"You think too kindly of Lord Kaijitsu if you believe his behavior was due to recent events," Bela says quietly once the stunned silence is broken by Akuleh's outburst. "For as long as I've known him, he's seemed to have a very low opinion of everyone but himself. Even his own kin. I would not take anything that he said to heart." Despite whatever history the two may have shared - if town rumors were to be believed - Izbela is grateful for Ameiko's sake that Kadrian is there to offer comfort after what awful things her father said.
Catching sight of the priest standing at the inn's door, Bela brightens, hoping she can dispel some of the tense atmosphere of the tavern. "Ah, Father Zantus! Lord Foxglove, I'm afraid we must take our leave now. Thank you for your generosity. Unless something else has come up which requires our attention, I'm sure we all look forward to tomorrow's hunt." She rises from the table and, after a polite nod to Aldern, moves to speak with the Desnan cleric.
"Hello, Father. Were you able to find Sheriff Hemlock?"
Looking over to Ameiko, Rak can't contain his angry confusion. "Is that normal for you? He just waltzes in here, berating you in front of the whole town? The man is unstable. I gather he's your father, but in Cayden's name that's just not right!"
Ameiko slowly nodded. "Unfortunately it is master dwarf. Thank you Kadrian. I don't know what's gotten in to him."
She kneeled down to pick up the dropped ladle. As she slowly inspected it, she pulled a hair out of the mess before speaking up "I'll need a well-cleaned ladle now since jackass stew isn't on the menu."
The resulting cheers and laughter from the tavern regulars seems to help her mood immediately. Her face still flushed, she turns and heads back to the kitchen waving everyone off. "Best I get back to work."
Father Zantus slowly approaches and nods at Izbela's inquiry. "Yes. If you would please come with me to the Town Hall, there is much to discuss."
Father Zantus leads everyone through town and back to the Town Hall. He is obviously nervous about something but does his best to hide it from the townsfolk as he moves through the town. He nods and waves politely at passer-by's but quickly excuses himself from anyone trying to start up conversation.
The Town Hall is a large two-story building consisting of a meeting hall large enough to seat most of Sandpoint's adults, although rarely have town meetings been even half so well attended. The upper floor contains offices and storerooms, while a vault in the basement has functioned as the town bank for decades. Plans to build a proper bank have been stalled for years for various reasons since the town was founded.
Father Zantus heads up the stairs once inside to one of the larger offices on the second floor, beckoning anyone who may have fallen behind. Inside the comfortable room wait Sheriff Hemlock, Mayor Deverin, and a female elf introduced as Shalelu Andosana.
The mayor begins "thank you all for coming. And thank you all for everything that you have done in defense of Sandpoint. I would ask a little more of you, but first, this is Shalelu, an unofficial member of Sandpoint's town guard. Shalelu, this is our newest crop of goblin slayers. Shalelu travels through a few times a year providing us with news of the surrounding areas, mostly how the farms are doing and what the goblins are up to." She pauses briefly before continuing. "Perhaps Shalelu should tell you herself.
Shalelu bows gracefully before beginning. [b]"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."
"There are 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 number of the Mosswood goblins I dealt with yesterday were already pretty beat up, and there was a lot of chatter about the 'longshanks' who killed so man of them. 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."
Sheriff Hemlock follows Shalelu's speech. "I'm taking a few of the guards, including Kane, with me south to Magnimar to see about securing additional soldiers to station here for a few weeks, at least until the extent of the goblin threat can be determined. While we're gone, Shalelu will patrol around Shank's Wood, Brinestump, Mosswood, Devil's Platter and the other surrounding areas to see what she can find out."
"I would ask you to stay in town, or around, town for a few days. Keep up appearances. The locals seem to have taken to you. Seeing you around town will do a lot for keeping worries down while I'm gone."
Before the group leaves The Rusty Dragon, Kadrian formally thanks Aldern Foxglove for dinner.
