"Sure, I'll grab those from you" - Garrosh nodded at Rose's offer - "You do not eat meat?"
Rose smiles. “I have lost the taste for it since I was… changed.” Her mind wanders to a dark place. Violet, hidden under the cloak, places a tiny hand on Rose’s shoulder.
Rose maintains eye contact, smiles pleasantly. “The irony is how I detested vegetables as a little girl.”
The pimply waitress shakes her head, "Sorry mam, we only have large potatoes here. But I can get you some sun dried tomatoes. I noticed you haven't been touching any of the meats. Would baked eggplant with pinto bean dip be more to your liking?"The waitress asks.
Winter gives Piotr a weak smile, "So what would you do once all this is settled? If you were free..to be you. What would you do?" Winter asks.
Rose replies to the waitress, “That sounds delectable.” She is still happy to take a sausage or two with her order, just to keep her word with Garrosh regarding the food-sharing. Restaurant portions tend to be a bit much for her. That was always the case.
Piotr says softly before thinking "Stay here... with you." he looks at her, his color rising a little, unsure.
"Do you mean changed into what you are now? And gaining those abilities you have? Like growing nails and such?" - Garrosh continued, once the pimpled girl left - "And ok you do not like meat, but you do not drink ale also?"
Rose takes a sip of her pear cider. “I prefer wine to ale. Cider is the happy medium.
“You are correct that I have reaped benefits from the change. They come at a price.” She checks to make sure no one is listening in. “You were all suspicious of me upon initially meeting, so perhaps you noticed—as I did—some similarities between myself and the other abominations in the Iris Hill compound. I refer to the women who transformed into grotesque shapes.
“They are, it would seem, undead. Perhaps the plantlife that has overtaken much of my body would have consumed me and similarly rendered me an animate corpse, if not for Violet.”
"I'd prefer a place where I could walk down the street without gloves without drawing attention of a lynch mob." Winter replies. "Know any?"
There is a knock on the door. "Oh I suppose lunch's here."Winter gets up and opens the door to an acolyte carrying a meat loaf with hard boiled eggs and 2 bowls of soup and 2 mugs of hot mint tea. Winter thanks the acolyte then brings the lunch to Piotr for sharing.
The waitress returns to the kitchen with a few sausages and Rose's baked eggplant with pinto bean dip and some sun dried tomatoes.
Sadly Piotr doesn't, having only lived in a single closed minded city, but he is spared having to admit that when lunch arrives. His stomach grumbles loudly, his eyes smiling in delight at the plenty. "Growing up poor taught us any meal is to be savored." he explained, though he goes well past savoring with meals.
"I am still suspicious of you" - Garrosh grunted, taking another drink from his ale - "But my guess is that if you wanted to double cross or harm us in some way, you had already plenty chances for it" - he shrugged - "So Violet keeps this... Plantlife under control?"
“Well, Nimera tipped the scales in your favor. I was forced to abandon my evil plan.”
She assumes it is obvious she jests.
Violet does not.
”She’s kidding,” calls a tiny voice under Rose’s cloak.
In reply to Garrosh’s question:
“Violet was one of the many Witchlights lining the walls of the grotto—she, a pastel purple speck of light. I did not realize they could move until she flew onto the open wound on my belly. I was…” Rose’s eyes fall to the table for a moment. After some seconds of silence she continues, “…in no physical condition to swat her. I thought her a strange bug come to feast upon my tainted blood, and that her sisters, specks of green, blue and silver would swarm me.
“I will not bore you with the details. Suffice to say, what has not killed me has made me stronger.” Rose savors the delicious bean dip for a moment, then asks Garrosh, “Does the same not apply to you?”
"I would say so far it has been so yes" - Garrosh agrees - "But I have seen others which were left alive, barely husks of their former selves, minds and wills broken" - he adds - "So sometimes it does not kill, but leaves you empty" - Garrosh drank again, pensive.
"But I do understand what you mean. As alien as your recount may seem to me, it does not throw me off as it might once have, after all I have seen in recent weeks... "
"Yes, I would like that."Winter says happily as she shares lunch with Piotr. "By the way do you have any ideas on how to get back your memories? What exactly did Lowls do to you?"Winter asks Piotr
“A broken husk… I can see how one might become that.”
