"Never better," Loth says. He stretches and immediately flinches in slight pain from one of his wounds. "... Well, almost."
"You are most kind to offer us healing. Alas, my wounds might be beyond normal magics." Sherman says, with a sad smile.
"But if you have anything for stiff joints and other ailments of the old age, I'd gladly have that," he adds, more playfully this time.
@Sherman: Tira laughs, ruefully, "Oh, but I wish I did." She rubs her knee as she speaks. "Took a barbed spear about 6 years ago. But it always lets me know if the weather's about to change."
@Everyone: Chaplain Tira raises her arms, seeming to embrace you all as she starts to usher you all out, "We shouldn't linger, least it look suspicious. Especially with you hunting devotee to a god of secrets. Now, try to stick together, keep your armor and weapons close, eat plenty of breakfast, and clean up after yourselves."
As you all leave the church of Iomedae, Tira clasps her hands in front of her and thinks to herself, "They grow up so fast." Then she shouts down the steps, "Don't forget to avoid any jagged, pointed runes!" before going back into the church.
______
I have other plans for Tarphrex's family.......
@Zenaida: Why don't you tell us about the family home? What kind of neighborhood is it in? What does everyone see when you all approach?
Stiff joints... I may know some herbal remedies to help Alain takes out a book on herbs and mixes
Zenaida leads the party to the Naos District, heading for the Vista neighborhood. There she turns onto a street filled with stores and workshops that obviously cater to Magnimar's well-to-do. While the party gets a few odd looks and double takes, mostly when someone spots Tarphrex, several people dressed in the more practical garb of merchants and artisans recognize Zenaida and call out greetings. She is, after all, a rather distinctive figure. The quintet passes three tailors (all of whom have window displays of extravagant clothing), a cobbler displaying equally exquisite shoes, a perfumer, a pastry shop, a stationery shop, a storefront decorated in Rahadoumi style selling spices and coffee. Finally she stops in front of an understated yet elegant two story building sandwiched between a glassblower and a lavishly appointed teahouse. The sign above the door reads "Radulescu Jewelers".
"Here we are! The family entrance is around the back. My parents live above the workshop, it's convenient and deters thieves." Judging from the fact that most of the buildings on the street are also two stories tall, this seems to be a common arrangement. Zenaida takes her friends through a surprisingly clean alley to the back door, where she knocks in a pattern that Sherman might recognize as the refrain from a popular Varisian song.
The kobold slinks alongside his sister-friend, very aware of the stares and double-takes. The scents issuing forth from the pastry shop, however, distract him from his discomfort. Suddenly, he is daydreaming of flaky pastries and sweet fillings and almost walks past when Zenaida stops in front of the jewelry store.
Sherman smirks upon hearing Zenaida's knocking, and starts humming the same tune. And soon, he burst out in song.
"...
Da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da
Oh!"
His singing voice is raspy and gravelling, suiting the song quite well. With a bit of practice, he could make an excellent singer.
"Now all them jokers kept around
Just like the scarecrows in hometown
Yeah, scarecrows in hometown
From screen to screen they're travelin'
But I'm a wanderlust king"
Then he fades out back to humming. "Oh, it's a fun song. Shame I can't remember any further. There is a drinking joint near my house, where young Varisians gather. They can be quite loud..."
"I take it you like too, Zenaida? Unless it's a secret code for your parents.."
Before Zenaida can respond to Sherman's inquiry, the back door is flung open by a robust man, full bodied, dark haired and belting out the tune:
His voice carries, echoing down the alley way, his smile beams from his face as he goes to scoop Zenaida up in his arms. It is hard to believe such a bear of a man can do the fine details that comes with jewelry making, but Andrezi Radulescu is one half of the finest pair of jewelry crafters in Magnimar. After attempting to crease Zenaida's armor with his bare arms, he releases her, laughing, and exclaims, "Zen! My, but its good to see you! And with such fine work done to your armor! You must have a story to tell! Come in! Come in, all of you! "
Stepping aside, he ushers you all into the buidling, where you enter a small living space, adorned with simple but well made furniture (table, padded chairs, drink tray, etc) used for customers to relax if their station demands such things, and to entertain guests when they have them.