Following Father Zanthus, the Deverin noble follows the elder man's example and restricts any small talk with passersby.
Upon entering the second story office of The Town Hall, Kadrian nods respectfully to all individuals waiting for our heroes, sensing the seriousness of the situation.
The swashbuckler smiles inwardly upon hearing his Aunt Kendra's praise of him and the rest of the heroes, and listens intently to Shalelu's news.
At the end of Sheriff Hemlock's speech, Kadrian responds, "Sheriff, we'll do all we can to help", looking around to his fellow 'goblin slayers' for agreement.
A smile appears on Rak's face as laughter erupts at Amieko's joke about her father. Nothing to worry about here. The man's a tyrant, but she's strong; he's nothing more than bluster.
Rak sends a nod in Aldern's direction as the group makes their way out of the inn, following Father Zantus. He conjures another cup of ale into his tankard to sip along the way, toasting any passersby who seek to interrupt, then continues along. At the Town Hall's threshold, mildly concerned for decorum, the dwarf drains the remaining ale left in the mug and gives it a quick wipe dry with his tunic before he steps inside.
When Father Zantus shows them into the Mayor's office, Rak draws back briefly. Wow, they're all here. He makes a quick attempt to straighten his things and then enters the room. Very official! He listens as the gathered leaders explain the fullness of the situation, and relaxes a bit as he realizes that he's here as an ally, not a subject.
"Just so you know, there are two things I do well." Rak shakes his spear and jiggles the rope from which his tankard hangs. "Where those nasty little biters are concerned, I tend to think that my arm will serve better than my belly." His face grows grim. "Sheriff, Shalelu, I'm serious here. I'll accompany either of you, and help keep you safe or bring the fight to those devious little sneaks. Whatever's needed." He returns his gaze to Mayor Deverin, a grin rising on his face. "But if you want one of the Lucky Drunk's own to hang around town and stop people worrying, well, I can do that with pleasure too."
Akuleh travels beside the old priest with an open expression. He speaks kindly to any who approach, but quickly excuses himself to follow along with the others. When they finally arrive at the Town Hall, Akuleh is fairly impressed by the structure. His people typically don't build anything so large, and they mostly hold large gatherings outside, under the open sky. He enters in, however, trusting that it is his fate to attend this meeting and to serve in whatever manner might be requested of him.
Once he sees all who are gathered, his sense of impending destiny is strengthened further. All the authorities of the city are here. The threat grows further. His assessment falls short of the report Shalelu delivers, however, and the news that all five of the local goblin tribes have united in this effort worries him deeply. "The storm clouds gather, this has been evident from the beginning" he says darkly, "But to hear that they gather around some mightier force...that is truly grave news. It is clear that this is more than goblin mischief."
Akuleh sits up in his chair and turns to Father Zantus, "Father, have you told Shalelu of the trouble at the tomb? Perhaps Shalelu caught some wind of the purpose of that operation without knowing it."
Akuleh sits up in his chair and turns to Father Zantus, "Father, have you told Shalelu of the trouble at the tomb? Perhaps Shalelu caught some wind of the purpose of that operation without knowing it."
Well said, Akuleh. Kadrian nods in agreement.
In the presence of the Mayor, the Sheriff, and Father Zantus, Izbela suddenly feels as though she's sitting in the headmaster's office back at The Academy. In all her years of living in Sandpoint, she has had few personal interactions with each of them. To now be called on by them to come to the town's aid was a bit of a shock, to say the least. Once the Sheriff and Shalelu have spoken, Bela gladly agrees to stay in Sandpoint for as long as necessary, but finds the idea of keeping up appearances sits poorly with her. "Meaning no disrespect to you, Madame Mayor, or to you Sheriff... I understand not wanting to cause a panic, particularly with the Late Unpleasantness still so fresh on everyone's mind, but if all these goblins do have some nasty plot on the town, might it not be prudent to let the townspeople know they ought to exercise more caution for the time being?"
