Breathing a sigh of relief once the guards disappear around the corner, Oskar joins the others in heading back to the Tea Kettle and the appointed rendezvous. As the conversation flows and the gnome hands him four gold glory's he raises an eyebrow but says nothing beyond a nodded thanks as he slips the shiny coins into his pouch.
"We'll see this split amongst the others when we reach the Kettle. I'm sure the good proprietress will be able to provide suitable exchange." He adds. At the same time he notices the seeping wound across the gnome's front. Previously hidden by the artificer's cadaver diving, the gash looked worrisome.
Would you like someone to take a look at that?"
Oskar didn't like the look of the newcomer. And he didn't necessarily trust O'Leary either. Voices of his former neighbors, blessedly quiet during the run in with the Watch, rapidly start whispering in his ears. Helm's dongles! He's wearin' a black hat. Can't trust a man wearin' a black hat. The voice of Fester Barleyman, local gossip, merchant, and terrible conspiracy theorist. Was constantly going on about elemental cults, dragon cults, death cults, and of course demonic cults lurking just around the corner waiting to take over the village in a heartbeat. The man was full of pig manure...except when he wasn't. The the rate of cults to population in the realms was pretty blasted high, so Oskar does his best to get a better read on both O'Leary and her new companions before he offers up the egg.
"Who might go by the initial 'W' and also be interested in the item that you sent us after?" He says, avoiding an immediate answer to O'Leary's eager question.
Selene would look at the gnome and shook her head."You should execute your common sense. I know the Arcane is a cerebral art that requires a mind that is sharp but adaptive, and I have heard many an Arcanist tend to lock themselves away, but I had hoped a gnome of your intellect would be able to see the severity of such actions. You are almost like Sumyla the Sorceress of old, who focused too much on the art and craft and not enough on the day to day. So she found herself alone, with an experiment that lead to her death, no one was there to temper her brilliance, The flame burned to hot and she perished under it all!" She says hoping the gnome arcanist would at least show some more restraint.
Selene studies not O'leary, but the newcomer. With a decerning eye, she looks him over from the back.
Ispen notices the restraint his companions towards the top-hatted stranger more than he does the figure himself, and when he does, he's not really all that overly impressed.
Still, his job wasn't to figure everything out...it was to both be and play at being bodyguard when necessary, and so with a pragmatic shrug, the dwarf moves to stand next to Oskar, frowning and crossing his arms.
The Ox stops outside the stables without entering them. I'll stay watchis all he says. Glancing around to find place to hide he steps behind a pile of hay that gives him good sight but decent cover.
"Who might go by the initial 'W' and also be interested in the item that you sent us after?" He says, avoiding an immediate answer to O'Leary's eager question.
"The initial 'W'?" - O'Leary echoes, seemingly puzzled - "Off the top of my head, I would not know... Why do you ask?"
Selene studies not O'leary, but the newcomer. With a decerning eye, she looks him over from the back.
Selene notices the man seems relaxed enough, perhaps with a hint of uneasiness for some reason, as he shuffles in place when Reuleaux addresses him.
"Thank you" - he replies to the gnome flatly, in a deep monotone voice.
Not sensing any real deception in the woman. Well, Fester was just a paranoid kook most of the time anyway. Shoving the whispering ghost from his thoughts, Oskar shows O'Leary the note.
"Pulled this off of the leader of a group that ambushed us as the deal went down." He says. "They obviously new we were coming. Half of them were hidden in the rafters of that old barn, with the others waiting outside."
A pause while he let's the implication sit there for a moment or two before he says it out loud. "Seems like you've got a leak, another party is interested in your...item, or the seller was double crossing you. But since that elf took off in a hurry, I'm thinkin' it wasn't her pushing the setup. Either way, you should be able to track her down. Dropped the pin like you wanted. Should be solid for a while unless she's got a mage watchin' her back. As for the other two options..." Shrugging he shifts his gaze to the man with the hat and rainy day garb.
"Now who'se mister Grim there and let's see the gleam of the gold you promised." He adds giving the pack with the egg a light knowing tap with his hand.
"Mr.Grim I like that. Are you okay Mr.Grim? You seem a bit nervous about our gnome friend?" She asks as she looks past O'Leary to Grim. As she does she smiles wondering why the muscle.
As she continues she watches the man, letting Oskar work on O'Leary."That aside it is a nice hat. Very dashing and handsome" Selene says with a smile showing her row of sharp pointed teeth.
