** spoiler omitted **
Gabryjel looks from Sheelah to Beck.
"If you'd rather, I'd go with her to deal with that bum."
"We got birds following us and now we suddenly got this basterd following us? I don't think so..." he growls.
"I'm betting this place is a gods damned mageocracy - you know, where them with the magic rule? Magic folk may be more interested in folk who use magic, generally."
His eyes narrow.
"If they're following us, I'd be the reason's got something to do with magic. Maybe the reason is that we got that bond us from when we did the deal with the rider?"
He spits into the slush nearby.
"The rider that came through got knifed bad before we met him - means someone tried to kill him and stop him from doing his job, right?"
"Magic user folk maybe don't want a lad like that rider getting his job done, you know?"
"But the rider got through and now we're doing the job for him - that means whoever tried to stop him probably would want to stop us, too."
"The lad following us is probably trying to track us for some reason, maybe it's all just a coincidence, but somehow I doubt it. As he ain't got the balls to approach us man-to-man that tells me he's likely going to be a problem in the future."
He glances from Beck to Sheelah - confident that the cat can track this person with his smell alone.
"If you want, we can go after this guy and either drop him dead, or snatch him and make him talk."
"What's your pleasure?" he asks Beck, his fingers restless on his bow.
At Nadya's house, I don't know Beck about taking Sheila with us. I mean I doubt anyone would want her in any store so she will have to wait outside. Will she be ok with that? Will she be safe or the people feel safe with an unattended large cat around. I know she is safe but the locals won't.
Turning to Gabe, If you are to go looking for this cloaked person be careful. Not only of the person but of what we don't know around here. I would hate to see us in trouble for breaking a law we don't know about by chasing this guy down. Do want you think is best but I guess all I am trying to say is Dont make a scene if possible.
Venja you are able to easily discern that healing the leg first would relieve the pain but not fix the problem of him being able to support his full weight on it. Knowing full well that setting the leg will cause immense pain, you start your healing spell but focus its energies on pain relief first rather than restoring the broken tissue and bone. As soon as you lay your hand on the leg you can feel the tension in him relax from the pain relief. Continuing your focus on blocking the pain you manage to expertly set the bone. During the most painful part Ezekiel sucks in his breath and appears about to faint before emitting a loud cry. He stays conscious though and once the leg is set your curative energies turn towards mending the leg instead of the pain relief. Although you know it will happen, you can see the change in his eyes as they dilate when you make the switch. The pain returns fully for the time it takes to complete the healing spell. All he can do is sit and pant with the exertion on his own body but he gives you a weak smile before he closes his eyes resting.
Xanxan you walk around the town a bit getting a feel for the place. The first thing you notice is how different the style of clothing is around here. Not only are the colors more muted but the cut of the cloth is different as well. It is still good solid craftsmanship and something you could do if you tired. It does occur to you that anyone who looks at you, or anyone from the group, could tell that you all are strangers from a different country quite easily. As you walk around you don't do the best at hiding but manage to at least be as inconspicuous as possible for a gnome, a stranger coming in with a group with a large cat. During the brief snippets of conversation you manage to catch it is quite obvious that the talk of the town is the strangers and will be for quite some time. Of note you hear a man mention to another Wonder how long till the Pale Tower hears about them and comes investigating? The response is mumbled enough that you cant tell what it was.
"I'm sorry about the pain. You should be able to use that leg now, but I wouldn't stress it too much for the first few days."
Venja turns to her tea and warms her hands on the cup before tasting it, letting the man rest as the worst of the pain leaves him and he can relax at last.
I sincerely hope none of my friends gets themselves into trouble tonight, as I have no healing magic left. Maybe Anee does.
Ezekiel nods his head towards you with a sigh, I understand ma'am and thank you but I will need to get back to work tomorrow to provide for my family. No charity around here and money is hard to come by with all the fees and licensure to chop wood. Not trying to sound ungrateful, as I am grateful but I don't have much choice in the matter.
"Hmmm... perhaps I can help a little more." she switches to a low whisper. "Tell no one where you got this... this should help tide you over until you can work fully." Venja hands him 7 sp under the table.
With these prices if other places are like this inn, that won't go far, but it might help for a day or two.
