Hey all. Feel free to dot in here!
Late afternoon light pours in through the windows of the meeting room in Galt’s Woodsedge Lodge, and the smell of freshly baked pastries wafts in from the kitchen. Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro sits at the head of a polished mahogany table in front of tall piles of papers. She clears her throat. “I’m glad to see that all of you made it here safely. My name is Eliza Petulengro. And what are the names of the agents who answered my call today?”
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A tall, muscular woman with blonde hair pulled back into a braid looks around awkwardly as the Venture-Captain's eyes fall on her. She then spreads her hands in an uncertain gesture and begins by saying, "I'm...not a Pathfinder. I'm just the nanny. Gareleth went to..." and at that moment, a Half-Orc man comes bounding in, galloping like a horse much to the delight of a younger Half-Orc riding on his back.
The youngster, who appears to be around the age of 5, maybe 6, has a thick tuft of hair that is disheveled and sticking out in places and one of his protruding tusks is broken.
The "horse" he is riding on, is a slenderly-built Half-Orc man wearing a long jacket over an assortment of clothing pieces and dangling items that seem to come from varying points of origin. He has what appears to be a Tian ceremonial robe that he's wearing as more of a shirt, a bronze cup of apparent Dwarven make hangs from his belt, a necklace that appears Osirian in nature dangles out underneath a scarf that seems to be oddly strapped to the Half-Orc in places causing it to billow around him more as he moves. And while the scarf is arranged a bit more loosely around his neck area, there is a strip of somewhat jagged-looking green cloth tied around his neck as, perhaps, an ascot of sorts. Hanging at the Half-Orc's right hip is a barbed whip while a satchel hangs at his left.
He gallops his way up beside the now-relieved-looking blonde woman and says, "Right, climb on over to Astra now, little monkey. Daddy has work to do." The little Half-Orc pulls himself forward and cranes his neck out enough to plant a smooch on the bigger Half-Orc's cheek, then launches himself at the blonde woman. She catches him easily, gives somewhat of a curtsy, and steps back.
Brushing his shoulder-length hair back from his face, the Half-Orc man addresses the Venture-Captain saying, "Sorry, little Hallin over there needed a quick potty break. Say hello to everyone Hallin," he says, and the little one gives a big smile and a wave. "Hallin is named after my late wife," he continues, oblivious to how little the Venture-Captain might want to hear his life story. "Fortunately, my little guy still has his loving father and some of the greatest care-giving that could be provided from his Uncle Andy and Auntie Yuzu," and he gives a big smile as he mentions his traveling companions and seems completely oblivious to the eye roll Astra, the child's actual caregiver, is doing behind him.
"If that will be all, sir, perhaps I should take Hallin home now?" Astra says, once her eye rolling is complete.
"Of course," he says, stepping forward to plant a big kiss on the little Half-Orc's forehead.
He then turns back toward the Venture-Captain and waits in silence for a beat until prompted to give his name.
"Oh, yes, of course. Gareleth Jarvinx. I'm a spellcaster and quite handy with the whip as well. My brother, Andy, and I have traveled all of Golarion seeking adventure, so we're up for anything, eh, Andy?"
And then he starts sniffing the air and says, "Oooo, pastries! Could I have a flagon of milk to go with mine?" he asks as he pulls the Dwarven-made cup from his belt. "Thank you!"
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If one passes the stable on the way to the lodge, they might see a familiar horse there: Satsuki, the burly-looking dark mare with a white blaze and stockings.
Thus, one might already expect to see the kitsune samurai when they enter. Between missions, she has gotten a more full set of armor, now looking every part a samurai with her kabuto helmet, a kitsune mask that actually covers her muzzle. The armor is painted in vivid whites with red details. A fine bow, well-decorated, stands over her shoulders.
Her choice of melee weaponry leaves something to be desired, however; rather than the nodachi and naginata she usually carries, there is a simple wooden branch, gnarled enough and trimmed down to look relatively easy to wield as a weapon.
