Inikai makes his way home, hopefully with the curly-haired lass. If not, so be it. If he is alone he will circle the house once as a precaution to see if anyone is about. Then slumber...
Muchorak answers the door and somewhat glares at Kalie, "The Spirit has been tainted by your peoples drink, she needs rest." He pauses and his expression lightens, "The Spirits do not travel the world so visible often, it would be wise to learn from them what they have to offer." He places a hand on Kali's Shoulder, "Respect the Spirits and great bounty may befall you."
Noticing her agitated state, and hearing Wolf Spirits, noise..."You are free to rest here if you like?"
Kallie stared in confusion as Muchorak spoke of spirits. "I don't quite understa..." Oh, he thinks Ali is a spirit? But she's a gnome? Isn't she? I've never heard of them turning into wolves or [b]damn it, focus! "Oh, um yes. I understand."
The offer to stay was tempting, however, both pride and a need to warn her mother kept her from accepting. "T-thanks. But I really need to get home. Important things to tell my mother and such. Please take care of her! And she'll need water in the morning. I think..." She awkwardly excused herself, and hurried home.
When she arrived, she frantically explained the conclusions she had drawn to her mother, warning her to stay in the house. It was clear that the wine had helped in making her so jumpy, and even now her fears were fading a bit as she became a bit more realistic about the situation.
She had calmed down plenty by the time she made her way to her bed, feeling more than a little embarrassed by her flight from the inn. Gods..if anyone saw me running across town... She focused on the questions Muchorak had raised about Ali, to take her mind off the darker mysteries that had come to Sandpoint. Pulling out a couple of the books detailing nature spirits, faerie legends, and gnomish culture, she flipped through them idly looking for some sort of clue about the girl. Half-asleep as she did so, several images from the books stuck in her head. She tried to burn them to memory before falling asleep, she fully intended to keep her promise to Ali concerning new clothes.
Kallie
Yet she can hear a voice a soft insistent voice urging her to wake up.
"Come on girl...you can't sleep when theres work to be done."
She opens her eyes and finds her Mother...no, not her Mother but someone who looks very much like her shaking her awake.
"Come down to the kitchen girl we need to talk"
And the woman leaves..Kallie realises she is in her own bedroom...but the house seems...different((this is an interactive dream))
Kallie
** spoiler omitted **
She pulled herself out of bed and made her way downstairs, peeking through the door of the kitchen before entering. "Mother?" No, not Mother. Familiar...
Kallie
[spoiler]The woman turns and is obviously not your Mother..she's younger for one thing no more than 10 years older than you are and wearing a symbol of Sarenrae around her neck...which you recognise as being the same one your sister now wears.
"Call me Alys please..and I will call you Kallie. I know this must seem strange to you..believe me it's just as strange for me but the goddess moves in mysterious ways when she wants things done. Come sit..we have much to talk about[spoiler]
The rest off you please feel free to make any preparations you wish in the morning...indeed if Kallie is willing I'll shift the dream to a side thread so it doesnt hold the main story up
Muchorak will awake before Wolf Spirit and will gather some water for her to drink to assist with the certain hangover she will have.
Romon will sleep as late as possible. Let me know if you come to get him for the meeting with Ilsoari and the town officials.
She took a seat. She awkwardly searched for something to say. She suddenly had the feeling she might be in trouble, but she couldn't tell why. "This isn't because I haven't been good enough, is it? Or the Desna-worship? 'Cause I still say prayers to Sarenrae too every now and then..." she quickly elaborated as if to excuse herself from whatever she might be accused of.
Inikai wakes later than his normal hour and looks around to determine why he is on the floor rather than in his bed. He looks around his house to see if anything is amiss. At the threshold of his father's old room he pauses and felts a tinge of sorrow that his father is not alive to see what his son and his companions have done. "Certainly, he would have disapproved of this unsuitable pursuit in some way" Inikai thinks to himself.
When he is sure that no one is around to hear him Inikai starts to draw on the floor with a piece of chalk.
Wellard
Inikai will bind with Focalor. Binding check: 12 Inikai is under the influence of Focalor; he will shed tears and speak words of condolence over the body of anyone he kills.
