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Relieved that Margaret is ok, and delighted by the attention from the children, Dart sits with legs folded on the ground inviting the children to sit around him so he can go fully into storyteller mode and tell the Tale of the Heroes of Sandpoint and the Great Goblin Invasion...which he was making up as he went, but it basically had some of the accurate details. He creates spotlight moments for each member of the group and does funny high-pitched voices for the Goblins. And of course, he comes to the end and works in a moral lesson that all of the heroes became so brave and valiant because they minded their parents and always did their best to help their communities.
Dart makes such an impression that, by the end of his performance, he notices that not only the children, but also many grown ups have stopped what they were doing to come watch. He is greeted with thunderous applause. Everyone in the tavern hears it and come out to see what is up.
The day goes on and Dart gets many requests for promises that he'll repeat his act. He thinks that maybe Cyrdak would like this idea...
Over the day the heroes of Sandpoint see that their presence is noted and many people come talk to them about specifics of the fight. It seems Dart's act went around town. At the end of the day, the stress of being the center of attention catches up to them, and a fish meal is welcome in Poppy's house.
Shalelu shows up ready to leave town and this time is much more polite in her table manners. She eats without saying much.
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After enjoying some fish and complimenting Poppy on her great catch and her mom on her wonderful cooking, Dart excuses himself.
He then heads to Sandpoint Savories as it should be around about closing time, walks up to Aneka, smiles, awkwardly rubs at the back of his neck and says, "I'm...sorry if I made a scene earlier. I'm an idiot. You're great and...I hope you still want to keep spending time together?"
Dolgrin, obviously to everyone by now, has a hard time entertaining the townsfolk that praise them so much. He's always good for a drink and a dwarfen tale, but he's not comfortable with too many people around.
After a while he steals away again and goes back to old Brodert. "can you identify the meaning of this?" He asks the old man, while carefully unpacking the stone tablet he was carrying secretly in his backpack.
As Dart gets to the bakery, Aneka is reading something which she quickly puts away once she sees him. She answers him "Yes, that was really strange... Anyway, everyone is saying that I'm too young to understand but in the end you'll end up disappearing and leaving me alone. I don't want that to happen, Dart."
It looks like it took her some courage to say those words.
Brodert spends a while reviewing the tablet and comparing its symbols with various scrolls and scribbles. He eventually asks for Dolgrin's help. Over time, an idea starts to form.
The symbols can be related to:
Sinful magic
Invading or penetrating
Snake people
Dwarven strength
Brodert, now tired, comments "I know that the various Thassilonian emperors were focused on different schools of magic and were associated with different forms of a major sin. But the rest really escapes my grasp. This is very interesting, and I think it is a once in a lifetime find. Where did you say you got this from?"
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Dolgrin is anxious to find out more about his find. It took him a lot of effort to convince his clan that this might be important and his reputation depended on it.
"Well, thank you, Sir. I owe you dearly. And I probably have to keep looking for someone with even more insight than the two of us."
He leaves the old man's house and leaves a gold coin on the table.
Aneka giggles nervously and says "Well, I would feel better if I knew more about you. Where do you come from? What did you like to do as a child? I'll start. Mum was always my hero and I've always liked bread so I would come to the oven and get some of the first batches. I never cared much for the sweats, though, but people have been saying I'm good at making them since I was little. This bakery and my sister and my mum are all I have and I would never do anything to hurt them. But for some reason my sister is hurt by the fact that you like me. And I just don't understand why." She has a tear in her eye.
Brodert doesn't notice the gold coin and seems somewhat disappointed, but he doesn't say anything. He sits down, in deep thought.
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"As for your skill at making sweets, my cookie eating award and I can verify that you're amazing at it," and he holds up the magic spoon and laughs.
He then looks a bit more forward rather than at Aneka as this next bit of the conversation is proving more challenging for him. "Hmm, I don't usually talk much about my life before being an actor and cleric of Shelyn, but for you...ok."
"Childhood was...rough, actually. Being the blue-haired half-breed in a predominately human town was awkward. However, I was great at playing make believe and I was always willing to play the villain or the sage or whatever other role the other kids weren't eager to play, so I found a foothold in the social groups. I also started...lying. I got to be really good at it. I guess I just didn't think the kids would like me for who I was, so I started making up a more interesting version of myself, I suppose? Anyway, the playing make believe led me to acting, that led me to the church of Shelyn, and through my devotion to her, I started to feel more self worth. I also met Uncle Mort."
"Father Mortimus, technically, but Uncle Mort to me. He's great. Really proved to be a solid role model and he tried to get me to start living in my own truth instead of the lies. He could always just see through me, you know? Anyway, I eventually heard about Sandpoint's theater and came out here thinking I was just going to find a place on a stage and moving on, but...well...then I found you. I mean, I still want to act and I'm happy I got the role in the upcoming production, but...I guess that acting is not the most important thing in my life for the first time I can remember," and his face, which had ended up slowly moving downward to face the floor by the end of that statement, is wearing a smile, and while his face stayed pointed downward, his eyes looked to the side looking for Aneka's response to what was more sharing and honesty than Dart has, realistically, ever done all at once in his life.
