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...heroes? I've been called many things before, but never a hero. Olly looks around as the crowd disperses, and is relieved to see Zella and Darius making their way towards her.
"Yes, I'm fine. One of them ran into my sword, but didn't touch me. Are you all right? I saw you both fighting them. And I am definitely going to keep something sharp handy from now on. Is this festival always so dangerous?" She shakes her head. "Oh -- this is Seldon. He was fighting them too. This is Zella, my performing partner, and this is Darius." She shows no sign that she even realizes the potential awkwardness of the introduction.
When Ignir speaks, she starts, her eyes widening. She looks from the odd creature to Karas, and back, and it takes a second or two before she can speak. "Um...yes, thank you! Um... I'm Olly. What's your name?" She tentatively extends a hand, not quite sure whether to try to pet him or shake hands.
Okay, now this is a story waiting to happen!
"Well met Olly, I am named Ignir, though names mean little to me." As she extend a hand he looks at her curiously before gently taking it in his beak, the same beak that just tore goblins to pieces, and shaking it akin to a normal handshake.
Karas still stands there a bit stunned, "I.. I didn't know you could speak in their language."
The creature grinned, or at least gave that impression, but did not speak.
As oblivious as Olly, Zella moves forward to shake Seldon's hand. "It's nice to meet you Seldon." Then turns to Olly and gives her a hug. "And you, I was scared when I saw that goblin running right at you."
When she too hears Ignir speaks, Zella gives a visible start, clearly not expecting the creature to be capable of speech. "Uhm, hello there. Sorry about that, I didn't meant to ignore you. It's very nice to meet you too."
Seldon gives a patient smile as Olly chatters with her friends, and when he is introduced, Seldon crosses his hands in front of his chest and bows respectfully. He does not hide his curiosity for Ignir, addressing him with a strange degree of reverence "You speak as one older than the Areldhrim. Forgive my childishness... but... how old are you?" and he clasps Zella's hand in both of his, "A pleasure meeting you. As they say in my tongue, Elen sila lumenn omentilmo." He casts his warm smile over the group, but as his eyes pass over Darius, you notice a slight twitch of his features as he meets the half-breed's eyes with a steely glare, for a moment looking as if he's about to pull a blade, but it passes as quickly as it came, and in but a heartbeat, he's glancing folornly at the dispersing crowd, with such a sadness in his eyes that you'd think he'd been bereaved. "Why do they leave?" he asks, knowing the answer. "The festival doesn't end until starlight. There is dancing, yet. And the bonfire."
As they make for the Dragon, Seldon pulls Darius aside, addressing him in a harsh whisper. "Sina naa aina'merende. Naa re en'mereth ar'lina. Mankoi lle wahta ta, drow? Mankoi naa lle sinome?"
A star shines on the hour of our meeting.
This is a holy festival. A day of feasting and song. Why do you bespoil it, drow? Why do you come here?
Ignir turns to Zelladania, "Likewise spirit dancer. I'm used to people ignoring me, it's the reason I keep silent. The silence is enjoyable." Ugnir sits down like an oversized dog. He pushes his head into Karas, "Say something, you make yourself look like a fool."
Besides some Shoanti there was little that left Karas' mouth.
"They leave because the goblins ruined the mood and all the food. I haven't had my fill of dancing yet though. Maybe after dinner at the Dragon we can try to start up some music and dancing."
On the way over to the Dragon, Zella is a bit startled when Seldon pulls Darius aside. Waiting a few seconds, she decides to follow, not liking the look he had given Darius earlier and arrives after he had already asked his question.
Placing a hand on Darius's arm, Zella asks: "Is everything all right?"
Olly smiles delightedly at the odd sensation of having her hand shaken by a beak. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ignir." She looks over to the tongue-tied Shoanti. "And you, too."
As the group starts toward the Dragon, she makes sure to look for Noro and bring her along. "C'mon, you sure did your share! Come get some dinner."
As Seldon takes Darius aside, she frowns at the harsh words, then her eyes widen as she realizes what Seldon said. She quickly tugs at Zella's sleeve and pulls her over. "He's calling Darius a drow," she whispers. "I don't think elves like drow."
