me.. Ulfen people. V-Valuing the simple t-things are h-how I function. "
Thorn looked down at the table rather than in Tessa's eyes.
"I guess that could be said. We accomplished what we set out for at least.".
You overhear some talk from another table.
1): "Say, have you heard yet? I heard it from a courier service on the road.
The pumpkin farmers haven't made their seasonal delivery yet, they're due 2 days now, while they're normally spot-on when it comes to time."
2): <"What? I love those pumpkins, the Eager Patron makes some delicious soup with them. Something must be amiss to stall their time."
Also you notice a man in the back, sitting alone with a tankard, reading a piece of paper. A relatively young human male. He's got a rugged look and distinctive blond hair and beard, he's clad in studded leather with a furry decoration on his shoulders.
You can see father Burdock's spoiler about the figure in the back.
That evening, after much waiting and seeing patrons come and go, Tessa and Thorn see the crew from the merchant ship enter the inn.
They take 2 tables in the center. Among them, is indeed, an elf fitting the description.
Thorn motions to the Elf, knowing Tessa was not the best at noticing things. " I b-believe.. that may be him. I-It's surely the c-crew from before "
What is someone from the Frost covered North doing here?
I believe you are right, thorn. Will you watch my sword? I will invite him over and it's a bit friendlier without it.
Tessa stands, leaving her greatsword at the table, and walks calmly to the other table.
Forgive my intrusion, but I have traveled far and would speak with you. I have a table, if you have time.
She smiles a moment at the jest, elves have time to spare, then switches to the common tongue to address the crew.
Let me steal your friend, for a moment. I'll return him to you.
Thorn gives a sturdy nod, when it came to weapons he knew quite a bit. Taking the hefty blade with marked ease and then.. coveting the weapon as if it were an idol. The Greatsword was gripped in his sturdy hands, blade point to the ground.
As Tessa left his eyes followed her form and path to the crew and elf alike. He had to admit it was enjoyable.. though business guided his attentions towards catching any misconduct or suspicious behavior. Those who appeared nice could always be your enemy in the end.
@ The group returning;
The bar/innkeep comes to your table. "The same as last time, for the meal?" He sees a worried look on Elsa's face.
"?...Miss, there's a troubled look on your face, something wrong?"
------------------------
The elf was laughing alongside the crew, the only elf among a human crew.
As the laughing takes a tone down, he turns his head up at Tessa as she starts to speak elven.
[spoiler=Elven]
"Ah, the elegant tongue i've heard not too recent.
Very well miss." He switches back to common. "No need to worry gentlemen, i'll be right back.
The crew smiles. [b]"Oi, it's her that needs to worry."
The man gets a friendly elbow to the side, almost making him spill some mead.
Back at your table the elf nods at Thorn, who's fidgeting his weapon.
"You ask me to come here, unarmed, yet you have a bodyguard ready.", he says with a smirk. "What is this about, you said you sought me out."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Yeah, the same as before would do nicely. Sorry miss, we still have alot to think about." Grint replies to the waitress with a wry smile.
Yes, I have traveled a great distance to speak with you. This is thorn, and I am Tessa. I am seeking information, which I believe you may have. When I was in Riddleport, I heard a lay of the river princess. It was a beautiful thing, the more so for it's truth. I have met Sylla Riverwinder, she was my friend as a child. The song spoke of danger, and a mystery. The local bard, who's name was Adam Trevenson, claimed that he had learned the lay from an Elf of the Sea, who sailed upon a gull.
She smiles, her eyes twinkling, then continues.
I thought him drunk, and yet could not let it go. I ventured to the port, and they said they had seen such an elf, although his ship had not docked recently. They advised me to take ship south, and ride along the coast asking in ports after the Gull. I did so, and here you are.
She nods at him. An elf
She gestures to the sailors. of the sea.
So now I must ask you: How did you learn of Scylla and her missing knot, and what trouble beset her? She is the sister of my heart, and I would aid her.
Thorn nods to the Elf and listen intently to Tessa's tale and the Elf's personality. It was hard to balance between the differing languages. He refused to speak if only to keep up the facade of a bodyguard of sorts.
