"I can't say I've picked up the local tongue yet. This is only my second visit to this continent, and the first was redacted." He gives VC Li a knowing wink.
Amara Li blinks and then studies Hanlin's face a little more closely before a glimmer of recognition finally dawns in her eyes. "Ah yes, now I remember. Redacted indeed," she smiles. "You and your fellow agents performed admirably, so I am pleased that we were able to secure your aid yet again."
Abaal looks vaguely disappointed at the end of the meeting.
"Come now, why the long face?" Li asks gently, having noted the vague look of disappointment on Abaal's face as the group prepares to depart. "If you are concerned about the travel, I am sure that there will be plenty to keep even a highly trained warrior such as yourself engaged and occupied during your trip to Nagura."
______________
Though Cirri (and Riddywhipple) both seem eager to do some sightseeing around the town, Hanlin makes the sensible suggestion of first finding a place to lay your heads and fill your bellies during your stay. Between Hanlin and those of you who might happen to speak one of the languages common to the area, you're soon able to secure directions to an inn on the northern side of town called the Kami's Whisper.
As you set out through Nagura's streets the morning sun shines brightly overhead and though it's not nearly as big or as busy as Goka or Kasai, there's still plenty of activity. Local merchants hawk their wares from market stalls while other residents are busy working away in the shops that you pass by. Ingrge, ever reserved and watchful, keeps an eye out as you walk for anyone who might be taking more than a passing interest in your presence. While no one seems especially put out or upset by your presence, there are some curious stares and some whispering as you walk along.
"ママ! それは小さなドラゴンですか?"
"彼らはキャラバンガードですか? それを見て、彼はあらゆる種類の鎧と武器を持っています."
"いいえ、私は彼らが外国の司祭だと思います-それらを参照してください、彼らは首についてのシンボルを身に着けています."
"そこの女性をご覧ください? 彼女の髪は金色のようにとてもきれいです."
"ああ、それがどれほどハンサムか見てください!" *giggle*
"Mommy! Is that a tiny dragon?"
"Are they caravan guards? Look at that one, he carries all manner of armor and weapons."
"No, I think they are foreign priests - see those two, they wear symbols about their necks."
"See the woman there? Her hair is so pretty, like the color of gold."
"Ooh, see how handsome that one is!" *giggle*
It thankfully only takes you a few minutes to reach the northern side of town and the Kami's Whisper. The smells of wood smoke, food, and sweat compete for prominence in the moderately-crowded common room and the low hum of conversation fills the air. As you walk in, a few of the patrons also take the time to glance over at you with mild curiosity but they quickly return to their own conversations and meals.
"Welcome, honored visitors," calls out a voice as a young waitress hurries over from the bar. "Welcome to the Kami's Whisper. Please, sit where you like," she says, gesturing to some of the low-set, empty tables that dot the room.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
During the long overland journey, Akazim manages to restrain himself from purchasing too many interesting historical artifacts. It becomes readily apparent to the group while he's bartering and haggling not only for his own purchases, but for their lodging and meals, that he's quite fluent in the Tien language. It also comes in handy the few times they get a little lost....
When they arrive in Nagura, he seems relieved to have finally completed this part of their task. His step is a bit lighter as they make their way through the town, and he smiles to the locals as they make comments, not expecting that one of the gaijin actually understands them.
“Konichiwa, “ he greets the waitress as they enter the Kami's Whisper and take a table. When she brings them tea, he inquires about meals first and then rooms for the group. And he asks if there's someone who gives massages. For his friend, of course...
Though her demeanor was friendly and welcoming to begin with the waitress' expression brightens further as Akazim returns her greeting in Tien.
"Ah! Konnichiwa," she smiles as she makes her way over to your table with a pot of tea which boasts a fragrant, nutty scent. "It is not every day that we see visitors from afar who are familiar with our language," she remarks as she serves each of you a small cup of tea. "Fong Hao Lin usually serves as interpreter when ones such as yourselves come to visit Nagura."
