Aldern! Yes, that was it. Now, what does that tell her about him?
Absolutely nothing.
She really does try to pick out something notable about him, but she finds the effect similar to staring at blank white paper while trying to pick out the topographical differences: every moment is more tedious than the last and she would rather poke the observed object with a pen until it turns into something more visually interesting. He seems polite, but that really means nothing in noble society. Forgettably nice, utterly vapid, and useless for anything but spending money. Yes, that is what this man is. She and Sapphira called those types “Berties” after a particularly heinously empty husk that they had dealt with. They might as well come in packs of seven, not unlike Sapphira’s shirts. And like one of her tailored shirts, they will probably die peacefully of the wear and passage of time while having accomplished nothing but looking good with a suit and touching a woman’s bosom.
Aldern shaking her hand is thankfully enough of a surprise that she does not have an opportunity to overthink it and freeze up. She throws out some perfunctory pleasantries and compliment deflections. Still. she does her best to stay out of the conversation since the focus naturally has not moved to her. Her disguise is probably(hopefully?) enough, but she would rather not have to find out.
While the others engage with the nobleman, Izomandakus approaches the fallen commando and picks up the bolt that stabbed in the ground, finding it broken by half "Buggers! This one is lost"
Throwing it away, the boy focuses on searching the fallen bodies, looking for every last piece of copper they might have, giving no attention to the man until all attackers are deprived of their richness.
Pachemu walks around while Izomandakus searches the bodies, but then ugly rashes start to appear all around its snout. The pig starts to complain painfully "Oink oink! Oink oink!"
Noticing his friend's pain Izomandakus approaches to see "What is it my sweetie? Buggers! What's that?" concerned the boy tries to sooth the pig while this one scratches against the ground trying to fight the itch.
When Aldern comes to greet, Izomandakus pays little attention to this meaningless person, grasping the pig nervously "That goblin dog put something in Pachemu! I can feel her itching and confusion! She is scared!"
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As Seamus goes to pick up Kizzy's sling, he passes the first goblin he stabbed. Looking down as he walks past, 'Maybe I should make sure that one is dead too.' Picking up the sling and bullets, he goes back stopping at the goblin as Kast tries to help the dead dog. 'I'm thinking about killing things and Kast is thinking about helping things. What's wrong with me?'
Leaving the lying goblin alone, Seamus takes the sling and bullet pouch to Kizzy giving her half a smile. "Maybe I don't remember as well as I thought." He looks from Kizzy to Kast, "If Kast can help do you want to stay?"
He looks from Kast to Izomandakus who's gathering broken quarrels to Meg who really looked like she could use a drink. 'Or maybe I just need a drink.' Then looking toward the disheveled nobleman Seamus' gaze returns to Kizzy. "I think Kast, I think that we, can really use your help here. But I'll take you to Hanna's apothecary if you want me to."
The dog is, alas, deceased, though Aldern ins’t perhaps as upset as you might like. Apparently he wasn’t close to that dog.
Aldern Foxglove doesn’t seem to recognize Meg at all, having more of an interest in Kizzy at the moment. He blathers on a bit thanking all of you some more, before a lone goblin comes running through, clearly trying to escape the town. You capture/kill it easily enough, but Aldern has seen the light.
”Look, I’m getting off the streets and letting you lot do the great job you’re doing. But don’t think I don’t appreciate it! I’ll tell everyone about you, and when things die down, maybe tomorrow, find me at the Rusty Dragon. I’d love to chat further, and reword you properly for saving my life.” And with that, he heads off to the south, at something of a trot, down to said Rusty Dragon.
You’ll deal with a handful more goblins, but it’s clear they’ve been routed and are fleeing. You can pretty much pick them off at your leisure, coming in ones and twos as they are.
It doesn’t take long, maybe an hour (so it’s well into darkness and close to 9pm), though before one of the watch rides up on horseback. ”Kast, you’re alive. The sheriff wasn’t sure, though there are already stories. Did you guys really save the church from burning down like the goblins wanted? I mean, that’s what they were after, right? And you stopped them. …the Heroes of Sandpoint.” He says it with a certain amount of reverence, even awe, though he’s worked with Kast for months on watch. He sees him now in a new light.
”Sherriff says you’re to head back and see him. He’s just down by the church. And bring any prisoners you may have captures so they can be questioned.”
Izomandakus stands up when he overhears the word reward "Are you sure you can walk by the streets alone sir? Wouldn't you need to be escorted? It seems the goblins are still running around"
The boy works on the fleeing goblins during hours, stopping to check how the rash in Pachemu progresses every time there is a recess "Do you think the apothecary knows how to treat her?"
When the guard reaches their position, already at night, Izomandakus swells with pride "Have you heard that? He said Heroes, Heroes! We hold the gates!"
"We should accept going to talk with the Sheriff" the boy smiles wide "He may pay us with gold for this service"
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"Yes, Kitty, you should go," Kast agrees with Kizzy, but not getting her name perfect. "I can heal some wounds, but if you cannot fight or do not wish my help, you should go. I will hold this gate as ordered."
Kast looks ready to meet any additional attackers, but eventually relaxes enough to survey the environment, his eyes falling to Foxgloves dog. He limps closer and tries to save the brave pupper.
Kizzy coughed as Kast mistook her name, he'd only barely spoken to her yesterday, not surprising he'd mixed up her odd name. "Kizzy," she corrected, "Well, Qetsiyah, actually." It mattered little, really, but she found she liked the idea of the nobleman knowing her proper name, at least.
She offered Kast a consoling pat on the shoulder when he proved too late to save the doggo. "So you can use magic to heal? Or was that a prayer? I guess this cut is bad enough it needs seeing to anyway. Pachemu looks a little worse for wear too."
She still seemed a little perplexed by the nobleman's atention. Maybe he's in the market for a bodyguard? She nodded in approval as Lord Foxglove agreed to find his way indoors. "Of course, m'lord. I'm staying at the Dragon myself, but no thanks are necessary, really."
She cocked an eyebrow at the line about being Heroes. It made them sound like they'd done it for rewards or glory. She was a Guard, which meant she put herself between people and danger. It was simply what she did. But then hearing Izomandakus' excitement over possibly being paid, she supposed she might be the only one who felt that way.
She made sure to secure the Goblin Commando before they brought him to the Sheriff. "This one might know something worthwhile. He seemed a bit smarter than the rest. That doesn't say much, though. Stupid goblins, what could they hope to gain by attacking the town beyond an early trip to the grave?"
"That goblin dog put something in Pachemu! I can feel her itching and confusion! She is scared!"
Kast stops kneeling by the dog, wishing he could have saved it despite Aldern’s non-concern. The dog didn’t deserve this. The dog was perfect.
He moves to see what he can do for Pachemu, but knows his knowledge of healing is quite limited. Heal.
"Kizzy," she corrected, "Well, Qetsiyah, actually. So you can use magic to heal? Or was that a prayer?"
Kast smiles, not meaning to offend, and sorry for the mistake. ”Oh, it’s Kizzy? Oh...OH! Sorry. It’s hard. This attack. I’m sorry, Ket-see-ya.” Kast moves over to look at her wound.
He look at her face, then back at the wound. ”No, I can’t fix it, but I can help you to fix you. It’s not...me...it’s you to who needs to be strong. To be perfect.”
Kast takes Kizzy’s hand in his own. He puts his other hand over his heart.
”Pray with me, Kizzy. Think perfect thoughts. Think that your body is perfect again. “ Kast pauses and concentrates, uttering a prayer to perfection.
CLW
”There. Is that better? I know it’s not much.” Kast looks at the wound again. Kast’s own flesh wound doesn’t look too bad.
* * *
”Sherriff says you’re to head back and see him. He’s just down by the church. And bring any prisoners you may have captures so they can be questioned.”
Kast stops waiting for goblins to run out of the town and onto the spear to address the fellow member of the watch. He offers a salute, then a more friendly Lastwall fist bump.
