Kazalin leans over to the closest Patron and asks, "What's happening with the teifling and Kimroth? Should we intervene?"
Goron Sighs.
Even with the rest of them speaking up for this tiefling. It seems that he seemed intent on pushing it.
He pitches out his voice to Kazalin;
"Nay. We do not. However should that tiefling once again be pushing buttons of Kimroth, I dare say that a brawl is inevitable though to be honest I have never seen Kimroth start one but does he finish one. Yes He does."
Halon moves closer to the the bartender keeping a close eye on him and the teifling. He's got his rapier strapped to his back and he prep'd a few spells before coming here.
Kazalin nods at Goron, "Alright then," Turning back to the barkeep, "So, about my drink...." He goes on about how crusaders are men, and how men drink ale.
Kelden frowned as the Tiefling continued to goad the innkeeper. He had spoken up for the unfortunate being and he had hoped that perhaps the matter was settled. He would have kept his voice quiet had he known the creature would... press its luck. "It certainly seems that the night catches up with us all. I certainly intend to enjoy the festival tomorrrow, so i should be heading to my room soon. I dont suppose i could offer to escort you about the festival tomorrow Ce-Eshna, even though you are the local." He asked with a slight blush.
Kazalin nods at Goron, "Alright then," Turning back to the barkeep, "So, about my drink...." He goes on about how crusaders are men, and how men drink ale.
Halon approaches the bar closer Excuse me he says to the bartender, Do you want him out of here,it looks like he's had one too many! Halon might as well score a few points with a local here,besides he's just about had enough of this man's rantings.
Kyra listened attentively to her companions as they all spoke of their homelands and the circumstances which had brought them together in this particular tavern. However, within a few moments her attention was once again drawn back to the tiefling, who it seemed was intent on being a nuisance.
Kyra did not like him. Her prejudice went beyond his appearance to his personality. He had a notion of superiority, an air of self-entitlement that grated her nerves. It was almost as if the tiefling felt he was owed certain entitlements due to the circumstances of his lineage. Being a half-blood, Kyra understood prejudice; however, this tiefling's audacity was appalling to her. Especially given that half of occupants of this establishment had put their own perverbial necks on the line for him to remain and patron the tavern...
The half-elf's contempt was undisguised as she glared at him with a clenched jaw; she was tempted to drag him out by his horns herself. Kelden's voice drew Kyra out of her thoughts and the sight of him reminded her to be more accepting of people. She rolls her eyes and turns her attention back to her comrades, they were more worthy of her attention.
Haroon shook his head sadly and turned back to the bar. He had seen what happened to those with tainted blood in places like this, often far too close for comfort. Gods help you brother, but I will not. You've made your bed, and now I'm afraid you must lie in it. He kept himself well wrapped in his cloak and sipped at his now cold cider.
Ce-Eshna looks back from the confrontation upon hearing her name and takes a few seconds to process the offer. With a small laugh, tinged slightly with the tension she was feeling she answers, "Well father isn't likely to let me wander alone anyway, he can be so overprotective sometimes, but you are certainly welcome to join us." and then perking up slightly, " Actually your presence might even let him ease up on me a bit so I would REALLY welcome that. He'd be summoning elementals right now to drag me home if he knew I'm come to the tavern instead of straight home off the border!" She giggles. Looking at the other two she grins mischeviously. Might even be fun to have the other two sniping at each other the whole time too at the very least it would keep fathers attention off me! "You guys want to come too?" she adds attempting to peer guileless.
With that she stands and moves a little bit closer to the confrontation. I've had enough of this pigheaded jerk. No one who insults Kimorth in his own commonroom twice deserves to be here. Bet I can take care of him without starting a brawl. Subtly she gathers her winds to her, breathing in as she does so. Releasing with enough force to draw all the dirt and spilled drink off the floor between her and the tiefling she attempts to knock over his chair and cover him in the refuse.
Fomiel's chair wobbles but remains upright. As the legs of his stool come to rest solidly on the ground the dirt and refuse splatter his posh clothing.
