Shayliss' face adopts an expression of great relief when Nicat steps forward to go with her. "Oh, thank Desna. C'mon!" She grabs Nicat's hand and practically drags him away from the group.
Shayliss takes you further down the street, past Turandarok Academy to the general store opposite it. For the most part, it looks like any other shop you've seen, except for the water trough outside, presumably for mounts to drink from while their owners conduct business indoors.
"Sorry about being so pushy back there--this is really important to me." Shayliss says, blushing a bit as she leads you inside. "You haven't seen Daddy when he really gets mad..."
She moves over to a door behind the counter and opens it, revealing a wooden stairway flanked by a couple of torch sconces that descends into the dark basement below.
"Um... have you got a light?"
As the rest of the patrol continues down Main Street and stops in the market square, the first thing you notice is the sheer amount of colour lining the square. It appears artists of all types have set up stalls today, selling objects of art in many forms--paintings, glass figurines, and even some sculptures are on sale today.
"No problem, Shay," Nicat responds, "I don't think you were being pushy, just standing up for yourself. A girl's gotta do that sometimes, right?"
As they stand at the top of the staircase and look down into the darkness, Nicat responds to Shay's question, "A light? This is a funny time for a smoke, don't you think? Besides, a young lady like you shouldn't be smoking, pipe or cigars, it's just not fitting, you know? Girls have such a sweet, natural scent, all that smoke would ruin it..." He looks up and sees a truly puzzled expression on Shayliss' sweet face, then glances back down the dark stairs and says, "OH! Oh, oh, oh, a light for the stairs! Why didn't you just say so? Watch this!"
He grandly twirls the fingers of his right hand in front of his face, summoning up a small swarm of glowing spheres of light, which he sends racing down the stairway in front of them, illuminating it brightly. "There, now we'll be able to see the rat, and that'll help me follow Ekan's advice about not getting bitten. Smart fellow, that one, thoughtful too."
Nicat then says, "You stay behind me, Shay," and draws his sword, descending the stairs carefully and quietly.
Shayliss has a puzzled expression on her face when you start rambling on about smoking before you conjure up your ball of light. Then she pinches the bridge of her nose and snorts with laughter.
She follows behind you, the stairs *creaking* under your footsteps.
You don't hear anything, and it appears nothing has noticed you...
The basement is a surprisingly large room with barrels along the east wall and a rack of wine bottles along the west wall. Directly in front of you is a large cot with what appear to be fresh sheets and a pillow.
"So, I'll take a look at the wine bottles, you take a look at the barrels?" Shayliss whispers in your ear.
Nicat studies the basement a bit, then jumps when he feels Shayliss right next to him, whispering ticklishly in his ear. "What?" he responds quietly, "Don't you think we should stay together? I'd hate to get bit...I mean, I'd hate for a rat to bite you when I could have prevented it. Let's take a look at the wine bottles first, then the barrels."
Gesturing at the cot, he whispers, "Who sleeps here, anyway?"
"Well, we have that cot in case any guests come over." Shayliss whispers as the two of you move toward the wine bottles. "We don't make people sleep in the basement--"
You notice a flash of brown out of the corner of your eye in the dim light of the basement. A second later, a rat the size of a goblin races out from under the wine rack!
Your reflexes are lightning quick as the rat stops in front of Shayliss, staring up at you with large, glittering eyes. Shayliss shrieks in surprise.
Nicat wiggles his fingers as if he's about to cast a spell, then reconsiders, I could put it to sleep, but I might knock out Shay too, and I want her to be able to get out of here if she needs to! He decides to just hit the thing, stabbing at it with his longsword and calling out, "Shay, get back!"
Fulko looks at the art pieces with pure enjoyment, his attention lasting on some pieces for a surprisingly long time, and on others it was fleeting to the degree that people didn't think he was looking but at the end it was clear that the painting were what interested him the most "Did a caravan of artists stop here without anyone informing us? First day on the job and already things go under our noses"
Following his first bold strike at the massive rat, Nicat pours some of his magical energy into his sword and swings again.