When he is done Inikai dresses in his best clothes and heads over to meet the others.
|
Marak sleeps fitfully, starting awake at the sounds of other patrons moving about, or the wind gently rocking the tavern sign outside on it's rusty fastenings. When he does sleep, visions of mishapen creatures, made from the bodies of men, but with faces twisted in inhuman expression, lurch out of tunnels that have never seen the light of day, tunnels that he can't seem to find his way out of...
When the light of dawn peeks through the shutters, he abandons any attempt at a good night's sleep and plods gracelessly downstairs to pick at a breakfast of biscuits and gravy, with water on the side, as he finds himself unable to bear the sight or smell of eggs or meat.
While his hair has been slicked back and his clothing appears clean, the sagging skin below his bloodshot eyes puts the lie to his rested appearance.
Ok the dream sequence continues here
The Dragons common room is quiet this morning and Marak has an undisturbed breakfast.
Ali wakens slowly her eyes hurting in the morning light..her head pounding like a dozen goblins are using it as a drumshe graons a little as she tries to lift her head from the bed.
Romon snores loudly as the sun rises.
Hearing Wolf Spirit wake, Muchorak moves over to comfort her and offer her some water. Whispering to her, "Easy Wolf Spirit...drink this water it will help in with time."
Ali, having no idea what happened to her or why she feels this way, is a pitiful site indeed. She gratefully accepts Big Bear's offer of Water and comfort, curing up in his big strong arms. Tears welling in her eyes she asks him innocently "What happened to Ali? Why her head hurt so bad?"
Muchorak hushes Wolf Spirit like a parent with a child, "These civilized lands bring strange drink that is not found in nature. The drink provides pleasure for a time, then quickly replaces it with pain to include discomfort light."
Muchorak sighs, "I've learned Wolf Spirit, you must drink water and rest, it will help to clear the drink from you."
Having only the vaguest recollections of the previous night, Ali merely nods seriously at Big Bear as she continues to drink large quantities of water. It is very unlikely she will partake of 'Happy Water' again though...
Once Wolf Spirit seems to be doing better, Muchorak will carry her downstairs to join with the others unless she feels up to walking on her own. If he does carry her down and the light seems to bother her he will bundle her in his cloak...as if she was something precious, something ancient that might be damaged.
Once breakfast is over and Kallie and Inakai join up with the rest off you it's almost time to head over to the town hall.
As you walk towards the building you notice Shalelu the elven ranger/scout entering ahead of you it would appear she too has been asked to this meeting.
ZZZZzzzzzzzzz
If Shaleu is close by then Inikai will greet her. Anyone who looks as Inikai can see that his eyes are very red and he looks depressed.
Kallie seemed a bit more wide-eyed and "jumpy" than usual, almost like a child that had had a bit too much sugar. Still, she kept her voice low when she saw Ali with Muchorak. "Hey, Ali? Are you okay?" She looked up at Muchorak, silently asking if the gnome really did handle the morning well.
Upon seeing Shalelu, she leaned closer to Inikai and the others, whispering, "Was she called in to help finish clearing the place out?"
The small Gnome seems much less spirited than her normal self this morn. She stays close to Big Bear and looks at the ground for the most part, trying to avoid looking at the Sun.
When Kallie inquires as to her well being, all that can barely be heard is a soft mumble that sounds something like "...Ali be ok, Ali thinks. But Ali think maybe 'Happy Water' not be so happy. Ali no like it, no no...."
When the sun finally works around to stream directly through the window onto his face, Romon wakes. And immediately shuts his eyes. "Arrgh. Tastes like I've been eating hay.... After the goat is done with it." He staggers downstairs for breakfast. I wonder where the others are and how they feel. --- The others! Some meeting or other.
He grabs Bethana as she passes to ask directions and dashes back upstairs to dress. His black suit is too disgusting to wear. Gross. I'll never go drinking again. It has to be the red leathers.
He dashes out the door, but stops when he hits the sunlight. He steps back through the door and takes a wide-brimmed blue felted hat from the hat stand. "If anyone comes looking for this, tell them I've got it." Then he's out the door, shading his eyes with his hands even with the hat on.
When he catches up to the group, he tries to put a jaunty face on, but you can't help but notice that he cringes slightly whenever anyone speaks, or a dog barks. Also his armour still has traces of yesterday's victories on it.
