"I'll hold you to that," Shara says with a smile. "I think we both have some stories to trade actually."
Baalrak just grumbles and takes his seat back, shoveling whatever's in front of him into his face for a few moments. "That man makes me angry." he says, before getting up and going to bed. There's not much available to do today, and Baalrak can't muster up the motivation for really anything.
After thanking you all one last time, Ameiko retreats to her kitchen to get some last minute cooking done. Just minutes after Baalrak retires for the night, Aldern, who had been rather quiet during the debacle with Loniku, excuses himself from the table. Before long the common room clears out, with everyone heading home or to their rooms. Ameiko tiredly packs up your leftovers, assuring you that it would still taste pretty damn good after some reheating. Bethana offers to finish cleaning up the place in her stead, giving the innkeeper an opportunity to crash for the night.
You head out into town, in search of a replacement for Aldern's lost hound. Guards patrol the streets, some of whom acknowledge you with a smile or nod. The town does not exactly have much of a nightlife, but a few citizens do seem to enjoy their late night strolls. Alas, nowhere around appears to sell pets, and in a town as small as this, there appears to be a shortage of strays.
You do find a rather large mastiff with reddish fur wandering the streets. You recognize it from the goblin raid, during which it had savagely mauled at least one goblin as though it were a chew toy. A perfect hunting dog, though it soon becomes apparent that it already has an owner. Trailing several feet behind the mastiff is a bald man of impressive build. A bottle of liquor hangs from his hand, and even from afar, you can tell that he reeks of alcohol. The dog and master end up retreating into a nearby building - the aptly named Red Dog Smithy.
24 Rova 4707
Having all decided to meet up again the next morning, you once again find yourselves at the Rusty Dragon.
Even with only one full day having passed since the raid, the town has cleaned up remarkably well. The appreciation of its citizens has not at all waned, however; those of you that had to traverse the streets were once again met with admirers and well-wishers. None but the most dedicated drinkers seem to be in any hurry to buy you drinks at this time of day; with a roll of her eyes, Bethana reminds a few of them that the beverages don’t have to be alcoholic. Ameiko certainly seems to be in higher spirits than yesterday, apparently served well by a full night’s rest. She busies herself with preparing breakfast for everyone, leaving little time for chitchat.
Wearing yet another resplendent outfit, Aldern Foxglove approaches your table. Two new manservants accompany him, scrounged up from gods know where, both of whom carry the noble’s baggage. Shara recognizes them as Sandpoint locals, no doubt enticed by the promise of payment in gold.
“I am afraid that I must return home,” Aldern reports with a sad smile, while giving you a fervent bow. “My time here in Sandpoint was always destined to be but a brief sojourn. I must once again extend to you my most sincere thanks, both for saving my life and for joining me in Tickwood. It had been some time since I last felt the thrill of the hunt.” He pauses to chuckle wholesomely. “Should you ever find yourselves in Magnimar’s Naos district, do not hesitate to pay me a visit at my townhouse. You are always welcome there!”
"It's a pity to see you go so soon, but after the last few days, I can imagine that you're eager to see home again." She smiles. "Still, I'll likely find myself in Magnimar at some point in the near future. There are few places better to do research in all of Varisia. Perhaps I will pay you a visit."
"Mmmm. Why do you have to go?" Ivy asks, tilting her head. "Do you have something you have to do there? Ooh! Ooh! Is there gonna be another carnival-fair-thing? Will they release thousands of flowers for Shelyn?" after a moment, she adds, "We couldn't find a new puppy, sorry."
"I will be looking forward to it," Aldern says to Shara, his smile reaching his eyes.
He chuckles a bit at Ivy's words and shakes his head. "There's always a cause for celebration somewhere in Magnimar. Unfortunately, my return there is a matter of business. I have an obligation I must fulfill. Such is life!"
"A good hunting dog is hard to find, but I do thank you for the sentiment. Perhaps we can find one in the city when we next meet, yes? Until then..."
With one last gracious bow, the noble leaves through the front door, his two aides scrambling to follow after him. Meeting someone at the door, Aldern exchanges one last farewell before continuing on. Shortly after, the town sheriff steps into the common room. If the past two days have worn on him, his face certainly does not show it. The Shoanti man approaches you, acknowledging your party with a nod.
"I was hoping you would all be together," Hemlock says, his mouth curving into a very slight smile that quickly fades. "Mayor Deverin has asked to speak with you all. It is a matter of some importance."
"Sure! We'll see you there!"
Ash looked more dubious than Ivy. A large city didn't really sound like a good idea to him... so many more people.
"Um. Alright. Did you find out what the... secret robe... was for?" she asks, saying the middle part in stage whisper.
Ash sighs and shakes his head, pushing himself up from the table. "Better get going. Ivy, don't forget your stick." Ivy nods, and slips out the door ahead of everyone once more.
"Ready when you are."
Shara smiles back. "I'm sure we'll have a good time if we meet again."
As the sheriff arrives, Shara looks curious. At least their meetings have been pretty... non-hostile since she came back to town. "Is something the matter sheriff?"
Hemlock looks to Ivy and then glances at the inn's other patrons pointedly, though none of them seem any the wiser. Nonetheless, he answers with nothing more than a nod - the details would have to come later.
"There is a cause for concern, yes..." he responds to Shara, stepping out of the way as the eidolon goes out the door, "...and as I'm sure you imagine, your assistance will be asked for once more."
"I suppose I'm not surprised by that," Shara replies. "This town heroes thing is coming with as much trouble as it does perks." She sighs. "Still, if there's some kind of trouble, we can't really say no." She stands up and straightens her dress. "Shall we meet the mayor then?"
Baalrak grumbles and looks at the Sheriff. "Can't we just skip the meeting and head straight to the trouble? I don't like stringing together words to get to the job."
Ivy marches in, carrying a slightly muddy stick, before nodding. "I agree. Words are hard."