Ispen makes a face, scowling first at Reu's odd, eccentric manner, and then raising his bushy eyebrows in surprise at Sister Selene's commentary on the stranger's appearance. It's everything the dour dwarf can do not to shake his head and further show his irritation. I seriously don't understand these people. Maybe it's just been too long since I've done any visiting with my own kinfolk...
Instead, the red-haired dwarf sighs and then sets his shoulders back, standing at the ready between Oskar and Selene, wary of any sudden actions that might interrupt the negotiations.
O'Leary grabbed the note from Oskar, her eyes perusing it - "I have no idea who this 'W' may be... Though it does not surprise me that others may be interested in..." - she pauses, then looks at the rogue again - "Do you have it?"
"Now who'se mister Grim there and let's see the gleam of the gold you promised." He adds giving the pack with the egg a light knowing tap with his hand.
"Mr.Grim I like that. Are you okay Mr.Grim? You seem a bit nervous about our gnome friend?" She asks as she looks past O'Leary to Grim. As she does she smiles wondering why the muscle.
As she continues she watches the man, letting Oskar work on O'Leary."That aside it is a nice hat. Very dashing and handsome" Selene says with a smile showing her row of sharp pointed teeth.
"My name is Keefe" - the man grunts to Selene - "And I am not nervous. I have told..." - he is however cut short by the elven woman.
"Keefe is a friend - he is here because you requested healing, and such power is in his hands" - she adds with a soft smile and a nod at her companion, then turns to Oskar - "Good job with the pin. I do have the agreed payment, but would however like to look at the recovered item before we conclude our business"
Oskar tilts his head toward his companions. "Well, in that case, I believe several here are in need of that assistance."
Reaching into the pack he carefully pulls the egg free and holds it up to the light for O'Leary to see. "This is what you were seeking I assume."
|
Johnny Boy leans casually next to Ispen and offers up a cup of high-proof whiskey. "Bigguns! Amirite?" He shrugs his shoulders in mock helplessness.
"Oh, so it's a cleric, is it?" he pipes up. "Pleasure to meet ya, Mr. Grim O'Keefe now. I've many holes in me where I'd prefer no holes at'all, so if ya would be making with the magic."
He advances and stands there, letting his copious wounds speak for themselves.
"Healing magic! Interesting! I want to see your technique when you heal my wound, also if you have the magic, could you clean our Gnome too?" Selene says to Keefe as she was curious. In fact she wondered if he was a cleric who does the man worship?
Fiddling with a metallic silvery chain he has around his neck, the man reveals a pendant depicting a skeletal arm holding up scales in balance - "I do not provide cleaning services" - he responds with a scowl to Selene - "Those who wish to be healed step forth" - he adds to the group, with a nod in return to Johnny's greeting.
In the meantime, the elf carefully examines the egg.
"Oh sorry, I was just hoping you had something in your spell arsenal, cause I don't" Selene says as she steps forward and reveals her wounded chest.
"If you are giving out healing I would love the assist" Selene says with a smile. She would look at his technique and who his god was?
Johnny Boy leans casually next to Ispen and offers up a cup of high-proof whiskey. "Bigguns! Amirite?" He shrugs his shoulders in mock helplessness.
....
The dwarven warrior turns to the halfling, his scowl firmly in place, but it is slowly eclipsed by a smile that grows into a grin as he accepts the offered cup.
"Aye." Ispen nods and takes a healthy gulp, emptying half of the vessel, "You're sayin' it right, sure enough, lad."
...
Finishing, Ispen grimaced a bit as he shifted his stance and his wounds began to ache. Still, the fighter found himself skeptical of the man they were calling Grim, and he watched as the others accepted his healing before stepping forward himself.
Reu steps forward "Ah, it all makes sense now. Of course! The artificial leeches are cleverly packaged within your frock topper..." indicating the hat "...for convenient transportation and protection from the elements. Meanwhile you've got an emergency ecraseur up your sleeve, and a few tonic syringes in a slate case nestled in your front vest pocket. Tools of the trade! My, you are one stylish doctor."
"I have none of those things Master Gnome - only faith" - the man nods at those who approach him, after a split second of hesitation as Selene exposes her skin - "A moment of silence please" - he adds holding the symbol in his hand, and uttering a a whispered prayer with his head bowed.
A soft purple hue encompasses him, and then spreads out to all of you - you have a calm, reassuring feeling as your wounds magically heal!
