"Oh... hello," Bela greets Aldern somewhat hesitantly, curiously enough put-off by the man's forwardness when it happens to be one of the qualities she favors in another. When his lordship bends the knee, she uses the opportunity to shoot a puzzled look to Kadrian over Aldern's head, curious to see if this man is an acquaintance of his. Composing her features into a more graceful countenance as the the Magnimaran noble rises, Bela favors him with a fair smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Foxglove. My name is Izbela Vauni."
She is startled briefly at the resounding clang that breaks the night's stillness, though when she realizes the source of the clamor, she fixes Rak with a bemused look. Well, it'll be good to have someone unafraid to tell Kane when he's being too stuffy. Maybe even Algon. Returning her attention to the visiting noble, Bela is all too pleased at finding Kadrian interposed in-between herself and Aldern. Hoping to offer the swashbuckler some peace of mind, Bela links arms with Kadrian as he squares off with his new rival, only interrupting with a quiet reminder, "We still need to make sure the north gate has been shut."
Bendoc crosses his arms as he listens to Lord Foxglove's advances. He is slightly amused when Kadrian interposes himself between Izbela and the noble and thinks, Two peacocks strutting for a woman they barely know.
He shakes his head and moves over to the goblins and searches their bodies.
Akuleh remains next to the goblins and their foul-smelling mounts. He stands by and quietly watches the exchange between Izbela and Kadrian and this new nobleman. Even with the blood of these beasts still wetting his blade, Kadrian continues to pursue the young lady. I wonder how serious his intentions are for her.
A small smile comes to the corners of the older warrior as he thinks back to the weeks and months he spent courting his own wife. Looking back now, he can see how foolishly he behaved to try to show himself as worthy of her affections. Better to let young love emerge where it will, I suppose, he thinks as a he begins to chuckle.
Kane's somber words bring him back to the seriousness of the moment, however, and reminds him of the task at hand. "I agree that the Cathedral would be the safest place for you, Lord Foxglove. We were on our way to check if the North Gate had been breached and to see if we could assist in reestablishing the city's defenses. If the Gate is still open, there are almost certainly more threats there. You should return to the Cathedral, lest Magnimar lose one of its noble sons."
The goblins don't carry much, small-sized obsidian shortspears, small leather armor, and small bucklers. Most of their equipment is scratched, dirty, and in some instances, gnawed upon, but most of it is still functional.
"Ahh, Izbela. Such beauty can only be the result of divine heritage. Tell me, your mother, she must have been an Aasimar, yes? Or perhaps you are an Aasimar yourself my little angel. Perhaps you could escort me to this Cathedral? I would feel much safer with you at my side."
"Then the rest of you could continue on your way and check this North Gate. I'm sure such fine and resilient warriors as yourselves could spare sweet Izbela for a few moments, to ensure such a valued nobleman as myself does not come to any harm. Why the entire city of Magnimar would be grateful for your assistance" he boasts.
Kane resists the urge to growl at Aldern's smarm. "We've already confirmed that Church Street is clear, Lord Foxglove, and you should be more than capable of finding your way back to the Cathedral. Miss Vauni is currently under my command, and those under my command are securing the North Gate. Now go!" He barks this last word commandingly.
Although Bela does not hold a particularly favorable first impression of Aldern, such an opinion does not render her immune to the nobleman's rather persistent charms. "You are too generous, Lord Foxglove," the young woman demurs, blushing prettily as she does.
Kane's sharp words quickly dispel any coyness Bela feels, and though she is grateful to be spared from making a rather awkward choice, the guardsman's statement leaves something to be desired. A slender eyebrow quirks up as she regards Kane in open, yet silent defiance, but whatever challenge she intended to issue dies a quiet death at the stony look on his face. Quickly finding the will to resist Aldern's flattery, Bela falls back to a kind, if formal diplomacy.
"I'm afraid Sir Edwards is right, my lord. We have a duty to this town that we must see to. The path to the Cathedral should be safe, but, if you would prefer to wait, we would be honored to accompany you back after we've secured the gates."
Another attempt at diplomacy was pushed aside by Foxglove's advances toward Izbela. Kadrian angers was rising again, but thought better of it.
No need to create and diplomatic incident during a goblin raid on Sandpoint. Besides, Foxglove was just harrassed by goblin riders. He's had a terrible day.