Xanxan hears the comment about the pale towers. He isn't sure he should ask more here, instead he seeks out his compatriots. The first one he sees, he asks, "Anyone know what the Pale Tower is?"
Ezekiel looks at you with tear rimmed eyes, Venja. You don't know what this means to me. It will provide food for my wife and child for the next week almost. This is more than I could earn after fees and food for my family in 2 months. Thank you indeed. The emotional rollercoaster having made a toil on him, not to mention the lingering pain of the freshly healed wound, leaves Ezekiel wanting to say more but can't find the words. All he can say as he walks out the door is, May the good spirits bless you and you are welcome here anytime regardless of what others may think.
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Xanxan you would have noticed that Beck, Gabe and Venja entered the tavern a while ago while it seems that Variel and Aneira are still at Nadya's house. Regardless of who you talk to you remember that Nadya and Mierul mentioned the Pale Tower as the local authority and where the local winter witch resides.
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Aneira, if you want to visit anywhere in particular let me know however as you entered the town, a man in brown robes waved to you. the wave was not so much as a welcome to the town but an invitation to come closer. Upon asking Nadya about who the man is she responds, [b]That is Rolf Halzberg. He sees to our limited spiritual needs here. Don't know why he would have singled you out but apparently he wants to talk to you.
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Gabe, Emil comes over looking at your drink to see if it is empty of not. He doesn't say anything just looks before moving away again.
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Beck, Sheila is content to stay and give the dogs a look as if telling them that she is in charge around here. She will follow you as usual should you wish her to accompany you but now that she has made it known to the other animals that she is queen there is no rush to go anywhere.
Aneira, if you want to visit anywhere in particular let me know however as you entered the town, a man in brown robes waved to you. The wave was not so much as a welcome to the town but an invitation to come closer. Upon asking Nadya about who the man is she responds, That is Rolf Halzberg. He sees to our limited spiritual needs here. Don't know why he would have singled you out but apparently he wants to talk to you.
Gaining Variel's attention, Aneira subtly motioned toward Rolf Halzberg.
Directing her question discreetly to their host, "Nadya, is it safe for me to approach Mister Halzberg?"
Gabryjel will indeed attempt to discover who the man is that is following him, and what his purpose is as they leave Nadya's house and head to the bar.
He looks at Beck.
"I asked before if you wanted me to take Sheelah so we can kill this guy or capture him."
"Since we aren't at the kennels yet, I think I'm going to go after him now. I reckon I'll take her with me, if you're agreeable to it," he says looking at Beck.
At Nadya's house, Do want you think is best but I guess all I am trying to say is Dont make a scene if possible.
Gabryjel's fingers brush off some grit from the parade armor from Taldor that he is wearing and adjust the necklace fashioned from the mandibles of the slain mantis warrior and lifts his head to look at Nadya.
"Don't worry, ma'am - if anyone asks what's up, I'll set 'em straight," he says with a dry smile.
The Gnome smacks himself lightly in the head for forgetting that part about the Pale Tower and enters the Tavern
+aid+surrvival kit
Before getting to nadya's after the hood disappears beck says, "We at least figure out where he went, I'm thinkin. Don't wanna go makin a scene for sure so let's just figure where the fello went. C'mon girl let's track him"
Beck wants to follow the tracks while they're fresh if possible. Just to see if he goes somewhere. We can deal with the info later, as beck and gabe aren't interrogators.
Variel nods his head and follows Anee's lead. Sure thing dear, but if what Nadya says is true I wouldn't be trusting all of the townsfolk to readily. Who knows what types we might run across. He will leave it up to Aneira to do the talking while he keeps a sharp eye out amongst any others that may be nearby.
Nadya looks at Aneira with a thoughtful expression on her face. Frankly I would trust him myself but why he would want to talk to you is beyond me. Then again he is probably the one I talk to the least around here. Never had much in the way of religion or the gods.
-----------------------------------
Before Beck and Gabe head to the tavern they decide to see where this cloaked figure went to. With Gabe pointing to the spot he saw him last it is only a matter of minutes for Beck to follow the trail, expertly hidden as it may be. The path leads quickly back behind the row of buildings till it reaches the rear door of a building. You are positive the individual went inside. Do you continue to follow and go inside the building, go around to the front, or give up and just mark the building for further note?
Gabryjel draws an arrow and knocks it quietly and looks at Beck as he moves to flank the entrance.