"I am Yuzu Fokkusupo. It is an honor to meet you. What is it that you have gathered us to do?"
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Yuzu raises a brow behind her mask; one can see just enough of her face to see it, if they look closely.
"I coach the young one on matters of respect," she says, with a brief glance at Gareleth. "His father, as well, has seen fit to reflect."
Her voice when she speaks of the half-orc is significantly less terse than it had been at the end of their previous mission together.
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A finely dressed elf turns from where he'd crossed to the windows, You know Yuzu, Gareleth, why'd I let you two talk me into Galt? Its so much work here, everyone always needs to be charmed, they all think they are kings and queens of their own domains...
Seeing the other elf, he bows deeply, Greetings, My name's Andrelis Lethian As he straightens a finely wrought torc pokes out from the well-made corner of his mail shirt, the elf absently adjusts it, revealing another matching one on each wrist.
And greetings to you Venture-Captain, happy to be of whatever assistance. My primary function is technical expertise in securities and information... Have any white wines? I'm betting once we're out of this building it will be nothing but uprisings and Proletariat.. , whatever that is; which will leave us little time for the finer things in life.
The elf crosses the room to lounge in a chair, an ornate rapier and dagger set matching on his belt ostentatiously displayed.
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Licia listens quietly to the group around her, silently touching the brand on her left hand with her right. The mark of the Dawnflower is unmistakable to anyone familiar with the faith, and rather than trying to hide it Licia appears to be touching it for comfort. Unlike her sister, Licia takes more after the Taldan traits of their heritage. Short but well muscled with dark hair and fair skin she could be considered the spitting image of her Taldan runaway mother. She keeps her scimitar and shield close at hand, both emblazoned with the symbols of Sarenrae.
At Eliza's question, Licia snaps to attention. "I'm Licia Calvus," she says, an Ulfen accent readily apparent in her taldane. "I am but a humble servant of the Dawnflower, ready to smite her foes with holy fire and aid the sick and wounded with her grace."
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Seeming uncomfortable just being there... a tall graceful elf with bluish green skin and dark hair, keeps mostly to himself, observing the interaction of the others.
It is rare indeed to see an aquatic elf, much less one this far from the ocean.
When he finally introduces himself, his common has a strange lilt, and he pauses frequently as if trying to remember the words he wants to say. It is obvious he does not use the language often.
He bows gracefully, though briefly.
"I am Nereus Avitae, blessed warrior in the service of she who guides the wind and waves." The name is not commonly used, but the emblems on his clothes seem to indicate a version of Gozrah.
"I am not... used to being so far inland." He smiles wanly. "It takes some getting used to."
"As expected. Excellent.". Moments later, a wiry man wearing a tailored suit strides into the room. A white porcelain mask covers his face, and he wears a thin red ribbon around his neck. In his gloved hands, he carries a tray of sweet and savory pies, which he sets in the center of the table before quietly slipping away. The venture-captain serves herself a generous slice of pie. “Mind that you don’t get food on the papers,” she says. “They record the information that your fellow agents have been gathering about the ebb and flow of Galtan society. To perform such work properly is, unfortunately, far less interesting than it sounds."
She nods to each of you. "I have a more engaging opportunity in mind for you. You’ll be traveling about a hundred miles up the Sellen River to the village of Rosehaven. Rosehaven is the home of Armeline, a savvy information gatherer who was once a reliable contact for the Pathfinder Society. Twelve years ago, she was accused of espionage against the revolution in connection with some of her past work with the Society. She sent a cry for help the Grand Lodge. It was an exceedingly difficult situation, considering only a few months earlier revolutionaries stormed this very lodge and killed my predecessor and her servants. Following that tragedy, the Decemvirate suspended all operations in Galt. It was a sensible decision—after all, the Decemvirate is not in the business of sending agents on suicide missions— but it seemed a death sentence for Armeline. Whether through luck, guile, or both, Armeline survived. I would like to extend a formal apology to her, and hopefully convince her to consider working with the Society in the future. We have before us the perfect opportunity. Rosehaven’s upcoming festival culminates in a ceremony of ritual forgiveness, which may encourage her to move past the Society’s unfortunate necessity so many years ago."