Sighing to himself, Kadrian takes a step back from Algern, but staying at Izbelas's shoulder, smiling inwardly that the beautiful summoner still had her arm in his. The swashbuckler began to smile outwards as Edwards began dressing down the Magnimar noble, despite the differences in status, and by Izbela's smart use of diplomacy.
Bela can surely handle herself well.
There’s more going on here than seems, and that’s about enough of that, I think. ”Mr. Foxglove, I’ve learned today that some nobles can handle a sword as deftly as soldiers. If you count yourself among them, then you should join us, but we do need to head to the gate. Sadly, the crisis may not be over.”
Rak begins to walk in the direction they had been heading before, but sees that there are streets that diverge not too far ahead, and he realizes he doesn’t recall Sandpoint as well as he might wish.
”Guard Kane, you know the way, right? We should be off. Mr. Foxglove, I will look forward to dinner with you on the morrow!”
Bendoc shrugs his shoulders and with a grin adds, "Sorry Foxglove but orders are orders." He loads his Slingstaff and offers to his companions, "I'll take point." With that said he begins to head in that direction.
Aldern is startled at Kane's direct nature, but quickly recovers. He nods at Rak as he pats the rapier on his hip. "Well of course I can handle myself, and yes, I think I shall join you. It would be an honor to accompany Ms. Izbela...and the rest of you too."
He offers Izbela his arm as only a noble can. "Shall we my dear?"
The walk to the North gate is short and quick. Luck finally seems to be with the town as the gate is closed and secured. Several guards stand on guard in defense of the gate while others lay dead or injured about the area. Numerous goblin bodies and a few worgs lay about the vicinity as well.
Several townsfolk move about dragging the dead invaders away while others run about with makeshift stretchers and clothes torn up to be used as bandages. Still others hurry with buckets of water to put out fires raging on a few buildings. What started out as a day of celebration will end that way, but in quite a different mood than it started.
Aldern is startled at Kane's direct nature, but quickly recovers. He nods at Rak as he pats the rapier on his hip. "Well of course I can handle myself, and yes, I think I shall join you. It would be an honor to accompany Ms. Izbela...and the rest of you too."
He offers Izbela his arm as only a noble can. "Shall we my dear?"
Kadrian looks into Izbela's eyes, and nods to her, as if to say "It is your decision. If you wish."
Regardless of Izbela's choice of escort, upon making his way to the North Gate, Kadrian is shocked by the scene. Upon seeing a chain of buckets to help put out fires, the swashbuckler quickly leaves the group to join the bucket chain.
Akuleh follows along with the others as they make their way to the North Gate, but keeps to the back of the group. He does not struggle to keep in the back, either, as he has to limp along, using his spear as a walking staff and his bleeding arm hanging limply at his side. I had better have that looked at soon. I wonder if there will be any healers at the gate, he thinks as he struggles along.
As they arrive at the gate, Akuleh does his best to take in the scene with a measure of calm, but the bodies of the dead do pain him considerably. At the very least, it seemed that the situation had been resolved for the time being. The Shoanti aches to know more about the state of things, but knows that he is unlikely to receive much information from the guards or other officials, given his relative anonymity in the city. Instead, he taps Kane on the shoulder with the haft of his spear, "You had better take the lead on this one. The guards will probably be more likely to share with you than any of us. Although perhaps Master Aldern's position would win us some information as well."
Bela is rendered nearly speechless at Aldern's request, unable to believe the man could either be so brazen or so oblivious as to ask that when she was on the arm of another. If there was a way to gracefully refuse such a gesture, she was hard-pressed to think of it, and with each second precious when it came to securing the town, Bela decides she will humor the nobleman if it means wasting no more time. Taking Kadrian's nod as a sign of understanding, the summoner gives the swashbuckler a look of her own, hoping he knows that she acts in the interest of diplomacy, not personal preference. After reluctantly letting go her hold of Kadrian, Bela moves over to take Aldern's arm with a smile that doesn't quite reach her steely grey eyes. "Yes, please, Lord Foxglove. I fear too much time has been squandered already."
It is a blessing that they were able to seal the gates before more lives could be lost, Bela thinks once they reach the north gate. I only hope the guards at the other gates have fared the same. Although she is eager to press the guardsmen for answers herself, she instead heeds the wisdom of Akuleh's words. Such questions, especially those that might come across as accusatory, were better off coming from one of their own.