She takes a dainty forkful of baked eggplant. She applies a minuscule amount of pinto bean dip. She holds the fork to her cloak, so that Violet can take a bite, then Rose consumes the rest, savoring what her altered taste buds find delectable.
“The process that made me as I am is comparable to how the sausage is made.” Her empty fork points to the beer sausage that she gave up to Garrosh. “It is a mercy not to know.
“But the irony is if I could forget…” Rose only thinks the words that she would rather not say. “…I would not know how detestable the memory is, and I would want it back.
“Did they leave you any old memories?” Her torture is a sensitive topic. And so she imagines Garrosh’s amnesia is. “You do not have to… I mean… if you want to, I would like to listen.”
"That's a good question." he rubbed his head as if it might produce some knowledge he didn't have. "And why'd we work for him in the first place which led to this."
"Not really sure - I have flashes here and there of some thing from my past" - Garrosh replies - "But to be honest, nothing real or palpable, just what I hear others saying about me is all"
"Kilarra said that you were [url=https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivjx0/gameplay&page=96#4752]in his dreams? Perhaps that may be an avenue to pursue, using the [url=https://paizo.com/campaigns/v5748p75ivjx0/gameplay&page=98#4860]books found in Iris Hill."Winter suggests. "Afterall, the trip to Katheer by boat will be a long one."
"Reading a bunch of strange books... Ann will be pleased as punch." he grumbles but smiles. Tilting the soup bowl up, he uses the spoon to push every last drop into his mouth.
Rose picks at her food for a bit. After a slow sip of cider (and perhaps advice from her sage fairy), she says, “A clean slate.”
It may be obvious the spoken words are from an ongoing conversation.
“Forgive me… I cast message on Violet so she may communicate without being heard by… those who would panic, I suppose.
“No wonder you were all so… impersonal, shall we say, when we first met. Your memories much consist of the recent oddities and violence. I still know a ‘normal’ life, even if that is something I can never again have.
“I do not know what the pursuit of Lowls will lead to. But Katheer has pleasures to indulge in. I suggest you do as I hope Piotr is doing as we speak—feed your head with some memories you want to keep.”
"I am doing my best..." - Garrosh nods, and drinks some more - "Or at least drown the other ones, that also works"
"As for being too cold with you, it is nothing personal" - he shrugs, and peeks at Violet - "Yep, most people will freak out I guess - folk around here are just... Weird and superstitious"
The soup tastes of chicken and vegetables. It's nothing great, but it's warm and filling.
"I can requisition some temple supplies for our next leg of the journey but we'll need to get some cash for that. Anything in particular you forsee we'll need?"Winter asks Piotr.
“I am not easy to offend.” Or intimidate, but Rose does not say this. ”The people here are not so weird if you consider their perspective.
“In fact, it would appear I myself am making some contemptuous assumptions without evidence to justify my thinking.”
Rose grins and signals the pimply waitress over.
“Mademoiselle, first of all, everything is delicious. I cannot thank you enough for your accommodations for my particular tastes.
“And secondly, a question. Have you heard of the witchlights in the grotto?”
”Are you aware that these lights are fairies in their most infantile stage?”
“Have you ever seen a fairy?”
“Would you be interested in meeting one, with the understanding she is a person just as you and I are?”
The pimply waitresses turns to Hanako,"I've heard of witchlights yes,"she says carefully. "But generally those who encounter those witch lights are never seen again."She adds edgily.
Under Rose’s cloak comes a whisper, Garrosh is right, Rose. Whatever you’re thinking, danger! Abort!
Rose smiles at the waitress.
“Ah, yes… in that case, I shall not explore the grotto, even with the witch arrested. Her lights may be at large.”
After the waitress leaves, Rose admits to Garrosh, “It is as you say. Superstitious and weird. I cannot argue with evidence.” She smiles when she says this, but deep inside, she is disappointed in humanity. Perhaps Katheer will give her the hope she cannot find in Thrushmoor.
"Yes, it's best not to go look for trouble. In Ustalav, enough trouble will find you."The pimply waitress agrees.
Kilarra bursts through the door* "Did you know Piotr and Winter are shacking up?!"
Rose turns to the waitress as Kilarra announces Winter’s promiscuity to the entire tavern. “As you predicted, trouble has found me. You need not worry. I believe our ladyfriend would prefer the whiskey.”