His eyes narrow and he gives Beck a nod and mouths the words - Your move...
"We dunno what we'd be gettin into here mate, c'mon" Beck whispers and beacons gabe to come away from the door. "Lets ask Nadya's who's place this is." Beck orders Sheelah to
Get Help
shich apparently draws a confused look from the cat.
He then orders her Sneak
...and stay hidden behind a nearby house and Watch, alerting us if she detects movement from the house. also to Defend Gabe.
"Gabe, keep an eye on the other doors, Sheelah'll watch this one, and I'll go see what's this about." Beck says, and bolts back to Nadya's place for a quick word.
After describing the individual and the place, what does Nadya have to tell Beck about the home of the robed individual and then returns to Gabe to tell him and see if anything's happened.
Gabryjel sighs a little and slings his bow and puts his arrow back in the quiver.
With nothing to do but wait, he draws his ax and lingers by the door, the weapon loose in his hand.
Sheila and GAbe will notice that the door opens after about 10 minutes and a middle aged man is in the doorway. In his hand is a sack. Seeing Gabe nearby with an axe in his hand he drops the bag with a muffled scream and slams the door. You can hear him hollering for help and the sound of many feet come running. Gabe what do you do?
Beck as you talk to Nadya and inform her about the figure she gets a puzzled look on her face. Interesting and peculiar indeed. However I am at a loss as to who it would be. From your description it sounds like the figure went into the back door of Serena Vioska's apparel shop. I can't imagine that it would have been her or her husband. It must have been someone else who used it to hide and join the crowd out front. Keep your eyes open though and be careful.
Gabryjel will put his ax back in his belt.
He thinks a moment.
Given that this is a small village it’s likely that everyone in town already knows everyone else. The fact that his friends are newcomers already makes them marked and noted by everyone and likely passed along like any piece of gossip would be in a small town.
Therefore there is no point in running off or hiding as whoever is coming would ask what is going on and – given his gear – they’d be blabbing it all over town in any case.
Folks in this town need to grow some balls…
He pulls out a thin cigarette and lights it and takes a drag.
He pauses to gently rub Sheelah across the bridge of her nose and up around her ears, knowing that since Beck assigned Sheelah to guard him she’ll follow him until Beck shows up.
Gabryjel takes another drag of the smoke and wanders down the street, occasionally running his fingertips softly over the tiger’s shoulders.
He considers things a little more fully.
If the guy’s that much of a bich that he’d scream for help that means he’s not used to helping himself… If he doesn’t help himself than he’s used to getting help from others, likely the folk that are charging after him… If the folk that are coming are the ones that the villagers rely on it’s likely that they’re the ones running the show here, not just some cheap thugs…
He takes another drag of the cigarette and exhales through his nostrils.
Whoever is running after him will likely be coming up fast and probably decide to try to prove to him that they're the one’s in charge.
He grins at the thought and heads down the street, Sheelah moving with him.
”Come on, girl – I’m going to get you something to eat,” he says with a gentle voice to the white tiger and leads her the tavern, not interested in locking her away in some filthy kennel and curious to see what happens next.
"Hmmm, guess i'll have ta ask the lady who may have come through her shoppe, eh? or maybe get Venja or Anee. They're pretty ones. Better find Gabby afore he gets in too much trouble, eh" Beck wabes and bolts, cringing at the screaming sounds.
"Oye, no good. Lets head on back, maybe get a drink eh?" beaconing as to get gabe away from the commotion, and sheelah back at his side.
Gabryjel ambles down the street with Sheelah standing guard, as asked.
Suddenly he hears a noise and turns.
"Oye, no good. Lets head on back, maybe get a drink eh?" beaconing as to get gabe away from the commotion, and sheelah back at his side.
He takes a long, leisurely pull on the cigarette.
"Afternoon, Beck," he says with a grin, scratching Sheelah gently around her ears as he continues to walk down the street.
"Why the rush, eh?" he says with flat eyes as he hears Becks encouragement to hurry on.
"What - you think we'll be able to blend in this place? You know, the Tiefling and the white tiger and the guy carrying a bunch of weapons smoking a cigarette?" he adds with a shake of his head.
"There ain't enough people in this piss-pot of a town to disappear in."
