Slightly surprised the thug weathered the crack of his whip, Gravi decides to strike the man a second time. The Varisian’s whip coils into the air and then strike out at the man’s face a second time. The blow strikes true, leaving a second bright red mark across his face . Although aware of the whip, the other thug manages to get caught off guard anyway, and then jumps slightly at the sound of its crack.
Govrina conjures a blue-white mist, which envelops the hard leather plate at her feet. Within moments the plat elevates and then streaks across the room. The mist covered projectile slams into the doorway just above one of the thugs.
Both thugs’ glance at Govrina before turning and moving close to Gavi with heavily weighted leather sacks. Both men take heavy swings at the agile Varisian but end up missing horrifically. Both heavy saps clank together as their target quickly dodges back in time to avoid the blow.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
Govrina concentrates. Picking up the plate with her mind again, the mists swirl as the missile swoops low...
...and slams into the lower back of one of the guards!
Bryndís chuckles along with Muziel at the point he makes.
"So true."
Must have turned on my side, the aasimar thought. The white furry familiar, Echo, can now be felt by Wayilant on the small of his back.
Tsk. Either Echo really likes me, or I produce more heat than the two ladies, Wayilant silently pondered.
The caydentite craned his neck behind to look up at the window to make sure he didn't see any pointed ears and to the bed behind him. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, the cleric went back to sleep.
Gravi nods appreciatively at the mist covered plate doing the heavy lifting, he ducks under the cudgel like saps of the thugs, and continues to press his advantage and steps away from the thugs to get some room to snap the whip...
The look on the man’s face, who has been receiving the lash, furrows with anger. “You’re going to pay for these marks’ backslider! The demon vixen is off limits till the boss says so. No early chaca chaca for you!” His words are cut short as Gravi’s whip cracks for a third time in front of him .
Govrina conjures a second blue-white mist, which creeps out and envelops the leather plate a second time. Unlike the first time, the plate is now sitting across the room where it becomes apparent that she is manipulating the object from a distance. Within moments the plat elevates and streaks directly at one of the guards . The mist covered projectile slams into the man’s lower back, sending him lurching forward. The impact was much greater than one would expect from a simple splotch of hard leather. Gravi see the man’s eye squinch in pain as he crumples to the ground .
The remaining guard carefully backs away from Gravi and then quickly moves out of the room and down the hall towards the stairs.
Surprisingly the guard refrains from a loud verbal alert about what’s going on. You suspect he doesn’t want to bring unwanted attention from the wrong people. None the less, you presume he is heading for reinforcements. Because there were two other guards sitting at the bar, you estimate his return will be quick.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
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Later in the evening, after the map has been well perused, Bryndís enters Wayilant's room. She takes a spot on the floor where she has a view of both the window and the door and sits with her back against the wall. She lays her new sword unsheathed across her legs.
"I will take the first half of the night Wayilant, the second half is yours."
Gavi glances around the room, looking for something to bar the door with. He concludes that the only two things in the room are a four foot by four-foot rod-iron cage and a large reinforce chest. Although the chest looks a lot easier to move, he doubts it would stop anyone from forcing the door open. The cage, on the other hand, looks heavy and would likely create a stubborn delay. After glancing around the room, he unravels a second whip and then effectively ties them together, creating a 30-foot length of leather rope.
Govrina opens the cage and then moves over to the unconscious thug. She begins searching the man and easily finds a key ring with two keys on it. One is obviously the key to the room. The other looks as if it will fit the chest.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Gravi looks around the room, and tests moving the cage into place while Gorvina serches the downed thug...
He struggles with moving it, calling out, A little help?
Govrina quickly gives up the attempt at pushing the cage, as her cramped muscles protest from being left in the cage too long.
Gavi moves over to the rod-iron cage and begins pushing with all his might. The cage lifts slightly, as if it might move, but then becomes suborn after the edge of the cage catches part of the room’s wooden floor.
Govrina observes the Varisian’s effort and decides to lend a hand. She quickly moves to the back of the cage and begins pushing along with the man, but the stubborn cage bits in deeper, making it feel virtually impossible to move.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
Gavi moves over and begins working on the iron chest. In moments the chest’s lock cracks open.
