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"Yes, friends, a rather wondrous magical item, this spoon. Why, if you got me a simple glass of water, I could create enough porridge for all of us to eat. You, sir," he says to Jason, "if you'd be so kind as to go get us a glass of water, I'll demonstrate its power."
As Jason rushes off to do this menial task, Dart says, "Be warned, it's nothing as tasty as what you might find at Sandpoint Savories. Speaking of, I know that the Avertin sisters work there, so I wonder, is it a family business? Do their parents, perhaps, own the bakery?"
And so, with Jason and a glass of water arriving, and hopefully with some answers to his question, Dart uses the spoon to magically create a somewhat edible helping of porridge for each of his new fans.
And after the demonstration and the subsequent sampling of the almost-food, which Dart himself leaves to his fan club, he asks, somewhat offhandedly, "Oh, and is there a place in town where someone might get flowers? I'm asking for a friend."
Dart finds that Aneka and Arika have a mother called Alma. Also, after a while he finds that the three farmers don't really relate flowers to women, and he fails to figure out how to buy flowers.
As the day goes by, the time for the play arrives. Dart meets Aneka at her house. She wears a long light green dress with short sleeves which match her green eyes. Her hair is combed and worn in a short somewhat clumsy braid.
The day goes to an end and the people seem to have started to forget the goblin raid, as the drinking continues. Night comes and over time, people go to bed. The following day starts with a chilly wind, but quickly warms with the sun. Some clouds can be seen, but it seems that the day will remain sunny.
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Returning from that, Dart goes back to his room, pulls out his nicest light blue doublet, which is a step down from any silk shirt Johnathon owns, puts on a fashionable vest rather than his standard leather one, a scarf that cascades through the colors of the rainbow, brushes his hair back so the sides are in a braided tail while the back hangs lose, takes a look in the mirror, and likes what he sees.
Despite his preparations, Dart arrives at Aneka's door and finds himself trembling. He takes a deep, steadying breath, and knocks.
She opens the door and the trembling comes right back. "Aneka, you look so beautiful! Wait...not that you don't normally...I mean, you always look lovely and your dress and hair are nice," Ugh, I sound like an idiot! he berates himself.
Aneka blushes and giggles as Dart says his hello. "Thank you.", she says. "Are those for me?", she asks motioning towards the flowers.
Arika says "Oh, yes, lovely...", as with a short fuse. Now that you realize it, the dress seems it would fit the sister better than Aneka.
Jonathan rises early the next day and heads out to see about his bracelet. Entering the shop after it opens, he greets the old man and says "So, how does it look?"
Poppy spent much of the previous day wandering among town. watching people. he was on the lookout for anyone that may be "suspicious" and possibly missing a robe.
she wanted to check out the play but by the time she remembered there were no seats left. so she spent the evening with her ma.
The next day she heads to the market for some morning groceries. her mind still bit focused on the cemetery issue, she totally isn't watching where she is going occasionally bumping into people.
she ends up dropping a whole basket of apples on the ground.
"Mama's asleep. It's late.", Arika says curtly. Following that, she wastes no time in wrapping Aneka's arm in her own and leading her towards the theater. As if this is completely normal, Aneka asks Dart about his day. "How is a hero's day like?", she asks chuckling cheerfully.
The following day starts and the town mood seems to have drastically improved. Children and a few gnomes play in the streets immitating the goblins' clumsiness. They slip on imaginary banana peels, run into imaginary walls and get chased by dogs. "Do me, do me!", one of the children screams asking a gnome to throw a piece of wood at them so she can pretend to be hit and die. The gnome doesn't do it, however, and looks for something else to throw.
Jonathan makes his way to Kesk the jeweler's store. On his way, there are many girly giggles but they are all to shy to act upon it. All but one. One very atractive young woman, comes up to Jonathan and says with a very innocent and helpless face "Mister Jonathan hero, sir. Would you pleeease help me?"
She says "My name is Shayliss. You see, my father is Ven Vinder, the general store owner. He has been a little busy lately, dealing with my sister Katrine. He's a little too worried about her, uhmmm... private life. And because of that, he hasn't really been taking care of the store's pest problem. There are some rats that need taking care of. Just yesterday, I saw a rat as big as a goblin! Papa doesn't believe me, and he is just too distracted with what Kat might or might not be up to at the lumber mill at nights... Would you come help me? It's just over there."