Aneka looks a bit annoyed when Dart says that he specialized in lying, but as his story moves towards the end she gets really involved. As he stops talking, an awkward silence ensues as Aneka seems to be thinking a lot of things at the same time. Finally she says "Why?" And as Dart takes a while to understand the question, she continues "Why do you like me? I'm always dirty, I don't have pretty dresses, or wear beautiful make-up. My hands aren't silk smooth, and I'm always sweaty." For some unexplained reason, she seems desperate.
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He then looks off as if thinking through past experiences and says, "In my time acting, I've seen woman after woman who tried to force themselves into this mold of what it meant to be pretty and perfect and all they ever really were was just copies of the same lie. But you," and he turns back to her with a smile, "are just beautifully, perfectly, and purely genuine. Pretty dresses and make-up are nice for hiding behind, but you have nothing to hide. And I wouldn't say that I like that about you. It's not strong enough. I'd say I love that about you," and he smiles at the flour-smudged baker.
Aneka chuckles tearfully and smiles. She says "I've never heard that before." Then, looking deep into his eyes, she says "Thank you."
Taking a while to breath and clean her face she says "Please, I need some time to think. But could you talk to my sister and find out what's going on? If you care about me, you have to care about my family too."
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The new day starts a bit chilly. The morning air is moist and it gives little incentive to get out of bed. The populace seems uneasy given Shalelu's presence the day before and the fact that the sheriff left town for some undisclosed reason.
Those staying at the Rusty Dragon find that breakfast is not yet ready and the halfling Bethana comes talk to them, namely Dolgrin since Jonathan is yet to get out of bed, looking nervous. She asks "Please, could you gather the other heroes? I think I need your help."
"Sure, little one. What's the matter? I need to tell them something, to get them out of their beds, you know."
After her explanation, Dolgrin will go look for the others, realizing that he doesn't know everyone's whereabouts. He wakes Jonathan first and then split up to get those staying at home or else.
Bethana explains to Dolgrin "I think Ameiko may be missing. With the sheriff out of town, I wanted someone I can trust for this." She seems to have a tear in her eye.
Jonathan seems to wake up very very sick. He has high fever and Dolgrin thinks he should stay in bed to recover. Dolgrin finds out with little difficulty that Dart is staying at the Cracktooth's tavern, Poppy lives with her mom in the northern part of town and Izumi lives with her parents just outside of town.
As they get to the Rusty Dragon, Bethana has a piece of paper in her hand. She says to the group "I was worried when I saw that Ameiko didn't start breakfast. So I came into her room and found this."
The piece of paper is a hand written note in Minkaian.
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"We'd be delighted to help, ma'am," Dart says, "but I can't actually read that language. Does this look familiar to anyone?" he says scanning the group, then notices Poppy looking a bit disheveled from being rushed out of bed and over here early in the morning and he says softly, "Oh, little one, let me help with that," and once again, sets to work fixing her hair. As he does so, he asks her, "Did you eat? Do you need me to rustle up something for you?" and hopes that someone will be able to shed some light on the letter.
Bethana says embarrassed "Oh, I can read that. Ameiko has been teaching me for a while now." She takes the note back and reads it.
"Hello, sis! I hope this letter finds you well, and with some free time on your hands, because we've got something of a problem. It's to do with father. Seems that he might have had something to do with Sandpoint's recent troubles with the goblins, and I didn't want to bring the matter to the authorities because we both know he'd just weasel his way out of it. You've got some pull here in town, though. If you can meet me at the Glassworks at midnight tonight, maybe we can figure out how to make sure he faces the punishment he deserves. Knock twice and then three times more and then once more at the delivery entrance and I'll let you in."
"In any case, I don't have to impress upon you the delicate nature of this request. If news got out, you know these local rubes would assume that you and I were in on the whole thing too, don't you? They've got no honor at all around these parts. I still don't understand how you can stand to stay here."
"Anyway, don't tell anyone about this. There are other complications as well, ones I'd rather talk to you in person about tonight. Don't be late. Tsuto"
Bethana looks at the group worried. She asks "This brother of her disappeared just after their mother died and has been a source of discontent in their family. It's complicated, you see. He's half-elf, and neither of Ameiko's parents are elves." She lets the implications linger.
Poppy was still feeling full from the previous night's fish dinner. she again wondered how Shalelu was able to eat so much.
she is a little embarrassed as Dart work to fix her hair.
you know in some places this would mean we are now married she seems trying to hide a laugh
[bluff]1d20+2[/dice]
Poppy listens to the reading. interesting she ponders what was written.
So do we knock twice then three times at the front door then once at the delivery door? or do we knock at the front door then run to the delivery door to get in? how many doors are there? what if there are more than one delivery door?
despite her list of questions, that she really doesn't expect to be answered, one can see in her eyes that something else concerns her, something she has not yet asked.
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"There we go," Dart says, finishing up Poppy's hair. "You," he says, booping her on the nose, "are hilarious."
