With the sun in the sky bright and cheerful, the clouds dotting and occasionally shading the small town of Sandpoint as well, the mood of it's citizens could be felt by even the most hardened of individuals.
The occasion? Why, the consecration of the newly built Sandpoint Cathedral, a mighty temple in reverence of six locally venerated deities replacing the lost temple that tragically burnt away several years earlier. The day is also coinciding with the Swallowtail Festival, a day of reverence for the followers of Desna (and many others who simply enjoy the fun and games).
Children ran about playing games, the elderly gathered and told tales to those who would listen. Adults thronged the streets going store to store before finally gathering in the open air market on the south end of town or exploring the stalls set up before the newly built Sandpoint Cathedral. All through the morning citizens of various note (and some folk from as far afield as Magnimar) would step atop the small stage before the Cathedral to rouse the crowd for either a new sale at a nearby stall, to thank them for their long and hard work as did Mayor Deverin, or, a little more dourly in the case of Sheriff Hemlock, asking everyone to remain safe with their games the approaching evening's bonfire.
As the sun begins to approach it's zenith, the crowds begin to congregate nearer the Cathedral.
Walking through the busy streets of Sandpoint, a woman dressed in fine clothes of an entertainer of Tian, with long black hair and short of stature. Her face soft and pleasant.
She strode around, fanning herself with an elegant fan. On her back most prominently was an instrument resembling what appeared to be a guitar of foreign make. While heavily worn, it was still a rather nice instrument. However ones whom paid a little more attention would notice the sheathed sword, strung horizontal in its scabbard.
The woman walks over to a tavern that she had heard from earlier selling foreign dishes inspired by Tian and Varisian. She smiles at Ameiko.
"ご挨拶、販売の何がありますか?"
"Greetings, what do you have for sale?"
Ameiko, looking up to hear the language of her ancestors, smiles at the young woman. "ああ、東洋の美しさ？あなたは好みのブレンドに興味を持っている場合はまあ、私は、現時点ではいくつかのカレーサーモンを持っています。"
"Oh, a beauty of the East? Well, I have some curry salmon at the moment, if you are interested in a blend of tastes."
Pulling from the small grill beside her a slice of salmon, the thick Tian spices emanating from it as she places it on a nearby plate for another patron. Adding a small amount of rice to the plate, the young man thanks her and turns away. Looking back at the young Tian woman, Ameiko carries on.
"A kokyu? My mother used to play it before she passed. I personally enjoy the samisen. So, just passing through or are you here on business?"
While Zeldana's parents tend to the shoppers of their trade store, she had set up a small stall outside offering harrow reading to the folk that have traveled from afar. The exotic woman, even by Varisian standards, beckoned to those who passed by. "Come, come, let us see the hand fate has dealt you!" She called as she watched the people walk by. Though all of the people she noticed Sheriff Hemlock walking down on his rounds.
"Ah, our devoted protector! Tremendous day no?" She asked as she smiled kindly at him. "Have enough time to learn your future Sheriff?" As she spoke she toyed with her harrow deck.
Sholti had slept in since the bed had been a wonderful change from the caravan arrangements, but now she’s going to have to hurry. She opens her window to take a look outside first. The morning is getting on and vendors have mostly finished setting up their booths. People are already out and about among them, browsing and buying wares.
This will be great fun! The festival looks so quaint, and hopefully I will find Cydak… Sholti checks the scrap of paper in her belt pouch … Cyrdak Drokkus at the theater today. Or, if not there in street at the festival. She practices the name a few times, Cyrdak Drokkus, Cyrdak Drokkus, Cyrdak Drokkus. It doesn’t come easily to make it sound right, and she doesn’t want to look foolish or insult the man.
Washing quickly, she dresses and prepares: just a hint of rouge well blended into her cheeks and on her lips, then a thin line of khol around the eyes and some for the lashes. She opens a jar filled with water and rose petals. Dipping her fingers into it a few times, she spritzes herself well. Finally, Sholti covers her head with a scarf and ties it at the rear, ears tucked in and hair outside.