"I’ve arranged for a riverboat to pick you up at dawn. You’ll arrive in Rosehaven in the morning of the first day of the festival." Eliza frowns, “Oh, and one more thing. I have a hunch, and I learned to trust my hunches years ago. I doubt this mission will be as simple as it seems. Stay alert.”
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Gareleth happily take a slice of the pie and begins munching on very small, dainty bites.
After hearing the Venture-Captain's summary of their mission, he says, "Not to worry, I happen to be excellent with people. By the way, do you suppose your weird, creepy masked friend could bring me some milk?"
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Yuzu’s mouth stiffens beneath her own mask. She takes a deep breath:
”Mind not my friend; his words are crude.
He does not mean to be so rude.
Gareleth, recall my instruction:
“Weird” and “creepy” have harm as their function.”
She seems satisfied with her poem, bobbing her head a little as she removes her mask; she is a kitsune underneath, but that was likely already given by her tail and the nature of the mask itself.
She raises some tea to her lips and laps gently at it, so as not to spill.
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Tapping his wine glass thoughtfully, Andrelis sighs, So this Armeline, you have a formal apology and some form of restitution in mind for her. I understand the implicit nature of forgiveness on this holiday, but she's been in the wind for over a decade and may not be happy to see us, or any Pathfinders for that matter.
Nodding to the aquatic elf, Greetings Nerus, you are indeed a long way from home. It is an honor for you to accompany us, and I cannot fully appreciate the sacrifices you have made, but I understand they must be great indeed to draw you so far from your home. I look forward to speaking with you about your people, and what life must be like under the waves.
Watching Yuzu gently chide Gareleth, Andrelis smiles, Yuzu, your patience is truly magnificent. Perhaps someday my 'brother' will understand your lessons of etiquette! Certainly he is getting better at rhyming, even if they don't always sink in all the way. But we'll have hope for Hallin, yes?
The elf takes a bite of the pie, marveling in its flavor. Venture Captain, this pie is delicious, compliments to the baker.
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"I don't know. Weird and creepy sounds like a badge of honor to me. Or at least useful. Maybe I gotta buy myself one of those porcelain masks to keep the idiots at bay next time I go to a tavern..." She takes a sip of tea, and adds, craning her neck backwards, "HEY! PIE MAN! did your mask come with a straw attachment?"
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Andrelis can't help but laugh, Yes, Gareleth, she makes much sense in a certain way of looking at it. He looks at Yuzu with an arched eyebrow, but thinks better of adding anything to the conversation. He merely drains his glass of wine and sets it back upon the table. Glancing over the documents laid out, he tries to make sense of the chaotic Galtan alliances and societal norms, but merely looks confused at the lack of social structure and continual revolutions which toss the established order on its head repeatedly...
Eliza looks over to the servant. "Can you get this man some milk, Pallivar?". She also waves to little Hallin. "And make sure the boy gets milk too.". The servant goes off to find some beverages for everyone.
"Yes, Andrelis. Armeline may not happy to see you.". She pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts. "In Galt, guilt and innocence are too often tried at the court of public opinion. Her actions may have constituted espionage, but they had little bearing on her purported crimes, much less the intentions behind what she was doing.”
"Do you have any further questions? If not, enjoy your evening at the Woodsedge Lodge. Your boat to Rosehaven will depart in the morning."
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As the servant brings Gareleth his milk .
"Excellent, my good sir, many thanks," and then to the little Half-Orc, he says, "what do we say, Hallin?"
"Death to the infidels!" yells the little Half-Orc.
