Toban narrows his eyes as Adolina snatches him up out of his seat and he stumbles a little before regaining his footing. Just as he's about to start dancing he hears the scream coming from outside. He quickly draws his greatsword to his side and shouts to his compatriots "Adolina, Fulito we are needed outside." he says as he sprints towards the door.
Let the slapstick insure.
Many of the patrons gave wide eyes as Toban and Adolina drew their weapons and heads towards the door. Outside, Lonjiku is screaming at four guards, pointing towards the kobold-heading for the Rusty Dragon. They each draw their bows, and aim at the kobold, ready to fire should he attack anyone.
Toban opens the door to the rusty dragon and takes a step out and then freezes as he sees 4 guards, bows drawn and pointed at him. "What is the meaning of this" he roars in anger. He then looks around and notices the Kobald. "Oh...thats the meaning of all this..." he says matter of factly. "Guards lower your weapons I got this" he says smugly. He will then drop his sword and walk up and try to grapple the Kobald to restrain it.
Azzerix blinks as he looks back at the guards taking aim at what he thought was him. Until he turned around to find a human trying to grapple him... and succeeding. He struggles for a moment before giving in, looking unamused at the impromptu hug.
"...I'm going to assume you are trying to, very unwisely, I might add, prove your worth as my First Talon by demonstrating your physical might. Because that is the only reason I can think of that does not involve you having a death wish. Grabbing a dragon is very poor judgement, softskin." Looking back at Ethan, he heaved another sigh before adding. "Still, you are impressively strong. If you so wish, you can be Second Talon, at least until you learn proper regard for a dragon's majesty."
He pointed at the guards who had their weapons drawn. "You may have to fight them for the privilege, however. I believe they contest your ability to serve my might."
"Look guys I've fouled the horrible beast, you can lower your weapons now and go back to your posts. I'm sure there are much bigger threats to sandpoint than a delusional lizard who thinks he's a dragon."
The guards lower their bows, only for Lonjiku to yell, "NO! Kill that lizard, kill it now!"
After a couple of minutes of the guards doing nothing but looking at each other, the old man grabs a bow and tries to aim at the kobold-only to have a hard time holding it.
Toban walks very calmly up to the old coot and reaches out and grabs the bow in one hand, holding Azzerix in the other. "No need to spill blood today sir, now go tend to your business." He will tighten his grip on the bow and is preparing to throw the man to the ground if needed.
Ethan turns to the man called Lonjiku and addresses him in a calm, but firm voice.
"Good sir, remember the importance of this day. This is the Swallowtail Festival. A new cathedral is being dedicated! Everyone should be celebrating and rejoicing; that cannot happen if blood is spilled before the eyes of children. Please, allow us to take this matter in hand, with as little disturbance to the community as possible."
Azzerix seems to just be patiently waiting for Toban to set him down. "He's right, old one. If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be able to scream about it, because I would have frozen your very voice. However, if you really want to die, refer to my majesty as 'lizard' again. See what happens."
Lonjiku scolds at both Ethan and Toban. "This disgusting little lizard just tried to kill me and you're defending it?!" he yells at both of them, "I'll make sure you'll regret ever letting that devil live!"
He storms off, elbowing a half-elf woman to the ground. Before anyone can stop him, the customers from inside the Rusty Dragon come storming out, wanting to see this kobold for themselves.
Toban looks at the Kobald sternly and gives him a tight squeeze "Make me regret this and it will be the last thing you do. You seem intelligent enough so I'm sure you know there are a multitude of ways I could cause you pain before I kill you. Don't make me regret saving you. He sets the little lizard down and then walks over to Adolina and offers her a hand up. "Rude little bugger wasn't he"
Azzerix growls a bit at being squeezed, snarling back quietly. "I would say the same for your own intelligence, but I'm questioning that after your behavior. Just for that, you're demoted to Third Talon."
Azzerix dusted himself off and furled out his cape again, before looking back at the others. "And you!" He pointed at Ethan. "Are my Second Talon now! And if the old one irritated you, why not kill him? You have my permission, if that is what you want, as well as full reign to slay anyone who questions my might! He does not deserve the privilege of death at my breath. And now I have completely forgotten what I was doing!"
