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Jubilation fills the evening air in the normally staid town of
Trunau, for it is the twelfth birthday of the Chief Defender’s
youngest daughter, Ruby, and the townsfolk have been
preparing all day for the ceremony and festivities to follow.
A throng of spectators has amassed at the town Commons;
the buzz of the crowd subsides as the weathered town leader,
Halgra of the Blackened Blades, takes the stage and begins
to speak.
“Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride
in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes
to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great
privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they
come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an
ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated
dagger hanging from a silver chain. “But tonight is a special
occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than
my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses,
but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her.
“Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have
come of age. This hopeknife represents your
responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau.
You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow
Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it
come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that
which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty.
Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and
to use your hopeknife only for its intended
purpose?” Ruby—dusky skinned, black
haired, and painfully shy—nods her head
in response to her mother’s question.
“If the orcs come, and there is no other
option, this is where you cut—here, here,
and here.” Halgra demonstrates which
arteries to sever while Ruby watches.
When she is finished, Halgra sheathes
the hopeknife and places the necklace
around Ruby’s neck before turning back to
address the crowd.
“Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community!
Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood!
Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison,
signaling the end of the ceremony.
dotting
Once Halgra finishes her speech, the townsfolk waste no time transitioning to the ceremony’s more lighthearted festivities, including a number of games in which Ruby is the key player. The first such game is tug-of-war, which traditionally pits the hopeknife receiver against Trunau’s best defenders. For the past several years, Kurst and Rodrik Grath have taken on this role alongside several other members of Trunau’s militia.
Ruby surveys the crowd and in an awkward and shy voice calls out each of you as her "team" for the tug of war event. The crowd enthusiastically ushers each of you to the rope and Kurst and Rodrik, along with a few others line up against you. The tug of war goes back and forth, but eventually Ruby's team wins to the delighted roar of the crowd, as well as a lot of good-natured ribbing of Kurst and Rodrik.
For those of you that are residents of Trunau for a at least a couple of years, this festival is familiar to you. For those of you new to Trunau, being so involved may surprise you (most towns tend to be less likely to involve strangers in such activities). After the tug of war the crowd moves along to enjoy other activities.
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Lialda was delighted with the start of the day, it was a lovely day, bright and clear, and the day of a festival. She had awoken and went through her normal routine. She sat and communed with the spirit she gained her magic from, the patron of the winter witches Baba Yaga, through her familiar Hvita. Once she was done she rose and dressed herself, made Hvita and herself some breakfast, and worked on cataloging what herbs she had on hand. Lialda knew that she would need to restock on a few things before she could do much brewing and she should take care of it tomorrow.
With the morning tasks finished it was time to go join the festival for Ruby's twelfth birthday and the granting of her Hopeknife in the ceremony. Lialda opened the door and a let her companion out first, a white furred fox, who scampered out and started sniffing around for anything of interest. Lialda smiled down and said, "Alright Hvita, are you ready for the celebration?"
Hvita looked up for her part, little amber eyes wise, and nodded her head in a very human gesture.
Lialda stepped out and closed the door and said, "Alright great sage Hvita, lead the way."
With a delighted "Yiiiih!" Hvita scampered off just ahead of Lialda as they headed to the party.
The party was maybe a bit more than they usually did but given that it was Ruby that was to be expected. When the time came for tug-of-war and Lialda was chosen for part of Ruby's team she felt greatly honored. It wasn't often that people included her that much anymore and she was pleased the young woman would choose to do so.
As they pulled on the rope even Hvita got in on the action, grasping the end of the rope in her teeth and pulling on it. In the end, after a hard fought battle, Ruby led them to victory. Hvita sat and looked superiorly at the losers with an expression like See, it was futile to resist us. Lialda, for her part, gave Ruby a smile and said, "Thank you for picking us to help you Miss Ruby," Lialda gestured to both herself and Hvita, "It was a great honor."
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Agatsu has a blast at the festivities and goes for the tug of war with a big smile at his face. He was already loudly drunk, not an inch of balance, but was so brutish strong that his large giant-sized hands grabbed the cord with ease and helped pull successfully.