"What do Yuzu and I make you say, Hallin?" Astra chimes in.
"Oh. Tanks!" he says, not quite getting the "th," perhaps because of the chipped tooth interfering with his pronunciation.
Ignoring that exchange, Gareleth says, "And also, my good man, my friend here," gesturing to Tess, "was wondering where you got your weird, creepy mask."
He then shifts his attention back to Eliza and asks, "Is there a reputable weapons vendor around? My friend here seems to be down to just a stick and I'd happily put a better weapon in her hands...paws?...if you'd point me in the right direction?"
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Licia nods along to Eliza's story and wilts at hearing about the society abandoning one of their own. "What kinds of trouble do you think we might find while we're there? Aside from an ex-Pathfinder who likely won't trust us, of course," Licia asks, hoping that her scimitar and spells will be enough. Should they not, she thankfully has a couple hundred gold for preparations.
Before Eliza gets back to work, Licia asks her a question. "I have a hunch. I'm afraid that if I had more information than a nagging instinct, I would have already told you."
"Also, remember that this is Galt. Ever since House Thrune came to power in Cheliax, Galt has been trapped in a churning cycle of revolution. Quite a few past governments have fallen and their leaders and supporters have met the guillotine's blade. Each new government promises to rectify the ills of the last and bring peace and prosperity.". Eliza flashes a knowingly wry smile. As a citizen of Galt," she announces with a veneer of patriotism, "I say that our current government will surely succeed at its goals."
Eliza doesn't believe the current regime is any better than the last dozen, but she's watching her words to avoid being considered an enemy of the state.
"If I were you, I would watch your words carefully."
Eliza stands up. "Enjoy your stay here in Woodsedge. Your boat will depart in the morning."
The large riverboat leaves at dawn. A crew of four experienced sailors move it slowly, but steadily up the Sellen River. After about 10 days of travel, the riverboat arrives at Rosehaven. The village's only dock serves as a shop selling fresh wares to passing ships.
Word at the dock is that the festival starts today! Children are giggling and townsfolk seem chipper. The freshest crops, herbs, and spices dot the dockmarket and recently caught fish hang from some seller's stalls.
The group has about one hour to secure a room and explore the town. Various merchants and sailors wander around the town ready for the festival, some of which are openly carrying weapons, but none are brandishing or threatening anyone.
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Yuzu nods. A samurai who does not know how to control her tongue quickly becomes a ronin—and a ronin is often simply a bandit with two swords, whether they started that way or ran out of other options and ended up in that position.
So it is that she and Satsuki are soon on board a river boat; Satsuki is remarkably well-behaved for a horse, but it’s hard to tell if that’s her natural temperament or due to Yuzu’s careful attention during the journey. She rarely leaves her side—although she does not begrudge anyone else’s conversation.
When they finally pull into the dock, she is the first off—more for the horse’s sake than her own. Ten-day-old carrots are one thing, but she’s eager to get Satsuki something fresh.
”Shall we first secure lodgings for our stay? We would do well to get that out of the way.”
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Nereus seems much less nervous and uncomfortable on the ten day trip upriver. Standing on the deck of a ship apparently far more preferable to solid ground.
He frequently leaps overboard, and swims below the surface of the river, easily keeping pace with the vessel above. Sometimes not coming up for quite some time. When he does climb back aboard he seems invigorated, and calm.
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Gareleth walks hand in hand with Hallin up to the dock before the pair exchanges a tight hug. Hallin asks a few times along the way and again at the docks if he can come along, but Gareleth simply reassures him each time that he'll have his own days of adventure before too long. Finally, at the dock, Astra reminds Hallin that if both the warriors go off, no one will be at home to protect her, and that finally wins over the littlest warrior.