"The sheriff has informed me of the tomb robbery. That is quite disturbing to say the least. It is too complicated a plan for goblins though. I can only imagine what would be pulling their strings."
"You are right sir. This is grave news indeed. The mayor will be traveling under armed guard, and I will scout the surrounding areas to learn what I can. We need you to stay in and around town, not just for protection, but to help alleviate everyone's fears and even raise spirits if you can. I think, from what the mayor has told me about their recent invasion, that the townspeople will already be on guard."
Sheriff Hemlock speaks up "I will be back as quick as I can, hopefully with more soldiers, but they may be sent later on. We'll just have to see how convincing I can be. Keep the town safe, and I'll see you all soon." With that the Sheriff nodded and turned to leave.
Shalelu followed suit and said her goodbyes before heading out leaving Father Zantus alone with everyone. He smiles warmly and asks "is there anything I can do to help you?"
Kadrian shakes his head. "No. I don't think so. It sounds like our tentative plans for boar hunting tomorrow with Lord Foxglove actually fits in with Mayor Deverin's plans."
"Yes, Father Zantus, there is something you can do."
Rak approaches the holy man. "Hold services. Bring the town together and ask that Lady Luck bless all its lands and peoples. Send them home with hope and happiness in their hearts."
"If any falter, send them to me at the Rusty Dragon and we'll see if the Lucky Drunk can get through to them instead! Ha!" he exlaims as he turns to Kadrian.
"Indeed, young Kadrian. There's nothing more 'business-as-usual' than a good afternoon hunt; though we should endeavor to not stay away too long, of course."
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Akuleh turns to his friends, whose minds have turned to their acquaintance and the diversions he offers. "Before we begin our hunt, we should see if Lord Foxglove might have some influence he could lend to Sheriff Hemlock in his request for aid from Magnimar. Perhaps even just a letter from the young nobleman will be enough to sway his city's leaders to send more aid than they might otherwise consider."
He turns to Father Zantus, "As for what we might need, Father, I think Rak has spoken wisely. Continue your business as usual. That will reassure the people that their gods are still with them. From a more practical standpoint," Akuleh pauses, almost embarrassed to make such a request, but recognizing that it must be done, "It seems we have been somewhat dependent on the aid of you and your fellow priests when we have suffered injury. We have undoubtedly appreciated all you have done for us, but it would be a great help to us if we had some other means of receiving healing when we face dangers apart from you."
"I suppose it's worth asking, at least," Bela hesitantly replies to Akuleh's suggestion of enlisting Lord Foxglove's support. The man certainly seems to think highly enough of himself. Perhaps, back in Magnimar, he has reason to, Bela ponders. I just hope they don't ask me to get Lord Foxglove to agree to this. Although he seemed an upstanding gentleman, if a bit forward, Izbela had no desire to be in Aldern's debt or to consider what favors he might ask of her in return.
"I guess this means you'll all be seeing more of Algon in the coming weeks. If I know him, he won't like the idea of not being around once I've shared this news," she says, her tone sounding apologetic. She knew well that her guardian had a bristly demeanor on the best of days. Hopefully his false death had instilled some sense of the need for cooperation in him.
"I'll talk to him if you wish", spoke Kadrian to the summoner. "Who knows, he might actually be amicable to the idea using his clout to help us."
Bela's brows furrow in confusion at Kadrian's offer. Clout? Algon doesn't have any clout. At least not on this plane of existence, she thinks, before his meaning becomes clear. "Oh, Lord Foxglove, you mean. Yes, I think that would be for the best. If you don't mind." The image of the swashbuckler having a talk with Algon on her behalf is one that proves hard to get rid of, and after a beat of silence, Izbela finds herself overcome by a fit of quiet giggles.
It takes some moments for her to regain her composure, but once she does, she softly clears her throat before saying, "My apologies. It's been a stressful day..."
