Yuto shivers when Teruko gives her that look after his comment. He mutes almost immediately, only resuming talking when the group decides the search of the lighthouse is completed and they should move on.
"Y-you are right Teruko Sama, we can visit it on our way" he looks towards the ruined piers beyond the brace of water in front of their current position "Let's hurry up. We have to save Ameiko"
If the group is ok, Yuto starts to make the road towards the ruined village and staring at the first buildings there "I-is it here you saw the gho-gho-ghosts, Riftun?" the young man looks in alert with his katana ready to slash at the ghosts that sure are going to ruin their day in a second or two.
The young woman feels an intense surge of anger from Lonjiku. Whatever her priorities are, she's pretty sure that they don't line up with his - the inheritance is pretty clearly his goal.
Elvina follows inside the lighthouse, discovering with the others the secrets it keeps. She agreed with Teruko, but internally appreciated the way nature had a way of returning to structures. Wildflowers and moss often found a way to creep into the tiniest of crevasses. Despite
Hirabashi's reservations about touching the crumbling stone, Elvina can't resist running the tip of her index finger along the space where two of the stones meet.
The witch will peer over at the key, rusted and fragile-looking. "It's a pretty bobble." She'll follow Teruko's question with a look towards Riftun. It wasn't uncommon for a bard to have a lockpicking kit and she was equally curious.
Elvina will trail behind Yuto, down the road towards the ruined village. "How many ghosts did you say there were, Riftun?" The elf periodically looks out at the river while traversing the path. She looks for signs of life - waterfowl, plants, and insects.
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Riftun's response to Teruko's inquiry is shockingly cool coming from the usually warm and welcoming bard.
"I don't want to talk about it." he replies curtly, a distant coldness in his eyes just for a moment before he stows the tools back in his bright blue bag and secures it with the red rope.
When he turns back around to face them again his expression has gone back to that of typical mild embarrassment for the bard as he scratches he back of his head and laughs awkwardly. "B-But I did study a bit about locksmithing and engineering when I was younger... it wasn't my favorite subject but when you run out of the exciting fairy tales you make due with what you have I suppose." The warmth has returned to the bard's voice now as he attempts to awkwardly explain away his knowledge.
In response to Yuto Riftun sighs and bows his head apologetically. "Y-You're probably right... It was a dumb idea. I-I'm just desperate to find anything that might help Ameiko or finding my other friend... It was wrong of me to even suggest something so risky..."
Teruko's statement does catch Riftun a little off guard however causing the young man to spin around and face her wide eyed for a few seconds. Did... Did Teruko just put her sister's health and wellbeing above the Kaijitsu name? Riftun knew that Teruko had begun to turn around and show more of an interest in her sister of late even before he left but this was...
Quickly composing himself the red-headed bard cocks his head to the side and smiles congenially at the woman. "I agree we have to focus on what's important here."
Affixing his bag too his belt loop the bard hurries along out of the lighthouse with the others. "To the graveyard then... Pharasma keep us.
....
Upon entering the crumbling ruins Riftun's eyes begin darting left and right nervously. "W-Well, truth be told... I-I never really saw them only the results of their pranks..." he stammers and begins staring at his feet as his face flushes hot once more as embarrassment begins to creep in. "H-Honestly I'm... a pretty heavy sleeper and, well, their hauntings were generally confined to when I was slumbering in any of several of these ruined structures. When I awoke they would have taken my things, or-or smashed up the room around me, or even brought me out somewhere else entirely!"
The young man hugs his arms around his body as his teeth begin to chatter, not from the cold but from the fear of what he has endured the past three days. "I have no idea what their end goal is... it may just be playful tricksters having a laugh but the room smashing felt far more threatening than all that... Whatever they are after, i-it's probably safe to assume they will wait until we're sleeping to make their next move."
"I-I would like to be prepared." He stutters and withdraws a single coffee bean from his pouch. Holding it before his face the young bard chants an arcane incantation whilst staring at the tiny bean. In a moment, the dark brown bean suddenly turns ebony black and he flicks it into his mouth with a crunch. Abruptly the boy perks right up, suddenly standing very straight as his eyes dart from left to right with alarming speed.
"Th-This should help with the sleep deprivation!" he chimes a little too fast.
"It does tend to give me the jitters though!"
