It was an early morning in the pleasant town of Sandpoint, where many of the songbirds were starting to sing with the sunrise. Many of the townsfolk have been rearranging stuff around the front of the local cathedral, getting ready for the grand celebration of the Swallowtail Festival-one of the favorite holidays of this quiet little town.
Toban stumbles into the street, dressed in his finest outfit though it looks rather warn out and barely fits him anymore. He makes his way to the cathedral and offers a hand to set things up.
Excuse me, I may not know much about the festival but I have a strong back and it looks like you might be in need of one. He does his best to smile at the person he's addressing though it comes off more as a snear.
The bald and muscled man looks at the younger man and gives him a scoff. [b]"I can handle it. Plus, work on that attitude-if you weren't a local, I'd have the right mind to sock ya." The man lifted the crates and walked off with a scowl.
Perched high on a nearby rooftop, Azzerix watches the festival workers setting things up, trying to keep his white cape (which frankly looks a bit big for someone his size) from billowing in the higher wind.
"It seems they are preparing some kind of festival... I'm betting it's in honor of my arrival! They must've heard a dragon was approaching and are hoping to appease me with a feast!" Azzerix mused as he watched the softskins milling about below. "...I suppose it will suffice. But perhaps I should ensure they do it right? Hrm... how to go about it..."
Azzerix eyes one of the softskins in particular, tilting his head. He looked strong... he would keep tabs on this one. May make a suitable Talon!
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"Excuse me good sir, I'm sure this gentleman meant no disrespect. From what I have gathered his name is Krongut. He isn't exactly the friendly sort."
The woman addressing Toban is a well dressed figure with a long swathe of fiery red hair, brown eyes and a pointed chin. She carries a book in one hand.
"My apologies, I neglected to introduce myself, Adolina d'Jhaltera. I'm also a visitor to the town, and this is Canton" She gestures at the large warhound trotting behind her. Said warhound seems rather more interested in the various smells than in his mistresses introductions.
"Regardless it seems neither of us are exactly wanted here. I will happily stand you a drink at the establishment of your choice if you will share your story and then perhaps later..." She eyes Toban's greatsword curiously "we could spar? I've never dueled someone who used weapons this large. How much speed can you get out of the swing? I imagine the power must be considerable but how would you do against someone who focused on dodging...?"
Adolina has completely lost focus, her eyes more on the greatsword than Toban himself. A bark from Canton, who seems to be eyeing a halfling woman with a large plate of salmon snaps her back to herself. "Again my apologies, I get carried away sometimes. Would you care for that drink?"
Well now, this town has got to be the right one, what do you think Flim
entering town from a completely unexpected direction coming out from the trees near the bridge by Undercliff way a halfling on a pony loaded with what seems to be everything but the kitchen sink.
glancing around he notices the bridge and the road
What?!?! There was a road? the halfling pulls out a half torn map that looks to hand drawn by 5 year old. he examine it a moment then looks around then in a moment of inspiration flips it around.
Hey there it is, Oh well we're here now, wherever here is He says scratching his head. with a shrug Fulito continues into the town.
he rides across the bridge and soon hears the sounds of the festival. (well at least a Festival in the making.
Hey Flim we found it, or at least a party, if not the festival of tail swallowing, well, the makings of a party, or a festival.
the two make their way through the town following the sounds of the all the people.
upon reaching the town square and the multitudes of people of all shapes and sizes. he quickly dismounts and ties the pony to the nearest post.
You stay here Flim I'll bring you a nice apple. OK?
and off the halfling goes exploring all there is to see in this little town.
looking for someone that most likely would be in charge. when suddenly he notices Another halfling, with a plate of Salmon. Well not exactly an apple, but then again, A halfling's belly is seldom full, and Salmon just might do the trick.
as he follows the Halfling he suddenly stop at the sound of a dog probably twice his size start to bark. Not realizing that the Dog may not be barking at him.
oh dear, guradian of the salmon delectables. perhaps a tune could soothe the savage beast. he says pulling out his "magical Harmonica"
with a snap of his fingers the music he produces is echoed into a magical duet
Toban scowles at the man and for a moment feels the grip on his temper slipping and for a brief second eyes his trusted sword I should teach him a lesson...i was merely trying to help he thinks to himself but figures discretion is needed her. He takes a steadying breath. "Take your own advice good sir and work on your attitude as well, I was merely trying to help. I've met giants with better manors then you good sir."
As the woman addresses him he again attempts a smile, coming off more as a sneer. "After the last few months I've been having a free drink sounds good. After that I don't know how much dueling will happen..I don't want to hurt someone as fine as yourself. My sword knows no restraint and I can muster plenty of speed and strength out of it."
