Noro just rolls her eyes tavern and Zella, and throw in a gilly, shurprised it took thish long to shtart dancing
Noro polishes off her second pint and orders a third. she sits a watches the dancers keeping an eye out for drunk troublemakers
Behind the Rusty Dragon a young man carries an arm load of cut logs from the piles into the kitchen. A furry long-bodied creature, size size of a dog follows beside him. As they here the building the creature moves ahead and nudges the door open for him.
"Thank you, Sing." He says as he maneuvers the wood though. Sing nods and falls in step behind him as they move past the kitchen and into the main hall. The noise had been faint in back and more noticeable in kitchen, but stepping into the backed hall was like walking into a solid wall of sound. He winced as his hearing adjusted but poor Sing gave pause long enough to shake his head and utter a slight grumble.
Seth chuckled at his companion. "The joys of keen hearing." Sing glared at him as he caught up.
"Perhaps you would like it if I yelled in your ear." Sing grumbled, barely audible above the din of the crowd.
Seth looked back at his companion but Sing only 'chir-rip'ed innocently. Everyone knew Sing was magical, the glowing rune on his fore head that mirrored the one on Seth's advertised that. But only a handful of townsfolk knew that Sing could actually speak.
Seth added the wood to the pile beside the hearth and dusted off his hands. "What say we see if Ameiko will let us join the festivities." The two begin to weave through the crowds towards the bar.
Pausing to regard their other table companions...
"Torag gifted me with clear sight on occasion, and I see no rage in yer eyes, keep it that way and ye wont have to see what other gifts Torag blessed me with."
Keth sat quietly...and slowly..evenly replied. Greetings to you too Mord Forgefist. I am Keth, and this wonderous beast next to me is Wolf.
Hearing his name the Moorhound lifted his head from the bowl he was lapping at, water streaming down onto the floor from his muzzle. He looked curiously at Keth, and glaneced at the other two at the table and then lowered his head to renew drinking.
I am a hunter, and not noted for any episodes of Rage. Me Da always said 'keep your head about you lad, for the world would soon as part ye with it' Not sure I fully understand what he meant, but I think I have the idea of it. Im in town for the festival, you?
Behind the Rusty Dragon a young man carries an arm load of cut logs from the piles into the kitchen. A furry long-bodied creature, size size of a dog follows beside him. As they here the building the creature moves ahead and nudges the door open for him.
"Thank you, Sing." He says as he maneuvers the wood though. Sing nods and falls in step behind him as they move past the kitchen and into the main hall. The noise had been faint in back and more noticeable in kitchen, but stepping into the backed hall was like walking into a solid wall of sound. He winced as his hearing adjusted but poor Sing gave pause long enough to shake his head and utter a slight grumble.
Seth chuckled at his companion. "The joys of keen hearing." Sing glared at him as he caught up.
"Perhaps you would like it if I yelled in your ear." Sing grumbled, barely audible above the din of the crowd.
Seth looked back at his companion but Sing only 'chir-rip'ed innocently. Everyone knew Sing was magical, the glowing rune on his fore head that mirrored the one on Seth's advertised that. But only a handful of townsfolk knew that Sing could actually speak.Seth added the wood to the pile beside the hearth and dusted off his hands. "What say we see if Ameiko will let us join the festivities." The two begin to weave through the crowds towards the bar.
in the kitchen Lou, Noro's brother stops you
Seth, he says sternly.
after a pause lou smiles go have fun thanks for the wood
Returning to her seat after her dance, Zella finishes off her glass of wine and waves the gentlemen on over to the table.
"Please, come on over and give a review of the performance. I hope to honor Desna with lots of dancing tomorrow."
Zoleshi returns the scarf she borrowed to Zella. "Thank you. I haven't had so much fun since...I can't even remember."
As she gathers up her things, she winks at Aergo. "Get on out there. If I can dance, anyone can."
WIth one last wave to Ameiko and Shalelu, she heads back out into the night to get some rest. With everything reveling tonight, I'm sure the Festival tomorrow will be rather quiet. All the rowdies will be tired out.
Tired out? Tired out!? Gilly is just getting started. She's plopped back down onto her stool, drinking thirstily and slurping down another quarter of her pint. The flush in her cheeks is prominent now, and once she's done drinking, she hops down, carrying her mug with both hands, to go to Noro's table as promised.
She licks her lips again, but a bit of foam remains there this time like a funny little mustache.
"Okay, its someone else's turn now!" She says, magnanimously.
Aergo's eyes light up immediately at the invitation and springs to his feet, cracking his knuckles as he walks over to the halfling and the ever-alluring newcomer.