Finding a second wind, Govrina works her way around to the front of the cage and begins pulling on its bars. Before long, the cage begins to slide, making its way across the room. While Govrina makes her final adjustments to the cage, she hears booted steps coming from beyond the now heavily bared door.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
"You can be handy it seems."
She then begins rummaging in the chest, looking for her stuff, and most especially her mother's cold iron dagger.
After crossing the room, Gavi lowers a thirty-foot makeshift leather-braded-rope out the window.
After searching the heavy chest, Govrina does indeed find her belongings, which she quickly gathers.
While exit arrangement are being discussed, the room’s door thuds against the iron cage. A number of malcontent voices can be heard outside while the door slams up against the barricade.
“What’s holding the door?” A winey voice asks.
“Not sure but It’s big and heavy.” A deep voice responds.
The cage lifts slightly off the ground as the door presses heavily into it a second time. It eventually comes crashing back down as the edge of its base digs deeply into the wooden floor. The sheer weight of the cage slams the door shut with such force that it launches whoever was pressing on it a fair distance away.
“Aggg! Damn-door just broke my tooth.” The whiny voice exclaims.
“Hehe, serves you right for being a weakling.” The deeper voice responds.
“Have someone go outside and watch the window. I don’t want this fool to make off with my prize.” A stern, commanding voice instructs.
“But boss, it’s raining hard outside.” The deep voice states.
A moment of silence follows the last comment.
“OUCH! OK, OK, I’ll go watch the window.” The deep voice blurts out.
"While he's doing that, you go get Bob so he can open this damn-door." The commanding voice instructs.
"Yes boss." The winy voice replies.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
"One of the few times I wished my wings were bigger.'
She then attempts to climb down...
The wind and the rain test your resolve during the process of scaling down the side of the Pixie’s Kitten. On more than one occasion, you find yourself clinging to the side of the building, just in time, to avoid an embarrassing fall. With no small effort, both of you manage to successfully navigate the climb. Looking around, you find yourselves on Hook Street, or at least at the end of it. Now standing on the rain-soaked street, between the Pixie’s Kitten and the entrance to a shop called Hanna’s, you decide to quickly make your way down the street and away from the brothel. Looking back, you catch sight of two men standing in the window you just escaped from, pointing in your general direction. Soon, the image blurs into the foul weather as you make your way across the city, towards the White Deer.
Off in the distance, the sight of the White Deer feels inviting. Its well-lit entrance occasionally gives way to a lively main floor each time one of its patrons enters or exits the building. The sound of song and dance emanates from the building, while a blazing hearth reflects through one of its windows. The aroma of pepper-crusted venison can be smelled, even from your distance. The rain feels as if it has increased, leaving most things beyond twenty feet blurred and difficult to see. The wind, on the other hand, has diminished to about half of what it was only moments ago.
Entering the White Deer, looking more like a water-soaked Varisian traveler than a dashing Calistrian, Gravi tries to wipe the water from his clothing, he scans the common room for the others, hopeful he'd find someone still awake, even though he told them not to wait up. Come on, let's get you some food and something warm to drink... excuse me, he says to the tavernkeep, We got caught out in the rain, and are soaked to the bone. Can we get some hot food and I'll take a strong drink- and get the lady what she'd like.... turning to Gorvina, Let's find a quieter corner, and you can fill me in on what happened to wind you up in that cage. I think I've got some solid ideas, but the details - if you are willing to relate them- will help me help some other folks. There's been a string of disappearances, possibly related to yours, and I suspect I know now who's behind them. And the Sheriff is VERY interested in figuring out who's been making people disappear around here. Gravi says, pulling out the chair for Gorvina before taking his own seat in an out-of the way corner.
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Thankfully entering the tavern and leaving the rain behind, Govrina doesn’t shy away from boldly asking the most obvious question once the human offers some basic comforts. She hisses softly to her companion once they are alone-ish…
“Sure…whatever…just…where the f~~* am I?”
Later in the evening, after the map has been well perused, Bryndís enters Wayilant's room. She takes a spot on the floor where she has a view of both the window and the door and sits with her back against the wall. She lays her new sword unsheathed across her legs.
"I will take the first half of the night Wayilant, the second half is yours."