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"Well that does sound intriguing. Perhaps I will be able to see your skills in action some other time then. Hopefully not today, which is a day for rejoicing and celebration."
Once again Adolina is cut off by Canton's barking which seems to been set of by the, rather brilliant, harmonica playing of a passing halfling. Adloina heads over to her dog and stands, scratching him behind the ears, until the halfling is finished.
"An excellent performance sir. My companion and I" she gestures to Toban "were just about to go and have a drink. May I buy you something to thank you for the song?"
Turning back to Toban, Adolina pauses for a moment "... that is, if you don't mind. Mr...?"
Toban blushes at his lack of cooth and extends a hand to both the halfling and Adonlia. "Toban, the name is Toban Ragemont."
Fulito takes his hand, which is rather tiny in comparison. Fulito Ferrywarden, Bard of the River Kingdoms, Chronicler of tales, and harmonica player extraordinaire. He give a little bow both in greeting in in appreciation of the accolades of his performance.
Oh and that pony over there is Flim-Flam, named in honor of my mentor Flim-Flam the Music man
turning to the lovely lady, now what is this about a drink? A Ferrywarden is never one to reject the invitations of such a fair lady. A drink would be most welcome. and perhaps an apple for Flim-Flam, if it isn't to much of a bother.
Fulito offers his arm to escort the lady toward the tavern, yet allowing her to lead the way without actually looking like she is leading the way.
Oh, I am sorry, Mr. Toban, I have no intentions of stealing your lovely lady from your side. I have a wife back home that would somehow know If my wandering eyes should ever stray.
Toban coughs uncomfortably and turns slightly red at Fulito's calling Adolina his lady. "Umm...no she's...we're...I travel alone. In my line of work its better that I'm alone... his voice trails off and a pained look crosses his face and he continues almost under his breath "...seems thats how the fates wanted it anyway..."
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"Not for today Mr. Toban. This day is a celebration for all of Desna's children and I intend to ensure that we celebrate in the appropriate style."
Generously distributing smiles and well wishes Adolina tries to arrange for Flim Flam to be taken to the Goblin Squash Stables before leading them both to the Rusty Dragon, taking a large table and requesting drinks from the server. "I will have a glass of wine please, whatever the house recommends. Gentlemen, what will you have?"
The man gives Toban a death glare before walking away, grumbling all the while.
The young halfling jumps at the dog's barking, nearly dropping her salmon. Oh dear! She stops for a bit, and sighs with relief as the dog is calmed down. Oh, if you are all looking for a drink, my employer Ameiko will certainly give you all some drinks.
The grand settlement of Sandpoint looms beyond the last leg of the tree-lined road. Ethan's eyes widen at the sight. Such a big place! How do so many people manage to live this close together?
As he trudges toward the city gate, Ethan recognizes the sounds and smells of a community festival; an impossibly large one.
Such a crowd for their temple dedication; this is wonderful!
He takes a hopeful breath, and makes his way into the bustling throng.
Toban coughs uncomfortably and turns slightly red at Fulito's calling Adolina his lady. "Umm...no she's...we're...I travel alone. In my line of work its better that I'm alone... his voice trails off and a pained look crosses his face and he continues almost under his breath "...seems thats how the fates wanted it anyway..."
Fulito looks at Toban, a little dismayed, That must get...ahhh, lonely. No matter, you are not alone now, so therefore you are not working. and back home, when you are not working, you are relaxing. so cheer up and be grateful that you have sound such wonderful company as you have on this day.
"Not for today Mr. Toban. This day is a celebration for all of Desna's children and I intend to ensure that we celebrate in the appropriate style."
Generously distributing smiles and well wishes Adolina tries to arrange for Flim-Flam to be taken to the Goblin Squash Stables before leading them both to the Rusty Dragon, taking a large table and requesting drinks from the server. "I will have a glass of wine please, whatever the house recommends. Gentlemen, what will you have?"
Ahhh, a drink, hmmmm, perhap an ale for me, with just a touch of cinnamon. You know cinnamon is the secret to long and satisfying love life, or so I am told. he adds glancing at Toban and Adolina.
As he makes his way through the crowded street, it becomes clear to Ethan that Sandpoint is far too big a place to navigate without assistance.
"You pardon, if I may trouble for directions to the grand new cathedral that is being dedicated today?" he asks a passerby. "I wish to pay my respects to your vicar."
Tobans face goes ashen as does the rest of him at the mention of home. He closes his eyes and runs a slightly trembling hand through his hair and calms a few seconds later. "I don't have a home" He says matter of factly. "And I'm always working...people die when I don't work."