"There is no purpose to killing him," Ethan replies. "He is elderly and mistrustful of strangers in his community. That does not warrant a death sentence; it requires patience and understanding."
He turns his attention to the large man and the red-haired half-elf. "My thanks for your assistance. The great dragon, here, does not seem intent on violence, but its motives are, as of yet, inscrutable. My name is Ethan Sower, servant of the Elkfather, Erastil."
He extends a hand in greeting.
As the commotion was going on outside, Fulito did his best to calm the other patrons hopefully preventing an all out riot should things really escalate.
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He sets the little lizard down and then walks over to Adolina and offers her a hand up. "Rude little bugger wasn't he"
"Ouch. Yes, yes he was." Adolina takes Toban hand thankfully and levers herself off the ground. She smiles gratefully at him before sheathing her sword and turning to the newcomers.
"Greetings Ethan Sower. My name is Adolina, House Jhaltera. Thank you for your assistance, this could have turned volatile very quickly."
She turns and crouches down to look the 'mighty dragon' in the eye. "While I agree that the old gentleman was annoying that does not mean that he deserves death - respect is a path traveled in both directions. The young should respect their elders wisdom and the elders should respect the integrity and ability of the young.
My name is Adolina d'Jhaltera and, if you are willing, I would be delighted to discuss the importance of law and order at a later date. Meanwhile..." At this her face slips into its more natural smile "I suspect you heard our music and wished to join the fun? If you come inside I will introduce you to Fulito, our master musician."
Adolina turns around and sticks her head in the door. "Don't worry everyone, just a minor scuffle. No harm done." She looks at Fulito and tries to mime playing the squeeze box, hoping he'll take the hint.
"...you haven't had much experience with dragons, have you?" Azzerix replied, looking up before shaking his head. "Of all the tribes I could have dominion over, I have found the one with no appreciation of the majesty and might of an almighty dragon! Gah!" The kobold threw his hands in the air like he simply stopped caring, before pressing his way inside.
"I heard music and cheering, so I naturally presumed, in conjunction with this festival you seem to be setting up, it was in celebration of my arrival. I mean, you could've gotten ANY simpering wyrmling, but your tribe is graced with the majesty that is THE Winter Dragon! THE force that makes Old Man Winter shake with fear at the mere thought of my frozen breath!" Azzerix huffed as he passed the halfling, looking at his instrument before looking up at him. "You! You play music, yes? Play a song in honor of my glory and I may grace you with the title of my Herald... for however long I choose to lay claim to this pitiable realm. I'm not even sure a tribe so poorly educated in receiving a mighty being like myself deserves the protection and honor that comes with basking in my presence!"
He looked at the other larger races as if he were a parent disappointed in their child before finding a chair in front of the tavern fireplace (naturally the largest one available) and slumped into it. He stared at the flames as he rested his maw in his hand, rubbing his chin as he muttered to himself. "I bet this back cavern snarl could not even muster the wealth to grace my treasure horde... so unfortunate..."
...well, at least he was quiet for now.
Toban will make his way into the bar and go up to the tien woman "Make sure your servers don't serve anything alcoholic to that Kobold over there...he seems delusional. You may want to keep an eye on him as well but I'll be watching him."
Ethan moves closer to the others, trying to keep his voice low.
"I do not know what to make of it," he whispers. "Every tale I've heard of kobolds is that they are clever, dangerous, and thoroughly evil. This one seems to be living inside a fantasy of its own making. I am concerned that this is a manipulation, part of some scheme of which we are not yet aware. I felt, for the moment at least, keeping an eye on it was better than bludgeoning it to death in the town square."
He glances over his shoulder at the creature sitting by the fire.
"I can honestly say it is the last thing I would have imagined being at a cathedral dedication ceremony."
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"It is thoroughly strange" Adolina responds, a small frown line creasing her forehead. "I agree about kobolds in general, the reading I've done on them is derogatory in the extreme. I've never seen, or heard of, a white one before however - could that be the cause of it's megalomania?"