He glances behind him, still disgusted that holding a ax in a town that was in the middle of a forest was enough to turn a shop-keeper into a gibbering coward who shrieks for help.
Oh well - bad luck...
"This town's filled with folk who're used to getting stepped on, I reckon. That's why they never had a chance to grow a pair, you know?"
He glances down the street as he walks with Beck, but does not feel like hurrying.
"So I figure that the folk who do the bullying and stepping on folk might poke their head out to show us they're the boss now," he adds with a shrug.
"Besides, if those basterds want a reason to dance..." he says tossing the cigarette to the side "Well I say - Let's Dance," and he gives Beck a small smile, his eyes gleaming strangely.
"Listen, I mean no offense young'n' but I been at this a fairwhile yeah? Ain't bout blendin in it's about not scarin peope and not gettin a mob riled, yeah? I dunno what yea did, but if'n the locals don't like us makes our questin tougher." beck says quielty. "an these people are tough. Have to be if'n they're still alive here in a place like this, and yea don't want em gettin the torches an pitchforks out fer us."
So we return to the others and quietly get a drink
Gabryjel listens to Beck with a dry smile on his face as they walk.
”Sorry, all I was doing was trying to learn something."
"I reckon I did..."
He walks for a moment in silence, than speaks again to Beck.
”You know, being tough don’t matter when you’ve convinced yourself to be afraid of something. When you’re afraid of something – no matter how tough you are – that’s a problem for you, because you cower, no matter what happens.”
He takes another drag on the smoke, watching Beck.
”Now folks on this block may be tough – this is hard country… but right now there’s some bigger lads out here, you know? Some bugger who’s pushing the rest of them around and keeping them in fear… because that lad was afraid, else he wouldn’t have cowered like that. And if he’s afraid it mean’s he’s used to living in fear… if he’s been living in fear, that means he’s had something to be afraid of.”
Gabryjel glances as Beck as they continue to walk.
”I just wanted to know if folks around here were used to living in fear, or doing their own fighting. Now I know they’re used to being afraid of something…”
”If they’re afraid that tells me that these people may be tough, but they ain’t used to doing their own fighting ‘cause someone does it for them. The way I figure it, that means that those folks will show up pretty soon; likely no matter what we do.”
He glances at the tavern as they approach.
”Thing is – if you’re a new kid in town the bully’s got to step on you as soon as you show up. Because if the other kids see that you can walk around without getting beat down then maybe those other kids may try to stand up for themselves, too.”
”A bully won’t take that – he’ll come to deal with you quick and all the other folks will watch. They figure you’ll get beat down fast – ‘cause that’s what happened to them.”
He turns to look back at Beck.
”But in their guts they’ll be praying that maybe, just maybe, you’ll win the fight… ‘cause if you do it just means the bullies who’ve been stepping on them can be bested and these folk can see that if we can do it, maybe they can, too... and they'll have some hope that maybe they got a chance at something better… ”
He gives Beck a flat grin.
”As for me? I’m ready to show these folks what it’s like to stand up for yourself proper against scum who try to put me in my place.”
”How about you?”
Variel nods his head and follows Anee's lead. Sure thing dear, but if what Nadya says is true I wouldn't be trusting all of the townsfolk to readily. Who knows what types we might run across. He will leave it up to Aneira to do the talking while he keeps a sharp eye out amongst any others that may be nearby.
Aneira nods her head. "Aye, husband. You should know by now I would not risk myself or the others. I would like to know what this spiritual leader wants with me. I will go now." Aneira was confidant that Variel was being vigilant and she was not afraid so much as curious.
Upon Nadya's assurance that she would trust Rolf Halzberg, Aneira walked casually toward the spiritual leader but still kept her eyes peeled for danger or any suspicious activity.
Within a few feet she stops and politely smiling, begins a conversation in a pleasant voice, "Well met, sir. My name is Aneira Whitestorm. You gestured for me to draw closer. May I ask what you seek from me or how I may help?"
"Well mate, yea got a point. Dunno what happened, but I'd rather avoid pickin a fight, or drawin eyes to us afore we know what's goin on, yeah? Sounds like these winter-witches are bad news and the lady o' the Pale Tower's soldiers ain't sommat ta laugh at. Thing about it is that if these folk are tough whoever's got em scared is gonna be real dangerous. makin a scene may not be what we wanna do yet. An' we'll prolly have ta go to the tower soon anyway, better of our own volition."