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Yuto observes attentively as their new elven companion touches the stone like sensing all the ancient life of its past. He says nothing but instinctively also places a hand on the stone before leaving.
The young man nods giving Riftun's explanation for good "Sure, locksmiths are needed everywhere. Koya and I, we lost keys a couple of times at least and had to break the door" he scratches his head and smiles a bit ashamed, but raises his eyes noticing some embarrassment too in the redhead.
---
Yuto breaths relieved as Riftun confesses he has not really seen any ghost.
His eyes then seem suddenly fixated at the ruined buildings. He looks back at Teruko, then at the ruins, then back at Teruko "A-a-a-a-are those ruins not exactly as Sa-sandpoint Glassworks?"
Pointing at the collapsed buildings in front, he states "Lo-ook the heavy ovens in-in the middle, the-the long workbench in front. Th-the meeting rooms around"
Some idea strikes at the Tian "The Glassworks in Sandpoint have a subterranean level. I know, because it is there where we store the completed glass products, as well as the wood and coal to feed the ovens" he looks again at the ruins "If it is there, perhaps the subterranean level has been well preserved..."
It only takes the group a couple minutes to travel back down the pathway towards the ruined buildings, whereupon they stop just outside the cemetery gates. A rickety wooden fence surrounds the old burial ground, and iron gates bar entry. The gates are flanked by two statues of a beautiful woman with butterfly wings - artistic depictions of Desna, the Song of the Spheres.
Across the way stands the ruined building akin to the Kaijitsu glassworks, as well as what appears to be a smithy of some description. Both buildings are ruined, however, and do not look like they'd be easy to enter - inasmuch as "entrance" is possible when there's only a few walls left standing.
Riftun looks quizzically over the ruins that Yuto points out. "Yeah, I suppose you're right... I've never been in the Glassworks personally but from what I've seen of the outside this place is almost an exact replica." He strokes his chin thoughtfully inspecting the ruin. "I-I don't know that entrance is really possible at this point unless you've brought a shovel Yuto but this does bode the question of why there would be a glassworks here the same as the one in Sandpoint? It could be a knock-off I suppose? Mercantile espionage of sorts... or... is there any chance your family built a glassworks here in Brinewall before Sandpoint Teruko? Regardless, it's well spotted Yuto, I'm glad we have someone with sharp eyes here to watch out for us all." The boy giggles cheerily at the samurai, clearly pepped up by his spell.
With that Riftun turns to offer a prayer to his patron goddess asking her to watch over his lost friends.
The glassworks do look somewhat familiar... but didn't the old ones in Sandpoint have underground areas because of the relative closeness of the underground ruins from Thassilon? Riftun's not sure, but it could be that there aren't any underground parts - or at least, if there are, they probably aren't quite as deep as the ones beneath Sandpoint.
The cemetery was obviously sanctified to Desna, though Riftun isn't sure whether that's still the case - it has been quite some time since Brinewall was abandoned (or destroyed - he's not sure what happened here, though the latter looks more likely). If Desna had been watching over this graveyard, then it's unlikely any ghosts would have arisen. However, now that the people who tended this place are long since gone, that may no longer be the case.
But wait... speaking of tending the cemetery, the young bard notices that there's something odd about the graveyard. That is, the graves are surprisingly clean and in good condition, and the grass is well-weeded.
Riftun stands from his knees. His brow furrowed as he stares out into the graveyard. "That... that just doesn't make any sense at all." The bard blinks and rubs his eyes in disbelief, doubting very much the validity of what his eyes perceive as reality.
"I-I was, honestly, really scared of coming here... an abandoned cemetery is a really creepy thing after all isn't it? But this... looks shockingly welcoming... Look! The grass is well weeded and the gravestones... they're shockingly well-tended aren't they?" he puzzles and tries the gate.
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Teruko has to suppress a flinch at Riftun's unusually cold tone. They all have things they don't want to talk about, but the sudden switch in personality leaves her off balance. Riftun's appearance, Ameiko's collapse, this inheritance lying hidden underneath Brinewall...her head pounds as she tries to make sense of it all.
...Ameiko would. Her eyes narrow. And this is about Ameiko, Father, regardless of what you might wish. I want to find your inheritance, but I will not sacrifice my sister for it.
Two months ago she never would have challenged Lonjiku so directly. Two years ago she never would have even considered holding an opinion so opposed to his. She's changing. She hopes it's for the better.