You're gonna do alright, kid! Welcome to the adult community! Icc! - he finally said as they won, gently tapping Ruby on the shoulder, then turning his back and showing his empty tankard to the guardsmen nearby - ... And I didn't even start chugging today!
The kellid then proceeded to laugh even louder than before. Turning his head around, he kept searching for the festival kegs. Once found, his small eyes - contrasting with his large figure - started to try to spot his old friend Omast Frum, to check what were the news the sergeant had at this point.
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Kílien had taken her time crossing the wild lands between her village and Trunau, doing her best to remain hidden from the many dangers that called Belkzen their home. She had resisted building a fire when she laid down to rest, and though a chill had settled into her bones overnight, she knew she would have time to recover when she was safe.
She had arrived late in the afternoon, amid great bustle and commotion. The town was in the midst of a grand festival, and all who cared to attend were invited. Though it will be difficult for me, I should go and try to find out more about the town and its people, she had thought. It is my sworn duty to warn the leaders of the threat massing in the hills, and to help them defend against it if necessary. She sighed, wary of the social interactions to come, but hopeful that she could remain somewhat hidden by the sizable crowd.
But alas, the moment that she had found a place from which she could watch the events, the guest of honor focused her attention on Kílien and called her out in front of everybody. Stunned speechless, she could only acquiesce to Ruby's request, and joined her on the dais to compete as part of her team. Throughout the tug-of-war she kept quiet and focused on her breathing, trying to remain calm, and even she had to admit that when they won, she felt a surge of joy at their shared sense of camaraderie.
Her voice rumbling slightly from disuse, she bows her head to their host and murmurs, "I-- I am glad of this. Thank you for-- for including me. I am called Kílien, sometimes Kílien Halfelven. I come to... to warn the town, there are giants... massing in the hills..." Her voice, ever quiet, trails off self-consciously into a barely-audible whisper as she feels herself the center of attention for a short moment. She blushes furiously, and looks down, desperate for a distraction from her embarrassment.
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Having arrived the day prior, Sylvar had already had a chance to acquaint himself with the general layout of the town and some history on what the festival was about. Still, he was a little taken a back by the implications of the ceremony. "Are the orcs so brutal that one would rather take their own life than be captured? I might need to find out more about them before the caravan moves on," he thinks to himself.
Busy daydreaming about how he would fight an orc, it takes him a moment to notice the girl pointing in his direction. He looks back over his shoulder to see who she is pointing at, but doesn't see anyone. He turns back towards her with a confused look on his face. "Me?" he mouths while pointing to himself. When she nods her head in confirmation, he shrugs his shoulders and takes his place at the rope.
Despite the noise of the crowd, he can’t help but notice the large human stumbling towards the group. ”Is that the same guy from The Killin’ Ground last night? Drunk again I see. I don’t know how someone functions like that,” he thinks to himself as the man staggers to the end of the rope. Sylvar does his best to help the group and is pleased to see them win. Even though he doesn’t know anyone, he congratulates his teammates and thanks Rose for the opportunity to participate.
Just returned from her patrol around the village, Aradesh listened to Helgra's ceremony more intently than she probably should have. As a guardswoman first and foremost, she knew that it technically was her job to pay more attention to things outside the village rather than those within, especially on such a festive day with everyone looking out for eachother anyway.
But she couldn't help it - this was her first time watching watching the annual event as well. Last year, she'd only barely arrived and had hidden herself inside her grandparents' house. She supposed that she'd come a long way since then. It wasn't even strange anymore to not smell the gore and filfth that characterized most Orc stellements. As the thought crossed her mind, she enjoyed a deep intake of the cool evening air, laced with cooked meat and various boozes.
For an inhabitor of Belkzen, Ruby was exceptionally lucky to live here here and have a friendly feast for her adulthood ceremony. Her own 12-year birthday gift had been to take part in a gruesome torture execution, even by orc standards. It was more practical too - if this pretty human girl ever WOULD be captured, the best she could hope for was to be cannibalized by supersitious fools who thought this somehow ganted them her own qualities.