Sholti wishes she were leaving her arms and armor behind, it’s become tiresome to always wear them, but she must be prepared just in case. She leaves her backpack in the room and locks the door before rushing down the stairs and out into the street. Hm, some brunch first, and then I’ll do some shopping on my way to the theater.
As Sholti makes her way down the street to the stalls, she avoids making much eye contact with the people around her. Still, she steals glances all around, taking in as much as she can of the new town. Hopefully I will be here long enough to learn my way around.
Nearing the food stalls, Sholti picks up the scent of spices in the air. Thank the Everlight! She could almost weep with pleasure from that scent. Since she had left Qadira, the food had mostly been a great disappointment, too much meat and far too bland. She follows her nose to a certain stall with a small cluster a customers eating or waiting to order. There are two women, one behind the stall and the other in front, who are unlike anyone Sholti has ever seen before. They both have black hair but pale skin. Their eyes are almond-shaped, and they are slightly built. They are lovely… Where do such people come from?
The two are conversing in a language that Sholti doesn’t recognize. Sholti finds a place in wait for her turn to order, and occupies herself with watching the two women as discreetly as she can.
Sheriff Hemlock, who had been in quiet discussion with Sandpoint's mayor, Kendra Deverin, hears his title called, he perks up. The Shoanti man, unused to being called out but mindful of the joyous mood, smiles and walks over.
"Miss Amaria, yes? Up to your Harrowing again?" Looking over her deck with his eyes only, knowing some Harrowers despised anyone from touching the cards, he grins. "Well, I should be checking in with the garrison, but a reading shouldn't take too long, right? Mayor, if you excuse me."
Mayor Deverin nods. "I need to get ready for the noon event anyway. Miss Amaria, you won't miss the release of the swallowtails, will you? Almost the whole town will be there."
As Sholti waits patiently, a slight man in vibrant colors surrounded by a number of equally flamboyant women marches by. "Come girls, come girls, we must not miss the event! Father Zantus himself has requested the Drokkus chorus girls to begin the singing in the square!" One of the girls, though, slows as her own nose catches the scent of the nicely spiced salmon.
"But Cyrdak! Can't we at least try some of these? They smell divine." The man slows and claps his hands together.
"As soon as the song is done, you all will have two hours leave to do as you wish. Remember, we also have to ready the theater for 'The Lady and the Adventurer' after all!" Accidentally bumping into Sholti, he swings around, he lowers himself into a graceful bow. Glancing up, he sees the young and foreign half-elf before him and his eyes practically shine. "My Lady, forgive me for so much as being near your presence without leave and grant me the right to apologize for stumbling like a drunken fool into you. A beauty like yourself honors me with your mere sight. Tell, are you a princess from far off Katheer? Nay, you must be an avatar of the Eternal Rose herself"
"Business. I would like to play at the theatre here, but no one has responded to my letters.," she says plainly, "Would you know where to find him?"
She looks around, continuing to fan herself.
Ameiko looks at Hiranno and nods. "Here to see Cyrdak, huh? He's been wanting me in his theater for years, but I run perhaps the best tavern this side of Korvosa. As for where to find him..."
As Hiranno looks around, Ameiko points over to the wildly dressed Chelish man bowing and practically groveling before a half-elven woman of foreign complexion. "I do believe that's him trying to impress upon another."
Sholti is jerked out of her musings by the word "Cyrdak" from behind her. Then she's nudged. Then a man is talking to her from behind. She spins around, and upon seeing the little man with his train of girls and hearing what he says, her eyes go wide as saucers.
This is wonderful, and not so good. The man she came to Sandpoint to find literally bumps into her within 15 minutes out on the street. He also instantly recognizes her as Qadiran. So much for wearing the local clothing.
Sholti finds her tongue after a second or two. N-No not Katheer, I am from Katapesh. My name is Sholti.. Need a full name! Sholti goes with the first word that pops into her head. Sholti Al-Iftari. I have come here looking for you, if you are Cyrdak Drokkus? I am a dancer.
Sholti Al-Iftari (Sholti From Breakfast). Well, that isn't exactly a lie is it? Hopefully nobody speaks Kelish here.