”Yes, of course. We’ll report to the Sheriff,” Kast nods to the orders given, ignoring any talk of heroes. ”The watch is yours. I am relieved.” Kast salutes the watchman and turns over the defense of North Gate.
”Do we want to bring the talky goblin or not? Think he’ll make it?”
- - -
Oh Cayden, this just keeps getting more complicated. She just wanted to help people and now she is a damn "Hero of Sandpoint." At least the Sheriff has not met her before as Valena. She got through interacting with that Foxglove guy--she has already forgotten his first name again--without being found out.
She pulls out her stoppered wine bottle and downs the rest of it over several long moments. Might as well do this.
"Heroes of Sandpoint! How delightful. I have never been called a hero before." That is technically a lie. Some fashion magazine had done an article about how she was a "hero to young girls who want it all" a few years back. She thought it was rubbish then and rubbish now. She had not wanted that life and it was an insult to her and everyone who read the article to pretend that she did. But she did pretend. She was always good at pretending, was she not?
This time, she actually just did something she wanted to, something that felt right, and she helped people. She actually, honest-to-Cayden helped people. As far as she is concerned, she never had any right to the title before. Now, maybe, she could convince herself that she does. Or maybe that is just the wine talking.
"Well let us not keep the man waiting! I am ready whenever the rest of you are."
Not really surprised that the young nobleman was leaving, but Seamus was surprised when Kast prays for Kizzy 'to be perfect.' 'Huh, didn't know he could do that. I Figured as smart as he is he would wrap it with a bandage or something.'
As the goblins come rushing toward the gate, alone or in groups of two or three, Seamus stood beside Meg a bit behind Kast and Kizzy. Both of them quick enough to intercept any that got past long spear and great sword. While Izomandakus shot any that got past them. None of the goblins made it to the tree line past the gate. As dusk settled kin. Seamus looked at the bodies spread through their killing field. "You'd think I'd be happier about stopping them all.'
'Hero's of Sandpoint?' When the replacement from the watch showed up, Seamus raises an eyebrow at the term. Watching the others for their reaction, he breathed a sigh of relief, sheathing his long knife. He follows, the others towards the church; unslinging his lute, he begins to play a lulaby that he learned years ago and would practice when he would watch the goblins at Junker’s Edge.
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Kast smiles, not meaning to offend, and sorry for the mistake. ”Oh, it’s Kizzy? Oh...OH! Sorry. It’s hard. This attack. I’m sorry, Ket-see-ya.” Kast moves over to look at her wound.
He look at her face, then back at the wound. ”No, I can’t fix it, but I can help you to fix you. It’s not...me...it’s you to who needs to be strong. To be perfect.”
Kast takes Kizzy’s hand in his own. He puts his other hand over his heart.
”Pray with me, Kizzy. Think perfect thoughts. Think that your body is perfect again. “ Kast pauses and concentrates, uttering a prayer to perfection.
”There. Is that better? I know it’s not much.” Kast looks at the wound again. Kast’s own flesh wound doesn’t look too bad.
Qetsiyah smiled at the careful pronunciation of her name. "No worries." But her eyebrows try to climb into her hairline when he tells her to think of her "perfect body" and she bites her lip trying not to laugh when she sees he is clearly serious. Perfect? Well of course I'm not perfect... Who is? She clears her throat, "I'd settle for an intact hide. But uh... sure. I'll give it a try." She clears her throat again as he takes her hand and closes her eyes and tried to focus.
Strong. That I can work with. She imagined the way she used to feel when she was younger. The way little Bast had looked up to her, his EXTRA big sister, who kept the nickname he'd accidentally given her when he was still a mumble mouthed little tot. He would perch on her shoulder and squeal that he was on top of the world.
Strong, TALL, but perfect? Well, she tried her best. When he released her hand, she opened her eyes and looked down, half expecting it to not have worked. "Hey, it's all better! Nice job, that was perfect!" she said, giving him a brisk pat to the shoulder.
She carried the foul goblin herself, unwilling to let him get up to mischief if he came to. He weighed about the same as a halfling and she knew she could launch him into the nearest sturdy wall if he became a problem.
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Kast smiles at Kizzy’s victory over imperfection. He’s likewise surprised at the strong result, but will take it gladly.
”Good. Good,” Kast, still wounded himself, moves to address Izo. ”I think your pig will be fine in time, but...but there isn’t much I can do for her right now. It’s just a bad rash and itches and while I know it’s unpleasant,” Kast explains to Izo.
”There might be more solutions tomorrow. Or maybe the Sheriff will have an answer. We should get going.” Kast will limp to find the Sheriff.
*limp, drag, limp*
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Sheriff Hemlock is next to the platform, surrounded by a few of the regular militia, as well as several of the town’s irregulars. He finishes up a few orders and a few folks head off in various directions in threes and fours, carrying torches and well armed. When you lot come into the light of the courtyard, a general scattered applause begins, and swells! ”The Heroes of Sandpoint!” goes the cry, and several people come up to you to shake your hands (wary of the goblins you bring with you of course).
”It seems you lot have grown popular.” the still angry looking sheriff (image) greets you. ”Well done on the north gate, Lord Foxglove came through and sang your praises, and it seems congratulations are in order for saving the cathedral.” he adds seriously. He looks at the pressing crowd and jumps up onto the platform with some dexterity.
”People please, go back to your homes. The goblin raid has been routed, but it may not be safe on the streets tonight, so I’m instituting a curfew, starting now! Get home and get some sleep. You’ll all find out what happened in the morning.”
He hops back down among you as some of the crowd begins to disperse and suggests, ”You lot should head home too. This crowd will just follow you around if you don’t and I need people off the streets tonight. First though, see those wounds tended too. Father Zantus is in the church.” he jerks a thumb behind him to the intact cathedral. ”So get on to your beds after you visit the Father, but please swing by the townhall,” ”tomorrow morning. I’m sure the mayor will wish to congratulate you, and I may have more questions.”
”Kast!” he bellows by way of an order, ”Before you head home, take these prisoners down to the cells.” ”And you’re off tomorrow, excepting for the mayoral visit in the morning. Well done today Kast.”
- - -
"Opa!" Izomandakus looks down at the pig "You heard Kast, you are going to be ok, just have to rest a bit"
Boy and pig join the group on their meeting with the Sheriff.
---
"Ei Sheriff you also did it not that bad. You cleaned the whole town while we were defending the gate!" Izomandakus praises the humble and severe Sheriff smiling satisfied despite he also feels pretty tired from the long day.
"Ok, I will give it a rest" the boy calls Pachemu and directs himself to the Cathedral "You see, Father Zantus is going to cure you now. You were a bit reckless today Pachemu, you need be more careful"
Inside the Cathedral Izomandakus looks up what damages the goblins have caused "Hi Father! I guess you are busy treating all the injured and collecting the dead ones, but if there is something you can do... my pig, Pachemu" the pig oinks and looks sadly in pain to the Father "He got some strange rash while fighting one of the goblin dogs. Can you do something for him? If there is some little kid, or some other nice person who needs it more, we would understand you save it though for them"
Seeing the corpses piling around he adds "I cannot help with the wounded, but I can help you bury people and goblins"
Meg shakes the Sheriff’s hand as well. She has shaken more than her share of hands so it comes as easily to her as breathing the morning breeze. ”I just did what any woman with a rapier and a buzz would do when goblins charge into the down. I cannot have them burning down all the alcohol, can I?” She throws up an enchanting, disarming smile.
”That reminds me, if I am staying within The Rusty Dragon anyways, would the curfew allow it to remain open for people such as me? No outsiders, of course. I must do my service to Cayden, after all. I am told that I am a particularly devout woman.” Her reddened cheeks and the heady scent of merlot on her lips bring evidence to that claim.
As a Hero of Sandpoint, she could expect free drinks tonight, and she wants every one she can get. Especially if she is meeting the mayor tomorrow.
