Raziel bristles a bit at the whisper in his ear, but smiles as Ghandy refers the mermaid, and does not shy away - "You are probably right" - he replies - "Almas... Is that far from here?"
Ghandy smiles and lets out a giggle as she wraps an arm around Razeil's and leads him to find a seat, "Oh yeah, Almas is fair travel away, but it is so worth seeing. People there are proud. They fought for their freedom and won. No Nobles, no titles. Sure, they still have their problems, but for cities, it is a breath of fresh air." She then reaches for Selkyon with her other arm, "Com'n, let's go find a seat up high where we can scope out the crowd."
Selkyon follows Ghandy and Raziel up the stairs leading to the seats, choosing a place where he can have an overview of both the audience and the stage.
This sphinx is something beyond the normal type of creature seen by the locals and following Ghandy's lead, some work up the courage to also ask the sphinx some questions. They range from simple ones, such as what are her favorite foods and would she share a riddle with them all the way to an entirely inappropriate regarding what type of creature she would mate with.
The man who asked that last question is promptly escorted outside by one of the guards while the other one announces that the evenings visit with the sphinx is up and that she will be on display again starting at noon tomorrow.
Enjoying the show, but noticing nothing out of the ordinary, Ghandy looks to her friends as the show is ending, "I wonder if we should have asked the Sphinx about Red Beard". She pauses briefly in thought, then waves a hand forward in disagreement with herself, "Bah, she would have just spoke in riddles." After a moment, she lets out a giggle and shakes her head regarding the whole situation. Looking back to her friends, "Maybe better luck with the next show?"
"Shall we go to the Big Top? I hear they have a Varisian Sword Dancer. I've never danced with a sword before. I wonder who leads," she giggles as she twirls and spins toward the exit. Ghandy makes it look kind of awkward since she is pretending to dance with a sword.
"I have to say I am also curious about this knife thrower" - Raziel nods - "I am thinking maybe this 'Red Beard' to be long and gone though, sticking around would be risky" - he whispers to the others as they go - "And you are probably right Ghandy, we should have asked the Sphinx. Now you got me curious about that" - the half-orc ponders.
It's getting onward toward evening when they make their way into the carnival--the dust and mud of the farms still upon her sandal laced feet. After the group had left for the carnival, she had unfinished business with the farmers. Ivar, after his return from his night with Esmerelda, would find Pelipe asking for his help. This resulted in some interesting exchanges with a variety of stubborn-minded old farmers. Ivar would possibly have been impressed to see Pelipe throw down with one particularly rebellious farmer. Pelipe ended up being head-to-toe covered in mud at one point before they left as they wrestled in the field. For her lack of strength, Pelipe had spirit under that quiet exterior. Her coldness revealed little about how she felt about the scenario though. A different farmer, farmer Merryblinter's feast and fire spit roast pig was a more welcomed situation after the said ordeal, and Pelipe was still full from it despite the long walk. The sounds of celebration and yelling greet her ears as they approach.
The peasant-clothed Pelipe wears a fashionable body harness bra underneath what looks like a soil-stained, black, off-shoulder top. She also wears a dark grey, thick ankle-length skirt--the kind someone who works hard in fields would wear for dirty jobs--the kind with buttons down the front of it. It is her only outfit, and so recognizing Pelipe will be easy for the group. Earrings and a cheap necklace made by a coppersmith display her slender cold features and beautiful long neck, accentuating it with some finery.
Her orange eyes scan up and down the large multicolored tents and to the left and right as many people seem to be leaving the carnival. Some are going into various areas and avoiding some others--why she doesn't know. She and Ivar hear many strange tales as they pass through the crowds, including something about a baby dragon, a mermaid, and even a sphinx. In the distance though, she can hear the barker yelling about a show starting and it seems clear that Ivar sees something. "Good gods..." she thinks as he yells out suddenly. Her eyes adjust and see it is the group. A bit more slowly, she approaches the others with a general face of acceptance.
"IVAR!" Ghandy exclaims. "Where have you been and what took you so long. I like the new look. Nice braids." She takes him by the hand and skips along. "Aye, the lizard, the sphinx, the tarot reader, Raziel getting kissed by a mermaid. You missed soooooo much," she giggles.
"We're off to see a knife thrower and sword dancer. And tomorrow, I'm gonna enter a dance contest. You can too if you want," she smiles.