Bendoc looks around for a few seconds, shakes his head and adds sarcastically, "Yeah, Kane you seam very diplomatic find out whats going on."
Arriving at the gate, Rak surveys the scene in front of him, shaking his head at the destruction. "So many of my people focus their combat training on these nasty little beasts. I studied giant-kin instead, thinking the larger to be the bigger threat. Now I understand. This is all so senseless; what could they have gained by such destruction?"
Seeing Kadrian rush off to join the bucket brigade, Rak himself hustles off to see to the injured. Rak makes liberal use of his orisons, as needed, using stabilize to shore up those who haven’t been helped yet, adding in some guidance to assist the helpers’ heal checks, and create water to provide pure water to clean wounds (and to refresh the injured and helpers alike).
Kane nods and approaches the other guardsmen, keeping a wary eye out for any more goblins. "What's the situation here? Everything contained?"
"Aye sir. It seems to be under control now. The last of the goblins went over the cliffs. There were some casualties though. We're trying to get the priests out and the wounded to the Cathedral. It seems they somehow managed to get in through the North Gate. It uh, looks like it was left open, sir. We're still gathering initial reports and tending to the wounded, but I'm sure a briefing will be setup once more information is known."
Accident or foul play, Bendoc wonder when he thinks about the north gate being left open. Best not start throwing accusations around, he cautions himself as he listens to the conversation.
Akuleh listens intently to the guard's report. As he mentions the opened gate, his expression grows rather grave. That sounds bad, he says, pausing for a moment to think of a reason that someone might have wanted to allow the goblins to invade and kill so many people, especially on a blessed festival day like this one. Hmm...perhaps it was because of the festival? Does someone in this town object to the new Cathedral or to the goddess?
After taking some time to consider the possibilities, he stoops down next to Bendoc, who also seems to be pondering the situation, and asks, "You are more familiar with this town and its residents than I. Can you think of anyone who might have had an issue with the festival today? Perhaps some religious sect that is opposed to Desna or someone who might have benefitted from the "unpleasantness" that you all talked about earlier?"
Kadrian continues to help with the bucket line. If the fires are out, he moves to help the injured to the Cathedral safely.
Bendoc shrugs his shoulders at Akuleh, "Not sure, as far as I recall." In a slightly lowered voice he continues, "But we best keep our eyes and ears open. It could just be a coincidence that the goblins attacked today but it pays to be suspicious."
After the guard informs Kane of the situation, Bela, smoothly dropping her hold of Lord Foxglove's arm, steps forward to address the man. "If there is anything that can be done to speed the recovery efforts, please let us know." Looking around at the devastation that has ruined what should have been a day of joyous celebrations, the summoner feels the gravity of the situation settle heavily about her now that the exhilaration of the battles has worn off. Still, her offer to assist wherever needed stands. "Has anyone seen Mayor Deverin or Sheriff Hemlock since the consecration of the Cathedral?"
"The Sheriff left here not too long ago with a detachment of guards to secure the other gates. I have not seen the Mayor recently, but I would guess her to be at her estate. If you really wanna help, you can get those two people there to Father Zantus to see if he can save them. Their wounds are grievous" he says pointing to two men laid out on makeshift stretchers. Bandages are wrapped tightly around their midsections, stained crimson with blood.
"My Lord Foxglove," Bela addresses the nobleman in an imploringly sweet voice. "The last thing I would want to do is impose upon you, but for the sake of these men I must ask: Would you help us move them to the Cathedral?" Borrowing a trick from Kadrian's repertoire--one she hopes he won't hold against her for using--Bela takes Aldern's hands in her own before locking eyes with the man. "I have seen such death today, I can't bear to witness any more. Please, say you'll help?"
Kadrian overhears someone mentioning the sheriff nearby. Looking up, the swashbuckler sees a guard discussing details with Bendoc, Akuleh, Kane, Izbela, and Foxglove.
Kadrian hurries closer to the group to hear the end of the conversation.
Bela takes Aldern's hands in her own before locking eyes with the man. "I have seen such death today, I can't bear to witness any more. Please, say you'll help?"
Kadrian understands Bela's attempt to motivate the visiting noble to assist, yet for some reason, the swashbuckler feels as if someone placed a large, heavy stone in his stomach, as a cruel joke.