Oh, Cayden, she is meeting the mayor tomorrow. Sapphira’s cousin. Maybe she shod hold off on the drinking. Or maybe she should drink more than usual? She cannot choose a fancier disguise without people suspecting, as they have already seen her. The whole town has!
As usual, when presented with a problem that does not have an easy solution, she takes a third option: drink and assume things will work out. But Meg, one might ask, you always drink and assume things will work out. To which point, further thought will reveal the answer.
”Kast! Before you head home, take these prisoners down to the cells,”
Kast snaps to attention, his longspear hitting the ground as its tip nearly drags the ceiling. He nods and snaps a sharp salute, trying to be perfect. Inside, he is blushing. That’s quite the compliment.
After this, the Sheriff might write me a letter of introduction to the forces of Lastwall. Heck! Maybe the Mayor will too! This could be it!
”Right. The cells, then to Father Zanthus,” Kast agrees, finally noting his own lingering injuries. ”Right away.” And a day off tomorrow as well! Maybe Kizzy will like to spar.
Kast looks to the prisoners, and begins to drag those he can away. He looks at Kizzy, hoping she will help, but will understand if she wishes to go directly to the Cathedral. He seems quite pleased by the days endings, but not by the goblin attack ruining what was to be a perfect Festival.
Kast will take care of the prisoners before going to the Church. He begins to drag them to the cells.
'Heroes of Sandpoint?' looking around to make sure the folks weren't cheering for someone else, Seamus stops strumming his lute, tucking it behind his back. Letting his friends move closer to the platform and the sheriff, he looks towards the south-west corner of the square. 'I wish I had picked up my hat.'
Realizing the sheriff was speaking to them, he turns towards the platform. 'Home directly? Well if there is a curfew the place should quiet down soon.' Smiling as Kast is directed to take the prisoners to 'jail' 'And I can always say is was helping Kast.' turning to the others, Seamus nods. "I'll help Kast take the goblins to the cells." He looks at his friends wound, "Then I'll make sure he comes back to the church and get's patched up." When Kast heads toward the jail, Seamus throws one of the unconscious goblins over his shoulder and follows his friend to the jail, smiling to himself. 'Never thought I would be willingly going there."
When the Goblins are safely locked away, Seamus nods at Kast, "Come on, let's get back to the chapel and get that looked at." As the head to the chapel, Seamus unshoulders his lute, and starts to play.
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"Come on Meg, Father Zanthus has wine here too" Izomandakus observes inviting the blonde one to the church.
Kizzy is still scratching her head over the Hero business but if people needed to believe in Heroes right now, she supposed that made sense. "Father Zantus really saved the church from the fire, though. All we did was fight." She shrugged.
Then a thought occurred to her that chilled her blood and she nearly dropped the damnable goblin. Putting her burden down none too gently she seized the Sheriff by the forearm, her dark eyes wild with sudden panic. "Gods, The Dragon! Ameiko! I never saw her once the madness started. Is she alright? Sheriff, tell me Lady Ameiko is alright!" She nearly commanded him at the end.
After a moment she got a hold of herself and realized what she was doing and loosened her grip on the man's arm and then patted said arm gently smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, I just... sorry. She is my friend too." She finished lamely.
She followed along with the others, helping deliver the goblin first, though she had no need for healing after Kast's ministrations.
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”That reminds me, if I am staying within The Rusty Dragon anyways, would the curfew allow it to remain open for people such as me? No outsiders, of course. I must do my service to Cayden, after all. I am told that I am a particularly devout woman.” Her reddened cheeks and the heady scent of merlot on her lips bring evidence to that claim.
”I just ask that people stay off the street. If you’ve rooms there, and they keep the pub open, enjoy yourself.” he answers matter of factly, though there’s a smile hinted in the corners of his lips.
Then a thought occurred to her that chilled her blood and she nearly dropped the damnable goblin. Putting her burden down none too gently she seized the Sheriff by the forearm, her dark eyes wild with sudden panic. "Gods, The Dragon! Ameiko! I never saw her once the madness started. Is she alright? Sheriff, tell me Lady Ameiko is alright!" She nearly commanded him at the end.
After a moment she got a hold of herself and realized what she was doing and loosened her grip on the man's arm and then patted said arm gently smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, I just... sorry. She is my friend too." She finished lamely.
”It’s all right. I think I saw Ameiko after the initial brawl. I’m sure she’s fine, but Father Zantus would know for sure.” He seems about to say something further, but keeps his own council and sends you on your way.
You first take the prisoners to the garrison and hand them off. The garrison is well lit, as might be imagined, and well staffed. The prisoner exchange is quick and you’re back to the church in no time, though it’s nearly 9pm when you arrive.
You enter the cathedral for the first time. It’s well lit currently with lanterns evenly spaced. You suspect some of the lamps near the rather high domed ceilings are in fact continual flames. Easily the largest building in Sandpoint, this substantial building is also the town’s newest structure. Built over the foundations of the previous chapel, Sandpoint Cathedral is not dedicated to the worship of a single deity. Rather, it gathers under its eaves the six most commonly worshiped deities in the region: Abadar, Desna, Erastil, Gozreh, Sarenrae, and Shelyn. The building provides chapels for all of these deities in a communal forum - in a way, Sandpoint Cathedral is six different churches under one impressive roof.
And it really is impressive, with a grand entry to the west, a large space to the east for common use, and the church proper to the south with pews and everything. A small inner courtyard, open to the sky, provides a lovely spacious feeling to the whole place. You can only imagine how light and airy it must be by day! They made liberal use of glass as well, as might be imagined, with the Glassworks in town. Some of the stained glass here is really spectacular. Again, with the sun shining in, what it must be like. Truly heavenly.
Currently the common area is being used as a place for people to gather who need assistance.
You see few injuries, and only slight ones at that. But there is much sobbing and quiet in the large room as people try to come to grips with the attack on Sandpoint. …and there are bodies in the chapel. Not many, but for a town this size, every death touches everyone in one way or another. In fact, you see one of Ameiko’s bartenders from the Rusty Dragon carefully laid out for eventual burial. He always gave healthy pours, and was well liked. He had even learned a cantrip, just so he could help light the occasional pipe or cigar for guests within the pub. He was that kind of guy.
Father Zantus sees you as you enter and look around and rushes to meet you, ”Ahh, my friends, welcome. Kast, my boy, I see you are injured. And Izomandakus, what is ailing Pachemu? Here, let me help you both.” With that, he whips out a wand, and taps your injuries.
As the warm glow of healing removes the ache and pain of injury, you also see the rash on Pachemu clear up. ”Ahh, there you go!” smiles the Father as he straightens back up. ”I want to thank you too for what you did earlier. I really do believe you saved the cathedral from any real harm. Without you, who knows how much worse it might have been! There were so many and they had just gotten into the oil for the bonfire!” The excited Father looks apologetically toward the sick and injured in the next hall as his voice grows in volume a little over much perhaps.
He grows quiet then and leans in, ”Would you do me one more favor? These people are mostly whole, physically anyway. But the attack has dealt a blow that is hard for some to accept.” he looks abashed, afraid even to ask, ”Would you please spend some time with them? Just talk, or even just sit quietly with them. Let them know there are heroes out there who can, and will, stand between them and the evil in this world.” He looks up at each of you, entreating, ”Please? It would mean so much...”
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"Thanks Father Zantus! You rock. I have missed you, the priests in Magnimar are heartless" Izomandakus checks Pachemu's now flawless skin and gives him a strong hug. The pig protests a bit but let's it be done "Did the goblins break anything? Why would they want to burn the Cathedral?"
"Yes, of course Father, I will try to help them" the boy sits by the first corpse he finds, nodding quietly to the familiars mourning "He was a good guy... we are going to miss it. Just try to see the bright sight, you won't have to hear his snoring at home and you are going to inherit his workshop and all his money"
Kast is pleased to find his injury fixed. He eyes the Father's wand with interest.
"Would you please spend some time with them? Just talk, or even just sit quietly with them. Let them know there are heroes out there who can, and will, stand between them and the evil in this world.”