But she probably wouldn't be that lucky. Most orc males would see to that personally and not particularly care that she wasn't as finished developing as her orc counterparts of the same age.
Aradesh shook her head - it wouldn't do for such thoughts to sour this feast. It was a celebration of hope, after all. Of continued defiance, and Ruby would probably live up to it if she were anything like her strong mother. She had to loosen up a bit and join in the revelry, right?
So she clapped with the crowd, and was very surprised to be selected as part of Ruby's team rather than the town watch. Then again, maybe not as much when Rodrik Grath was on the other team. Was this Ruby's idea of playing matchmaker? If so, this 'rumor mill' thing claimed them young!
Glancing over the other members on her team, Ruby seemed to have a keen eye in picking the brawn to win it. Agatsu was somewhat infamous for his strength in the few times he actually did do something stupid when drunk, and most of the strangers on team Ruby were very muscled as well. The only odd one out seemed to be Lialda, but she could pull for both herself and her... what were they exactly? Friends? 'Coworkers'? Sister-like figures? All three? Well, she'd still pull for her share just the same! It wouldn't do for her to fail after having been granted a chance to get the crowd to like her.
Giving it her all, definitely not willing to be outdone by the guard leader and his... admittedly somewhat appealing son, she used every bit of strength until they eventually won!
...Though perhaps she shouldn't have worried. Privately, her grandmother had informed her that almost every rope-pulling contest ever had been won by the new adults. The only times it ended in a draw was when the rope snapped early. Both of those cases were then attributed to the strength and/or will of the ones who'd just been given their hopeknives.
It seemed a very odd concept to her to give the children a false idea of their own strength, as that would be highly dangerous for them out in the rest of the Hold. But that was probably a human thing she still had to get used to. Best not to worry over it and loosen up even more?
What DID worry her, however, was the message of this strange elven girl, whose stammering she only barely heard over the rumors of the feast.
"You!" she says, raising her voice to where it could be heard, and pointing directly at her. "What did you just say? Giants? Come with me to captain Grath!"
Ignoring a strange pang of fear, she reached for the Elven girl's hand, intent to guide her to either the Guard Leader of either of his sons, whichever she could find first.
Kílien shrinks back slightly when the half-orc woman cries out to her, and eyes her with a hint of suspicion. Her hand twitches up instinctively as if to grab her bow, and her eyes widen in further shock as Aradesh grabs at her. She looks to the others with a pleading expression, as if begging them to accompany her wherever this strangely friendly guardswoman planned to lead her.
The town was vibrant, as most towns living amidst danger were. Alistaire wandered the festival until the hopeknife ceremony commenced. He nodded with approval over the pragmatic, if somewhat somber, duty being imposed upon the girl with her entrance to adulthood. However, he was somewhat taken aback by then being selected by the girl for the contest. Alistaire was built more for speed and agility than for direct tests of strength.
After the contest ends, Alistaire's ears perk up when he hears the half-elf girl mention giants in the hills.
"What giants? How do you come by this information?"
Seeing the half-orc woman gather the shy half-elf, Alistaire follows them to wherever they are going.
After talking briefly to Ruby Lialda heard Aradesh say something about giants and it caught her attention. She knew Aradesh and saw the half-elf meekly go to her and decided to go along as well. She knew Aradesh could come off harsh but she generally meant well and was just brash. Lialda said, "Come on Hvita, we'd better make sure ARadesh doesn't scare that poor woman to death."
Lialda quickly caught up to Kilien and held her arms out to catch Hvita when she jumped for them. She looked at Aradesh and said, "Aradesh, I think you're scaring her, why don't you let go of her and let her walk on her own. I'm sure she's not going to object to going to someone who can help after all."
Lialda's was an attractive, pale skinned, half-elven woman. Her long white hair fell down her back to her waist and allowed her slightly pointed ears to show. She had ice blue eyes and a slender figure and was garbed in a pale blue dress. "I'm Lialda Boreana and this," she scratched the ears of the white fox in her arms, "is Hvita." The fox looked at Kilien with far too intelligent ice blue eyes and said, "Yih."in greeting. Lialda continued, "This gruff lady who has you by the arm is Aradesh, she doesn't mean any harm, she's just rather forceful." Lialda gave Kilien a smile and asked, "What is your name?"