At Kalie's glance Muchorak reflects back an expression of dissappointment, but otherwise says nothing letting Wolf Spirits on movements explain her state.
yor Fatheer Zanthus and Ilsoari sit at the council chamber table and motion you to sit. Shaleleu stands near the windows her eyes turned to the outer world seemingly taking no notice of the conversation
"Welcome all of you" the Mayor says ..she doesnt look as relieved as she might be expected to this morning
"First of all I'd like to express the towns gratitude for your ridding us of the menace that dwelt unknown beneath our feet..but I'm sure that you heard enough words last night..in which case let me use that which speaks louder than words to show how grateful we really are.
She motions towards a coffer sitting on the table.."Theres a 1000 gold piece bounty for each of you in recognition off all you have done so far that plus any treasures you may have recovered from the tunnels below should I belive be more than fair payment."
"Ilsoari tells me there is still work to be done down there however...perhaps you could explain what is still required"
"There is a pool of water that twists men into horrid abberations. It seems to need blood to work its evil. Obviously it must be destroyed. Simply smashing the walls that hold the water would be an arduous task and might just spread the taint. The only other idea I have is to inundate it with holy water to possibly neutralize the evil."
"Also, the tunnel entrances must be secured so that enemies won't have easy access to the town."
Although she appears more comfortable indoors that out at the moment, Ali almost completely ignores the conversation and doesn't even seem to notice the mention of gold, still not being very aware of it value or purpose. For anyone paying attention though, they will notice that the small Gnome's eyes keep seeming to be drawn to the strange scout. More than once the wild druid quietly sniffs (as in takes in a breath through the nose to smell) in her direction.
Muchorak will gather up his and Wolf Spirits' Coin.
Kallie gave Ali a sympathetic pat on the head. She was extremely grateful she hadn't given the girl the epicac after all. "Well, it's probably for the best. Best to find out that it's bad for you now than get hooked on the stuff, right?" she said, smiling gently.
She couldn't hide her puzzlement at Muchorak's expression though. For some reason she was feeling guilty, though she wasn't really certain why. Wait, he didn't know about the drink I had prepared for her, did he? Now she really felt guilty.
She quickly put that aside as the mayor continued their congratulations. That, she was soaking up eagerly. Still, she nearly choked at the mention and sight of their reward. Gods! Don't grab it, don't grab it! Just leave it there for a moment. Reach for it later. But not so much later that you look ungrateful... After everyone else then. She instead turned to the business at hand.
"Yes, the security of the town is at risk as long as those tunnels remain open, particularly with one of them leading to a beach outside town. We will likely need the aid of more holy men as well. I would personally request the aid of a priest of Desna, considering the nature of the shrine below." She glanced at Marak, easing her tone. "There's also the matter of the bodies down there that need to be properly laid to rest." She quickly added, "Ancient bodies, by no means recent. It is probably best that any workers sealing off the tunnels not see what lies further in as well, to prevent hysteria. Not to mention the multiple tainted pools, which we highly suggest avoiding drinking from." She smiled faintly, pleased with herself before realizing she had forgotten something. "Oh, and there's a body floating around in a strange room." She looked to Ilsoari and Marak helplessly. She still had no real idea what was going on in that chamber.
Romon becomes increasingly bored as he sits through the meeting. He notices some of the dried gore on his red leathers. Oh, look at that. I hope it comes off. He tries to surreptitiously pick and brush it off. Then he starts to look for more and repeat the cleaning process while trying to maintain an interested expression.
At the mention of money however, he perks up immediately. He tries to remain cool about it, but his thoughts race. [i] One thousand! Dragon's breath! I haven't seen that much in a pile since we fleeced the paralictor's mistress. That was a good job ... who'd have thought this little burg had it in it?"
Kallie, for all her concern and kind-heartedness, nearly got her hand bit for her sympathy pat. The small druid growled and instinctively went to nip her but at the last moment checked her bite. Seems she isn't in the mood to be patted this morn, perhaps it has something to do with her tender noggin.
The small incident doesn't seem to phase her much though and she goes back to her quiet recovery mode, still taking surreptitious looks and sniffs at the woodswoman.
Kallie was taken aback by Ali's reaction, cautiously pulling her hand back. Okay! Keep in mind that she's wild... She really was feeling sorry for the girl now. Well, I'll see to it that she's feeling better before the day is over... She had certainly come by the means to do just that, she thought.