She looks around at Toban and Ethan. "What do you suggest we do with it? I agree this is neither the time nor the place for violence. Perhaps surveillance is more in order, as you suggested Mr Sower."
By now Adolina is grimacing openly. "It was even more rude than the old man though. I am not simply going to flatter him. Let us see how it act and then decide if it is worthy of the awe it seems to expect."
Canton gets up from his plate of salmon. Although he has so far been unaffected by any of the music or shouting, the scent of kobold proves too interesting for the warhound and he lopes quietly over toward to the kobolds chair. He sniffs curiously but makes no threatening moves.
Azzerix, for his part, seems content to stay in his new "throne" and ponder quietly, though Canton approaching and sniffing him does cause him to look over to see who dared come forth. Realizing it was a dog, Azzerix heaved a sigh as he spoke quietly to the animal.
"...I know, I am majestic to behold. At least you comprehend that.. only the second to do so today. So why can't any of these softskins?" He reaches a claw down to absentmindedly pet the dog as he carried on this "conversation" with him. "In my tribe, we would be worshiping a dragon who declared our home his dominion! Worship! I presumed these softskins were setting up a festival to welcome me, and celebrating my arrival, but so far, nothing!"
Azzerix flipped his clawed feet up to rest sideways on the chair as he clasped his hands on his stomach. "I mean, you're born with the blessing of Dahak - the First Dragon himself! - and it gets you nothing! You spend weeks thinking of the perfect moniker to strike fear into the hearts of those who would oppose you, and not so much as a quiver or stutter! What must a dragon do to get some proper supplication around here?"
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Interesting... he's not quite as arrogant as I though. Perhaps I was... I'll try an apology. Maybe we can have a civil coversation that way...
Adolina, seeing how Canton and Azzerix are getting on, comes over and sits on the chair opposite him.
"I wish to offer my apologies, I was rude a moment ago. Canton seems to like you and that means a lot to me." Adolina offers Azzreix a hand to shake. "It is a pleasure to meet a figure of your... unusual... magnificence."
Fulito was still a bit winded from his Stomp song, and decided that he needed a bit of a break.
He goes to find a seat suited to his size,
Taking advantage of the offer of a free round of drinks. I don't suppose that free ale would include a bowl of stew would it? he asks with a smile.
If so, he then orders a second bowl of stew. with extra potatoes.
"Is there time to eat before the dedication? I am hungry, but I would not want to miss the ceremony if it is about to start," Ethan asks one of the serving wenches.
Ameiko stood dumbfounded for a bit, giving Toban a nod before returning to serving food and drinks. Once she's done, she walks up to the kobold. "Hey," she smiles, "Mind if I tell you something? About that old man?"
One of the wenches gave Fulito another bowl of potato stew, then she looks at Ethan. "Yes, the festival won't start for...another hour I believe? Enough time to have a meal."
Almost immediately when Adolina approached (and he noticed), Azzerix bolted upright in his seat and sat as if he'd been like that the entire time, sitting regally. Cocking his head to one side at her introduction, Azzerix nodded silently before responding. "Yes, yes it was."
...well, it was worth a shot.
"However, in my musings, I have seen no reason to deny you forgiveness! It seems clear that your kind are simply unable to process what is happening, as is typical of you softer races." He reached down, petting Canton again before speaking. "Of course he likes me. What's not to like!? I am a glorious white dragon!"
Azzerix paused to look around, making sure nobody was listening in on him, before leaning in closer to Adolina and hissing. "...actually, and do not be shocked by what I am about to disclose, but I am, in fact, not a true dragon." Perhaps not as mad as he appeared. "I am actually the reincarnation of a mighty white dragon who was laid low by a red one some decades ago." Oooooor, perhaps even crazier than he appeared. "BUT, I have a reputation to uphold, so the name of Althazzerix the White Storm does not fade. I must step up and act mighty, as it is my birthright and burden to bear."
Leaning back, he resumed his usual level of high brow behavior. "However! I shall forgive your trespasses for now... though I am still not certain this tribe deserves the honor, protection and reputation that my presence affords!"