Having heard Ingrge's request, the waitress nods. "Ah yes, if tea is not to your liking we carry many types of spirits, ales, and other strong drink. We also have water and milk as well, for those with simpler tastes."
As she goes about the business of taking your orders for meals and drinks and then making room arrangements, she seems unable to keep from asking, "Ah...I hope you will forgive my boldness but what brings you to lovely Nagura? We sometimes see visitors such as yourselves arrive with the trade caravans - mercenaries, seeking work."
|
Not knowing the language, Hanlin is definitely at a loss, but he perks up as their hostess speaks the common tongue. "Your house favorite tea would be great, and whatever you suggest for a meal. I enjoy trying new things."
He bows his head and introduces himself "I am Hanlin Cinderbrow Jr, and we're Pathfinders sent to investigate the Hinojai house. We hope to be respectful during our visit, so please if we do anything out of ignorance to your culture tell us so."
|
Abaal looks vaguely disappointed at the end of the meeting."Come now, why the long face?" Li asks gently, having noted the vague look of disappointment on Abaal's face as the group prepares to depart. "If you are concerned about the travel, I am sure that there will be plenty to keep even a highly trained warrior such as yourself engaged and occupied during your trip to Nagura."
{Polite smile}
At some point during the trip Abaal turns to Ingrge and asks "Do I know you? You seem very familiar somehow." He looks suspiciously at Ingrge's ears and bow.
|
Ingrge smiles at Abaal. "You do not...but we share an acquaintance. I'm a friend of Flyn; he was my primary trainer at the Grand Lodge in Absalom. When I told him of this mission, he said I might not want to share that acquaintance as you may not have an affinity for a particular bloodthirsty pointy-eared chap that flung sticks with a stick...
"Flyn said that if I did choose to share it, to send his greetings to you saying he recalled the bravery of the 'dashing Blade of Katapesh' in the journey to the City of Golden Death. He also said to tell you he is now the captain of the Voracious and would be happy to sail with you back to the Isle of Terror for old times' sake whenever you wish..."
Still smiling, Ingrge turns to the waitress. "M'Lady, please bring another of the local brews for my friend here...or something else, if he prefers..."
|
Malusha, as usual, stays quiet and to himself during the trip. He always has a friendly smile and polite greeting to offer to anyone who speaks with him but it seems that most of his time is wrapped up in contemplation.
In Nagura, at Kami's Whisper, he sits with the others at the table. When the waitress asks for his preference he replies. "Tea would be wonderful. I have not often been to Tian but I have often heard that the tea here is extraordinary."
"Ah, I am just one person but I am glad to hear that you think so," the woman smiles as Cirri remarks on Nagura's charm and atmosphere. "I am Ateji Kimie and it is a great pleasure to meet each of you."
Japanese names (on which I'm drawing for some of this) are given in the order of 'Surname, Given Name'. So the Japanese form would be 'Ateji Kimie' but 'Kimie Ateji' in English/Taldane.
As several of you remark on or express curiosity about the tea, she's only too happy to explain. "This is hōjicha tea, prepared by roasting over charcoal rather than being steamed as most of our teas are. The roasting produces a very mild tea, suitable for children or those who do not wish for a strong, energizing beverage."
"It also tastes of caramel, which makes it very popular with locals and visitors alike," she adds.
Kimie continues to serve tea and take meal orders, nodding as more of you begin introducing yourselves and smiling as Ingrge and Abaal strike up a brief conversation.
All that changes, however, when the name Hinojai passes Hanlin's lips. The common room, though not terribly crowded, immediately falls silent with the exception of the clattering sounds of chopsticks being dropped and all eyes turn to the group. Even Kimie's demeanor visibly shifts, the pleasant smile slowly fading from her face.
"Hinojai...no, dear guests, that is not a place for the living," she shudders slightly. "Please, stay in Nagura. Enjoy the sights and visit our temples. The Kami's Whisper has plenty of relaxing and pleasurable amenities for visitors to enjoy...or their friends," Kimie says, with a rather pointed look at Akazim. "Do not stir up what is best left alone..."