Frowning as Olly pulls her aside before she can get an answer, Zella asks her: "Well why not? And what is a "drow"?" Zella looks back over to Seldon and Darius, wondering if there is about to be another fight before the day is out.
Darius' eyes go wide at Seldon's words. After a moment he replies:
Glances at Zelladania. "Everything's fine, nothing to worry about."
Takes Zelladania's hand in one of his, and with the other crosses it across his chest and bows to Seldon.
And proceeds on his way with Zelladania towards the Dragon.
Zella allows herself to be led away by Darius towards the Rusty Dragon, speaking very quietly, but firmly to him. "Uh huh. I want you to rethink that answer. I am not going to try to have a relationship with someone who lies to me. I may not speak a word of elvish, but that didn't sound "fine" to me. I will accept a "we will talk about later" type of answer though. Also, why don't elves like drow?"
Zelladania is surprised to see Tierce standing besides her, his charming smile evident on his rugged face. "Why don't elves like drow? That's quite an old question. But I will answer that with another question, why do Andorans hate Chelaxians? Why do Taldans hate both of them? When prejudices from two groups begin to fester over decades, hatred will soon replace it. Elves and Drow have hated each other for centuries. My father could tell you more, I wasn't much of a history buff."
Zella is startled badly enough that she gives a little squeak and bumps into Darius as she steps back from Tierce. "I thank you for that answer, but please don't sneak up me so soon after a battle. My nerves are on edge already."
"I'm older than your elders, but at the same time I'm as old as the one I'm guiding. Age, like names, is of little consequence to me."
Karas and Ignir walk to the dragon with the others. Both shake their heads at the talk of Drow and comparing them to the other invaders.
The corners of Seldon's mouth curl into a frown, but he returns the bow with a curt nod, worldlessly watching him go. He shakes his head, visibly troubled, and clutches his holy symbol, muttering a wordless prayer for guidance before he falls in step, trailing well behind the others, and ducks his head through the doorway, at which point a smile slowly returns to his features.
He pulls up a chair in a quiet corner, watching the proceedings and smiling at anyone who approaches.
Darius stops in his tracks at the mention of Drow from Zelladania and was about to answer when Tierce came out of nowhere. After the Venture-Captain finishes, the Half-Elf waits for him to leave before speaking. "I apologize milady, my intent was to not worry you with matters that I myself do not truly understand. All I know, is that when my father was discovered by the people of Magnimar, he was publically executed just because he was Drow. It is my understanding that Drow, for the most part, are a wicked race that despise the surface dwellers." He pauses, closes his eyes, and takes a deep breathe before continuing. "As my mother told me, Half-Drow are usually born to mothers who survived their raids on the surface. This was not my case, for my mother and father loved each other deeply. She also explained that when he was caught, he distracted the crowd long enough for her to run to Nybor, where I was raised. Fortunately, they were a little more accepting, but I still, from time to time, was discriminated against for my heritage."
Darius looks Zelladania straight in the eye and says, "If you want nothing more to do with me, I'll understand."
"Well, I wouldn't understand." Zella takes his hand and continues walking to the Dragon. "Thank you for being honest with me. Now lets get to the Dragon. I think we all need a drink after the days events and I still intend to dance again."
The Half-Elf tries to conceal the smile of relief as he and the dancer make their way to the Dragon. After they enter, Darius orders a couple glasses of wine and finds a table for him, Zelladania and Olly. He takes a sip of wine and asks non-chalantly, "Did I ever mention that I play the flute?"
Upon entering the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko gives you all a key to your room, "Would anyone like a plate of curry salmon or some of my winterdrop ale?" But before any of you can answer. Tierce walks in behind you, "Great Innkeeper! A large table for my friends and my new associates here, drinks and food are all on me!"
Ameiko gets two of the serving ladies to put together a large table. The Pathfinders begin to sit as Tierce makes introductions.