Gareleth waves at his little man as the ship leaves the dock carrying him towards whatever adventures the journey may hold. "I'll miss the little sprout," Gareleth says to his "brother." I'll have to get him a gift from the festival. Then, reaching up to touch the tattered green cloth tied around his neck, he adds, quietly, "I just wish his mother was here to see what a fine young warrior he's grown to be."
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Patting Gareleth on the shoulder, Andrelis says, He'll be fine, and yes, he's turning into quite the young firebrand. Just have to keep working those manners and he'll be just fine. the elf reassures his brother.
Watching Nereus surface after an extended dive alongside the boat, Do you mind answering a question? I'm really curious about your people.
Yes Yuzu, I think getting a bed which is not rocking with the waves would be good, and we can drop our things and get the lay of the land. Maybe grab a quick meal and asking around about Armeline in town? Eyeing the plethora of armed citizenry, Andrelis thinks he should keep his thoughts about the peasantry to himself...
Andrelis will take some time to wander the market stalls, talking to folks, and seeing if he can get any intel about Armeline
Garaleth gives Hallin a big hug. He squeals in joy and tries to run on board the boat before his new dad. Gareleth stops him quickly and waves goodbye.
Nereus swims along the riverboat. The water is calm and fresh. He feels amazing after his swims. The journey is smooth sailing. A few other boats move up and down the river. Occasionally a few riverboats would stop overnight together. Everyone would trade stories and food and music. One or two other boats were headed up to Rosehaven as well but were either moving slower or faster than the group's riverboat.
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Rosehaven is fairly small and there is only one inn - the Silver Flute Inn. A middle aged woman greets the group. "Welcome to the Inn! My name is Ivy. Why yes, we do have rooms available. How many rooms do you need?". She stops to count each of you. While she goes to gather keys and towels and other stuff, the group gets a glimpse of a glass case with a silver flute in it. Ivy returns. "Ah, I see you've seen the flute. Why don't you try it? Or any other instruments in the trunk next to it". A few locals drinking beer hear her comment, groan, then take their beer outside. "We also will have karaoke tonight if you'd like to join."
As long as you make an effort to play, Ivy lets out a gleeful squeal. "Sheyln would be so proud!"
The group drops off their bags in their rooms and ask Ivy if she knows anything about Armeline. "Ah, yes. I know who that is. Her house is right next door. Can't miss it."
Outside the inn, children are everywhere playing. A little girl stands close to Satsuki, obviously wanting to pet the horse.
A few steps away, right outside of the house Ivy mentioned, an older half-elf woman sits outside. She fits the description of Armeline you were given. A few children are gathered around carving pumpkins. She sees you approach and asks, "Can I help you?"
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Gareleth glances over the assortment of instruments and a sudden smile appears on his face as he spies a lute.
"Just like the one I played in Osirion when we posed as minstrels to protect that princess, eh, Andy?" Gareleth says as he picks up the instrument and begins pretending that he's played one before.
Strangely, it goes fairly decently.
"I'm a touch out of practice, but not bad, if I do say so myself. I must see about getting a lute so I can get in more practice time," he says, and given how decently he just did, it probably doesn't cause nearly as much distress as it should.
Then, following the directions of how to get to Armeline's home, Garleth gets distracted by the children and pumpkins and goes over to ask about what they've carved
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Yuzu will happily try her hand at the flute!
She is not remotely good at it, and the squeaky notes are far more plentiful than the good ones. Perhaps she would do better sticking to poetry?
”Shelyn may applaud my effort, but even she knows I’m no Sheffort.” She bows gratefully as she passes the flute, either to the next attempter or back to the case.
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Yuzu offers a warm chuckle as the child eyes her mount; at present, she’s walking beside, leading her by the reins.
”Easy, child; with care approach. This horse is tame, and fit to ride.
Note the eyes, and where they rest; if you come near, come from the side.
Gently, slowly, here you are; a carrot, for you to endear.
Careful and with love and faith, and you have nothing left to fear.”
She pulls a veggie from her pack and passes it to the child, guiding her toward her even-tempered mount.