The sword bites into the rat's side, but it isn't deep enough to kill it--it lashes out in berserk panic at...
...Shayliss.
The rat's teeth sink into Shayliss' clothes and tear them violently.
Shayliss immediately withdraws from the rat, clutching at her torn dress in fright.
Your second blow is enough to skewer the rat on the end of your blade, where it twitches for a second before going still.
"Oh... oh my heavens... is it dead? Is it dead?" Shayliss gasps, her blouse torn to bits from the rat's bite.
Nicat pulls his blade out of the dead rat's body and watches it stop twitching to make sure he's killed it.
"Yes, it's dead," he replies, turning to look at Shayliss. "Are you all righ..." he trails off as he sees what's become of her clothes. "Did it bite you?" he says, reaching out a hand in concern, then stopping himself because he's not sure how to touch her in her disheveled state without upsetting her further.
Shayliss' chest rises and falls rapidly as she eyes the dead rat. "N-no... I don't think it did..."
She lowers her hands to inspect herself for bites, the torn part of her blouse falling into her lap as she sits down on the cot. It's obvious that she doesn't wear any smallclothes under her blouse... she's quite shapely, all things considered.
Shayliss looks up at you, remembering you're still in the room with her. Oddly, she doesn't seem all that concerned with the fact that she's now half-naked in front of you; perhaps she's simply more relieved that she's okay. "Thanks for killing that rat, Nicat. If you weren't here..." She trails off.
Incidentally, you can tell for certain it's cold down in the basement.
"Uh, sure, Shay, sure, I'm glad I'm here too," says Nicat absently, his mind clearly elsewhere. "Um, your breas...I mean, your dress, it's kind of torn. Do you want to get changed?"
Sylvia walks over and greets Father Zantus, "Fair enough, Father. The others are likely still plotting the downfall of the local goblin tribes, whatever that might entail, at the Rusty Dragon, so I thought I'd take a walk and get some air."
She looks about at the crowded market, smiling gently, "It is good to see everyone doing so well so recently after that awful attack. How does the day find you? Is there anything I can do to help with ministrations, or anything else? And Father Tobyn's crypt... has that been resanctified? I could help with that, as well, if not."
Fulko looks at the art pieces with pure enjoyment, his attention lasting on some pieces for a surprisingly long time, and on others it was fleeting to the degree that people didn't think he was looking but at the end it was clear that the painting were what interested him the most "Did a caravan of artists stop here without anyone informing us? First day on the job and already things go under our noses"
"I have no idea, but some of these are magnificent. Maybe its surplus from one of the bigger cities?" Ekan can only guess.
You can see the gears turning in Shayliss' head as she notices where you're looking. She gives you a smile.
"Well... there is the cot's sheets here..." She says, glancing down at the cot beneath her before giving you another look.
Father Zantus purses his lips. "The day's going well for me, certainly. I've seen to it that Father Tobyn's crypt has been resanctified, but there's something I'd like your help with..."
He clears his throat. "It's come to my attention that the Baretts have been particularly affected by the goblin attack. Their son is too traumatized to leave his room. Amele's been at her wits end trying to help the poor boy." He looks you in the eyes. "Could you please see if you can help them? They've been devoutly faithful in coming to masses, and... no parent should have to see their child scarred like that."
As you move through the art-filled marketplace, you see a familiar face--Sylvia appears to be in a conversation with Father Zantus about something.
Once you're done bathing, upon returning to the Rusty Dragon's common room, you see Ameiko and Shalelu in conversation at the bar. Ameiko looks over Shalelu's shoulder as you come down the stairs.
"Feeling better?" She asks, resting one elbow on the bar.
A smile steals across Nicat's face as Shayliss glances meaningfully at the cot, then back at him. "You know, you actually look pretty good with your dress like that..." he says quietly, leaning in closer to her.
Once you're done bathing, upon returning to the Rusty Dragon's common room, you see Ameiko and Shalelu in conversation at the bar. Ameiko looks over Shalelu's shoulder as you come down the stairs.
"Feeling better?" She asks, resting one elbow on the bar.
"Aye, I suppose you could say that. And I suppose I owe you an explanation, too?"