"Greetings to you new friends, I am Venture-Captain Tierce Vraie, but please just call me Tierce. The large half-orc over there is Orson, careful, he has a rather nasty temper. The dwarf is Jemrry, he's our minstrel and cataloger. The stern looking Tien man is Ti-Li-Zi, came here all the way from Tian-Dan, word of warning, don't challenge him to an arm wrestle. The gnome and his summoned friend over there is Zeus, and finally, the very beautiful elf maiden who won't take her hands off her bow is Alistriana, my wife. Of course you all know Flit as well. Please sit and introduce your!"
Seating herself closely beside Darius, Zella introduces herself. "It's a pleasure to meet you all and you certainly had a well-timed arrival. My name is Zelladania."
Sets down his glass. "And I am Darius Valinargus of Nybor." Bows his head, briefly.
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Olly follows behind Zella and Darius as they return to the Dragon, shaking her head a little at the interplay between Darius and Seldon.
As they gather around the table, Olly sits on the other side of Zella from Darius, and tries not to look at Flit. Apparently he really is a Pathfinder. Guess I have to be polite. But he's still a goblin...
She smiles at the other pathfinders as they're introduced, and briefly looks between Zeus's familiar and Ignir, comparing. "I'm Olly -- Ollendra Ackenthorpe, but everyone calls me Olly."
Karas and Ignir follow the others to the Dragon. When everyone introduces themselves he follows suit, "I am Karas Milar of the Shriikirri-Quah and this is my friend and spirit guide Ignir." Ignir bows his head and speaks "గ్రీటింగ్లు."
Hearing Ignir speak Karas raises an eyebrow before he turns to him, "Ce e cu tine toate fiind vorbăreţ?" Once again Ignir just grins.
"Greetings."
What's with you being all talkative?
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Noro eventually makes her way to the Dragon. coming in a few minutes or so after everyone else, an empty ale pitcher in her hand. she sets the empty pitcher on the bar.
managed to shave this one from the goblins. shorry couldn't shave the ale from me though
Noro finds a seat, and tosses the bloody rag she used to wipe her hands after the fight on the table.
lots of visitors, including goblins, well at least I still have my usual seat she thinks to herself taking note of all present.
Ameiko She calls out in a fairly friendly voice. waiting for Ameiko to eventually arrive, or at least send someone over,
my ushual please and ashk Lou, if he'sh here, if I can get shome of father's shpicy chicken. she pauses for a moment then adds Pleashe.
Noro waits for her drink and relaxes a bit after the rather eventful day. seems the town came through without to much of a hitch.
well at least Sheriff Hemlock can't blame this one on me she mutters to herself as she shoots her whisky and pours another shot.
The dwarf named Jamrry leans in close to Tierce and whispers something, Tierce looks to Noro with a nod. Tierce gets up from the table and walks over to Noro, "Appears we have a shy one! My Lady, would you care to join us for a drink in honor of your heroism today? My treat?"
Tierce appears to be the type that doesn't take no for an answer.
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Noro actually blushes for a moment as she tries to hide it. well at least he didn't make fun the way I talk
Never been called lady before. Been called lotsh of other thingsh but never "lady". she pauses a moment turns away from Tierce a second or two and tries (unsuccessfully) to strighten out her hair. turns back to Tierce shure, thanksh
Noro grabs her drink and promply spins the chair around to sit using the chair back as an armrest. Trying her best to be "just one of the guys"
have you tried the shpicy chicken? My brother Lou makesh it. It wazsh my Father'sh reshicpe Noro's Lisp obviously more pronounced at the moment.
Noro pours another shot of her favorite whisky and offers it to Tierce
try thish, good shtuff.
Tierce slugs back the whiskey without any trouble. "Not a bad taste, pretty flavorful. Although you should try Jamrry's family stout ale, it will cause gaps in your memory!"
Tierce pauses for a second, "I forget my manners, as you were late, you missed the introductions..."He re-introduces everyone again for Noro's benefit, although this time, the elf maiden, Alistriana, glares slightly at Noro.
Tierce chuckles at the glower, "You must excuse my wife, she understands that I like the tough girls and can get a bit jealous when I'm around one"
Tierce chuckles "He broke my arm last time I tried. Your welcome to challenge him, but I already warned you"
Darius leans over and whispers in Zelladania's ear, "This should be fun."
