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Ashlion, unlike the rest, does need to flirt awkwardly - he has two wonderful and strong women already! He does however shower them both in care and affection, particularly Tygrah given what happened at the circus earlier in the day. He doesn't entirely believe that she's fine and it takes Grelda to stop him suggesting the Ruine come in for a check-up every ten minutes.
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The next day the barbarian spends much of his time checking up on the new arrivals. Speaking to Mistdancer, watching Matchstick Flyn and Ufi and most significantly, watching Evora and Gigi perform.
Evora is a revelation. Her muscles, her clothes, her mammoth! Watching the half orc pick the mammoth up, even though he can see how Gigi helps her by skipping upwards a little and balancing carefully is a sight to behold and Ashlion watches, spellbound as the pair practice. When Tygrah finds him, he is still watching and as she settles in next to him Ashlion rumbles.
"I THINK I AM IN LOVE! HAVE YOU EVER SEEN SOMETHING SO MAGNIFICENT?" The choice of phrase might be a little unfortunate, but he turns to his Battle Bride with a huge beaming smile. "APART FROM WHEN YOU KILLED THE LIZARDMAN CHIEFTAIN OF COURSE! I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU AGAIN IN THAT MOMENT!"
Tasha depends more on natural agility rather than any real skill at dancing, but she doesn't tip over the half-elf's feet - or her own, for that matter.
"You look very beautiful tonight," she says as the music tempo changes into something slower. She draws Ruinë closer, wrapping her hands around the woman's waist. Looking down into the woman's eyes, she smiles. "The evil woman is gone and she will never hurt you again," she says softly. "I don't want us looking back any more - just forward." One hand moves up from Ruinë's waist to cup her cheek. "I want you to be happy. I want to make you happy. I want to give you everything you deserve and everything you have a right to desire." One thumb strokes against the sensitive skin. "Everything."
Moving slowly and allowing the half-elf to pull away at any moment, she leans down and softly presses her lips against Ruinë's.
Either through her elven heritage, her circus traiing or innate natural ability, Ruinë is contains nothing less than absolute grace in even her slightest movements. Though she doesn't really ever dance, she's a natural athlete and readily enjoys it. Gliding across the floor with Tasha in her arms, she smiles broadly at her. "Thank you for this, I very much like spending time with you."
At the mention of Dusklight being gone, she just nods rather than speak her mind that technically it's possible she could still come for them again, a fear that Ruinë still holds onto.
When Tasha cups Ruinë's cheek, she pulls her cheek away and closes her eyes, sucking in a quick breath. "You do make me happy, " she says with her eyes closed. "You give me-" her words are lost when Tasha presses her lips into hers.
Bliss.
Ruinë moans as the tiefling presses her mouth into hers and she raises her hand to cup Tasha's head and pull her into the embrace. For a moment, the cleric lets go and takes the shapes of the tiefling's lips into her mouth.
But then, the alarm bells start blaring and her eyes flash open and she stumbles backwards, away, tracing her fingers over lips, her hand trembling.
"No." she says softly to herself, shaking her head. "Nonono. I'm sorry I kissed you. That was my fault. I should not have made you do that." she says in denial, shaking her head no. "I'm such a bad influence on you!" she blurts out.
How dare you injure her like that! Taking advantage of the situation again! You are a terrible friend! Penance!
Stepping back again, she sets her right hand ablaze in flame and sighs "I am sorry, Tasha. I must not take advantage of you like that."
Tasha masks any fear of the flame she might feel and pulls Ruinë close. "It can't be taking advantage if I'm the one doing it and that's because I want to do so." She leans in and kisses the woman again. "If you feel that you have to burn," she whispers against Ruinë's lips. "Then you'll have to burn me as well. But the flames will not be able to match the fire that already rages within me for you. I love you, Ruinë."
”Those vile reptiles never stood a chance!” Tygrah says, flexing her arms. ”But I agree. Evora is quite impressive. She may even be strong enough to give you a run for your money, husband! Maybe the two of you should team up and perform together.”
"No..." she hesitates at the thought of injuring Tasha with the flames, extinguishing them.
She doesn't pull away when Tasha pulls close, but she doesn't move into the embrace either. When she says she loves her, she closes her eyes and whispers back "Yes. I know. Like a sister. Like Tom. Like Ash and Grelda. You love us all. We love you too."