Ameiko's approach catches him slightly offguard, but as she speaks, he perks his fringes up. "Say no more, I already know enough of him! He clearly is delusional, believing his frail frame is capable of overcoming the might that is a white dragon! I do not care for his presence... but I am all to aware that elderly ones have trouble refraining from senile ramblings and behavior. Talons! You no longer have my permission to slay the old one! Let him rave, so long as it is harmless."
"Wonderful," Ethan replies to the barmaid, smiling. He fishes into his pouch for a handful of coins. "A bowl of that delicious-smelling stew, please, and a mug of your house ale. How much will that be?" He sifts through the coins in his hand, unsure whether to offer copper or silver.
The maid just smiled back, "Five copper coins, please."
Ameiko just stared at the kobold, and just laughed. "Honestly, you shouldn't care for his presence. He's not delusional, but he is an ass. Though...I would make sure your 'Talons' keep an eye on you. He has a reputation for...striking out at anyone who gets in his way. Don't worry, he's weaker than a toothless rat-if my father however gets some guards then-"
She immediately stops, and, with a sigh, says, "I'll...bring you some food...", before walking off.
Azzerix's expression grows steadily angrier as Ameiko speaks of what the old human will do. As she starts to walk away, the kobold raises a claw to halt her. "Hold!" he ordered, staring at the fire. "...if this old softskin causes issue with anyone in this tribe while I am here, inform me... I will not tolerate dissent under my rule."
"...one more thing." Azzerix reached into a pocket concealed under his cape... before pulling out a veritable bounty of gold coins in his claw! He selected a few choice ones, before handing them to Ameiko. "My Talons." he said, indicating the two larger men sitting at the bar. "Whatever they wish, see that they get it. I ask a lot of my Talons... so they get a lot in return. Food, mates, whatever it be, treat them as if you were personally serving my own majesty."
Ameiko looks at the kobold with wide eyes. "I-" she started, but decided it was for the best to not argue with him. "Thank you...Winter Dragon."
Ethan eyes widen in a brief moment of puzzlement and surprise. He places his coins back in his pouch, looks to Toban and shrugs.
When the stew arrives, he takes a seat before the steaming bowl and takes a moment to inhale the aroma. He then begins to eat, savoring each bite as his growling stomach gratefully accepts each spoonful.
Later that afternoon, the town square was all set up, and quickly becomes crowded as both locals and travelers arrive from their duties, and merchants have already set up their tents with food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs.
The opening speech begins with Mayor Deverin, making a friendly welcome to all visitors in town, and remarking that even Larz Rovanky, the town's workaholic, managed to take a break from the tannery. This has everyone smirking and laughing (except for said Larz).
After the mayor comes the sherrif heads towards the stage, where is dour mood brings the crowd down a bit; he asks that everyone here remain safe around the bonfire tonight, and requests for a moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives in the fire that consumed the town's previous church.
Once he leaves, the crowd remains silent as someone else is supposed to head up to the stage; soon the town's showman Cyrdak Drokkus heads up and recaps on the long process Sandpoint went through to construct the new cathedral. Soon he gives a bit of self promotion, telling everyone to head to the Sandpoint Theater the next evening to see the new production of "The Harpy's Curse". He even exclaims (with perhaps a tad bit too much excitement) that the role of Avisera the Harpy Queen will be played by Magnimar's very own diva Allishanda; while some people seem excited, most just simply role their eyes with a smirk.
Finally, the Father Zantus steps up to just thank everyone for coming to the festival before declaring the Swallowtail Festival underway, pulling aside the cover of the nearby wagon to release a thousand (or two) swallowtail butterflies into the air, swirling and spiraling into a magnificent ripple of green, bringing a great cheer from the crowd.
"Isn't this wonderful, to see how this community pulled together; not just to rebuild their church, but to organize this celebration," Ethan comments, smiling as the butterflies are released.
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"Exactly, Mr Sower. This whole festival is a powerful example of community spirit." Adolina replies, her eyes fixed upon the swarms of viridian butterflies. "It appears that not everyone is quite so well minded though. Did you notice the pauses before Mr Drokkus came up? The mayor covered well but I suspect someone has pulled out as the last minute. Oh, and I wouldn't get too worked up over the Harpy Queen, Allishanda has been very off-song recently."