Ghandy turns to make sure everyone is still with her as she attempts to lead Ivar. She sees Pelipe in the distance walking toward them. Her voice drops to a whisper, "There's Pelipe. She looks like she needs cheering up. Be right back."
Ghandy skips up to Pelipe, "Come let's turn that frown upside down," she giggles again. "There is so much fun to be had." Then Ghandy notices Pelipe's mud covered feet. "Did you want to get cleaned up first?"
"Oh yes, it has been madness" - Raziel jokes, rolling his eyes, and greeting Ivar with a nod - "Where the heck were you?" - he chuckles.
"I am not frowning...I'm deep in thought," she responds with a hushed tone comparatively to Ghandy's, although she kind of was frowning. She had a thoughtful face that was definitely more inclined to not smile. Ghandy, being quite the overwhelming force, is needed to smack into Pelipe to get her to take part in really anything the elf would find. At the offer to get cleaned up, Pelipe seems to take notice of it for the first time.
"Oh...I didn't realize. I was so occupied I suppose. Um...no. I'm okay."
The mage seemed helpless at times in a silent broody way, but then with a flick of the wrist and a small chant, the mud left her clothing--dissolving into nothingness. Her clothes now are as clean as the day she bought them, though her feet still a bit mud-splattered, her nose, forehead, and hair still bearing slightly faded signs of the mud fight still.
She will walk with Ghandy back toward the group and will give an unexcitable smile in greeting toward Raziel and Selkyon.
"You all have been busy? What are we doing now?"
Ghandy skips ahead in excitement, then turns and walks backwards while talking to Pelipe, "We're off to see some shows. Raziel wants to see the knife thrower and I'm really excited for the sword dancer. Also, there's a dance contest tomorrow that I am soooo gonna win," she giggles and bounces up and down in excitement while rotating her hips and kicking out her feet. "There's also a fire eater. Ooooh, sounds spicy," she says as she waves a horizontal hand over her open mouth mimicking a hot mouth. "I wonder how they do that. Do you think they use magic?"
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"'I don't know vich of you is vorse. "One of you in a hooded vinter cloak, de other in full armor. Do you never relax?"
"I did," Selkyon replies, deadpan. "Too bad you missed it."
In spite of his serious tone, an almost imperceptible smile is dancing on his lips, and he nods respectfully at Ivar and Pelipe to greet them. He follows the group wherever they are ready to go first, not too enthusiastic about assisting to a show involving sharp blades.
A slight smile spreads over Pelipe's face as Ghandy skips ahead--as Pelipe is reminded of her youth for a moment--but by the time Ghardy turned around, the tiny smile had nearly faded. Only a third party would notice it.
"I'm sure they could. I've heard 'pyrotechnics' is a spell developed by some that manipulate fire. As you saw with the werewolf, I too can spout a burst of flame from nothing, however, it may just be skill. We'll have to keep our eyes open for any incantations in their performance."
Pelipe returns the nod to Selkyon and moves up next to him to walk into the tent. As they go through fine, she, however, doesn't have a fancy bracelet giving her free admission, and even though they had been given enough to give to friends, she had not received one yet. Unless otherwise directed, she will have to chip in for the cost of a ticket--hurting her already poor pursestrings.
'Ahhh.' shrugging he smiles. "vere have I been?" He lifts his hands up and looks up to the sun. "I have been letting the sun shine down on de top of my head, you should try it sometime."
"Sun is overrated" - Raziel smiles.
"I'm sure they could. I've heard 'pyrotechnics' is a spell developed by some that manipulate fire. As you saw with the werewolf, I too can spout a burst of flame from nothing, however, it may just be skill. We'll have to keep our eyes open for any incantations in their performance."
"That would actually be interesting" - suddenly Raziel is walking next to Pelipe - "Do you think they would have the resources to be using magic consistently on the carnival acts?" - he inquires - "And hi Pel, how are you?"
Your group enters the Big Top with the crowd, the locals jostling for a good view of the various acts. The performers are already in the ring preparing. The fire eater has his little brazier set up by him as he stokes it make sure the fire will last throughout his performance, his long red hair, unusual for a Varisian, is braided tightly down his back so as to not fall in the flames. His clothing, in shades of red and black, is also tight and sleevless, obviously to cut down on the chances of accidentally setting himself on fire.
The sword dance is a small, lithe woman whose dark, waist legnth hair is left lose to flow with the movements of her dance. Her garments are also loose and flowing, her blouse, skirt and veils in colors of purple, green and gold. Her twin swords are both short and slender, the hilts wrapped in purple and golden cords to help her maintain her grip as she dances. She is currently taking great care giving the swords a final polish with a clean cloth.