With that, she hurries away towards the kitchen. An uncomfortable silence now hangs in the air and several of the patrons sharing the common room with you shoot you dark, suspicious looks. It certainly seems as though Hinojai has quite the history, as Amara Li had explained - but teasing that history from the locals of Nagura will likely be more difficult than you initially expected.
______________
|
|
Akazim is momentarily confused by Ateji-san's "rather pointed look," before realizing what she thought he was implying. But it was Hanlin that wanted the massage. {sigh} Though, perhaps...
He waits in the awkward silence enjoying his tea until Ateji returns. He asks her about getting massages to work out the stiffness of their long journey from Goka and beyond. His intent is that perhaps he an tease out more about Hinojai in private, rather than in a group or in public.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As several of you remark on or express curiosity about the tea, she's only too happy to explain. "This is hōjicha tea, prepared by roasting over charcoal rather than being steamed as most of our teas are. The roasting produces a very mild tea, suitable for children or those who do not wish for a strong, energizing beverage."
"It also tastes of caramel, which makes it very popular with locals and visitors alike," she adds.
Kimie continues to serve tea and take meal orders, nodding as more of you begin introducing yourselves and smiling as Ingrge and Abaal strike up a brief conversation.
All that changes, however, when the name Hinojai passes Hanlin's lips. The common room, though not terribly crowded, immediately falls silent with the exception of the clattering sounds of chopsticks being dropped and all eyes turn to the group....
And Abaal's loud ringing voice as he continues on "And then I told him a saying we have in my lands that 'One must always strike while the fire elemental is hot'! So then I reversed the grip on my blade like this, and.... What?"
Hanlin and Cirri both find themselves rather taken aback by the sudden shift in the quiet inn's atmosphere and shrink down in their seats a bit, clearly feeling embarrassed and awkward. Abaal, caught up in telling a thrilling story, fails to notice the tense silence until it finally dawns on him that no one is listening. Well, except for Ingrge, who might be listening out of one ear as he scans around the common room for anyone that might be more willing to speak about the supposedly-haunted dwelling.
As you look around the common room, there are a few patrons who stand out among the rest:
Over the table closest to the bar, which also seems to be the nicest of the seating options, sits a rather haughty-looking man who seems to barking rapid-fire orders to some of the other staff.
Near the door sits an older gentleman sipping on his tea as he works on what might be a ledger or diary of some sort...but you notice he does throw the occasional glance in the direction of your table. When he does, his speed and intensity of his scribbling seems to increase.
Finally, you notice a rather unusual-looking woman with slightly-pointed ears and pale blue skin who sits over at the bar. Judging by the slight swaying, it seems as though she decided to get an early start to her evening.
Though perhaps feeling a little put out that he might have given Kimie the wrong idea with the massage inquiry, Akazim also doesn't seem too terribly perturbed by the silence that falls over the common room. After taking the time to enjoy his tea, he manages to flag Kimie down for a quick word out of earshot of the others.
"Ah yes, you are interested in a massage for your 'friend'...no? But...oh! Oh, I understand now! Moushi wake arimasen deshita," she responds, blushing slightly as she offers an apologetic bow. "The Kami's Whisper offers many types of massage experiences - hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, trigger point, and even reflexology, should one prefer a limited amount of touch."
She hesitates for a moment and then adds, "And if you or another of your party wish to seek more intimate pleasures, the Shrine of One Thousand Delights is most accommodating, I am told."
"I am very sorry. I feel terrible."
|
|
Ingrge smiles briefly at Abaal. "No, my friend, but I'll have to hear the rest of your tale later...you tell it much more colorfully than Flyn...but it looks like the mention of Hinojai here was the proverbial turd in the punch bowl..."
Ingrge decides to approach pointy-eared blue woman first...as she's been drinking, maybe she'll be more free with her tongue about this so-called haunted house...he wonders if she's local to this area...
He approaches her, smiles, and bows. "Excuse me, m'Lady. I'm Ingrge; I'm new to Nagura and would like to know more of the area. Do you have a moment?"
