Rak shivers at Akulah's tale and Izbela's foreboding. Without seeming to even recogize what he does, he lifts the mug slung around his neck and mutters the words that fill it with ale.
"Cayden protect us if what you say is true." He lifts the mug to his lips and takes a deep drink, then holds it out for any who might want to share in the Lucky Drunk's blessing.
He looks to Izbela, still waiting for an explanation of the 'Late Unpleasantness.'
It is a cold, hollow comfort to Bela, listening as Akuleh all but confirms her fears by sharing with them the story of his vision. But his revelation does bring some small hope to the summoner. It seems that Gods, Ancestors and the Harrow itself have all seen fit to warn us of the dangers that lie ahead. There is still hope to see this calamity averted.
Izbela waves off Rak's offering, hoping not to offend the dwarf or his God by declining. She knows she'll need her wits about her if she is to be of any help in the investigation. When his expectant look isn't changed in the slightest after her refusal, it occurs to the summoner that he is waiting for the answer to a different question. "Oh, right... Well, I was just a girl when the Late Unpleasantness began, and my parents, I'm sure, kept me sheltered from the more gruesome details. I think Father Zantus would know more about the events that took place, or even Kane or Bendoc or Kadrian," she says, meeting the eyes of her swashbuckler. She knew it was only by a slim margin, but he was a bit older than her, and his connection to the Mayor likely meant he had been privy to details the townsfolk had not been.
"What I can tell you is that by the time the man who became known as The Chopper was caught, he had murdered over 25 of Sandpoint's citizens and set fire to our old chapel. Father Tobyn," she says, indicating the now empty sarcophagus, "Was one of the last victims The Chopper claimed, along with Tobyn's daughter, Nualia. They both perished in the fire."
Grim times, Bendoc recalls as Izbela relates the story of the Chopper.
"Well, I think we've got as much sorted as we can down here; shall we go let Father Zantus know what we've found?"
When presented with the news of the stolen remains, Father Zantus blushes and begins to sweat. "Oh dear, this is not good, not good at all."
"Please, return to the Rusty Dragon and await us there. I will inform the Sheriff and we will meet you there. Oh, and please tell no one else about this. I fear what the public would do should this information get out."
He turns to look at his protectors. "And don't you two mention this to anyone either. We don't need a panic on our hands."
He paces back and forth as he speaks with his hand rubbing his forehead. Mostly talking to himself, he mutters aloud "who could have done this? And why? What is there to gain? Is this just to weaken us somehow? To embarrass us? I just don't understand..."
He stops mid-step and looks up to see everyone still standing about. "Apologies. I...uh, I will go fetch the Sheriff and meet you shortly. Remember, tell no one." He motions to his guards who quickly fall in beside the Father as the turns to leave.
Watching Father Zanthus, Kadrian comments, "I know it's a little early, but after that, I could really go for a drink..or 10."
Offering his arm to Izbela, the swashbuckler asks, "How are you holding up, Bela?"
Bela shares a look of open concern with her companions at the Father's pacing, but it shifts into a smile just a little too strained to be comforting when the priest refocuses his attention on them. "Of course, Father. A panic is the last thing we would want to create. We won't speak a word of what we've learned here to anyone."
Heading toward The Rusty Dragon, Bela's smile turns genuine as she takes Kadrian's offered arm, answering, "Better than I expected, given the circumstances. What about you?" Recalling that not all were so lucky as her beau to escape the battle unscathed, Izbela turns to their Dwarven friend and inquires, "For that matter, how are you doing, Rak?"
"Better than I expected, given the circumstances. What about you?"
Kadrian ponders about giving a "manly" response or a real response to Izbela's question. The swashbuckler looks into the summoner's eyes and smirks inwardly. Eh. Let's try the truth with this one.
"That was my first encounter with the undead outside of campfire stories. I definitely don't like it. Considering how my more recent battles have occurred, I would still prefer opponents with a heartbeat."