Agatsu couldn't help but notice the commotion, right after overhearing the Elven-Dwarven ranger talking about giants in the hills. Such creatures were part of his past, but something he thought buried in his soul a long time ago; yet, the news are enough to sober him up. He blinks and breathes deeply, already missing the inebriation, then pushes himself to approach the group. The sinner stops behind Lialda and Aradesh, crossing his arms.
Seeing Kilien's reaction and receiving Lialda's admonishment soon afterwards, Aradesh lets go of the Elven ranger's arm. She flinches when Lialda speaks her full name and looks around uncomfortably."Please don't call me that out in the open. Just 'Ara' or 'Hannah' will do. I insist."
Unlike Lialda's slender figure, Aradesh had a highly athletic frame dressed in chain mail and an outfit of the town guard, complete with their tabard. The tone of her skil was an unusually vibrant hue of brown-green, with milky white small tusks, raven black short hair and piercing blue eyes. She was undeniably attractive, especially for a half-orc, yet probably more so for those into the warrior type. Both her build and the scars here and there indicated a life of struggle and hardship. Her large two-handed Falchion sword was just icing on her already somewhat imposing figure.
"You're saying I'm frightening her? Why?" she asks Lialda, confused. "Is it this 'etiquette' thing we talked about, again?"
'Dealing with full humans and frailer races is like walking on Rocshells. Only they were a lot more easy to break...'
She pauses for a moment, studying the elven girl, unsure how to continue. On the side, she then notices Alistaire lingering about.
"Who are you and what is your b- Um, I mean: 'May I please ask your name and reason for being here'?"
It came out about as natural as a bunny riding an auroch, probably.
And what was with that question anyway? What if someone said 'no'? In that case, she'd already asked against their will. Twice. It didn't make sense, right? So... better to just ask directly anyway? But that went against these 'proper manners' that Lialda had tried so hard to teach her during dull moments in the shop.
Sigh, even after a year in Trunau, adjusting to daily life here was challenging.
Kílien steadies herself, her eyes darting from one person to the next and she waits for the flurry of activity to settle. Taking a deep breath, she attempts to explain her mission. "H-h-hello, Lialda and Hvita. Hello, uh, Hannah?" Still slightly wary of the half-orc woman she takes back her hand but bows her head stiffly in formal greeting.
She bites her lip and begins what sounds like an over-rehearsed speech. "I am Kílien, sometimes called Kílien Halfelven. I come from Piilopaikka, south of here, where I was raised. We, we elves know much about the land, and learn how to interpret the signs in the rocks and scrub. I w-was sent here to warn Trunau, that giants are on the move again, massing in the hills, and to offer our aid against the coming storm."
She stares at Sylvar throughout this speech, and then nervously calls out to him, "Sir, it seems to me that y-you too are an elf. What, what brings you here? Do you also aim to lend your bow and spear to those who will fight?"
Sylvar's ear catches the mention of giants and he follows the group to try to hear more. "After all my training against them, I might finally get to test my abilities," he thinks as they are walking.
He wasn't sure if the confusion showed on his face as he tried to grasp that the woman talking of giants was an elf. He's a little startled when she speaks to him. "Um, yes, I'm an elf. My name is Sylvar. I came to town with the caravan yesterday. I'm employed as a scout and guard, but perhaps the caravan master will let me out of my contract to help here. I'm sure he could be convinced it's in his interest to keep Trunau open for business as it's a profitable route. Are the giants on their way now or still preparing?"
Despite having initiated the discussion herself, Kílien blushes and looks down as Sylvar responds to her question. After taking a moment to regain her composure, she makes her reply: "My moth-- ah, I mean the council of elders-- said that time was running fleet-footed and that m-m-my mission must follow quickly on her heels. But I-I do not think they meant that an attack will come with no time to prepare. They are at least a weeks' travel away, I would guess." She trails off, unsure of herself.