Another dark haired human enters from another door as you all do, a woman with an obvious resemblance to your own Zenaida, who eyes you all curiously, but then smiles beautifully when she lays eyes on Zenaida. She speaks more quietly than her husband (not that is saying much), but with more force somehow. "Welcome all. My name is Malena Radulescu, duaghter of Ziomara Radulescu, owner of Radulescu Jewelers. Friends of Zenaida are our welcome guests." Those of you from Magnimar recognize the formal greeting and offering of guest rights of the Varisian people and know that to insult such a thing (by being rude or deceptive) would be seen as akin to stabbing their pet in front of them.
You are all ushered to comfortable seats and offered refreashments (wine and cheeses), all the while Andrezi is loudly complimenting everyone.
"Your scales shine like emeralds, Master Kobold! I wish I could replicate their color for my own works!"
"Quailty blades, Master Halfling! True craftsmenship in their making! Your kind always has a keen eye and skilled hands!"
"Wonderful to know you've heard our songs, good sir! Not many bother to learn them, but then, you've enough years to have picked up many useful things!"
"Fine armor there, sir. Perhaps a way to impress the ladies?" With this last, he casts an eye to Zenaida and gives an oversized wink.
The whole time, Malena sits quietly, waiting for everyone to settle, motioning for Zenaida to sit next to her. When her husband finally finishes and everyone is comfortable, she looks to her daughter and asks, "Zen, what brings you here? I presume your call to help others has not gone awry. Or did you simply wish to a place to spend the evening?"
Zenaida laughs happily as she returns her father's hug, armor and all. It's clear to everyone that she gets her height and muscular build from him. "Hi, Papa!" Once she extracts herself from the hug, she gives her mother a much gentler embrace. "Hi, Mama! Oh, it's good to see you both! How is Bero doing? Have you heard from Deni lately?" Last she heard, her brother Adalabero had rented an apartment of his own, no doubt so that he can entertain female visitors without their father's embarrassingly loud advice. Denessia is usually on the road with her husband's caravan, but they stop in Magnimar every so often.
Once everyone has been properly greeted and seated, Zenaida introduces her friends before getting down to business. "While I would love to say that I just wanted to see you- which I do!- I'm afraid we also have business here. My friends and I have tracked our enemies to Magnimar." She gives her father a significant look. Her mother knows how to be discreet, but her father loves to talk. "Before I go any further, I need your promise to keep this quiet. If our enemies hear that we're hunting them, they'll vanish like frightened rats and it will be ten times harder to dig them out." While her family doesn't need to know everything that's going on, Zenaida wants to warn them against getting involved with the Seven Brothers or whoever's masquerading as the Foxgloves. And maybe they'll have heard some useful rumors. Andrezi Radulescu is one of the biggest gossips in the district.
Tarphrex is all about bowing and scraping as Andrezi Radulescu bursts from the home and ushers them in, obsequious to the extreme - this is Zenaida's parents, after all, and he hopes to be welcome to visit in the future - but is shocked by compliments - to him! - about his appearance. He stops and stares at his scales, realizing that more and more of them are black, but they really set off the original green shade.
It's a moment before he realizes that he's admiring himself a bit too much and he snaps back to the present.
"Tarphrex is very happy to meet lounge of Zenaida. She saved Tarphrex from bandits and has been very good sister-friend for many miles. This house is very nice, yes, very nice."
Malena answers Zenaida's initial questions, "Bero is well. He spends his nights out, doing what young men often do. But he's still here in the mornings to continue his work. Papa thinks he's found a lady."
At which Andrezi smiles across his whole face and nudges Alain, "Nothing better than a partner to make your life complete, hey lad?"
