It is approaching dusk on the Summer Solstice and all of Sandpoint is ablaze with excitement. Tonight begins the annual Ritual of Stardust, to honor the goddess Desna. All over Sandpoint, large bonfires are beginning to be lit and tables are pulled out for the enormous feasts that will begin at the start of twilight.
Acolytes have been walking threw town all day, handing out small bags of "stardust", which is actually ground up rose quartz, but will still work for the ritual. At midnight, the entire town will begin to sing songs, continue feasting and watch the fires burn. Once only embers remain, each devout of Desna will thrown their stardust and whisper proclamations of love, friendship, and of good times to come.
The new Pathfinder outpost in town has also shown its support for the Ritual and has helped decorate the town square with all the colors and regal of Desna including several barrels of Spring Ale. The Rusty Dragon has been open all day and night, serving up its famous spicy salmon. And Koya Mvashti, the town's oldest cleric of Desna, has been surrounded by townsfolk all day, attempting to get a blessing from Desna.
At this point, you all find yourself outside of the Rusty Dragon, watching as the first bonfires become lit.
Keeping one eye on Koya, Opi settled to watch the bonfire. It was a lot easier to see when astride a large canine, but that was one of the advantages to being able to ride a wolf. It put you on eye level with most large sized people at least. Well, it would have done if she was a bit taller - even by halfling standard she was short.
Glancing at the bag of Stardust, Opi pondered what she'd proclaim. She respected Desna, but worshipped Sarenrae, so she didn't want to make a big scene. It was an important ritual for those who worshipped the Great Dreamer. She'd take part - that was Koya's wish, she thought - but she'd limit her roll. Still, it would be nice to have some blessings for the next time they travelled.
Rousing Khashim, she stretched as she rose into the air. "I don't suppose anyone can see any more of that spring ale, do they?" Opi grinned widely. "The fires are going to make me terribly thirsty."
Kirsteen is seated on the ground near the fire, long legs stretched out before her with her little bear resting her head on her lap. Eating a bowl of stew she had gotten from the Dragon, Kirsteen's eyes scanned the crowd, wondering if a certain someone was around.
Why do I keep hoping for things that won't happen? No man's going to want a girl taller than him.
Opi hears a slight cough from behind her, she comes face to face with a known celebrity of Sandpoint, Pathfinder Chronicler and Venture Captain, Tierce Vraie. He hands her a large mug of Spring Ale. "Just don't get too drunk, friend. I don't need Koya lecturing me anymore than necessary" He gives you a slight wink.
A loud cheer goes up as Ameiko comes out with her sanxian and begins playing a tune. A few being to laugh as Sandru jumps over a table and begins a varisian dance in tune to Ameiko's playing
An entrance is required! Luckily, Zaira always has something prepared. In this case, its just a flourish of her blue-insided cape as she gets down off of her chocolate brown charger. From anyone else, it might look like a pose ... from Zaira, she is just ... cool. The pennant on her lance (braced on the horse's saddle) snaps open to reveal the lion like the one on her chest. She doesn't say anything - that would detract!
It lasts for a second before she's tying the horse to a hitch and heading for the tables.
Then with a little grin (music already!) she makes her way on in to find a seat and something to eat, observing the dancing with her odd, milky pupilless eyes. A small smile remains on her lips, as though she knows a secret.
Kirsteen's eyes light up as she sees Sandru hopping atop a table and dancing. Abandoning her bowl of stew, Kirsteen stands up to her full height of six foot and begins making her way over to watch with her little bear ambling along at her ankles.
Despite being only 17 years old, Kirsteen is already an impressive figure with her height and curves. Taller than quite a few of the adult men of the town, Kirsteen has no problem making her way though the crowd. For the celebration, she has left behind her usual bear hide armor and spear. Instead, she has put on something she rarely wears, an actual dress. Unfortunately though, it was rather hard to find one to accommodate her long legs and the skirt of it ends at midcalf rather than reaching down to her ankles. The firelight appears to make her amber eyes glow and gives her bronze skin gold hightlights.