Valtyra watches Kimroth deal with the rude tiefling, she can see that many people are finding the man's company to be distasteful. Looking over she notices the young human male asking Kimroth to give him ale for joining the crusaders. Valtyra nods to Kimroth before reaching over the counter to retrieve the key to her room that he keeps. "I will speak to in the morning my friend." Valtyra then walks to the stares that are against the back wall and heads to her room for the night.
We'll this is turning sour quickly.
Alesie glares at the tiefling and shakes her head in disgust. "You really aren't for making friends are you? It's a shame as well, I have met some amazing people today. Maybe next time drop your elitist shenanigans and people will overlook your appearance."
Alesie finishes her glass of wine, and kindly asks Kimroth "Where might my room be located so I can get some rest for the festival in the morning?"
Haroon shakes his head and quickly banishes a sardonic grin from his face as refuse pelts the foppish tiefling. He then stands and bows to Tess and Fibbers. A pleasure to make your acquaintances. Best of luck to you both, and perhaps we will meet again.
Slightly tipsy, he makes his way up the stairs, nearly falling at one point. Although he does not loose his feet, it seems as though his cloak juts out behind him, for just an instant. He hurries up the stairs, and locks himself into his room for the night.
Keeping an eye on the teifling he half turns to address the woman."Third floor take the west stirs, the rooms have numbers that match the keys."
Feeling very tired and worn, the tavern door creaks and groans in protest to the great influx of people in such a small time. Its duty is not over yet for it indeed opens again, albeit with a certain reluctance on its swinging.
Somewhat indifferent to the door's silent consternation, an armored person walks into the spacious barroom. In any other tavern floor on any other date such a person would probably draw a lot of whispered questions and comments, but Armasse day on Kenabres was somewhat unusual on that regard. Chainmail, boiled leather and quilted cloth cover the person's skin, and an ample supply of blades hang heavy from the belts. A long spear with a leaf-shaped steel point seems to be roped on a large backpack full of the varied tools of any seasoned traveler.
The figure enters the room, and suddenly the spell is broken as its longspear is caught in the doorframe, making the newcomer lose its balance. A large pan falls off its spot in the backpack at that very moment, clanging on the ground before starting on a drunken course towards feet. Finding that a fine example of good, innocent fun, a bedroll frees itself from the tyranny of the backpack and unrolls itself, revealing a good pair of clean underwear at its finale.
Suffice it to say the person is startled and confused by a good, and long, moment.
How's that for a triumphant entrance?
The person gathers her wits before removing her helm. Then, she proceeds to drop the backpack, untie the longspear (leaving it near the door), re-roll the bedroll (while also trying to hide the clothes) and search around the room for her wayward pot. A quick glance and a quicker stride put her, backpack properly secured, in the right place.
Excuse me, goodfellow, I believe you have my pot.
Goron on his way to leave for his duties, picks up the pot and hands it back to its owner.
"Here, you might want to watch out for the length of your spear next time."
Making his way past her, he moves out and heads back towrds the darkness of the city, ready and watchful.
The armored woman smiles, picking her pot from the dwarf, and tries responding to him before he leaves:
In the courtyard I had no problems with it; I find that wielding it is easier than the carrying it. But thank you for your wise council, good man; say, aren't you the guardsman Boulderstep? I couldn't help but hear about your brave stand regarding that low knight mistreating his squire in the markets. I say it is well done, sir, and if you would let me, I mean to offer you a beer since that squire wasn't able to. Kindness should never go unrewarded on my watch.
Seeing that noone is giving him the time of day, and that things seem to have settled down, Halon leaves the tavern.