Malena continues, her quiet voice a complete counterpoint to her husbands lack of volume control, "We've not seen your sister since you've left, but I belive they were headed towards Turtle Back Ferry."
@Tarphrex: Andrezi laughes with his whole body, slapping you on the back and sending you forward a step from his exhubirant mirth, "Sister Friend! A wonderful turn of phrase!"
@Zenaida/All: At the warning, Andrezi face loses it smile, and he goes to sit next to his wife, quiet for the first time since opening the door. Malena puts her hand on his knee, locking eyes with Zenaida, and says "We'll keep it close, Zen. For the family. What can we do to help?"
Loth immediately matches the large man's enthusiasm. "Would that I could take credit for them, sir! Hard-won loot, though I'm very proud of them."
As the conversation continues, Loth takes a backseat, especially when things take a turn for the serious, although ready to tap in when needed.
@Zenaida: I think everyone is waiting for you to explain, since it's your parents.
Good, it looks like they're taking this seriously. Zenaida takes a deep breath, organizing her thoughts. "It all begins with the Foxgloves. I found out what happened to cousin Iesha; she married a nobleman named Aldern Foxglove, who lived in a manor house near Sandpoint..." She goes on to tell the tragic tale of the Foxgloves, how Aldern had become a ghoul under the influence of a mysterious (unnamed, it's safer not to name Norgorber just in case her father slips up) cult, and what they found of Vorel Foxglove's undead-but-not remains.
"So Iesha's soul has finally passed on, Aldern is facing Pharasma's judgment, and Vorel's malign influence over Foxglove Manor has been cleansed. But Aldern was only the tip of the iceberg. We've tracked the cult who influenced him here to Magnimar. They're connected to a business known as the Seven Brothers. And it seems that someone is impersonating the Foxgloves as well. Have you heard anything about the Seven Brothers or Aldern and Iesha Foxglove?" Zenaida turns to Loth while her parents digest what she's just told them and raises an eyebrow. It's up to him whether he wants to talk about the Dalveran family's involvement with this mess. So far she's refrained from mentioning them. Nor has she mentioned Sherman's past with the cult, although she did tell them about the signs of Desna's favor.
"May Falayna bless her soul. You were clearly put on the path to right this wrong." your mother says, quietly.
Your father muses, as he often does to avoid troublesome thoughts, "Iesha, married a Foxglove. That would be Iesha Vendara. Your mothers second cousin's aunt's 3rd niece, I believe. I'll put out word to her siblings."
As to when you mention the 7 Brothers....
... your father knows this one as well, being such an established gossip monger. "I know the name. They own one of the lumber mills on Kyver's Islet. Looked at some of their stuff once, but it wasn't what we needed. We're still getting our darkwood through your Uncle Xanthar. . . " Melana and Andrezi share a look before Andrezi asks, "Should we warn the family?"
Malana adds, "This is never what we wanted for you, but all we can do now is try to help and pray that she watches over you."
Your parents look worried, a mix of concern for what is happening in their city, their home, and that their daughter is in the midst of it.
_____
Kyver's Islet = small island in the middle of the Yondabakari River, almost entirely industrialized. Full of mills, tannerys, smiths, warehouses, and the like. Mostly loud or smelly work that can be conviently put away from people's houses in the middle of the water.
Yondabakari = the river that runs through Magnimar, emptying into the bay the city is built on.
"Perhaps we should not alert our enemies, that we know of them." Sherman suggests. "Not quite yet, at least."
Loth picks up on Zenaida's glance and follows up. "You might remember the... developments with Inner Sea Trade a while back. That's my family's business. In my grandfather's absence, my father is trying to turn our lot around, and he's been approached by an Aldern Foxglove representing the Seven Brothers. The same man we've killed once already. Considering the ghoulish Aldern we met near Sandpoint was strangely obsessed with me, I worry deeply for them."