"The allure was appeasing, and it turned plenty of heads, I'm sure. I intend to dance at the Theater tomorrow, though it won't be for Desna, rather, the people themselves. I pray I shan't make a fool of myself."
Aergo sizes up the woman after a quick few glances and fancies an idea.
"Could I interest you in a dance of my own make, kind woman and you review mine?" He says, as he pulls out his scythe, currently with it's metal serrated edge covered in red leather, letting the long, silk ribbon fall from it's edge. He has an inquisitive look on his face, as well.
The tall, dark man, clad in a blue shirt, green breeches, a crimson cloak, and a wide-brimmed hat, climbed down from the wagon he was riding into town, pack swung over one shoulder. Looking around he spotted an inn and headed in that direction.
"Any rooms available?" he asked the proprietor.
"Unfortunately, no. We're booked up because of the festival." the old man replied.
That was the answer he received at the next two places he checked. Then he came to the Rusty Dragon. Well that is certainly a sight, he thought to himself looking at the statue.
Entering the tavern, the Half-Elf thought this place would be perfect. Provided a room was available. He made his way through the crowd to the bar, turning the heads of various people as they saw his weapons. He carried two swords, one slung across his back, hilt at the right shoulder, the other on his left hip. What was strange, was that the hand grips seemed longer than they should have been, and the pommel stones seemed to be missing.
"Do you, perhaps, a room available for the night?" He asked the bar keep.
Zella looks at gentleman with the scyth curiously. "Do you mean to dance with your blade rather than with a lady? I would gladly give a review to a fellow performer, regardless of what they choose to dance with."
"Do you mean to dance with your blade rather than with a lady? I would gladly give a review to a fellow performer, regardless of what they choose to dance with."
"Ah! Well, though a shame it may be, I'm afraid my dance partner for the performance tomorrow will be this blade itself, so it takes precedence, I'm sad to say. However, I will not pass up the chance with a lovely such as yourself. I'll gladly do both, though, for your safety, and the laws of common sense, not both at the same time. Which would you prefer first?"
The noise from the Rusty Dragon was infectious, and it's merry cacophony spilled into the streets of the small coastal town. Knowing smiles from the locals directed a curious soul to open the door and walk in with what looked to be close to an anvil on a stout stick over his shoulder. At nearly six and a half feet tall, and built almost as wide as a dwarf, the Shoanti looked absolutely frightening with a large scar on his head above his left eye. Or at least he would have for not the childlike look of wonder on his face at all of the new people he hadn't met.
His face opened up to a nice big grin, and he joined in the revelry with a loud resonant bass voice. "There is dancing in here! I dance too!"
He grips his huge hammer by the head with one hand and the shaft with another hand and leads it around the dance floor in some kind of dance that looks a bit like a Nirmathian Polka. As big as he is, he is nimble enough to make it through the drunken crowd without bumping anyone. The dance is short lived as he makes his way around the room toward the bar. He laughs a bit obviously slightly embarrassed at himself and puts his earthbreaker down at the bar and sits on a stool.
He smiles at the bartender as well as anyone who meets his eye. "Ale bringer, have you meats? I will eat if you bring them. Trade yellow coin, yes?"
"Perhaps sir you should dance with me first? That way I may judge by your gracefulness how far away I should sit when you dance with your blade."
Zella laughs at her own little joke as she holds out her hand to man. "Perhaps you could also introduce yourself to your dance partner? My name is Zelladania."
Aergo can practically not believe his manners!
"Oh my! My! I have completely forgotten my manners. My name is Aergo Mavis! A charmer, for the most part, and a dancer. I'm here on account of the festival tomorrow."
He reaches out his hand and grabs hers, lifting her up out of her seat carefully.
" Now the question at hand is whether or not you lead, or I? he says, resisting a grin.
"Well, if I am to review your skills, I believe that you should lead and I shall follow."
"You make a valid point. Well then. Shall we?"
With those last words, Aergo takes a bit of a breath and begins.
Perform (Dance)
Being massively unaccustomed to dancing with things that are, in fact, not his scythe, Aergo stumbles constantly, ultimately embarrassing himself.
" It's a shame, but I'm afraid I'm a lot better at this when my partner, well, isn't as lively." he says, stifling his laughter towards the situation.
"How's about I try this by myself? I guarantee it'll be vastly more impressive, and I won't end up bruising your feet. No sense in injuring them in even the slightest before your performance, agreed?"
He says, as he leads the woman by the hand back to her original seat.
"I'll scoot this chair back for you, if you'd like."