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Andrelis shrugs, Why thank you Mistress Ivy, its a festival after all... and takes up the flute, attempting to play a short tune...
And quickly gives it a rest as he cannot make any two notes come out sounding okay... Well, on that note... the elf grins as he departs the Inn.
Watching Yuzu and the child interact with Satsuki, Andrelis smiles genuinely. Yuzu, why do we always attract children? I suspect this may be your fault.
And finally, approaching Armelene's yard, Andrelis waves a hand, Pardon me, Mistress Armelene, I'm wondering if we could have a pot of tea. Its been a long trek to come to this festival, and we're parched this day. My companions and I would love to sit and chat for a time, perhaps you can tell us the history of this fine festival, and this lovely town?
Ivy claps in glee as each of the Pathfinders attempt the musical instruments. Gareleth plays the lute and it creates a lovely ambiance. Yuzu and Andrelis join in. And it sounds like nails on a chalk board. Ivy doesn't seem to care. "Shelyn would be proud at your effort! If you stick around for a few days, I can give you lessons."
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The children giggle as Yuzu hands them some veggies to feed the horse. The group heads over to Armeline's house only a few steps away. Gareleth asks the children about their pumpkins.
Andrelis pulls Armeline aside. She is first surprised but then mumbles under her breath: "Ah, Pathfinders... great."
She brings Andrelis (and whomever else) inside to grab a pot of tea. "I know why you're here. Do you know what I've been through?". She pours everyone inside a cup of tea. "I was in a Galtan prison. I had managed to scrape enough ingredients to brew a concoction that allowed me to disguise myself temporarily. That allowed me to escape the prison walls before guards started chasing me.". She takes a sip of tea. "My letters to the Pathfinder Society went unanswered. I realized the society considers its contracts expendable. I researched other cases in which Pathfinder contacts in dangerous situations have died."
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Yuzu finds a good place to leave Satsuki for the moment—a stable, hopefully, or a nice field—before accepting the... invitation?... and entering Armeline’s house.
When the topic is properly broached, Yuzu moves to her knees and bows until her forehead touches the floor— orz.
”Our sympathies we come to bear,
Transgressions of the past, we swear
Apologies, and deep regret
Though lost, you we did not forget
Expendable you were not considered,
‘Irrecoverable,’ could not be delivered
The walls that held you were too strong;
The blades surrounding you, too long.
The Ten considered you as lost,
No more agents’ lives to be tossed
To hope and pray you’d get away
Was all that we could hope to say.
We are here now—though far too late
But still, we are glad of your fate
We do not beg to have your trust
But pledge to earn it, to make it just.”
She stays with her head down after she finishes.
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Gareleth gushes about what a great job the youngsters are doing on their pumpkins and then asks, "Hey, do you want to see a magic trick?" and with that, he requests a spare pumpkin which he sets atop a fence post, he moves about 30 feet away, and extends his hand with a flourish unleashing a ray of frost at the poor pumpkin.
Tears form on Armeline's cheeks. "That was a beautiful poem. Maybe I have you Pathfinders wrong. Are you staying for the festival? Perhaps I can show you around Rosehaven and introduce you to some of the locals. It's small, but lovely. I also have some books, if you'd like to borrow one. Some steamy romance novels.". She'll wink.
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Outside, locals are bringing in hay bales around the well and set pumpkins on top for carving. A few children come up to the Pathfinders and ask: "Is it time yet!!!"
After some time, perhaps half an hour, the Pathfinders notice a man walk out of the Shelynite temple. "Everyone join hands please and let us offer prayers to Shelyn, the Eternal Rose.". He'll wait for everyone to hold hands before continuing. "Thank you for the blessing you have granted the people of Rosehaven over the last year. This gourd art we are about to produce is dedicated to you.". He looks at the children, "Remember not to tease or brag about being better at carving. All art is equally blessed in the eyes of Shelyn."