Kimroth, moves away from the Teifling, and returns to begin to close down that bar for the night. "I can poor a drink or two more but that's it for the evening. Most of my servers are done for the night and with the festival coming I need to get what rest I can."
|
With a shake of his head, Pollux snaps back to attention and realizes he had dozed off. Stealthily swallowing the drool that had protruded from his lip, he stands up preparing to head off to his room. "It has been a fine time my friends." he says. As he does so, he notices everyone's attention is still on the tiefling, who is now covered in dirt and scraps. He gives Kelden a hardy handshake and Kyra a polite bow. Then walking toward the back of the inn, he catches Ce-Eshna's eye and puts his hands on her shoulders. "I would love to attend this festival with you and your father. If you are any evidence, I am sure it will be a pleasure to meet him." he gives her a friendly kiss on both cheeks, blissfully unaware that she tried to start a food fight with the tiefling, and retires for the night.
"My thanks Kimroth. Alesie states, before slowly making her way to her room, the events of that evening having left her thoroughly exhausted.
The evening begins to die down and the excitement with the tiefling seemed to be the liveliest part of the evening. Kimroth begins to close down the kitchen as many of the patrons either go upstairs to their rooms for the night or depart to their homes for the evening.
"Good night all, keep yerselves safe I heard something bout a joust commin up soon to kick off some of the festivities. Best check up in Old Kenebras. Ye wouldn't want to be missing that."
Fireday, 9th of Arodus, 4713, Age of Lost Omens
A small corwed has gathered in Clydwell Plaza in anticipation of some pre-festival jousting. The riders seem to be mostly squires and young men trying to prove their worth. While the list is small it is also open for nearly any one who wants to take a tilt. It of course would be frowned upon for any seasoned warrior to battle the green boys competing.
To the west the Kite can be seen. A two-story stone keep, it houses the wardstone that helps keep demons from overrunning the Worldwound's borders. It's presence serving as a constant reminder that despite it's proximity to the worldwound Kenabrass is protected from the worst the demons can throw at it.
Eterrius Sunnestier, stands near the grounds bedecked in gleaming full-plate emblazoned with Iodame's holy sword. The demon-hunter and priest, holds most of the leadership duties at the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. Rumor has it that the winner of the small tournament will be given a special blessing, given an audience with the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, and finally be granted a place of honor during the opening ceremonies of Armasse. Grand prizes in deed and well worth the risk of a few injuries.
Sam had been given leave by Sir Enoch to explore the festival free of his charge - so long as the squire didn't get sticky fingers and dip into the purses of the other festival goers.
Still, it was easy for the short gunslinger to get overlooked amongst the crowds. Heading towards the jousting, Sam is content to watch for now. There's hardly any competitions that seem worthwhile. Maybe some of the archery contests if there were any, if there was a bow to be borrowed.
He always was an early riser, a fine thing since it gave him a chance to say another prayer and contemplate what miracles of faith ((read spells)) to request from the Dawnflower. He would probably certainly focus on healing, just in case an accident happened and he was nearby. He took a light breakfast and a glance about the commmon room, preferring to get out early enough to get a light walk about the Plaza to get his bearings
He knew he should have made better plans than a vague 'I would like to escort you about the festival' question, especially since she was a local. Still, walking about the festival it should be easy enough to find her. The jousting indeed looked interesting and part of him wanted to try it, though he had never done anything like that at all at home. It wasnt that he wasnt at home on a horse, just the idea of riding a charging horse, taking a stick and trying to knock someone else off a charging horse certainly had to be harder than it sounded.
He did hear mention of the winner possibly meeting the great silver dragon Terendelev,and that was indeed an intruiging reward. He found himself near the lists wondering how reckless it would be for him to try.
Why would anyone want to meet with a dragon? I'd be nothing more than a tender morsel for such a creature! Xaivan slides through the crowd as the rumors swirl around the entire city. The halfling considers passing the time by trying his hand at pilfering the purses of the bystanders as he makes his way.
The Kite looks no worse for wear, at least not that I can recall. The rogue comments to himself. While is memories are few of this place he doesn't recognize some of the more notable features of the city. Xaivan's thoughts then turn back to the festival and the competitions that are being held. I have to wonder if my archery skills are up to snuff? Maybe if I were to win I wouldn't have to meet the dragon, maybe a handmaiden that will do my bidding would be available instead!