Kast blinks for a few moments, then it finally dawns on him that the Father is speaking of him. "Yes?" Kast says softly before finding his nerve. "Yes, of course. I'm not sure that I feel like a hero after today, but if you think it will help, then I will do it gladly. After all, some of these people might be my friends, my students...of course. I can do this."
You can do this. Just be perfect, Kast.
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast clatters in, still with longspear, but with smile upon his face. He looks to greet everyone who meets his eyes, and will stand in silence with those who are crying or has lost someone.
Diplomay - morale boost
Diplomay - morale boost (hero point)
On one particularly aggrieved person, Kast will sit in silence with them, to share their pain. He will put his hand out to their shoulder so that they know that they do not grieve alone.
Even heroes cry.
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”I would be happy to speak with someone.”
She asks for a rundown on the various people that need help. She stops the Father as soon as he gets to Adriana and Thalion Grisby. The couple lost a child, Lenalo, to a riderless goblin dog.
She walks slower than usual towards the couple. Small talk, innuendo, and flighty conversation come easily to her. Real talk is not glamorous, and it was always her duty to be glamorous. She knows when and where she should use every type of speech, and honesty and vulnerability are what she needs now.
”Hello there. My name is Meg. I wanted to talk to you two. To try to help. You see, I know what you are going through. I am still in it myself, really. I have not told anyone this. So do not go spreading it around.” She lets out a nervous laugh and shakes her head. ”I just....”
Her gaze lingers on the husband as she starts thinking about her own daughters. How much Corioles had fooled her into thinking he was just a normal s~&$ty husband and not a monster. Where was she supposed to see that in him? How do you know? For all she knows, this man could be just the same, and yet she is here comforting him. The more she stares at the husband, the more she stops seeing him. She just sees Corioles staring back.
But that is not fair, is it? Why should she assume the worst of this man whose child has just died? She is being ridiculous. She needs to be a hero right now. That is what she was asked for. And Valena Versade has never been one to disappoint, and she does not intend to start now.
Meg slaps her cheeks. ”I am sorry. I get lost in sometimes. My children were murdered as well. I still see the murderer, sometimes, in my mind. I think about what I could have done to stop him, how I could have known what was coming. What frustrates me the most is that I know there was nothing I could have done, nothing that I would have thought to do.” She places a hand on each of theirs. ”I cannot promise that it will get easier. I cannot promise that you will forgive yourselves. But if I in all of my mess can get through it alone, the two of you can get through it together.”
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'Why are we all going back? Does the priest have news about what happened in town.' As they walk, Seamus looks south and south west, down to the lower end of town and the docks looking for any fires or devastation; hoping that the town is not too badly damaged. as the enter the doors he stops strumming the lute pushing onto his back with his elbow.
Shutting the door as the friendly priest greets them, then quickly heals both Kast and Izomandakus' pig. 'You rock? Izamandakus does have a way with words.' Smiling as his friend hugs his pet pig and thanks Father Zantus. 'One more favor? spend time? Talk? Heroes?.' Losing his smile Seamus looks from the priest to his friends. His eyes widen as they agree. 'Kast is always happy to help! Izomandakus is so friendly, he hugs everyone! Meg is a happy drunk! Kizzy was raised by preforming halflings, she'll know what to do. They all would be great at that! What can I offer these people?' Watching in disbelief as Izomandakus walks up to a grieving widow to comfort her. As Kast sits silently putting his hand on their shoulder. As Meg sits beside Adriana and Thalion and begins talking to them like they were old friends. Seamus looks at Kizzy, his eyes wide, his mouth dry, his palms start to sweat. 'I don't talk to people, I don't know how to comfort anyone, what would I say? All I know how to do is play the lute. I ... just .... play .... the ...lute.'
Wiping the sweat off his palms, Seamus reaches behind him, drawing the lute to his chest and quietly begins to strum the lullaby he had played after the slaughter of the fleeing goblins. He played it softly and sweetly walking through the rows of people laying on the pews. He smiled at the little boy who's face was burned. He turned and winks to the mom with the broken arm still holding her infant. He nodded and wiggled his eyebrows at the old toothless woman with the bandage on her leg.
Having worked his way around and near every living patient. He played even softer as he walked to the chancel where the five dead were laid. Stopping at every covered corpse playing softly to them as they sleep their last. Stopping the last chorus he reaches down and touches the feet of the last body. Turning he pushes the lute with his elbow onto his back. Walking up to Father Zantus he gives a weak smile and a shrug, "Sorry Father, I'm not very good talking sometimes, I hope a lullaby was ok."
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Kizzy found the Sheriff's assurance sounded uncertain and hoped Father Zantus could offer better word of Ameiko's safety. "Father, I would be happy to help, but frankly I need to know that Lady Ameiko is safe first or I may need the support. Have you seen her, Father?"
Once her worries were answered one way or another, she looked around at the gathered citizens with anxiety. Then she focused on someone she recognized, he tended bar for Miss Ameiko and she had really only ever said a few words in passing. His name was Vasile... she thought. She approached the people sat nearest to his body.
"I'm so sorry for your loss. He was the nicest guy, wasn't he? So don't you worry, his spirit will follow Desna's butterflies and She'll see that he travels safe. I know you miss him, we all will. But he'll be waiting for you, when it's your turn to make the trip. So you keep a journal, alright? And you write down all the things you want to tell him about when you think of them, so you don't forget. He's going to want to hear all about the things he missed, right?" Having lost her mother so young, Qetsiyah was quite practical about death and knew several methods for coping with the loss.
Then she noticed some of her new friends seemed to be struggling to find words or the right words, anyway. She met Seamus' look and tried to smile encouragingly. She loosened the ties on the string of bells she wore wrapped around her boots and tapped her foot along with the rhythm of his lute as he began to play. Then she waved to Meg, and gave her a thumbs up for doing so well with a particularly hard task. Kast seemed to do well enough, though his means of comfort was subtle, it was also profound. Finally she nearly thumps Izomandakus when he goes off about money again and whispers in his ear. "Say, don't you have some cookies on you? Offer them some. Or toss one to Pachemu. She's so cute it might make them smile."
Izomandakus overhears Meg talking to Lenalo's parents. He looks with shocked silly face by her revelations. Likewise, he seems compelled by Kizzy deep understanding of loss. The boy suddenly turns sad and hugs Pachemu "Yes, I also remember Casp. He would throw the holy water at us. Or stretch Aneka's braids... He always knew how to make people forget about their grieve."
"Ouch!" Izomandakus is surprised by Kizzy's slap, but he turns and smiles "Eh... em... you might be right" taking out his cookie pot he offers them to the family gathered and tosses one to Pachemu "Do you want one Kizzy?"
Slowly, Izomandakus is taken by the grieving atmosphere of the new Cathedral, but thanks to Seamus tune he forces himself out of his thoughts and stands up trying to find a profitable task to do.
As he walks among wounded and dead people, Izomandakus contemplates the interior of the temple "Whom is your favorite god?" he asks to anyone nearby "I have always appreciated the industriousness of Abadar, but I always felt his stress on method does not leave enough room for creativity"
After the inspection, the boy nods finding the structure has endured pretty well "It was a good thing the new temple was made of stone, the goblin torches did not made much damage Father Zanthus. I wonder how things would have been different if the last temple would have been of stone during the fire that ruined the previous church"
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"Thanks Father Zantus! You rock. I have missed you, the priests in Magnimar are heartless" Izomandakus checks Pachemu's now flawless skin and gives him a strong hug. The pig protests a bit but let's it be done "Did the goblins break anything? Why would they want to burn the Cathedral?”
”I’m not sure Izomandakus. Perhaps they just like breaking things, though it did seem rather a pointed assault.”