He looks over at the waitress and smiles "Ale, the strongest one you got please."
A little girl with pale white skin, silky white shoulder-length hair, and piercing bright yellow eyes, stops and stares wide-eyed at Ethan as he asks her where the cathedral. After a moment, she finally responds... though he voice sounds a bit... scratchy. And somewhat high pitched.
"...cathedral dedication? I thought this was to appeal to the arrival of the Winter Dragon, Azzerix Wyrmclaw!? ...and I have no clue what a vicar is! Is that a dragon? Is there already a dragon in Sandpoint!?"
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Ahhh, a drink, hmmmm, perhap an ale for me, with just a touch of cinnamon. You know cinnamon is the secret to long and satisfying love life, or so I am told. he adds glancing at Toban and Adolina.
"Completely false I'm afraid Fulito. Cinnamon is not an aphrodisiac. I agree the taste is warm and very enjoyable but it has no impact of the love life of those drinking it."
Adolina smiles as the wine arrives. "Besides, how does a married man such as yourself come to know these things? There must be a story there. Will you tell us some more about yourself? Your skill in song cannot have been acquired overnight."
"Dragons? Alas, fair princess, I have seen no dragons this day," Ethan replies with exaggerated courtesy. He gives a flourishing bow, as he imagines a knight at court would.
"May I entreat upon you to bring me to the King and Queen? I must find the cathedral if my quest is to succeed."
Ah, the innocence of youth. I was not so different scarcely a decade ago.
The little pale child stares up at Ethan for a moment, before grimacing a little. "You will! The Winter Dragon is coming, and it will be majestic! All of Sandpoint will fall under his dominion and he shall freeze all who oppose him to the core!"
Still, he does act with proper respect and humbleness befitting my status... he can live. The little girl turns and heads off towards the staging ground, beckoning him to follow after her.
Ethan laughs at the little girl's antics, and follows her through the crowd.
She seems to know where she is going, and since I do not, this way is as good as any.
Fulito simply laughs at the idea of a story, If she only knew
My dear, there is most definitely a story there. And a story yea shall hear.
With that Fulito jumps up on his chair, Ladies and Gentlemen, This lovely lady here wishes to hear a tale of love, and danger. But allow me, Fulito Ferrywarden, Bard of the River Kingdoms, share the tale with you all.
with that he snaps his fingers and in a shower of sparkly lights a fiddle appears in Fulito's hands.
He then begins to play a song,
While going to the fair of Dingle
One fine morning last July
While going up the road before me
A red haired girl I chanced to spy
I went up to her, says I "Young lady
My donkey he will carry two
But seeing as how you have a donkey
To the Dingle fair I'll ride with you"
Now, when we reached the town of Dingle
I took her hand to say goodbye
When a tinker man stepped up beside me
And he belted me in my left eye
Chorus:
Keep your hands off red haired Mary
Her and I will soon be wed
We'll see the priest this very morning
And tonight we'll lie in a married bed
Now, I was feeling kind of peevish
And my poor old eye was sad and sore
So I tapped him gently with my hobnail
And he fell back through Murphy's door
A policeman came around the corner
And he told me I had broke the law
Then, the donkey kicked him in the kneecap
And he fell down and broke his jaw
Then he went off to find his brother
The hot biggest man you ever did meet
And he gently tapped me with his knuckles
And I was minus two front teeth
The red haired girl, she kept on smiling
"I'll go with you young man" she said
"We'll forget the priest this very morning
And tonight we'll lie in Murphy's shed"
(last two lines of chorus):
We'll forget the priest this very morning
And tonight we'll lie in Murphy's shed
Now, through the town we rode together
My black eye and her red hair
Smiling gaily at the tinkers
And by God, we were a handsome pair
(last two lines of chorus):
We'll forget the priest this very morning
And tonight we'll lie in Murphy's shed
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Adolina applauds enthusiastically. "My goodness Mr Fulito, anyone would think you meant something by that song! I don't for a moment imagine it is autobiographical but I asked for a story and you have given us an excellent one."
She turns towards the bar. "Another ale for both my companions please. Our bard here deserves it after that performance."
Adolina waits until the second drinks have arrived and attention has waned a little before turning to Toban. "If I am prying then say so and I will withdraw all questions, but I am curious. What is your work and why do you avoid stopping it? It must be very important."
Toban looks almost down right bored by the bards performance and drinks his ale in silent brooding. At Adolina's question he gives her another sneering smile and nods "Aye it is very important. I am a hunter of sorts...I hunt Giants and it is my mission to rid this land of every single one of those foul creatures" his good humor dissipates as he speaks and by the end of it he spits on the floor of the bar. he then downs the second ale in one shot and then continues "Those bastards will pay for what they did..."