"I don't know about a wand, but I should be able to secure you a few minor healing potions."
Father Zantus smiles at Rak's suggestion. "Well that is certainly something I am capable of. I will head back to the temple and see what I can find and begin preparing for services. You are welcome to accompany me or I could meet you later if you have other business to attend to."
"I will speak with Lord Foxglove before Sheriff Hemlock leaves."
Looking to his fellow 'heroes' before he leaves, with his glaze ending on Izbela, "Meet you all at the Rusty Dragon, later?"
With that, the young noble exits quickly to find Algern Foxglove, hopefully where he was left at the Rusty Dragon.
Rak agrees to follow the Father to the new temple to help him plan. Is he sure that he wants a Caydenite flair to this service? he thinks to himself with a chuckle.
Rak excuses himself as Kadrian leaves. "Aye lad, I'll see you and the rest at the Rusty Dragon later."
During their walk, Rak waves at the townsfolk, taking time to greet and shake hands with some of the people who are becoming familiar to him. He also inquires about the Father's experience during the prior troubles. "So, I know that your predecessor lost his life during the 'late unpleasantness.' Were you around at that time, or did you come from out of town to take up this post?"
Lord Foxglove still remains at the Rusty Dragon, content to eat and drink most of the day away. At your approach though, he excitedly stands in greeting. "Ahh, come back to challenge me for the lady's hand? Perhaps on the morrow, today you have me at a disadvantage, you see. I fear I have partaken off too much of Ms. Ameiko's delightful concoctions. She really is a wizard in the kitchen. Here, join me. You should sample some of finer dishes."
"What? A letter? Soldiers? Hmm, I suppose I could, but should I is the real question...I know! If you can promise me a boar hunt, then I will write this letter. You seem to be a man of honor, I'll have your word now. No excuses, now. Is it a deal?"
The swashbuckler began to take a more serious tone. "Speaking of the 'lady's hand' you mentioned, I believe I know of who you speak. Let me be plain in saying Izbela and myself are courting each other socially. I may have..acquired a reputation for being a wooer of women, but I am serious about Izbela. She is her own woman, but for me, I will not brook any overt flirting with the lady in my presense. I hope you understand, sir."
"Yes. I'll join Rak and the Father for now. We'll meet you soon, Kadrian." Akuleh walks alongside Rak and Father Zantus on the way to the temple, greeting any townsfolk interested to talk with him. As Rak asks the priest about his experience of the 'late Unpleasantness,' the Shoanti moves a bit closer so that he does not have to speak too loudly about such a distasteful subject.
Bela wishes Kadrian luck in trying to convince Lord Foxglove to aid Sheriff Hemlock's petition and brushes a quick kiss against his cheek before heading to the cathedral with the rest of the group. When talk turns to the Late Unpleasantness, Bela - despite knowing the answer to the question posed by Rak - allows the Father to tell as much of the story as he wishes and focuses her efforts on trying to appear nonchalant for the townsfolk.
As Izbela, Akuleh, and Rak walk through the streets to the temple following Father Zantus, he quietly recants his tale of the Great Unpleasantness. His story stops at times, as he imparts quick blessings to those he passes in the streets, and starts again almost before they are out of ear shot. He was just an acolyte then, when the old church was burnt to the ground. He spares the details, but his pain at the events is hidden well.
Once at the temple, he leads everyone back to his chamber where he produces a small chest containing six flasks. "Ah yes, here they are. Please, take these with my blessing."
Barley whined in a kind of indignation.
"I'm sorry, boy", Kadrian spoke to his horse. "I didn't realize business in town was gonna take all day." Untying the horse, the swashbuckler mounted Barley, and smiled. "Come on, Barley. Let's get you some exercise before I take you back to the manor."
Kadrian and Barley trotted several circuits around Sandpoint's parimeter, keeping a eyes out for any signs of his new friends.