With that, the halfling tries to find more about any said archery competitions. Can't hurt to ask!
Haroon keeps to the edges of the crowd, his faded maroon cloak gripped tightly about his shoulders. Noticing Sam Jakobs in the crowd, he recognizes him from the inn last night. Leaning next to the slight youth, and against his better judgment, he ventured a greeting. You were there last night, at the Defender's Heart. I'm Haroon. Are you going to try a tilt?
A slight breeze and a tap on his shoulder announces Ce-Eshna's presence as she walks up behind Kelden with a grin, excitedly dragging her father along behind her. It's hard to believe that the man she introduces could possibly be her father. His complexion is olive-skinned, with age making it appear almost as tanned leather and she nearly as pale as snow. While she was dressed nicely it was plain in comparison to her father's regalia; a ring on each finger, multiple amulets and pendants, jewels dangling from his ears, a silken robe embroidered with gold stitching, and even an elaborate golden piece entwined within his long graying beard. There are some similarities in the style of hair but even with the older man's starting to turn grey in streaks the original black still contrasts starkly with her white locks. However when he speaks there is no mistaking the relation as it is clear she inherited his smooth voice and talent. He introduces himself as Sukijhinder Lightfoot as he scrutinizes Kelden. After a moment his gaze becomes less judging and turns to Ce-Eshna, giving her leave to have this, and he emphasizes the word in a matter that can universally be understood as a warning to any young man about the fathers intention, GENTLEMAN escort her for the day so she doesn't have to attend the "boring old people stuff".
Barely contained Ce-Eshna manages to hold off her little victory dance until her father is out of sight. "By the light if I was cooped up in one of the libraries or temples all day with the scholars I think I would have cried! Any idea if I've missed the archery competition yet? Father always takes forever getting ready and so help me I want to show off for my new friends! Have you got anything to eat yet? Theres always delicious food at the vendors! Kimroth usually has a tent set up too where we could get a stout drink! Did you see Eterrius Sunnestier, he looks so lordly today!" The words seem to pour out from the excited young lady though it is not unpleasant and leaves the impression of a strong wind making it's music in the leaves of a forest. You may start to wonder what you've gotten yourself into though...
A slight breeze and a tap on his shoulder announces Ce-Eshna's presence as she walks up behind Kelden with a grin, excitedly dragging her father along behind her. It's hard to believe that the man she introduces could possibly be her father. His complexion is olive-skinned, with age making it appear almost as tanned leather and she nearly as pale as snow. While she was dressed nicely it was plain in comparison to her father's regalia; a ring on each finger, multiple amulets and pendants, jewels dangling from his ears, a silken robe embroidered with gold stitching, and even an elaborate golden piece entwined within his long graying beard. There are some similarities in the style of hair but even with the older man's starting to turn grey in streaks the original black still contrasts starkly with her white locks. However when he speaks there is no mistaking the relation as it is clear she inherited his smooth voice and talent. He introduces himself as Sukijhinder Lightfoot as he scrutinizes Kelden. After a moment his gaze becomes less judging and turns to Ce-Eshna, giving her leave to have this, and he emphasizes the word in a matter that can universally be understood as a warning to any young man about the fathers intention, GENTLEMAN escort her for the day so she doesn't have to attend the "boring old people stuff".
Barely contained Ce-Eshna manages to hold off her little victory dance until her father is out of sight. "By the light if I was cooped up in one of the libraries or temples all day with the scholars I think I would have cried! Any idea if I've missed the archery competition yet? Father always takes forever getting ready and so help me I want to show off for my new friends! Have you got anything to eat yet? Theres always delicious food at the vendors! Kimroth usually has a tent set up too where we could get a stout drink! Did you see Eterrius Sunnestier, he looks so lordly today!" The words seem to pour out from the excited young lady though it is not unpleasant and leaves the impression...
Kelden stayed as silent as one possible could during the brief inspection, for a moment he was about to protest what the man though his intention was with his daughter...but then the young cleric realized maybe the man wasn't that far off and that thought almost made him color.