The elf takes in Thorn's appearance, before casually sitting down.
"Your friend's not the most outspoken, is he. But he's upholding a facade, aren't you. I've met so many people i can sort of read the more subtle body language."
"The Gull, paha...the ship's actually named The Seagull, but the 'Sea' is too worn to see unless up close. And a sea-elf huh..haha, well i suppose to a slight extend." He pulls the collar of his cloak slightly aside, revealing very small guills. "Present from a friend."
Folding his hands, leaning onto the table, his youthful (by elven standards) appearance takes a playful yet serious look, as Tessa tells of her reason.
"Sylla Riverwinder....yes, she and i have met on occasion. Cheerful woman, she was. Still', his eyes inquisitive, ..you'd not want to find her now. Ill fortune has befallen her, seeking her out now is not recommended."
Thorn's expression betrayed his surprise,but he expected as much. Elves were known for their senses and bards were known for their social acumen. Thorn sighed and dropped his shoulders. " T-To be fair you were t-the one who thought I-I was a Bodyguard. I-I can still protect if I n-need to. N-Now what do y-you mean by 'misfortune' "
Thorn let the blade rest in his hands no longer appearing the part of a guard.. however revealing his grip one of common use with such a weapon.
She's my friend, more than friend, and I owe her mother a debt besides. I'd have come to ill without her.
She pauses and takes a deep breath.
She's family. If she's in trouble, I have to help. Tell me what you know, please.
*Sighing through the nose*
"Last time i visited her forest lake, the place had become tainted.
Where normally saplings grew, only rotten remains were found. The trees had mold covering their usually lush branches. The atmosphere was gloomy, very much so. The smaller rivers used to be clear, but now...now they were as clear as sewer water. Not to mention animals....twisted and aggressive. I found no clues, not without putting myself in some dangerous places."
" T-Then it seems like the o-obvious thing would to g-go to these d-dangerous places. Y-you might not believe us b-but we are seasoned e-enough adventurers. I-I myself am part of a M-Mercenary group.. T-though I'm in training. P-please tell us where y-you last saw her. W-We need to find her.. I-I may be able to t-track the source "
In response to Thron, the elf waves his bravado away.
"You would think so, but you say it as if the two of you are sufficient to deal with the risks out there. You're not.' He says with a serious look in his eyes.
"I don't suppose you've ever been to- or heard of Churlwood?"
The Churlwood is a dense forest of impenetrable thickets located to the north of Varisia's Lost Coast, bordered by the Fogscar Mountains to the west and the Lampblack River to the east.
No, I have not. I focused nearly all my studies on the undersea and the merchant ways of the vialesk, so I had little time for the churlwood. What can you tell us of it?
"The Churlwood is a dense forest of impenetrable thickets located to the north of Varisia's Lost Coast, bordered by the Fogscar Mountains to the west and the Lampblack River to the east.
Druids and shoanti tribes make their home there, as do some bandits from time to time, since outsiders easily get lost. Despite seeming inhospitable to outsiders, it is a beautiful place. But is a long distance from here, about 360 miles."
That is quite the journey, we would likely have to take ship, and passage isn't cheap she muses aloud.
I thank you, sir. Even bad news is more hope than I had. She lives, and now there is only the difficulty of reaching her.
She raises her glass.
To pleasant stops along your path, and safe return to kin.
You have been generous with your time and information. Is there some favor we might do for you? Our time in Kharum will of necessity be brief if we are to make the mountain passes ere the snow return, but I would not leave a debt unpaid.
"May she be alive indeed, because if the waters are tainted to such a degree, i fear for her health."
"May Gozreh and Findeladlara's favor shine on you in your quest."
Gozreh is a neutral dualistic god, both the god of storms and wind, as well as the goddess of sea and waves.
Findeladlara is the CG elven goddess of Art and Architehture.
She is known to judge the work of non-elves harshly and never answers the prayers of a non-elf.
He thinks on your offer.
"Well, if you rid her lake of the taint and send her my greetings, you'd be doing me a favor in itself. She is, after all, a good friend i want to visit again."