Cyrdak, straightening up, smiles broadly at her. "A dancer? Yes... Yes! A wonderful idea! Oh, but I have lost my manners." With a broad grin, he gives a curt bow before standing up again. "Cyrdak Drokkus, owner and proprietor of the Sandpoint Theater, formerly of Magnimar. A women like yourself is more than welcome to try out at my theater. Drop by sometime within the next week once the festivities die down."
"Thank you for the information, I'll come by later perhaps to eat," she says heading towards the man,"さようなら。"
She headed over towards Cyrodrak as he conversed with a half elven woman, "Excuse me. Sorry to intrude, but my name is Hiranno. I've come to see about performing at your theatre. I had sent several letters to you on the matter, but there has been no response."
Tiel wanders through the town idly examining all the goods on display. Having lived in Sandpoint, she has seen most of it before. She carries a shoulder bag laden with coin, but is reluctant to part with any of it at the shops or stalls. She spends a lot of time in Verna's Fine Clothing, holding up dresses to look at herself in the mirror. She chats with Rynshinn about the dresses, and the sewing guild, and whatever else pops into her head. She knows she's just procrastinating.
A small thrush lands on the windowsill and lets out an annoyed tweet. I know. I know. Well, I've put this off as long as I can."Thanks, Rynshinn. I'll see you at the ceremony."
Tiel quietly walks through the bustling crowd to her destination, the songbird perched on her shoulder. Giddy anticipation and numbing dread are battling in her mind making each step harder and harder.
Finally, she stops cold in front of her destination. Frozen in place, doubts flow like water through her mind. Do I really want to do this? The bird makes a soft tweet, and Tiel takes a deep breath, then marches into Savah's Armory. She plops her bag down on the counter and summons her boldest voice. "I would like to buy that suit of armor you have on display there."
Sholti quickly begins to regains her composure. She bows slightly in return. It is my great pleasure to make your acquaintance Sir. Your fine reputation far precedes you. You are generous with your time Sir, and you have my gratitude. I will send a message soon to confirm an arrival time at your theater.
She notices one of the strange, beautiful women approach Drokkus to gain his attention. It seems to be a business matter, so with another small bow Sholti steps back to allow them their privacy.
She turns back to her place waiting to order with a smile on her face. That seems to have gone very well indeed! Maybe I'll order two things here! I must also see about some nice clothing to perform in.
"Now now you two! Call me Zeldana, there is no reason not to use the fine name my parents gave me." She said as she winked to them. "Of course I'll be present Mayor, I am a Desnan after all." She told the fair Mayor as she picked on card from her deck and showed off the back to revel an emblazoned starlight butterfly.
She slid the card back into the deck and began to shuffle. "Now tell me Sheriff, days, months, or years?" She asked as she did small card tricks with her deck then laid them out in a row face down before him. "If days, take three cards. If months, take six. If years, take nine." She informed him as she removed her hand from the deck. "Just remember, don't look at them." She reminded him with a playful wink.
Ameiko nods at Hiranno. "There'll be plenty, just come by later."
As yet another beauty walks his way, Cyrdak blinks and smiles. Turning to Sholti, he gives another sweeping bow. "I await your message, madame."
Turning towards Hiranno, he paces around her and nods. "I'm afraid news has been coming in rather slowly these last few weeks. Probably just an uptick in goblins or some damn-fool messenger wandering into Shoanti territory. In either case, I feel rather wronged by the fates." Reaching out, he lightly takes Hiranno's hand and gives it a small peck before one of the girls in his retinue taps his shoulder. "Cyrdak..." Snapping back, he looks at the young woman before him and smiles.
"I'll be most happy to give you a try, just not today. Too much work, far too much. Please, my Lady, come by in the next few days once the activity level in town has simmered down. And now, I bid you farewell!" With an almost military marching style, he guides his girls off towards the Cathedral Square. "And you two, please join us for the release of the swallowtails!"
~~~
Savah, a rugged woman of middle age, slows her hammer strikes as she hears someone from behind. Setting down the small piece of metalwork she had been working with, she turns around and starts to wipe her hands down on a long rag attached at the back of her waist. "Tiel? Why in blazes do you need a piece of armor? Ameiko's wild stories haven't gotten in your head have they?"