Tasha pulls back slightly as well, the dance forgotten. "Look at me," she says, prompting the half-elf to open her eyes and gaze upon the tiefling's lavender cheeks raised in a grin. "I am in love with you. I wish to spend the rest of my life with you in our tiny little wagon. Letting you steal the blankets and putting cold feet on my back. Feeling your heartbeat near mine and the touch of your hand." Her grin fades slightly and her eyes flick away for a moment. "However, if you do not feel the same then please say so and let me salvage my dignity however I may."
Ruinë's lip trembles "Wh-what? No. Nono. I mean, yes. Yes I do love you. I thought though, that you didn't like me like that. I have been telling myself for some time now that I was reading too much into it."
She reaches her right hand up to turn Tasha's cheek back to her "Say it again. Without the part about my feet it in this time."
Denial not forthcoming, Tasha smiles again.
"I am in love with you. I wish to spend my life with you," she says again. "And I wish to give you everything that you want." As if to demonstrate, she leans down again and presses her lips against the half-elf's.
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”Those vile reptiles never stood a chance!” Tygrah says, flexing her arms. ”But I agree. Evora is quite impressive. She may even be strong enough to give you a run for your money, husband! Maybe the two of you should team up and perform together.”
"PERHAPS!" Ashlion replies, apparently struck by the idea. He takes Tygrah's hand and turns back to watch Evora as she continues her act. His next move is to invite both Evora and Gigi to dinner, which is eaten outside the three orc's wagon.
Ashlion passes much of the time telling tales of Tygrah's battle prowess and the considerable love-making sessions that have followed some of their most significant successes, shooting regular glances at Grelda to see if he's managed to make her blush. After dinner however he calms down a little and turns to Evora.
"YOU AND GIGI ARE MOST IMPRESSIVE PERFORMERS! I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING BETTER!" He hesitates, most uncharacteristically, and allows a long pause before he continues. "I KNOW IT IS UNUSUAL BUT... WOULD YOU ALLOW ME TO TRY AND LIFT GIGI? I FEEL AS THOUGH I MUST TRY!"
Grelda does blush, stealing more than one jealous look at Tygrah, who assists the telling with lurid re-enactments. Evora simply laughs heartily.
”Thank you, mighty Ashlion. You may certainly try! Gigi, do go easy on him!”
The mammoth trumpets, saying, ”Ha! In his dreams!”
Gigi glares at Ashlion as the barbarian speaks to her. "Evora is my bonded partner. I only help her. Show me what you got, big boy."
Ashlion's muscles bulge as he grabs Gigi by the foot and hauls with all of his strength. To the mammoth's surprise, the barbarian manages to lift her up off the ground on his own, tilting the great beast at an angle for several long seconds before finally dropping her back down with a grunt of exertion. Grelda and Tygrah cheer, while Evora looks impressed.
"That was amazing! On your first try, too," Evora exclaims. "You would be right at home among the tribes to the north. Gigi and I have always done our act together, but perhaps you would like to perform with us?"
Ruinë hesitates, but leans into the kiss. Though one would normally close their eyes, she keeps her open to watch Tasha as she half expects the tiefling to cringe or pull away or make some expression of discomfort. When that doesn't happen however, she eventually relents and closes her eyes as she wraps her arms around her bedmate.
When the kiss concludes she whispers "This is a dream. I don't want to wake up. Don't wake me up, please."
Tasha leans in to brush her lips against Ruinë's ear as she whispers, "If it's a dream, then we share the same one. I have no more desire for dancing." She touches the edge of the half-elf's ear with her teeth. "I have a desire to do something else for you, though. Would you like to go back to our wagon?"
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"That was amazing! On your first try, too," Evora exclaims. "You would be right at home among the tribes to the north. Gigi and I have always done our act together, but perhaps you would like to perform with us?"
"TYGRAH AND I ARE FROM THE TRIBES OF THE SOUTH WHERE WE ARE STRONG INDEED, ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT HAVE AS MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN AS HERE." Ashlion replies with a fond look at Grelda and a wink. "I WOULD BE HONORED TO PERFORM WITH YOU. I MUST SAY THAT MY LAST PERFORMANCE WAS NOT GOOD THOUGH, SO WE SHOULD PRACTICE BEFOREHAND. I DO NOT WANT TO MAKE GIGI LOOK BAD." He bows to the mammoth without even a hint of irony.