Decidedly turning away from the scene, Kadrian turns to his new dwarven friend, shouting across the open ground, "Rak! We are taking this lot to the Cathedral! Are you alright here or do you wish to join us!"
"I'm not much for carrying but I'll be glad to escort you to the Cathedral," Bendoc adds as he points out his diminutive stature.
The dwarf hears Kadrian's call, and gets up from where he'd been kneeling. He looks at the injured guard on the ground, and gives the man a smile. "You did fine today, and you'll be good as new in no time. Cayden's blessings to you for your service."
Rak hurries over to Kadrian to grab one end of a litter and help transport the injured back to the cathedral.
The heroes double time it back to the cathedral. As they march through the town, more and more people come out of hiding. The closer the group gets to the cathedral, the more people cheer them as they move. By the time they arrive, they are lauded as heroes, the saviors of Sandpoint.
A few of the townsfolk notice the injured on the litters and rush to the Cathedral doors, banging and calling to Father Zantus. The doors are eventually opened and a retinue of civilians escort the Father outside. "Praise be. You've done it. Here, set them down. Let me see."
Pulling out his holy symbol once again, Father Zantus summons the light of the butterfly. Warm, positive energy flows out and engulfs everyone in the immediate vicinity.
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As the crowd begins to grow, the atmosphere starts becoming almost that of a parade. At first, Rak appears slightly uncomfortable, almost deflecting his gaze as he nodded at people in the crowd in humble appreciation. But as the crowd's enthusiasm grows, the dwarf starts to warm to it.
By the time they arrive at the cathedral, Rak is cheering along with the crowd, his arms encumbered by the litter he helps carry, but his wide grin more than making up for his limited mobility. After setting down the litter at the cathedral steps, he give a fist pump in response to a particularly enthusiastic cheer.
After the Father channels his healing power and shares his praise, Rak adds to Zantus' words. "Aye, the father is right, and these people," he waves his arm at the crowd, "these people are right too. We did a good thing today. Cayden be praised, and those goblins be damned. This town faced a challenge, and we were brave. We rose to it." He raises the tankard that's always strung around his neck, and pulls the rope it hangs from over his head to hang free. "Let's have some mead," he says calmly as he waves his hand over the opening.
A sweet, golden liquid fills the vessel. He offers it to all present, in turn.
"Little Ben, your stones flew true all the day; I'd name your staff goblin-bane if there weren't three or four score swords, spears, and bows that already claim the title. One day, your weapon will surely earn a true name."
"Guard. Kane. You fight. You're bigger than your service to this town." He locks eyes with the inquisitor and nods his head in respect as he passes the mug.
"Izbela, your passion commands creatures from another plane--another plane!--to sacrifice for your vital needs" he can't help but glance at Kadrian, "here in this small borough of Avistan. All owe you and your champion a debt."
He glances at Kadrian again, but lets his eyes shift over to the Shoanti warrior, instead. "You, Akuleh. A stranger to these lands, to this culture. Without business or purpose in this town, you risk your life in its--and in our" he indicates the party, especially Kane, "defense."
Finally, he turns to the mayor's son. "Kadrian, you fought for your town almost to your very detriment. Your bravery was nearly suicidal, but like The Lucky Drunk, you won through when you never should have tried. Your mother will be furious" he ways with a wink, "but we and the people will sing your praise."
"And Father Zantus. These beasts took a day that was to be your glorious celebration, and tried to make it a mockery. Desna showed through you that she would not have it. None of what we did today would have been possible if not for your timely help."
Taking the mug back after everyone has had their drink , he turns to the crowd. "In Cayden's name: Sandpoint has stood strong today in the face of a vile and mischievous attack. Drinks are on me tonight at The Rusty Dragon." He pauses and pats the pouch hanging off his belt. "Well, some drinks anyway; I'm not rich!!!" He bellows this last line with a smile, then finishes what remains in the mug.
Finally, he turns to the mayor's son. "Kadrian, you fought for your town almost to your very detriment. Your bravery was nearly suicidal, but like The Lucky Drunk, you won through when you never should have tried. Your mother will be furious" he ways with a wink, "but we and the people will sing your praise."
Thankful for his wounds being completely healed, Kadrian gladly takes a good sip from Rak's mug when offered and passes it to Father Zantus.