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Malusha notices everyone else grow silent and he himself grows uncomfortable. Everyone seems to be looking in their direction. When Ingrge mentions the local's strange custom with the punchbowl, Malusha looks carefully in his own cup and then slowly sets it down on the table. He leans over to Hanlin and quietly asks. "Do they put, uh, well, you know..., in their tea too?" He starts to wonder if that is the special ingredient the region is known for.
Though it takes a few rather long, uncomfortable minutes, the common room of the Kami's Whisper slowly begins to come back to life somewhat as most of the locals turn their attention back to their meals and their conversation, though a few still occasionally shoot you rather dark or even fearful looks.
It's about this time that Akazim rises from the table to have a quiet word with Kimie over in the corner while Cirri excuses herself to head up to her room. Ingrge also excuses himself and makes his way over to where a blue-skinned woman with slightly-pointed ears sits at the bar. Even from where the rest of you sit, you can see that she seems to be swaying slightly.
You recognize the woman as a samsaran, a mysterious humanoid with pale blue flesh and transparent blood. A samsaran's life is not a linear progression from birth to death, but rather a circle of birth to death to rebirth. Whenever a samsaran dies, it reincarnates anew as a young samsaran to live a new life. Her past memories remain vague and indistinct — and each new incarnation is as different a creature and personality as a child is to a parent.
When Ingrge approaches and greets the woman, she looks up at him with a mildly surly expression. "Y'don't say," she slurs slightly, "never would'a known yer new here, with yer accent an' all." Still, there must be something about Ingrge's straightforward but polite demeanor that appeals to the woman and she waves for him to pull up a seat next to her.
As the woman waves her arm, her sleeve slides up a little bit and you catch a glimpse of a tattoo on her inner wrist.
"Don't have anything better t'do anyway," she shrugs. "Yoooou wanna know 'bout Nagura? Why? What's someone like yoooou an' your friend there doin' allll the way out here?"
After paying for your share of the meal you are quick to excuse yourself from the table and head upstairs to check out your room. It proves to be surprisingly cozy; the floor is covered with tatami mats and a small table sits next to a freshly-made futon. A sliding door in one wall leads to a small closet where you may store your things.
You take a moment to put most of your equipment away in the closet before stretching out on the futon, which is quiet soft and comfortable. As it's only just now reaching midday it's quiet on this upstairs level, most of the inn's guests likely out and going about their business. After gazing up at the ceiling for a few minutes you close your eyes, enjoying the peace and quiet...
______________
You're not entirely sure of how much time passes but you suddenly become aware of a soft shuffling sound at your door. As you sit up, you see a small piece of parchment that seems to have been slipped under your door. Written on it, in very crude Common:
Know Hinojai
Trade help
Stables
And there's a small drawing of the sun setting over a hill, which you think might roughly indicate a time.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Having never had one before, Akazim arranges for a hot stone massage from the house masseuse for himself, and explains the options to Hanlin. For *separate*!! massages. Relaxing under the ministrations of the old Tien woman and the exquisitely hot black stones on his back, he attempts, likely awkwardly, to learn more about the haunted house and its former owner. He assures her of their ability to deal with the kinds of Otherworldly strangeness she describes, telling her about a recent encounter he had with an ant the size of a horse that had been possessed by an undead entity. “And that was just a normal day for us, “he finishes.
|
|
Ingrge bows again before taking the seat next to her. "Thank you, m'Lady."
He recalls what he can of Samsarans and makes a mental note of her dragon-like tattoo...
"The folk here seemed to get...apprehensive...when Hinojai was mentioned. Can you tell me why? And do you know anything about that place a newcomer with a bad accent should know?" Ingrge gives what he hopes is a friendly smile.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ingrge also excuses himself and makes his way over to where a blue-skinned woman with slightly-pointed ears sits at the bar. Even from where the rest of you sit, you can see that she seems to be swaying slightly.