Into the inn walks a dark haired and relatively short varisian woman. She stands with a grace, although obviously exhausted, appearing to be a traveler or pilgrim of some sort. Her clothes are simple a simple pale, almost threadbare blue dress and simple sandals. She does look prepared for trouble as she walks into the very crowded inn. Walking to the innkeeper, she places, with a bit of hesitation, two silver pieces.
"Bread and water please, and would this also be enough to cover sleeping in the stables?"
As these are delivered to her, she thanks Ameiko, or so she hears that name from several of the patrons, and finds a spot to sit, and eats her bread. Smiling at several of the flirting patrons, she sees a rather large hound and a half-orc sitting with a human who seem to be enjoying a conversation. Bucking up, and wanting to be friendly, she walks over with her water and says hello.
"Hi, my names Chavana. I'm new in town, and, well, I was hoping to find someone interested in the new temple's dedication ceremony on the morn and to find a good place to enjoy the Shallowtail festival as well. Either of you know anywhere nice to go... well..." looking down at her threadbare dress. "Well, anywhere that would accept a wandering monk?" She smiles and shrugs her shoulders.
Gilly finishes off her pint with a little laugh. Then she burps and blushes, giggling and putting both of her hands over her mouth. "Oops." She says, muffled.
After feeling that what they did was more of a game of 'Can Zella move her feet before they stepped on' than a dance, Zella allows Aergo to escort her back to her table.
"Thank you, that dance was very interesting. I am quite curious now as to how you fare dancing with your blade. Luckily there are plenty of clerics in town for the dedication tomorrow in case you have an accident."
Zella has obviously retained her good humor despite the challenging dance. :)
"Oh believe me, I've had enough encounters with various injuries. I'm well-acquainted with the healers."
He says this while walking towards his scythe, grabbing it, looking down for a moment and closing his eyes. He stops for a moment, as if contemplating ideals with a look of deep thought.
He spring back to life wide-eyed, enthusiastic once more, and goes to an area nearby with good visual range to her Rogue, and unsheathes the weapon.
"I pray you enjoy..."
He says with an uncharacteristically low voice.
Perform: (Dance)
While not his best dance, Aergo clearly displays his prowess with his weapon of choice. He spins it gracefully, though not fast, as drunken people are abound and anything could happen at any time.
Though the dance is short, it is strangely alluring, as if hand crafted to show off the prowess and charisma of the wearer, as well as be very dangerous. Anyone could obviously see that Aergo held back on the speed of the scythe twirling.
As he finishes his last few spins, he quickly sheathes the blade and returns to the seat with a serious expression. Then, suddenly, a white, toothy grin.
"Well?"
Shalluk lay a large hand on the rusted statue. It was always saddening to see such things going to ruin, for some reason, to know that the people of the town watched each day as it corroded a little more. What would the they think once they realized that the statue was too far gone to save, it's corroded iron reduced to scrap by time and carelessness? Would they care? Would they even notice?
But the statue was still solid, for now. With time, and work, the layers of rust could be scraped away, filed down, the statue oiled and painted. Maybe if he stayed long enough...but that wasn't likely. Shalluk smiled to himself, knowing the grand joke - that he was truly a carrier of misfortune, and that when people finally realized and drove him from town, it was with an actual course. Not being able to control the fact you were a walking disaster zone didn't affect the fact that no one else wanted to have to deal with - that people would get sicker faster if you lived in there home, that they were more likely to trip and fall, that they would be more likely to loose there money.
It didn't help that his infernal blood made him so obviously different, either. Tall, powerfully built, with long flowing dark hair...and dark red skin the colour of spilled wine. Oni-Born. Hungerseed. There were plenty who would drive out a Tiefling simply for that, let alone the Yla spirits that plagued him and everyone else....
Taking a deep breath, Shalluk adjusted the monstrous longsword on his back in it's makeshift sheathe and headed inside. Truth be told he should probably avoid the place - the Yla made mischief where they could, and the reflexes of a drunk were already bad enough without there 'help' but his heritage meant he needed food, and he could not resist the scents rafting from the building.
Of course, once he entered other, less appetising smells him - spilled alcohol and stale bodies. Glancing around, his yellow eyes searching for any potential problems, the Malefactor noticed the pile of apparently drunk and passed out people in the corner. So much for the chance of a room, but that was fine - Shalluk knew how to sleep on the ground. Food was first...
Glancing over at the dancing, the bulky Tiefling move up to the bar and slid a handful of silver onto the counter top. He'd long since learned if he wanted to get served it was a good plan to put the money on the counter top first. True, sometimes they just tried to rob you first, but that was what the huge sword was for. "I would like the fish, please," his voice a low rumble of mixed accents.