Ri strolled slowly along the street, his cowl drawn up to cover his face. He wanted to surprise his big sister, he had not been back in these parts in almost a year and he wanted to talk to her first, before anyone else could ruin the surprise. Not that anyone would recognize him. He usually kept his face cleanly shaved whilst in town and his head shaved bald.
He had been away from Sandpoint for more than a year now, patrolling the surrounding areas, hunting and doing what he could to maintain the wilderness. He had not spoken to another humanoid in the better part of six months but had had a chance to speak with more than a few fey. The people of the woods were not unknown to him, he regularly sought out their guidance and aid whilst traveling. He was rusty though, the town was more than a little daunting. He had had no way to accurately keep track of days so had forgotten about the festival. It had almost been enough to make him turn away but he was driven.
'Nothing like missing ones family to drive you on!' He reached up under his cowl and ran a hand through his hair, as he turned the corner to the Rusty Dragon. The leaves and vines braided on to his cloak rustled softly in the breeze and he took a moment to listen to their sweet familiar sound, before driving onwards. 'Almost there...'
He came up on the Rusty Dragon and smiled softly, stroking his beard. Ameiko was already out, her sanxian in hand, playing a familiar song. Sandru, his sister friend was dancing along.
'They both look good. It is good to see the place has stayed standing in my absence!' He smiled, dropping his pack by the door but keeping his bow and quiver where they hung at hip and back. He stretched slowly and looked around. Ameiko would be busy for awhile and he was in need of practice speaking again any way. He spotted a likely group of people standing off to he side of the inn and made his way to them slowly, cautiously.
"Gr-," he coughed softly to clear his throat, "Greetings. Excuse me for bothering you all!" He bowed to each of them in turn before continuing. "I was just wondering if you could tell me where I may be able to find a drink? Is the Dragon still serving inside?"
'Erastil this is hard...'
Xutal was wearing his caravan guard attire, not the most festive garb. When his brother jumped on a near by table to dance, he was an island of calm among the ocean of party goers. Still he kept his calm and simply observed. Anyone looking at him would think him somewhat ominous in appearance with his rakish brimmed hat and scarf warped around his shoulders and neck up to his chin. Wild black and silver hair sticking out from beneath the hat, along with sharp golden eyes. A forest green cloak wrapped around a brown vest atop a gray button down shirt with only half the amount of sleeve barely keeping it from exposing shoulder. Black well worn gloves, leather breeches with a belt, and sturdy boots completed his hard, some would say dangerous perception.
For his part Xutal simply did not see the attraction to this festival. The food and drink were good and all but this was a celebration for a god, which was not his own. As far as he was concerned he had little place here, but his brother had insisted. It could be worth it, if only he had something to do besides eat and drink. He did not consider dancing to be on that list.
Opi saluted the venture captain with a smirk. "And when was the last time I got that...wait, never mind. Don't answer that. I'm not sure I want to remember if I've already managed to forget." Taking a sip of the brew she sighed appreciably. Swaying to the beat of the music, she added, "Although some things are worth getting forgetful."
Turning to the newcomer, Opi bowed, carefully holding her mug flat so as not to spill any. "I think someone is still serving inside. At least, I hope so. or you can bug Tierce here - he sometimes knows where to find a decent brew and a real bite of sup. I'm Opi, by the way, and the hairy brute beneath me," she added, rubbing a hand between the wolves ears, "Is Khashim, although he sometimes answers to Mr Yippy."
The big wolf chuffed at the name.
"Oh, hush, or I won't let Ameiko give you any fish." With a whine the big wolf settled.
Her eyes glued to Sandru's performance, Kirsteen starts a little bit as the stranger begins introducing himself.
Managing to look away from the dancing man, Kirsteen looks over the newcomer and is surprised that he is actually at eye level with her. The halfling astride the wolf answers before she can though and Kirsteen bends down to shoe her bear away from the wolf.
