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t’s been five years since the ‘Troubles’ ended in Sandpoint and during those years life has returned to normal for the town and it’s residents. That is until recently. A local tribe of goblins known as the Licktoads has been attacking caravans along the Lost Coast road. Traditionally little more than nuisance, these attacks have become more frequent as the goblins have a new weapon in their arsenal, fireworks. Somehow, somewhere the little buggers have found a cache of them and are using them in their raids against merchants traveling between Sandpoint and Magnimar. The chaos caused by the noise, panic, and fire have been nearly as devastating as the attacks themselves and several people have been seriously injured, though none fatally. The Sheriff has appealed to Magnimar for help in dealing with these attacks although none has been forthcoming. Unfortunately the tiny militia in Sandpoint has its hands full dealing with the area immediately around the town and is unable to spare anyone to escort the caravans safely to their destination.
It’s a quiet afternoon at the Rusty Dragon inn. A few local day-laborers are scattered among the tables in the common room while a small crowd of the village's more adventurous have gathered around a table to watch Shard, a young sorcerer, create figments using his magics.
The quiet is suddenly shattered when the doors to the inn swing open and Sheriff Hemlock enters followed by Sandru Vhiski, a local merchant and reputed smuggler, although that has never been proven.
”Enough’s enough.” the Sheriff bellows as he enters the room. All eyes turn to him as he continues ”The Gobbo’s have struck for the last time. They've attacked another caravan coming from Magnimar and several people were hurt, some badly burned by these damnable fireworks of theirs. It’s time we, I, put a stop to this. Those layabouts in Magniamr won’t do anything about this and I cannot let these attacks continue until someone is killed and they finally take notice.” His eyes scan the room taking in everyone present. ”So to that end I’m reinstating the bounty on goblins. The town council agrees and are offering 10 gold pieces for each goblin ear brought in, and, furthermore I’m offering 300 gold pieces to whomever brings me the head of the damn goblin chieftain, Gutwad. “ During the Sheriff’s speech Ameiko and Shalelu emerge from the back room to see what the commotion is all about.
As the room erupts in cheers the sheriff holds up his hand until everyone calms down ”Relax everyone. Given the circumstances that caused the ban in the first place I suggest that you all form hunting groups of no less than four people. Anyone interested can meet me at my office tomorrow morning for further instructions.” With that the Sheriff turns abruptly about and stalks out of the inn, leaving Sandru standing in the doorway. As the big man walks up to the bar he chuckles loudly "Say what you want about the Sheriff but the man knows how to get the job done."
Alara listens attentively to the Sheriff as he puts the bounty out. As Shalelu emerges from the back, Alara glances over to her with a smile and turns slightly pink.
"Well wanna group up? I've received much training since we last met Piper. What do ya say?"
Before Belor leaves, Piper gets up and runs up to his adopted dad to greet him and let him know he's home. Writing a message, it says: 'Hello, dad. I'm home. I graduated from the White Grotto with high marks. Hope you're proud.'
After catching up with his father, he turns to Ameiko and walks up to her, getting her attention. He writes down in Tien: 'こんにちは、Ameiko。私は最終的に家にいる。今回は滞在する。
Piper turns to William and gives a small smirk. He writes: 'Of course. It gives me an opportunity to show you what I've learned at the White Grotto.'
Piper notices the pink tint on Alara's face and looks in the direction she looks at. Seeing Shalelu, he turns his head between both Alara and Shalelu. As the gears finally click, his eyes widen and he slowly gains a huge grin as he stares at Alara. 'Well, what do you know? It seems Shelyn's influence has struck. As one of her servants, maybe there's something I can do.'
Alara notices Piper's grin. Her blush fades, replaced by a questioning look.
"What?"
"Count me in! I'm in the mood to get some payback!" Alara says with fire in her eyes. You get the impression that this matter means a lot to her.
At Alara's question, Piper silently chuckles and shakes his head. He writes in elven and shows it to only her. 'Ní dhéanfaidh aon ní, mo daor. Just a fhios go más gá leat cabhrú le Shalelu, ach a iarraidh orm. Mar worshiper de na Rose Eternal, is féidir liom cabhrú i gcúrsaí an croí.'