Smiling at his dwarven friend, Kadrian smiled, "My mother will be upset when I get back to the ranch tonight. But not before I have a chance to speak with my aunt, the mayor."
"Besides", grinned the swashbuckler, "concerning my 'battle tactics', I wasn't about to see my new friends outflanked by damn goblins!"
Loquacious for a dwarf, Bendoc thinks as he listens to the dwarfs rendition of events. He gladly takes a mug adding, " Let's not forget your valent contributions Master Dwarf." As he drinks he wonders and looks toward the tables, This would go great with some of the curry-spiced salmon I wonder if ther is any left.
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Although not typically much a one for alcoholic drinks, Bela takes the proffered mug when it's handed to her, feeling as though she could use a drink after the night's events. Her first sip is tentative, but, finding the taste agreeable, she takes a second, longer pull from the mug before passing it to the next "hero". "Bendoc is right, Sir Rak. Without your foresight, this town might have lost a good man today. A gruff, perhaps brutally honest man, but a good one nonetheless," Bela says, glancing innocently at the guardsman.
In moments, between the cheering of the crowd, the uplifting words of Rak and the honey-sweet taste of mead on her tongue, it's hard for Bela not to revel in the triumphant atmosphere of the night. As happy to know that the goblin raid has ended as she is to have lost Lord Foxglove for the time being, Bela retakes the arm of her true champion, Kadrian. Between smiling winningly at the crowd and occasionally waving in response to their cheers, Bela considers her companions. "If there is nothing more we can do to secure the town, I, for one, would be delighted to take you up on your offer, Rak. What say you, Kadrian?"
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Kadrian smiles into Bela's beautiful eyes. "Before festivities begin for me, I will take a trip to Deverin Manor to check with the Sandpoint Deverins. Hopefully my aunt Kendra will be there, so I can get a full story of the damages and loss of life."
With Izbela on his arm, the swashbuckler steers her a dozen or so feet away, in an attempt at a private conversation.
Letting his arm drop, Kadrian takes Izbela's hands in his, and speaks with a softer tone.
"Listen, Bela. I can't stay very long, if at all, for any celebrations tonight. I need to get the family's wagon back to Deverin Ranch in The Farmlands tonight. It would be best if my family heard of the events of festival firsthand, making sure to gloss over the near-death experiences."
The swashbuckler then takes both of Izbela's hands, bringing them both up to his mouth to kiss them. "I will return tomorrow to assist my Aunt Kendra in whatever fashion she and Sandpoint needs. I will meet you and the others tomorrow to be sure. Getting to meet you has been one of the bright moments in this day of celebration and tragedy.
Looking deeply into the summoner's eyes, Kadrian continues, " I should have known you well versed in the arcane arts. For when I first laid my eyes on you, you had bewitched me as no one has before."
Kane remains stoic through the speech, though he nods back at Rak during his praising. He does, however, decline the alcohol as politely as is possible for him to manage, with a curt "I don't drink," and, rather than celebrate with the others (whom he privately doesn't understand celebrating in the first place, as many had died that day and he, at least, had only done his job, though the others did admittedly go well above and beyond), begins looking for Tsura. Though he is fairly certain of her ability to defend herself, he still wants to check in on her.
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As the party makes their way back to the cathedral and the crowd begins to swell and cheer around them, Akuleh smiles. He watches as men, women, and children of all ages emerge from their homes or their temporary shelters, their faces glowing with relief and cheer that the worst of the day's attacks are past. As children run around his feet, clapping and cheering along with their parents, he thinks back to his own family, back on the plateau, far far away. He misses them sorely, but cannot help but smile at the happiness of those around him. His smile only fades when a twinge of pain races up his mangled arm.
Once they reach the cathedral, the warrior sits down alongside the stretchers and allows Father Zantus' healing to wash over him. The flesh of his arm miraculously knits back together, and the sharp pain of the wound disappears completely, not even leaving a scar in its wake. With his wounds mended, Akuleh rises and stands alongside his fellow defenders. Rak raises his wondrous tankard in celebration towards him, and Akuleh simply nods. It was his duty to protect and guide people, any people, regardless of whether they were his own kin or the residents of a small fishing town like this one, so long as they would have him. He accepts the tankard and takes a modest draft from it before returning it to the dwarf.