When Ingrge approaches and greets the woman, she looks up at him with a mildly surly expression. "Y'don't say," she slurs slightly, "never would'a known yer new here, with yer accent an' all." Still, there must be something about Ingrge's straightforward but polite demeanor that appeals to the woman and she waves for him to pull up a seat next to her.
"We don't mind if we do." says Abaal taking a seat on her opposite side. "I was just telling my friend here of my exploits in the City of Golden Death!" says Abaal in the local tongue.
"Ingrge, I do believe this woman to be inebriated, and perhaps cold." Abaal says in Common behind the woman's back.
|
|
Cirri takes her midday nap. She likes the sunrise and sunset and sleeps in the middle, twice a day. Even Riddy takes a nap.
Her dreams of the ocean end abruptly. "Huh? What? A letter?" Cirri reads the note. "Oh geez. I'd better tell everyone, we gotta get to the stables right around... what time is it?" She runs downstairs to gather her teammates.
Over the next several hours the group of you split off and go your own separate ways, to have a nap, to enjoy a relaxing massage, or to more subtly try and learn something about Hinojai before making the trip out to the house proper. Unfortunately it proves extremely difficult to make any headway for those of you with no means to speak or understand any of the local languages. You suppose that there might be one or two residents in town willing to act as interpreters - for a small fee - but for the time being no one opts to explore that particular avenue.
And even for those who can speak the local language, information isn't easy to come by...but you do finally have some luck.
During the course of your massage your tales of previous encounters with the strange and supernatural, as well as a surprising amount of charm, seem to win over the old Tien masseuse.
<"Many years ago, that house was owned by woman of nobility, Himiju Minasako,"> she explains as she works her magic with the hot stones. <"Though she was a noblewoman she worked with an organization known as the Way of the Kirin. It was an organization dedicated to fairness for the common people and to opposing political corruption wherever it might lurk.">
<"When the empire of Lung Wa fell a century ago, there was a strong backlash against the Way of the Kirin, and the exploitation and corruption it had held at bay ran rampant throughout the Successor States,"> the woman continues, sighing heavily. <"While Hinojai remained a bastion of the Way’s ideals, due to being safely here in Minkai, Minasako’s influence in this area began to wane as she no longer had her larger support network to rely on. After a few years, Minasako could represent the Way in name only.">
The old woman clucks her tongue. <"Such a shame, too. My mother was young when all of this upheaval happened and apparently Minasako took it very hard. One day she simply vanished and Hinojai fell into disrepair in her absence. No body was ever found, either.">
<"That said...it was rumored that shortly before her disappearance, Minasako took on strange new advisors. Perhaps she was seeking to maintain the Way's influence here? But if so, there would have been no reason for her to simply vanish,"> she concludes as she finishes up your massage. <"Personally, I believe one of these advisors murdered Minasako and got away with it! Only explanation that makes sense.">
The blue-skinned woman, though clearly inebriated, seems to brighten up when Ingrge flashes her a kind smile. She looks around for a moment and then beckons all three of you in close.
<"Well...since yer all shooo nice, I'll tellya shomethin' I ain't told a soul,"> she murmurs. <"One night, me an' some of my, uh, as-sho-ciates, were headed back into town with shum goods from Kasai. We passhed real close to Hinojai, along the road...an' we saw 'em! Shadowy figuresh, out at the eshtate!">
She waits a moment and then frowns when the three of you continue to stare at her with blank expressions.
<"Oh right, keep forgettin' you're not from around heresh,"> she mutters. <"Look, Hinojai, it'sh been empty for yearsh. Yearsh and yearsh. But the groundsh and the housh, they ain't rotted away or grown up with weedsh. Shum-one or shum-ones are keepin' it up, but godsh only know why.">
Here, the woman's rather conspiratorial look shifts to one of genuine worry and unease. <"Hey...you guysh ain't thinkin' of going out there, are yoush? Don't. It's dangeroush, always hash been. Peoplesh that go out there don't come backsh.">
Near sunset, the rest of you have reconvened in the common room of the Kami's Whisper when Cirri hurries down, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she informs you of a strange note she found shoved under her door. The message upon it is scribbled in rough Common, indicating that you should come to the stables at sunset.