Poppy finds that people are very helpful towards her. They come and pick the apples for her and she's sure none of them were stolen. A few children come talk to her, asking her to teach them how to become a hero like her, even Sid, the runner boy seems to want to be her friend.
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"Well, the whole 'hero' thing is rather flattering and all, but as a successful actor, I can't say it's unfamiliar territory to get a lot of attention. Back in Absalom, I couldn't even walk down the street without people recognizing me and saying hello or asking for autographs or hugs," and he shakes his head at the silliness of it all...which he hopes makes it more believable.
It then occurs to Dart, given the nature of a liar knowing how lies work, that Aneka had specifically invited him to join her at the theater because Arika didn't want to go...yet here she is, going with them. "Do you ladies go to the theater frequently?" Dart asks, particularly paying attention for Arika's reaction this time.
As Arika says "Oh, yes, I love going to the plays, they're so vivid!", Dart notices that Arika is being very sincere. Aneka's mood suddenly worsens. She doesn't seem to like any focus going to her sister. In fact, she is not entirely happy with her sister being here at all.
More than that, as the three walk down the street, Dart realizes that Arika is somewhat more popular than Aneka. Aneka rubs her hard calloused hands and looks down.
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"And speaking of eyes," he adds, smoothly, "I just can't get over how much the green in this dress brings out the vibrant green in your eyes, Aneka. Quite striking, truly."
Aneka livens up with the comment on her dress. She is actually quite happy. As she thinks of something to say, the trio gets to the theater and there is a crowd. People are excited and welcome the distraction. Aneka looks at the sweets being offered with some disdain, but Arika buys a gingerbread for herself and the other two, and eats it.
The trio spends a while finding themselves a spot and Aneka fails to prevent her sister to sit between the two. Still, the younger Aneka keeps talking over Arika about how the farmers deserve this respite. Arika, on the other hand, doesn't pay attention to her sister and looks around.
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"Indeed," Dart responds to Aneka, speaking over Arika, "I've always thought that the greatest beauty," and he throws her a wink as he says "beauty," "of the theater is the escape it gives people. Granted many people are very passionate" again, significant eye contact, "about what they do, but we all need a break now and again," and he gives her a smile, direct eye contact, and enjoys the moment of being there with her.
He then adds, "Oh, Arika, I'd almost forgotten you were here, quiet as you were. I notice you were looking around. If you have friends you want to go greet, I'd be happy to save your seat for you," he says in a light-hearted and friendly way.
Jonathan smiles and says "Of course I am willing to help. Please show me where these vermin are, and I will happily take care of them."
Aneka keeps the conversation going.
Arika only offers a short smile to Dart's proposal that she leaves, but doesn't reply.
Before the play starts, Cyrdak goes on stage and does a little speech. Most people are quiet to hear it. He keeps it short and says "Welcome all! I suppose we all deserve some fun, don't we? Now, it seems that one of the town's heroes is here among us! Come on, get up here and introduce yourself, mister!" Everyone's attention draws towards Dart.
Jonathan is sure that the young lady has things in mind that have nothing to do with rat hunting. He can almost smell her sexuality.
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All of the sudden, the prospect of Dart being on stage is mentioned and it occurs to him, being in Aneka's company, he'd completely forgotten about even wanting to be on that stage. But since he was going to be on stage anyway...
Dart goes ahead and stands up, giving some waves to the crowd as he moves towards the stage. He ascends the steps to the stage, shakes Cyrdak's hand, and greets the crowd, "Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don't already know me, I am Darthain Brindlemore, hero of the Goblin attack, but please, you may all call me Dart." He takes a moment to let the crowd give him some applause before continuing with, "It is an honor to be among you all this evening, and I'm pleased I got to play some small part in ensuring your safety. Special thanks, Master Drokus, for inviting me up on stage. You know, I could get used to being up here," and he plays this to the crowd , getting a little more cheering as he puts the thought in Cyrdak's mind of Dart being on stage again. This seed planted, Dart moves on, "and also, special thanks to a special young lady who was kind enough to come to the theater with me tonight as I am, after all, still new in town and don't know many people here. How about a round of applause for Aneka Avertin?" and he gives a little wave with his hand encouraging her to stand up and enjoy the attention, which is coming to her rather than her sister, for a change. He adds as the crowd is applauding, "Doesn't she look particularly lovely this evening?" And finally, "Well, Master Drokus and his troupe have worked hard on a play, and I happen not to be in this one, so allow me to hand the stage back to its rightful owner. Until we meet again, good sir," and he gives a gloriously deep stage bow as he steps back allowing Cyrdak to take center stage to get the show started.