Lou the ever mild mannered cook stands on the front porce of the Rusty dragon wiping his hands on a towel. dressed in his usual clothing an apron around the waist.
he slings the towel over his shoulder watching the bonfire. smileing a greeting to those that enter or leave. with a cordial "hope you enjoyed your meal" or "welcome to the Rusty Dragon" as approriate.
As always Lou smiles a pleasent smile whenever Amieko plays I may never get the nerve. its been what 5 maybe 6 years? still she remains available,
Lou looses himself in her playing his mind racing through visions of what could be.
with a glance back to those patrons still inside Lou is snapped back to reality.
a barkeeps work is never done he sighs and is forced inside for a bit to get another round of dinner plates to the customers.
And Zaira sidles her way towards Koya after she's eaten. It's only polite to say hello to old friends, right?
Lou checks the kitchen and makes sure the extra help is doing alright. gets a couple mre dishes set
Lou removes his apron an puts on a light jacket. grabs his sketch book and heads out to the bon-fire hopeing it isn't too late.
Lou takes a seat where he can catch a glimpse of Amieko and some of the others dancing.
opens his book and some of the charcoal pencils. making a sketch of Amieko playing and some of the others in the background dancing.
Lou has always been a quiet man his sketch book bears witness to the happenings of the small town over the past few years.
several letters tucked inside from Noro detailing her exploits, she has since been working at the new Pathfinder Lodge.
Xutal takes a drink from his gourd. He had to hold back from drinking from his Irori flask, it held the last of his tea from the temple of Irori in Jalmeray. He really wish Sandru would get down from the table, he spies an odd group near by with a woman staring at his brother rather intently. He wondered if those were trained animals or pets.
Ri smiled slightly at the Halfling before crouching down in front of the wolf and staring deep in to its eyes. He looked up at the woman and stood, before speaking. "Greetings to you Miss Opi. And to you too Master Khashim. May I say that you make a fine pair!"
He nodded slightly in greeting to the Venture Captain. "A pleasure Venture Captain!"
His eyes met those of the tall young woman briefly and he inclined his head to her, and smiled self-consciously. She had not spoken yet and he was not sure if she would address him but..."That is a very well behaved bear you have m'Lady. I am afraid I never caught your name?"
He addresses the group as a whole, "I am known as Ri. I have need of a drink. Let me fetch for the group yes?"
"Oh, thank you. Her name is Autumn and mine is Kirsteen."
He seems familiar with some of the people here, so I guess he's been to Sandpoint before.
Kirsteen looks at Ri a bit curiously, trying to figure out just who he is.
Lou sits looking over his sketch. he notices some others he has never sketched before.
and noticeing Tierce with them. Lou begins a quick candid sketch. attempting to capture the friendliness of the encounter.
" A pleasure to meet you Kirsteen and Autumn!" He inclined his head with a small smile.
Opi held up her mug. "I'm good, but a bowl for this one," she glanced down at Khashim, "Would be appreciated. Water, please - he is a silly drunk." She paused, considering. "Although it is funny seeing a drunk wolf..."
Noticing Lou sketching them, Opi pauses, then strikes a noble pause, mug of ale thrust forward, chin up and back straight. If someone was going to draw her, she was going to be drawn looking awesome.
Opi held up her mug. "I'm good, but a bowl for this one," she glanced down at Khashim, "Would be appreciated. Water, please - he is a silly drunk." She paused, considering. "Although it is funny seeing a drunk wolf..."
Noticing Lou sketching them, Opi pauses, then strikes a noble pause, mug of ale thrust forward, chin up and back straight. If someone was going to draw her, she was going to be drawn looking awesome.
as the Halfling strikes her pose, Lou gives a laugh and turns to a fresh page and makes a new sketch.
Off in the distance, a loud booming pop noise is heard, followed by a shattering screech. All conversations die down, Ameiko stops playing her instrument and Sandru stops his dance. Everyone stares off into the distance towards the sound, towards the direction of the Brinestump Marsh.