Tarphrex just sits, vigorously nodding at each new reveal.
He does pipe up to add, ”Angry dead cousin actually kill stinky dead Aldern, but dead twice he is.”
Zenaida bites her lip, torn. After a few minutes, she speaks up. "Not right now. If this cult gets even the slightest hint that someone is suspicious of them, their paranoia will drive them further underground, where they will be even more of a threat to all of us. Right now we have a chance of finding them before they can do more harm." She pauses. "I think you can get away with asking after the Foxglove impersonators, though, since Iesha is our cousin. You heard she was in town, how is she doing, what's she up to these days, and so forth. It's normal for us to keep tabs on our family, so that shouldn't raise any suspicion." Everyone who has lived in Magnimar for any length of time knows how family-oriented Varisians are.
"Let me know if they want to meet with you so we can be there. I'm guessing they won't, since the impostor Iesha probably doesn't know enough about our family to pass as one of us, but you never know."
Zenaida's parents nod in agreement with Sherman, looked shocked at Loth's announcment, slightly confused at Tarphrex, and grimly in agreement with Zenaida. Andrezi says, "I'll start asking around tomorrow. No one will think much of it."
Malana continues, "We'll let you know what we find out. Where are you staying?"
"About that... would it be all right if Tarphrex and I stayed here?" Zenaida looks at the rest of the group. "Loth, you'll probably want to stay with your family, and I know Alain and Sherman have places of their own in the city." Although the Temple of All Gods did look rather lonely. "Sherman, does anyone else live at the temple with you?"
"Yes, I suppose I should be going soon, anyway. My family's probably worried sick considering I just informed them about the worrying goings-on myself."
He gets off his chair. "It was an absolute delight meeting the Radulescu household, and I owe you for Zenaida saving my life countless times as well. If you ever need any help, feel free to call upon me. I'm sure my whole family feels the same way."
Alain nods, We will meet on the morrow then, enjoy your family time friends. it was a delight meeting everyone's families
Alright, everyone sleeps.
Zenaida and Tarphrex sleep above the jewelers, Zenaida in her old room she once shared with her sister, Tarphrex having the choice of the other bed or the brothers former room. The morning comes quickly for people that have spent the past days on the road, pushing to their destination, but the duo wakes to smell of breakfast. Malena is cooking for everyone, and informs you that Andrezi is already out, following up on what you all talked about last night in the guise of gathering supplies for future orders.
Loth sleeps on the couch. Since the downsizing, there isn't a lot of space in the Dalveran household, and his pregnant sister takes up an entire bed to herself now, tossing and turning to get comfortable. But the sofa is comfy enough, and your parents remind you of the lunch appointment with the Foxgloves that very afternoon.
Sherman's night is wracked with dreams, nightmares of fire and pain. Until a soothing darkness overtakes those flames and allows him a few hours of truly restful sleep. After a dry breakfast and a few chores for the upkeep of the chapel, he sets out into the city streets.
Alain, your quarters are quiet when you arrive. The night owls are still out in the city and the early risers long since abed. Your chambers are just as you left them, albeit slightly dusty, and the familiarity continues into the morning mess. Greetings are called as you eat in the hall with the others, welcoming you back to the city.
And soon enough, with the sun not yet crested over the cliff face, the group finds themselves gathered outside Alain's order's hall.
@Alain: Will you describe said hall?
"No, it's just me living in my temple. No one else. I bid you good night, and see you tomorrow."
Sherman takes his leave, and walks back to his home for yet another restless night.
On the morning, he meets the others at the appointed time.
Tarphrex bows and thanks the family of his sister-friend. ”Tarphex need very little, will protect Zenaida tonight.” He puffs out his scrawny chest and nods solemnly.
That night, he eschews the extra bed in favor of making a nest on the floor using his gear as he would on the trail.
Loth gladly takes the couch, and before he heads off, he enjoys a breakfast with his family. It might be meager, but it's the best he's had in weeks. There really is no place like home for him.