The boy sits by the first corpse he finds, nodding quietly to the familiars mourning "He was a good guy... we are going to miss it. Just try to see the bright sight, you won't have to hear his snoring at home and you are going to inherit his workshop and all his money"
A mother, sobbing softly with her child, not really all that much younger than Izomandakus himself, but not really understanding what’s going on here, looks at the other boy and nods quietly. ”Dad does snore something fierce mom, doesn’t he?” ”Not anymore…” is the soft reply as she holds her son tighter. ”Let me tell you more about him, so you don’t forget…” and she goes on to tell her son stories of her father, so he’ll remember.
On one particularly aggrieved person, Kast will sit in silence with them, to share their pain. He will put his hand out to their shoulder so that they know that they do not grieve alone.
Even heroes cry.
Kast stops at an old man, shaking with age, bent over what must have been his wife, equally old, and unable to run from the goblins. Father Zantus did what he could but there hasn’t been time, and so it’s clear she was brought down by a multitude of knife attacks. She must have been surrounded. He leans into Kast and cries on the younger man’s shoulder for some little while before straightening up. ”We were going to see the play, after the dedication. She so loved the theater. That’s how I met her don’t you know. She had some little part, and I was awestruck. Waited for her at the stage door. That kind of thing really does happen you know.” He sighs, and grows silent again, but it’s a more peaceful silence.
Meg slaps her cheeks. ”I am sorry. I get lost in sometimes. My children were murdered as well. I still see the murderer, sometimes, in my mind. I think about what I could have done to stop him, how I could have known what was coming. What frustrates me the most is that I know there was nothing I could have done, nothing that I would have thought to do.” She places a hand on...
They look to each other, and to you, and realize they’re not really alone. After all, they still have each other, and of course, they’re young yet. Perhaps they could try for another child… A glimmer of hope in their sorrowful faces. Some respite for the future.
Seamus plays a soft tune to keep the beast at bay. His lilting melodies rise into the vaulted hall and echo around the corners touching everyone, and their hearts. The crowd grows even quieter during the playing - which brings a little joy to the people.
"Sorry Father, I'm not very good talking sometimes, I hope a lullaby was ok."
The Father smiles, ’Well done my sone. Well done indeed.”
Kizzy moves about the room, making her newfound allies better, and coaxing more pain out of the Sandpoint residents than they knew they had. As she moves from group to group, there’s a lightness that didn’t exist before. A sense of hope.
…and hope brings hunger. Izomandakus’ cookies aren’t filling perhaps, but they are very tasty and easily shared. The children among them manage whole cookies, seeming so large in little hands, while most adults take a half or less, so there’s enough for everyone to share. It brings a sense of community, and strength.
After the inspection, the boy nods finding the structure has endured pretty well "It was a good thing the new temple was made of stone, the goblin torches did not made much damage Father Zanthus. I wonder how things would have been different if the last temple would have been of stone during the fire that ruined the previous church"
Father Zantus smiles painfully, remembering the first fire, ”Oh you were very young Izomandakus, it was quite the blaze. Burned down this whole district of town as well, including buildings mostly made of stone. For it’s not all stone you see, and can still burn after a fashion.”
Eventually, Father Zantus gathers you all together again, ”Thank you, that was very kind. I appreciate your help, as I’m sure they do, even if they can’t voice it just now. Look, before you go, take this.” he hands one of you a wand. ”It’s only got a couple dozen charges in it, but I want you to have it. In good health! Oh, and don’t worry about me, I’ve another one. I make them you see. Great business in Magnimar for the things. They just take so long to make, and everyone is always interrupting.” he chuckles as he ushers you out of the church and into the night.
It’s past 10pm, and with he curfew on, you should get back to your respective domiciles. Feel free to role play through to morning, as you won’t be bothered until you’re meeting with the mayor at the rather civilized hour of 11am.
You each earn a hero point.
Izomandakus nods to Father Zantus "I still remember the sadness, and the smell to cinders Father. I feel a bit guilty I do not remember the names of those who were lost or about their lives. Does that make me evil Father?"
The boy turns very happy when the party earns a wand and he is fast to take it unless someone is faster "That is great. I have used wands before in the Golemworks, but only to reinforce the magics of the Angelic Defenders. Master Bhreacher kept them securely locked and strictly punished those who misused them" he does study the stick from many different angles.
"Well people, I have to go. I see mom and Aneka are not here, which is good, but I have to make sure Sandpoint Savories has not suffered under the attack" Izomandakus says goodbye to everyone and leaves the temple with Pachemu "I will met with you tomorrow at the Town Hall. Have a good night all of you!"
Izomandakus is altered when he finds the sign and door have been burned and one of the windows is broken from the attack, but he is happy to find his family is all good.
He explains everything about the attack, his mother goes silent and Aneka reproach he has taken too much risks "But someone has to defend the town! You have always told me we have to defend ourselves!"
Things though do not get further, they have a tense but pleasant dinner and later on, Izomandakus goes to sleep hugging Pachemu and giving him thanks for having been so brave during the day.
The next day Izomandakus wakes up early and prepares himself to visit the mayor.
Kast cries a bit more, joining in the loss and sorrow. It's hard to feel heroic when even after you did your best, others still died.
"Great. Ah. Great...I'll see you guys tomorrow, maybe," Kast gets up and begins to ready to head home. He was up before sunrise, and it seems like he was on his feet the entire time. He is dead tired.
"I'll...I'll see you. Yeah." He thinks to ask if Kizzy wouldn't mind some sparring practice, but figures he might have earned a day to sleep in, if that's what his body wants.
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast makes his way to the exit, and then home.
Next time you'll be perfect, Kast. Perfect.
Qetsiyah frowns when the Father doesn't hear her question. "Ameiko Kaijitsu, Father? You haven't seen her?" Her worry for her friend had been bubbling within her since speaking with the Sheriff. She'd come along to see the Father because she'd been asked, but as she noticed the dead bartender, someone who could likely have been beside Ameiko when the fighting broke out, she couldn't stomach her building anxiety any longer.
Turning to her fellow "heroes", she told them, "You guys do what you can for these folks and I'll be right back to help."
She hustled the whole way to The Rusty Dragon, the bells on her boots jingling in time with her steps. She hit the door hard and burst into the place with no small commotion. "Ameiko? "
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'Well done? Music effects all of us differently, I'm glad it helped the others here." He nods politely to the priest, 'I know it was lullaby everyone has heard. I won't tell him I first played it for the goblins at Junker’s Edge.' Realizing the priest had asked his friends to gather round, Seamus joins them. Giving a light smile when the priest thanks them for the 'help.' As Father Zantus produces the wand, Seamus smile turns to a bit of a smirk. 'A wand for healing, Ah the good priest doesn't like to be in anyone's debt either' As Izomandakus and Kast says goodbye, Seamus waves. Turning to Kizzy and Meg. "I'll see you ladies at the Mayor's office in the morning. I believe I will go and see if I can find my hat."
Walking out the temples doors Seamus crosses the churchs square, looking around the front of the mildly damaged jewerly store for his hat. He crosses beside the building Finding the remains of his half-burned, water soaked, soot-stained, grey, floppy hat overturned on Cliff street.. He nudges it, turning it over with the toe of his soft leather boot. Finding no coins underneath. Mumbling, Figures."
Picking the hat up by it's singed brim, he walks back to Junker's Way pausing at the cliffs edge, looking down at the beach. He stands for a moment trying to see if any goblins were digging through the trash. 'Nope, not a one, don't now why I though there would be.' Giving a sigh, he tosses the half-burned, water soaked, soot-stained, grey, floppy hat over the edge, watching it tumble down into the waves that was washing the junk out to sea.
Cutting back down Main Street, Seamus passes 'Sandpoint Savories' with the light shining through the broke window, he notices the burns on the sign and the door. Also able to catch a glimpse of Izomandakus and his sister and mother sitting down to eat. Smiling to himself he continues down Main Street to Water Street. Seeing a few sailors headed to their vessels, Seamus reaches to tip his hat, then moves his hand to his side, just giving the sailors a nod. Passing the market square he heads down Salmon Street, as the Shoant guard at the side door is escorting a couple of men out. Telling them "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."