The cream and white cat that Talienda has had with her ever since the party first met softly complains as the door is opened and shifts to glare at Bryndis. The cat moves as Wayilant stirs and hops onto the floor. From the other bed comes a groan and a tousle-haired Talienda sits up as she glares at Bryndis while Alina stirs beside her.
"Mrr, wuz goin' on," Talienda asks as she rubs the sleep from her eyes.
Bryndís looks at Talienda and says with complete sincerity "I am guarding you against kidnappers like we talked about."
Talienda rubs one of her temples as she squeezes her eyes shut in an effort to get her brain working. Kidnappers? Right, the men at the Fatman's Feedbag. Without really thinking about it or that she's wearing a nightgown and not much else, she slips out of bed and sits next to Bryndis before giving her a hug.
"Right. I hope you can forgive me for this mess," she says quietly before falling back to sleep, her head on Bryndis' shoulder.
Echo, meanwhile, looks rather amused at what's going on.
Wayilant sits up in bed, squinting. The cleric looks outside to see donwpour. (Yawn) "What time is it?"
The caydenite's eyes tries to focus as he sees Talienda's nightgown, while looking to see what Alina wore to bed, if anything.
Gravi almost laughs, Fair, this is Sandpoint, in Varisia. Where do you remember bring last? I assume it wasn’t here. This place is called the White Deer, my new friends and I have rooms here. I was visiting the Pixie’s Kitten, the local brothel, where I found you. The workers there I fear are being taken advantage of by the man I’m assuming is responsible for grabbing you. Take your time, seems like you’ve been through a lot in the last few days. I am a problem-solver for the Calistirian church, and when i suspected a person was being held without the workers there knowing about it, I had to get involved. he says, hopefully reassuringly.
Not having heard of a ‘nice’ Calistrian before, Govrina realizes finally how far she had been taken. She replies with a grimace, as she takes inventory of her personal possessions.
”I was on a river boat on my way out of Nirmathas, and I was ‘taken’ while sleeping. No idea by whom! But I know I was traded multiple times by sea, and ended up here. My ‘exotic’ nature was evidently very valuable, so I was not molested. The master of that hellhole you pulled me from offered me a devilish bargain, freedom for indentured servitude as a whore. That was Not going to happen. I was well resolved to fight my way free and die trying when you found me!”
The warmth of the inn’s interior impacts both of you as you enter its main entrance. Between all the conversations taking place, and the instrumentalists in the background, the room seems to have a life of its own. At least it did before you walk in. The moment Govrina walks through the door, the room falls silent. Everyone, including the establishment’s proprietor, stops what they are doing and stairs directly at the demonic looking Tiefling.
“OH-NO! No, no-no-no.” The proprietor, a tall dark-skinned man, blurts out as the room falls silent. “Please, this isn’t the place. Surly you two would be more comfortable at the Fatman’s Feedbag or the Hagfish.” He suggest as both of you make your way over to the bar. You notice a couple people, who were sitting in close proximity to the entrance, get up and quietly leave before finishing their meal. With trepidation, the barkeep pulls out a couple glasses and pours two drinks. “OK, a couple drinks and then you go.” He implies after Gravi starts looking around the room for an open table. During this process a couple more patrons get up and leave, and then a couple more. The musicians, who were in full swing, appear to be packing up their instruments in a somewhat rushed fashion. It doesn’t take long before Gravi finds a remote table in the corner, which is literally arm’s length from the room’s hearth.
During the brief moment that you find yourselves awake, you notice the normal ambiance of the inn’s background noise, fall silent. The cadence of drums along with the establishment’s overture of voices, abruptly stops, giving away to an uncomfortable silence. A distant voice, which sounds like Garridan, stands out momentarily. “HO-NO, No, no-no-no.” His words fade off into the silence.
Wayilant sits up in bed, squinting. The cleric looks outside to see donwpour. (Yawn) "What time is it?"
The caydenite's eyes tries to focus as he sees Talienda's nightgown, while looking to see what Alina wore to bed, if anything.
Perhaps to Wayilant's disappointment, Alina is also wearing a nightgown. The young woman seems even more exhausted, stirring just long enough to pull the covers around her before falling back asleep.
Not that sleep last particularly long for either of them. Garridan's voice pulls both of them from their slumber and neither looks particularly happy about it.