The crowds quiet down, Kadrian and Izbela step away to speak to one another and to stare into each other's eyes for a while, and Kane begins to look around restlessly, like he has someplace else he'd rather be. Akuleh takes the moment to thank Father Zantus for saving their lives and limbs yet again and to ask of him the question he had posed back at the gate, "Father, the guards at the North Gate say that the gate had been left open, and that this was how the goblins were able to enter the town in such great numbers. It must have been someone inside the town who left the gate open. Can you think of anyone, of any group, that might have wanted to interrupt the festival today? Someone who did not want to celebrate the end of this town's Unpleasantness, or perhaps wanted to see it continue?"
As Kadrian gently tells her of his need to inform his family of the night's events, Bela's smile dims momentarily, but the swashbuckler is quick to bring it back with his romantic gesture. "I understand, of course. You needn't try to make it back here on my account. As long as I'll see you tomorrow..." Bela reassures the man, her face going thoughtful for a moment. "We have accomplished a great deal here tonight, but perhaps... perhaps it is too soon to celebrate. I think I will retire for the night, as well."
At Kadrian's sweet words, Bela returns the man's significant look with one of her own. The sincerity that she finds within those clear blue eyes makes the color rise in her cheeks. It is not often that the young woman finds herself at a loss, but if anyone were capable of shaking her confidence, it was this brave, somewhat foolhardy man. You are not the man I thought you were, she thinks, never so happy to have proven wrong.
She ducks her head for a moment, just until she feels she can compose herself again, before looking back up into Kadrian's eyes. Her words may have failed her, but she is not without other means to show her affection. Rising up on the tips of her toes, she presses her lips to his in a chaste kiss. It is over sooner than she would like, but it isn't her intention to make him or his new comrades uncomfortable. Pulling back from their embrace with a dazzling smile, Bela feels much more like the poised young woman she typically is. "Would you care to walk me home before you leave?"
"I would," Kadrian says simply.
Gesturing toward their new friends, Kadrian walks Izbela back to the group.
"My friends. This is where we must part for the evening", spoke the swashbuckler. "Izbela asked me to escort her back home safely, of which I will do to the best of my ability. Celebrations will have to wait for us both. After that, I shall journey to Deverin Manor to report to my aunt, and see the rest of the Deverins are alright. After that, how ever long that takes, I will journey back to Deverin Ranch in The Farmlands, so tell the family what happened. Tomorrow I return to Sandpoint to assist in any way I can."
Feeling toward his belt pouch, Kadrian checks to see it is still there. "One more thing before we depart", said Kadrian, picking through a full-looking belt pouch, producing 20 gold coins, and handing them to Rak, "these will help cover your generous offer for drinks at the Rusty Dragon. In only ask you pour one for Cayden Cailean for me."
Rak graciously accepts the gold from Kadrian. "You're a good lad. Cayden will sing your praises for sure tonight." He pulls the mayor's nephew close, and whispers, "and pay attention to your Aunt; find out what happened in the rest of town. This may be bigger than what we saw." He claps him on the back. "Now go!" he says with a wink and a smile for the departing couple.
He waves towards Kane as the stoic guard begins to wander off in search of something. We must never force revelry! Celebration comes from the heart or not at all. I hope I can help him find his joy some day.
Rak calls out to Akuleh, who he sees talking to Father Zantus. "The Rusty Dragon; you know the way!" and grabs Bendoc to walk with him as he heads towards the inn. "Let's go get some more of Ameiko's food! And some ale besides." He says with a smile as he waves the crowd to come along.
Certainly Master Dwarf," Bendoc exclaims as Rak mentions food. While he walks withRak toward the Rusty Dragon he remembers his fathers advice, Neve go drinking with dwarves. With a grin he looks up at his companion, " A few drinks would be nice, especially since Kadrian is paying.
Akuleh catches Rak's eye and nods to acknowledge that he heard and accepted the invitation. He needs to finish this conversation first, though. With his attention once again on Father Zanthus, he awaits a reply from the wise old priest.
Father Zantus thanks everyone profusely. "I fear what could have happened today had you all not been so steadfast in your service to Sandpoint. The town owes you a great deal."
"I couldn't agree with you more Father" says a familiar human woman walking up to the crowd. "These men and women have helped to save our town, our homes, and our lives. Forgive me, I am Ameiko Kaijitsu, proprietor of the Rusty Dragon."