The children start giggling in anticipation! They eagerly start carving. The priest comes around to say hi to all the locals and speak with a few of the other visitors. Eventually, he comes up to the group.
"Welcome, travelers! You have picked an excellent day to visit Rosehaven. We're celebrating Mercylight. As you just heard, this festival is dedicated to the grace of Shelyn, but you don't have to worship Shelyn to participate. Go ahead, grab a pumpkin or two, and carve whatever you wish! There are plenty more in the fields, so don't be shy!"
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Tears form on Armeline's cheeks. "That was a beautiful poem. Maybe I have you Pathfinders wrong. Are you staying for the festival? Perhaps I can show you around Rosehaven and introduce you to some of the locals. It's small, but lovely. I also have some books, if you'd like to borrow one. Some steamy romance novels.". She'll wink.
Yuzu sits back on her heels as Armeline's conversation turns to the casual. Her mask sits on the ground beside her-- naturally, she removed it when she entered.
Yuzu's face turns a bright enough red beneath her fur that her cheek ruffs take on an adorably pink tinge.
"I... I would be hon--"
She stops herself; clearly flustered, she works herself back around to her usual poetry.
"I would be honored.
This village is beautiful
...As are its people."
After speaking the last sentence, she clenches her jaw.
Far too forward!
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Andrelis seems suitably impressed with Yuzu's poetry to add nothing of his own, allowing the samurai's poetic grace carry the moment. He quietly exits the cottage and joins in the festivities, although rather than partaking in the pumpkin carving he's instead scanning the crowd for any insight into this little town...
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Gareleth takes a pumpkin and a carving knife and quietly sits, very meticulously working at his carving. Finally he stops and looks at his work before showing it to his "brother."
"Look, Andy," he said, "it's a carving of my beloved Halli, gods rest her beautiful soul," and a single tear runs down his cheek before he throws on his typical smile again and says, "What a fine time Hallin would be having if he were here. I must let him carve a pumpkin when we get home."
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On the trip, Nereus semi-reluctantly accepted Andrelis' request to chat... though he seems less amenable as Andrelis' starts going through his questions.
"I am only here as punishment." He adds. "I count the days until I have compensated for those transgressions, and can return to the water once more."
He seems reluctant to speak on that particular topic any further.
When they reach their destination, he seems reluctant to even leave the ship. The festive air of the village seeming anything but to him. He stays near the docks, carefully examining the merchandise there, even the more common items often unfamiliar to him.
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"I too would like one of these—" Licia starts, pausing abrubtly. "steamy romance novels."
When presented with a pumpkin, Licia will attempt to replicated the holy symbol of the Dawnflower branded on her hand.
Licia is very pleased with the result, especially on account of never having practiced anything artistic in her life.
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Tessara quietly carves her pumpkin. Nothing fancy. Something quite straightforward. However towards the end she takes a bit of gunpowder out of her horn, mixes it with a few choice chemicals, and packs it tight inside of a hollowed out candle, making sure the wick runs in the middle of the dense substance.
Kids are everywhere carving pumpkins and some of the adults carve too. Armeline joins in with a pumpkin of her own. She crafts a realistic face resembling one of the kids.
She hands Licia a steamy romance novel as well as anyone else who wants one. "Please return these soon. They are very sentimental."
Instead of carving, Andrelis scans town. It's fairly small. Mostly locals but a few tourists as well. The locals are more than willing to chat. Or Andrelis can wander around.
Nereus stays on the riverboat. The crew are also joining in the festivities and plan on taking everyone back to Woodsedge once it is over. They welcome Nereus on the boat. The docks are about half a mile west the center of town.
Pumpkin supply is running low as a lot of people are carving. A group of villagers head out to the fields of the local druid Elm to collect a new patch of pumpkins. The group can carve more pumpkins, walk around town, talk with Armeline more, talk with locals, or really anything else!