Stepping up to the counter, Savah looks down at the bag and it's coin and raises an eyebrow. Reaching in, she pulls a coin out and looks at it closely. "I... I'll sell it, but I'll warn you now, it's no light dress like those you tried to make before at the guild, Tiel." Reaching back, she lifts it up and off a small display stand, setting it down before her on the counter with a loud thunk.
"You do know how to don it, right?"
~~~
Mayor Deverin gives a small giggle before nodding. "Sorry, Zeldana. And we look forward to having you there." The mayor swiftly moves off into the crowds, disappearing from sight quick enough.
Sheriff Hemlock, now alone with the Harrower, looks down at her. "Then you may call me Belor, Zeldana. Hmm..." He scratches at his cheek. [b]"Been years since I've had one done. But I think I'll go with days.
Zeldana gave a slight smile as her golden eye gleamed. "Then draw your fate Belor." She told him. When he picked his three cards she snatched them up, did a few tricks before laying them out for him. The Liar, The Tangled Briar, and The Keep laid upon the table before the Varisian woman. Zeldana let out a small gasp as she looked the cards over.
After a moment she looked up to the Sheriff and gave him a sadly sweet smile. "My heart feels for you Belor. Anyone who draws The Lair... Well the lamia upon this card represents an obsession, star-crossed lovers, or an unrequited desire. A form of treacherous love. Then followed with The Tangled Briar tells me it has something to do with history or a historical person." She in formed him before tapping on the final card. "But there is some hope for you. Everything that is before your is followed up by The Keep. This card means unwavering strength that will withstand any hardship." She told him as her smile turned soft and she laid her hand upon his. "You'll be alright Belor, just ride out the storm and do what you believe is best."
As he listens in on the cards description, he begins to get a worried look on his face. Glancing down towards the southeast as she wraps up, he turns and nods at Zeldana. "I thank you for the reading. Hopefully this Storm as you put it is a minor one." Pulling out a gold piece, he sets it down before her. "Thank you, Miss Am... Zeldana. Now, if you excuse me, I need to... Check in on someone." Scurrying off, he looks like a man whose wife had caught him drinking a little too late into the night.
Zeldana picked up the coin as she watched him scurry off. She shook head slowly as she muttered "Poor man..." She tucked the coin away as she looked to those upon the street, beginning to beckons those who walked by. Though the whole time she remembered what the cards had dealt for Belor. Goddess give him luck, he needs it. She thought.
Irisa is walking around Sandpoint in wide-eyed wonder. They didn't have anyone like that back in her tribe, the festival sure is marvelous. She is walking around in an exotic armor with a design imported over the frozen cape on the top of the world, a set of hexagonal plates sewn onto cloth. Her travels have taught her to be better safe than sorry, but it is clear that the heavy armor is causing her discomfort. At least she is only wearing simple clothing underneath the armor due to the warm weather, instead of the thick clothing she usually wore back home. Her face is free and her long blonde hear is streaming down to mid back, making her stand out in the crowd. The events of the day make it easy to push her discomfort aside though and just focusing on what is in front of her. She tries to experience as much as possible, sampling the food, buying trinkets and inspecting more sizable wares.
Seeing Zeldana's booth she heads over to the woman with a smile. Her whole face alight and her blue eyes sparkling. "Hello there, what nice day this is! I am Irisa, from far north." She pauses to let Zeldana respond before continuing in a light singing voice, though with a bit of an accent. "I overheard you speaking, you tell fortunes, yes? Maybe you could tell mine? That might be an interesting experience or maybe tell me a bit about what experiences I might have in the near future?"
If asked to provide coins Irisa will get what's required.
I have no idea how to put this on.
Tiel lifts the armor to judge its weight. Not as heavy as I thought. Now able to examine the armor up close, she sees buckles and straps all over. "I am sure that there are many ways I could put it on."How am I supposed to reach that buckle while I'm wearing it? "But I am also sure that, as the suit's maker, you can show me the best way."
She turns to a mirror and tries to hold it up like she would a dress, but it is far to bulky. " And no, Ameiko did not talk me into this. She does not even know about it. It is something I have been thinking about for a few years now, but only recently gotten the nerve to do.