The silence is finally broken by Larz Rovanky, the local tanner who grumbles out in frustration. "Gods damn Goblins! They're getting worse everyday. You know the last caravan that came to town has half burnt.... ruined half the product I ordered from Magnimar..." He looks over at Sheriff Hemlock. "When are you going to do something about it???"
Koya steps up behind Larz and places a hand on his shoulder, "Come now dear, you've had a bit too much to drink. Come sit down and lets get you some coffee." Larz looks about to protest before nodding his head and following Koya.
Tierce walks over to the Sheriff and appears to have a heated debate with him, to which the Sheriff just shakes his head.
Zaira had startled to her feet at the noise (with another dramatic cape flourish), and looked about shiftily for a moment. She settles again calmly, raising her eyebrows. Goblins? Audible from here? "Has the situation gotten that dire?"
Finished with her song, Ameiko heads back into the inn, she yells back for Lou "Can you give me a quick hand bringing up some more barrels of winterdrop ale?"
Sandru starts to go with Ameiko before be stops, brushing past Kirsteen. He turns around after a second, looking at her for a long moment before realization dawns on his face. "Kirsteen?!? Been awhile since I saw you last...you've ahhh... you've grown.. I mean matured... I mean..." He seems to be checking out her bare calves before catching himself, face turning red he turns around, "Its great to see you again, we will need to catch up sometime!" He walks over to the table with his brother before downing a full mug of ale. He looks at Xutal with a bit of bewilderment, he whispers to him, "Sometimes you think you are smooth with the woman, and then get surprised by a young filly with amble leg showing..." He picks up another mug of ale and drains it.
Kirsteen began looking rather disappointed when it appeared that Sandru didn't even recognize her, but that quickly turned into a bit of embarrassment as he does finally remember her.
Grown? I guess I have shot up at least a foot, maybe even closer to two since he last saw me. No wonder it took him a minute to recognize me. I hope he really meant that about wanting to catch up. Hope he wasn't bother by Autumn, he seemed to be looking down at her strangely.
Kirsteen leans down to pat the little bear beside her as she turns her attention to the heated discussion going on between the Sheriff and Tierce.
Xutal gives his brother a dry look, whispering in turn.
"Perception and reality are not always the same dear brother. I would hope you not forget your age. What would aunt Koya think if she heard your now targeting them so young."
He gives him a sly look.
"I dare say she would remind you that your not old enough to avoid her punishments."
Before Sandru could get his balance back or down another ale.
"I will help you with the barrels while you consider things."
Lou closes his book as he makes the finishing touches on his drawing. Gets up and heads over with Amieko to help her with the Barrels.
setting his sketchbook on the bar in the Dragon. all the while Lou can't seem to tikes his eyes off of Amieko, he trys to but even when she works, there is something mezmerizing about her.
and every so often, lou needs to be brought back to the task at hand.
"I'll help with the barrels too!" Opi stared at the large barrels, each significantly larger than she was, and then claps her hands twice, calling out in an imperious voice, "You two, shift those barrels!" Taking a swing from her mug, she nods to herself in satisfaction.
She sighed, glancing over to Koya and making sure she was alright. "If the Goblins get much worse, they're going to try and burn the town down. Nasty little brutes," she added with feeling, recalling all too well the chase that had nearly seen her dead if not for Koya, "It's a shame I don't know any spells to set fire to them..."
More barrels of ale are brought up and the festivities continue throughout the night. Ameiko continues with her playing and a small group of people begins to dance. As the bonfires die down and the embers are left ablaze, townsfolk begin to cast their stardust and begin their proclamations.
Zaira gets back to enjoying her evening, tossing her stardust when appropriate, and dancing with whoever asks.
Though not the best of dancers, Kirsteen hovers around the edge of the dancing ring, kinda hoping to be asked to dance by a certain someone.
Xutal remains sober and watchful, keeping to the edge of the party. Drinking from his gourd and picking at what little food he had taken.