On his way back to his seat, he gives smiles and waves and handshakes. Finally, getting back to his spot, he gives Aneka a warm smile and says, "Thank you for inviting me to the theater this evening."
thank you so much, and I'm so sorry, I was lost in thought there she says apologetically, blushing a bit.
when she sees Sid, she thanks him as well looking at him, hi Sid, I've been trying to find you. you wanna walk with me for a bit, we can talk.
Cyrdak smiles through the entirety of Dart's speech. As he mentions Aneka, Arika holds back a loud chuckle, expecting her sister to be absolutely embarrassed. Instead, Aneka gets up, waves around for polite applause then sits down.
The public, however, is very welcoming of Dart and congratulate him on his speech. Just before he leaves the stage, however, Cyrdak says "Come see me tomorrow! How about we audition you, hero?"
As Dart makes his way back, he sees that Arika is uncomfortable, but Aneka is so red that it seems she is about to bleed from her ears. She says "Nice speech, hero of Sandpoint." and smiles before looking forward to enjoy the play.
The play starts and the star Allishandra is putting up a very convincing performance. Dart is starting to grasp the small intricacies of her acting when Aneka interrupts his concentration. It seems like she isn't really understanding why the harpies are harassing that portion of the road.
Dart quickly understands that Aneka is probably not used to going to the theater and doesn't have much knowledge of narrative techniques. If he is going to explain things to her, he will have to miss Allishandra's genius.
As the other kids tease him, Sid takes a while to accepts Poppy's invitation.
Izumi, out of place in her ornate clothing and armour tries hard to blend in at the Rusty Dragon.
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As Arika holds back her chuckle, Dart never even notices her, so focused as he is on the pretty gal in the green dress. He loves that he is having his moment on stage, but somehow finds it even more meaningful that he's able to share it with her. And shortly thereafter, Dart is invited to audition for Sandpoint's theater. This is truly a splendid night for the blue-haired Half-Elf.
Dart is pleased when he returns and finds Aneka blushing but pleased with his speech. He had just a moment's worry thinking that drawing that much attention to her might be going too far, but it seems he made the right choice. He is vaguely aware that Arika doesn't look as comfortable as she had, but he doesn't spend much energy pondering why. After all, the play is starting and he must see what talent might share that stage with him.
Alleshandra, the lead, really managed capture Dart's eye. Not in the same way that a certain baker has, but as a fantastically talented actress. He is in the midst of analyzing what small, subtle techniques she is using to bring so much more to her character when Aneka asks him a question about why the Harpies have so much interest in this section of the road. It's a plot point that should be fairly evident to any avid theater-goer...which is when he realizes, she must not frequent the theater. As he recalls their walk there, it occurs to him that it was Arika who responded that she loves going to the theater, Aneka didn't respond at all. Did she suggest this outing just for him?
Dart smiles at Aneka, and knowing that ignoring her question might upset or embarrass her and finding that that would be the last thing he'd want to do to this precious gal, he begins quietly explaining the motivation that the harpies would have and why that particular section of the road is so plot essential to the narrative...only he uses smaller and simpler words. He is conscious of trying to find the balance between what might be viewed as condescending and what might be over her head.
He finishes too late to really soak up Allishandra's subtly nuanced acting in that big moment, but maybe he'll share the stage with her for the next show and will get to see it firsthand.
Meantime, he tries to relax back in his seat to enjoy the show, though he finds himself distracted as his eyes keep wandering to the side, towards the pretty gal in the green dress. The one who went out of her way to be here with him this night in his element, not hers, and he finds himself smiling with a warm contentedness.
Dolgrin will try to skip the play. He has urgent business to attend, he says, when people ask him to come and join. He'll try to find the sheriff and ask him to get braught up to speed about the goblins living in this region.
Aneka pays close attention to Dart's explanation of the play, adding a few questions here and there. During this, she makes a meaningful effort to understand every little detail about it, and doesn't turn her head from the stage. Dart isn't sure she even blinked.
At the play's end, everyone clapped heartily.
Jonathan is taken to the Vinder general store. "In the basement.", Shayliss says seductively while opening the door downstairs.
At morning, Dolgrin goes see the sheriff. A guard named Bruno takes the dwarf promptly to the sheriff's office. "Come in", the sheriff commands in response to a knock on his door. The sheriff seems washed and well groomed this morning. He says "Good morning master dwarf. How can I help you today?"