Marak gives voice to his theories and his belief that the only way to drain the pool of its power is to ctivate it beyond the point where it can be used
The elders pay close attention to all your comments. At kallies comment about requiring a priest of Desna Father Zanthus nods "I will return to the place with you my child...one of us at least should see and understand this evil...and if as I fear the place is beyond my powers to clense properly then I will send to my superiors in Magnimar for aid"
Ilsoari also expresses a desire to see the place "I want to see if I've come across anything like this before and we should get Brodert Quink down there ..he knows something of old ruins"
Kallie had time to smile for just a bit at Father Zanthus taking her suggestions seriously until she realized he said "return to the place with you."
"Oh! Um..." Remember what you were told! Chin up! You wanted this life, didn't you? "Yes...of course. Whenever everyone is ready, that is." She clasped her hands together in front of her tightly, to keep them from shaking.
Muchorak nods to the priest, "We can return when you are ready," he places a hand on Wolf Spirit, "I will tend to Wolf Spirit unless you have a cure for the drink she consumed last evening?"
Romon pays half attention to the conversation. His mind is rolling over ways to spend the gold. Some clothes, another party, a permanent torch. I wonder if there's anything good in this little town.
"Then we should be on our way."
"Wait" says the Mayor "There are other things we must speak off"
"I know you have this task to complete but there are a number of matters that need to be condsidered in addition. First I need reliable escorts to take the murderer Tsuto to Magnimar and I believe Shalelu has word on Thistletop."
"Aye " replies the elf "It seems that we didndt do as much damage to the goblins as we thought..they are regrouping..Thistletop is swarming with the little swine"
"Indeed, but should we not deal with the threat right below your town?" Muchorak looks about to see if any disagree then continues, "Then this Thistletop would be the next course of action, assuming you have means to hold Tsuto confined here?"
At the mention of Goblins suddenly Ali's attention is caught and a soft low growl can be heard from her. In her present mood, she would be very happy to 'killem' a lot of Goblins...
Kallie's spark of delight at the idea of heading to Magnimar, to a real city, didn't have time to show before the mention of heading for a goblin hive quenched it.
"Are plans to mobilize the town's militia being put in place yet?" she professionally asked her real question of 'Oh gods, we're not going alone are we?!' She suspected the town's meager forces would need to stay behind to protect the town.
The mention of Magnimar or goblins on Thistletop barely draws a frown from Romon. Surely the town has constables and guards to handle such things.
"The goblins present a more immediate threat if they are massing nearby. Tsuto's trial must take secondary importance. Whatever confines he is put in should be made more secure. Do what little it takes to keep him alive so he will be too weakened to contribute his efforts if his fellows seek to free him."
"This brings up another point; has evidence of treachery from other residents been found?"
Kallie felt uncomfortable with what Inikai's suggestion concerning Tsuto seemed to imply. "Surely we don't have to go that far, do we?" she asked him quietly.
She imagined the guards starving the man. She did not doubt that he was a nasty piece of work, but the idea still did not sit well with her.
"We can place him in the earth for judgement till it is time to move him?"
"Tsuto is secure for now...and I agree that the goblins are the greater threat now...off course I cannot order you to do anything only ask that you help us yet again...I'm sure I could find a reward comensurate with the risk."
she looks down at the table a long moment and then looks up at you the despair plain in her face..."We are a small town...our fighting strength is not sufficient to risk a siege in hostile territory..but Shalelu thinks a fast strike would throw the goblins off balance..and of course there's the fact that we think Nualia is based there...as long as she lives this town and all who dwell here will be at risk of destruction"
Shalelu nods...
"A small group moving fast by day when the goblins are at their worst...striking hard at their leadership and destroying their camp...it is the only way to secure Sandpoint...I hold little hope for much help from Magnimar and even then it would probably be only enough to hold the town safe."
"Then Thistletop it is then, perhaps we should rest this day, gather any supplies we may need and depart early in the morning? Unless it is several days travel??"
Stepping up beside Big Bear, her headache seemingly forgotten for the moment, the usually sweet faced Gnome has a look of pure violence on her face as she says gruffly and with a slight growl in the back of her throat "Yes yes! We go kill'em Goblins! Lots and Lots of yucky Goblins!" Turning to Big Bear she asks "We go now?" and is obviously prepared to leave on the spot.
Kallie held her hand to her chin in thought as the others seemed eager to head to Thistletop. It was the most sensible course of action, but the thought of facing Nualia...she still couldn't quite believe it was her.