"Thank you, Father," Izbela says, coming forward to collect two of the six potions. One for her, and one for Kadrian. Or perhaps it's best that he have both of these, she considers, briefly reflecting on the prior night's events and how close Kadrian came to answering Pharasma's call. Bela looks up from the vials of swirling liquid in her hand to regard Rak, Akuleh and Father Zantus, the smile that she has tinged with the slightest sadness. "I suppose, after all we've just been told, that it's a little foolish of me to hope that we have no occasion to use these?" With a sigh and a shake of her head that indicates she already knows the answer to her question, Bela thanks the priest once more before excusing herself. "Gentlemen, if there is nothing else, I believe it's time we regroup at the inn. I know I could use a drink myself."
-----
"Kadrian!" Izbela calls out with a little wave once the mounted swashbuckler looks her way. She watches with a little awe and a little envy as Kadrian trots up astride his horse, looking completely at ease in a way she hopes she can convincingly mimic during tomorrow's ride. As the pair draw nearer, Bela keeps her distance, unsure as she is about the horse's temperament. Being so near to animals she hadn't willed into existence was a novel experience, after all.
"Father Zantus was kind enough to give us these," Bela says, holding up the two vials of red liquid for Kadrian to take. "How was your conversation with His Lordship? Did he agree to petition Magnimar's councilmen on behalf of the Sheriff?"
Kadrian slowed Barley down when he saw Izbela's smiling face, in which he could not help but to return. The swashbuckler leaned down to take the two vials Kadrian guessed where Father Zanthus's healing drafts.
"How was your conversation with His Lordship? Did he agree to petition Magnimar's councilmen on behalf of the Sheriff?"
Kadrian got off off the horse to speak face to face with the summoner.
"I was able to speak to Lord Foxglove. He was where we left him in The Rusty Dragon. His Lordship is willing to offer the letter of recommendation to Sheriff Hemlock if we continue with our plans to join him on the boar hunt on the morrow, of which I assured him we would."Taking a quick moment to avert his eyes from Izbela to adjust Barley's saddle. "And", Kadrian continued, "I'm telling you this because it may come up in the future," the nobleman paused, "I told Lord Foxglove that I would no longer brook any overt flirtations with you from now on, as we are..'connected'". With that, Kadrian gave a quick smirk, dwelling on the previous night's conversations.
Looking to the horse, Kadrian smiled. "Bela, this is Barley. I've had him since he was very young." Addressing Barley, the nobleman continued, "Barley, this is Ms. Izbela Vauni."
Speaking back with the summoner, Kadrian asked, Would you like a ride? I'd hold the reins as we walked around town, so Barley can get used to you. If he's agreeable, we may go for a nice trot later."
Akuleh follows Izbela's example and takes two of the potions himself. "As Izbela has said, Father, it would be a fool's wish to think we will not need these. Thank you. Your generosity shows the greatness of your goddess." He bows to the priest. "If there is any way we can assist you to repay this debt, I would be honored to serve."
"Thank you Father Zantus. For these," Rak grabs the final two potions, "and for your tale. The Lucky Drunk has always found favor for Desna, and I can see why."
He watches Izbela head out the door speaking of drinks at the inn. "Father, unless you have further need of me and Akuleh, here, I think we'll take our leave and join the rest of our fellows at the inn. I look forward to your service!"
"Isn't that fortunate?" Izbela says, seeming a bit surprised that Lord Foxglove was as easy to win over as Kadrian's retelling makes it seem, but making no comment otherwise. Sensing more to the story that the swashbuckler is reluctant to tell, Bela tries to meet his averted gaze, concern clearly showing in her grey eyes. At Kadrian's admission, her concern quickly turns to amusement. "I can't believe you said that to him!" she admits, before adding with a smile, "But I'm happy that you did."