Bendoc kept quiet trying to avoid talking about the undead, "A few drinks sound good." He quickly added, "And perhaps something to eat." as he begins heading back to the inn.
Akuleh, still shaken by the realization of what is happening here, gratefully accepts the drink Rak offered. The rich flavor of the ale brings his mind back to the present, but he largely remains silent and follows behind the others as they deliver the bad news to Father Zantus.
"We will be sure to keep this matter quiet, Father," the Shoanti replies at the old man's panicked plea for discretion, "and we shall meet you at the appointed place and time."
As Kadrian leads the group back toward the Rusty Dragon and proposes a round of drinks, Akuleh nods solemnly, "Yes, I think a drink or two may help to clear some of these cobwebs from my mind. I cannot believe such a holy place was desecrated so savagely. To raise the acolytes' remains and to...steal the old Father's body? or to raise it too? Whatever happened, it is a shameful and wicked thing that shall not stand. We will see what Father Zantus and the Sheriff have to say. Mr. Edwards, you spoke with the Sheriff this morning, did you not? Did he say anything that may be important for the rest of us to know?"
Rak answers Izbela casually. "It's nothing. One of them got me a bit, but it's nothing won't heal. Cayden can heal it if I need 'im to; but we'll wait to see what faces us before I make that call."
He seems invigorated at Kadrian's suggestion to all go get a drink, even more so when everyone seems on board. "Yes! We'll let the Lucky Drunk wash away our pain and sharpen our minds. The best plans are made after a pint or two. No more, mind you! The most fun plans are made then, but we need to keep our wits today, I think."
"Yes, I think a drink or two may help to clear some of these cobwebs from my mind. I cannot believe such a holy place was desecrated so savagely. To raise the acolytes' remains and to...steal the old Father's body? or to raise it too? Whatever happened, it is a shameful and wicked thing that shall not stand. We will see what Father Zantus and the Sheriff have to say. Mr. Edwards, you spoke with the Sheriff this morning, did you not? Did he say anything that may be important for the rest of us to know?"
Listening to Akeleh's concerns, Kadrian remembers his promise to his comrades. Ohh! That's right!
"Everyone", said the swashbuckler, addressing his fellow "heroes", "Over here!" Kadrian leads the group to the end of a nearby empty alleyway.Making sure they were going to have a private conversation, Kadrian speaks in a low tone.
"Okay. This is what my Aunt Kendra was able to find out last night. The city guard was able to capture some of the goblins, and interrogate them, but the guard haven't been able to get much. The goblins had orders to burn the town down, especially the new Cathedral. All the goblins could tell them about their leader, was that he was "some longshanks", which I think means some tall human. That is all we know now."
"Everyone", said the swashbuckler, addressing his fellow "heroes", "Over here!" Kadrian leads the group to the end of a nearby empty alleyway.
Making sure they were going to have a private conversation, Kadrian speaks in a low tone.
"Okay. This is what my Aunt Kendra was able to find out last night. The city guard was able to capture some of the goblins, and interrogate them, but the guard haven't been able to get much. The goblins had orders to burn the town down, especially the new Cathedral. All the goblins could tell them about their leader, was that he was "some longshanks", which I think means some tall human. That is all we know now."
Bendoc nodded his head, "That might explain the footprints I found outside the crypt, some were to large to be goblins."
The walk back to the Rusty Dragon is quite different than the walk to the grave yard. More and more people are going about their business and some even smile as the group passes by. A young blonde girl waves and even blows a kiss at the heroes before blushing and running off.
A few minutes later a group of young ladies pass by and begin giggling and pointing. A tall, dark haired woman stands out in particular as she makes no qualms about hiding an obvious wink at Kadrian. The other girls tease her before pulling her on down the street.