Rose shows Kilarra the drink list, but waits for the teenage waitress to leave before eagerly diving into the gossip.
“They will never tell of their private matter. But the sexual tension between those two is so thick, it will be obvious whether or not their rendezvous was mutually fulfilling the next time they are in a room together.
“How long have they been like that? It is simultaneously beautiful and nauseating.”
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A few patrons look up from their food and drinks at Kilarra's pronouncement. One of them, a burly, bald man, in a peasant smock, accompanied by two of his friends, a wiry, dark man with curly brown hair under a cap and another unremarkable peasant stands up at the pronouncement, moving towards Kilarra. "Look, I know you lot have done some good here,"He announces, "But you'd better tell that Piotr guy to treat our priestess right or I'll kick his sorry bum."He then returns to his seat with his two friends.
The next day, the party sets off towards the docks, in search of one Captain Skywin Freeling. Asking around, they are directed to a halfling with fiery red hair currently in an argument with the harbourmaster.
"I’m not making them reload it,” says the
fat man in an ill-fitting harbormaster’s
jerkin. “And you’d best be on your way
shortly, shorty.”[/b]
The curly-haired halfling woman
in high leather boots jabs her
finger up at the man.“What do
you mean, you won’t reload it? It’s
loaded wrong! Ships can’t just list to
one side like you drunkards. Hardwood
is heavy and as thick as your skull—
your people loaded it nine stacks
deep to port and three stacks
starboard. I’ve got to get it all the
way to Cassomir, and I won’t make it
if my boat rolls as easy as your sister!”
For some reason, while eating soup with the aforementioned lovely cleric, Piotr suddenly gets very red but smiles warmly at Winter and nodding firmly for no reason in particular.
Rose is somewhat amused but mostly impressed by the halfling woman. “You must be Captain Freeling,” she says, bowing her head as she curtsies. “I am Rose Fatale. And I trust everyone is well acquainted with the local heroes, Garrosh, Kilarra and Piotr. Detective Werntz said we are to board your ship—”
She turns to the harbor master.
“—as soon as you have your men reload it.
“I most certainly did not enter Iris Hill and slay monsters with my bare hands just to end up being tossed overboard. I would truly appreciate if you stop joking…” Her words allow the harbor master to save face, but her expression suggests she is not joking at all. She is quite humorless. “…and kindly have your men load my captain’s ship to her liking…”
She narrows her eyes.
“…for safety’s sake.”
Winter and Piotr spend a day in each other's company as Winter, the bookworm happily pulls out a couple of books on good-aligned fey creatures for Piotr and her to read. "I keep these books around as a symbol of hope that not all that are not human are evil. It helps keep my sense of wonder alive. If you lose hope, then you've lost everything..."
"Okay, okay, don't get your feathers ruffled... we'll do it,"The harbourmaster edges nervously away from Rose's fierce demeanor and he orders his men to reload the boat.
"Oh, thanks for your help,"Skywind turns to Rose. "I can't stand those size elitists. Picking on me because I'm short! "She grumbles. "And you're a very useful person to have around!" Skywind gushes at Rose.
"Anyway, Cessadia told me to keep an eye out for you guys. She's already paid for your groups passage." Skywind tells Rose.
“It is my pleasure to assist you, Captain,” Rose replies. “And I tire of the… size-elitists, as you say. Ma petite amie cannot even show her face in broad daylight.”
Rose is wearing a long coat, and has no hat today as a hat would surely blow off we’re it not attached to her head (which it would be, like any other morphed outfit).
Violet is in Rose’s inside pocket. Rose’s loose scarves drape over her open coat.
“I will introduce you to her after we board. I think you might enjoy her company when you are at the helm.”
Piotr has never been much of a reader. He learned well enough, but there was always something to do that drew him more. But he had never Snugged with a pretty woman while reading, so now Piotr Loves reading.
As Rose threatens, Piotr crossed his big arms and tried to look menacing, to help. "Nice to meet you, Captian." he says with a smile and a handshake, then offers to watch over the disgruntled repackers. Just in case one of them decide to break something or be an ass.
The boat is reloaded without incident and two scholars, one Gossa Kelkin and Wreben Malliver who are professors returning to Cassomir after a sabbatical in Ustalav join in as passengers. Wreben is whip-thin with long, stringy, dark hair, while Gossa is stout and shortsighted, with intricately braided blond hair.