"Well mate... we'll prolly have ta go to the tower soon anyway, better of our own volition."
Gabryjel traces the bridge of Sheelah's nose gently with his fingertip as he glances at Beck.
"You make a good point... why not now?" he says with complete frankness.
"We've got nothing to do here anyhow. This place has no action. There's nothing to buy, everyone's got a chip on their shoulder and we got a quest to deal with... if you think going there is the best way to do things, let's go," he adds earnestly.
Aneira you approach Roth and he motions you to follow him without saying a word. Following him with Variel at your side you feel a bit uneasy about the silence from the man. Once away from the main street though he talks in a raspy voice to you. You look like a lass is willing to help people and I need a favor from you. I know you don't know me or may not even trust a stranger but I got no one else to turn to. I am watched constantly so cant do anything myself or it might look bad and the town would suffer. Your a stranger and people may think a bit ill of you for dong it but if you an pull if off I will reward you as best as I can. Here is the problem. 2 weeks ago one of my friends by the name of Haft was heard saying something bad about the Pale Tower guards... at this part he looks around to make sure no one is watching him, Next thing I know he has this 'accident' where it is claimed he stepped on a hinter's trap while in the woods and it kills him. I don't think it was the trap. I think the guards took him out and killed him for it. What I need you or your friends to do is dig up his body and take a look at Haft's body. If you can confirm my suspicions and find me the proof I will give you this oil and scroll that were donated to me. Its not much but its all I got in the ways of a reward.
Aneira you sense that he is being up and up with you. If I would be found desecrating the grave I would no longer be the spiritual leader in Waldsby. If you did it and got caught you would still be rewarded but the village will look at you with disgust and may try to run you out of town. If you should find proof though then we could convince them it was for the right reason even if there is nothing we can do to the guard. At least the people would know the truth and Haft would be at peace.
--------------------------------------
Gabe as you and Beck enter the tavern it seems word has spread of your actions and brandishing an axe in town. While nothing was illegal, the townsfolk now are turning against you and anyone you associate with. A few of them are shouting slurs and insults at you as you walk into the bar, telling you, leave and give us peace. Its the likes of you that cause so much trouble. We have enough on our own, we don't need the likes of you.
Venja looks between Gabe & Beck and the townsfolk in curious bewilderment at their reactions. She will ask one of the townsfolk directly, "What did they do that caused trouble?"
beck facepalms as soon as he walks into the bar. "See, this is why we play nice, Boyo," to Gabe. "Now I can tell yea why not now. We're new in this town, don't know anybody, and don't want no trouble and here it is." beck watches as Venja heals the man, and says, "Impeccable work, Venja, as always," since she needed no assistance.
He gets himself a drink, sitting down at a table and thumbing his head down, raising his hand and speaking when a barkeep shows up. "Can i get a thing in a cup? Whatever you drink." Then sitting up, he adds, And for them folk over there,"[/b] Beck waves at those tellin him to leave town, "go ahead an' get whatever yea like. Fer fifteen silvers, i mean," he adds as he pulls out a handful of coin nad glances it,
beck facepalms as soon as he walks into the bar. "See, this is why we play nice, Boyo," to Gabe.
Gabryjel looks at Beck and rolls his eyes.
"Actually, we didn't do anything. At least - I didn't do anything, I don't know about Beck," he says to Venja.
"We followed the man who was hunting us to a house. We saw him go inside. I waited outside and was holding my ax in case the guy tried to rush out and do something."
"After a moment the door opened up and a guy screams at me and slams the door. I was just standing there."
He shrugs.
"That's all that happened - a guy screamed and me and Beck walked over here."
"Now it seems that everyone knows that I was holding a hand-ax; but the real trick is that I did it in a town that's right in the middle of the woods. You know, the kind of town where people have to chop wood for kindling and chop down trees for boards... I guess holding a tool that anyone in this town would use to chop kindling must really be an issue... Gods damn, can you imagine what they would have said if I was holding a hammer, or even a hunting knife?" he says with a sigh and shake of his head.
"It's a funny thing, too, as we already saved the lives of some of these people and rescued them and took care of them. You'd think they'd be a little thankful of that stuff, actually..."
He shrugs.