I don't believe so, about the archery competition, I mean." He began smiling earnestly enough. He allowed her to 'drag' him through the crowds towards the food, in a way glad she had shown up when she did, he might have found himself falling from a horse otherwise.
"are you an accomplished archer?" He found himself questioning, easily enough swept away by her excitement. This was all he could hope for and more. It never did occur to him to ask much more about the lordly man presiding over things seemingly. In fact he couldn't find himself asking about much of anything, maybe in a way she was right, maybe a good stout drink could take some of the edge off.
The elder paladin walks slowly through the gathering crowds, looking for a good spot to watch the festivities. Never was much with a lance, certainly can't shoot the bow anymore. Even so, it's amazing that there's hope so close to destruction here, he thinks to himself. Armor polished, a massive tower shield slung over a shoulder with the obvious intent to find no use for it this day, and the silver holy symbol of Iomedae prominently displayed around his neck distract from the fine lines and grey hairs of his age. It's a young man's world now, he thinks. Looking over and seeing a couple of the boisterous women from the previous night in the Defender’s Heart among the crowd, he smiles and amends his thoughts. Young women’s too.
Finding a seat near the edge of the stands, where his shield can rest without hindering anyone else’s view, the grey haired man begins to watch… everything, looking for all intents and purposes as someone who’s never seen a festival such as this. Or at least, hasn’t seen one in many years. And for the briefest of moments, the lines on his face soften and at least a few of the years seem to lift off his shoulders.
"Ha! That's rich." Sam comments with a grin to them. "I'm not much for riding. Or for jousting. I might be a squire, but I'm definitely not knight material. Like that guy," The gunslinger points out the armored old man with the massive shield. "I'm more of a 'stay back and take a couple pot shots' kind of g-uy."
Sam shrugs before looking back at the next match, wincing as they slammed their blunted lances against each other's armor in such spectacular fashion, one of them nearly being unseated. "Want to do a little betting? I bet that the green guy will beat the purple one in the next tilt. I'll put a silver piece on that."
Tess began the day of the festival the same as she did most days: chores. While most of Karl and Linnae's farm had long since been sold off in parcels to the burgeoning city, they still kept a pen of chickens, a few hogs, and a milk cow, none of which understood the concept of a day off. But Linnae was sympathetic to the nervous energy that kept her foster daughter buzzing around the house, and gave her work the most rudimentary of inspections before shooing her ward out of the house. "Off ta th' festival with yeh, then; an' stay off'n those joustin' ponies!" Of course, Linnae's assumptions were slightly off-base; Tess was eager to leave the house to spend time secretly playing with her fox kit, and she knew that the hubbub of the festival would make it easier to slip past the guards.
Once reunited with little Sorua and brimming with the energy she found so hard to describe, the slight girl slipped back into the city and let the bustling crowds push her to where the food vendors were hawking their aromas. She took a warm, cheesy bun stuffed with street meat as she wandered, slipping bites of the cooked flesh to the nose barely visible from the folds of her red capelet. From a distance, she saw a breezy girl tugging a stiff man from vendor to vendor, and smiled as a flash of recognition passed over her. She's got a friend with her today!, thought Tess, giggling as she saw the man's face- overwhelmed, nervous, and loving every moment of it.
Point taken, Haroon responds, grin for grin. Still, I think the purple one's got the size and the reach advantage, and I'll take that bet.
Haroon proffers up a silver piece of his own and settles in while the contestants trot back to take their places for the next tilt. Noticing the elder knight, Haroon shook his head. I'm amazed he can even stand up with all that steel on him. I don't think I could take two steps... He must be very strong. I wonder why he's not competing...
The raven from the previous evening flies down from the crenelations atop the Kite, landing gently on Haroon's shoulder. It caws racously, in a strange cadence.
Haroon flicks his fingers distractedly at the bird, who takes wing only to land on the young man's other shoulder, and nip playfully at his ear.