-
"I have here your payment" - O'Leary interrupts the calm after the solemn moment, handing you a pouch with coins and also a small stoppered flask, holding a bluish liquid - "This is a magical healing potion" - she explains - "Please take it, and thank you for all you have done" - the elf smiles - "As for the interest of others in your task, and the egg... It is not fully surprising, as we have seen an increased interest in all things related to dragons as of late... We have also heard of more such sightings in the Moonsea region — and elsewhere..."
Oskar happily takes the coin and the potion. "A pleasure doin' business with you."
Once everyone is healed and the Harper's have left he divides up the coins among himself and his companions. "Not a bad evenings work." He says with a grin, then points to the potion. "Not sure who wants to hold onto this. Happy to do so myself, but I wouldn't want to presume."
Oskar happily takes the coin and the potion. "A pleasure doin' business with you."
"Take care of yourselves" - O'Leary bowed to the group - "Who knows if we will see each other again in the future? Fare thee well" - then turned to leave. Keefe followed.
Ispen Ironborn gives a wary nod of thanks to Keefe, and bids farewell to O'Leary, "You need somethin' handled...you just hollar."
Watching the duo leave, Ispen waits til they've departed and then mutters to the others, "That tall, ominous one...he were a priest o' Kelemvor. One of them 'Lord of the Dead'-death ain't so bad, just part of the cycle-types." the dwarf shrugs. "Leastwhile, he was wearin' the symbol. Probably not a bad sort. They don't take too kindly to undead folk, so there's that..."
A small smile plays out across Ispen's face as he takes his share of the coins, placing them quickly and securely in his pouch in a proper, business-like manner.
"S'okay, folks. What next? You're all reasonably talented and reliable in a scrap..." the crimson-haired fighter glances at each of the others at the table, and pauses when his eyes meet Reu's. Ispen then shrugs, "...or at whatever it is you do. Should we part ways here, or would ye each be willin' ta give it a go at working as a crew?"
The Ox waits until the other two have left and then enters the stables. That tall one was odd. Ox looks over all the group sizing each one up individually...then I think we could make a line of it. Lets see what our next adventure brings.
You have successfully completed the mission you were requested to carry out, and are left alone with your thoughts and comments to each other in the stables behind the Tea Kettle. It is late in the night, and you could probably use some rest,
Oskar shyly nods at Ispen's suggestion of sticking together. The thought of having actual companions, his eyes flick toward the gnome, and ones where he wasn't the strangest of the lot was very enticing.
"I'd...errr...be happy to stay on." He says hesitantly. Blushing as he looks at both Selene and Ispen. "By the way, I'm sorry for the ummm...ahem...brash cover story back there with the Watch. Twas the best I could come up with on the spot."
He holds up a couple of his share of the just received coins. "Would you allow me to buy tonight's drink and dinner as fair apologies."
"THAT, my friend," Ispen grins, pointing at the physical symbol of Oskar's peace offering, "...should just about do it. We'll call it square, though next time, I want ta be the guy twackin' you in the back!"
The fiery-haired dwarf laughs and offers a nod to Johnny. Then to Ox. And finally, even to Reu. "Speak up, lads. Say yer' peace...are ye in or out?"
Then Ispen smiles at Selene, "And you, sister? What say you? Are ye with us?"
Selene nods. " I well, I know now I will need more then just myself to find the one responsible for my husband's death" She says to the group with a bit of venom in her voice for the words ' One responsible'.
I still want to see what the clothe this my clans symbol has to do with this egg and ambush. Better to work with the devil that knows than explain to those who don't know the devil. Call me in. The Ox says with a wry twist of the tongue
After answering the door with a sleepy face and a pan in hand, Ms. Freona did allow Reuleaux inside at such an ungodly hour - "What has happened to you Master Reuleaux...?!" - she commented as she realized the state of his attire, but then fell silent as the remaining companions trickled in, clearly after a rough night - "Hm well... There is some bread and dried meat in that basket over there, if you are feeling hungry" - she grumbled, closing and locking the door.
"Please keep it quiet - the guests in the other rooms are probably asleep" - she added, and went back to her room.
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Reuleax manages to complete the ritual while strategically ignoring the multiple times Freona goes to the door of the bunkroom complaining about the noise.
----
The rest of the night flows uneventful, and the group is able to rest and recover. They begin to rise the next morning, as the smell of freshly made pancakes rises up from the common room.
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Laying in his bunk, unable to sleep, Oskar listened to the muttering incantations of the gnome. He'd already been forced to slide the heavy bed over several feet to make room for the absolutely, must needed, won't work without it, triangle currently marked out in chalk and whatever other smelly substance gnomish artificer's tended to use in their odd rituals.
