Madir continues to attack the goblin between him and Arren, while Black reaches his prey and starts his attack as well.
Madir slashes at the back of the goblin and takes it down! As it falls, Madir stands looking at Arren on the other side of the falling body.
Black falls upon the goblin, ripping and scratching away. It finally fells this goblin as it rips through skin and into bone.
Shalelu fires away through her allies, trying to thread the needle with her arrows and put this worg-rider down for good.
However, she has to account for them by too much, and the arrows fly wide.
Koya puts a hand on Gruhx once again. Finish this, my son...there's too much danger about.
Oren grins back at Ameiko and takes his own swing at the goblin rider.
Arren shoots an approving half-smile at Madir, before glancing down at the body between them. A clean cut. Well fought.
Seeing that the fighting has yet to stop up ahead, he then leaps off the wagon and heads for the others.
Turning to the remaining foe, Gruhx steps forward and bashes it's brains in. "Is 'nough?!" he shrieks looking around for anything else to smash. "Is more ta 'urt me friends?!"
Gruxhx rips into the worg rider, slamming it with his sturdy pan and then ripping him open with a wicked claw gash. The rider falls from the mount and the worg, wisely, turns tail and lets out a "yip!" as it runs away!
Ameiko, gasping for breath, delicately pushes Koya away as the old woman immediately begins to see to her wounds. The younger woman instead looks across the field of battle. Arren...is that you? What are you doing here?
I didn't expect us to cross paths again this soon, Arren says, unable to hide his joy at seeing his friend. He gestures toward Eli. They took the cleric... naturally, I had to follow.
Going in for an embrace, he stops himself as he spots the wound on her shoulder. You're hurt?
Calming down, the big man sits promptly. Breathing heavily, he calls out "Yous ok Brutta? Did deys' 'urt ya?"
Ameiko shrugs, then winces. Had worse. Been a while though...guess the Rusty Dragon bi-weekly bar fights aren't quite the same.
She embraces Arren, then holds him back at arm's length. Of course you did. Leave it to you to stow away in a goblin wagon for a few days. Everyone, this is my friend, Arren, you may have seen him around town.
Eli looks up to Gruhx, and his face falls. Brother, I...I don't think any of us should be involved in this. Something or someone doesn't want us to see this through. By Sarenrae's light, can we just go?
He looks at Lots, who is seeing to everyone's wounds.
"We were prepared for danger, and we got it." Madir absentmindedly mutters towards, but not specifically to, Eli.
He turns to look around, not entirely convinced the danger is truly gone.
It seems as if it is...the area seems quiet, save for distant sounds of the running Worgs.
As soon as the last goblin has been downed, Oren rushes over to Ameiko to make sure that she wasn't in any immediate danger.
He gives astern look of disapproval behind her back when she hugs the newcomer, but keeps his peace, see that she was obviously well enough to move. "Good to meet ya," he says to Arren after Ameiko's introduction, hold his thick, calloused (and completely hairless) hand out to him. "Name's Oren Fireshade. Glad that someone was left to watch out for Eli. He doesn't seem to have it in him for a life like this."
He turns to Eli after a moment and asks, "How did they manage to get ahold of you, Eli? Was there another attack on Sandpoint?"
Looking towards the group, he considers his brother's words. 'Def no be in Sandpoint no more...Lot violent 'ere... Many hurts.'
His eyes fall on Koya and the big man shakes his head. 'No kin leave. I is needed.'
"It no like 'ome." he agrees with Eli. "Buts we has job ter do. Wes no kin leave 'em all. Deys be us friends and deys needs us help."
Ameiko smiles and waves Oren away. I'm fine, I'm fine....nothing that I haven't been through before. Though...it has been a while.
Eli looks more than flustered. I..I...I was on the way home from the Rusty Dragon when they attacked me. They knocked me out cold and I woke up on their wagon. The way up here they spoke of trading me for "the girl" - seems they meant Ameiko. I don't know why!
He looks to Gruhx. But... He sighs. Yes, I know...and we've been through it before. It's not a life for me, but you should continue on. If anyone can help them Gruhx, it's you.
Ameiko looks up at Arren. Whaddya' say Arren...ready for an adventure? She delivers the question with a wink.
Arren settles for a friendly nod as a greeting toward the new faces nearby, still smiling slightly from the hug, before shaking the dwarf's hand. Likewise, Oren Fireshade. I'm glad Eli is alright. I'm just sorry I couldn't get him out of there sooner.