Ow! Obragon! That really hurt! he cries out as the bird takes wing, its grating quorks sounding strangely like laughter as it settles in the mud on the edge of the jousting field, and digs for worms.
Sorry about that, Haroon grimaces as he turns his attention back to Sam. That blasted bird is more trouble than he's worth sometimes.
Even though still reeling from the shame of her earlier entrance, Aurora walks to the plaza with purpose. Almost skipping on the cobblestones to swiftly approach the crowd, she stops only to touch the foot of a Iomedean statue and say a quick prayer for good luck. The excitement, palpable in the air, quickly takes over the young woman, propelling her to the path of her cause. Even if that cause right now is to fill an empty stomach.
Excuse me, good man, would you kindly part with one - she pauses, looking around and finding a familiar face in the crowd - nay, two of those mystery meet cheesy buns, if you will. Mind filling this waterskin with some of that watered ale to wash it all down? Five coppers? Hmn, alright, but just because you got me in a good mood.
Carilain found his bed late, there had been much to see and hear in the common room of the Defender's Heart.
He wakes early and heads down to see what Mr Otai is serving for breakfast. Then it is out to Clydwell Plaza to take in the sights.
Painfully conscious of his near empty coin purse, Carilain wonders if he could, perhaps make some coin at the archery range. The trouble is, he is only a mediocre archer. Still, the belt pouch needs to have more coin in it. An elf does not live on spider wisps and pure thoughts...
Carilain recognizes the fellow he had been talking to the night before, as well as the person with the gun. At least Carilain thinks that is what the strange device had been. He had heard stories, but never seen an actual gun before.
The two seem to be involved in an animated conversation, so Carilain decides to join them.
"Hello there." Carilain greets Haroon. "I see you survived the night. Things looked like they might get ugly there at the last."
Carilain had waited for a lull in Sam and Haroon's conversation, before intruding.
Turing again the two riders race forward at each other. The one in green lands a solid blow and his lance shatters into sharp splinters off wood against the shield of the purple knight. His lance however strikes true in the center of the green's chest and unseats him. As he hits the dirt he lays still, stunned from the impact. A younger boy rushes out and pulls the dented helmet revealing a young man barely 15. He groans and is dragged away to a small white tent with the symbol of Iomedae embroidered in gold thread.
A fanfare is blown and a crier call for those wishing to participate in the Archery tournament to proceed to west side of the plaza. Those who do find that a range has been set up with targets place about 25 yards from the field. A human woman sits behind a small table with a line of prospective archers before her. Behind her is a cart full of brightly flettched arrows and a few old and worn shortbows. She seems exasperated with a young boy no older then 10 clutching a longbow bigger then he is. "No you can't compete without the fee. It's one Silver Dragon to enter. No coin no tournament."
Kelden stood there watching as folk began to sign up and the young boy. He paused for a moment glancing to his pretty companion at the moment and he colored. "I'll pay his entrance fee." he said reaching for his coin purse. He didnt think he stood any chance of beating any trained archers except with luck, but it was good to have hopes and dreams. He pulled the coin out and tossed it to the boy. Offering him the barest of smiles.
Aurora fetches the "delicacies" and approaches the stands, sitting next to the aging knight.
Pardon me, good sir, but aren't you the paladin Mordan Greylocke? You served in the temple when my father left me in there - I was this short, had twin braids and a penchant for stray dogs? My father is Sir Eodric Godfrey, mayhaps you have crossed swords in the yard with him? And, more importantly, I find myself overburdened by this cheesy delicacy - perhaps the kind sir might come to my rescue and have this one?
Defender's Heart
Kyra slept well after her arduous journey to the north, she could not remember the last time she had slept in a proper bed with a pillow and blanket; it was glorious. She awoke, as she always did, with the dawn and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She dressed, gathered her belongings, and left the Inn with a flirtatious smile to Kimroth. "I've not slept that soundly in months, dear Kimroth, thank you for maintaining such a notable establishment." She leans in closely to the one-armed human. "Perhaps we could arrange a mutual arrangement. Nightly performances for perhaps room and board? Think on it, I shall return this eve to receive your answer." She patted his cheek with a wink before disappearing through the door in a swirl of her skirt.