Such a fool I sound, she thinks. I thought my mission was of utmost importance, but now I realize what they asked me to do is very vague indeed. Have they sent me away for another reason; is this task simply an excuse to be rid of me? Her features clearly show her doubt and worry, though she does not voice her concerns.
We shouldn't treat it as the old folklore of the "girl who cried giants", dear, but you do realize how vague you're sounding, right? - said Agatsu, finally speaking. He wasn't any kind of official figure of authority, but his time in Trunau and physique lent him a natural confidence.
Let's treat it with caution, especially considering our proximities. - he finally said towards the others, but carefully choosing his words to avoid bringing up Belkzen, then turning back to Killien - You can call me Agatsu, little one. Would you happen to know anything else? Which hills are they taking? Have your council of elders sent warnings to any other villages?
Aradesh nodded. "Good questions, all. Sylvar raises a good point, and if you weren't so drunk all the time, Agatsu, you could be a strong and dependable guard yourself. If."
Looking around, she wondered if this was really as important as she'd initially thought, or if it could wait until tomorrow. She knew enough of Trunau customs to realize this was an important day for both Ruby and the community.
"So if I understand correctly, they sent you here with this unspecific information, which is based only on a rock-reading?" she asked, then shook her head.
'Omens have power.' That had been one of Gromthak's first lessons. Am I too dismissive?'
Leaving the group for a moment, she came back with a flagon of warm, honeyed goat milk, which she gave to Kilien. "Fresh from Shephard Morningdew's famous mountain goats. Drink it, calm down, and think things over. Is there anything else you can tell us?"
She'd have gotten strong alcohol instead, but Agatsu.
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Kílien sighs, looking worried and a little deflated. Her eyes flick between Sylvar and the others as she answers. "Hello Agatsu," she nods, "It's... well, T-Trunau is the only defensible settlement in the whole region... Piilopaikka is, well, I guess y-you might call it a t-t-tent village? When the enemy attacks, Trunau is where they will fall upon us. I am here a-a-as much a soldier as a messenger." She shrugs. "It appears that I, I will need to establish myself here, for my warning to be, uh, believed. Do you, Agatsu, or you Hannah, or you Lialda..." She pauses, looking at Alistaire and unsure how to address him. Then she continues to the group, "Do any of you know s-someone in a position of authority here? From the guard, or... or..." She frowns, apparently searching for a word that eludes her, and shakes her head.
When Aradesh returns, she accepts the beverage with another nod of thanks, and drinks it down in one gulp. "You mentioned a c-c-captain, H-Hannah? I would be glad to go with you to see them, if... if you are still w-willing to take me there."
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"Someone of the town watch," she finished for the Elf. "Yes, of course I know who my warch- er, leader is. Rodrik Garth, who stands below his father and alongside his brother. You just beat him in a contest, so stand proud! You'll need to bring your message with confidence for it to be taken seriously, so chin up, chest straight and be sure to make this exact salute! Didn't your council of elders already explain this to you?"
'Strange. Why would her village send someone *this* meek as a messenger?'
Looking around the festivities, she tried to locate any of the Graths. Or failing that, Helgra herself.
The three of you that have been in Trunau for a long time already know these three things:
The hopeknife is more than a weapon—it’s a symbol. To Trunauans, earning your hopeknife is a mark of your place in the community. When you earn your hopeknife, it means you are wise enough to make adult decisions, old enough to know what it means to fear, and strong enough to protect your neighbors, even if it costs you your own life.
Even though she’s the Chief Defender’s daughter, Ruby has to pledge to uphold the Standing Vow in order to receive her hopeknife, just like the rest of us. She must agree to hold Trunau against all comers and to never forfeit her homeland willingly. That is the Vow.
Rumor has it that Rodrik Grath is next in line for the position of patrol leader after his old man Jagrin retires. Jagrin’s a good commander, but he’s getting old, and it might be time for some new blood in the militia’s leadership.
During her search for Rodrik, his father or his brother, Aradesh stops to talk with some locals she knows, such as when offered a refreshment. She tries to involve Kilien in the idle chatter to make her feel more at ease.