Lou grabs his book and walks to the edge of the fire ring.
with a bow he mumbles a silent prayer glancing toward Amieko then he glances toward Tierce. he tosses his dust into the dying flame.
he then bows once more.
he turns to take in the festivities. looking about he listens a momment to Amieko's playing.
glancing about he notices someone.
Lou approaches Kirsteen
I may not be the one you are waiting on but would you care to dance? he offers his hand.
Kirsteen accepts Lou's hand. "Be warned that I'm not all that great a dancer."
May as well dance for a bit, don't want to look all desperate hoping he will wander by and ask for a dance...
Ri stared towards the sound of the explosion and frowned, his hand casually caressing the fletching of one of the arrows at his hip. He sighed when no mischief appeared, relaxing slightly. 'Praise Erastil for small mercies!'
Ri removed himself from the festivities, taking a seat near a bonfire and nursing a mug of ale. He wanted to approach his sister but he couldn't... He was afraid to, truth be told. Ameiko was as entrenched in this town as their parents had been before hand. Ri had always been the odd one out. 'A black sheep even when my sister was the one who ran off adventuring!' He grinned in to his ale, taking a sip.
Ri had always felt more at home in the woods surrounding Sandpoint than he had in the city. He had been a quiet child, not shy but unsociable. He had been inquisitive and had spent most of his childhood skirting the town, searching for its hidden places. He had stumbled across more than one tunnel during his years adventuring but had known better than to mess with them. Goblin tunnels were a dangerous thing.
Ri caught sight of his sister as the bonfires burned low and he sighed to himself. 'If I do not just bite the arrow I will never do it!' He growled, running his hand through his hair and frowning. Getting to his feet slowly, he sighed and downed his ale. 'Well here goes nothing...'
He walked slowly over towards Ameiko, slipping his cowl down onto his shoulders. He stood there for a moment, before meeting her eyes. He knew he looked nothing like he had the last time they met but he could see the flicker of recognition. Ameiko would know him anywhere. He moved to her and smiled.
"It has been too long dear sister. It is good to see you!"
Kirsteen accepts Lou's hand. "Be warned that I'm not all that great a dancer."
May as well dance for a bit, don't want to look all desperate hoping he will wander by and ask for a dance...
Lou just smiles. niether am I, I'm just a cook
Lou leads her up to dance
lou's dancing is average, nothing spectacular, he definately seems to understand his partner is hopeing to dance with another and repsects that. he only engages her for a single dance then escorts her to her seat.
If I may, He pulls out his sketch book indicating his desire to sketch her.
"Could you include Autumn in the sketch?"
Kirsteen will pull her little bear up onto her lap to pose for the sketch.
Father Zantus signals the end of the Ritual, people begin to start heading home. The Rusty Dragon remains open, free of charge for anyone for the night whom are too far away from home to make it. The night slowly winds down and the streets empty, all except for the ash from the bonfires and the left over decorations.
The next morning, you are awoken to the sound of townsfolk, already at work cleaning up. Everyone seems to be astir about something, whispering to themselves is hushed by alarmed murmurs. You quickly learn that a caravan made it in to Sandpoint at the early hours. Half the people were dead or dying from an attack. An attack from goblins!
You spot Venture Captain Tierce as he walks about the town, directing his trainees as they hang up signs. Each sign is the same and reads as the following:
By Order of Sheriff Hemlock
The Pathfinder Society is hosting a Goblin Hunt
10 Gold bounty on pairs of goblin ears
300 Gold bounty for the head of the Chief of the Licktoad Tribe
All groups of "Adventurers" must register with the Venture Captain
Zaira is up bright and early, lounging outside the 'Dragon in a chair she brought with her, enjoying the sun, quite snakelike. She's not exactly dressed. Well, not what most people would call dressed - after all, if the intent is to sun, as much of her pale skin should be ... sunned, right? The silk slip ... thing ... is not actually indecent ... its just ... not quite decent either. She does blink her pale eyes open curiously at the appearance of Tierce and his signs though, and gets up with a languid stretch to go read one of them.