"Mmph, So much for sleep," Talienda grumbles as she stands up and walks over to where her and Alina's things are to grab her cloak.
Alina yawns and rubs the sleep from her eyes as she sits up and looks around to see what is going on.
"Y-you don't think they came here looking for us, do you," she asks the others, giving Talienda pause. The young noblewoman turns to look at Bryndis and Wayilant while holding the cloak close to her chest.
"Wh-what do we do," she asks, fear forming like ice in her belly.
Wayilant feels the vibe downstairs has changed..drastically, disrupting his caydenite sensibilities.
"Something's wrong", is all the cleric said as he hastily put his shirt back on, donned his armor, grabbed his gear, and walked downstairs.
Hearing Wayilant say something is wrong feels like someone doused her in ice water. Talienda hesitates for a moment, her cheeks burning before she turns her back on everyone and starts changing while Wayilant is still in the room.
"Miss Bryndis, would you help Alina get dressed, please," she asks after she pulls the nightgown over her head and starts putting on her brassiere. Talienda tosses Alina's clothes onto the bed next to the young woman who is also pulling off her nightgown once she isn't standing in the middle of the room in only her panties. The need for haste as well as a desire of modesty quickens the young noblewoman's movements as she pulls on her shirt and pants. Her heart races as she wonders if they're going to need to run again.
"I'm so sorry," she mutters as she turns to help Alina get dressed, though to whom her apologies are directed to isn't clear. "I hope you'll forgive me for dragging you into this mess."
Govrina grimaces at the tavern’s attitude, but at the moment she is just glad for the dry warmth and tries to ignore the rest. She pulls a cloak out of her bag and puts it on for warmth, but pulls up the hood to help cover her obvious horns.
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.
Muziel is busy poring over a History of Varisia by faint candlelight as he vaguely attempts to learn some useful bit of history but mostly absorbs the stories and chronologies of this land from.a human perspective. If there was some commotion downstairs, he hardly noticed. Let the others party. His time was better spent amongst books than people.
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Gravi looks at the bartender, While I may be a bit disheveled, I do have a room here already. And here's some gold for your losses tonight, the lady has had quite a harrowing few days, and I would think the generosity of Sandpoint isn't merely a rumor spread to keep its people feeling good about themselves.... he drops five gold crowns on the counter, loudly before taking his seat.
My apologies, I forget how these backwater towns can be. Growing up in Kaer Maga, people were far more cosmopolitan in their outlook and tastes. he says bringing Gorvina over to a table.
Wayilant thunders down the stairs to see a nearly cleared out White Deer. Looking around the establishment, the cleric notices a familiar face.
"Gravi! Hello!"
Wayilant notices the heavily covered woman with the calistrian.
"Who's your friend", the caydenite asks, still trying to make sense of what's going on and why the mood changed.
Wayliant, this is Gorvina. Gorvina, this is Wayliant - he's a Caydenite. Good chap. turning back to the approaching priest he says quietly, She has an interesting tale, similar to what some others have experienced. Her appearance may have startled some of the nicer folks in this establishment, but I weighed the barkeeps hand with gold, so it should be okay....
The aasimar shoots the innkeeper a quick look, then goes back to the lady.
"Hello, Gorvina. It is very nice to meet you", Wayilant began. "Are you injured? Are you in any great pain ?"
The cleric begin to remove his healer's hit from his backpack as he talks.
Garridan comes off as a being a bit anxious when he realizes that Gavi and Govrina intend to stay. The room continues to dwindle to the point that only a hand full of people continue with their meals while enjoying the sound of the outside rain. “I apologize for my hesitation. With all that’s gaining on with the Worldwound, if my place gets a reputation of harboring someone like her.” He points over at Govrina. “I doubt I’ll be able to recover. You must understand, so many have lost so much to those crusades.” He says while hoping to develop some resemblance of understanding for the less than warm welcome.
“Anyway, thank you for the offer to pay for my lost revenue, but it’s not necessary. I will accommodate you for the night.” He offers as a concession for his shocked response earlier. He looks over at Govrina one last time before turning and walking back to the bar.
With no small effort, Talienda and Alina both manage to put themselves together shortly after Wayilant left the room. Muziel, on the other hand, continues with his studies while being somewhat thankful for a moment of peace and silence.