"It's nice to meet you, Barley," Izbela says, stepping nearer to Kadrian and his horse. She raises a hand, and, after a quick glance to Kadrian to confirm that it's okay, gently strokes Barley's neck. Bela's smile turns a little sly as glances back at the swashbuckler from the corner of her eye and asks, "Is that something Barley is accustomed to?" Before the nobleman can answer, Bela laughs softly, indicating that his behavior with any former flames was of little consequence. "I would love to go for a ride. It'll be good to get in some practice before tomorrow."
Kadrian gently helps Izbela onto the saddle, then taking hold of the reins walk the streets of Sandpoint.
"So", asks the swashbuckler, "have you heard anything from your..summoned friend?" Not knowing the intricacies of magic, Kadrian tries to keep his questions simple.
Izbela is ill at ease in the saddle to start if her grip on the horn is any indication, but Kadrian's question helps to take her mind off of her fear of falling rather easily. "No, not yet," she replies with a slight shake of her head. "He should be about ready to return when night falls. That's my theory, at least. Yesterday was the first time Algon had ever been... banished by something other than my will. It's taken some guesswork to find out what happens next." By the time her lengthy explanation is concluded, Bela's grip on the saddle has loosened enough to where she feels comfortable leaning over to pat Barley's neck again.
"How are we doing so far?"
Kadrian smiles at Izbela's fear of riding fading.
"Doing well. Mind if I join you?" With that, the swashbuckler hands the reins to the summoner, as he quickly climbs up behind Bela on the saddle with no problem.
Feeling the varisian woman's back aginast his chest, Kadrian smiles. "Well, my evening is free", coos Kadrian, as he speaks into the summoner's ear, "but I would like to visit The Red Dog Smithy, and see if Das has any light maces for sale. Our 'adventures' this morning has shown me that I am slightly underarmed at the moment."
Izbela blushes at the intimacy of the arrangement as Kadrian swings up into the saddle behind her - more so because of the looks the two of them draw from the townspeople - but she relaxes in the circle of his arms easily after he takes the reins. His voice so close to her ear does little to help her blushing, and it isn't until she's certain that most of the color has left her cheeks that she turns back to address Kadrian. "Of course. Our new friends are expecting us for drinks at The Rusty Dragon, though. We shouldn't leave them to endure Lord Foxglove's company alone for too long," Bela says, flashing Kadrian a playful smile before turning back to settle against his chest.
"You are right", said Kadrian with a slight dejection in his voice. "I've been thinking private time between us will be few and far between in the upcoming days."
The young nobleman takes the reins, and guides Barley southward. "Will you accompany me in stabling Barley at the manor, then we'll walk back to The Rusty Dragon together? That was I am honor-bound again to escort you safely back home."
Akuleh exits the temple alongside Rak. As they walk through the town on their way back to the Rusty Dragon, Akuleh turns to the jolly warrior. "Rak, it seems as if you have traveled a great deal in your life. What is it that caused you to leave your home for so long? For myself, I wish nothing more than to return home to my family and live out my days in peace, but you seem to seek out danger. Why?" The Shoanti's expression is full of curiosity, not judgment or accusation.
Izbela ponders Kadrian's statement, taking a moment to look into the foreseeable future. Their duty to protect the town from what schemes the goblins were planning, to discover who had stolen the remains of Father Tobyn, and to maintain appearances with the townsfolk to keep them from knowing anything is amiss to top it all off. Not to mention her studies back in Galduria which she couldn't, or wouldn't, put off indefinitely. With a small sigh she agrees with Kadrian, saying, "No, I don't imagine we will have many opportunities for privacy. Which is why we should make the most of every moment we find to ourselves."
Her hands come up to take the reins just ahead of Kadrian's hold on them, and she gently urges Barley to turn left. "The smithy is down High Street, isn't it?" she asks, her playful smile back in full force. "You can't very well go boar hunting tomorrow without a spear, can you?"