Did I say that last bit out loud?
Looking at Tiel closely, Savah nods and takes the armor from her. "You work the straps here, then slip your arms up through here. Once it's about your shoulders, tighten it here and here, then strap it tight." Pointing at the required portions of the breastplate, the smith steps back and looks Tiel over closely, noting the odd songbird on her shoulder.
"New pet? Anyway, I'm not your folks and it isn't my place I to tell you what you can and can't do. You're old enough, that's for sure. Just... Be careful, okay?" Walking back around the counter, Savah slips the coins into a large and heavy chest, locking it up before turning back towards her forge. "Hurry up now or you'll miss the whole festival. Here ol' Drokkus has his girls singing today at noon for the swallowtail festival. Damn shame I'm holed up here for the day."
~~~
As the sun finally gets to it's heighest point in the sky, the crowds begin to shift ever closer to the stage in the new Cathedral's square. small groups of friends and families gather as a call is sent out through the town by word of mouth that the swallowtails were about to be let out. Those near the square can already hear Cyrdak Drokkus trying to get his girls voices prepped, going note to note. Stalls begin to stop as their owners make their way to the square themselves.
Hiranno stood to the outskirts, still fanning herself from the heat. It wasn't all that bad. She'd get to hear the local talent of the famous theatre of Sandpoint, however the wait was somewhat frustrating, and something unsettled her about Drokkus, but it was of no danger. Once again, her eyes scanned the crowd.
Sholti finishes her meal quickly, and then begins to wander in the direction she sees others moving. When she reaches the square, she searches out a location where she will be able to see Drokkus and his singers well. She's curious to see what kind of shows he puts on.
Tiel admires herself in the mirror for a moment. "You know, you could close up shop for an hour or so. I do not think anyone would mind. Does this have a matching helmet?"
As she checks herself out, she notices something in the mirror. Ooh! I need one of those, too she says, thinking out loud. She walks over to the weapon racks and pulls down a beautifully crafted glaive. She weighs it in her hands and looks it over longingly. Her shoulders and face droop in unison, and she lets out a small sigh. I can't afford this. Putting it back, and picking up the much more modest one next to it, she turns to Savah says "I would like to get this, too, please."
@Hiranno - As you scan the crowd you see just happy faces save one man who is looking intently at some Tian silks on sale from a Varisian caravanserai stall. You note Father Zantus, the local high priest of Desna, arrayed in a simple robe of blue with small silver specks in it, talking with the mayor before hurrying over to Drokkus and whispering something to the man.
@Sholti - After several moments of gentle movements and slides, you are fairly close to Drokkus and the girls. You can't hear what the priest is saying to him, but you see Drokkus's face crease with a wide smile before nodding and motioning for the girls to begin to hum.
@Tiel - Savah stops her work and looks out the stained window of her shop. Squinting, she smiles and again wipes her hands. "I'll watch the swallowtails but then I need back to work." As she sees Tiel examine the better glaive and then choosing the more moderate one, she puts a hand on her shoulder. "Go ahead and drop the coin on the counter, Tiel. And come by later when you have more coin, we'll discuss the first glaive." Giving her a wink, she opens the door and steps out and inhales the fresh air. "Gorgeous! Maybe I'll also grab a bite to eat!"
Sholti finds her spot and watches as the people on stage prepare themselves to begin.
Having spoken with Drokkus already, she pays particular attention to the group of singers. The arrangement Drokkus has with them seems different than she had imagined for the theater. He commands them more like employees or servants than contractors. Do they seem content? I wonder if they are happy performing for him? Not that I can be very picky...
@Sholti - As much as you can tell, the girls seem happy enough.
Tiel walks slowly to the square, pulling the helmet down over her eyes in the hopes that no one recognizes her. She stands at the outer edge of the crowd. Being taller than most, she can easily see over the crowd to the stage.
Tiel draws a number of looks, though just casual observances don't bring much more than that. A few seem to try and figure out who you are, but with the bustle of the crowd they eventually just turn away as they await the fun event about to unfold.