Hearing Ameiko's suggestion, he playfully raises an eyebrow at her. You ask as if there's a chance I'd say no.
He then turns to Eli. If a trade was the plan, they clearly know the value you hold among your friends. More might come your way if you return to Sandpoint. Do you have a place where you could lay low for a while?
Ameiko's grin widens. Good...looks like we're storming the ruins of an old castle.
Eli begins to splutter, but Ben comes forward. I have a place - on the coast, fairly far from the town proper. Shalelu can vouch for it, she's visited me there before. Shalelu nods. Eli can stay with me until this blows over.
Tallvar raises a hand from where he sits on a log. I'm coming too...better be a few of us to keep you safe. And, I can't be too long from Sandpoint with Ember here. He gets a bit homesick. The fox looks up from licking itself for long enough to sniff, apparently agreeing.
Koya nods, seemingly satisfied. Well, it's good to have friends. Thank you all...Eli, this will do you some good. Some time to look inside, and perhaps see where your goddess wishes you to be in life.
Eli numbly nods through it all, seemingly happy to let others make the decision for him.
Ameiko stands. Alright then...shall we keep on ahead?
Grabbing his brother in a massive embrace, Gruhx lifts him high in the air. Streams of salty fluid washing over Eli.
"I's gets it. Yous needs ta do whats right fer you. Be safe brutta!"
Cautiously setting the cleric back down, he wipes his nose in a long swipe of his arm. "Yous be safe. I's make-a sure mom be safe."
Ever practical, Oren says his goodbyes to those who are leaving, then starts working towards getting the wagons ready to go again.
"I think we're about as ready as we're going to be. We should get as much ground as possible before dark hits. Ameiko, you really need to have Koya look at your wounds. We can't afford having you injured."
Eli smiles in spite of his...perhaps, remorse, or embarrassment. I know you will, big guy, if anyone can. He hugs him back, and then gives Koya a long hug as well before moving out with Tallvar and Ben to the goblin wagon. They begin to repurpose it for their ride to the coast.
Ameiko nods. Right...let's get some more road behind us. Up ahead is Ravenmoor, then we'll cut west towards the coast. Right, Sandru?
The caravan master gives a quick nod and a grin. Right, Ameiko, then we're through Riddleport...though we'll be skirting about that one...by a wide margin. He grins widely. We've plenty of room now, with Tallvar and Ben leaving us. So, welcome Arren...let's find you a berth.
You set to getting Ameiko fixed up and getting the caravans on the road, headed north. The remainder of the day is uneventful, and you set camp for the night just south of Ravenmoor. Around the fire, Sandru brings up tomorrow's journey.
Well, Ravenmoor tomorrow...it's a bit of an odd town. People there are friendly enough, but they seem to shut down at night. As long as we get there during the day we should be fine...but I'd rather not stay after dark. He gives a perplexed look. The people there just get...strange.
"Strange how," Oren asks as he pokes at the camp fire.
Well, the folks there, they get...ah, can't think of the word. But, it's like they don't take to strangers after dark. All the sudden, your coin isn't good enough at the tavern, rooms are full at the inn, kids get pulled inside when you walk by.
With his blade in his lap and a blood-stained cloth in hand, Arren pauses his polishing. "I take it you've been there before then, Su... Sandru, was it?"
Sandru grins again, but it's Ameiko who chimes in. Yeah...Sandru...the man many know, but most won't admit to.
Shalelu snorts, but continues to gaze out to the horizon, always watching for danger.
Sandru puts a foot up on the log nearest the fire and gazes into the flickering depths. A few times, yes...though I never stayed in the town proper. Never got the feeling they wanted me there, you know? We'd camp in the wagons outside on the road. Just one of those places you tend to pass through rather quickly, rather than stop for too long.
"I guess we'll have to see how see how friendly they really are. It might at least be a place where we can top up on our supplies."
Raising an eyebrow, Gruhx solemnly states "Iffen deys try pullen me inna door...deys gunna get 'urt."
Thinking for a second, he smiles. "Less deys gots cookies. Den is ok."
"Gruhx used-ta peoples not bein nice."
Ah, Gruhx...you wouldn't fit through any of their doors anyway. Sandru smiles then nods to Oren. Sounds good...we can top up and get on our way.
Madir, passively listening, agrees with the plan.
"The road is long still, and it sounds like we're not welcome there for long. I say we don't stick around for longer than we need."