Clydwell Plaza
Kyra maintained a constant smile as she looked around at the plaza and all the myriad people in the city. Despite the danger looming around this place, Kenabres appeared to be in fairly good spirits. Much of that, she assumed, was due to the festivities...
The bard stared in awe at the gleaming full-plate of Lord Sunnestier. Inwardly she hopes to one day command the presence the priest carries over the crowd. 'One day Els, maybe one day they will sing your songs.' She wanders around the plaza taking in much of the sights and spots several familiar faces from the Inn last night until she recognizes two very familiar faces. She grins mischievously as she sneaks upon the two...
She slips her arms around their waists as she comes up behind Ce-Eshna and Kelden. "Lordly indeed!" she exclaimed in answer to Ce-Eshan's question. "Hello dears, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" She grins and winks at Kelden.
"I'll pay his entrance fee." ... He pulled the coin out and tossed it to the boy. Offering him the barest of smiles.
The boy looks to Kelden the faintest hint of tears in the corners of his eyes. "Th-thank you sir." He places the coin down on the table in front of the woman. As he walks onto the field he seems to stand a little straighter. He looks back and for a moment his dark eyes seem to flash silver.
As the line moves through, each paying withe the silver coins embossed with the image of a dragon, the field of contestants begins to fill. Most are the young and brave, hopping to catch the attention of a knight. Some like the boy, carry bows that clearly belonged to an older family member, some bare signs of use in combat.
Another, clearly the oldest boy, wields a darkwood bow. Its handle craved with a delicate design, a long tail and horns visible, though most is hidden by his hand.
Haroon notices the strange flash of silver on the boy's eyes, and Kimroth's words regarding the potential prize, and the audience that accompanied it echoed through his mind. Hmmm, I wonder... With a dsitracted nod for Carilain, Haroon pinches his left thumb, middle and index fingers together and chants strange syllables in a low, sing-song voice.
Dʻrzʻn wwyyatʻr dʻrzʻn
He moves forward and studies the boy whose entrance fee Kelden paid intently, happening to capture the boy with the darkwood bow as well, all thoughts of collecting his silver from Sam banished for the moment.
Here are some Kn(arcana) checks if warranted.
Ce-Eshna starts at the friendly ambush but smiles when she sees who it is. Her grin widens even further at Kelden's show of generosity. Giving them both a peck on the cheek she rushes forward to sign up for the contest. Paying her fee she draws and strings her well worn longbow. As she takes her place she turns and scans the crowd until she spots her new friends and waves frantically so they know where to watch.
Xaivan hears the sound that signals the start of the signups for the archery event. Why not? Its been a while since you'll tested yourself with one of these bows, give it a shot. For a silver, the risk is worth the reward... especially if I can trade the dragon chat for a wench!
The halfling witnesses the kind feat demonstrated by the Keleshite, thinking the move was indeed charitable. As the boy pays and moves away he comments, Sometimes all you need is to be able to chase a dream to make it happen. Who knows what you started by paying his way. The halfling looks up at the man and gives him a smile. Care to pay my way? I might be shorter than he is! I could use a little luck too! With a laugh, mostly to himself, Xaivan pays his own way and moves into position for the competition.
Defender's Heart
Kyra slept well after her arduous journey to the north, she could not remember the last time she had slept in a proper bed with a pillow and blanket; it was glorious. She awoke, as she always did, with the dawn and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She dressed, gathered her belongings, and left the Inn with a flirtatious smile to Kimroth. "I've not slept that soundly in months, dear Kimroth, thank you for maintaining such a notable establishment." She leans in closely to the one-armed human. "Perhaps we could arrange a mutual arrangement. Nightly performances for perhaps room and board? Think on it, I shall return this eve to receive your answer." She patted his cheek with a wink before disappearing through the door in a swirl of her skirt.