Alara chuckles nervously after reading the tablet.
"Tá mé i ndáiríre go soiléir?"
"Oh ionas go bhfuil cad atá ar siúl. Tá a fhios agam Elven"
Keeping his grin, Piper writes: 'Ní dhéanfaidh aon ní a bheith ashamed. Just a fhios go bhfuil mé ar do thaobh. Cé nach féidir liom a bheith ina cleireach, beidh mé ag cabhrú ar bhealach ar bith is féidir liom. Tá a fhios agam cad atá sé mhaith a bheith i ngrá.' After William says his piece, he shares a grin with him.
"Thank you."
Piper's grin turns into a more comforting small smile. He lays his hand on yours in a way that shows that he's a friend and a comrade that you can trust. He writes: 'Tá fáilte romhat. Know go más gá tú rud ar bith, tá mé anseo. Mar sin, tá William. Ceart?' As he says the last part, he looks in Will's direction.
"Ceart."
It's about now that Alara realizes that Piper mentioned being in love. Her blush promptly returns.
"Níl mé i ngrá!...Tá sé ach a chnagadh beag...
"Cinnte go bhfuil sé."
At your statement, Piper bursts out laughing, a light raspy sound coming out. As he calms down, he writes: 'Sin de ghnáth conas a thosaíonn sé. Ach Faighim an mothú go cosúil é a bheith níos mó a bhfuil tú. Más rud é nach bhfuil, ansin tá sé an cumas a bheith níos mó.'
Darn it Sharrd thinks. I really have to learn elven He looks towards Ameiko and gives a little wave. You know if I killed alot of goblins, I bet she'd change her mind. You bet I want to team up, William. We'll be the goblin slayers supreme."
Alara sighs in defeat. She closes her eyes for a few seconds, collecting her thoughts. After a bit, she opens her eyes, glances over at Shalelu to see if she's listening or not, and looks back to William & Piper.
"Maith ... Is dócha go bhfuil cúis as sin."
"Lig dúinn a dhéanamh le déileáil, bheith linn i goblins marú agus wont linn a iarraidh ar bith níos mó de é. Déileáil?"
"Sharrd, maybe we can think of a better name on our way there."
Alara nods. "Deal. I'm itching to pay them back."
Before Sharrd can suggest 'Sandpoint Goblin Smashers' Alara speaks, this time in common. "Pay who back?" he asks Alara
As Sharrd says his statement, Piper looks at him, giving a small chuckle. 'Kid's full of spirit, have to admit to that. I better keep an eye on him before he gets into serious trouble.' As Sharrd waves to Ameiko, however, Piper becomes silent, which unnerves members of the group due to how silent he can be.
Piper looks like he was going to write more, but decided against it. At William's suggestion, Piper gives a firm and confident nod to Alara.
Alara turns to Sharrd, just realizing now that he wasn't privy to the conversation they had.
"Pay the goblins back, of course! They have a lot to answer for, don't they?" She says. "Attacking caravans, hurting innocent people..." She momentarily trails off. "...playing with fireworks that they shouldn't be playing with..."
Masamune looks at all of the others gathered around.
"We have to go out in groups of at least four. So, who wants to go out and hunt down some goblin scum?"
Alara raises her hand with a grin.
"I could use some gold."
Alara turns to Sharrd, just realizing now that he wasn't privy to the conversation they had.
"Pay the goblins back, of course! They have a lot to answer for, don't they?" She says. "Attacking caravans, hurting innocent people..." She momentarily trails off. "...playing with fireworks that they shouldn't be playing with..."
Sharrd laughs at this. Playing with fireworks....That's hilarious, Alara.
Masamune looks at all of the others gathered around.
"We have to go out in groups of at least four. So, who wants to go out and hunt down some goblin scum?"
"i've got your back, brother."
Looking at his brother, he nods, "I will accompany you, if you wish. You know I am not very good in a fight, but I can certainly patch you up during and after." He normally would never go, but seeing how eager Sharrd is and knowing full well that his 'mother' would not be happy if the boy got hurt, no matter how strained things were.
Looking at Ameiko, Sharrd asks Alara "In Elven how does one say 'Your beauty is beyond compare."