She looks directly at each individual as she continues. "You are all welcome at the Rusty Dragon. The best rooms will be yours, free of charge of course, and all the food you can eat, and even some of the ale." She looks at Rak as she continues "but not all of the ale. Girl's still gotta earn a living. Please, come be my guests. Let us celebrate this triumph."
Father Zantus nods at Ameiko. He turns to address Akuleh. "That is devastating news my friend. To know that perhaps one of our own was involved with this, or that a simple mistake could cost the town so dearly. Such a tragedy" he says as she shakes his head. "I don't know who could have been involved. I don't know of anyone that would have wished this on the town or it's people. Perhaps that is something you and your friends could uncover?"
Akuleh listens to Father Zanthus carefully. "I would be honored to serve the town in this way," the Shoanti replies with a short bow. "Though I must admit I have never conducted such an investigation myself. Thank you again, Father. Good evening." Not wanting to speak for the others, he refrains from volunteering their services, but silently commits himself to at least speaking to them about it.
He begins to follow after Rak when the proprietor of the very tavern they had intended to visit appeared and delivered her invitation. Akuleh turns to the woman and smiles. "That is very generous of you, Miss Kaijitsu. I would be delighted to enjoy your hospitality. Thank you!" He falls in line behind his friends and their host, quietly humming a hunting tune traditional to his clan.
As both Kadrian and Izbela leave the Cathedral Square, the swashbuckler has his rapier out and ready, in case Sandpoint is not as safe as it appears.
When Ameiko offers the group free room and board Bendoc is lost in his own thoughts for a bit. Imagining himself floating on a biscuit in a sea of gravy. After a second he catches the offer made by Father Zantus and responds, "I can't speak for all, but I wouldn't mind getting to the bottom of this meself."
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Rak accepts Ameiko's generosity with pleasure. "Sandpoint is a fine town; we're happy to have been of service. Now let's see how well Sandpoint can celebrate!" He follows Ameiko with the others back to the Rusty Dragon.
Once there, he presses a single gold from Kadrian into Ameiko's palm. "The boy wanted to honor Cayden Cailean; I can't accept your charity for that. One glass of your finest--a barleywine if you have one--please."
When he has the drink in hand, he turns to the room. In a loud voice, he says simply: "To Cayden Cailean; to Kadrian Deverin; to Sandpoint!" He swings his arm in a wide arc, flinging the drink in a fine spray of droplets that fall all across the common area.
Should anyone complain of getting splashed with the sticky ale, Rak will explain that the blessing confers luck to all splashed in any risky endeavors that they undertake in the coming week, and to go forth and to be bold.
Rak eats and drinks with enthusiasm, and engages people of the town in boisterous tales, drinking games, and silly challenges. While he is enthusiastic, he knows they will have a big day on the morrow, and the Lucky Drunk has no sympathy for those who can't abide by their limits. The dwarf makes sure to only get drunk, and not overdrunk, so that he still has his wits when he needs them.
"It seems the Father has made us all honorary members of the Sandpoint Guard," Bela says lightly as she and Kadrian begin walking towards the south end of town. "I suppose we should speak with Sheriff Hemlock in the morning to be sure we have his blessing to conduct an investigation. Or perhaps you can ask Mayor Deverin tonight? I'm not entirely sure how such things work," the summoner admits.
Pausing at the corner of Prickleback Lane, Bela stops her escort with a light hand on his forearm. "Kadrian, that business earlier, with Lord Foxglove? I hope I didn't upset you... If I had thought of a way to refuse him without making a scene of things or further delaying our arrival at the gates, I would have," Bela says, wrinkling her nose at the memory of the man's insistence. Returning her focus to Kadrian, Bela looks deeply into the man's eyes, feeling her heart race as she does. "Can you forgive me?"
"It seems the Father has made us all honorary members of the Sandpoint Guard," Bela says lightly as she and Kadrian begin walking towards the south end of town. "I suppose we should speak with Sheriff Hemlock in the morning to be sure we have his blessing to conduct an investigation. Or perhaps you can ask Mayor Deverin tonight? I'm not entirely sure how such things work," the summoner admits.
"Well, we will certainly speak our suspicions to Sheriff Hemlock tomorrow, at the very least", spoke Kadrian, walking to a matching pace with Izbela. "Sandpoint is a good town. Everyone bands together to help our fellow neighbors. It happened during the latest Unpleasantness, it will happen again."