Canton is tugging at Adolina's hand, wanting to go and explore the food stalls despite being well fed at the Rusty Dragon. Adolina rolls her eyes and starts moving slowly towards the nearest food - trying to keep her dog under control without being rude to her new companions.
AS the festival starts Fulito wanders the stalls taking in all the sights.
there are soooo many tall folk. nit to much down low at his level, but still it is exciting.
He barely paid much heed to the speeches. but he did perk up at the thought of a play. hmmmmm Harpy Queen, I think I may have read that somewhere. I'll have to make a note of it.
Fulito pulls out his journal and d a pen and starts to jot some notes when suddenly the butterflies are released. hearing some conversaions about swallowtail butterflies, that's when it hits him...
Of course, swallowtail Festival. That's why they call it that. no wonder I didn't see anyone swallowing any tails. glancing at a couple kissing off by a tree and then noticing Adolina and Ethan getting along so well. He smiles. or perhaps someone just might be getting a little "tail" later this evening.
In any event there was food to be tasted. Fulito makes his way to as many carts as fast as he can. using his small size to worm his way through the crowd. (and cut in line every now and then.
Toban looks around the crowd anxiously. So many people he muses to himself, a hand reflexively resting on the hilt of his greatsword. As the butterflies are released he feels something grip him and he can soon be seen chasing them and trying to catch them with the other kids in town. He almost topples a few of them over as he runs and almost skips.
Azzerix seems to be one of the few, if only, sour faces in the crowd. He stood with his arms folded on the side towards the back, standing on top of a barrel and watching these festivities with a glare. As the announcements wrapped up, his raised a brow and cocked his head to one side. "...that's it!? This is what you softskins were so worked up over!? You could be celebrating the arrival of a glorious being such as myself, and instead, you choose to venerate... a large collection of pests!? Once again, I am questioning whether this tribe is worthy of my--"
The kobold paused as one of the swallowtails fluttered into his view, before landing gently of the tip of his snout. Staring for a second, he quickly growled in anger as he twitched and twisted his maw to get it to move, before finally snarling and snapping up to try and bite the butterfly in vain, watching it flutter over his head. "BE GONE WITH YOU! I will not be mocked by a common garden bug!" Returning to his grumbling, Azzerix was oblivious to the fact the swallowtail chose to alight on his head now.
"...this ungrateful tribe is not worth my time." Azzerix muttered as he hopped off the barrel, flaring his little white cape back as he marched along the outside of the crowd. All the while, the butterfly on his head remained content to stay with him. "I will find a place where my majesty is welcome and my glory worshiped for what it is!"
Fulito managed to grab a sample of every imaginable food the town had to offer.
as he was looking for a place to sit and eat, he stumbles into Azzerix. hey there, your the dragon right? Look, I got some pork sandwiches, some roasted Salmon, and this thing that looks like a sausage, but I don't know what it is. and this thing which really looks weird but it tastes pretty good. and why is there a butterfly on your head?
Oh sorry I almost forgot, I saw you looking a bit down earlier so I got this for you. I think its some kind of beef thingy. there was 5 of them but I ate two, sorry. he hands Azzerix some "beef on a stick"
"What butterfly...?" Azzerix replied, pausing in his departure to address Fulito and looking up. Waving his claw at his head, he saw the butterfly flutter off, snarling at it. "I WILL FREEZE YOUR INSOLENT INSIGNIFICANT SOUL!!!" With a twitching eye, he turned back. "I hate these things."
Azzerix quirked a brow at the halfling as he offered him some of his food. Taking the beef, he studied it a bit, sniffing at it before huffing a bit. "...questionable..." he determined, before daring a bite and chewing it over. "...acceptable. You have my favor, Herald. Hrm... well, former Herald. I won't be around much longer for you to sing praises of my might. I've decided this place is not worthy of my presence, so I will move on and find a tribe who can appreciate my power properly. Between the ungrateful softskins and the impudent bugs, I can see trying to force any respect is going to be more trouble than it's worth."
Azzerix stuffed the rest of the meat into his maw, stick and all, chewing at it as he spoke. "Ah shupposhe tha food esh well mahde, sho tha' will beh a shmall lossh."