The knife thrower is also giving his knives a final polish, like the fire eater, his outfit is also sleevless. Though his reasons are for freedom of movement as he throws instead of fear of catching fire. A young woman in tight fitting clothing is ensuring that a large wooden, freestanding panel is secure enough to not tip over during their performance. The outline of a human figure her size is drawn in chalk on the front of it.
Off to one side of the tent, a quartet of musicians are setting up. Two with violins, one with a drum and one with a flute.
You would guess that the performers are waiting for the crowd to finish entering and settle down before they begin.
Ghandy takes her seat and smiles at her companions. She cannot hide her excitement as she bounces her knees up and down while drumming closed-fingered hands on her thighs. Watching the Sword-Dancer prepare, she admires the sword work. "Desna prefers the StarKnife, but I conclude we will see a beautiful dance with the twin blades. Makes me think that I could dance with the Starknife, then throw them like the knife thrower. Two shows in one! Could you imagine traveling all of Varisia, or even all of Avistan, putting on shows and seeing the world? I could do this for the next fifty years or so," she says mostly herself, with the noise of the crowd surrounding her, but loud enough for her companions to hear. Then she thinks to herself, 'Just lookin' for that yellow butterfly to tell me if this is the way.'
Thinking of the butterfly but also on alert, she periodically looks around for the mysterious man she knows as Red Beard.
Ghandy pauses her own thoughts to consider Ivar's question. Then she smiles, "Of course I would silly. But maybe in the next forty years the Crusaders will calm down the demons and close that nasty Worldwound and then there will be new places that want the carnival and entertainment. Could you imagine the Orc Hordes of Belkzen inviting us in so they can play 'Dunk the Mermaid'?" Ghandy laughs. "What do you think Raziel? Know any fun-loving Orcs?"
Pelipe would inquire as to how said bracelets came into their possession, including both her and Ivar, despite not being there. After the whole tale is shared, it would be enough to make the somewhat oblivious Pelipe even to look out for Redbeard.
Initially, she hesitates in answering him but then replies, "Hi...I'm snazzy, I suppose, but no, no-one has that much power--though some can seem that strong with the use of magical devices. They, however, would be quite expensive for such an act. I'm positive there is an alchemist on hand and it's the simple, near-consumption and expectorate of some flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum due to its unstable form--mixed with the skill to not burn off one's face." A slight chuckle is exhibited from her in a scoff-like manner, almost as if she is attempting an awkward joke.
"There is a way, but I do not know it personally. I understand more the formulation of magic and have focused my efforts elsewhere. I have not attained the complete comprehension of how to extract magical auras from my surroundings. I have been studying to learn it, as it does seem quite handy for using in my travels."
Pelipe nods in response to Ivar directing them to the six seats. As they settle into them, the young peasant-dressed mage, shows some signs of proper sitting, with legs crossed and hands placed on her lap--hinting at some untold origins that she was not born a peasant. Naturally, Ghandy is bouncing around anxiously.
"My father uses a starknife. He too is a follower of Desna."
She looks away toward the Varisian woman as if she hadn't just volunteered a tiny fragment of herself to the group. She studies the girl's outfit and hair before moving to each individual member preparing to perform, mostly ignoring the conversation between Ivar and Ghandy.
'To bad you missed it? ... is that a hint of a smile ... did Selkyon just make a joke? Raising an eyebrow at Selkyon's dry wit he turn as Raziel calls sunshine over rated. Rolling his eyes, he delares, "You two er gode skjoldbrødre, good shield brothers, So I vill teach you a secret I lært from mitt pappa 'leve i dag kjærlighet i morgen forene seg for alltid' vich means 'live today love tomorrow unite forever"
"I do that... Kinda" - Raziel ponders - "Though not always in the sun" - and smiles again.
"What do you think Raziel? Know any fun-loving Orcs?"
"Naaaah, orcs are all grumpy and dark. No fun" - Raziel chuckles from beyond the cowl of his hood.
"A pity we are not looking for red hair instead of red beard - then it would be case closed, and we could go have something to drink"
The fire eater/breather is up first and the crowd oohs and awwws at the large balls of fire he blows into the air before putting the burning brands out in his mouth. As far as Pelipe can tell, he is not utilizing any form of magic in his act. As his finale, he spills the brazier of burning coals onto the dirt and then walks onto them and bows to the audience before walking back of them.