The group of friends pass the night with little more than chat - getting caught up with Arren, ribbing Oren about, well...being Oren, fixing up wounds, and telling tall tales about their journey to now. The night passes without any hidden dangers, and the next day dawns with a light, but steady rain. The wagons head out, and by early afternoon the village of Ravenmoor is in sight, though it looks like it will be easy enough to just skirt about it.
As the caravan (or representatives if the wagons are left outside of town) enter the main thououghfair up ahead they see a scuffle.
A small figure is bruskly tossed out a doorway into the dirt street. It stands and a flurry of curses are released towards someone inside, "MOGEN UW VOOROUDERS ROTEN IN HUN GRAVEN VERGETEN, UW NADERINGEN WORDEN CURSED MET IMPOTENTIE EN UW EIGEN VLEESROT MET LEPRA!"
Now more visible, you see a... gnomish halfling brushing dirt off his green cloak, "Listen, I didn't know that was the mayor's wife and frankly, she hit on ME! And nothing even happened, she ain't my type. As for my 'disguise' as you call it, I wish I had control over it. I woke up this morning and my hair was a different color. You honestly think I would braid my beard like this?"
The door slams shut.
Slowly bending over and collecting his wide-brimmed hat, the gent turns towards the onlookers with a half grin, "Small disagreement there. No problem. Who are... OH MY GOZREH, AMEIKO? Ameiko Kaijitso? It IS you!"
He tromps quickly over towards her, "I have all your songs memorized. I can't believe my luck running across you here. What are you doing away from Sandpoint?"
As the wagons trundle up, Ameiko bursts out in a fit of laughter. Pip, is that you? She leans over to Arren and Oren, who sit at her sides. Pip used to frequent the Rusty Dragon - a fine fellow who was always good for a drink and a tale.
She looks up as they come to a halt, and she hops down. Sandru throws a cautioning glare over at Pip, but relaxes when he looks at Pip...who is a bit non-threatening. Ameiko smiles again and casts a glance at the now closed door. Guess they didn't like your stories, eh Pip? Haven't seen you around Sandpoint for a while; everything been alright?
Pip peels his eyes from his mentor? Well, he wishes that at least.
Anyway, he looks around at the pack traveling with Ameiko, "Oh yeah, I've been off making my fortune of course. Traveling all around, plying my trade you know. Singing and stories, making it big."
He sidles up to her and speaks quietly, "Though... the making it big part isn't quite happening yet."
The gnomish styled halfling steps back with a beaming smile, "Merchant Caravan if my guess is right? Where ya all heading? Maybe I could tag along? At least till the next town. I've got other skills than performing, but don't discount a good marching song for your spirits!"
Not Riddleport!
Ameiko rolls her eyes and waves Sandru back to the wagons
Yes, Sandru, we know, we know.. She looks back to Pip with a wide grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. No, Pip...we're bound for somewhere else. We're going to...Brinewall.
She seems to wait for his response with baited breath.
Pip, having been around quite a bit knows some of the old keep- rumored to be haunted and having fell victim to a terrible incident of some sort, Brinewall is reportedly abandoned.
Pip frowns, "You uh know... Well obviously you know about Brinewall or you wouldn't be going there."
He takes a deep breath and glances back to the building he just got ousted from, "Oh well what the heck, no where else for me to go. Plus maybe we could work on a song collaboration or something while we travel?" His colored eyebrows raise in hope.
Ameiko merely grins.
Pip, we'd love it if you came along. We could use your songs, too - sounds like something to keep up the mood. And, I did bring my samisen.
Shalelu, back at the wagons, hunkers down with Oren and Madir. I don't trust this...we are too quick to add anyone to this trip. I know Ameiko knows many, and I trust her judgement, just...be wary.
You continue on past Ravenmoor, now with full wagons. The route beyond is a bit damp with fresh rain, but you're able to put quite a bit of distance between yourselves and Ravenmoor before setting up camp.
Day 7/13
Oren steps down from the wagon as Ameiko talks with the odd-looking halfling. The dwarf runs his hand over his freshly-shaven head before reaching it towards Pip. "Name's Oren Fireshade. If you're a friend to Ameiko, then you're more than welcome on the wagons."
Shalelu, back at the wagons, hunkers down with Oren and Madir. I don't trust this...we are too quick to add anyone to this trip. I know Ameiko knows many, and I trust her judgement, just...be wary.