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After her response, he asks, "Would it be alright if I escort you, both of you," with a nod towards Arika, "home? I mean, what with the recent Goblin activity, I consider it my duty to ensure you arrive safely," and he gives Aneka a conspiratorial smile, though he's uncertain if she'll pick up that the Goblin reference was more of an excuse to head off any objections Arika might try to raise or any reference to impropriety that might come up.
As Arika is about to answer, Aneka steps in and says "What, already? I don't know how they do it in the city, but here we enjoy a little bit of each other before going home. What do you say we grab a pint over and head over to the beach?"
Dart can't say exactly, but it seems the last part was supposed to be funny.
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"Well, apparently I am not well versed in the ways your theater outings go in Sandpoint. Lead on, my beauty, and I will happily follow," and he gives her a deep bow as he says this, then lifts his head and throws a wink her way, and just to see if he can get away with it, extends his hand to her to let her lead him.
Aneka giggles and Arika leads her on, not letting her sister take the young man's hand. They go on, get an ale for each, paid by Aneka herself, and head on to the north western portion of the town, which oversees the junk beach.
Arika asks Dart "So, oh hero. What do you mean to do in our small town? You know, besides deflower our girls and leave their hearts broken?" Aneka responds by slapping her sister's arm and says "Arika!" She turns to Dart and says "I'm sorry about my sister. She is worried that..." and trails off not knowing what to say.
She changes the subject "I'm sorry for my questions in the theater. I don't... go out much. All I know about is making bread. At least I'm pretty good at it, I'm told."
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Having worked with actors whose egos he's needed to dance around, Dart decides to try the same tactic with Arika. "Oh, I believe your sister is just teasing me," he responds to Aneka's correction of her sister. "My business in coming to town was hopes of landing a spot on the Sandpoint stage: a reality that you," he turns to Aneka, "have helped bring closer to reality by inviting me to this evening's show. Of course, if there are more Goblin incidents, I'm happy to take arms again, but my intentions here are as an actor more than a warrior."
Dart then responds to Aneka's concerns about her questions in the theater. "And no need for an apology. I didn't mind your questions at all. On the contrary, it was quite enjoyable. Your pure fascination with the show being performed was truly a beautiful joy to watch. And to be fair, if I were trying to spend a couple of hours working in your bakery, I'm certain I would have had three times as many questions and wouldn't understand it half as well," and he throws her a wink.
Dart gets the feeling that Arika is sincerely worried about her sister falling for a traveling charlatan.
The evening goes on and the three talk, getting to know a little bit about each other. Dart learns that Aneka is hard working and seems to think her sister could employ a little more effort on the bakery. Arika seems to want to live a more free-spirited life.
At some point, however, Aneka says "It's late. We should get ready for tomorrow. We get up very early to start baking. I've already left everything ready to go to the oven, but I... we don't usually stay up so late. Walk us home?"
On the way to the bakery, which isn't very far from the "beach", Dart hears the ruckus at the Cracktooth's tavern, where he is staying. He remembers hearing that it gets the busiest times when there's a performance, so the tavern is probably very alive.
As the trio gets to the bakery, a short silence ensues. Aneka breaks it saying "Thank you for the lovely evening." and, before her sister can stop her, steps towards Dart and kisses him on his cheek. As she steps back, her face is very red, but in a manner that's different from when she was under the limelight at the theater.
Contrary to what Aneka thought, Arika doesn't intervene, but afterwards she says "Yes, it was very lovely." She leans to kiss Dart as well, but Aneka stops her in a sudden movement. Aneka's hands and arms are very strong and she is very much capable of stopping Arika who shouts "Ow", but looks more mischievous than hurt.
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When they arrive at the house, Dart allows a moment of silence while he debates what he should say or do as a farewell that conveys that he has feelings without being too strong of a movement when he is caught off guard by Aneka making a quick move to kiss his cheek. After Aneka's kiss, Dart is momentarily speechless, and his mouth hangs open for a moment before he recovers and his mouth moves into a smile until he's suddenly aware of the other sister moving towards him...until Aneka stops her.
Dart laughs at the exchange between the sisters and then says, "Yes, it was, perhaps, the loveliest evening I've ever had. Thank you, Arika, for accompanying us this evening," Dart says, nodding his head to her, "and thank you, Aneka," he says, taking her hand in his, "for stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing a little bit more of my world."