Change has its consequences though, and she steels herself for her father's retaliation. The splitting headache will be a small price to pay for her new realization.
I love Ameiko more than I fear you.
"It is the Glassworks." Teruko has been quiet while they walk, but her voice is confident. "Many members of my family once lived here. Until Brinewall was destroyed we ran both the Glassworks here and in Sandpoint concurrently, although I don't know which was built first." The corner of her mouth quirks up. "I think it's unlikely that there would be any subterranean caverns. However we do actually have a shovel, as well as any other tool we might need. We purchased an Any-Tool before we left Sandpoint. So if all else fails, we can find out."
She eyes the graveyard. She hadn't noticed at first; of course a graveyard would be well-tended. They're supposed to be. But if no one's been here for over twenty years..."Perhaps a survivor comes back every so often to maintain the graves?" It seems unlikely, but so does every other possible explanation.
As they enter she tries to keep an eye out for any signs of life. Just in case.
"Of course Teruko Sama. We will dig it out if needed" Yuto agrees with an energetic nod before following Riftun towards the graveyard entrance.
When Riftun tries the gate, Yuto joins and pushes it open "The graveyard is well-cared?" he looks around blinking with a bit of disbelief "Hum... perhaps there is indeed someone still living around? Maybe knows something about the hierloom..."
The gates are flanked by two statues of a beautiful woman with butterfly wings - artistic depictions of Desna, the Song of the Spheres.
Eliva examines the gates appreciatively. "It's a welcome sight to see my goddess' mark here." Although interesting to be at the gates of a graveyard and not at the lighthouse. The view of the stars would have been better at a high vantage point.
The witch attempts to read some of the gravestones, curious as to if those buried here are travelers or locals and when they'd been alive. She brushes away any leaves or debris that may have fallen on the graves. Then, she says quiet prayer.
She eyes the graveyard. She hadn't noticed at first; of course a graveyard would be well-tended. They're supposed to be. But if no one's been here for over twenty years... "Perhaps a survivor comes back every so often to maintain the graves?"
"The Swallowtail festival was the first of this month. It's not unlikely someone would have passed through. I can attest from personal experience, I always spend time to clean and pray at any depiction of my goddess I find."
Yuto looks at Elvina and smiles "A-are you one of the Queen of the North Star followers?"
If the gates open just normally, he steps inside very slowly and carefully "A-are there gho-gho-gho-ghosts that tend to graveyards like this?"
Yuto looks at Elvina and smiles "A-are you one of the Queen of the North Star followers?"
Elvina returns Yuto's smile, "the stars have guided me for decades." The elf returns her attention to the surrounding graveyard. "Are you all followers? Who do you put your faith into?"
Yuto reels back a bit intimidated by the elf "M-my fostermom is a devotee of the North Star Queen herself... I-I am kind of introduced in their principles and rites..." the young man attempts a smile, lowering the eyes and trying to find help by looking at the graveyards "I have been rea-reading about Shizuru, I-I like how her followers strive to lead virtuous lives and, by their example, inspire virtue in others, b-but bu-but I do not think I am capable off..."
"I hope one day one of her honorable followers accepts to teach me in their art of sword fighting" Yuto rests the katana over the graveyard sacred grounds and looks up clearly daydreaming.
Teruko considers the question. "My education included information on most of the deities worshipped in the Inner Sea Region as well as Tian Xia, but I wouldn't say I'm a follower of any particular one. Who I pray to depends on the situation. Abadar for success in business. Sarenrae for healing. Desna for travel." She looks curiously at Elvina. "May I ask what called you to the North Star?"
"It's good to see that we all have a healthy appreciation for the Tender of Dreams." Riftun chirps in response to Elvina, happy his goddess is being given so much respect. "Desna is one of the more heavily emphasized deities from where I was raised in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings and with my love of adventure stories and discovery it was just a natural fit I suppose." The bard hums whilst glancing about the graveyard. "More recently, I've taken to heart her aspects of luck and travel without a destination, for one bound to always be on the road... w-well let's just say I give thanks to Starsong for her protection and guidance."
Riftun nods to Teruko. "I do find myself giving thanks to each god depending on the circumstances though. It makes sense to offer praise to Erastil for a bountiful harvest and Sheyln for all the beauty of the world. Desna herself recognizes the gifts of the other divines so it makes sense that her devoted should as well."