As the elvish-dwarven girl steps away with the half-orc, Agatsu again goes to search for some ale - and see if he could spot Omast. Even sober, the sergeant was still good company for some chatting.
Lialda nodded and said, "Yes Hannah, I mean etiquette." Lialda listened to what was said between the various people, keeping mostly quiet, and thinking it all over. Could there be giants massing nearby? Maybe, but she kind of doubted it. Lialda stroked Hvita's ears as she listened to the discussions for anything of interest.
Sylvar relaxes when it's determined the giant attack is bit vague. "Well, let me know if there is a way I can help," he says before mixing in with some of the locals in the festival.
Kílien meekly follows Hannah and the others, still somewhat cowed by all the strangers but glad to have found a group of like-minded associates with which to mingle. She looks about for familiar cultural points of reference.
Much of what you hear is reiterations of things I already said the natives know above, but Aradesh is able to come by two interesting bits of information.
While, talking about the militia (in reference to Kilien's information), one of the locals mentions, “Speaking of the militia, it's a shame about the graffiti all over town. The militia’s got better things to do than clean up youngsters’ messes, but even stranger is how long it lasts. Try as one might, soap and water don’t do a thing to those marks!”
Later, after asking about the whereabouts of Rodrik, the person you asked says this, “I haven't seen him, but have you read Rodrik Grath’s latest work, ‘The Other Side of Contempt’? He’s our own home-grown writer. It’s a controversial poem, but that’s what makes Rodrik’s writing so strong, he’s not afraid to push limits.”
As fortune would have it, apparently the Grath brothers were looking for you also. The two of them run into you as you are wandering around looking for them.
"Ah! There you are!" exclaims Rodrik happily as he spies your group.
"My brother and I have been looking for you. We were mightily impressed by your performance at the tug of war. Usually we have to feign a loss at these festivals, but you were able to actually beat us!"
He pauses as he looks your group over.
"Agatsu! You scoundrel, Omast sings your praises. You should put down the flagon and join the militia, we could use more strong defenders of Trunau!"
He then turns to Aradesh and Lailda.
"I also recognize the two of you. You both work at the apothecary, right? Well, as much as I'd like to get more militia members, your work there is as important also."
Finally he turns to the three new arrivals.
"Well met, strangers! I am Rodrik Grath and this is my brother Kurst. We welcome you to Trunau! And, if you should decide to stay, we would hope to see you visit us at the militia house. We are always in need of people."
Kílien bows her head in acknowledgement of the brothers' introduction. "Hello, Rodrik. Hello, Kurst." She pauses for an uncomfortably long time, unsure of what to say, but finally returns with "I will. I am called Kílien. I-- I mean we, we will do that. We are people." She closes her eyes, painfully aware of her awkwardness and silently praying to Erastil that it goes unnoticed.
Kurst smiles slightly and nods to Aradesh.
"You have to excuse my brother, when it comes to the militia he has eyes only for the front line, Aradesh, your contribution to the militia is well appreciated." He finishes with a reproachful look at Rodrik.
To his credit, Rodrik does look sheepish when he realizes he didn't recognize Aradesh for her militia role.
Kílien stares at Rodrik, her head cocked to the side. "H-Haven't I seen you somewhere before, Rodrik? You look, ah, f-familiar. Outside the town, earlier this evening? I was just arriving..." She trails off and bites her lip, nervous about the information for some reason.
Blinking at not being recognized by Rodrik despite being in full militia outfit, Aradesh opened her mouth to respond when Kurst cut in. She looks away, somewhat embarassed by the compliment. "Ah... no problem. No return favor compares to being able to live here."
She then listens to Kilien stumble away from her original goal. "Didn't you have something important to say, first? Now would be a very good time."
She crosses her muscled arms and looks at Kilent intently, making it clear that if she doesn't, she will in her stead.
Ah, Rodrik... - says Agatsu in an unimpressed tone, before speaking again - ... Yeah, yeah. But I think the whole militia would work better have they got one or two pints down the hole. The ones who do so in secret are definitely smarter in average!
He chuckles and smile with the cumbersome banter. He taps at his own head with the finger, getting a subtle echo.