Not wishing to arouse too much suspicion the group of you excuse yourselves under the pretense of heading out to enjoy an evening stroll before dinner. It takes a little work for all of you to creep out to the stables, one or two at a time, without being observed, but you're fairly certain that you manage it without anyone noticing. Within, awaits a young girl - not much more than a child, really - dressed in dirty work clothes; her expression is a mixture of relief and sorrow and if you look closely you can tell by the puffiness around her eyes that she's been crying.
<"Oh, you came! I was afraid that you wouldn't,"> the girl whispers, her voice low and tense. <"I heard others talking. They said that foreigners were in town, asking about H...Hinojai,"> she continues, stumbling a bit over the name as though loathe to even speak it. <"The others, the elders and the adults, most of them don't like to talk about it. But I can help, I can tell you what I know, if...if you promise you'll look for my friend, Seiko! She's been missing for two days now and no one will help!">
|
|
Ingrge rises and bows to the inebriated Samsaran woman. ”Thank you for the information, m’Lady, been a pleasure talking with you...”
He gives the barkeep a few silvers to cover the lady’s tab...
He nods to Abaal, ”Thanks for the translation, my friend...I wouldn’t have been able to manage otherwise...”
Upon going to the stables, he smiles at the girl, saying. ”Of course we’ll try to find your friend...what can you tell us of her disappearance? And what can you tell us of Hinojai House?”
|
|
As Akazim listens to the old lady's story, and the heat from the stones infuses his back, he begins to nod off. When she wakes him with her assertion of murder most foul, he cranes his now relaxed and surprisingly more flexible neck to the side to look up at her. "You may be right, sobo-san. And that's exactly what we're here to find out." As he shimmies off the table onto relaxed and wobbly legs, he thanks her for the excellent massage, "Arigatoo-gozaimashita."
When he arrives in the common room, he's told by the nice server girl that his friends had all just stepped out for a walk. He hustles through the darkened courtyard and catches up to Hanlin just as the cleric ducks into the stables. He waits to hear what the young girl says before adding what the masseuse told him about the mansion and its owner, Himiju Minasako.
"We will do our best to find Seiko-chan for you..." He pauses. "I am Akazim. What is your name, young lady, that we may tell Seiko-chan who sent us to find her."
|
|
Malusha wanders around the small town. He quickly realizes that without knowing the language, he is at a distinct disadvantage. Finding a small shop with a few magical items, and with enough adhoc sign language, he is able to purchase a wand that gives him the ability to understand.
After more wandering he makes his way back to the Whisper and tries to settle in before Cirri's emergency takes him to the stables.
As the girl starts to speak, Malusha quickly reaches for his new wand. He activates it and listens to the rest of her story.
Upon going to the stables, he smiles at the girl, saying. ”Of course we’ll try to find your friend...what can you tell us of her disappearance? And what can you tell us of Hinojai House?”
Malusha nods and adds to Ingrge's and Akazim's replies. "Yes, we will find your friend." His reply is in common and he's not sure if the girl can understand.
|
|
Hanlin listens on as the blue woman slurs her way to inner peace, getting some hush hush information off her chest. With a pat on the arm and a smile he thanks her and heads off.
-----
A note asking us to meet someone at the stables? I best be prepared. He asks his almighty Iomedae to let him understand the local speech in case he needs it.
He listens on to the girl and berates himself for not being more secretive about mentioning the cursed house. Now if anyone is in cahoots with what's going on there knows we're going to head out to investigate. Good one Hanlin.
"What does Seiko look like and we'll do our best to find them." He adds, hoping she understands.
|
|
Ingrge rises and bows to the inebriated Samsaran woman. ”Thank you for the information, m’Lady, been a pleasure talking with you...”
He gives the barkeep a few silvers to cover the lady’s tab...
He nods to Abaal, ”Thanks for the translation, my friend...I wouldn’t have been able to manage otherwise...”
"Given the amount of liquor involved we were lucky to have understood anything at all."