With their discussion ongoing, the heroes push open the gates. Though there is a brief screech of rusty metal, the old iron does yield to their efforts. Inside the graveyard, they see nearly two-dozen graves, a stone crypt sitting atop a hill to the east, and in the distance, another gravestone, set away from the rest, in the northern corner of the cemetery.
Closing with the last reveals that it is, in fact, no gravestone at all, but rather another statue of Desna. This one is carved from marble, though only flecks remain of whatever paint covered it in its prime. She holds aloft a small copper bowl, filled with what must be rain water. Oddly, the copper hasn't turned green at all, despite being exposed to the elements and full of water.
His curiosity piqued by the sight of his goddess stood apart from the other stones Riftun makes his way towards it hoping to inspect its waters. As he advances towards it he mutters a few arcane words and waves his hands about and his eyes once again glint blue.
"Mother says destiny can be read i-in the stars, bu-but that everyone of us is free to ta-take their own road to that destiny..." Yuto slowly steps in the graveyard, interested in the names of the people resting here while Riftun studies the place.
"Pe-perhaps it is by Desna's own hand that the graveyard has been preserved in such good state!" he exclaims with a hopeful tone.
Riftun suspects that someone has enchanted the bowl - or possibly the statue - though for what purpose is beyond him with the information he has now. Perhaps it was a cleric of Desna before the fall of Brinewall?
It's not very common for statues to be built to Desna outside of Varisia, where she's very prominent thanks to the Varisians. Most shrines are just standing stones erected by travelers covered in messages and teachings from others who have stopped there. Settled Varisians - and others who have taken up Desna's worship in Varisia - tend to devote more time to building up edifices for the goddess, including this one.
"I-It is a possibility Yuto... but the gods do rarely deal with the mortal plane directly. There is certainly magic afoot here. Riftun muses whilst examining the statue, admiring its craftsmanship. "It IS odd to see such grand homages to Starsong here... most shrines to Desna are small things as most of my fellow worshipers tend to move about quite often... perhaps we are looking for one who has settled for one reason or another? Possibly a Varisian as her worship is quite common in those lands."
The bard pouts as he croaches low to better examine the strange bowl. "A-All of this is merely conjecture, of course."
While Riftun and Teruko examines the bowl and statue, Yuto wanders around, stopping for a while over the top of the hill where he cleans the name in one of the stones "Admiral Mercatio Kiameleu... humm... founder of Brinewall a century ago, I-I... I think..." the young man explains like if he was paraphrasing a text book "Chelaxian Admiral that helped to settle what would eventually become Brinewall. No real loyalty to his homeland, making of Brinewall essentially independent for much of its history"
Yuto kneels before the tomb and performs the greeting of the samurais, paying homage to such an outstanding man.
Other than that, he waits for the spellcasters' discoveries.
Riftun smiles as he stands and proceeds to dust himself off. "Well Desna certainly blesses us on this day! I-I'm afraid I can't be sure of the actual manner of which this occurs but... the water in this bowl has been rather miraculously converted into holy water. Nothing to fear here." He nods to his new travelling companions satisfied with his investigation.
"Shall we explore the crypt next? I don't expect much in the way of danger as Desna has clearly sanctified this place... I-I'd imagine undead would be an unlikely discovery." the young bard begins to proceed in the direction of the crypt making note of Yuto's historical discovery.
Yuto turns to listen Riftun's explanations "Holy water? Isn't it that what inquisitors use to hold back vampires and other undead?" the young man gulps "Pe-perhaps we should take it with us... just in case we find those gho-gho-ghosts..."
He will provide a few flasks or his own goatskin to take the holy water with the group.
Other than that, he is fine to explore the crypt, or the glassworks, or any of the other buildings for the case.
"Holy water is an encouraging find. Perhaps whoever cleared off the graves blessed the graveyard before they left." Teruko bows respectfully to the statue. "With your leave, Starsong, this holy water might be needed on our journey. We intend only to gather enough water to help us free any undead that might be imprisond in this plane of existence."
Formalities observed, she helps Yuto pour the holy water into various flasks. "I agree with Riftun that there probably aren't any undead in this graveyard." She gives Yuto what she hopes is an encouraging smile. "We can check out the crypt, but I doubt we'll need to explore too much. Just enough to make sure Riftun's friend," (or anyone else), "isn't taking shelter inside."