By the time Talienda has helped Alina get her boots back on, the two young women are out of breath. Poor Alina had to bite back a cry of pain as her injured and bandaged foot was coaxed back into its boot, and it took Bryndis' help to do it.
Despite fatigue and lack of breath slowing her down, it only takes a moment or two more for Talienda to finish getting dressed. As she looks around, she starts to wonder where Wayilant is. Shouldn't he have been back by now?
"M-miss Bryndis, d-do we get Master Muziel and go downstairs to see what is taking Master Wayilant so long," Talienda asks.
"I'll go, milady," Alina says as she stands.
And only limps a little as she heads out the door.
There's a knock on the door to your room as you study the history texts. A knock that grows politely more insistent the longer it is ignored. If you open it, you see Alina standing in the hallway.
"There might be trouble, Master Muziel," she tells you. "Master Wayilant went downstairs to see what was about, but he hasn't returned, yet. Milady thought it would be wise to warn you."
It's not exactly the truth, but it's close enough. She waits a moment to see if you have any questions before heading downstairs.
For someone who sprained her ankle and is sleep deprived, Alina manages the stairs rather gracefully. She turns, looking around the nearly empty taproom and raises an eyebrow. Apparently, this is not what she was expecting. She spots Gravi and Wayilant talking with a cloaked stranger and approaches with more than a little trepidation evident in her eyes.
"Master Gravi, Master Wayilant," she says, nodding to each of the men in turn before focusing on the Caydenite priest. "Lady Tal-- I mean, the Young Lady grew concerned when you appeared to be taking longer than she thought you would, Master Wayilant, but it appears everything is fine." She then turns to Govrina and starts to give a curtsey, but thinks better of it as her sprained ankle reminds her she really should be off it. "Please, forgive my rudeness, Miss," she apologies. "I am Alina Cailean. May I have the pleasure of your name?"
Talienda paces back and forth as she and Bryndis wait for Alina to return. Echo, perhaps wiser and more attuned to what is going on, lays on the bed, eyes dancing with laughter as she watches her person fret and work herself up into mess.
"Sh-should it be taking this long," she asks Bryndis for the fourth time since Alina left.
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Suddenly surrounded by 'Master Gravi's' friend-herd Govrina squints a little around the room and sighs heavily while grasping her backpack to her chest for some basic comfort and support. She reminds herself quickly of her father's many...many...lessons, and leans into the sudden welcoming support, and reminds herself that politeness is king.
"First of all, Master Gravi, I want to thank you and any gods who provided you to me for the timely rescue. A few hours later and I would most likely be much worse off, or worse, left to rot in the ground somewhere forgotten."
She pulls back her cloak's forest-green hood, and reveals her horns, heavily scaled skin, and obviously fiendish heritage without pride or hesitation. She waves off Wayilant's interest.
"I am Govrina Fireblood, originally from Nirmathas. Greetings to all of you? In short, I was kidnapped and held on various ships at sea for...days?...weeks? I'm unsure exactly. I'm OK now...I guess? I was not molested nor injured on purpose, and I was not starved. However, the proprietor of that establishment 'bought' me and expected a major return on his investment. I intended to refuse vociferously, until your friend entered my room's window and decided to help me escape."
She flicks her fingers at her curled horns.
"Evidently in this land my heritage runs against me. Maybe I should just get out of town quickly? The last thing I want to do is cause trouble here or anywhere. The Worldwound is far from here, but its demonic influence must still be felt even here. In Nirmathas, the constant warfare with Molthune means anyone willing to fight the enemy is usually welcome, regardless of species or appearance."
She then sighs and grips her horns with both hands and tugs on them in a motion that seems familiar to her.
"I never intended to be born with horns, scales, wings, or a tail...but I would never want to be anything other than what I am. My adopted father is a half-orc, and never let me learn to hate my family heritage. Although I wish he had warned me about the problems it might cause me once I was away from home."
Alina's eyes widen in surprise, but there's no derision or revulsion in her expression. Her cheeks color as she realizes she's staring and clears her throat.