Lialda nodded to Rodrik at his greeting and said, "Thank your Roddrick, I do what I can but I'm afraid I'm not up to my mother's level of power yet." there was a slight warble of sadness in her face and Hvita shifted in her arms placing furry paws around her neck "hugging" her. Lialda nuzzled the white fox's fur and whispered something into Hvita's ear. When her gaze came back up there was no sign of anything wrong.
"I mostly came to make sure our visitor," she gestured to Kilien, "didn't misunderstand Hannah's rather rough seeming demeanor." Smiling slightly she said, "With that I think my good deed is done for the day so, if you'll excuse me, I am going to get something to eat." With that Lialda turned, her skirt flaring out slightly, and headed for the door.
He taps at his own head with the finger, getting a subtle echo.
Seeing Kilien hesitate under scrutiny, Aradesh decides to relieve her of the apparent social torment she was in. "Captains, this woman was sent from... an obscure tent village to the south - the name of which I've unfortunately forgotten - to warn us about some Giants massing up in the Mistmountains somewhere. Either now, or some time in the future. This warning was based on a fortune reading they did with rocks... apparently."
Gradually becoming more and more aware of how many critical details were missing to do frankly anything with, she sighs upon finishing. "I think that's about all we got from her - she seems really shy for a messenger. I know it's not exactly the most important or clear thing to base anything on, but I thought I should still let the two of you know. If you let me g- Um, 'If you'll excuse me', I think Lialda needs some 'consoling', or a strong drink. ...No, not from you, Agatsu. Down."
She followed Lialda to the door she either exited or entered. "Are you all right?" she asked the witch. "Still thinking of your mother?"
Rodrik and Kurst answer any questions about themselves and rarely waste the chance for a friendly jab at each other. Rodrik is a confident man with a hearty laugh and an honest smile. He is self-assured, an excellent swordsman, and a locally respected writer as well. Kurst is more reserved, and while just as capable as his brother, he seems content to remain in Rodrik’s shadow. It is clear throughout your exchanges with the brothers that Rodrik is the older brother (even if only by a few minutes) and the dominant one in the relationship. While shy, Kurst makes a modest effort to engage you, but it is ultimately Rodrik who comes off as the more likable, talented, and forthcoming of the two siblings. After the conversation has run its course, the brothers politely excuse themselves to check on the other celebrants
The evening festivities go on for a while. Some of you have residences in the town, but the rest will need a place to stay.
Kílien amends her statement, "Y-Yesterday, I mean. Wasn't that you, outside? G-going into that falling down building?" She shakes her head, believing she must be mistaken. With prompting from the others, she addresses more pressing matters with a blush and a nod. "The elders in m-my village, it is called Piilopaikka, they know the omens and can read the tracks on the ground, they say there are giants nearby. For this, I am s-sent to lend my bow and blade to Trunau's defense, if the watch will have me."
"Lialda, w-wait," she calls out in her awkwardly-raised voice, "you said that you live here in town, I... I wonder if I could ask you, for... for a place to stay? On your floor maybe? Only until I have settled in, I w-wouldn't want to impose..."
Agatsu stays talking with Rodrik and Kurst for a good bit, before the brothers leave. He wanders the rest of the festival around, a bit dizzy with the extra alcohol, but curiously thinking about the new warnings of giants and the city in itself. These warnings came all the time, yet he couldn't help but be uncomfortable as he'd feel the scars of his past burning his skin.
For now, it seems Trunau would sleep another night of peace, and he'd find a clean corner somewhere for another night of delusion and shame. Underneath the warm, friendly facade, when alone the large man had the memories to torment him, and amidst the nightmares only his natural optimism could keep him hopeful to someday become more than a joke.
Sylvar introduces himself to Rodrik and Kurst and listens to the conversation. Not having anything specific to ask the brothers at the moment, he bids them good night when they leave and continues enjoying the festivities. As things wind down, he heads over to the Ramblehouse Inn for the night.
Alistaire also listens attentively and interjects when appropriate. As the night winds down he heads to the Inn to secure a room for the night.