As Rak and Akuleh walk through the town, a tearful woman comes running out of her house screaming for help. With a babe in one arm and a young boy being dragged along by the shirt collar, she begins to explain...
"My husband, he went...to check on...our dog. Aeren here" she says, indicating the young boy "was having nightmares, but my husband, Alergast didn't go to check on him until he heard the dog whimper. Then Aeren here came running out with these bite marks on his arms. Please, you have to help my husband" she says, nodding her head to indicate her small house.
They are goblin bite marks.
Kadrian smiles as Izbela's confidence in the saddle grows.
"I suppose. I was just thinking of bringing my crossbow, but maybe one or two spears might be acceptable."
Once at the Red Dog Smithy, Kadrian talks (and argues) with Das. In the end, the swashbuckler purchases one light mace and one spear.
Rak looks at Akuleh. "Danger? I never really thought of it that way. It's something that I can do, so it seems fit to do it." He walks a few paces, clearly examining some line of thought inside himself. "My family, we're smiths. Silver smiths. I'm not trying to brag, but we're the best. We traveled from Jangerhoff to all the Sky Citadels--at least those what's close by--as long as I can remember, to teach and train."
"I really just fell in love with the road, dare I be honest. Cayden was an easy excuse to leave on my own, to wander. At least at the start. It took a while for it to really settle that in pleasing myself I really was just standing up for him all along. Accidental God indeed."
He continues along in silence. Just when Akuleh think there may be nothing else to say, Rak finishes his thought.
"I don't understand what it must mean to leave behind something that you long to return to. I love where I'm from, and I still see all them from time to time--a wanderer always wanders home, ya know--but I know I'm only truly home where I am now. Out wandering, sticking' around and trying to help where I feel I can." He looks up at the tall warrior, catching the man's eye as much as can be caught. "I fear that if I had the compulsion towards home that you have, I don't think I'd be here now. You're very brave to leave what all behind and to be here now."
Rak looks up to Akuleh. "I've seen these enough these past few days; I know what these bite marks are." He gives the Shoanti a hardened look, clearly meant to imply a certain meaning.
Rak means that the bite marks are clearly goblin, but he doesn't want to alarm the woman if it can be avoided.
Akuleh listens to Rak's tale with interest. To hear that the dwarf has such strong ties to his family, yet spends so much of his time away from them... it just seems odd. He trusts that Rak is traveling the path his god intends for him, though, so he keeps those thoughts to himself.
When Rak brings up Akuleh's family and home, however, he blushes slightly. "It is not bravery that keeps me away from my family, Rak. It is duty. Truly, I miss my wife and children badly, but I know that what I do now I do for them. It is not a path I would choose, but it is a path I must follow. For now, at least."
Just then, the fretful woman emerges from her home and addresses the two companions. He quickly assures her that they will be glad to help. Akuleh catches Rak's gaze and quickly understands the meaning of his statement about the bites. The warrior gently lays a hand on the shoulders of the woman and her young son, and leads them away from the door as he steps toward the entrance. "You two stay here. We'll make sure your husband is alright" He kneels down before the boy and looks him in the eye, a smile on his face, "And we'll make sure dog is alright too, Aeren. Don't worry." He ruffles the boy's hair, then stands and nods toward the door, signaling Rak to follow him inside. As they enter the house, Akuleh takes the morningstar given to him by Father Zantus's guard from his belt.
Once the swashbuckler and the summoner have finished their business at The Red Dog Smithy, Kadrian helps Izbela back on Barley as they make their way south to Deverin Manor.
Rak follows Akuleh towards the family's home, pulling his longspear around until the point slowly bobs and weaves just above the surface of the ground in front of him. He catches the Shoanti warrior's eye as they approach the door. I wish the happy couple were here. That blade and that Algon sure would be a help if this gets messy.
He steps inside the door with his friend, glancing around cautiously.