Looking at Ameiko, Sharrd asks Alara "In Elven how does one say 'Your beauty is beyond compare."
Alara smiles, looking between Sharrd & Ameiko.
"Like this: 'Tá do áilleacht i gcomparáid níos faide anonn.'" She speaks slowly so Sharrd can follow along.
She looks back towards Ameiko. "And I'd agree. She's really beautiful."
'Tá do áilleacht i gcomparáid níos faide anonn.'" Shard says it over and over to himself for the next few minutes trying to commit it to memory.
'Tá do áilleacht i gcomparáid níos faide anonn.'" Shard says it over and over to himself for the next few minutes trying to commit it to memory.
Alara giggles, then pats Sharrd on the shoulder. "Take it easy. You'll do fine."
Then, remembering how easily she got flustered at the mention of Shalelu, blushes slightly and adds: "Well, better than me, anyway." She offers a sheepish grin.
"Okay after Sharrd gets shot down lets move out! Just kidding buddy you'll do fine."
"Incidentally, does anyone have anything to carry all the goblin ears we'll be collecting? We'll also need something to lug Gutwad's head back with." Alara asks, digging around in her satchel. She appears to be making sure all her gear is properly stowed away for the trip.
Masamune looks at Sharrd.
"Well if you ever need some dating advice I can help you out. Just go up to her, and offer to help her out. Then when you are helping her tell her about how well she has been running the Rusty Dragon."
While doing this Masamune is trying to give Sharrd a little push in the right direction.
Sharrd tosses back what's left of his beer, stands up and heads towards Ameiko. Smiling he steps up to her and says "Hey Ameiko, I've just met the most fascinating young lady over there. She's an elf and she's ummm... taught me some elvish phrases. Like
Tado alright I comparid nos fade a nun
He suddenly begins to blush as he realizes that he probably didn't get all the words exactly right. "Um, just thought you'd be interested." He turns and heads back to the table, his face striken.
"OK, that didn't work. I'll try it your way Masamune.
As Sharrd returns to the table, Alara appears to be trying to stifle a fit of giggles.
...by some miracle, she manages to do so.
"Well, we'll have plenty of time to get you up to speed with learning Elven. Don't worry so much!" She says with a sunny look.
Shard looks pleadingly at Alara. "What did I say?
"Well, you started out fine. The problem is, it sounded like you rushed through the rest of the phrase, and ended up stumbling over your words." Alara gives Sharrd a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "If we keep practicing, you'll be able to speak Elven words of looooove into her ear in no time!"
Masamune glares at Sharrd.
"You have five seconds to go up, and talk to Ameiko before I lay into you with my sword. Five, Four, Three...."
"Alright, jeez." Sharrd stands back up, trying to make it look like he had planned to do it all along and heads back towards Ameiko. "Hey, Ameiko, I'm sorry about what I said earlier, I totally got it wrong. I'm just trying to say that I think you're wonderful for helping me out with the job and everything and if you ever need any help. Well, I hope I'm the one you think of. My friends over there are forming the Goblin Sma.., um..a group to go after goblins, so I probably won't be able to help with the performance tonight. Again, if you need help I'll be there." He's so embarrased by this point he really doesn't give her a chance to answer, but just goes back and sits down.
"I'm ready to kill some goblins" he remarks.
Alara claps her hands together with a grin.
"I think that went much better than last time!"
She pauses, then glances around at the rest of the party.
"By the way, nobody said if they had anything to carry goblin ears with."
"We could get a few belt pouches before heading out."
Piper seems to be eager to help the group rid of the goblins, making sure his rapier is secure on his waist and his flute is in reaching distance. However, something peculiar occurs when Sharrd makes his attempt at wooing Ameiko. Piper is dead silent, his hands curled into fists, and his face seems to be getting redder. He keeps shooting small glares at Alara and Masamune. After Sharrd sits back down, Piper takes his board and furiously writes: 'I'll meet you guys outside.' He quickly packs his bag and, giving Ameiko a small bow, leaves the Rusty Dragon.
"We could get a few belt pouches before heading out."
"Think we could get a sack for Gutwad's head?"
"Sure. What do you think Piper got so mad about?"