Even without Reuleaux's smelly casting components and constant chatter, Oskar doubted he'd be able to sleep. The spirits that haunted him ever since their demise had grown particularly active in the last few days. The gruesome feast he'd witnessed during the bandit attack sent wave after wave of shivers down his vine.
It was the candle's sudden flickering to blue then black then swamp green and finally blood red before returning to a much more standard and comforting yellow that he also noticed the growing chill in the bunkroom. Reuleaux was busy arguing with something living...within his chest. The others slept or were pretending to anyway. With sweat breaking out on his brow, Oskar cautiously turns his head to glance about the room. He swallows a shout when he spots the twins standing in the corner peering with intense curiosity at the little bat creature emerging from Reuleaux's chest.
"...Flippy..." Is all the country boy hears when ethereal giggling and squeals of exuberant delight fill his ears. Hansel and Gretel, Blond haired, blue eyed, twins born to Giselle and Rupert who owned the small lumber outfit just outside of the main village. Constantly snooping, running off, or getting into a wide variety of troubling situations, the pair were even worse ghostly visitors.
Oskar tries to calm his shaking hands as the two eight year old spirits swirl around the rather put off looking bat and unwitting gnome.
He's so cute. Gretel's sing song voice rings in Oskar's ears.
He's right Flippy isn't much name. If he were my bat, I'd call him Drago Destroyer of Worlds or maybe Batzilla or Necknabber. The pondering pronouncements from Hansel simply increase Oskar's shakes. They cause Gretel to blow out her cheeks and spin her head around wildly.
Those are horrible names. She exclaims. I think he's nice, but just tired of being told what to do all the time. Beside he looks like a Bruce to me. Can I pet you Bruce. She says stretching out a hand and arm much, much farther than any natural eight year olds arm should stretch.
Before things could get any further out of hand, like the gnome actually noticed either spirit hovering around his newly summoned familiar, Oskar slams his eyes closed and does he utmost best to simply will the two willful little guttersnipes away. A breeze shuffles through the room flickering the candles and causing Ispen to cease snoring for a few moments.
When Oskar cracks an eye open, the two ghosts are gone. Reuleaux appears none the wiser, but who could really tell with the gnome. Flippy on the other hand was staring straight at Oskar. He could only give the little bat a sheepish grin before turning over and giving sleep another chance until the smell of pancakes finally drags him out of bed.
Inside Selene takes time to remove the armor and clean her weapons. She is meticulous. She cleans and sets the items to the side making sure they would be ready for the next time. She uses her Thaumaturgy to help clean and make them crisp and clean.
After that, she will begin her evening prayers. The soft harmonic nose comes from her voice as she spoke in Celestial."Mam Lleuad Fi yw eich merch ostyngedig, diolchwch am y bendithion niferus rydych chi wedi'u rhoi i mi. Nid yw'r llwybr hwn rydw i arno wedi'i gwblhau eto. Yr wyf wedi cyfarfod ag ychydig o gynghreiriaid galluog a chryf. Rwy'n gweddïo y byddwch yn eu gwylio ac yn fy helpu i'w harwain. Yr wyf yn gweddïo ar i'th lewyrch arian eu goleuo, a'u hamddiffyn wrth i chi fy amddiffyn a'm harwain. Diolch i chi, a bydded i'ch goleuadau byth wawrio"
After this, she will get back up from her prostrated position and slips into her cot to enjoy the rest of the night in peace.
Ispen sighs.
After far too many minutes of listening to Reu's mumblings and unintelligible arcane mutterings, the fiery-haired dwarf turns over in his cot, resting his head on his backpack and pulling his meager pillow over his head to cancel out what noise he could.
Though thoughts for what tomorrow might bring raced through his head.
Plans for the group's next course of action, or the lack thereof, concerned the dwarf, but only as much as the point needed to be addressed.
Money needed to be earned, that much was a given. Enough coin to support the group in it's future endeavors, whatever they might be. Enough cash to keep them in food and drink, and enough, hopefully to save. Enough gold to start working towards the tavern he would one day own.
In the morning, over breakfast, Ispen decided he'd suggest the group head to the city hall...if Phlan had one...most burgs usually had postings for jobs that needed doing. Not the best jobs, nor usually the safest, but oftentimes worth some reasonable gold. Or maybe he'd bring up Selene's deceased husband...tactfully, he hoped. He'd try. Wasn't always good about that stuff. But there was something there that needed to be addressed at the very least. The lady was hurting, and frankly seemed to be in distress.