Almost as soon as the group of heroes enter the Rusty Dragon, Shayliss Vinder approaches Kadrian directly. "Why hello there handsome. I hear you're one of the big heroes that saved the town. I uh, I was wondering if, you could help me out with a slight problem. See, my father, he runs the general store, he's been too busy chasing my sister around to have time to deal with a rat problem in the basement. Now, I wouldn't normally be bothered by rats, but I swear, just the other day, I saw one that was the size of a goblin. If it isn't too much of a bother, maybe you could come along with me and take care of me...it...uh,them."
When it rains it pours, Bendoc thought as he overheard the girls dilemma. He looked at Kadrian with a wry smile as he waited for the Swashbuckler's response.
The walk back to the Rusty Dragon is quite different than the walk to the grave yard. More and more people are going about their business and some even smile as the group passes by. A young blonde girl waves and even blows a kiss at the heroes before blushing and running off.
As the group passes, Kadrian politely nods as the passing maiden, feeling the gesture was at the group in whole. The swashbuckler smiles to himself. I don't know Rak's or Bendoc's feeling on "human companionship", but I think the maidens of Sandpoint might have some strong feelings about them.
A few minutes later a group of young ladies pass by and begin giggling and pointing. A tall, dark haired woman stands out in particular as she makes no qualms about hiding an obvious wink at Kadrian. The other girls tease her before pulling her on down the street.
Ah. That was uncomfortable, as Kadrian squirms inwardly. Either the ladies didn't see Bela on my arm..or didn't care. Eh, this wouldn't have been an issue a few days ago, but things..have definitely changed. Kadrian quickly catches a side-ways glance at Bela. Blimey, Caydean! I'm actually putting in some effort with this one. She's so different. She's her own person. And being mind-numbingly beautiful doesn't hurt either! Catching her eyes again, Kadrian smiles awkwardly, coughs, and continues to walk toward the Rusty Dragon with his friends.
Almost as soon as the group of heroes enter the Rusty Dragon, Shayliss Vinder approaches Kadrian directly. "Why hello there handsome. I hear you're one of the big heroes that saved the town. I uh, I was wondering if, you could help me out with a slight problem. See, my father, he runs the general store, he's been too busy chasing my sister around to have time to deal with a rat problem in the basement. Now, I wouldn't normally be bothered by rats, but I swear, just the other day, I saw one that was the size of a goblin. If it isn't too much of a bother, maybe you could come along with me and take care of me...it...uh,them."
Alright, let's be VERY diplomatic about this. Clearing his throat, Kadrian addresses the young lady. "Miss, that does sound like a very big problem. I would go with you now to assist you and your dear family, but we have just received instruction from Father Zanthus to meet him here concerning some early morning work we just completed for him. So we", said Kadrian, gesturing to his companions, allowing his hand to rest before Izbela the longest, "must stay here for the time being and have a drink. Perhaps later, I, or one of my fellow able-bodied adventurers could assist your family then."
Although unquestionably troubled over the news Kadrian had shared and what it implied, Bela nonetheless manages to keep the worry from showing as the group makes their way to the inn. She takes her word to Father Zantus about not causing a panic seriously, and so smiles brightly at those they pass as if nothing is amiss and all the horrors of yesterday are but a distant tragedy. The young blonde girl's nervous gesture even brings a genuine, if quiet laugh out of the summoner.
But her good-natured acceptance of Sandpoint's women and their overt flirtations with Kadrian has its limit, which is all too quickly surpassed when the tall, brunette woman shoots a glaring obvious wink to the swashbuckler. Kadrian's awkward smile is met with a tight smile of her own, her attempt at seeming nonchalant at the amount of female attention the man she walks arm in arm with is receiving not convincing in the least.
Her ire has not cooled in the slightest by the time they step through the door to The Rusty Dragon, and so Shayliss' appearance is met with a look that could ice over Sandpoint Harbor in mid-Erastus. The woman's entreaty does nothing to warm Bela to her or her plight; if anything, it only gives the summoner further cause to give into the very tempting idea to tear the veil between planes open and call forth a celestial dire rat to nip at the Vinder girl's heels and drive her from the inn. Izbela manages to rein in that impulse, but only barely.