"Oh well, I guess a guy standing on the street smoking a cigarette and holding a tool is somehow causing trouble."
"Eh, whatever."
"Someone was hunting you? I'm afraid I'm a little lost. I wasn't aware of any of this." She shakes her head, white hair cascading around her. "I'm glad you weren't hurt. I guess what's done is done, and the townsfolk are over-reacting a bit. Have a drink and try to relax. Perhaps this will all blow over by morning."
"Someone was hunting you? I'm afraid I'm a little lost. I wasn't aware of any of this." She shakes her head, white hair cascading around her. "I'm glad you weren't hurt. I guess what's done is done, and the townsfolk are over-reacting a bit. Have a drink and try to relax. Perhaps this will all blow over by morning."
Gabryjel moves to the bar and looks around and eases himself into the chair.
"Yeah - someone was hunting us... I caught up to him and he bustled into a house."
"I waited outside - but that was enough to make these folk whine..."
He shrugs.
"Well, whatever.. You know, the funny thing is that if I saw a guy outside who was threatening me I'd either go out there and deal with him like a man, or I'd go back inside and wouldn't give a damn. I mean, if it was worth worrying about, I'd deal with it myself."
He shakes his head.
"Eh - whatever..."
Gabryjel relaxes for a bit and looks around.
"Well, now what?" he says.
With the commotion outside his inn Emil looks a bit more disgusted with you than normally reserved for strangers. His attitude is still icy at you and only because he stands to make a decent profit does he even bother to get you the drinks.
Venja, your inquiry to the crowd is met with a sharp reply, How would you like it if a stranger shows up giving people glaring looks to everyone. Then minutes later is found hiding behind the building of one of our people holding an axe. Hell yeah we are upset. There aint no reason for that behavior. Only murderers and thieves hide behind buildings with axes out. We want him gone from here. We don't trust him and we don't trust anyone he is with. That includes the likes of you too.
It is at this point that Emil's wife heads out with some tea and simply says, The devil looking guy bought them.
Most of the crowd refuses to even take the drinks but a couple do just because they are the type to never pass up on free anything.
Variel looks at Anee with a resigned look. I don't know what the others will say but is it our business to dig up graves and inspect some body. Don't get me wrong as I would love to help a man out who lost a friend but is it our place to do that? I will help you out if that is what you want to do of course. It just sounds very risky to me at this time. Shall we go see what the others think before we answer him. They are probably at the tavern or at Nadya's. We can pass the tavern on the way back to Nadya's.
How would you like it if a stranger shows up giving people glaring looks to everyone. Then minutes later is found hiding behind the building of one of our people holding an axe.
Gabryjel takes a long draw from his cigarette and blows a stream of smoke out of his nose.
"An ax? An ax? My gods... how - how frightening... " he says with a bored voice.
There aint no reason for that behavior.
He flicks some ash off the cigarette and cocks his eyebrow at their cowardly attitude.
"Ain't no reason for what behavior? Standing in the street holding a tool? Gods damn! Wow, it's a good thing I wasn't holding an awl or a chisel," he adds rolling his eyes.
He glances at the beer that the bartender has by him and gestures to it.
"Drink this and contemplate, for spring will soon be here."
"Action overtakes thinking, and all life is motion and longing."
He turns to the others and smirks.
"Maybe that's another beer I'm thinking of," he says somewhat cryptically and takes a drag from the smoke.
"Next time we save your folk from getting butchered on the trail try not to fall over yourself with thankfulness," he grunts at the crowd.
As he shakes his head in disgust at their behavior, he overhears Variel.
I don't know what the others will say but is it our business to dig up graves and inspect some body?
He cocks an eye at him.
"Our business is helping our friends, I guess... if they need help, let's do this thing," he says with a casual shrug and clearly eager to do something.
Venja speaks softly to Gabe, hoping he takes this the right way... "Most of them probably know nothing about what happened on the trail with Nadya, so don't blame them for not being thankful. Probably best to admit you might have made a mistake, a simple faux pas for this town, apologize and mean it. Obviously your behavior here was not according to custom and you are making things worse for the rest of us by not accepting that you may have erred. We didn't want to attract unnecessary attention, after all."
She finishes her tea and rises, then quietly tells Beck and Gabe, "I'm going back to Nadya's for some much needed rest. I wouldn't mind an escort if either of you feels like it."