The knife thrower is up next and his assistant takes her place in front of the target board. There are many gasps from the audience as the knives thunk into the board barely an inch away from her. As his finale, he blindfolds himself before taking a knife into each of hands and throwing them to either side of his assistant's head.
The sword dancer is the last act of the night and she moves along to a lively tune played by the quartet, her slim blades flashing in the torchlights. For her finale, you realize why she uses a pair of slim blades instead of a starknife. In addition to be a sword dancer, she is also a sword swallower.
During all the performaces, as you all look amongst the crowd, you do not see anyone with a large, bushy, red beard.
Ghandy jumps up and down, clapping and applauding as loud as she can.
"Was that the finale?" she asks as the crowd begins to disperse. "No sign of Red Beard. Might have to wait until tomorrow and ask the Sphinx for some guidance on that one. Should go back to the inn and grab my bow anyway if there might be a confrontation," she says mostly to herself but loud enough for her companions to hear her.
"Should we grab some food? I'm starving."
Although the performances are interesting, Selkyon is slowly and silently growing more agitated, shifting position twice on his seat in an almost imperceptible sign of nervousness. Nothing out of the ordinary was happening. They were losing time.
After the performances are over, he attempts to ask the artists about Red Beard, explaining the situation and that the man was last seen near the zoo.
Ghandy notices Selkyon asking questions and attempts to help, but with all of the screaming and applauding, she seems to have temporarily lost her voice.
Some light claps are given from Pelipe as there clearly were areas of heightened entertainment, but for the most part, she just at there observing every moving part with interested eyes. The only time that changed was when the sword dancer started to swallow her swords. This left Pelipe gagging and she looked away for a moment. "I think so." she answers Ghandy while looking back hesitantly to see them bowing. She too will clap.
To answer Raziel, she states, "Perhaps he was in disguise? Perhaps it's not a he at all? It's hard to assume things when magic or skill can disguise someone and even convince someone to do something they wouldn't normally do. We are in a carnival after all. Many here are proficient in disguising themselves as something else. The mermaid you all mentioned as an example."
She hums at the offer for food.
"I am still full from lunch, so not for me, thanks. I am going to speak with the firebreather."
Recalling the previous experiences with the farmers and ending up in the mud fighting with one of them due to her crass approach, she attempts a more flirty "fangirl" approach, although it is crude at best. "Hello, I really like your skill with the fire and coals. It seems you've mastered quite well the flow of expulsion and have restrained yourself well enough to keep your face safe. What else are you good at? Would you by chance have skill in disguising yourself to look like someone else?"
The second it leaves her mouth, she kicks herself for how stupid it sounded, how awkwardly blunt, and how not sexy at all it seemed.
The blade dance will respond to Ivar: "Thank you for your compliment sir. As for my blades, I consider them to be extensions of my own body when I dance. I am sorry, but I will have to decline your invitation for dinner. We have a full day of performances scheduled for tomorrow and we have more clean up than usual to get done tonight because of the commotion earlier."
The fire breather responds to Pelipe, though he seems a bit put off by her blunt manner and confused by her question. "Uhm, thank you? I do have many skills, but disguise is not one of them. Most ladies like me as I am."
Selkyon and Ghandy, you approach the knife thrower and his assistant, inquiring about a man with a red beard. The knife thrower responds to Selkyon: "Sorry, but we haven't seen anyone like that. At least not that we can remember. Honestly, we see so many people in the crowds that they all tend to blur together."
Looking at her companions, "Should we check in with Almara? Now that the final act is over for the night, maybe she has noticed something amiss. And on the way, I wanna stop at the Varisian kabob stand."
Ghandy smiles and takes the offered arm while catching a glimpse of Ivar's gaze, "Nothing like meat on a stick," she giggles sensually.
"I was not saying that you need a disguise. I was inquiring if you had the ability to disguise yourself. Sort of like the mermaid. Could you disguise yourself as a unique fire-breathing creature in the same fashion? That is all. Anyways, I just wanted to come over and say that you performed well."
She kind of awkwardly smiles and then shuffles backward and then turns to return to the group. Selkyon looks as irritated as her as she returns. The smile has faded completely from her face. Moving next to him, she sees Ghandy talking about food.
"I think I want to go patrol around before bed. We can join you for part of the way, but I want to walk the carnival grounds. Anyone coming with me?"
She mostly looks to Raziel and Selkyon as the other two seem to have plans to eat.