Eostre has a seat at the bar.
"Need a good stout or doppelbock for this story."
Your light spell winks out as you approach Shayliss...
----------
Just as things start getting really heated, you hear the sound of the basement door opening and heavy footsteps on the stairs!
Shayliss doesn't seem to have noticed...
Ameiko ducks behind the bar and pulls out a bottle of dark brown beer, its label faded and torn in several places. She produces a glass and pours one out for you.
"You don't need to if it's that painful, but I wouldn't say no to hearing it." Ameiko sets the bottle down and leans against the bar again. Shalelu politely folds her hands on the bar.
In spite of his distraction, Nicat hears the heavy tread of feet on the stairs, feet much bigger than his own. With tremendous reluctance, he hurriedly grabs his clothes, whispering to Shayliss, "Shay, someone's coming! Pretend you killed the rat and then fainted on the cot!"
He then flips the sheet over her and darts toward the wine barrels along the wall, calling on all the luck he can muster to find a good spot to hide before those feet reach the bottom of the stairs.
Eostre takes a pull of the beer and savors the taste for a moment.
"Dunno what your local brewery does but I'd rank this up there with dwarf-brewed stuff. High praise, that."
She looks at the pair and takes a deep breath, as if to steel herself.
"I've mentioned how I came here from Riddleport to do an archaeological study of the Old Light, right? In all honesty...that's only half-true. The main reason I came here was to get away from Riddleport. Tell me, Ameiko, how much do you know of the Order of Cyphers?
"Nicaaaaaat..." Shayliss moans in disappointment when you pull away from her, but her eyes widen as she hears the footsteps getting closer. She immediately does as you told her as you hide behind the barrels.
You see the orange glow of a torch light descending the stairs, and hear a baritone voice speak.
"Shayliss? Honey, what're you doing down--gods above!" The voice says, the light moving away from your hiding spot. "How'd that rat get down here?! Are you hurt?"
"N-no... Daddy, I'm fine. It almost bit me--"
"And your dress! Oh my gods above and below, young lady, I oughta get Zantus to take a look at ya--"
"Daddy, relax! I already told you I'm okay! The rat didn't get me, I killed it and had to lie down..."
Peeking above the barrels, you see a sunburnt man with a full head of hair and a sizeable beard worriedly holding Shayliss in a tight hug. He looks down into her eyes. "You killed it? All by yourself?"
Shayliss shyly nods, looking down at the cot. "Honey, you have no idea how proud I am of you right now. Come on, let's get you upstairs and changed. Don't worry about the rat--I'll tidy that right up." He helps Shayliss to her feet, torn dress and all, and begins walking her back upstairs.
"Nothing, really." Ameiko shrugs, looking a little embarrassed. "Kinda been more focused on what's going on around town."
Shalelu shrugs her shoulders.
Fulko looks at the art pieces with pure enjoyment, his attention lasting on some pieces for a surprisingly long time, and on others it was fleeting to the degree that people didn't think he was looking but at the end it was clear that the painting were what interested him the most "Did a caravan of artists stop here without anyone informing us? First day on the job and already things go under our noses""I have no idea, but some of these are magnificent. Maybe its surplus from one of the bigger cities?" Ekan can only guess.
Ilya follows along, blithely uninterested in the comings and goings of the locals... even the precocious one that drags away Nicat. The festival of artists and artisans that somehow descended upon the city does catch his interest, though.
"You know, some people can will into being the very things they desire. I've seen it done. It is a frightening thought, isn't it? What if desires turn dark and dangerous? But, this is someone's desire for light and beauty. Sylvia's over there, by the way." Ilya points across the landing to where the priestess conversed with the Father.
Ilya approaches one of the vendors and hails him over. "Say there, my good man, what has happened in this fair burg to have caught the attention of this swarm of artists?"
Nicat watches the lovely Shayliss and her stern father head up the stairs, his heart warring with his head. Gods, she's a sweet one! But she's daughter! When he's in a temper, he'd put a whole tribe of goblins to flight! And nothing riles him more than his daughters picking what he sees as the wrong men...and catching 'em with those men.