Later, in the stable Abaal stands near to the back translating, but eager to hear more.
Akazim and Abaal are able to translate everyone's words back to the young girl. Her eyes well up with tears but she quickly scrubs them away with her sleeve and takes a deep breath, trying to keep calm.
<"Th-thank you. My name is Naomi and Seiko, she...she's my best friend,"> the girl answers. <"We weren't supposed to but we went out to Hinojai, on a d-dare. The house sits on hill, with stone steps that lead up to it. Some of the local boys, they dared us to just go up to the bottom of the steps. Most people won't even get that close.">
Here, Naomi's face turns pink and she shifts her gaze downward.
<"We, um...we wanted to impress them so we went up to the bottom of the steps, just like they dared us to do. I was really scared...but Seiko, she said that all the stories about Hinojai were just stories. To k-keep children away from the house so they wouldn't hurt themselves playing around.">
Naomi lifts her gaze upward again, guilt and fear in her eyes. <"My grandmother was my age when the lady that used to live in the house disappeared. She told me that the lady was very nice and kind to commoners even though she was noble."> She wraps her arms around herself, shivering. <"But around the time she disappeared, other people disappeared too. Most of the time nothing was ever found of them but sometimes, there were...bodies. They found bodies, out in the woods near the house! Grandmother said the murderer was never found. People thought that the lady who lived in the house must have been murdered too.">
<"So people started staying away from Hinojai. Anyone that ever went there never came back - that's what the elders always said whenever anyone would ask."> Naomi shakes her head, tearing up again. <"But Seiko and some of our other friends, they didn't believe the stories. She said it was all made up to keep people away from the house, so they wouldn't hurt themselves playing around. She wanted to go further up the steps.">
<"I t-told her it wasn't safe!"> the young girl continues, her voice beginning to quaver. <"My cousin told me once that he'd been passing by on the road, near sundown, and he saw shadowy things moving around outside! And the house, it's still nice, like someone's been taking care of it! I told Seiko that the shadow people would come for us if we went any further, but sh-she...she just laughed and said I was being s-silly...">
Unable to fight back the tears any longer, Naomi utters a heartbroken sob. <"So I t-told her to g-go on by herself and that I wouldn't c-come help her if the sh-shadow people c-came for her. She looked r-really hurt but then she smiled and s-said, 'It'll be okay Naomi, you'll see'. Then she w-walked up the st-stairs until I c-couldn't see her anymore th-through all the b-bushes and w-weeds. I w-waited and waited but she never c-came back, she never came b-back and it's my f-fault, it's all my fault!">
Naomi stiffens as Cirri and Hanlin both go in for a group hug but the obvious concern on their faces transcends all language barriers. Her shoulders slump and she clings to both of them, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
<"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I j-just want Seiko to be okay, I want to tell her I'm s-sorry for what I s-said,"> she sniffles. <"Everyone else s-said there's nothing we can d-do for her if she went into the house, even her p-parents. P-please, find her and tell her I'm sorry...">
It takes a few minutes to let Naomi cry it all out but her tears do finally subside and she looks at you all, still sad and weary, but now with something akin to hope flickering in her eyes.
<"I'll try to be brave. Seiko wouldn't want me to be sad, I know she wouldn't. But I want you to be careful too, okay? I...I want Seiko to be safe but I don't want anyone else to get hurt because we did something stupid.">
______________
After promising Naomi that you'll do your best to find her friend you return to the Kami's Whisper for dinner and a good night's sleep. The next morning you set out for Hinojai after a hearty breakfast and securing any last-minute supplies that you feel might come in handy.
The journey is a surprisingly pleasant one through gently rolling hills and small stands of trees. You do note that while the rough trail is passable, it's also poorly-maintained; clearly people do not pass this way often.
After about an hour, you can see a small rise through the trees with an elegant but aged manor house atop a small cliff. Sunlight reflects off of the windows facing you, showing that at least some of the glass is still intact. The path winds around to the south side of the house where meandering stone steps, overgrown with vegetation in places, climb the slope underneath sheltering trees. On the final landing before the mansion itself is a freestanding moon gate — a circular stone gate that opens between the trees. Beyond the gate, a final set of stairs ascends to the mansion.