The statue of Desna with flecks of its original paint is the perfect place for Elvina to pray while the others examine the bowl of water.
She raises her head from posturing. Vampires and other undead... Looking around, it seems unlikely to the witch that this pristine graveyard could harbor such horrors.
"It couldn't hurt to collect the water. But are you sure it will retain its holy properties?" Elvina casts Detect Magic on the flasked liquid after its collected.
Teruko does not notice any immediate sign of divine displeasure - indeed, the only signs that come at all are the whispering wind running through the grasses.
Investigating the crypt reveals that the door is unlocked and only somewhat stuck. Yuto easily pushes it open with a bit of help from Torra. Within there is a stone casket carved with the likeness of a man in formal Chelaxian clothing - presumably a representation of the Admiral himself. Other than that, there's nothing - the single room is all there is in the crypt.
Riftun looks fairly releaved as they step into the crypt and all seems right with the world. Even though he didn't think there would be undead in a place like this there was always a chance. A chance the cowardly young man was only willing to take at all due to the fact that two of his friends were in peril.
Just for good measure he casts his magic detection spell once more and gives the place a once over wracking his mind for any information he might have read up on that could prove useful here.
"I suppose it would be better that we leave this man to his rest. He's certainly earned it if everything Yuto says about the man is true and I have no reason to believe it's not." The archivist bows to pay his respects then turns to leave the man to his eternal slumber. "O-Onto the keep then?"
This likely means that Brinewall was founded around that time, though from what he knows of the Admiral, Yuto is correct - the man didn't hold much loyalty to his homeland, and kept Brinewall relatively independent for his lifetime. Occasionally Ulfen from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings dropped by Brinewall to trade, and even some of the islanders from the Steaming Sea did, as well.
It was destroyed about 24 years ago, though - no one's wholly sure why, though a lot of blame was thrown around - Riddleport pirates, Ulfen raiders, some sort of nasty plague... no one ever came by to find out, and the traders found other ports to sell their goods.
In any case, the young bard's pretty certain that Kelda's not here - indeed, there's no sign that anyone but the party's been here in a long time.
Yuto breaths relieved after the exploration of the small crypt "Fffiiiuu, no ghosts in here!" he smiles in good mood "Th-there is no reason to think the ruins will be less hospitable than the graveyard, isn't it?"
The young man packages the holy water, taking one for himself and offering some flasks to the others "Who else wants holy water?"
Nodding after Riftun's statements, Yuto starts to walk out of the graveyard, through the gates and into the village "Yes, let's head towards the keep, but we can make a stop at the glassworks and smith, then check the docks in our way to the Ke-keep..."
At the ruins, Yuto will proceed with a visual inspection for now "We-we can shovel th-this if we find no-nothing before" but just move over from building to building to the docks and then towards the keep if the visual inspection does not bring anything more than ruins.
"See? This crypt is empty." Teruko hadn't been expecting anything else. "No ghosts. If we're going to find anything, it will be underneath the Keep. That's where the family heirloom is." For a second she looks almost confused, then she adds, "And it's also the most likely place to find any clues about what has happened to Ameiko."
The party leaves the cemetery behind, making their way across the street to the glassworks. They are almost entirely ruined. Only a few fragments of wall and a corner with a small overhang that was once part of the ceiling remain standing.
A careful examination of the rooms reveals that there's nothing much there - whatever valuables or objects of interest that once existed here are now long-since rotted or hidden.
Moving north once more, the heroes find the docks are in as ill-repair as the rest of the place, though the northernmost pier is at least visible above the water - the northeastern one has fallen into the lagoon, leaving only the posts behind.
Most obvious, however, is the longship that sits lopsidedly in the water, its mast a missing stump of fragmented wood, and its sides are scarred with heavy claw marks. In the distance, to the northwest, Riftun points out the rotting corpse of a draconic creature larger than a horse with finlike wings - the probable cause of the boat's destruction.
Riftun nods. "Like I said, I've been through the town pretty throughly myself, the only place left to explore should be the keep. That must be where my friend is as well as whatever is the cause of Ameiko's sudden unconciousness."
The young man turns towards the keep. "Shall we go there now? I-I'd imagine the sooner the better."