He dresses carefully in the darkness, thinking about how he might get into Ven's good graces - while still spending some time with Shay on the side, hopefully - so that he can be with her without risking being flattened by her father if they're seen together.
Once he's dressed, Nicat moves toward the stairs, listening closely to see if Shay or her father are still around. He then moves up the stairs as quietly as he can, trying to move into the public part of the general store without being spotted, so he can at least pretend he's just shopping.
You don't see either Shayliss or Ven as you go back to the shop floor. You do notice that there is another staircase behind a door to the north of the counter... if you had to guess, that's where the Vinders live.
The shop floor of the general store is neatly organized and tidy, in contrast to Nisk Tander's shop. Coils of rope, shovels, ten-foot long poles, everything an enterprising adventurer could use is available here.
Nicat pays little heed to the wares on display in the store - in stark contrast to the careful attention he paid to the wares on display earlier - and makes his way as casually as he can to the door.
Once out on the street, he takes a deep, calming breath and sets off looking for his friends.
** spoiler omitted **
"Nothing, really." Ameiko shrugs, looking a little embarrassed. "Kinda been more focused on what's going on around town."
Shalelu shrugs her shoulders.
Eostre takes another swig of the beer.
"Riddleport's mostly known around these parts as the premier pirate and raider hub of the Varisian frontier. The Port Peril of the North. But pirates aren't the only ones who call it home. The Gas Forges, run by my father Tromard, are the most productive smelters of skymetals outside the holy forges of Janderhoff itself. And even still this is not the greatest marvel of Riddleport, for straddling both ends of the mouth of the harbor, towering over the city, stands the Cyphergate, a massive arch of nigh unbreakable black stone, graven with twisting runes of arcane power from a bygone age. At one of the bases was built the Lodge of Cyphers, headquarters to the Order of Cyphers, or cyphermages for short, the most pre-eminent scholars of the ancient runes and spells of fallen Thassilon. Or so they'd have you believe."
"Of course I'll look in on them. If we do not care for our flock, then we are poor shepherds. It is our divine duty," Sylvia emphasizes, eager to get back to doing what she's been trained to do, which is not killing goblins. "Where can I find their household, and what more can you tell me of the Barett family?"
""Say there, my good man, what has happened in this fair burg to have caught the attention of this swarm of artists?"
The vendor Ilya approaches scratches his head. "Well, it's a bit of a local tradition--after the Swallowtail Festival, folks put up art to sell. It's how we honour Shelyn's friendship with Desna 'round here."
"You know Ekan, with Nicat not here I feel its my duty to fill the void of his mischief" Leaving the martial artist with a smile, Fulko made his way to Sylvia and Zantus, doing his best to remain hidden within the crowds and stay away from the blond's line of sight.
"You mind following us to the barracks young lady? You've been accused of murder" He said in a very rough voice once he was behind Sylvia.
Ekan is surprised, "I'm not sure there's a dearth that needs..." But it's too late, as Fulko is already making his faux accusation
Without turning, Sylvia hears the voice behind her, "Fulko, I'm sure you remember Father Zantus. How go your patrols? I hope that there's been no troubles, what with accused murderers on the loose..." she adds with a small sigh.
"I should get going, though. I will look in on them, Father, and see what can be done. Do not worry. I will speak with the mother and the boy."
"Where can I find their household, and what more can you tell me of the Barett family?"
Father Zantus sighs in relief once you agree. "The Baretts live on Prickleback Lane--just look for the house with the green roof. They're a fishing family, mostly unremarkable otherwise--a husband, wife, two children and a dog for a pet." He points down the square, at the first street leading off to the east. "My thanks for doing this, Sister Jahlyn."
With a quirked eyebrow directed at Fulko, Father Zantus turns and departs the square.
Nicats strides jauntily up to Fulko and Ekan as they patrol the streets, saying, "Well, that was a job well done! Killed the rat, and it was a big one, near big as me!"
His great, big grin and the strut in his stride suggest that there's something more to the story. He stands looking at his friends, thinking he'll savor his secret, but it turns out he's not much good at secrets. He struggles to keep his lips sealed, but after a few moments he says, Aaaand...that's not all I did for sweet Shay."