"You'd better not," Gigi trumpets.
"I will run you through the routine," Evora says with a toothy grin.
***
Grelda spends much of the next week moving through Escadar, speaking of the closure of the Celestial Menagerie but promising that many of the best acts have now joined the Circus of Wayward Wonders, along with a few new never-before-seen tricks! She does a great job of talking up the show, generating lots of buzz throughout the town.
As the day of the performance arrives, though, dark clouds gather in the sky. It begins to rain heavily, which will put a damper on some of your favorite acts, but a great show will lift the crowd's spirits to soaring heights!
Garbed in her traditional green great-coat and top hat, Tasha strides into the spotlight. Her black teeth flash in the new spotlight as she bows and plays to the crowd.
"Come one, come all to the greatest show on the Isle of Erran. The only show worthy of the great city of Escadar. The Circus of Wayward Wonders!"
She returns her hat to her head and her arms spread to encompass the crowd. "We wish to thank you today for braving the rain to see what we have in store for you tonight. I promise that it will be worth it."
She steps towards stage left and the light follows her.
"I have no desire to waste any of your valuable entertainment time tonight, though. So I present to you, The Feather-Fall Five!" She gestures broadly to the air over the ring at stage right and the light follows her hands to reveal the aerial acrobats.
"Next up! Evora and her beasts of strength, Gigi and Ashlion! And in the other ring, Mordaine the Magician!"
Both the Feather-Fall Five and Mordaine perform well enough, but when it is time for Ashlion and Evora to go on, they easily steal the show. Evora rides out into the ring upon Gigi, waving to the crowd and having the mammoth stand up on her hind legs and prance around. Then as the time comes for the main event, she beckons Ash over. First Ash hefts Gigi up for a bit, then Evora does likewise. Then, to the amazement and delight of the audience, both half-orcs grunt with exertion as they completely lift Gigi up off the ground for several long seconds! The crowd goes wild!
"Now the act that you've all been waiting for! It's raining out, so perhaps we should warm things up a little bit with that mystical woman that sets both a man and a woman's heart afire ... Ruinë the Flame!"
Is this a test? What do I do? What do I say?
Ruinë hesitates for a moment, unsure how to proceed. She desperately doesn't want to injure Tasha again in any way, and this moment seems too good to be true.
She nods her head slowly "Y-yes. Yes, I do."
She reaches out to take the tieflings hand, following her lead.
Trick checks with the aerial or fire traitEverything performed by Ruinë' takes a –2 circumstance penalty.
Ruinë was nervous, very nervous. Her last performance was the best of her entire life and she knew that she likely couldn't top that ever again. She stood behind the curtain chewing on her fingernails while she waited for her cue.
She decided a prayer was in order and fell to her knees, asking for Sarenrae's grace and guidance during her act, promising to double her devotion time for the next week.
Tom tapped her on the shoulder to tell her she should head up and get ready. As she ascended to the top, the wetness began to make her even more nervous. What if i fall? What if I can't make the flames when I need to? What if-"
She stopped climbing and closed her eyes taking a deep breath. She cleared her mind of everything except for the moment when Tasha said she wanted to spend her life with her. She replayed her words with the voice in her head and only thought on that. She opened her eyes and climbed with purpose, her muse driving her forward.
By the time she reached the top, the wet weather, the crowd and everything else was only an afterthought. When the light shined in her direction, she took a running leap from her platform to begin her routine. She executed her motions with perfection, flying through the air absolute grace.
When it came time for her big finish, she put everything she had into the fireball spell and as she sailed through the explosion and flames, the only thing she thought of was the woman that was in love with her.
Augmented by Grelda’s pyrotechnics, Ruine’s performance is the definition of a showstopper. The circus tent erupts with thunderous applause and cheers loud enough to drown out the sound of the pouring rain.
Very gently, but firmly, she slowly removes Ruinë's clothes, kissing her skin as she reveals it. Once the woman is entirely divested of her garments, Tasha has her lie on the small bed on her stomach. Once Ruinë is comfortable, Tasha removes her own clothes.
What follows next is best described as body-worship. Starting at the woman's neck and working downwards, Tasha begins kissing and touching the half-elf's tender skin. She doesn't venture between her legs, but spends a fair amount of time on the cheeks of her pert bottom before continuing down her legs.