Then, after making sure everyone (especially Daena, in her state) is alright, for sure, they really don't need any more help, just go already, he leaves.
The hall of the Eternal rose is a wonderous sight, colors everywhere, Music, dancing, sculptures in general Art and beauty. On the eastern end of the hall theres an area for wedding ceremonies, vows and official matters, another area seems to hold paintings and important documents...one particular painting stands out, a long haired woman in a white dress battling a Shadowed man in red leathers.
the outside yards are immaculate gardens filled with exotic plants and music fills the air still, though not a raucous kind but peaceful violin. behind the hall itself is a small training yard where some practice with the Glaive. Some younger acolytes trim hedges or water plants, Desnans and Sarenites are no strangers here and some are seen among various Gazeboes with local Shelynites.
Stained glass windows depict the symbol of Shelyn, a small white songbird with a tail streaming feathers of every color.
As for meals, well cooking itself is considered an art by some... and here is no different. Breakfast often consists of pastry, fruits and other pretty things.
Alain cleans himself off, his room as well a touch and joins his fellows at a table, grabbing warm croissant from a basket woven of reeds.
After spending so much time on the road, Zenaida will never take a warm, safe bed and her mother's cooking for granted again. She wakes refreshed and ready to take on the day. After her morning prayers and a hearty breakfast, she helps her mother wash the dishes before donning her armor and setting out for the Hall of the Eternal Rose.
"Good morning, everyone! I hope you all slept well." The priestess smiles at her friends. Sherman is looking a little peaked, she'll have to ask her parents if they would be willing to let him sleep in Bero's old room. Falayna knows the man looks like he could use a few good meals. She had thought at first that he would want to sleep in his own bed, but perhaps not.
Tarphrex squeaks in alarm as he is almost stepped on by Zenaida in the dim morning light. He hops up and meditates while she prays, as has become his habit, and enjoys breaking fast in the Radulescu kitchen.
He tries to assist with cleanup, but a look from Zenaida tells him he’s not helping much, so he murmurs an apology that he must study and heads to the bedroom to pack his gear and get ready for the day.
"Good morning.." Sherman fights back a yawn. He is feeling a little groggy, but the feeling should pass by midday. It's been years since he had a good night's sleep, so the body and mind gets used to the feeling.
The reverend sniffs the air. "Smells really good in here. What are they cooking?"
"Good morning! I hope you all slept well. I must say, Alain, it's the first time I've been here, and yet it's somehow even more beautiful than I imagined it."
He tries not to come off as too greedy for breakfast, but if the others get some, he'll be quick to follow suit.
Good morning friends, Welcome to the hall of the Eternal Maiden Alain escorts his new companions around the hall, stopping at a breakfast nook
Artistry and self expression are some of the core tenants of Lady Shelyn, of course what form that art takes is up to the follower in question. Myself, i dance and help tend the medicine supplies, Even the Ladies Holy warriors, rare as we are, are not exempt from that . Alain lets out a chuckle.
As for whats cooking, it can be hard to tell between the garden and bakery but usually some form of pastry. Around breakfast it'll be some kind of fruit pie, croissants or breads. Feel free to enjoy, Tea anyone? Alain pours from a pot that smells of summer rose and strawberries, sets a tray of honey and cream out as well.
"Oh.. yes, please. And perchance a taste of the aforementioned fruit pie, croissant or breads?"
Sherman didn't realise he was this hungry.
Tarphrex alternates between wide-eyed amazement at the beauty around him and closed-eye enjoyment of the aromas present, to engrossed in one or the other to actually make a request.
A fine breakfast is had by all. Accompanied by an elven man in foppish purple clothes playing music in the corner of the hall. He amazing with his violin, and the mess hall is filled with notes of levity. Other eaters laughing, some drawing as they eat. The food is delicious, in interesting shapes (ducks are very popular), and often both at once.