Avoiding the two men, Seamus makes it to the door just before it closes. Pulling the door open, seeing the look on the big mans face, he quickly lifts both hands. "Hey hey, it's just me!" The big Shoanti smiles showing the gap in his teeth, he chuckles. "I hear you kill, goblins." Initially returning the big mans smile he lets it fade a little, "Yeah, something like that." Seamus looks up and down the halls. "Looks like all the customers took Hemlock's warning to heart." The big mans smile widens, showing another gap where a tooth was lost in a fight, as he nods; "Mistress Kaye very careful to obey all the laws." he gestures down the hall, "Besides, gives girls night off after rough day." Seamus nods, "True enough."
He makes his way into the foyer, with it's large comfortable easy chairs and spacious sofa's where the customers wait and meet the girls. There are several ladies lounging there, still very early in the evening on this end of town. Seamus takes a seat on one of the red velvet padded outmans and draws his lute from under his arm and starts to play. He begins with the lullaby, because it was fresh in his mind. Then he plays the song he learned from the halflings. As he plays, more of the ladies come in the room, some sitting, some standing, a couple reclining on the sofa's. One of the Shoanti guards stands near the front door tapping his foot. For a moment Miss Tesarani comes out of her office, standing in the hall, leaning against the wall, listening. Seamus transitions from one song to another, trying a couple of tricks he saw Ameiko do, he keeps playing. After a few requests, a few songs where some of the ladies sang along, some folks leaving and other folks joining; Seamus was finally tired enough that he thought he could go to sleep. Finishing the evening with a hymn of Calistria's that Faunra had taught him, He excused himself. Going to the kitchen and eating a little stew and rye bread, he heads to the attic to his thin mattress in the dormer and falls asleep.
Waking fitfully mid morning, he looks out the dormer to Salmon Street, smiling to himself that the window faced west instead of east. Having gone to sleep dressed, he grabs the clean blue shirt and heads downstairs for his morning ablutions. Once dressed and ready to go, he gets to the kitchen for some cold stew and day old rye bread. then heads toward the Mayors office.
Once she is done with assisting the Father, Meg heads back to The Rusty Dragon, as much to look for Kizzy as to get a drink and go to sleep. She saw Kizzy rush off earlier, but she was certainly in no place to follow. The Father had mentioned Ameiko when she asked him what made Kizzy run off, so her destination was fairly obvious. Meg is in no particular rush, lacking the sense of foreboding that overcame her new friend. A quiet walk home seemed a good idea for once.
Telling the Grisbys some of the truth felt good. It got the words out of her head. It made her feel more grounded again. Yet, giving voice to her troubles also made them suddenly more real, more present. It is easy to ignore a problem when you are the only person who knows about it.
Being a hero, though...does she really have that in her? She just acted. That she somehow killed several goblins and came out unscathed was pure luck, nothing more. Is that what being a hero is? Killing creatures before they kill you? How utterly depressing. She did not like any of it. She thinks back to the boy near the church. And to the boy whose parents she just spoke with. Her doing nothing would have been worse, but that does not mean that she has to like what she had to do.
There had been a time in which she would have thought the goblins little better than animals. Sapphira would not allow such thinking, though. “Every living creature deserves dignity and love,” she would insist. She never argued the point, never provided evidence, never employed persuasive techniques, never set up a logical proof. All methods she used elsewhere with impunity. No, she did not think it necessary or even helpful to argue the point. Valena, who never believed she deserved dignity nor love, held that affirmation close, a touch of warmth tucked deep in her chest. Every face Sapphira ever made as she said those words, every scene and setting, blends together into a single perfect memory, much as how a hundred amateur singers in chorus merge into a single virtuoso voice. She loves Sapphira so much. She has thought the same so many times, but it feels different this time. Somehow...more.
She laughs to herself, the sound of her boisterous voice echoing throughout the curfew’d town. She cannot even think of stabbing goblins to death without finding a way to turn the subject back to Sapphira.
She finally comes up upon The Rusty Dragon. Soon, she will be full of drink and not be thinking of anything.
Izomandakus nods to Father Zantus "I still remember the sadness, and the smell to cinders Father. I feel a bit guilty I do not remember the names of those who were lost or about their lives. Does that make me evil Father?"
”No son, not evil. We cannot remember all who came before us. You just do the best you can.”
She hustled the whole way to The Rusty Dragon, the bells on her boots jingling in time with her steps. She hit the door hard and burst into the place with no small commotion. "Ameiko? "
”Oh, now hush. You’ll wake the dead with such shouting.” she gestures to the bar, ”Now come, have a drink, and tell me how you became a Hero of Sandpoint!”
The next day is perhaps more somber than yesterday, but hopefully no less filled with promise. You each in your own way make yourselves ready to meet the Mayor, the Honorable Kendra Deverin, generally beloved of Sandpoint.
You walk the short distance to the Townhall, and everyone greets you, and more often than not by name! Shopkeepers offer discounts, homeowners their congratulations, even the loud old woman in the square - ranting about the excesses of Sheriff Hemlock - stops a moment to give you a respectful nod. It seems everyone has heard what you’ve done, and wants to thank you for it.
As the locals well know, and as the others are learning, the cathedral is a Big Deal® and you saved it. Oh, and some nobleman too. That was a nice gesture. But it’s the cathedral that has their attention. The cathedral that took years to build, was helped along by everyone down to the smallest child, and that was attacked on the very night of its consecration. Clearly it was the target of the goblins, and you thwarted them. The town is not meager in its thanks.
You eventually stride up the broad shallow steps to the Sandpoint Townhall. The majority of the ground floor of this two-story building consists of a meeting hall large enough to seat most of Sandpoint’s adults, although town meetings have rarely been even half so well attended. The upper floor contains offices and storerooms, while a vault in the basement below has functioned as the town bank for decades. Plans to build a proper bank have been stalled for various reasons since the town was founded, and this seems to suffice.
The few milling townspeople applaud you as you arrive singly and in pairs for your meeting. You’re quickly and efficiently escorted to a comfortable, if small, waiting room until everyone arrives, and you are then escorted into the mayor’s office where she’s just finishing up a meeting with Sheriff Hemlock. She bids him to stay, although he gets up from his chair, and moves to the back of the room so as to be out of the way.
”Welcome, welcome everyone, and thank you for coming. I wanted to extend my appreciation to you all, on behalf of the town, for what you did last night. I have reports here from Father Zantus, Lord Foxglove, a dozen or more citizens, and of course the sheriff here. All say you did a fine job!” She seems heartfelt and appreciative as she makes you comfortable in a scattered variety of chairs. ”The town council hasn’t met yet, but I expect some proclamation or other that I’ll have to read to you, perhaps at some ceremony at the church. But that’s days away, at least. I expect this will have rather more meaning to you though, certainly more useful than a piece of paper!”
With that she takes out several pouches of gold and silver coins, giving you each a pouch.
While she continues politely praising you, there’s a perfunctory pound on the door, and a servant ducks his head in giving sheriff Hemlock a message and ducking back out. The large man shifts, and interrupts the mayor after a time - politely clearing his throat. ”Lord Mayor, there’s a matter I must attend to, and I wondered, if I may, I’d like our heroes to join me. If they’re done here and if you’ve the time of course.” He asks you to join him.
Izomandakus feels strange about all the attention by others at town, but he is more than happy to take everything he is being offered.
At the office with the Mayor he smiles at Pachemu "Miss Deverin is receiving us Pachemu! Deverin! Can you believe it? She says we did a fine job!"
When the woman only praises them for their job but does not share anything about the effect and reasons beyond the attack, Izomandakus starts to worry "I have a question Mayor, or Sheriff, or both" the boy pauses a few seconds thinking how to properly talk to such illustrious members of his community, he want to seem authoritative and respectful "The goblins did not seem to enter through the gates. They seemed more to come from the docks or something like that. Did anyone find out how they make it into town? No one saw them until they were in front of the Church?"