Once she's finished with her feet, she has Ruinë turn over onto her back. She places a gentle kiss on Ruinë's lips before whispering to her. "I love you and I want to show that every single part of you is important to me." Her lips move to her jaw and then to her neck, her split tongue sneaking out periodically to trace a wet line across her skin. Slowly down one arm to draw fingers into a wet mouth. She returns back up the arm and across to repeat the same pattern for the other arm.
Back up again to trail kisses and touches down between the swell of her breasts. Tasha avoids the nipples - for now - content to nibble and taste the soft, but pale skin.
She then moves down Ruinë's stomach, her tongue twirling in her belly button. Then first to one hip and then the other, ignoring Ruinë's wordless pleas to focus on something more ... centrally located. Past her center and down her left leg to lavish kisses on the woman's foot. She avoids the bottom, knowing the half-elf is ticklish. Back up and then down the other leg with the same treatment.
Once she's finished with Ruinë's right foot, she moves back up the woman's body like a panther, shifting the half-elf's knees so that she's resting between her thighs. Meeting the woman's gaze face-to-face again, Tasha can see the desire that she's created and smiles. "You are always beautiful," she says. "But right now, you put the moon and stars to shame." She presses her lips against Ruinë's and the kiss is hungry and demanding. Her long-fingered hand slips down between them and finds Ruinë more than ready.
The half-elf gasps as Tasha's fingers begin applying attention to where Ruinë wants it the most. Touching, stroking, penetrating. She grinds her center against her own hand applying more pressure as Ruinë finally lets go beneath her.
She continues to grind as the waves begin to pass and finally pulls her hand away to slide her body down until her face is looking up at her love from between her legs. She smiles as her tongue snakes out to trace the edges of her center. Leaning in, she applies her tongue and lips the same way she did her fingers just a moment before and the results are even more tremor-inducing. Another climax follows quickly and she continues her attentions until a third one shakes the body of the delirious half-elf.
Wiping her face on the side of her arm, Tasha crawls back up to a panting Ruinë and presses a gentle kiss on the woman's lips. "I love you," she says. She moves to the side and pulls Ruinë against her chest as the little spoon. "That's all that matters," she says. "Now go to sleep."
So entranced by her love's performance, Tasha almost misses her cue to retake the stage.
"Isn't she beautiful?! Isn't she captivating?! Don't you wish she was yours?!" she shouts out as she leaps into the spotlight and follows the vacating half-elf with her eyes.
"To continue that note of smoke and fire, we leave you with three masters of their elements! Somber Tom! Fireproof Flynn! and The Smoke Dragon!"
Tom and Emma Flamboni run out to the center ring, each armed with glittering knives. Tom, once again takes up the role of the dashing Caruso fighting the succubus queen.
The pair juggle the knives back and forth at a breakneck pace, each deflecting hurled knives so precisely that they strike bullseyes arranged around the ring.
At the last moment, when it looks like the dashing hero would be defeated he deflects a knife high into the air, snaps his fingers and jumps straight up, nearly 30 feet, catching the knife. Mid air, Tom palms the knife and throws a smoke pellet instead, causing Emma Flamboni to disappear.
Tom lands with a flourish, then a bow.
The audience continues to go wild as the half-elves and tieflings bring the show to a raucous conclusion!
The members of the circus well into the stormy night, your coffers filled with more money than you know what to do with right away! It's clear that you are already outgrowing all that Escadar has to offer you. All good things must come to an end, and the Circus of Wayward Wonders can't stay here forever. Once you are ready, it'll be time to pack up and head on the road again.
Your next stop will be the town of Kerrick on the Isle of Kortos, the hub of many farming communities in need of entertainment and a good base to scout out several aeon towers. Adventure awaits!
Once the last bows are taken, Tasha pulls Ruinë off to the side and into a passionate kiss. "You were incredible up there. You're so much better than this. You deserve so much more." She hugs her again.
Ruinë is high from her performance and while embracing Tasha, she bounces them around together in a small circle. "I did it because of you. Everything up there was because you inspired me! I am so blessed to have you in my life, I don't understand what I did to be this lucky!"
She squeezes Tasha and gives her a quick kiss before letting go and backing up, doing a backflip and squeeing with joy.