Kadrian's diplomatic answer, while not the outright dismissal she was hoping for, does go a ways toward quieting the doubts she's felt about the nobleman's affection for her. Pleased with the small victory, Izbela gently rests her head against Kadrian's arm, allowing the faintest of smiles to grace her lips, as if to say Bye, Shayliss.
Akuleh, ever the parental type, watches with care as the new couple walk arm in arm down the street toward the Rusty Dragon. The smiles and giggles of the young women almost sounds threatening to the old shaman as he walks behind Kadrian and Bela. Ancestors give him the strength to be faithful. The last thing we need at this point is a rift among our small band of defenders.
When they actually arrive at the tavern and are greeted by the voluptuous young woman, Akuleh is relieved to hear Kadrian refuse the girl in as soft a manner as Akuleh himself could conceive, and he takes it upon himself to stand in support of the gentle refusal. He steps forward on the side of Kadrian's empty arm and addresses the woman. "Indeed miss, any one of us would be glad to help you and your father. As for myself, I am not the mightiest of warriors, but I have dealt with my fair share of vermin in the high plains of the Storval Plateau. As Kadrian mentioned, however, we must first meet with the good Father to attend to another important matter. Come find us another time and I or one of my friends here will be glad to rid you of these rodents."
Rak's invigoration at the thought of downing a pint or two with the group lasts only so long. Putting one foot in front of the other seems to be the most that the dwarf can muster as the group makes their way back to The Rusty Dragon. He nods to greetings and giggles alike, both with barely any notice and even less thought as he turns over the present problem in his mind.
What they did to that poor Desnan Father and his honor guard. I didn't know it would affect me so much. It's not right, and we must get to the bottom of this. If this is connected to that 'Chopper' character then we might be in for a mess of trouble altogether.
Once at The Rusty Dragon, the dwarf heads straight to the bar, inadvertantly passing Shayliss Vinder before she even begins making her proposition. He orders a round for the whole group and then begins looking around for Father Zantus, looking for a large enough table for them all if he doesn't sight the Father.
Looking around to extricate himself and the others from this situation, Kadrian spies Rak finding a nice big table for everyone to sit together.
"Ah", chimes Kadrian, "Rak has found us a excellent table. Turning to address Ms. Vinder, the swashbuckler nods his head and says "Excuse us."
When the group reaches the table, Kadrian pulls the chair out for Izbela, then sits down.
Shayliss's flirty smile quickly turns to a sneer at being rebuffed. She glares hard, first at Izbela and then at Akuleh. She says nothing, but her eyes scream in anger as the look of revulsion overcomes her. Seconds later she turns in a huff and storms out the door.
While Father Zantus is nowhere to be seen, Aldern Foxglove is and he wastes no time in approaching everyone. "I'm so glad you're here. You have no doubt finally acquiesced to my request and have arrived here to delivered the good news. Well, you are early, I'll give you that but I'm sure Ameiko can have something whipped up in no time at all. Please, come join me at my table."
Shayliss's flirty smile quickly turns to a sneer at being rebuffed. She glares hard, first at Izbela and then at Akuleh. She says nothing, but her eyes scream in anger as the look of revulsion overcomes her. Seconds later she turns in a huff and storms out the door.
While Father Zantus is nowhere to be seen, Aldern Foxglove is and he wastes no time in approaching everyone. "I'm so glad you're here. You have no doubt finally acquiesced to my request and have arrived here to delivered the good news. Well, you are early, I'll give you that but I'm sure Ameiko can have something whipped up in no time at all. Please, come join me at my table."
Oh, Mercy! "Lord Foxglove! What a wonderful surprise to see you! I had not realized the day was so late!" Looking down at his clothes, Kadrian continues, "Blast! I was hoping I had time to change." Looking around to his fellow adventurers, Kadrian continues, "I think I speak for us all when I say we would love to join you at your table, but I must tell you, we must leave the table temporarily when Father Zanthus arrives, for he wishes to speak to us, concerning some work we helped completed for the Desna's faithful earlier today."