Yuto points to the longship "Is that yo-your friend's vessel perhaps? Ha-have you checked if there is some clue left inside?" when the corpse is pointed he gulps impressed "Th-that se-eems pretty dan-dangerous creature... what might ha-have killed such a thing?"
The Tian nods to Riftun "O-ok, let's go check that keep" but when they start moving he carefully falls back in the group trying to ask Teruko and Elvina "Th-the boy seems too eager to enter the keep. Sh-shall we trust him? We saw how Hana's family was able to impersonate others before..."
"A sea drake." There's awe in Teruko's voice. "You'd said there was one, but seeing it in person is still incredible. Although I'm very thankful it's dead."
Yuto points to the longship "Is that yo-your friend's vessel perhaps? Ha-have you checked if there is some clue left inside?"
Teruko pauses while she waits for Riftun to answer the question. He'd said he'd explored the town, but hadn't said anything about the ship as far as she could remember. Yuto was correct that there might be a clue inside. (Even though every part of her wants to get to the keep as fast as possible.)
"Th-the boy seems too eager to enter the keep. Sh-shall we trust him? We saw how Hana's family was able to impersonate others before..."
Yuto is giving voice to the same doubts that have been plaguing her own mind. "His presence here does seem a bit too coincidental," she quietly agrees. "But his eagerness to reach the keep makes perfect sense when you consider he's checked everywhere else. I'm eager to go there too, for similar reasons." She smiles slightly. "Ameiko would trust him completely. I can't, but for her sake I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."
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"Th-the vessel seems from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, but I am really not ve-very acquainted with the groups and organizations he-here..." Yuto extracts from the observation of the longship.
"Th-that makes sense. You su-sure are correct Teruko Sama. Let's head directly towards the keep then"
Seeing both Riftun and Teruko want to explore the keep sooner than later, Yuto decides not to explore the corpse any further and instead he vows and joins Riftun in the group's tip. The young man smiles and accelerates the pace, shield and katana readied, ascending through the curves towards the keep "Le-let's hope yo-your friend has just fo-found a good refuge there up"
"I'll take a flask of holy water." Elvina accepts a corked flask.
"Indeed. And what a sight it is." The elf wrinkles her nose, "We'd best be careful. Rotting corpses tend to bring disease and ravenous pests." Elvina doesn't seem keen on inspecting the dead drake further.
Elvina tilts her head as Teruko and Yuto speak quietly.
Riftun perks up when he is addressed. "Oh? Did I not mention the ship? I-I'm really sorry about that, it must have slipped my mind what with me not sleeping and everything going on with my missing friend and this sudden revelation about Ameiko. It has honestly thrown me for a bit of a loop..." The boy casts his eyes to his feet downtrodden.
"B-But ues... thay ship belonged to a group of Ulfen raider-adventurers. My friend, well she's a member of the crew and offered me safe passage somewhere far away from Sandpoint but when I arrived here I found the ship already in this state and... and no sign of my friend anywhere." the young man swallows hard trying to keep back the tears welling up on his eyes at the memory.
He is so preoccupied by the thoughts that he barely spares a glance up at the sea drake's corpse. When he does he gives a simple slight nod. "I guess it is an amazing sight to one who... regardless, I just honestly want to get out of here so we can help Ameiko... and I'm really concerned about my missing friend... every minute counts."
With that Riftun soldiers on ahead towards the keep though he does notice the others pulling off together and whispering amongst themselves. The bard hangs his head low, his scarlet braid dangling out in fron of him, and curls up on himself. Always the outsider.
Still he does his best to get the group moving forward, his friends were in grave danger and Yuto's hesitancy to move on and take the bard at his word was nerve-racking as Riftun's anxiety had a tendency to make him feel a pressing need to do things and keep moving when danger was abound.
The group progresses down the shore road, passing by a bridge that long ago fell away, leaving only struts. The party continues their discussions, slowly ascending along the hill to the keep
The footprints look oddly like a mixture of humanoid and avian... perhaps they're tengu? Elvina has seen such bird-folk before during visits to Riddleport.
Yuto presses on to reach Riftun who is quickly advancing through the keep's road "Yo-your friend is an Ulfen raider?" the young man looks with a mixture of awe and fear "Ho-how did you come to meet with him Riftun?"