Zeldana smiled at the traveler as she shuffled her harrow deck. "I welcome you to Sandpoint Irisa, you may call me Zeldana." She told her as she set the deck before the woman. "I would love to tell you the hand you've been dealt, just draw your cards. Three for days, six for months, and nine for years." She told her as she removed her hands from the deck.
When Irisa drew her cards Zeldana quickly grabbed up the deck, dropping it into a small satchel at her side that was perfectly sized for it, before taking the cards from her foreign guest. Slowly she turned the three cards over, seeing the following appear.
The Avalanche, The Cyclone, and finally The Paladin.
The varisian woman and a worried look upon her face as she saw the cards. Twice?! I've never had something like this happen twice.... She thought before she shook her head and looked at Irisa. "You have a long hard path before you my new friend. The Avalanche brings with it a disaster, or a panic that over takes all. The Cyclone following soon behind it worries me even more, for it means someone unleashed it.... But this isn't all bad. The Paladin is a good sign! It represents one who stands against trouble, never backing down." Zeldana informed her. "So, hopefully it will all work out." She said while giving a small smile.
Have you lost you touch Zel? She wondered as she put the last three cards away.
Irisa's eyes goes wide in surprise and shock when she's told what the cards she drew means. "A disaster, and a willed one, how horrible! Are you sure? Is there no way to avoid it?" She answers almost frenetically.
Then the northern girl calms down a bit "I'm sorry Madam, but I do hope that what you spoke of doesn't come to pass. Of course I will stand against it if it does happen. As Desna wills it, I will help protect the innocent from harm. If nothing else, I can heal people, though I do hope to be able to do more. This is a most dire foretelling Zeldana. I will take it to heart." At the mention of her goddess the girl holds up her butterfly-shaped holy symbol and kisses it. Irisa shakes her head upon finishing speaking, letting her golden locks flow around her head in a beautiful spectacle.
Her voice grows serious. "This day all of a sudden took a grim turn. I had hoped to enjoy the festival in Desna's honor, but I see now that I have more important things to take care off. I will prepare for this storm that you speak off. What one can do good, more people can do better. I would not wish to face a disaster all by myself. Though then again, spreading panic is not good."
Irisa shakes her head again, clearly troubled by the situation.. "For now I will go to see the Swallowtails. I owe my goddess that honor, and I owe it to myself to experience it, untroubled by these dire portents. Will you stay here, or will you come as well?"
Zeldana gave a nod in agreement. "Yes, let us not focus upon what may be but what is!" She said as she joined her fellow Desnan at her side. She offered her arm to the northern traveler as she smiled. "Let us watch the Swallowtails and rejoice that our goddess gave us such luck as to find a new friend."
The varisian seemed determined not to let what she had read in this woman's future get her down. "After all, I told our wondrous Mayor I would be there! Zeldana Isabella Mireal Anca Amaria is many things, but it will never be said a lair is one of them!" She declared with a playful smile upon her face.
Irisa looks quizzically at the offered arm, not quite sure what to do with it and takes it hesitantly. She does not want to offend the people of this place by ignorance of their customs. Back where she came from refusing hospitality and to share stories could get you killed. The series of surprised continues, though this time it's a much more pleasant surprise. She wants to be my friend after telling me I'm to face disaster? What a strange woman, though it's also very kind of her to not abandon me to my fate. She smiles at Zeldana. "Thank you friend. I'm simply Irisa. Long names lead to lot of wasted breath where I'm from in the cold north. Unless you have a title, but sadly I'm not worthy enough for that... Yet. You have an impressive string of names though. Is that normal for people from here, I assume you are from here as you have a booth? Do they mean anything special?"
As they walk Irisa continues questioning Zeldana, her curiosity is boundless. With her initial shock over Zeldana's revelation settled she is quite pleasant to the woman, smiling and talking in a gentle voice. "Tell me more about these fortellings of yours. How certain are they? Can we do anything to stop this disaster? Will you help me on this path? While it's true we should focus on what is happening right now, we also can't ignore the road ahead of us." In between talking Irisa is look around in wide-eyed wonder, trying to draw in as much of the different sights of the festival as possible.