Sylvia smiles reassuringly at Zantus as he walks away before turning back to the men behind her. She only raises an eyebrow as Nicat joins the group, excitement over his latest escapades bubbling up and through him, unable to keep his secret any longer than a glimpse at Fulko, "Hmm, yes. It sounds as if your patrols are... beneficial... to the peoples of Sandpoint."
"Ekan, could I borrow you for a moment? I'd like to check in with a local family who is in need of spiritual help."
Nicats strides jauntily up to Fulko and Ekan as they patrol the streets, saying, "Well, that was a job well done! Killed the rat, and it was a big one, near big as me!"
"Excellent work then, I'm sure you brought a lot of relief to her with your help..." Ekan nods approvingly.
His great, big grin and the strut in his stride suggest that there's something more to the story. He stands looking at his friends, thinking he'll savor his secret, but it turns out he's not much good at secrets. He struggles to keep his lips sealed, but after a few moments he says, Aaaand...that's not all I did for sweet Shay."
"I'm not sure I understand..." the monk says curiously. Fortunately (For him), Ekan's about to be needed elsewhere.
"Ekan, could I borrow you for a moment? I'd like to check in with a local family who is in need of spiritual help."
"Of course, Syvia, I'd be happy to help in anyway I can," He prepares to follow, "Who are we helping?"
After extricating him from the others, who are sure to want to share in their juicy gossip, she's sure, she wraps an arm around Ekan's, leading him down Prickleback Lane, "The Barett's. Perhaps you've heard of them? Father Zantus told me that they supply freshly caught fish by occupation. Amele's son... whom I didn't get the name of... has been traumatized since the goblin raid. Poor thing won't leave his room."
She continues down the road, eyes peeled for a home with a green roof, "I only hope that Ilya can keep those two out of trouble."
Ameiko listens intently to your story, her ears perking up at the mention of what the cyphermages do.
"So they study ruins like Old Light?" She says as she starts cleaning a mug with a fresh rag. "I imagine Brodert would fit in nicely with them..."
Shalelu holds her hand up. "Let her finish, Ameiko."
-----------
Walking from the square, it's easy to find the green-roofed house on Prickleback Lane. It's sandwiched between two other houses, both of which appear to have been more weather-beaten than it--the blue paint on the walls is brighter, the grey, wooden steps leading to the front door are in better condition, and you can see a small pot of flowers by the door. As you approach, you hear the barking of a dog coming from within the house.
After extricating him from the others, who are sure to want to share in their juicy gossip, she's sure, she wraps an arm around Ekan's, leading him down Prickleback Lane, "The Barett's. Perhaps you've heard of them? Father Zantus told me that they supply freshly caught fish by occupation. Amele's son... whom I didn't get the name of... has been traumatized since the goblin raid. Poor thing won't leave his room."
"I'm not as social as I should be, I'm learning," He admits, "But I'll try to help if I can. I... I know a bit of what's its like to have a violent moment casting its shadow over you."
She continues down the road, eyes peeled for a home with a green roof, "I only hope that Ilya can keep those two out of trouble."
"I have a feeling it's already too late. Nicat is a good friend, but if he's not in trouble, he's looking for it," Ekan smiles lightly, if she fills him in on looking for a green roof, he joins in on the search
Walking from the square, it's easy to find the green-roofed house on Prickleback Lane. It's sandwiched between two other houses, both of which appear to have been more weather-beaten than it--the blue paint on the walls is brighter, the grey, wooden steps leading to the front door are in better condition, and you can see a small pot of flowers by the door. As you approach, you hear the barking of a dog coming from within the house.
When it's spotted, he listens to the sound of the dog, "At least it sounds like the boy has a pet for company."
Looking to the house Ekan points out, Sylvia nods, "Father Zantus said the family had a dog, yes. And you don't have as much faith in yourself as you should. You are a good man, with a good heart."
She shakes her head slowly as she knocks on the door, "I can only imagine what shenanigans Fulko and Nicat would be up to with the poor child, or what confusion Ilya would cast within the household."