My, that almost sounded genuine, Izbela muses, sneakily shooting a smirk to Kadrian before turning to offer Lord Foxglove a polite smile. "Yes, I'm afraid we may have to leave shortly to see to some matters on the Father's behalf. A small meal might be appreciated," Bela suggests, her eyes briefly flicking over to give their halfling companion an amused look before moving back to the visiting nobleman. "But I think it may be a bit too early to call for dinner just yet. Though we do look forward to dining with you later this evening."
After a few moments of silence in which the summoner casts about for a topic of conversation they could safely discuss in the man's presence, Bela decides to inquire after the reason for his visit. "So, Lord Foxglove, did you travel all the way here from Magnimar to observe the Festival?"
After the young woman walked away in disgust Bendoc poked a Kadrian, " You definitely have a way with the ladies."
Bendoc silently thinks about the feast that awaits at Lord Foxgloves table, I could get used to this hero stuff.
Rak groans a bit when the noble approaches, but makes his best attempt to hide his annoyance. "Aldern—it is Aldern, right?—as mentioned we are a bit busy at the moment. Performing official work on behalf of Sandpoint, actually." The drinks arrive, including tea for Izbela; "I can send for ale if you like, but I thought you'd prefer this," he says to the summoner.
Rak takes a deep drink from his own mug of ale, followed by a hearty belch, before continuing to address Aldern. "I think if you'd like to discuss things now, we can do that, but we will have to excuse ourselves at the first sign of Father Zantus or the sheriff; we are on the clock, as it were." He takes another drink. "As such, we should probably dispense with the meal if we're going to do this now. If, instead, you would like to meet tonight, we could still do that with all the accoutrements that you had planned."
As Izbela engages Aldern, Kadrian passes out the drink to the group.
"Thanks, Rak, says the swashbuckler in a low voice of gratitude.
Kadrian then slams the drink back, drink it entirely in a few quick gulps.
Ahh! I so needed that!
Akuleh stands beside Kadrian as Izbela and Rak speak with the nobleman. So many people trying so hard to draw us away from this task for their own small reasons? Ah, to be in the wilds again where men know what is important work. He accepts the drink gratefully from Rak and Kadrian and begins to drink, though at a much slower pace compared to these followers of the god of Drink.
"Splendid then. Why, uh, yes. Of course, I came for the festival."
He turns immediately and walks over to his table, pulling out a chair while looking directly at Izbela. "Please, come, sit. I'll have something brought out at once."
Once people start moving to join him, he continues. "Ahh, I should have known. Talent such as yourselves would be in high demand. Well, the Father has excellent tastes. I can see we are all in good company then."
He flashes his practiced noble smile as he waves a serving girl down. "Please bring out a bottle of wine, ale for everyone, and have Ameiko prepare anything my guests here want."
The young girl turns to look at everyone expectantly.
Kadrian takes a seat next to Izbela.
The swashbuckler, who has eaten here many times, looks to the serving girl and says, Hello. I would like the roasted chicken, with spiced potatoes and garden greens."
"Thank you", smiles a friendly smile to the serving girl, and waits for the others to order.
"Alright, man. If it's that important to ya."
Rak grabs himself an open seat. "Tell Ameiko to surprise me with something good. I loved the salmon at the fest, but I don't want to have that again just now. I know she'll come up with something fantastic."
With that, Rak continues drinking the ale he has while waiting for their new host to share what it is that he's looking to share.
Akuleh, ever a man of simple tastes, simply orders some roasted lamb and vegetables. "And more of this ale, if you could. I seem only to be able to taste dust this morning unless I take some of this wonderful ale. Thank you, miss." He smiles and nods at the young serving girl, then turns to their host. "So Master Foxglove, how do things fare in Magnimar? The city's name is known far abroad, but we do not hear much news of the city out in the wilds of the Plateau."