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Adolina nods and gestures for another drink for Toban. She hasn't finished her wine yet.
He clearly has a vast chip on his shoulder. Something happened to him, something personal... friends? family? He must have lost someone.
She stays quiet, sipping delicately and waiting for one of her companions to take the initiative.
While Toban enjoys the quite he can't help but feel curious about the woman who has shown him kindness. Its new to him and he appreciates it somewhere deep inside. After a few moments of silence he tentatively speaks.
"So...What brings such a fine woman to Sandpoint? And why the interest in my greatsword, I noticed you staring at it earlier."
The lady at the bar, a Tien woman with black hair and a dragon tattoo on her arm, applauds at Fulito's song, along with the other diners. "Y'know," she told the half-elf woman, "Since that song was so good, I'll give you guys a free round. On me." She smiled, handing the halfling another mug of ale when he returns to the bar, while giving more drinks to the others when they're through.
The little pale girl walks over to the staging area in front of the cathedral, looking back every so often to see if the man was following her. As she gets closer, he perks up a little at hearing the music coming from some kind of inn.
Stopping at the stage, she looks up at it, tilting her head to one side before trying to climb up on the main platform. "They're doing this all wrong! There should be more gold and silver to appease the mighty dragon. Food offerings! And anything else valuable! Else he will freeze everything you can see!"
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"You are very kind, Mistress..." Adolina will wait for a response from the barkeeper before she returns to her seat with Toban and Fulito.
"I am originally from Kintargo. My father was a nobleman and very generous, when my mother died I was raised in luxury and afforded the very best education. At my school we learned all the womanly arts and quite a few of the male ones as well.
We had to specialise in one art of either gender and I eventually specialised in dueling on the mens side. That is why I was curious about your sword. My experience is not inconsiderable but it is limited to smaller weapons than yours." Adolina gives a wry smile. "No pun intended of course."
My father died a few months ago and my elder brother moved to take control of our house. He and I agreed it might be better for me to take an extended holiday to make sure that I wasn't caught up in the power struggle. I've always been fascinated by Ancient Thassalion so here I am!" That's my story. Not as exciting as yours Fulito but it is my own."
Adolina squints out of the window. "Is it just me or is it getting on a bit? We should probably leave soon if we don't want to miss the ceremonies!"
Ethan takes in the majesty of the town center, the numerous tower-like buildings, several with more than a second story. Stalls and shops bustling with patrons; the air heavy with the smell of roasting meat, flowered decorations, and sweaty people packed into close proximity.
He watches the little girl continue her fanciful game about the dragon. Where is her mother? Surely, she is somewhere nearby.
"Your Highness," he says, again giving an exaggerated bow. "I regret that I do not see your mother, the Queen, or your father, the King. I do not wish to show disrespect by not presenting myself at court. May I ask that you bring me to their presence?"
Toban gives another sneering smile though its starting to lift into more of a normal smile. "I...I'm sorry about your father...I to have lost my father. Might I ask how you deal with the pain? I myself drink to deal with it..."
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"I don't, not very well at least." Adolina's voice cracks for a moment. "He died peacefully at least and the end was relatively quick. I have good memories of him and I try to hold on to those if it ever overtakes me. I never knew my mother so at least I have something to remember my father by.
Fulito, my friend, I fear we are becoming maudlin. Do you have another song that might cheer us all up?" She smiles at him trying hard not to let it tremble too much.
The barkeeper overheard the talk of fathers and took a deep breath. It looked like she wanted to say something, but walked off to work.
Many of the townsfolk ignore the man and girl, until she gets on the stage. They normally just give an odd glance, with an occasional murmur, "What is that girl talking about? What white dragon?". However, an elderly man grabs Ethan's shoulders as best as he can and scolds him, "Sir, get your disrespectful child off of that stage immediately!".
The little girl's eyes look about, apparently barely registering that Ethan was still speaking with her. However, when an elderly man grabs at Ethan, she immediately locks her yellow eyes on the old coot, scowling. "You could learn much from him, old softskin. When you hear news of a dragon's arrival... you take it seriously!"
A non-existent wind suddenly picked up and blew the young girl's dress and hair about, before she actually started to dissolve. Piece after piece flew off of the child, whipping up into a flurry of white before fluttering away. As she vanished, in her place stood an impending (relatively, anyways) figure of a kobold, scales sleek and white, small horns jutting from his head as his almost-too-large-for-him cape flaps wildly in the unnatural breeze. His piercing yellow eyes glare down at the old man as he steps forward.