When gold is given, Izomandakus does not lose a single second of his time, as soon as the pouch is delivered he counts it, making small columns of coins while the Mayor finishes sorting out details about ceremonies to further praise the heroes.
But when the messenger arrives, the boy is quickly to act, collecting all the coins back to the pouch in a blink and offering himself "Oh, yes, I am willing to further help, especially if there are more pouches full of coins like this one. What is it Sheriff Hemlock?"
Meg begins to breathe easy as the Mayor does not recognized her and suddenly gasp and sic the coppers on her. If she's half as canny as Sapphira, then Kendra would probably be more restrained anyways, but at the very least Meg's worst fears are not realized.
"You are so sweet, darling! You really do not need to go through all that trouble."
As she accepts the money, she immediately begins calculating how much alcohol she could get with that much money.
Meg remains stonefaced as the Sheriff gets some grave news. Is it about her? Did someone sell her out? Eh, it is probably fine. If the Mayor does not recognize her, then she must be disguised well enough that it will not be an issue.
She stands, gives a polite bow to the Mayor. "By your leave, Mayor Deverin." She follows after the sheriff. "How may I be of service, darling?"
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”Oh, now hush. You’ll wake the dead with such shouting.” she gestures to the bar, ”Now come, have a drink, and tell me how you became a Hero of Sandpoint!”
Out of breath from her hustling and bellowing, she stopped just inside the door and braced her hands above her knees, huffing and puffing and suddenly weak with relief upon seeing her friend looking perfectly well. "Oh, thank Desna! -*huff*puff*- I didn't see you... anywhere on the streets... and the Sheriff didn't know.... and the Father didn't know... and then I saw Vasile and I thought... I'm just... I'm just glad you're alright." Then she happily made her way to the bar for a drink for she was mighty parched after everything.
"Everyone's making much ado about nothing, really. We fought some goblins. I'm sure nearly everyone who carries a weapon did as much." She shrugs about the title of hero again. But she still happily told the story of how Seamus saved a little boy who was bravely chucking rocks, and Meg killing the goblin commando with her spindly little sword, and Izomandakus comforting the grieving with his delicious cookies, and how Kast was willing to hold the gates single handedly and nearly ran down a goblin, even with a bum leg. She even told about little Pachemu fighting the goblin dog, even though it hurt her cute little snout.
______________________________________________________________________
In the morning, she went where she was expected and politely accepted everyone's thanks, still protesting that she had done very little really. She almost tried to return the gold, but she really did need to be able to pay Ameiko properly for her lodgings. She hadn't really thought that "Hero of Sandpoint" could be a proper job, but it was looking more and more like it was. Especially when the Sheriff claimed he needed their help with something. She had been looking for work, after all.
"Happy to help out, Sheriff. What can we do?"
As Seamus makes his way from the kitchen back to the attic several of the 'staff' of the 'Kitten' stop him and thank him, telling him that his heroics was the story of the market. Frowning, he returns to the attic. Tucking his blue cotton 'poet's shirt' into his trousers, putting on his double breasted three quarter length, high collared, belted Burgundy leather vest, slipping his bandolier over his shoulder; he looks around for a moment. 'I certainly won't need my lute for a meeting with the mayor. I wish I had my hat.' Not able to cover his face with his hat, Seamus pulls his weather worn traveling cloak out of the pack where he had left it, dusting it off he throws it on and heads down stairs.
As he leaves the 'Kitten' he pulls the hood up over his head trying to hide his face. He keeps his head bowed and his eyes down, avoiding as many people as possible. Following Water Street to Main Street he's able to avoid most attention, until he pulls the hood off climbing the shallow steps of the town hall. Hearing applause, Seamus looks up realizing it's for him. He tucks one hand in his pocket and waives slightly with the other. Stepping into the waiting room he breaths a sigh of relief. Seeing his friends. he smiles a little. "good to see all of you."
As their led into the Mayor's office he almost puts the hood back over his head, but realizes it would be really inappropriate. Instead he quietly takes a chair, wrapping the cloak around himself; sweating profusely, either due to the cloak or the major or the office or a combination of all three. He studies the mayor as he reaches out and accepts the pouch. Weighing it with his hand, he tucks it into a pocket on his bandolier. 'Well, I should be able to buy a new hat. But what else does she want for that money. We only did what anyone would have.'
When there is a knock on the door, Seamus breaths a sigh of relief. 'Finally she needs to take care of something important, we'll be able to leave.' Realizing it's Hemlock he tries to disappear under his cloak sitting in the rail-backed office chair. His eyes bulging, when the Sherriff asks that they, along with the Mayor, escort him. As the others literally jump from their chairs to offer the lawman help, Seamus slowly stands nodding his assent pulling his cloak around him. 'Gods, what have I gotten myself into?'
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Kast takes his time getting ready in the morning. He figures he deserves a bit more rest, especially after the exertions of yesterday. He takes a bit more time to make sure his longspear is still sharp and sound, and likewise with his dagger and morningstar. He's feeling pretty good about being a 'hero' and even though he doesn't believe it, he wants to look the part. He almost forgets his shield when he leaves for the Mayor's office, but limps back for it and slings it onto his back.
C'mon Kast. Be perfect.
* * *
He's there early, greeting the rest of the party and smiling and waving at them then they approach. He's trying to commit the two newcomer's names to memory.
"Izo. Good to see you. How is Pachemu?"
"Seamus. Glad you made it. I wasn't sure."
It's Kizzy. Not Kitty. Ket-see-ya.
He does a double take when he sees Meg, figuring that he was confused about what she looked like yesterday and maybe the day before, if it was, in fact, her that he met. Maybe it wasn't.
Ket-see-ya. And Meg, maybe.
* * *
Kast stands at attention when being addressed by the Mayor, nervous that the Sheriff is also there. He wants to be a perfect soldier, so they think of him as that so they'll understand when he asks to go to Lastwall.
Then I'll be a hero.
With embarrassment, Kast takes the gold. He uncertain whether it's more heroic to accept the thanks or refuse, but since he's been eying a new weapon at the Red Dog smithy and this pouch would pay for most of it.
"I’d like our heroes to join me."
Kast tries not to seem too eager about the invitation, but he'd rather be doing more stuff than at attention with the Mayor.
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When the woman only praises them for their job but does not share anything about the effect and reasons beyond the attack, Izomandakus starts to worry "I have a question Mayor, or Sheriff, or both" the boy pauses a few seconds thinking how to properly talk to such illustrious members of his community, he want to seem authoritative and respectful "The goblins did not seem to enter through the gates. They seemed more to come from the docks or something like that. Did anyone find out how they make it into town? No one saw them until they were in front of the Church?"
Mayor Deverin nods and the Sheriff speaks, ”Several of the little menaces have been caught alive, but they prove mostly useless when interrogated. None of these goblins knows much more than that they were given orders to kill everyone in town and burn down the place - not just the cathedral. None of the captured goblins can even remember their leader’s name, apart from the fact that he was one of ‘you longshanks,’” he refers to his notes.
”One of them, the commando you brought in, said that their leader was on a secret mission to the town’s graveyard, but he didn’t know what the mission was. It was a secret after all. I walked the graveyard briefly this morning, but aside from a little damage here and there, saw nothing untoward. Father Zantus and his acolytes have been doing a more thorough search at my request.” He holds up the note just brought to him, ”This is a note from him indicating that the burial vault of Ezakien Tobyn is ajar. It was a heavy stone seal too. That is what I’d like your assistance with. My other militia are either resting from a long night’s watch, or busy scouring the town for any lingerers. So, I could use the help and your discretion.”
The Mayor, seeing a blank look or two, adds, ”Ezakien Tobyn was Father Tobyn before he died in the cathedral fire seven years ago along with his adopted daughter Nualia. He was our priest before Father Zantus. I can’t imagine what goblins would want with his tomb. Please, go check it out, and keep me in the loop Sheriff.”