This should be interesting, Bendoc thought as he sits down at the table. "Salmon for me too," The halfling responded to the the serving girl. After a short pause he quickly added, "and ale too."
"Thank you, Lord Foxglove," Bela says as she takes the seat indicated by the visiting nobleman. She brightens a bit when Kadrian takes the seat next to hers and squeezes his hand briefly in gratitude before turning her attention to the serving girl. "I'll have a stew if Ameiko's prepared one. But no ale for me. I'm fine with tea. Thank you, by the way, Rak. That was quite thoughtful of you," the summoner says, raising her cup as if in salute to the dwarf across the table. "But I would like a glass for the wine when it's brought out, please."
The young girl turns and heads back into the kitchen. As soon as the orders are taken, Lord Foxglove immediately pulls a chair over and sits next to Izbela. "Oh my dearest Izbela. I have suffered in darkness without your light to brighten this drab existence."
It's then that he notices Kadrian sitting next to her. And then he notices everyone sitting there. "Ahh, yes, forgive me. Wait, I have it! You will all accompany me on a hunt tomorrow. Yes, that will be perfect. We'll get out of the town. Spend some time in the wilderness, hunt some boar. It'll be a magnificent afternoon. I will acquire horses for all of you, my treat. We will ride and hunt and have a wonderful time."
It's not long later that the serving girl returns carrying numerous plates. A younger boy follows behind her with several mugs, some wine bottles and a few glasses.
Kadrian smiles to himself at Foxglove's awkward wooing of Izbela.
Oh Cayden! Are all Magnimarian nobles this oblivious? The lady is spoken for.
The Sandpoint noble ears prick up a little as Foxglove talks about a possible boar hunt.
"My! That does sound fun! Haven't been on a boar hunt in a few years", smiled Kadrian to Lord Foxglove. "Yet", sighed the swashbuckler, "That would depend on what Father Zanthus needed to speak to us about". Looking to the door, Kadrian ponders, "I wonder what is keep him?'
"Still", continues Kadrian, "I think a boar hunt with those at this table would be a fine time. Everyone here would have unique to contribute to the hunt. From Rak's speararm, Bendoc's well-honed aim, Izbela's arcane ability to conjure hunting companions, and Akuleh's hunting techniques, honed I'm sure, over generations".
"Oh? I'm sorry to hear your time in Sandpoint has been so uneventful," Bela tells Aldern, a sympathetic sort of smile on her lips as she seems genuinely upset at his disappointment. "I imagine you must miss your exciting life back in Magnimar, no?"
The idea of a hunt is not something that immediately appeals to Izbela, although Aldern's offer to procure horses for them all certainly gets her attention. "That's very generous of you, Lord Foxglove. I'm sure, barring any new obligations with Father Zantus, we would be glad to join you," Bela says after a quick glance around the table to determine her companions' levels of interest. I hope he means to rent horses for us all. It would be an extravagant gift otherwise, even if we did save his life.
"You forgot to mention what your contribution to the hunt will be," Bela prompts, turning to give Kadrian her full attention. "I hope it involves showing us the finer points of horsemanship. I don't have much experience in riding, and I worry a little about my ability to stay in the saddle," she admits, looking a bit bashful for once.
"Haha, a boar hunt. Why not?" Rak laughs heartily, giving in to the noble's plans. I can see plainly he's not going to give up, so might as well enjoy what it is and will be.
"I doubt I'll ride well, but I'll take you up on the horse anyway; I'll need the poor beast to get me to the boar! But I'll fight the boar on my own two feet, where I have my balance."
Rak digs into the excellent spread in front of him. Turning to the server, he asks "Is this squid? What do they call it in Magnimar, Aldern," he continues, looking at the noble. "Calamari, right?"
Returning his attention to the server, he praises the dish. "It's really excellent. Tell Ameiko she's absolutely inspired."