The mansion itself is mostly wood construction, built on a foundation of well-set river stones. A wooden porch encircles most of the exterior of the house on the ground floor, and a two-story atrium is open to the air on the western side. Outside the house to the west, what must once have been a magnificent garden stands neglected and overgrown.
All is quiet.
______________
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
After promising Naomi that you'll do your best to find her friend you return to the Kami's Whisper for dinner and a good night's sleep. The next morning you set out for Hinojai after a hearty breakfast and securing any last-minute supplies that you feel might come in handy.
What need have a man for more than his wits, and his sword... and perhaps a pair of good, clean trousers?
Ingrge shrugs. "I'll take point..."
The ranger draws his bow, moving warily towards the moon gate and the steps beyond, looking for any signs of danger...and any tracks that might show if any creatures may be lurking...
"Ah yes, a good thought. This Seiko we search for might have left a trail. The ally of whom you remind me so much of, Flyndyngylyn, would not have thought of that. His monastic training had endowed him with a unreasonably paranoid fear of ambush, which lead him to loose two or three arrows at a target before his rational mind could register the act. 'Zen archery' I believed he called it. Well, for my part, allow me to say that I am glad you are not anything like that, Ingrge. Why poor Seiko would likely end up being perforated were that mad monk here in your place. Thus I am happy. Though at times, I do wish both your and the other archer's parents had gifted you with more vowels in your names. HAH!" Abaal slaps the ranger hard on the back. "Now allow me to aid in the search. You shall not find Abaal idle."
|
|
As they approach the gate Hanlin will ask Iomedae to bless her cheerful servant with the ability to comprehend languages and to protect him with death ward. The holy symbol on his left hand glows as he receives the blessings.
"This is certainly something SHE" Pointing to the sky "Would be very happy if we could cleanse this place of any curses and the dead while we rescue that kid." He calls for the group to put their hands into a circle and come together "Let's do this!" He cheers.
As Ingrge volunteers to take point, bow drawn and ready, Cirri takes a moment to ward the woodsman against danger and Hanlin sees fit to ward himself in a somewhat similar fashion. The priest of Iomedae also grants himself the ability to comprehend languages for a short time, in case Seiko might be somewhere nearby.
Once everyone is ready, Ingrge begins to carefully advance up the worn stone steps towards the moon gate with Abaal following close behind. The pair keep a sharp watch for anything that might spell trouble and for any signs of Naomi's lost friend. Even though the steps are hard and exposed to the weather, both men are quickly able to determine that they've seen foot traffic very recently. In fact, Ingrgre is certain that someone or something has passed this way within the last 24 hours but the nature of the terrain prevents him or Abaal from knowing just what, exactly.
Carefully, Ingrge and Abaal continue to inch their way upwards towards the landing where the moon gate keeps silent vigil with the rest of you following only a few steps behind. When the two men in the lead reach the landing, they can see that the surface of the landing itself is also constructed of stone and decorated with a sundial fashioned from colored tiles. The sundial’s blade rises two feet from the landing like a shark fin pointed toward the moon gate.
Initially, as your eyes sweep over the landing, the moon gate, the sundial, nothing seems amiss in spite of the strange, oppressive quiet that continues to hang in the air. But...wait. There, at the base of the sundial. At first you thought it merely a trick of the light but the longer you look at it, the less you're convinced of this. The stones there almost look as though they've been stained with something.
Something that might have once been bright but has now faded to a dull, rusty brown.
It's faint, barely a whisper in the still air but both of you hear it.
A voice.
<"Hu҉ŗry̢...̀p̀l͝e҉ase...̷óh pl҉eas͟e, ̛hu͠r̸r͟y̢-!">
|
|
As they approach the mansion, Akazim casts a simple spell for communicating among allies.
He notices Ingrgre and Malusha pause and waits for them to reveal what they might have discerned about this place and the troubling rusty brown stain.