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Ashlion gives Evora a huge bear hug and nearly kisses her before remembering and putting her back down. Grelda however gets the full treatment and both half-orcs are breathless by the time the applause dies down.
"YOU WERE SUPERB!" He bellows, slapping Evora on the back. "GIGI, YOU WERE MAGNIFICENT. THE GREATEST PERFORMER IN THIS CIRCUS!"
Evora returns the hug, looking slightly disappointed when Ashlion turns away from her. Grelda sighs happily and leans against a crate for balance after her husband's ravishing embrace.
"You were pretty great yourself," Evora says. "Yeah, he was okay," Gigi grudgingly admits.
Later that night, Tygrah pulls Ash and Grelda into their shared wagon for more private celebrations...
***
Though your time in Escadar was short, you left a huge impression on the city. Large crowds gather on the docks to bid you farewell as you prepare to cross the channel to the Isle of Kortos. Chief Constable Andera Paldreen gives you a smart salute, and soon enough, your ship sets sail!
Chapter 3: Life's Long Shadows
9 Pharast, 4720 AR
After a day at sea, your ship approaches the coastal town of Kerrick. Despite its modest size, Kerrick is a busy port, shipping the provender of its hinterlands by boat to the city of Absalom and beyond. Thus, its harbor is extremely large.
Through the bustle of the town docks, a distinctive figure appears. He is a human of medium height and middling age with thinning salt-and-pepper hair swept back from his brow above bushy eyebrows, thick mutton chop sideburns, and a neatly trimmed moustache above a smooth-shaven chin. He wears the somber formal garb of a solicitor or an undertaker. The small flower pinned to his lapel is a sullen shade of purple. His eyes sweep the crowd as if searching out someone, only to alight on you, and he immediately smiles and raises his ornate walking cane in salutation.
"Greetings! I am Opper Vandy, the master of the Kerrick Grange and mortician to the good people of Kerrick and its surroundings. You are the ones in charge of the wonderful circus from Escadar, correct?"
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Tygrah does a very good job of distracting Ashlion but the barbarian is far more perceptive than he used to be and he picks up on Evora's slight disappointment. He dismisses it for now but such ideas have a way of percolating and he can be found on the prow, pondering.
"THE BEST CIRCUS ANYWHERE!" Ashlion booms. He then recollects that he is not the circus barker and propels Tasha forwards to speak to Vandy with a (mostly) gentle hand to the back.
Tom walks up to the man and shakes his hand, pulling him in to kiss him on both cheeks fopishly.
"HELLO! Yes, we are the Circus of Wayward Wonders! Thank you for welcoming us!
"Tom, don't crowd the man," Tasha says, moving forward to edge the light-fingered half-elf away from his target. Sure that he's already made off with his trademark single coin, she doesn't feel that she's being rude at all.
"Yes, The Circus of Wayward Wonders. You've already met Somber Tom. This is Ashlion our man of large limbs and larger voice. This lovely thing is Ruinë the Flame - our star attraction."
She bows low, sweeping her hat off of her head. "And I am the humble Tasha. How may we be of service?"
Vandy enthusiastically shakes everyone's hands before mopping his brow with a handkerchief of the same color as his boutonniere, clearly relieved. "Happy to have you! Word of your coming had reached me from Escadar, and as head of the local agricultural association, I thought that having a traveling circus in the area would be wonderful for both the economy and the morale of the people of the Swardlands. Times are bad enough lately that the chance for a little good, wholesome fun might be just the thing to put the spring back in people’s step. In light of that, I've taken it upon myself to help get things arranged for your stay in Kerrick and the surrounding area."
Vandy quickly arranges for the dockmaster to see to the unloading and temporary housing of the circus personnel, equipment, animals, and assorted paraphernalia until it can get itself organized on land. He then guides you to a market square on the outskirts of town that holds seasonal festivals and market fairs. "The market grounds belong to the Kerrick Grange, but I've arranged for them to be let out to the circus for the bargain price of 5 sp per night provided the circus purchases its supplies and labor needs locally—something it would likely have to do anyway—and cleans up after itself. I hope that the circus will find its stay welcome and profitable."
The man bows to you. "I shall take my leave now. But I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner at my home, Vandy House, at nightfall. We shall celebrate your arrival and help you as you plan your travels around the Swardlands region, much of which falls within the territory of the Kerrick Grange. I hope I shall see you tonight!"