Barek walks into the common room from the back carrying two casks of ale, one on each shoulder. He weaves his way through the crowd and places them on the bar. He nods to Shalelu and then tells the barkeep, "There's two more of these in the back ready to go, but Ameiko said we can wait until we have need." He glances around at the crowded room. "But by the look of things, it won't be long now."
He grabs each cask and puts them behind the bar. Standing back up he stretches his stiff muscles, and then cracks his knuckles. Not sure why Ameiko's paying me if she's got Shalelu, but it sure beats working for Scarnetti for a change.
He spots a familiar face, though. "Noro, what are yo-. Oh, right this is one of your haunts isn't it? Seems decent enough place and the food is great. What have you been up to?"
Having spent the time in his tome, now with wine and the night's spicy dish. Zoruk glances up from time to time but otherwise remains out of the dancing and heavy drinking. Most people really had no idea what a drunken mage was and he for one was going to keep it that way. He held no love for the next day after such a night and was loath dampen his time tomorrow at the festival.
The door to the tavern opens slowly, the slow creek of the door is evident. Bowing almost in half to walk in, a tall but young looking man proceeds towards the counter. He slowly and carefully walks through the crowd, being careful not to bump anyone, but the packed common room make that difficult. Every time he bumps someone or trips over someone's foot, you can hear a soft "Sorry" or "Excuse me" escape from the giant's mouth.
His hand rests protectively around the hilt of the simple longsword that he wears at his waist, only letting go of it when he spots Zelladania. He stares at her dancing and her choice of closing long enough before he realizes himself, blushes profusely, and excuses himself. "...very sorry" he says before leaving her earshot.
He makes it to the counter and Ameiko is already waiting for him, she looks up at his near seven feet of height with a smile "You must be Lucanus! Father Zantus said you were coming tonight. I must say I was skeptical when he said I would know you instantly from your height, but I must say that he was right!"
Lucanus appears to draw into himself, almost as if being shy. "Thank you, My Lady... Father said I would be staying here... I was wondering if I could trouble you for something to eat... I don't have any coin to pay with, so I can assist with any chores that you may have..."
Ameiko waves his request away and fetches a plate of curry salmon "On the house! I'm not sure if you can find a seat however..."
Lucanus takes the plate with a small blush, "I appreciate this greatly, my lady." Lucanus then turns around and balks at the sight of no open tables. He appears slightly confused, as if not used to such crowds.
The mysterious man in the corner stands up and gestures at Lucanus to come sit at his nearly empty table. Lucanus see's the welcoming gesture and his demure demeanor changes for a slight second as he appears to study the mysterious man in earnest. Satisfied, his mood changes back to his shy side and he walks over to the table.
"Thank you kind sir, I'm not accustomed to large crowds... my name is Lucanus Drek." He holds out his large hand to the man to shake. The mysterious man looks at it for a long second before taking it.
"People call me Tierce, although I don't hold that against them..."
Well that was certainly interesting, the Half-Elf thought. Turning back to the barkeep, he asked, "About a room. Is there one available? And if so, how much?"
Gilly has slid partially off her chair, and attempts to right herself. "Hey!" -Hic- "Where's the next song? Mord!"
One-pint Gilly, at her finest.
Ameiko pauses for a second in her busy night, she examines Darius for a second, seeming to think about something. "Yes we have a few rooms available, five gold a night. A bit steeper then our usual rate due to everything as packed as it is. Hope you don't mind..."
Ameiko laughs at Gilly, "Such a light weight, your cut off for the night missy."
Shalluk studied the giant of a man who entered the Rusty Dragon with a curious gaze, watching him move through the crowded inn over the wooden plate he lay on one of his large hands. It was rare he saw anyone significantly bigger than himself, but this was obviously a gentle soul. Too far away to hear what he said, or what was replied, all he could do was study his movements and gestures, and watch as the man tried to keep his barely contained size and power from hurting those smaller and more vulnerable.
It also meant he was unlikely to be someone who'd hurl Shalluk out, which was good - someone that size could give him a thorough beating even with his armour on. In fact, there was definitely a lot of dangerous looking people in town. From what he overheard, there was some kind of festival or celebration occurring, and more people than usual in town. Maybe it would be better to finish his meal and escape...
Am I so quick to abandon my vow to change? Shalluk frowned at the thought. He wanted to make something of his life. In sixty years he'd done nothing of real note. The slip of a girl he'd found on his way there had done more in a third of his life than he had - what could she have done if she had his own, much extended life span? What glories would she have achieved?