He then turns towards the rest of the group and says, "Well, unless we have a better idea," and then to Bethana and adds, "or unless we have any more clues, I think we need to head to the Glassworks with all haste." He then turns towards the little Gnome and adds, "And don't worry, Poppy, if you get hungry later, I still have my magic spoon," and he holds up the sustaining spoon with a smile.
"Master Brindleflame is right. We need to check this out immediately. Who knows, how this familiy has been involvied in the attack and what they might be up to next!"
He grabs his stuff and is about to get ready to depart, when he remembers Jonathan. "Bethana, can you check on Jonathan and tell him, where we went? He's not feeling well, but he might want to know anyways."
Bethana answers to Dolgrin "Of course, sir!". Then, she says in a really sweet voice "I'll bring him some broth so he can feel better."
Poppy seems a little lost in thought but eventually speaks up, you know, I was thinking. the day of the raid someone broke into the crypt. we are pretty sure it was some wizard type. and well, that fella we are talking about is the same grumpy guy from the Dragon. Well, I never really met any wizards but I don't think he was the type.
after a pause, I think there is way more to this than meets the eye.
Bethana struggles to keep up with the tavern orders by herself, so the cook comes out and helps her out. Eventually they manage a system and every table is properly waited. They look at each other meaningfully with a 'job well done' meaning.
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As the party moves towards the Glassworks , Dart asks the locals, Izumi and Poppy, "Does Ameiko's family have some sort of connection to the Glassworks, or is that just a random meeting place her brother chose?"
And as they're walking, Dart also takes some time to look around for any signs of threat or Goblins having moved through the area.
Ameiko's father owns the Glassworks
Dart quickly sees that all the curtains are drawn in all the windows. He does not, however, find any trace of goblins.
Poppy stays ready for anything, she pulls out her hammer and readies her shield. I've got a bad feeling about this
"I don't know about the place. But I've noticed it two days ago. It's quite a big building and all its curtains are closed. We should circle around before entering. I have a feeling that knocking won't cut it."
The Kaijitsu own this place... it does good trade, it's one of the sources of their influence and wealth, Izumi supplies. I never met her brother so I do not know if there is any significant reason for the choice.
The building has smoke coming out of its chimney, which indicates that the staff is working with glass. Other than that, there is no sign of any activity. People go about their business as usual. A seemingly tired man comes to fix one of the nearby roofs, as he brings a toolbox and some planks of wood and asks "Now where's that ladder?"
Hello sir!, Izumi says waving. We need to go inside and look for Ameiko - Daughter of Lonjiku Kaijitsu. Have you seen her or her brother within?
She smiles winningly at the man, her expression open and friendly.
The man is startled as Izumi talks to him. He seemed to have been talking to himself. He says coyly "I'm sorry, lady priestess. I haven't seen anyone come in or out of here. They seem to be working on something big, the chimney has been going for a while now."
Feeling a little more confident, he adds "I would stay clear of this Ameiko woman if I were you, ma'am. Heard she defied her pop and doesn't care much for her family. Not since that brother left. If you ask me, I think she knows where he is and are working together to steal Lord Kaijitsu's fortune, they are. But I'm glad he can keep this factory here at the running. Made Sandpoint famous all over Varisia." He seems proud all of the sudden.
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"Interesting input, friend," Dart says with a smile to the man. Then, as the group continues moving in the direction of the Glassworks, he adds, "I wonder if it's the Kaijitsu kids at work in there or if their old man is doing something and the kids stumbled right into his lap. Regardless, I agree with Dolgrin that a direct approach is not advisable. Izumi, have you ever been in the Glassworks, by chance? Just wondering if there's a more strategic or at least less visible entrance we should take?"
Poppy starts searching around the doors, checking to see if any are locked. And trying to peek through any cracks.
somthin is goin on in there. I gotta see she whispers to no one in particular.
Izumi remembers to once having taken a tour of the Glassworks when she was little. Back then, hardly anything seemed more important than how incredible the process was. The room where the glass was made was so large it seemed endless, and there were many furnaces. And the melted glass being shaped into a horse was hard to distinguish from magic. But she does remember that they first entered the building through a round room which was the store and contained many interesting glass items such as bottles and art.
Poppy quickly realizes that all doors are locked and that little can be heard inside because there is a very loud rumbling noise, probably from the furnace.
looking to Dart, I could hit it with my hammer. she suggests with a mischievous grin. or shoot it with some lightning.
Despite the threats, none of the doors opens itself in fear. A flock of seagulls comes into view, flying northward. People instinctively look for food that needs to be protected from the hungry traveling birds.
Sir, could you open the door for us? I will sort it out with Longkiu if there are any issues?
"I wouldn't want to force my way in, but if needs must, I've got exactly the right tool..." Dolgrin pronounces while holding up his heavy pick.
The man pauses for a moment and cannot come up with a reason why not to help the anointed priest. "I'm not a locksmith, but I suppose I know one thing or two about locks. If I manage this, I suppose you'll put up a good word around town for me? Name's Jeff, by the way."
Jeff looks up to the sky trying to remember all he knows about locks. His greed shows as he seems to have found a new business.
Indeed we will friend Jeff