In responce to Emil's wife, Beck pipes up and notes, "Satyr lookin, if ye don't mind too terribly. I'm more about the dancing, drinking, and music than... devil-things...um...and nature, pets and animals and herbs, yea know? Used ta suppy for out town healers, in fact... beginning to ramble nervously. He picks up his reed pipes, but figures an off-key and poor performance isn't really appropriate.
He shrinks under their looks and asks Venja and Anee, "tell em I'm sorry? Dunno what I did other than Walking While Ugly, but I'm still sorry...dunt want trouble"
W/Venja
Beck walks home with Venja, kinda enjoying the presence of a winter-ditch deflecting some of the attention from himself. "Sorry bout this mess. I left gabe ta see who's place the fella followin us went to, an you heard the rest. Maybe when we find anee, the three o' us can go ta the shop-keeper's an tell I'm what happen, maybe se if'n we can do anyfin ta make it up ta him for the scare?"
Later
"Ideally we won't get caught, but catchin a murderer seemin ta me like a good thing ta be doin. An' ifn we get away with it maybe we gets the folk here not so angry with us. It'd be nice ta have a friendly town round here..." I'm all for grave-robbing. Prolly tonight as we may be run out the town tomorrow anyway
Gabryjel glances at Venja and shrugs.
”I don’t think it’ll matter what the hell I say,” he says to her frankly.
”In fact, I reckon that no matter what I say or do is going to cause trouble with these people, be it me holding an ax, a bow, or a bloody walking stick.”
He takes another drag on the cigarette and thinks a bit.
”Any apology I make won’t mean dick to them. They wont’ believe it on account of the fact that I can’t say it sincerely at this point.”
”I’d say maybe if you had folks with more skill do the talking maybe it’d do better.”
He scratches his chin thoughtfully.
”What you said about me sticking around is the real problem, though.”
”If I’m here it will be a problem – so I reckon I’ll be doing what I can to escort you to wherever you’re going, as then they’ll have someone else to give issue with.”
He turns to Beck.
”Come on, boss – why don’t we go away so they won’t have nothing to be pissed about.”
He walks out of the tavern with them.
He looks at the Tiefling.
”You know – the folk up here are pretty preconceived to be nasty, I think. But I also think that it don’t help much for folk who put magic so high in their life that when they see folk like you that they’re going to probably be nasty.”
He looks Beck over a bit.
”And while this town has absolutely nothing that we can use in terms of loot to buy on a general level, maybe you could invest in getting a disguise or something?” he says to his companion.
Both for warmth and a show of solidarity, Venja links arms with Beck and Gabe on the way back to Nadya's place. Knowing nothing of the impending 'mission' in the graveyard yet, she seems tired, but light of heart and relaxed on the walk. "I hope we can get some rest now. I have very little magic left for the day, just some weak cantrips. And I'm just bone weary, as is Snow, poor baby." And indeed, Snow follows behind her a pace or two, taking extra little hops now and then just to keep up.
"As for not having diplomatic skills, neither do I Gabe, so I fully understand. Some things, we sometimes just have to leave to the auspices of others, like Aneira. Perhaps she can smooth things over for us on the morrow. It would not be good to attract attention from this Pale Tower's witch. Surely she has eyes and ears here, and a bad word or two from the wrong person could result in that. Best, if we are to go there, we do so freely of our own will, yes?"
Both for warmth and a show of solidarity, Venja links arms with Beck and Gabe on the way back to Nadya's place. Knowing nothing of the impending 'mission' in the graveyard yet, she seems tired, but light of heart and relaxed on the walk. "I hope we can get some rest now. I have very little magic left for the day, just some weak cantrips. And I'm just bone weary, as is Snow, poor baby." And indeed, Snow follows behind her a pace or two, taking extra little hops now and then just to keep up.
"As for not having diplomatic skills, neither do I Gabe, so I fully understand. Some things, we sometimes just have to leave to the auspices of others, like Aneira. Perhaps she can smooth things over for us on the morrow. It would not be good to attract attention from this Pale Tower's witch. Surely she has eyes and ears here, and a bad word or two from the wrong person could result in that. Best, if we are to go there, we do so freely of our own will, yes?"