None, now. But Shalluk couldn't allow the fear that governed his being to continue to do so. If he did his would be a life wasted, spent wandering from town to town, leaving fast to hope avoiding a beating...he craved more than that. He just had to work out how to keep others safe from the Aura around him. The bar was good practice. Difficult to avoid people, but no one would guess it was he causing problems either, given so many strangers.
Gritting his slightly pointed teeth and pulling his hood slightly futher forward, Shalluk continued to eat his meal. And to watch.
Gilly hiccups again and nods her agreement with Ameiko. She'll be on the floor for sure if she drinks more. Until then, she'll ply people for more songs or stories.
As the half elf next to him inquires for a room, Boledir leans over and speaks to him like he is sharing a secret. "No problem. My cousin has rooms too if there none here."
When he sees the little lady sliding off her stool, he reaches over and scoots her back on. "Be careful. Don't hit your head. It will hurt your words." He gives her a smile and points to the scar on his head.
"Why thank you!" Gilly tells Boledir graciously. Well, as graciously as she can with the hiccups, and then the giggles because she's hiccuping.
Tierce give a pat to the large man’s bicep, ”They grow them big in Mendev these days, eh?”
Lucanus’ mood quickly shifts to one of alarm, ”How did you know that?” He enquires of Tierce, to which he just laughs.
”All in good time good sir, all in good time. But for now, I think it’s about time to tell a story!” Whipping off his sodden cloak and tossing it to the floor, you finally get a good look at the mysterious stranger. His blonde hair is unkempt and his stubble from not shaving is evident. However you get the impression that his ruggedness is by design rather than by accident. He looks to all the ladies in the room with his charming smile before jumping upon the table.
Tierce draws out his scimitar and points it skyward, to the dismay of Lucanus. ”It all started with the death of Aroden! Being the god of mankind, he spent his godhood battling the forces of demonic influence. When he died, a terrible rift in the world appeared and demon hordes poured forth! The great forces of Taldor and Cheliax banded together and formed the First Mendevian Crusade! The battled back the forces of chaos, and won their victory! But it was short, for the demon’s struck back under the powerful leadership of a marilith. They sacked the city of Drezen and killed all the previous crusaders. It was then that the Second Mendevian Crusade was called and the two forces met upon the Sellen River! The battle was bloody and no side appeared to be winning! It was then that a smart young man discovered that a simple new alloy was powerful against the rampaging hordes! Using the new alloy, powerful wardstones were constructed to keep the hordes at bay. And thus the second crusade was won! Each crusader in that battle was given a blade made from the new holy material in recognition of their service to that day.”
Tierce finishes his story and sheathes his scimitar before stepping down from the table. ”A round of drinks for everyone!”
Darpan waits to be acknowledged by someone working at the Inn, but with the number of people coming and going, he seems to be ignored. Getting ready to leave, he hears a woman state hat she is a monk. Quickly looking around to locate the speaker he sees short dark haired woman in a threadbare dress gather some bread and water from one of the servants and head over to speak with and person with a large dog and another man with rather bestial features. He follows after her and taps her lightly on the shoulder.
"Excuse me please, did I hear you right when you said you were a monk? I have traveled from the Monastery of Restful Thought on the Isle of Jalmeray and am looking for some assistance. Might I ask your name sister?"
Gilly listens raptly to the stranger with the scimitar's tale, and claps loudly when he finishes his story. In fact, she nearly claps herself out of her chair again.
On his way to the bar, Tierce steps past Lucanus who appears flabbergasted beyond repair. While ordering drinks for everyone, he quickly and lightly steadies Gilly from falling on the floor. "Careful young miss! Don't need a broken skull on the eve of the Shallowtail Festival! Allow me to introduce myself, Tierce Vraie is my name, and Pathfinder is my game!"
Turning to the man that addressed him, the Half-Elf replied, "Thank you, but I believe I'm good." Taking out five gold and placing it on the bar. Turning around to hear what the man with the scimitar had to say, the young warrior leaned back against the bar. With the proclaimation of drinks for all, he turned and said to the barkeep, "Glass of red wine please."
Upon receiving his drink, he began to scan the room. My there's a lot beauty's here tonight. Let's see what we can to ease their loneliness. His thoughts are interupted by the newly introduced Pathfinder saving the little Halfling. "A Pathfinder huh, here to chronicle the festival?"
Barek finds himself clapping at the man's story too. "Quite a tale there, Tierce. Do you know what became of the holy blades that saved the world? Do you think they're still out there somewhere?" He smiles and crosses his muscular arms.
"Pathfinder!" Gilly is terribly excited about this. One would think she was a bard. She probably would hop up onto her chair again if she were that coordinated. "Yeah! Are you going to tell stories about us?"