Raziel just stands aside as the others exchange pleasantries with the performers back and forth - 'These people are just too nice' - he ponders for himself.
"I think I want to go patrol around before bed. We can join you for part of the way, but I want to walk the carnival grounds. Anyone coming with me?"
She mostly looks to Raziel and Selkyon as the other two seem to have plans to eat.
"I am not hungry, but I won't say no to a drink" - the half-orc shrugs - "Though why not do it all - walk the grounds, then grab the kebab and meet with Almara?" - he adds.
"Kebab can wait," Selkyon shrugs, glancing at Ivar and Ghandy, who seem to be of another mind. "We can go now, and catch up with them later to see Almara."
"Fine by me... If you would rather separate, I will join up with Ghandy and Ivar, and meet you later on"
At first, she is ready to head off with Selkyon, but then Ivar speaks. Is she being paranoid? She wants structure and explanation. Patrolling will give her that and her reason for it. He hit the nail on the head though as it is the paranoia that is making her want to go right away.
In the end, she relents in spirit, tilting her head to Selkyon to see what he thinks. "I suppose that's fine then?" she voices while looking very slightly up into the elf's eyes for his opinion, as if saying to him she wishes he join them too.
Either way, she will travel with the group into the Winding Market, even stopping at a stall to get a piece of meat for later, as in the middle of the night she may get hungry and it should keep until then.
"C'mon Selkyon," Ghandy pleads as she walks up to him, puts an arm around his and gives him sad puppy eyes accompanied by big pouty lips. "Maybe the market will lead to some clues we can take back to Almara. And we'll be fed."
Pelipe, in like fashion, will playfully put her arm around Selkyon's other free arm and she will give sad puppy eyes as well--all with her thin pouty lips protruding. Pelipe, while not a seductive type of person, was quite pretty when actually trying and not failing. Though her actions were more toying than innocent, it was well-meant, and to provoke Selkyon into action. "Yeah, come on..."
Your group join in with the flow of locals heading out of the top. Most of the locals seem content to head home for the night, but there a few others who also head towards the Winding Market.
The kabob vender's stall is still open and those who are interested can have a free, well-seasoned lamb kabob, curtesy of the bracelets on your wrists.
You do not see any sign of a man with a large red beard among the stragglers hanging around the market area.
Th other stalls in the area include another food stall that sells sweets, a jewelry stall, one that sells wooden carvings and knick knacks, a weapon's stall that sells Varisian crafted knives and 3 different clothing stalls, each with its own specialty.
"Alright, let's go," Selkyon gives in quite easily, preferring not to split the group if everyone has agreed on a plan. He seems exceedingly embarrassed by all this sudden female attention, although he does not dare freeing his arms for fear to be discourteous.
Once the kabob is consumed, he asks the vendors at the stands if one has noticed a man with a red beard during the day.
"Come Raziel ve vill clear a path for our friends."
"Right with you" - Raziel walks along with Ivar as they proceed - "I like red wine. Think we will find some around here?" - he sounds doubtful - "I don't want any kebab, but you could maybe ask around that stall, and the others if anyone has seen a red bearded man?" - he ponders.
Once Selkyon consents to go with her, she has to fight hard not to grin. In a way, she is playing around, sure, but as a byproduct, it does make her feel just a fragment better that he was actually swayed. It makes her endeared to him just a little bit more, and that means she eventually gives him freedom even before they reach the Kabob stand.
When they come up to the vendor, she looks over his hands: clean, check. She looks over his facial hair: groomed, check. Finally, she observes his clothing, that it has not been used as a napkin: nope, a towel designated for such actions is laying on the counter. She decides it is worth the risk.
"I will get a small one," she orders and pays promptly. Then she turns to the group and offers, "If anyone who's not really hungry but wants a snack wishes to share, you can pick off mine."
When they come upon the clothing stall, she will touch her own peasant clothing in response to the barker. They have seen far too many days and she knows it but will silently continue on.
At the candy stall, she wouldn't slow down, but her eyes linger on some chocolates a bit long before looking away as someone who is on a diet, almost as if the thought of the action would be despicable.
She will linger at some stalls for those who felt like asking about Redbeard, but by this point-in-time, the trouble-maker is long gone and she is sure it's a dead lead. After all, each stall probably saw hundreds of people throughout the day. She settles into more enjoying a nice walk without the threat of a werewolf stalking them.
"Where shall we wander next?"
By the end of the walk through the stalls, even Pelipe's normally tense form will seem more relaxed.