As the last of the party arrives in the Cathedral Square, the mood in the air is light. A low platform near the Cathedral's entrance has been erected and atop it is a number of small cages. Aside them is Father Zantus, Mayor Deverin and Cyrdak Drokkus. Mr Drokkus is motioning for the girls in his little choir to begin to hum as the mayor raises her hand for silence.
After a moment, the crowd is relatively quiet and the mayor smiles out over the gathered throng of people. "GOOD DAY! I'm pleased to see so many faces out and about on this beautiful day! Even Larz Rovanky made it out from the tannery!" The crowd lets out a small chuckle as a man near the stage lowers his head as a crimson blush crosses his cheeks. "Today we mark the beginning of a new page in the ongoing story that is Sandpoint! With the tragedy that befell the old church and Father Tobyn and his daughter, Nualia." The crowd quiets down some, many people looking down or offering a quick prayer before the mayor continues. "This, the Swallowtail Festival of this year, fell on an auspicious day for us, for today we officially open the new Sandpoint Cathedral for all! Father Zantus and his acolytes will be giving small tours after the release of the swallowtails for those interested in seeing this new landmark in it's full glory. Father Zantus, a word?"
With a grin almost as big as the mayor's, the middle aged man steps to the front of the platform as the choir behind him begins to fall into a soft tune. "Starsong, Tender of Dreams, Desna, we pray to you to lift us up and give us gentle dreams and a bright future, much like the Blind Boy who you changed into the Swallowtail that we honor today." With that, the choir begins to sing in Varisian an old folk song, light and gentle like the flap of a butterfly's wings. Walking over to the cage with Drokkus and Mayor Deverin, each one takes hold of a number of small chains. As the singing reaches a high point, all three pull on the chains causing the tops of the cages to swing open.
A mass of hundreds of swallowtails take flight, the sky filling with a flash of gold and black as the swallowtails take off. A collective hurrah springs from sections of the crowd before a pitched scream silences everyone.
Then, a new song breaks over the crowd.
"Goblins chew and goblins bite. Goblins cut and goblins fight.
Stab the dog, cut the horse, goblins eat and take by force!
Goblins race and goblins jump, goblins slash and goblins bump.
Burn the skin and mash the head, goblins here and YOU BE DEAD!"
Tiel hears the noise coming from her left. She moves in that direction and then freezes in place.
Goblins! She had seen goblins before, but they were far away and preoccupied with garbage. But these goblins were in the town! Threatening the people! She wanted to act. She wanted to run.
She stood there for what seemed like an eternity when Usiu finally tweeted "Do something! This is what you've been waiting for!" When she finally got the nerve to speak she said "But I'm scared." "I know you are," he tweeted back. "But if you don't act, these things will starting hurting people. Or worse. Here, maybe this will help."
As Tiel stared at the goblins, the ghostly image of a practice dummy came into view around each goblin in turn. This I can do! She tightened her grip, stepped forward and swung her glaive at the closest goblin.
Attack:
Damage:
"I very much would like a tour of the cathedral. That's something I very much would like to see." Irisa whispers to her companion after it being brought up by the mayor.
When the swallowtails are released she claps her hands together in glee. What a wonderful sight. I wish I could see such beautiful things each and every day.
When the goblins appear she is shocked and a horrified look appear on her face. Luckily she didn't have to face very many dangerous situations on the road, but this also makes her unprepared and inexperienced for the approaching fight. How will this go? Yet she is quick to react to the situation rather than remaining frozen in panic. "Is this the disaster from the cards?" She asks quickly out loud before breaking into prayer. "Desna help us in this struggle to protect the innocent from harm. Let our weapons strike true and embolden our hearts so we can defend against these foul creatures and save your festival from turning into a day of sorrow." While chanting she also draws her crossbow, ready to shoot at the intruders.
Tiel's glaive practically dances in her hands, the goblin before her being cut down before it even knew what happened. The other goblins, though, pay it almost no mind.
Irisa's spell is heard, and those within 50 feet who help attack the goblins gain a +1 to their attacks and rolls vs fear for the next minute.
Engrossed in the ceremony with the singers and the release of all the beautiful butterflies, at first Sholti takes the jarring new song to be part of the ceremony. Is it a surprise? A joke? Some sort of reenactment?