Pausing at the corner of Prickleback Lane, Bela stops her escort with a light hand on his forearm. "Kadrian, that business earlier, with Lord Foxglove? I hope I didn't upset you... If I had thought of a way to refuse him without making a scene of things or further delaying our arrival at the gates, I would have," Bela says, wrinkling her nose at the memory of the man's insistence. Returning her focus to Kadrian, Bela looks deeply into the man's eyes, feeling her heart race as she does. "Can you forgive me?"
Smirking slightly, Kadrian took his hand in hers as they walked, "There is nothing to forgive. You were doing your best to move an obstacle out of the way, so we could proceed. You handled yourself very well indeed. Diplomatic without being dismissive." The swashbuckler began to swipe tiny circles in the air as they walked. "And..we honestly just met. Despite the.." paused Kadrian, "connection we clearly share, it is not my place to tell you who you should or should not associate with. But I am pleased you asked me for the honor of escorting you home."
"It is a relief to hear you say that," Bela says a little breathlessly as they continue on their way, her smile notably brighter. Although she accepts Kadrian's compliment graciously, she does feel as though she could have handled the situation a little better. "Well, should we cross paths with His Lordship in the future, I will have to think of a way to tell him diplomatically that his attentions are wasted on me. As it happens, there is only one nobleman's courtesies I am open to," she coyly remarks.
Bela watches with her own little smirk of amusement at Kadrian's display of swordsmanship. She idly wonders if that is some nervous habit he's picked up, but dismisses the thought as wishful thinking rather quickly. I doubt Kadrian has been nervous around a lady for quite some time, if ever he was in the first place. As Kadrian speaks to the connection they have, Bela delights, but she keeps voice light as she replies. "That is true..." she hesitantly agrees, before adding, "But I thought you should know that, given any other situation, I would choose you."
Bela's sweet smile remains, even as the buildings they pass by become less and less well-kept. If she is embarrassed by the circumstances of her parents, she makes a good show of hiding it. Stopping at the door to one of the many nondescript buildings in the area, she turns to Kadrian and motions behind her with her free hand. "I will be staying here with my parents while I am in town. Thank you for seeing me home safely, Kadrian."
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"It is a relief to hear you say that," Bela says a little breathlessly as they continue on their way, her smile notably brighter. Although she accepts Kadrian's compliment graciously, she does feel as though she could have handled the situation a little better. "Well, should we cross paths with His Lordship in the future, I will have to think of a way to tell him diplomatically that his attentions are wasted on me. As it happens, there is only one nobleman's courtesies I am open to," she coyly remarks.
A rueful look crosses the swashbuckler's face. "Well, we all accepted Lord Foxglove's invitation for dinner tomorrow, so I suppose manners dictates, we will be seeing the insufferable sod then."
"That is true..." she hesitantly agrees, before adding, "But I thought you should know that, given any other situation, I would choose you."
It is now Kadrian's turn to flash Bela a coy smile and gives the summoner's hand a quick squeeze of thanks.
Bela's sweet smile remains, even as the buildings they pass by become less and less well-kept. If she is embarrassed by the circumstances of her parents, she makes a good show of hiding it. Stopping at the door to one of the many nondescript buildings in the area, she turns to Kadrian and motions behind her with her free hand. "I will be staying here with my parents while I am in town. Thank you for seeing me home safely, Kadrian."
"You are quite welcome", beams Kadrian.
The swashbuckler takes a step back to examine his surroundings and sheaths his rapier, saying "Alright. If tomorrow, I don't find you at the Rusty Dragon or other location, I will stop here to see if you are home"It is now or never. Kadrian steps back up to stand before Izbela. In a smooth, soothing tone, the swashbuckler says, "Good night".
Kadrian takes his swordarm and wraps it around Bela's waist to gently pull her close. His other hand comes up to support the back of the summoner's beautiful neck. With that, Kadrian leans down to give Izbela a long, deep, passionate kiss. The one Kadrian's been wanting to give her, since they met earlier today. Through coy introduction, laughter, panic, pain, and near death. This.
The young noble keeps mindful of cues the lady wishes to leave his embrace, but Kadrian thinks this is remote, considering all the signs to the contrary.
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