Slowly, the two varisians trot their way down Schooner Gulch Road to end at Deverin Manor. Kadrian noticed no one came out from the manor to visit them, which was fine for the moment. The swashbuckler was able to put Barley in an nice stable at the manor fairly quickly. With the horse now stabled, Kadrian and Izbela start their walk back into Sandpoint. Again, Kadrian offered the summoner his arm as they walked.
"Thanks for coming with me to put Barley to bed", grinned Kadrian.
Izbela smiles and takes Kadrian's arm as he expresses his gratitude, walking close enough to him that she brushes against his arm with every other step. As if any time spent in his company could possibly be a chore. "You don't need to thank me," she says, although she suspects the swashbuckler knows as much, but his manners will allow for nothing less. "And it's the least I could do for Barley making my first time riding so gentle. He's very sweet. I can see where he gets that from."
As they make their way toward The Rusty Dragon, Izbela's mind inevitably turns toward what events tomorrow will bring. "Have you been hunting before, Kadrian?"
"Not since I was a young child. I was a tag along for my brother's and father's hunt. They taught me the basics, while I was there mainly to help carry the gear. If I remember correctly, we got a mated pair that day. I've had invitations to go boar hunting after that from The Valdemars several times, but it always seemed to be during a crucial beer crafting time."
Looking over to Izbela, Kadrian offered a different topic. "When we met with Major Deverin earlier, I would have liked to introduce you properly to her, but it didn't seem like the right occasion. I hope to discuss our courtship to your father, to let him know my intentions are honorable."
With that, the swashbuckler looked away for a moment, regarding the exchange he had with Lord Kaijitsu earlier that day.
"My father? Oh, of course." Despite knowing that the discussion was a certain eventuality, it was one Izbela had been hoping to put off for a time. Although her father was not a man inclined to listen to the idle gossip of the town, she did worry that something of Kadrian's former reputation may not have entirely escaped his notice. She knew that the nobleman had become an honorable man in the three years since she'd left Sandpoint, but whether her parents would see the changes he had made was another matter entirely. "Well, you are, of course, welcome to visit our house any time you like. Although, perhaps you would rather speak with him in private? In which case, it might be best to see him down at the Shipyard. You could go there and ask for Silviu Vauni. ...Out of curiosity, when were you hoping to discuss this with him?"
"Sooner than later. The demands of Sandpoint are just now beginning to weigh heavily on us", says the young noble. "I might not have the proper time later to make my intentions known. Gossip becomes entertainment when bards are few and far between, and seeing how we were just riding through town on Barley rather openingly", chuckles Kadrian, "I'd rather your father hear it from one of us."
Izbela gives a good-natured groan when Kadrian remarks upon how quickly word spreads within Sandpoint. "Ugh, you're right. In fact, he probably already knows about us," she jokes. "Anyway, I suppose it's too late to try to be more discreet. Not that I'd want to, exactly. It's just..." Coming to a stop, Izbela turns to face Kadrian, her eyes filled with doubt. "I worry that he may not look favorably upon our courtship. If it should happen that he doesn't approve of us, what then?"
Looking into Izbela's worried eyes, Kadrian stares back into the summoner's eyes and says, "I hold out hope that your father will, at least, tolerate me in your presence."
"Yet, if he does not, well", says the swashbuckler, with a small smile, "don't most of Golarion's great love stories, have the lovers undergo great difficulty in staying together? I think we would find ourselves in good company."
With that, Kadrian leans down to give Bela a small kiss on the lips.
All Izbela's fears and concerns disappear at hearing Kadrian's sweet assurances. She answers his smile with a small, though nonetheless bright smile of her own, and when the nobleman leans down, she rises up to meet him in a kiss. "Alright. We'll tell him as soon as you like," Izbela easily concedes once the two lovers part from their brief embrace. Taking Kadrian's arm once more, she resumes their leisurely walk toward The Rusty Dragon Inn. "But for now, I think we've left our friends alone with Aldern long enough, don't you?"