Sholti turns to look in the direction of the song, she sees several strange, small greenish creatures scrambling into view. What are those things?
The body language and outcries from both the creatures and the people who see them quickly convince her that this is not staged. The creatures have nasty looking weapons and brandish them as if they seriously intend to use them.
Then, an armored person at the other edge of the crowd steps forward and cuts down one of the creatures with a polearm. This is really happening, it's an attack! Seeing a woman several feet in front of her scream as the horrible looking little things approach, she draws her scimitar an runs forward.
Sholti uses her left arm to push the woman back, Move back away from them! Sholti goes on guard preparing to strike at any of the creatures who come toward them.
"How certain? Well I haven't had one be wrong, but many have happened in ways that no one could have foretold." She answered as she thought back. "As for avoiding it, possible. Time isn't as written is stone as many like to believe. It is more like a flowing river, if you do something big enough to change it's flow it will change the future. But that in and of itself is no small feat." She said with a small laugh. She gave a smile when the woman asked for her help. "I will give what aid I can." She reassured her.
When the swallowtails filled the sky Zeldana gave a joyful call. "So lovely as always." She said to her new friend with a happy smile. Yet that soon left her face when she heard the scream. When Irisa asked if this was what she foretold Zeldana shrugged slight. "It may very well be. I have no way of knowing right now." She answered as she drew her deck of cards.
"Pardon me Irisa." She said respectfully as she darted through the crowd to get a better angle on the goblins. She found herself close to another newcomer who had a scimitar in hand. "It is good to see others helping out!" She told Sholti as a smirk flash on her face. "Let us see if we can even the odds no?"
With arcane words leaving her lips, her cards seemed to come to life around her. She outstretched her left arm, pale flat facing the goblins, and a card flew into position. The Brass Dwarf. Flames burst from the card, burning all goblins in it's path.
Hearing the commotion, Hiranno springs into action, the blades of her fan extending outward as she dashed sneakily for cover.
Sholti presses the woman back, the lady panicking at the sight of the cruel goblins. All around, though, the crowd is going nuts, attempting to flee as it becomes apparent more goblins are appearing throughout the city.
With the card in Zeldana's hand channeling her magic, the three goblins caught in the burst are both enamored and petrified as the flames leap about them.
The first, protected some by his fellow goblin, only gets a singe, but the others took the blast fully.
Hiranno, ducking behind the tent, hides herself in the shadows.
The goblins, now quite miffed, attempt to counter the sharp turn of events.
The first rushes towards Sholti, his Dogslicer swinging wildly as he narrowly misses her own scimitar.
The second, burnt some around his ears, dashes towards Zel. "LONGSHANKS DIE!"
The third, with a flick of flame still in it's dirty hair, laughs and dives forward under the cart, coming out on the other side before standing up.
The fourth one, coughing up a little smoke but no worse for wear, screeches and tries to dash off, running right past Hiranno.
The last one, cackling cruely, runs off and around the small cart. "Gut the dogs! Burn the horses! Eat the longshanks!"
Things are happening way too fast for Sholti. The woman she pushed back is gone in an instant. The awful little creatures come at her very quickly. A different woman steps up to her left and says some things to her she thinks, but she can't spare the attention to listen.
Then there is a burst of flames traveling in front of her and bathing some of the monstrous little things. One of them moves forward into striking range and Sholti swipes at it. Her weapon arcs too high above the creature. They're too small! I've never practiced with a partner that size.
The little green monster slashes at her, and she feels a sharp sting across her thigh. The pain shocks her. This is real and serious! I could die! The pain in her leg helps her focus though, slows things down enough for her to think.
They are small, I need to reduce my exposure and increase theirs, take a defensive position.
(Basking Lizard Pose)
Sholti widens her stance and drops into a low crouch, legs and arms extended wide. She is now face to face with the creatures and able to use her scimitar against them horizontally as well as vertically. Using her right leg for balance, she pivots to the left, stepping back with her left foot while extending her right arm for a thrust cut aimed at the neck of the goblin in front of her. If the scimitar lands true, she will drop the creature in front of her, and end facing the one to her left.