Stepping back, she waits for the door to be answered.
Ameiko listens intently to your story, her ears perking up at the mention of what the cyphermages do.
"So they study ruins like Old Light?" She says as she starts cleaning a mug with a fresh rag. "I imagine Brodert would fit in nicely with them..."
Shalelu holds her hand up. "Let her finish, Ameiko."
"After speaking with Brodert myself, I'd have to say no. He's an admirable scholar, especially for someone who doesn't actually cast spells. But the Cyphermages would eat him alive. Every cyphermage is out for himself, wanting to be the first to discover some new scrap of lore or pot shard that he can use to lord over his peers. We may share token finds, but the greatest secrets we keep for ourselves. The best of our kind aren't the best scholars. They're the best scoundrels. And Elias Tammerhawk is the best of the best. He's been elected Speaker for the Order for two consecutive eight-year terms, elections won through magic, manipulation and blood. He's not so much a master magister as he is a criminal mastermind. He's an accomplished diviner who uses the insight he gains from his spells to blackmail and bully his rivals into submission...and if he can't get you that way, he'll simply burn you. Alive. Slowly. In full view of others to set an example. If old Gaston Cromarcky finally decides to loosen his miserly grasp on life, it is Elias Tammerhawk who will rule not just the Cyphermages, but the entire city of Riddleport. And you can damn well bet that scares all the other crimelords s***less."
Looking to the house Ekan points out, Sylvia nods, "Father Zantus said the family had a dog, yes. And you don't have as much faith in yourself as you should. You are a good man, with a good heart."
Ekan inclines his head humbly, "Thank you for saying so, Sylvia. I will try to have more confidence, but it is hard when I see my mentors and how far I have to go to approach them."
She shakes her head slowly as she knocks on the door, "I can only imagine what shenanigans Fulko and Nicat would be up to with the poor child, or what confusion Ilya would cast within the household."Stepping back, she waits for the door to be answered.
"Well, I like them all anyway," He admits, "We're very fortunate to know people , who for all their strangeness or mischief, would do much to help the folk of Sandpoint." He considers, "I notice the Father relies on you increasingly of late. I wonder if you're being, well, promoted isn't the right word I suppose."
Ilya continues to browse the vendors wares. "Some of these are quite lovely," he announces to anyone nearby. "I wonder if I ever end up purchasing any of these...?"
Ilya's eyes dart around from stall to stall, beginning to glow with the telltale signs of his future-sight. He dives once again into the ebb and flow of future events watching his own timeline unfold.
Waiting for the door to be answered still, Sylvia turns to Ekan, "But you are not your mentors. And you never will be your mentors. You will always be you. ...now I sound like one of Irori's faithful as well, heh," she says with a comforting smile.
"I'm not sure how much assistance they'd be if there weren't bounties in it for them or the possibility of adventure. I do appreciate what they do for the town, but remember the conversation we had with Shalelu? They were drooling at the chops then to go hunt goblins all up and down the coast," she sighs at that unpleasant conversation. "Still, I like to think that at the heart of things, their intentions are pure. There's a tide on the horizon, and we'll need all the strength we can to make sure the levy does not collapse under its weight."
Tapping her decorated glaive, she turns back to the door, contemplating, "As for a promotion within the Church, I doubt that. The followers of Desna and Shelyn have great respect for each other as we follow many of the same tenents. He and I share many beliefs, and we both seek to further the cause of the Sandpoint cathedral in spreading the Word. We are simply looking to protect and give succor to those in need, is all."
Ekan's mind races to his own goals and past combined, "A tide on the horizon? Are you speaking of movement by the giants of the land?"
Tapping her decorated glaive, she turns back to the door, contemplating, "As for a promotion within the Church, I doubt that. The followers of Desna and Shelyn have great respect for each other as we follow many of the same tenents. He and I share many beliefs, and we both seek to further the cause of the Sandpoint cathedral in spreading the Word. We are simply looking to protect and give succor to those in need, is all."
"Well, I think he's impressed by you regardless, but perhaps I misread," The monk says