"I advise you take your hands off my newest Talon. Unless you truly wish that I demonstrate why I am known as... THE WINTER DRAGON!!!" Bellowing, the kobold expelled a small, but potent blast of cold magic at the elderly man's feet, hoping to startle him.
The old man gawks at the sight of the kobold, as do other townsfolk. The elderly man manages to barely dodge the cold spell, and he immediately shrieks, "GUARDS! A KOBOLD IS IN SANDPOINT AND IT JUST TRIED TO KILL ME! GUARDS!! GUARDS!!!!".
Oddly enough, none of the other townsfolk seem to view the little lizard man as a threat-instead, some outright laugh at the sight of the senior citizen screeching like a girl.
"Dragon! A DRAGON is in Sandpoint! And do you truly think you would still be able to scream if I wanted to freeze your lungs solid!?" The kobold shouted after the old man before holding a claw in the air to command attention.
"Sandpoint tribe! I am your new dragon, Azzerix Wyrmclaw, the almighty Winter Dragon! I claim this patch of land as my new dominion, and you as my loyal subjects! Bring me your tribe chieftain and your mightiest warriors! I must finish selecting my personal Talons!" Azzerix pointed a claw down at Ethan as he eyed him, smiling approvingly. "You! You know how to address draconic majesty even when you did not see it. I am pleased! From now on, you shall be my First Talon!"
Ethan's eyes fly open as the magical disguise melts away.
A kobold, and a sorcerer at that! It seems to think itself a dragon. Think fast!
"Great Dragon, Azzerix, I am grateful that you find me worthy to serve in the ranks of your legions. To be truly worthy of such an honor, I would have to be able to swear unswerving loyalty to you as my one and only master. Alas, I have already pledged my life in the service of the Elkfather, Erastil. A man cannot serve two masters, and as much as I fear your wrath for declining the generous prize of being named your first Talon, I fear more the Gray Lady's judgement should I betray my oath to my god. Might we perhaps, instead, agree to speak with one another in matters of great importance and apply our collective wisdom in the interest of the greatest possible good?"
Ethan raises his hand to touch the wooden symbol of Erastil hanging from around his neck.
Keep calm. No sudden moves. Be ready. If it attacks, you have to kill it before it harms anyone.
Hearing the lovely barmaid make her comment, he was not one to pry, well not to much anyway. He was thinking of the right thing to say when Adolina interrupted with her request.
Fulito eye the two together, both seeming a bit somber.
Come now, this is a day of celebration, why the dour thoughts? ya know what this place could use? a new dance.
once again Fulito chugs the last of the second ale. and hops to his feet, he stumbles a bit as the booze goes right to his head.
whaooo, looks like the whold building started dancing already.
he shakes the feeling from his head and with another snap of his fingers a "squeeze-box" appears in Fulito's hands.
He starts playing a catchy little dance tune.
As he plays he stomps about the tavern enticing everyone to their feet for some dancing fun.
He even tries to get the Tien barmaid to join in the fun.
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As with Fulito, this is before the scream
Adolina begins to smile much more genuinely as Fulito begins his song. She pulls Toban out of his seat and pushes him towards the nearest dancer before heading over to the barkeeper.
"We can't choose our parents, but that doesn't mean we let them spoil our fun" She whispers to the Tien woman before holding out one hand, inviting her into the dance.
Azzerix frowns at Ethan's words. 'Blast... and he had such promise!' Folding his claws over his chest, he tapped his foot as his tail swished back and forth. After a moment of thought, he heaved a sigh before looking back down at Ethan with a disappointed frown.
"...very well! You can be my Third Talon! The duty is not as severe, so you may continue your worship of your quaint little goddess. But I admire you prostrating and honeyed words... if you so choose to serve a REAL almighty being, you may resume your title as First Talon." Azzerix waved off the protest with a claw, before raising it once more and roaring. "That being said, the tasks of First and Second Talon are once more available! Bring me your mightiest warriors... and your chieftain! I must--"
Azzerix's fringes perk up as he tilts his head in the direction of a nearby tavern. Was that... music? Singing? "Ah! Celebration! No doubt in reverie of my arrival! Excellent!" Azzerix walked to the edge of the stage and jumped off, walking briskly towards the music. "Come, Third Talon! We shall find your superiors this way, no doubt!"
It appears to be quite mad. That makes it a potential danger. If this crazy kobold commences casting curses into a crowd of cavorting commoners, it could be calamitous! I had better follow the little beast.
Ethan takes a steadying sigh, and follows the creature through the throng, trying his best to keep pace with it.