Still holding her hand, he says, "Well, I have an audition tomorrow, so I suppose I'd best go get some rest. Of course, I'll likely be swinging by my favorite bakery for some breakfast first," and with that, he leans over, kisses Aneka's hand and says, "good night, my dear."
Aneka goes into her house, led by her sister. As the date ends, a comforting breeze blows, refreshing the warm night.
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After the date has reached its close, Dart walks with a light, happy spring in his step back to Crooktooth's Tavern, completely ignores the performance that is currently happening, walks up to his room, offers a prayer of thanks to Shelyn, and drifts happily off to sleep.
The next morning, Dart arises and selects a wardrobe that is more along the lines of his everyday attire, but just a step above. He wants to look like he's not trying too hard at his audition, but still wants to make sure he looks his best.
He heads downstairs, greets everyone in the common room at Crooktooth's and heads off to the bakery for some breakfast before he heads off to his audition. Cyrdak didn't give a specific time for the audition, but arriving first thing in the morning might seem a bit too eager, so Dart has some time to spare, and since there's good company at the bakery, it seems the ideal place to be.
As he walks that direction, he lightly touches the spot where Aneka had kissed his cheek the night before and a smile plays across his face.
The sisters are selling bread, as usual. Aneka seems particularly tired, but smiles largely at the sight of Dart.
Poppy walk along with Sid,
So, Sid, I noticed you hanging around the church the other day, as well as around town. but you don't really talk much. If you want, you can talk to me. I'm probably too old to be like a girlfriend <in air quotes> but I can be a friend.
She tries to get a little info about him.
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The sisters are selling bread, as usual. Aneka seems particularly tired, but smiles largely at the sight of Dart.
Dart enjoys a leisurely breakfast at the bakery chatting with Aneka and Arika as he munches on delightful pastries. Eventually, he decides it's been long enough, and he sets off for the theater and his audition. "Wish me luck," he says as he's heading for the door.
He heads off to the theater and his audition.
Jonathan makes his way downstairs, ignoring her attempts at seductions like they aren't even there. Fortunately, he has the ability to see in the dark, thanks to his divine blood.
"I'm sorry to intrude and keep you from you work. But I have a few question on my mind. You see, us dwarves, we have a history with goblins. They're a menace and we irradicate them, whenever they come too close. But here, so far nobody wanted to answer me, whether this attack was an unexpected surprise or if this happens more often than wanted."
Sid answers Poppy saying "Hi, Poppy. Everyone here is my friend really. You know, I just help everyone here... Like they helped me. Mom and dad died during the late unpleasantness and the town sort of adopted me. So I help everyone! It's a little hard, though, with so many things to do..." Sid looks like he shared more than he meant to. He looks around as if he is supposed to do something but can't really place it.
Dart gets to the theater but it's closed. It seems it's too early to try anything over there. It gets a little harder as well since so many people are coming to talk to him and ask for his autograph. Suddenly he is a celebrity, but not due to his acting skill.
Jonathan is led downstairs and he doesn't find any rats. As Shayliss comes into the basement after him, she closes the door. The only source of light is the candle she is holding. She comes down the stairs slowly and has almost a predatorial look on her face. She comes closer to him saying "Jonathan, you are so brave. We are so lucky that you're here. Now I want to be luckier." She expertly moves in for a lustfull kiss.
The sheriff answers Dolgrin "Well, I only deal with the town security. Goblins do appear occasionally, but usually it's a problem outside of town, such as in the nearby farms. But we are not completely defenseless. We do have a specialist, a half-elf called Shalelu comes in once every two or so months. She keeps an eye on goblin activity and reports when she comes. She was here about a month ago and didn't say anything. Unfortunately she is not expected for the next few days. Hopefully you'll stick around longer, and she'll show up."
In the tavern, Izumi finds Aldern Foxglove, the aristocrat they saved. He seems a little distracted, but as he sees her, he gets up with a wide smile and motions for her to come sit with him.
She seems confused by the noble but sits with him... such was only good manners after all.
Greetings sir.
** spoiler omitted **
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Dart politely greets his new fans, signs some autographs, chats, comments about how theater houses open earlier in Absalom, and then excuses himself as he must keep his voice prepared for his audition and therefore he must head to the Rusty Dragon Inn for something to drink and a chance to quietly run over his lines. Of course, most members of the crowd think "something to drink" will end up being something quite a bit stiffer than milk.