The boat sets sail to Katheer, with Captain Skywind announcing they will be avoiding the village of Illmarsh as the locals are not very welcoming. The party retires to their shared cabin...
Piotr sits close to Winter and reads, asking the cleric about any parts he doesn't understand, while Ann will curl up on the floor doing her best to ignore the other two.
Kilarra responds to the patron who told her to look after Piotr's behaviour. "Oh it ain't gonna be me. His sister'll keep him in line right quick. But Winter's got some spine, so don't think she'll be some pushover if Piotr's an ass."
The next time she gets to see Piotr, she nods upwards at him and gives him a clap on the back. "They said whatever you do to her, they'll do to you. The bad stuff, I mean."
---------------------------
Kilarra whistles with awe after hearing the Halfling's insults. She doesn't try to be intimidating, but rather spits out a loogie while the rest are talking. Her ethnicity and giant sword are more than enough to spook if need be.
When introductions are being done, Kilarra says to the captain "How long's the trip? I can't just lay in a bed for days. Got anything that needs doing?"
Aboard the ship, Rose introduces Violet.
“Captain, if I may take a moment of your time, here is the friend I was talking about, ma petite amie, Violete Femme.”
Violet stands about a third of the captain’s height. “Pleased to meet you, Captain. If you’d like, I can play you a tune.”
Violet summons a lute, and as she strums, a dancing light in the shape of a five foot woman dances to her tune. When Violet sings, she throws her voice to the dancing light.
Don’t know where we’re sailing to
But damn, we’re glad to go
With you at the helm, Cap’n,
We’ll make it there, we know
Good riddance, size elitists,
I won’t miss your side-eyed looks
When I’m cooped up in the cabin
With a stack o’ depressing books
If the day’s sailing had fatigued or exhausted the halfling captain, the magic of Violet’s little ditty energizes Skywind Freeling—she’s not the least bit tired at all!
Piotr looks momentarily confused as Kilara loudly threatens him by proxy, then he reddens. His eyes turn to Winter off a little ways, and he smiles lightly "they got nuthin to worry about." he tells her softly.
"Yeah that isn't the Winter we know, but you know how love can make fools of us all."The man shrugs.
Winter blushes a little when told about her defense by the townfolk. "Carl and his friends are good sorts if a little over protective. I did have to tell them that they can't come on monster hunting expeditions."
"You could help keep a lookout for unfriendlies around the river. I heard there were some six-legged amphibians in the river. And a wyvern nesting somewhere around. And you can never tell if they're friendly or not." Captain Skywind suggests."Or you could learn how to sail like one of the crew."
"Oh! That was beautiful!" A look of joy mingled with longing flashes over her face. "It's like all my worries and cares have been stripped away...you don't suppose I could keep her, could I?"
“I gotta stick with Rose. But I can play for you some more.”
Violet finds a not-too-windy spot to perform. She does not sing or will dancing lights, but simply lets her summoned instrument soothe the captain.
“Captain, if you would like to tell your story of what it is you are missing, or whom, I will gladly listen. Likewise, I will respect your wish to keep such matters private.
“I am sure your story is more interesting than Lowls’ collection of books. I did not see a single romance novel among them.”
Complexity 15
Languages Common
Research Check Knowledge (arcana), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (planes); Knowledge Bonus +2
"I'm missing my family. I've got a younger brother and sister back at the farm..."Captain Skywind sighs,"And I'm torn being not there for them after our old family farm burned down, killing two of my older sisters and our parents and making money to provide for them. "
Rose sits on the deck close to the helm. “I am so sorry to hear you suffered such loss,” she says. “You send money… and are they old enough to otherwise look after themselves?
“In any case, what you are doing is admirable. I was already impressed with the way you handled the harbor master. He would have caved to you… my intercession merely expedited the inevitable. But I am glad Ms. Werntz hired you. You are not just a good sea captain, but I believe you are a good person.”
Rose is not terribly strong, but will gladly help Skywind in whatever way she can.
As for Violet, she’s gotta hit the books!
She asks Winter to pick a book, and even though the pages are as big as herself, she’ll read it!
(If Rose is just sitting by the helm or otherwise available, Violet will sit on her lap or shoulder while Rose turns pages for the fairy.)