"Please, forgive my rudeness, Miss Govrina. Even in Absolom, it is rare to see one as exotic as yourself, though not unheard of. It would seem Master Magravi enjoys rescuing young women in distress, and we are having rather terrible weather today. Knowing the Young Lady, she'll insist you stay with us once she hears of your tale rather than risk you catching a cold. Besides," the mask of a polite servant slips for just a moment as she gives Govrinia an exhausted smile, "it's not like the room isn't going to be crowded anyway."
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"Oi, alright alright.". Muziel opens the door at Alina's persistent knocking. "Trouble, lass? The Flagon Slayers seems ta 'ave a nose fer it!"
The old dwarf blows out his candles, grabs his quarterstaff, and starts clacking his way down the stairs. He's shocked to find all his companions around a single woman with much of the crowd scattered.
He peers at the woman with curiosity.
And seems to relax as he decides he understands what he's looking at. "Ah, demon-blooded, by the look o' ya? Gettin' outta town's a common theme fer some o' us 'ere! Folks are always 'fraid o' things they don't understand. 'Specially powerful things they don't understand. Speakin' o' which, did ya get more n' just yer good looks from yer demon parent?"
Alina then turns to Govrina and starts to give a curtsey, but thinks better of it as her sprained ankle reminds her she really should be off it. "Please, forgive my rudeness, Miss," she apologies. "I am Alina Cailean. May I have the pleasure of your name?"
Wayilant's eyes flash as he puts the healer's kit away. We'll have to talk more when things aren't so crazy, the healer smiles to himself.
The aasimar stands up. "Okay. It looks like you have a room for the night, Govrina. You will be guarded over so you can sleep in peace. Tomorrow, when the weather breaks, our group, The Flagon Slayers will be leaving town for an excursion. I think it'll be best that you come with us. Considering all the separate circumstances, this will likely be our last night in Sandpoint for a good while."
"Alina, go tell your Mistress it's all clear down here. She's likely worried", the cleric says to the handmaiden.
The Calistrian listens, face glowering somewhat as Gorvina describes what happened to her, Remember how the Sheriff was a-bother about the missing folk in town? I suspect the man who paid for Gorvina here to be purchased is involved heavily - and it comes back to the Bunyip Club who'd just abducted Alina and the Lady Talienda. His name is Jubrayl Vhiski, and he recently became a 'partner' at the Pixie's Kitten. With all the missing folks, especially women who worked there, he offered protection to them in exchange for a cut of the action... he pauses, checking back a quickly rising rage, before exhaling and trying to relax.
I think we should take a little visit to the sheriff in the morning, and lay this out. I'd prefer to take matters into my own hands, but I don't want it coming back on the employees of the Kitten. What say you all? Trafficking in people is a high crime in this part of Varisia, and I take great offense at folks being unwillingly bound to servitude... Gravi was clutching the edge of the table as he talked - knuckles whitening as he spoke further.
Sandpoint? Varisia? Govrina’s head spun with the speed of one of her father’s kicks to the head.
”Flagon Slayers huh? Look…I appreciate the support, and the offer of a crowded room to sleep in, but I think I need to report to the sheriff now. Tomorrow could mean the man who threatened me and my freedom might escape justice. If one of you could point the way, I will search out the sheriff as soon as we finish a fortifying drink…”
Alina's lips thin as Gravi mentions Talienda by name. She doesn't say anything, what good would it do after the name had already been said where others could hear? Instead she turns to Wayilant.
"I believe Miss Bryndis can handle things for now," she says. "I think Miss Govrina has the right idea. It would probably be best if you and Master Magravi accompanied her. This Jubrayl Vhiski character does not sound like the kind of man who would take kindly to having someone he saw as his walking around free. We should probably make sure that none of us are alone while in Sandpoint until he's brought to justice."
The young woman nods to Gorvina, Gravi, and Wayilant as she excuses herself, then turns to Muziel.
"I hope you can forgive me for interrupting your studies, Master Muziel. Would you mind escorting me back to our rooms," she asks.
Walking and standing on her ankle seems to have aggravated her injury. She is limping much more noticeably as she heads back upstairs.
Once out of sight of the taproom, and Wayilant, Alina leans heavily on wall and gives the dwarf a wry grimace.
"My apologies, Master Muziel. It would seem that I have pushed my luck about as far as I can," she says quietly. "Do you think you could help me up the rest of the stairs, please? I think I can manage from there. I fear Master Wayilant is going to be rather cross with me."