"I'll go get the lay of the land, see what the people in town are talking about," Grelda says.
The witch disappears for most of the day, returning just before dinner time with a trio of rumors:
“Things haven’t been as good around the Swardlands these last few seasons. Weather’s not as gentle; harvests aren’t as good. Something’s up for sure, but all the priests do is frown and look concerned when you ask them.”
“The Stump Festival’s starting up in Turpin Rowe soon. That’s the best party on this side of the island. I wouldn’t miss it for all the sun orchids in Thuvia.”
“There’s a curse on Matten Cleave. The land around there is blighted; even the spring at the Wellspring Tower has gone dry. It’s like some land-vampire is drinking up its vitality. Not that I believe in such things, mind you.”
Kerrick seems to be a quaint town with almost all of its business focused on large-scale local farmers and the factors of costers and consortiums that invest in local farms. Trading occurs in the large Grange House in the center of town, where deals are brokered between members, investors, and shippers hired to move the region’s crops to markets abroad. There are temples to Abadar and Erastil and only some taverns and festhalls as entertainment.
"This place is very--what is the word? Rustic?" Tygrah opines. "I think it would be a very boring place to live! Not a good place to raise a family!" She rubs her belly and laughs.
"I doubt it," Tygrah says. "She is not from the jungles but she has a wild streak in her heart. She says the stars guide her to a great destiny. I do not think her destiny would be to milk cows and feed pigs all day long!"
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"THAT IS GOOD!" Ashlion proclaims, clearly relieved. He then pauses for a moment, "TYGRAH. I AM NOT ALWAYS WISE AND YOU ARE. SO TELL ME IF I AM A FOOL BUT I THOUGHT THAT EVORA WAS SAD I DID NOT KISS HER AFTER THE PERFORMANCE YESTERDAY..." He pauses again, waiting for his wife to dismiss his point.
"HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO HER AT ALL? DOES SHE KNOW ABOUT US AND GRELDA?"
"I have not spoken to her, but she is perceptive. Especially since you have made out with both me and Grelda in front of Evora. The Kellid tribes to the north also follow the tradition of mutliple wives for their chieftains. And you know I like to be sure all of your appetites are satisfied. So if you fancy Evora want to bring another into our little tribe, well, I am in support of it. Besides, our child is going to need lots of brothers and sisters to play with!"
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"I WILL SPEAK TO HER." Ashlion decides, embracing his battle bride. "THAT WAY THERE IS NO CONFUSION AND WE CAN KEEP PERFORMING TOGETHER EVEN IF SHE DOES WANT TO BE PART OF OUR FAMILY. WE SHOULD BOTH SPEAK TO GRELDA TOO, HER OPINION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT."
With the decision made Ashlion seems much more relaxed and he laughs much more often as they walk around town, even as he helps to lift a cart that has lost a wheel. This feat of strength brings applause from the locals and a clay jug of grain wine from the grateful carter, so both half-orcs return to camp more cheerful than they left.
Tasha also explores the village and with a well-placed copper here and a few of the leftover sweets there, very soon she has a gaggle of children following after her eagerly hanging on her every word.
She enjoys a light lunch with Ruinë as she questions the children regarding the goings on of the small village.
Throughout the day, Tasha gathers the remaining rumors in town:
"There’s a shoony—you know, one of those dog folk—in Castinlee who sings to the dead. He digs their graves, but apparently that isn’t enough for him, so he sings to them too… and their ghosts get up and dance for him!”
“There’s things been seen movin’ in the woods near the Old Forest Tower, and I don’t mean fairyfolk. It’s something’ else…somethin’ worse. Me? No, I ain’t seen ’em, just heard the rumors.”
“The Liferoot Stone is waking up; I heard its statues are starting to walk again, just like in the old wars. People don’t go there to leave offerings anymore.”
“Opper Vandy was already rich, but he’s about to get richer with the way Swardfolk have been dying lately. I tell you, it’s unnatural. People passing in their sleep for no good reason, and not just the old and the sickly either—young folks, too! The undertaker business is really booming.”
Earlier, Ruinë blushes at being called a star attraction, playfully pushing Tasha away from her and whispering "Stop it."
Once Tasha shares what she knows on the rumors, Ruinë says "If there are unsettled spirits about, we must put them to rest. It is not right to have undead about. This is something we should look into."