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In the crowds hustling around the food tables the inevitable occurs and Adolina loses her grip on her warhound. The dog immediately charges off into the crowd, leaving the noblewoman cursing quietly and trying to make out where her hound has gone.
Just as Azzerix is finishing his "beef on a stick" both he and Fulito are given an enthusiastic tongue bath from Canton, who proceeds to snaffle Fulito's sausage in the process.
"I'm not sure bugs are worth the moniker 'impudent'." comes an amused voice from behind them both. "I always understood that bugs simply are and to try and render them otherwise will only result in frustration.
To understand what is going on Azzerix you must understand that its not the butterflies themselves that matter - but the freedom they represent. That is the point of the celebration. I'm sorry it does not live up to your standards but it is a powerful example of human spirit. Mr Sower can probably explain it better than I."
Looking up Adolina waves, trying to attract both Ethan and Toban in to support her point.
"We, as mere mortals, do our best to understand the enigmatic power of the Gods, and their roles as guardians of the aspects of our existence. This Festival is primarily devoted to the honor of Desna, and to Lady Adolina's point, the butterflies are a living symbol of her goal of providing all living things with freedom."
He touches the wooden holy symbol around his neck. "In a similar vein, I revere Erastil. Erastil values freedom, and as such, considers Desna a friend and ally. Where they differ is application. Desna encourages her followers to use their freedom to pursue individual dreams and ambitions. Erastil encourages each of us to use our freedom to find a useful purpose that benefits the members of our community. Each person's work and purpose contributes to the strength of the whole. These are not necessarily irreconcilable differences, but they do sometimes conflict with one another. Fortunately, such disagreements are usually peaceful ones."
Ethan stops abruptly, and blushes slightly when he realizes he is lecturing the group.
"My apologies, friends. There is a time for every purpose under the heavens. The time and purpose of this moment is celebration, not a lecture on theology."
"Ugh... now I KNOW trying to rule over you softskins is more trouble than it's worth. You're like a group of fresh hatchlings." Azzerix sighed, pinching the bridge between his snout and his eyes as he tossed the stick on the ground for Canton to play with. "That's what I've been trying to tell you. I AM a god! A white dragon, in full glory! I've been trying to give you the guidance and mercy that comes with my claiming your tribe as my own... and now I see that you are too dense for that action to take on any meaning!"
Azzerix shook his head as he folded his arms over his chest. "Would you like to know what your definition of "freedom" would bring kobolds? Death. Quick and miserable death. Plain and simple. Why do you think they grovel and worship such magnanimous beings like myself? For protection. Order. Stability. Law. But those mean little to creatures who place no value on them." He waved a claw around to indicate the masses around them. "Such as you all. Perhaps, had you the grace and protection of a mighty dragon such as myself, that fire you mentioned before would never have happened, and you'd have no reason to hold this misguided festival to begin with."
Azzerix looked down at Canton, patting his head again before looking up, mainly eyeing Ethan. "So, I must depart, to find creatures who would be more interested in stability and survival than... here. You are relieved of your duties as my Talons. I'm certain you, at least-" He nodded at Ethan. "-are heartbroken at the prospect. Or perhaps not. I have no clue anymore. You are too unpredictable to be of much use to me. You may be though." He looked down at Canton briefly. "So farewell, softskins. This has been an enlightening, almost fascinatingly enjoyable, waste of my immortal time."
At that, he turns and starts to walk through the crowd towards the stage... and, hopefully, a road out of town.
Fulito was to busy trying to salvage his lunch from the jaws of a salivating beast.
no not that, that's too spicy...Hey I wanted that one, you take this, here it smelled funny anyway. wait sec I said that not the sausage..arrrg.
Fulito is having a tug of war with the dog. as the Kobold give his speech of departure.
Once I settle lunch with this dog, I was going to perform. you could at least stick around and enjoy some music.... I can....whoah! at that moment the sausage links break apart sending Fulito on his butt holding only a small piece of sausage. dang it. here might as well have it all and he tosses the last sausage for the dog to have.
Azzerix paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Does it sing praises of my draconic splendor?"