At one moment he halts and points to the ground along the path with his katana "Ha-have you seen those oddly clawed footprints here and there" the blade shakes as he shivers "Tha-a-aaa-at seems more like the marsh mo-onster than a gho-o-o-ost" the young man looks up at the keep and stops walking trembling.
He looks back towards the forest and the caravan beyond frowning "A-are you sure Hana and Seishin will not come if we wa-wait a bit?"
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"Well... her name is Kelda Oxgutter and it's actually kind of a long story as to how we met..." Riftun turns back to face Yuto as they approach the keep whilst rubbing the back of his head apologetically. "Sh-She is a lot nicer than 'Ulfen Raider' makes her sound though... well... once you get to know her."
The young bard does raise a crimson eyebrow at Yuto as the man questions him about the clawed footprints. "Why yes!" he exclaims, "They were actually there the second night I woke up here. I hadn't actually seen what caused it so I've attributed it to ghosts but... what... what exactly is this marsh monster you're referring to Yuto?" Riftun gulps at the thought of some moss and algae covered abomination roaming the streets of Brinewall and puts a hand subconsciously on his dagger.
Whilst on hand grips the hilt of the dagger for confidence, Riftun grabs another coffee bean from his pouch and completes the same ritual as before, turning the coffee bean ebony black and crunching it between his teeth. "I'm anxious to see if Kelda is in need of our aid and... well... we don't know how the magic that's driven her to unconsciousness is effecting Ameiko... For all we know it could be getting more difficult to undo with time. So feel free to wait if you must Yuto. I-I won't force you into a situation you're uncomfortable with... but I'm going to carry on." Riftun nods turning back to face the keep as the spell begins to take effect and the boy's eyes begin to dart around, taking everything in.
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"We went out into the Brinestump Marsh to find a group of adventurers." Teruko's mouth twists in a wry smile. "Arika Avertin, you might remember her, had gone with them. In addition to the normal goblins and marsh creatures we found a...I don't actually know what it was. We killed it, so it wasn't too much of a problem."
She rests a hand on Riftun's shoulder as he continues to ramble. (Trying to make the move obvious enough that it doesn't startle him.) "It's alright, Riftun. We'll find your friend and discover what's wrong with Ameiko." She looks back at Yuto, face set in a deliberately neutral expression. "They're not coming. Seishin because Koya asked him to stay, to help, and Hana...Hana isn't going to leave Ameiko's side."
When Riftun begins heading towards the keep, she follows.
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Riftun struggles not to shy away from Teruko's touch but he can see that she is attempting a gesture of kindness and in appreciation for that he allows her hand to rest on his shoulder. Although, he does tense up significantly, as though someone has gently placed their dear pet tarantula on his shoulder. He daren't move, lest he harm it, so he simply prays it shall return the favor.
"Th-Thank you for that Teruko... this situation must be effecting you most of all, since this is your own sister at risk here so please do be sure to take care of yourself first." the young man cocks his head and smiles awkwardly at Teruko, kindeness in his voice but with clear signs of fear written all over his face that always seems present whenever the woman gets too close to him.
"At least the beast from the swamp is slain! I wish I could have been there to see it. I'm sure it would make for a fantastic story." The boy sighs as he presses on ahead slipping Teruko's grasp as he contemplates the keep before them.
"Wait." Elvina points out footprints coming from the corpse of the drake. "They're identical to the ones Yuto identified when passing through Brinewall. It looks like a mixture of humanoid and avian. Perhaps Tengu. Hopefully they're not in trouble."
"An avian humaniod?" Riftun questions the elf woman whilst arching an eyebrow in confusion. "But... what in the world would a tengu want woth taking my weapons... and moving me about..."
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"Tengus?" Yuto reflects on the tales of the avian creatures he has read on his father's books "The-they are from Tian'Xia, what would they be doing so far from home, Elvina?"
Teruko's words proof reassuring. Yuto's blade ceases shaking "I-it fell." he breaths deep with a sense of pride remembering the event "We made it fell."
The young man remains a few more seconds looking back while the others follow Riftun up towards the keep. He sighs. Then turns and presses on his march.
When he catches up with the lively redhead he restarts the marsh conversation "That monster was a hairless humanoid lurching on back-bent, dog-like legs, with a hideous mouth..." he opens his mouth showing his teeth in the most hideous way possible "...and flanked by tiny arms with three-fingered hands"
As they make it to the keep, he raises his eyes to contemplate it in all its size.