Oren nods as he settles back into his spot on the wagon. "Agreed, but Ameiko's got pretty good judge of character. I don't think she'd blindly trust anyone. Doesn't hurt to be cautious, though. I'll join ya in scouting, just to cover more ground."
Oren will scout with Shalelu as they travel, and hunt for dinner when they make camp.
Arren assists with setting up camp and makes a fire his first priority, using Spark to make up for the damp. After, he checks in on Ameiko to make sure that her wounds are doing okay, and then decides to take the opportunity to get a bit more acquainted with the halfling.
"Say, Pip... your voice is awfully familiar. I'm sure we must have crossed paths once or twice in The Rusty Dragon, though I don't think we were ever introduced. You weren't by any chance the one who told a well-spun tale about an encounter with an Yrthak some months ago, were you?"
Madir simply nods. "I'll keep an eye out on him."
Shalelu nods, satisfied for now. She sticks to surveying the camp and setting up, then ranges out in rotations with Oren and Madir. Koya sets to cooking, assisted by Sandru and his two drivers, who all seem very familiar with camping life.
Ameiko smiles at the concern. I'm fine...to be honest, it was more than a little exhilarating!. She takes out her samisen, which is an exquisite piece, and begins to pluck and tune.
Pip sneaks into a general store while the wagons are being reloaded and grabs a basic Lute. One must save their voice a bit if performing all day. He grabs a bedroll as well.
He chats up everyone while traveling, asking to see if anyone is injured. ”I don’t have a ton of formal temple training, but Gozreh has gifted me with extensive experience tending all sorts of wounds in the wilds.”
———————
With a big smile the halfling turns to Arren, ”Oh that is quite possible, I’m well versed in that tale. It easily could have been another performer though, we are a dime a dozen. Makes it hard to breakout from the crowd sometimes. But if I can earn a roof over my head every night, I figure I’m doing okay.”
If no injuries need tending, he will set up his camp space and pull out his new instrument to tune and pluck away a bit hoping to accompany the expert performer Ameiko.
Raising an eyebrow at the short man, Gruhx frowns. "Wesa taken usa kid?"
After a moment, the realization sinks in 'O I's a kid too...'
Offering a massive grin, he nods to Pip. "Mayhaps wes kin play pathfinda when wes has downtimes."
Keeping himself near Koya, he watches the wilderness as they setup camp. "Ha ne'er no wen sumtin gun come outta da woods. We's 'ad a bigguns attacks while back."
The big man helps move the heavier items about to best secure their camp for the night.
Ameiko sets to playing, warming up with a somewhat somber tune before rolling into a more detailed song that begins low but begins to lift to a triumphant note. Her plucking is nearly perfect, and she winks at Pip, and nods for him to join in.
The waves, the waves they wrack our shores, with frothy crash and bubbly pours. On rocks on walls, through wind so rough, the sea - both feared and loved.
As Ameiko starts playing, Madir slowly drops his guard and eventually just sits down, completely taken in by the music. Black perches next to him. Both of them silently listen.
Oren listens to the music from his scouting post in the woods. He takes advantage of the opportunity to re-focus his thoughts and emotions, channeling them with the help of the melody.
Pip strums a very basic few support riffs on his lute while enjoying the expert.
His smooth baritone voice drops a second verse after Ameiko's.
"The winds, the rains they beat our brows, with sleeting splash and whipping blows. On trees on cloaks, through forests tall, the storm - rocking the oaks."
Struggling to follow the lyrics, Gruhx quickly grows frustrated. 'Twees wearen cloaks? Whatcha...'
Resigning himself to tune out the words and just enjoy the sound, he finds it quite soothing.
Ameiko grins, and sets into more of the song, then works in between several songs, though the theme of nature remains. She seems quite happy to let Pip take the lead eventually with his expert singing, and she sets to working her Samisen with precision and expertise. As the companions both old and new get familiar and get some well-needed rest, the night fades...
...and a new day dawns. The day brings a light rain in the morning, but it's more refreshing than dampening, and you set out on the trek to the west and towards the coast.
Day 8/13
Day 9/13
The next two days pass without mishap. Towards late afternoon on the 9th day, you can see Riddleport on the horizon to the south, as you are indeed skirting about it to the north.
Pip will just keep generally checking on everyone in the camp for injuries or other maladies. While traveling he works on song lyrics and in the evenings he sings and plays to entertain.
Having only heard of the city's reputation, Oren is more than happy to completely avoid it and move on. He spends his time roaming the trails as scout, or occasionally taking up a post as guard.