As you eat, a woman plops herself down next to Alain. She is just over 5 ft tall while standing. Completely hairless (not even eyebrows), her skin shines like polished quartz. Covered in heavy armor, the bench creaks beneath the combined weight of her, the armor, and the aresenal strapped about her person. She sits with a smile, clapping Alain heavily on the shoulder as she does so, speaking loudly but conversationaly, She looks over at the group, She does finger quotes. Then reaches to shake the hands of anyone who will,
"The food looks delicious, but Mama cooked breakfast for me and Tarphrex, so I'm too full to eat any more. She loves nothing better than to feed people." Zenaida chuckles, accepting a cup of tea. She can probably manage that much. "Well, you've seen my father. I take after him a great deal. If it weren't for my training regimen and the amount of travel I do, I wouldn't be able to fit into my armor!" If she hadn't become a warpriest, Zenaida would probably be very plump indeed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Stalig. I'm Zenaida Radulescu, a priestess of Falayna." She returns the handshake with a firm but not crushing grip. "As for being roped into a cause, it's hard to rope someone who goes willingly! My patron is also fond of righteous causes." While Falayna tends to focus on women in trouble- sadly quite common- she also guides her warriors to threats to the general populace. Such as, for example, a murderous cult of Norgorber.
"The pleasure's all mine! I'm Loth Dalveran, and I trust me, the only one being roped into causes recently is Alain into ours!"
He grabs another croissant. "I must say, we've not wanted for hospitality lately!"
Tarphrex is uncharacteristically quiet, still taking it all in. He cringes from the boisterous Stalig, but eventually warms up and reaches out to shake hands. "I am Tarphrex..."
He cannot resist the sweets even though his belly hurts from the large breakfast. Zenaida's mother doesn't understand that a portion for a kobold is smaller than a portion for her daughter - and he was too intimidated to say no. He holds a warm croissant slathered in honey in both hands, inhaling deeply, for a long time before he finally starts nibbling on it.
"Pleased to meet you, Stalig. I am Reverend Sherman Blake, chapel of allgods, just a few blocks away," Sherman smiles, and gives a small bow with his hands on his chest. Definitely he isn't going to offer his already-damaged hands to be crushed.
The priest opens his mouth to start explaining the situation with Foxgloves et all, but then decides otherwise. Can the woman be trusted? He looks at Alain to either tell their tale or keep silent about it.
So, he merely reaches out for another croissant, only to find it already procured by Loth.
"Sorry..." he whispers, and goes for a fruit pie instead.
Loth gives Sherman a brief side-eye before taking the croissant and says nothing in response.
Alain chuckles and smiles, Only for a short while i imagine, there's a world to see, people who need guidance Stalig. I see there's no room for a quiet in cup of tea this morning he looks at with a smirk, giving a subtle verbal jab.
She elbows Alain just a bit to squarely. As she gets up to leave, she whispers in Alain's ear, "They had a showcase in the painting gallerly last night. All the artist will be slow to rise today." Her whisper could probably only be heard by everyone at this table...
She has given you all a good place to plan, should you wish to use it. And now you all can decide what to do. You have a few leads, one lunch appointment, and who knows how many more avenues to see.
____________
Also...
... Zenaida is over her sickness.
The lunch appointment is the obvious one, and if I recall we knew the location of one of their potential safehouses, but were there any other leads I'm drawing a blank on currently?
As for the lunch appointment itself, speaking as player and not as newly developing Sherman skeptic Loth, it might be a good idea for Sherman to not be around, considering they might recognise him... However, it might be fun and helpful to have him enter the scene a bit later, to apply some more pressure and discomfort on our would-be imposters.
Tarphrex offers, "Maybe see not-Aldern first? More knowing if see him, then other brothers? Maybe father of Zenaida find more knowing, too, we talk to him after not-Aldern and see how much we are knowing together." He pauses, thoughtful, not sure he said correctly what he meant to say. He follows with, "Yes?"