Gabryjel will recognize the wisdom of Venja's words about hiding from potential spies - or assassins, especially after the mysterious fellow had rushed inside and then had another lad come out and feign surprise and horror at his presence.
Ax nothing - that second guy was putting on an act to cover the trial of his mate... No point in explaining - he'd deny the whole thing, likely, and it'd tip our hand that we know the two of them are connected.
I can deal with them both later, I guess...
Meanwhile, Gabryjel will not turn down a proffered arm from a lady, but he does pause a moment to bend over and pick Snow up, so the little hare does not have to lag behind.
"Sorry - don't mean to do things out of turn. I know he's your pal, but, well... he seems pretty tired," he says holding Snow gently in the crook of his arm to shelter the rabbit from the chill while he allows Venja to hold his other.
He glances over to Sheelah to make sure the tiger is also safe, and then continues to walk with Venja and Beck, trusting that Aneira and Variel can get things taken care of inside the tavern.
A sudden thought occurs to him.
"Say - anyone know what's going on with Xanxan?" he asks the others.
"Say - anyone know what's going on with Xanxan?" he asks the others.
"No doubt that lousy gnome is up to no good," Pipes up a voice behind Gabe. Should he turn, he'll see Xanxan winking. "Well, I was going to be all social in the tavern but they seem a bit touchy right now so that killed that idea. Before that, I was milling about getting a lay for the place."
"No doubt that lousy gnome is up to no good,"
"Well, I was going to be all social in the tavern but they seem a bit touchy right now so that killed that idea. Before that, I was milling about getting a lay for the place."
Gabryjel glances back at Xanxan's presence and gives the gnome a quick nod.
"Ah! I wondered where you were," he says to Xanxan with a small grin.
As the party moves forward, Gabryjel thinks things over a bit.
"Hey ya'll I'm sorry I pissed off the locals back there, I didn't mean to cause any trouble. That said, hopefully Whitestorm and Aneira can smooth things over with them," he says to the group..
"We're heading back to sack out. Maybe things will cool off once everyone's had a chance to sleep it off a little," he says a little hopefully.
"Meantime we're trying to keep a low profile I guess, tomorrow we got to do some business for one of the lads. But we'll catch you up on the details once we get inside..." he says, giving the gnome a look as if it to suggest that they should be cautious as it's probable they're being watched.
"Ah, you've apologized enough I think, at least to us, and details later are fine." The gnome smiles and tries to look about, without LOOKING like he's looking about for any shadows they might have picked up.
Xanxan you don't see anything I towards as you all proceed towards Nadya's house. Te weariness grows on everyone each step that they take. Not only does it feel as if the cold is sucking the life out of everyone but there seems to be a pall of dread hanging over everyone's spirits as well. Perhaps it is the idea that the town has tuned against them even though a few of the town members appreciate them. Perhaps it is the idea that they are asked to dig up some dead body to inspect it for signs of murder that has people down. Whatever the cause the group is more sullen as they enter Nadya's house.
The first thing they notice is that the house is sparkling clean. Clearly Nadya takes care of it while she is home but who takes care of it when she is out in her travels? It remains a mystery to be solved later s there is a bowl of rich stew for everyone on the table. The stew is still warm and fills the belly quite well. Finding some sleeping bags laid out on the floor everyone is in agreement that sleep is their first priority. I the morning they can figure out what to do about the dead body, the mysterious cloaked figure, and the rest of the town. The night passes quietly with barely a noise heard to disturb the slumbering guests.
I the morning soft sunlight falls through the window curtains waking the party up gently. Sounds can be heard in the next room of two boys playing with each other as only boys can. Nadya's voice can be heard laughing yet trying to tell them to take it outside before they wreck something. Not wanting to disrupt the family you wait a moment before entering into the kitchen area.
On the mantle by the fireplace, as all buildings in Irrisen have fireplaces even if they do not have wood to burn,you see a picture of Nadya, 2 boys, and a girl who looks vaguely familiar.
You realize with a sudden shock to your system that the girl resembles the doll you fought in the hut back home. It could be coincidence but the resemblance is too uncanny.
Venja moves to the mantle and examines the picture curiously.
After a few moments, she gasps audibly and shows the picture to the others... pointing out the picture of the girl particularly. She whispers so Nadya does not overhear her, "This girl looks just like the doll in the hut. I have a very bad feeling about this..."