"You forgot to mention what your contribution to the hunt will be," Bela prompts, turning to give Kadrian her full attention. "I hope it involves showing us the finer points of horsemanship. I don't have much experience in riding, and I worry a little about my ability to stay in the saddle," she admits, looking a bit bashful for once.
"I was able to bring my horse, Barley, from the ranch, this morning", smiled Kadrian, at first to Aldren, then Izbela. "Hopefully, I can introduce you after our meal has digested. He's tied up outside. I'm sure he'd love to stretch his legs."
"I doubt I'll ride well, but I'll take you up on the horse anyway; I'll need the poor beast to get me to the boar! But I'll fight the boar on my own two feet, where I have my balance."
"Say, Rak. Is it true that dwarves often use other animals than horses for mounts. I heard tales of dwarves using such creatures as giant centipedes as mounts. Is their any truth to that", question Kadrian.
The dwarf just looks at Kadrian for a moment, his face quickly moving from confused to bemused. "Centipedes?" He chuckles. "Maybe the dark dwarves do that. We call 'em duergar, but they're not rightly dwarves anyway, so no; not that I've heard of."
"Centipedes, haha."
"Truth be told, we don't like to ride much in any case. If we have to travel long distance, most would generally prefer to walk. Though in mixed company, we take horses or ponies." He looks at the humans and halfling surrounding him. "If this goblin mystery were to lead us to Magnimar, I don't imagine any of you would be interested in walking, would ya?" His gaze lands on Akulah, and he nods at the Shoanti. "Well, I suppose you'd walk with me, wouldn't ya?"
"We ride horses when we gotta ride," he says with a wink and a smile.
Raising his mug of ale to the dwarf, Kadrian smiles "If we need to travel to Magnimar, we'll just put everyone in a cart and be done with it.""
"A hunt, eh?" Akuleh looks very interested in Foxglove's suggestion. "Yes, a hunt sounds like just what I will need after yesterday's events. Thank you, Lord Foxglove. I am inclined toward the horse like Rak, though. My people tend to hunt on foot, at least once we find our prey." He nods at Kadrian as he mentions the generations-old techniques of his people, "You are right, my friend. We hunt much the same way today as we have for many hundreds of years. After all, a spear, by and large, will always be a spear. And a boar will always be a boar. Is that not so?"
About a half hour into the meal, the front door is flung open and crashes against the wall with a loud bang. An elderly Tian man storms in glaring around the room. He shouts out "where the hell is my daughter?"
Sandpoint natives recognize the man as Lonjiku Kaijitsu, one of Sandpoint's most well-known nobles and Ameiko's father. One of the tavern regular's points to the kitchen area behind the bar. Lonjiku stomps over to the bar and continues shouting "Ameiko! AMEIKO! Get your arse out her NOW!"
As he stands at the bar waiting, his vision wanders around the tavern and soon stops at Lord Foxglove's table. "Well, well. If it isn't our reckless heroes. You almost got people killed today. You should have stayed out of the way, let the town guards handle the goblins. You will bring more war and death to Sandpoint. And you, Kadrian. I should have known you would have be involved. What's wrong lad, not enough women in town for you to chase?"
"FATHER! That is enough!" Ameiko yells as she hustles over to the table. The old man turns to address his daughter.
At first, silenced by Lonjiku Kaijitsu's abrupt entrance and antics, Kadrian was dumbfounded as the rest of the patrons of The Rusted Dragon.
As he stands at the bar waiting, his vision wanders around the tavern and soon stops at Lord Foxglove's table. "Well, well. If it isn't our reckless heroes. You almost got people killed today. You should have stayed out of the way, let the town guards handle the goblins. You will bring more war and death to Sandpoint. And you, Kadrian. I should have known you would have be involved. What's wrong lad, not enough women in town for you to chase?"
"FATHER! That is enough!" Ameiko yells as she hustles over to the table. The old man turns to address his daughter.