That evening, you head to Opper Vandy’s house. This is a home of obvious wealth constructed of red brick with white granite accents. Wooden shingles cover the roof between three tall, brick chimneys. At the roof’s peak is a weather vane in the shape of a cockatrice. A path of crushed gravel leads to the front stairs as well as around the house. Wide stairs rise to a front porch between stately, inset windows. The base of the stairs is flanked by a pair of decorative stone urns from which grow small plants, and a stone font is set into the wall next to the front doors.
Vandy greets you at the door and ushers you inside congenially, offering you drinks from the modest selection of liquors that he keeps. ”Would you like a tour? This building serves a dual purpose as both my residence and the local mortuary house. In fact, I do have one local currently in repose in the parlor and may have to excuse myself from dinner from time to time to tend to any folk who have come for a viewing.”
The tour begins in the elegant foyer. The head of a small elephant taken on a safari in Garund hangs next to the north door; Vandy purchased this in Absalom many years ago. A hat rack and an umbrella stand flank the main entrance.
Vandy takes you into the viewing parlor. An elaborate wooden bier takes up the center of this chamber, with a wooden coffin atop it.. A number of uncomfortable-looking chairs are arrayed around the room, interspersed with small end tables. A gray carpet covers the floor, and stained-glass windows of deep reds and blues create somber patches of light upon it.
Across from the parlor is the sitting room. A comfortable leather sofa and low, polished teak table stand before a wide fireplace and mantle. Comfortable chairs are spaced around the room, and a rug of dark chartreuse lies before the hearth.
Next up is the kitchen, in which an old married couple prepares dinner. Vandy introduces Martins and Sarinah Gheeley, who bow in greeting. Beyond the kitchen are the storage rooms, inlcuding an alcove that holds dozens of bottles of quality wine from throughout Absalom and hte Inner Sea region.
The upper story of the home features a bath and privy, two guest bedrooms, a balcony, and the master bedroom, featuring a a large four-poster bed, a comfortable sitting chair, a chest of drawers, and a small writing desk. There is also his office which features a heavy antique desk and wall shelves packed with books, ledgers, and folios to run his funeral business as well as to tend to many of his duties with the Kerrick Grange.
Last, Vandy leads you to a small outbuilding that serves as his embalming lab. This chamber has a strong odor of chemicals and decay. A long, brass table stands by the south wall, and at the foot of it, a stained iron grate is fixed in the floor near a pair of barrels and a bucket. The north wall holds a work table with a variety of unusual implements, including a large syringe with tubing attached to a glass tank filled with a cloudy fluid, and a large number of surgical instruments, some still showing bloodstains. The back wall of the chamber is covered in shelving that holds hundreds of urns of clay, stone, and metal as well blank nameplates in brass, and even a few gravestones that have yet to be inscribed with names of the deceased.
This laboratory is where Vandy drains bodies and embalms them with a chemical mixture of alcohol, camphor, and myrrh. It is an imperfect process, he explains, but it preserves a body reasonably well for a few days if the weather isn’t too warm.
By the time Vandy is done with initial greetings tour, Martins comes in and announces that dinner is served. He and his wife then excuse themselves for the evening and return to their own home nearby while Vandy ushers you into the dining room. Laid out on the table is an excellent meal of goose roasted in a raspberry sauce, artichokes, turnip and barley stew, collard greens in goat cheese, and warm black bread served with fresh butter. A selection of good wines of local vintage as well as a small cask of ale can be found on the side table, next to a cooling pie made from custard and imported lemons. Everything is delicious and the servings are generous.
"So, then," Vandy says once everybody is seated. "I would love to hear about your past exploits and the details of your circus's attractions. In exchange, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about Kerrick and the Swardlands at large."
All during the tour Tasha is appropriately impressed. Although why he felt the need to show them the embalming room she has no idea.
She's happy to regale him with tales of the family's exploits up till now, embellishing occasionally ... ok, more than occasionally. And if the Ruinë in her stories plays a slightly inflated role, it's entirely understandable given the gazes she gives the half-elf throughout the narration.
"As far as questions," she segues, "What's happening here sounds like what happened on the island. The bounty is drying up. That would lead me to believe that we need to investigate a tower nearby. Anything you can tell us about that?"