All this and more jostled through the dwarf's mind until he reminded himself that none of it would get settled until morning which was several hours away. And so Ispen made up his mind, and in his usual, practical manner, simply decided to sleep.
And surprisingly, it was enough. And Ispen snored.
Ox retires to the room's beds only to find out that his hulking mass is to big for the overly delicate beds. Resigned but not surprised, he finds a corner and sits with his back against it. He contemplates the situation around his escape and something still feels...well off. He pulls out the fragment of cloth depicting his clan symbol and while he begins to try to make sense of it, falls asleep to the ambient noise of the eccentric gnome.
After a surprisingly good night's sleep, Ispen gets up, readies himself, and makes his way down to the common room for some breakfast. He arrives with greetings on his lips just as the quirky gnome is making his introduction.
Ispen stops, tilts his head slightly in surprise at the exchange, blinks and then laughs good-naturedly before moving on to the next table. At the first sight of a tavern maid he orders a hearty breakfast including as much bacon as is allowed, and hot coffee if they have it. If not, then he settles for ale.
Selene woke the next day and before anything cracked open her prayer book. The Tears of Selune, a Poetic Prose of Selene was a good read the writer or writers had a grasp of verse. The very flow was almost akin to Halfling verse with Dwarven liturgical phrasing. Though most thought it Elven, the subtle notes however truly showed that it was contrary to the belief.
Once done with a few packages, Selene dresses and heads back down for breakfast. Her dress was very conservative, almost as if she had never left the abbey.
The breakfast at Freona's was always varied and fulfilling - this morning you are greeted with sweet and salty (a specialty at the Kettle) pancakes with a choice of accompanying syrup, honey, sourcream, cinnamon or butter.
In addition you can find fresh bread, cheese and ham, apples and pears, milk or light ale, and the of course ever present black, strong coffee.
As Reuleaux strikes up a conversation with Selene, the group gathers around the table, feeling optimistic about the future, after a successful adventuring night.
Oskar enjoys a hardy breakfast and spending a bit of his newly earned wealth, splurges on having Feona add a bit of chocolate and cream to his java. He let's the hot, sweet, chocolaty warmth of the coffee flow through his body and clear the unsettling memories of the previous nights ghostly encounter during Reuleaux's ritual.
While the gnome suddenly takes on a whole different personality as he talks to Selene, the young thief turns to the big dragonkin. "I meant to ask you last night." He quietly says to Davorox. "That symbol we found on the bandits, did it have any meaning to you? It certainly wasn't anything I've seen before."
Seeing The Gnome come over and do that Selene laughed. It was comical, but also seemed earnest. Selene plays along and takes the card. " Thank you Mr.McKraken, I appreciate it. And yes my husband was working to buy a shop here to practice his trade. He was a silversmith. Some thugs targeted him and he died. And all he was clutching was his wedding ring."
Selene pulled out her silver holy symbol and the rings that were on it. As she does one finger begins to track the ring and looked off forlornly.
That symbol is my clan symbol. As for why it was on the bandits I would like to know. Maybe we can learn if we stick together and rely on each other's talents. Ox states just as quietly as the rogue.
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Oskar nods thoughtfully. "I agree. Sticking together for a time does seem like it would be both profitable and safer. Sometimes just having another to watch your back is worth more than several sacks of gold."
"It seems we've several mysteries swirling around are little band. And yet nary a lead to follow." He turns toward their hostess and the owner of the Tea Kettle. "Perhaps the good Freona has another task or contact in need of services we could provide. Might as well see if we can earn a bit more coin. My guess is, it'll be needed if we wish to track down either bandits or killers." He adds with a nod toward Selene and Reuleaux talking together.
Having made a decision the young farmer crosses the common room and eventually gains the attention of Freona. Keeping his voice low, he politely asks about the possibility of other such work as she had discovered for himself and his companions.
"You see, we worked well together and thought that by banding together we could accomplish more than racing about all on our own." He adds with a casual shrug.
Ispen purses his lips for a moment, his heavy brows furrowed. "It is indeed odd that he somehow kept the ring. Maybe we should see the crownsguard...or whatever they call the watchmen here. See what information we can get from them concerning Sister Selene's husband."
A pause, "It might give us more leverage if we could say we were hired to investigate the matter. Quick, Sister, hand me a coin if you would. A copper should do..."