Clydwell Plaza
Kyra maintained a constant smile as she looked around at the plaza and all the myriad people in the city. Despite the danger looming around this place, Kenabres appeared to be in fairly good spirits. Much of that, she assumed, was due to the festivities...
The bard stared in awe at the gleaming full-plate of Lord Sunnestier. Inwardly she hopes to one day command the presence the priest carries over the crowd. 'One day Els, maybe one day they will sing your songs.' She wanders around the plaza taking in much of the sights and spots several familiar faces from the Inn last night until she recognizes two very familiar faces. She grins mischievously as she sneaks upon the two...
She slips her arms around their waists as she comes up behind Ce-Eshna and Kelden. "Lordly indeed!" she exclaimed in answer to Ce-Eshan's question. "Hello dears, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" She grins and winks at Kelden.
Kelden jumped as Kyra slid up to them and he colored at both her question and her wink. "No, no of course not." He began nervously blushing a bit even more so when Ce-Eshna gave him a little peck on the cheek. He was glad she followed suite with Kyra, It at least gave him a moment to take a deep breath.
"How is the morning treating you? Do you plan on signing up for the competition?" He asked the Dervish trying to hide her nervousness.He should have spent more time in public growing up within the temple, that much was obvious. The two pretty maids had him flustered but Ce-Eshna's wave managed to catch his eye and prevent him from staring too much at the lithe and graceful dervish.
"They have a joust here besides the archery compition, I wonder if they plan to have a melee as well I don't believe I have much of a chance in these compitions otherwise." He stated plain enough thankful to be able to have something to watch to keep him from staring at both Ce-Eshna or Kyra.
The Defender's Heart Inn
After his conversation with the barkeep and the half-orc, Jokum thanks them both and returns to his room. He spends the night in solitude, rises early, and sets off to explore the city.
Clydwell Plaza
By the time Jokum arrives in the plaza, the city is already wide awake and the square is packed with people. The big man with golden eyes seems edgy and uncomfortable, frequently checking his surroundings and startling whenever passersby bump into him. He frowns as he listens to the babble around him.
They have a silver dragon protector, do they? ...And one willing to meet with the winners of the tourney. Dragons are supposed to know many secrets. Perhaps...perhaps this one will be able to shed some light on what happened to me.
His mind made up, Jokum strides to the archery contest, and pays his entrance fee. He recognizes several faces from the inn last night, but says nothing to them, simply stringing his longbow and testing the draw gently. He checks the wind and eyes the distance to the target.
I need to win this.
Alesie wakes with a start, the sun shining through her window at the Defender's Heart.
O Desna, please say I didn't sleep through it again!
She quickly scrambles to grab her belongings, rushing down the stairs and out into the plaza, dressing along the way. "Thank you for the room" she yells over her shoulder as she burst through the tavern and out into the city.
Clydwell Plaza
Alesie arrives to a festival already well under way, stopping quickly as she reaches the plaza. Where is that archery range again? This place is always bigger then I remember it to be.
Orientating herself more closely to the plaza, Alesie rushes off towards the archery competition, running to the sign-up table.
"Not... missing...again this year..... Sign-up for one." Alesie struggles to say, trying to catch her breath. She reaches down and procures the necessary fees.
lol
Carilain might have felt slighted at being ignored by Haroon, but his own attention was caught by the sight of the elf girl from Kimroth's last night, walking by. He had wanted to talk to her, but things had gotten a bit chaotic last night. He had not had the chance.
"Yeah, later."
Carilain heads over to the archers line, getting in queue behind Alesie Nori, though he does not know that is her name yet. "Hi." Carilain smiles. "I saw you at the Defender's Heart last night. I wanted to talk to you then, but there was too much other stuff going on. Are you from Kyonin?" Carilain looks a little bit flustered. Ah, I'm called Carilain Riveroak. I'm kind of missing home, so I wanted to to talk to someone from there."
Carilain pays his silver to enter the tourney. His is stamped with an eagle on one side and a pair of evergreens on the other, but it is good silver and not shaved at all.