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Noro grabs a couple of shots of whisky in one hand and give Tierce a punch to the arm, shounds like a challenge.
Noro goes to the Tien man and sets the shots down giving one to Ti. She sits in front of him and give him astern gaze of her own. She raises her glass waiting to see if he will drink with her.
weather he does or not Noro downs her shot and slams the galss on the table.
she stretches her shoulder and places her arm on the table for a challenge No magic is all she says to him.
The Tien man looks sternly at Noro and waves away the shot. He looks to Tierce who in turn nods. Without saying a word, Ti-Li-Zi removes his belt and bracers as well as an amulet around his neck. He hands them carefully to Tierce.
He sits back down at the table and grasps Noro's hand, his face still the stone that it was before. He remains stationary, ready for Noro to begin.
Olly grins as she watches. "And so, the two heroes met in great struggle. Who would prove the victor?" she says, using her best dramatic-storyteller voice.
Ti-Li-Zi's stone face begins to crack slightly at his arm is slowly but surly brought down to the table. He nods to Noro before standing and re-equipping his gear from Tierce's hands. Tierce cheers out quite loudly and slaps both the stoic monk and Noro on the shoulder.
Olly claps her hands as Noro wins the wrestling. "And so Noro the Mighty brought down Ti-Li-Zi the Powerful, and did triumph over him! Let the tale of their mighty battle be told down the generations." She grins and raises her glass toward both competitors before taking a swig.
Darius looks over at Olly, "It might need a little, embelishment." Turns and tips his glass to Noro before taking a sip.
Great job Noro." Zella turns to Olly. "It may be time for us to provide some entertainment. Anyone else who plays should feel free to join us." That last is said with a wink to Darius.
Hoping her dancing outfit still looks presentable after the fight outside, Zella will get up and dance, accompanied by whoever wants to play.
Darius taking Zelladania's hint for what it was, pulls out his flute and begins to play on old Varisian tune his mother taught him.
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Noro returns to seat at the table. nods to Darius to acknowledge him in gratitude.
Broke your arm huh? intereshting she says basiclly in Tierce's direction.
Soon as Lou brings out the family's spicy chicken dish Noro indroduces Lou to the new group
By the way thish ish my big brother Lou, he'sh the cook here at the Dragon, well at leasht one of 'em.
Noro shares the chicken with the table as she listens to the performance.
Olly grins at Darius. "Well of course. Any good story only gets better over time."
She nods at Zella's suggestion, and hops down from her seat to start accompanying the flute and dance.
Seldon sits quietly with his food, among the others, only speaking when spoken to but seeming to enjoy the company. He meets Darius' gaze with an almost apologetic look, but the suspicion is clear in his eyes.
At the first hint of music, he grins, springing out of his seat to join Zella in the dance, with the grace and airs of somebody who knows what they're doing.
You play through the majority of the night with the rest of the tavern listening and cheering along to your playing. You eat and feast along with the Pathfinders and the continue on until late in the evening. Flit and a few of the other patrons head off to bed while a few stay up and listen.
Zella gets into the festive mood of the night. She spends most of the night dancing and even tries to get Darius to join her in a dance or two. When not dancing she be found near Darius and overindulges slightly on the alcohol. Which could explain why she even attempts to drag Noro out on the dance floor at one point. "Come on Noro, dancing is fun." She also tries to convince Olly to ask Flit to dance. "C'mon Olly, I bet it'd mean so much to the poor little guy. He did almost get lynched today, we should be nice to him."
Zella's a bit sad as the night winds down and people head off to bed. Though she reminds herself that they will all be here for at least another week so there will plenty of more opportunities for a repeat of tonight. Zella doesn't go upstairs for the night until Darius does.
Karas mostly talked that evening. With Foxglove and with Zeus. With Foxglove he talked about his people and Ignir's significance, with Zeus it was more about Zeus' companion and how he figured into all of this. The conclusion was that there were just as much similarities between his friend and Ignir as there were differences.
During all this Ignir laid in the corner of the room, sleeping.
When the time came the both of them went upstairs to their rooms. Neither of them was used to a place like this, even though it wasn't their first time in an inn.