Wiping his mouth on a napkin, Kadrian rises from his seat to address the elder noble.
"Greetings, Lord Kaijitsu", the swashbuckler says with a very slight nod of deference."You should look to that temper of yours, lest it damages your sterling reputation of level-headedness you have cultivated here in Sandpoint for lo these many years", said Kadrian, dripping with sarcasm.
"As for my previous..frivolity", continued Kadrian, in a more serious tone, "I don't do that anymore." The swashbuckler took a quick glance down at Izbela. "Maturity was bound to get me eventually."
Rak looks startled at the sudden appearance of this man who seems to be Ameiko's father, and quickly starts eyeing him with disfavor. That's no way to speak to Ameiko, family or no.
When the man starts laying into Rak and his companions, the dwarf stands up in a huff, ready to defend them--the look on his face revealing his angry intent--when Kadrian cuts off the dwarf's outburst with a far more reasoned response.
When Kadrian finishes, Rak simply adds on. "The lad speaks nicer than I feel. Sandpoint would have no Desnan temple today if we hadn't been there; the guards couldn't handle the goblins on their own. Don't speak of what you don't know, old man."
Akuleh remains seated through this new man's belligerent entrance, but looks up in confusion after the man makes his accusations. "Wait. Today? We faced no goblins today. The goblins attacked yesterday." The Shoanti stands in a flash, his spear suddenly in hand. "Has there been another attack?"
Though she would love nothing more in that moment to defend the actions of her and her companions, Izbela knows there's little to be gained in engaging someone so clearly spoiling for a fight. Especially not when that someone was a nobleman capable of ruining her family's livelihood. And so Izbela remains quiet, blushing uncomfortably when Lonjiku brings up Kadrian's history and taking a sip from her wine whenever the urge to tell Lord Kaijitsu what she thinks of him gets to be too much to bear.
The old noble simply looks at Kadrian with disdain, but when Rak responds his anger boils over. "And what would you know, dwarf?" As if the word dwarf itself was an insult.
"Hmmpph. Another drunken dwarf of Cayden whatshisname. How surprising."
Ameiko's hand finds her father's shoulder and spins him around. "What are you even doing here? Stop bothering my patrons!"
"Hmpph. As if our family had need of work. Come now. We are leaving this festering outhouse of a town." His eyes locked squarely on his daughter, he pays no attention to anyone else in the bar.
"Father, I'm not going anywhere. Despite what you think, this is my tavern and I'm not just walking away from it."
"I AM YOUR FATHER AND I SAID WE ARE LEAVING." His hand reaches up and grabs a handful of her hair.
Less than a second later the soupy ladle that Ameiko was holding swung up and clobbered the old man in the head, splattering fish stock and potatoes all over his hair and clothes. Lonjiku turns bright red and shouts "YOU'RE AS DEAD TO ME AS YOUR MOTHER!" and he turns and storms out, almost barreling over father Zantus coming in through the door. Ameiko sighs, her head hung low and shoulders slumped.
Kadrian quickly left his place at the table and closed to comfort his long-time friend.
Resting his hand on her slumped shoulder, Kadrian whispered to his tian friend, "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Ameiko. It will be alright".
Akuleh nearly leaps across the table as Lonjiku grabs at his daughter's hair. He has a whole speech ready about how this man may call himself a noble, but to raise one's hand against one's own children is the ignoble things one can do, when Ameiko's cudgel ladle smacks the older man in the head. The Shoanti is stunned into silence, and his shock continues at the man's fiery exit. As Kadrian makes his way over to Ameiko to comfort her, Akuleh sets his spear aside again and leans over, resting with his palms pressed into the edge of the table. A few quick breaths pass through him before Akuleh's anger boils up within him and he slams a fist into the table in anger. "Curse these days of darkness. It is not enough that they split families apart through death, but now they drive a wedge between father and daughter due to fear? These are grave days indeed."