Sheriff Hemlock is quiet for a time as you walk toward the graveyard. The people continue to praise you and come up to you. By the time you’re half way there, it feels like the whole town has said hello. ”Quite popular you all are. And well deserved I think. Father Zantus also told me what you did last night after curfew. Well done.” He goes another block before adding, ”So what are your plans for the future?” he’ll ask of you generally as you walk.
- - -
Izomandakus goes pale. When Mayor Deverin cites the names, old memories come back to the boy "Father Tobyn... Nualia... those goblins really want to bother us about the church!"
"It is fine Sheriff, thanks to these dependable men and women we could go to sleep yesterday night, otherwise we would have had to remain on watch" the boy nods "We Sandpoint work together, we are a village team!" Pachemu oinks and nods.
As they walk by the streets Izomandakus tries to think how to better approach this investigation, paying little to no attention to the people, until Hemlock asks about plans and he loses his train of thought "Oh, yes, I am looking for a small building where I can build a workshop. Of course the coin the Mayor gave us is going to help a lot with the rent. I think I am ready to start crafting helpers to work the fields around town. Master Bhreacher says it is just not economically viable, but I think by focusing on crafting good workers rather than other features, it will work. Once it is working the cash inflow will be high high. Big real coin, but for that first I need some coin to lever the investment. I am noticing adventuring is giving good coin. Look at Ameiko and her tavern. So perhaps that might be a good way to get the initial money. Just Aneka and Mom do not want me to..."
Unable to read the Sheriff's taking on his explanations Izomandakus feels bad and asks back "What about you Sheriff. What are your plans for the future? Is there any stout Shoanti woman in the radar? You look pretty strong with Mayor Deverin" perhaps talking to much without realizing, the boy attempts to blink an eye to break the wall of his secrets without realizing he is too serious of a man.
Once at the graveyard, Izomandakus asks Father Zantus "Can you explain us what is the overall layout of the tomb? Is it very deep?"
Meg listens thoughtfully, her brow furrowed, as she tries to make sense of this dilemma. The goblins taking orders from a "longshanks?" How odd. And what would they want with the grave of a former Father. "They did seem very intent on destroying the church, so maybe they are simply anti-religion?"
Checking out a tomb seems simple enough. "I obviously cannot speak for the others, but I am happy to investigate. I have nothing better to do save drinking." The Father and his daughter died in a fire. She shakes her head. Is this world really so cruel to children?
"As for the future, I really have never been good at planning, so who knows what it holds. Give me a reason to stick around and I just might." She mimes downing a glass of wine. She then grins and shrugs. "Or not. I make no promises."
Qetsiyah listened closely as the Sheriff described the intel gained from the Goblins. "A longshanks? Hmm... it's never good when someone starts trying to organize goblins. They're usually too stupid and prone to in-fighting to cause much real harm on their own. But we may see more attacks if they were directed here with a purpose. Was anything of value buried with the priest?"
Kizzy wasn't sure what he was on about but asking about future plans sure sounded like he might be about to mention a job opening. "I came to town to see the festival and visit with Ameiko. But Kast there mentioned the Merchant League might be looking for Caravan Guards. It's good work, travelling around and seeing new places." Always good to let a potential employer know you have other options. She thought to herself.
When they arrived, she stepped forward, willing to stick her neck out and check it out first. "Anyone have a torch or a lantern?"
Meg imagines a set of four lights moving about the air in front of her. She has them twirl about Kizzy like orbiting planets. "I have four available whenever I want."
Kizzy laughs out loud in pure delight as she looks around in wonder at the orbs of light. "Honestly, Meg, is there anything you can't do?" Pleased that she need not sacrifice a hand to hold a light, Qetsiyah drew her sword to proceed on into the tomb.
Meg waves Kizzy's words away. "Oh stop, flattery does not work on me. It is but a parlor trick."
'You mean the goblins don't want to talk to us?' Smirking slightly to himself, Seamus listens as Hemlock explains more. 'A long shankes telling them what to do...' He turns as Kizzy speaks up. When someone tries to organize... has she dealt with this sort of thing before?' Raising an eyebrow at his friend, He turns to the sherriff as he goes on. 'And they've broken into a tomb, well that's low. I'd only do it if they had something really valuable in it, but goblins? What do they value? Or is it the 'longshanks.' Hearing the tomb was broken into Seamus curiosity is piqued,
Following the Sheriff towards the graveyard, Seamus fusses with his cloak, then checks all the buttons on his bandolier, then puts his hands in his pockets, then begins to reach for the pouch to count the coins. Stopping himself he puts his hands back in his pocket. . 'I wish I had brought the lute, I don't know what to do with ....' Hearing Hemlock's question, Seamus freezes for a moment. 'The jig is up.' Then breathing a sigh as Meg confesses she has no plans, and Kizzy spoke about doing caravan work, 'Good he wasn't talking just to me.' He rolls his eyes as Izomandakus, ask his question. Seamus reaches up poking his friend in the shoulder, giving him a dirty look, then adds. "I was just doing odd jobs at the 'kitten' and playing my lute at the market on Tuesday."
Drawing his long knife and a throwing dagger, Seamus notices Kizzy move forward asking for light. Nodding in approval, when Mig creates the lantern like objects. "Nice, Meg, very impressive. Can you keep them behind or above me so they don't light blind me?" As he walks up to Kizzy, tapping on her armor with the pommel of his long knife. "Um, excuse me Kizzy, but, elven eyes." as if that was enough explanation he steps in front of her keeping a keen eye out, moving slow and attentive.
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”So what are your plans for the future?”
*limp, drag, limp*
Kast almost immediately blurts out "To serve in forces of Lastwall. To hold against the forces of the Whispering Tyrant. And to die bravely in battle to save innocents." Which, of course, would be a ridiculous thing to say. A completely childish dream. From a cripple who cannot even march in formation.
But Kast is young.
"To serve as a defender of Lastwall. To hold against the forces of the Whispering Tyrant. And to die bravely in battle to save innocents," Kast says all too quickly.
*limp, drag, limp* He marches with a big happy grin on his face. That was a good answer. The most correct answer.
* * *
He watches Meg as he limps along, trying to get a good look of what she looks like. He's still not sure if this is the same person from last last night, but maybe?
* * *
Kast doesn't particularly like that Seamus was taking point, as Seamus wasn't one of the watch, but also, he'd seen him fight, so was hoping that he knew what he was doing.
Please be careful. Kast hovers close, his longspear ready.
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Meg glances about at everyone else for how she is supposed to take Kast’s proclamation. Why, of all the things someone would wish for, why would they wish to fight a Whatever-He-Said. He spoke rather quickly, so it sounded rather like “Wandering Trident” but that could not be it. Maybe it would bother her less if she had a better read on him.
As such, she keeps an extra special eye on him as the group heads to the tomb. She notices his eye lingering on her as well. As always, she would rather just engage a put a man on the defensive than try to piece out motives behind the scenes. She suddenly swivels around and stops in front of him. ”Is there something I may help you with, darling? You look like you want to ask me something.” She flies two of the dancing lights to illuminate his reaction from prime angles, which she knew from years of practice doing her own personal lighting at public events.
*limp, drag, limp*
”Is there something I may help you with, darling? You look like you want to ask me something.”
”Oh, nothing really,” Kast replies with a boyish smile, artlessly. ”I’m just trying to be sure what you look like. That’s all. I thought you were different a few days ago. So, I dunno. Just trying to be sure.”
*limp, drag, limp*
”Sorry to bother. I think I got it now.”
Meg holds still for a moment, still staring at the young man. Always give a man the opportunity to say what he is thinking and you will not have to read his mind. She finally pats him on his shoulder and whisks her lights back to hovering above her. ”Ah, I see. It is called makeup, darling. I am happy to share some tips. Especially with the facial hair, something to make your eyes pop would do nicely.” In her time running parties, Valena has met people from all over the world, and there are plenty of places in which forms of what is commonly referred to as “makeup” would be acceptable—even desired—on men, so the offer is earnest, even if she doubts it will be taken that way.