Thorn gives a gracious bow to the man, " Y-You do us a favor, t-there is not enough thanks "
Thorn nods though unable to fully understand the hidden portion of the conversation. He looks to Tessa, " W-Well now that we k-know of where we need to go and w-what we may need do.. W-What action shall we take L-Lady Tessa? "
The elf thanks Tessa for the chat and returns to his seat.
-----------------------------------
The innkeeper, seeing Elsa speechless, follows her direction of view.
He sees it's aimed at the northlander, who's sticking out from his normal visitors.
"Ah....that one, a quiet type, with a distinct accent. I asked him what brought him out here, he only said he was looking into the disappearance of 2 people."
........
"I've seen many people come and go, i get the impression you're a decent lady. Should he ask for anything that might hint for you, i know nothing." With that said and a friendly nod, he leaves you to your meal.
With the elf back at his other seat, Mary comes around.
"Were you aquainted with him? You were so merrily toasting with him to success."
------------------------------------
The group at the pit-stop:
As you tuck in for the night, you feel the stress of your past few days flow away from your body.
The sweet comfort of a warm bed, without having to worry about a crazy cultist wielding a knife to stab you.
During your sleep, you have a dream, the same for all.
From a third person view, you all see yourselves in a fast replay of the past events. Despite the loss of lives, you've set free some powerful individuals (for good or ill), saved people, liberated a restless spirit and prevented an unknown ominous event.
You observe what has happened and feel an understanding.
There's 2 inns with rooms. Mary's and The Eager Patron, in the upper market district. Mary's got 8 rooms, 6 are taken by the crew of the ship. Which will you be staying at for the night? If not, where would you spend the night?
------------------------------------------------
The group returning.
The coaches reach the eastern gate of Kharum. The city is as busy as when you had left it. The coaches ride through the streets, stopping at the Lamare's residence.
"Whoa...there now girl, easy." The coach driver dismounts and opens the doors. "We are here." Knocking the door, you are greeted by Trixie.
"Welcome back."..."Madam, they have returned!"
A response comes back from the living room. "Let them in dear, could you get us some tea when they are here please."
Alphonse and Brigitte are sitting already.
Alphonse: "Welcome back, did you succeed in your endeavor?"
Thorn hesitates, " L-Lady Tessa just has a way with words. H-He truly was a k-kind person. Oh, M-Madam Mary I wanted to T-Thank you for giving us s-such delicious food and h-helping our s-search. " Thorn trying not to make eye contact for an extended period of time.
" I s-suppose we should get r-rooms? H-How much do they g-go for Miss Mary? "
Yes, and then tomorrow we will need to see what we can do to be of use to the citizens of Kharum. I cannot magic us across the miles, much as I might wish to. Nor can knots carry us. Still, towns attract adventurers, and those wishing to hire them.
Tessa seems far away in thought.
Two rooms then, and sleep. Good evening, Thorn. Mary.
Tessa locks the door, leans a chair against it, then takes off her armor and puts it on the chair in a pile. She snorts, then wakes knots. Setting the turtle down on the bed, she clears her mind and begins to meditate. An hour or so passes, she then yawns, stretches, and tucks knots out of the way.
You'll need to keep watch. Stay hidden. The windows are closed, the door will take a bit to force. Still, it can't hurt to be careful. Don't eat the mouse, she's got kits.
Knots clambers happily atop the headboard, then settles in, nearly blending in with the scrollwork. Seeing her calm, Tessa lays down to sleep.
"I'm glad the meal was to your liking.
As for the rooms, 7 silvers, 10 if you want to include breakfast."
By the time you go head off upstairs, a short 'Good night.'.
Elsa nods to the innkeep and gestures for Grint to pull out her chair for her.
So what happens now?
" S-So a gold each, Very well. " Thorn pays.. as Tessa forgot to it seemed.
He gave a deep bow to Mary, where he entered his room, placed his Axe down, removed his armor and slept easily.
"Yes, we did.", Burdock answering Alphonse's response quickly.
Grint pulls out a chair for Elsa and takes a seat himself when Father Burdock has done so as well.
"Aye, just like my dwarven friend says." Grint agrees.
"Though it was not a journey or event to relish." he says grimly.