Kirsteen stands in front of one the sign, lost in thought as she is reading it.
It's so awful what happened to that caravan. What if next time it's Sandru's caravan that gets attacked?
Unable to bear the thought of anything like that happening, Kirsteen makes up her mind to report to the Venture Captain and offer her services to participate in the goblin hunt.
"Could you include Autumn in the sketch?"
Kirsteen will pull her little bear up onto her lap to pose for the sketch.
Lou flips open his book and shows her two pictures already done, one of the bear and the other of the wolf.
Already done them, I like animals I sketch them every chance I can.
as he flips through the book Kirsteen can see an unfinished picture of her from earlier during the bon-fire it includes the halfling girl as well
Lou goes to a fresh page and sketches her with the bear. trying to capture the bond between her and the bear.
before the sun is even up Lou is busy making breakfast at the Rusty Dragon. serving up a practical yet tasty meal.
While cooking up breakfast Lou is talking with Noro in the Kitchen aboout the signs Tierce is putting up.
Xutal is helping Sandru, mostly recover while giving him a "I told you so" look every chance he gets. When the signs go up and he reads them he ask his brother.
"Do we have any free time, could always use the gold. Plus clearing out some goblins can only make our jobs easier later, or at least less dangerous."
Seeing his brothers state.
"I am sure others will sign up, so you can focus on things here in town."
Sparing any pride his brother might have despite his condition.
Having scattered her dust at the ritual, Opi rode Khashim away from the fires to think a little. She preferred to not get too involved. As a result, she spotted the posters going up and smiled as she read. "Looks like we get to hunt some gobbos, old boy." She wondered if she could convince any of the local businesses to 'sponsor' the expedition by giving her a few vials of Alchemist's Fire...
"I would be happy to hunt down some goblin ears for the safety of the town," Pronounces Zaira to the people considering the foray into the swamp. She smiles, and flourishes her arm a bit dramatically in a random direction. "But someone will have to show me the way."
Ameiko smiles to her brother and gives him a hug, "It's about time you came over. A tall Tien man who looks uncomfortable around other people? Even with your hood pulled up I knew it was my Ri. Come! Let's toss our Stardust on the embers together, as a family."
Tierce passes by Zaira as she makes her proclamation. He raises an eyebrow at the way he is dressed before saying "You will need a team before you can register. You might want to find some friends to help you. Brinestump is a scary place for one person."
At the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko helps Lou serve up breakfast to all her guests. She puts down a large cup of coffee for Sandru for his recovery. She asks Xutal "Anything for you?" She takes his order once given.
Once Ryouichi her brother is awake, she serves him up breakfast before asking a favor. "Hey, I think you should take that goblin job everyone's talking about. And I think you should take Lou with you. He needs a bit of excitement and I've seen him practicing lately. Just make sure he comes back, people love his spicy chicken. And also because his sister would murder us both."
"Well, yes," Zaira gives a luxurious yawn and shake of her silky hair. She seems completely unselfconscious, smirking a bit and shrugging her pale shoulders. She squints up at the sun, and gives a little regretful sigh - she'll have to abandon her sunning to find a team.
She grins at Tierce, and marches back on into the bar on her barefoot toes. Despite not being completely dressed, she oozes confidence and something akin to an aura of command, though its somewhat lessened by her lack of dramatic cloak and armor.
"Who else would be considering a foray into Brinestump this glorious morning?" She asks the bar at large.
She may be obnoxious, but its tempered by her smile, a bit sarcastic as if aware of her own dramatics.
Lou just looks out from the kitchen
What you trying to feed me to the goblins now? I told you that was an accident and I didn't see anything
a smile crosses his face as he recalls that evening, knowing that last part just might be a little lie, after all what he did see was nice.
besides, who else is going to keep this kitchen in order? Noro?
at that momment there is a loud crash in the kitchen as an empty pot comes flying out just past Lou's head.
Noro comes out of the kitchen frying pan in hand what you think I can't handle the Kitchen? she says with a glare to Lou.