Walking into the Rusty Dragon, Dart goes straight to the bar and asks for a flagon of milk. With that in hand, he scans the room and sees a familiar face: Izumi. It appears she has been joined by that Foxglove fellow the group had rescued during the Goblin encounter.
Having nothing else to do and needing to kill some time, Dart walks over to the table saying, "Well, here are some familiar faces! Might I join you? Thanks!" and he pulls out a chair and makes himself comfortable.
"Master Foxglove," Dart says by way of greeting, "a pleasure to see you doing well. And priestess Izumi, thank you for your counsel yesterday. You are truly insightful," and he inclines his head in what is not quite a bow, but something along those lines. He then continues, "So, what are we chatting about?"
Aldorn is delighted that Izumi accepted his invitation. He gets up to receive her and after a small pause, says "How wonderful that you came to see me!" Then, Dart appears and Foxglove didn't see him coming. After the blue-haired young man speaks, he says "Oh hello, mister blue hair. The word around town is that you're named Dart? I was just telling lovely madam Izumi here how lovely it is that she found her way to... I mean, time for me."
He orders food and drinks for the table and says "You inspire me!", without noting if he was directing this to anyone. "I wonder if the rest of your troupe will find your way here. I wouldn't wish any of you to go... Errr, unrewarded for... saving my life!"
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In response to the statements about rewards, Dart simply says, "You are too kind, my good sir. Truly we need no reward. We were simply doing what anyone with the fighting skill to do so would have and should have done in that instance. Was it brave? Was it selfless and daring? Sure. But nothing to make a fuss over. An average Tuesday, really," and after he finishes his statement, Dart takes a drink of milk from his flagon.
And then, a thought occurs to Dart, "Out of curiosity, do either of you know Alma Avertin? I hear she owns the bakery, but I don't recall that I've ever seen her there," and as those words leave his mouth, he suddenly remembers that there was an older woman at the bakery on the morning of the Swallowtail Festival, but details of her appearance are a bit blurred as a lot has happened since then.
The sheriff replies "Well, there's Quink, a sage who lives near the old light. He likes to discuss things with our book seller, Haladan. His store is near the back of the theater."
Foxglove ignores Dart's comment on not wanting a reward. Instead, he says "She must be at the bakery. If you want, you can go there!" The manner in which he says this makes one wonder what he means."[/b]
Foxglove seems to be liking to be close to Izumi.
Izumi is content to let Dart do all of the talking. This noble clearly had no common sense, else he would have run earlier in the battle with the goblins. And clearly no courage either, else he would have fought. Good manners is what kept her in her seat.
Poppy walked with Sid for a bit, trying to cox more info from him but at the same time letting him know that she can be trusted.
you know Sid, if your ever in trouble and need some help, you can just call me. You know that I can handle quite a bit. And besides, can't hurt to have a hero on your side, huh? she adds that last part with nudge and wink.
once at the stables she bids Sid a farewell and drops off her haul from the market.
Ma, I promised to meet some friends at the Dragon today, I'll try and be back before it gets too late. I'm taking Spot with me, he will help keep the goblins away.
Once Ma is ok with Poppy's departure, Poppy and Spot head to the Dragon. Making her way inside she looks about for any familiar faces. looking to Spot, now you stay close by ok?
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"Oh, pish posh," Dart says with a dismissive wave of his hand as Master Foxglove suggests he head to the bakery, "I was simply making small talk. Now, good sir, if you wouldn't mind sharing, what sort of activities do you engage in when you're not facing off with Goblins?" and Dart takes a sip of his milk.
Around about that time, Dart sees Poppy walk in and start scanning the room, so he gives her a wave and calls out, "Poppy! Come, join us!"
Feeling that Poppy has dealt with all of her chores, her mother lets her go easily. Once in the Rusty Dragon, Poppy finds the table with Dart, Izumi and Foxglove. He welcomes the gnome with a smile and orders a drink of her choice, noting that the ale he is having is agreeable.
He tells a little about himself "Well, I am fortunate to come from a family of traders. I have learned the trade as well, but you inspire me! I am going to be an adventurer! A hero like yourselves. Maybe you can teach me!"
He pauses long enough and motions wide enough to make Dart and Poppy feel that they're not being left out then says "I believe you come from a similar background as myself, priestess Izumi, no? You come from a family of aristocracy. I have asked around a bit, I hope that's ok. Anyway, what was your trajectory? I'm sure we are close without knowing it."