After Alina goes off to get some food, Talienda turns to Govrina.
"Are you feeling alright," she asks.
Turning in surprise at Talienda’s question, Govrina’s mouth opens and closes wordlessly for a moment. She then grimaces.
”Yes?…I think. We did what was right, and we put down the undead to protect ourselves and Sandpoint. However, I find myself at odds with the other end of my journey. Im out here ‘looking’ for myself…and all Ive managed to do is get myself kidnapped then help you all take down some evil kidnappers. Is that it? Is my obligation finished here, or have the gods put me in this place for another reason? My father would tell me to look within myself for the correct answer, but yet I am doubting my resolve. Where are these girls really going? Stopping these men today…great!…let’s pat ourselves on the back and keep moving on. Or is this one of those ‘stop-and-listen’ moments the priests are always going on about? By the Hell’s blazing fire, I don’t even know if these kidnappers were involved with the ones who kidnapped me either! Where do I go from here? I feel a little lost and overwhelmed. Tired…tires too.”
She slaps a hand lightly on the table, just to feel the sting of the pain. Rubs the hand lightly .
”I just can’t help feeling like there’s more to this story than meets the eye…but Im no bard to puzzle it out.
Talienda jumps when Govrina slaps the table. She ponders over Govrina's words for a moment after she finishes speaking.
"I think some sleep would do us all good," she says. "What happened to those girls is horrific, and I want to find the ones who sent those men that did that do them and make sure it never happens again. But, I think we also need to get back to Lady Heidmarch and tell her what's going on. We're supposedly Pathfinders, but we've been lackadaisical about reporting back. As for what that means for you, I can't tell you that. For what it's worth, I think you're right, Miss Govrina, and there is more to this than we are seeing now, and what we see now is plenty horrific."
The young noblewoman frowns as she remembers something else.
"There was a mission dealing with missing persons in Magnimar that we saw, I wonder if that is related."
"Alina", Wayilant paused. "You don't have to...but thank you. I'm... gonna get a drink then head to bed. Eat when I get up."
The caydenite cleric asks for the largest ale The Rusty Dragon has and takes it to bed.
"I may not have to, Master Wayilant, but I don't think you're in any shape to look after a young girl. I did manage to get a full night's sleep, so even with a sore ankle, I think I'll manage," Alina says with a confident smile. before he can disappear up the stairs, Alina puts a hand on his shoulder and looks him in the eyes.
"Thank you for making sure that Talienda was safe. I'm grateful that you both made it back safely. I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
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The aasimar takes his change and kisses Alina's cheek. "Thank you. Wake me if there's any trouble. "
Wayilant gets one of the bartender's attention and orders a large wooden tankard of ale. Paying for it and the room, the cleric lumbers to his room and shuts the door. Although he can still hear some noise from the tavern floor, Wayilant sits in the much quieter room. The caydenite slowly sips his ale as a sentence runs through his mind.
"I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
Does even like me, or is she just humoring me? Wayilant ponders in the near silence as he drinks.
"I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
I'm being so stupid. Alina doesn't have any feelings for me. I'm just healer!!
"I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
Wayilant wipes his mouth from draining the large tankard. "..FU<K!!" A forlorn cleric removes his dirty clothes and lays back in bed.
"I'll do what I can to pay you back for that kindness."
Wayilant sighs. "Damn." Mercifully, Wayilant falls asleep before too long.
The aasimar takes his change and kisses Alina's cheek. "Thank you. Wake me if there's any trouble. "
Alina's fingers brush where Wayilant had kissed her cheek as she blushes.
"O-of course," she stammers.
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When Bryndís awakens she gets a bath and cleans up. Afterward, she settles in with her weapons and whetstone. The sword needs no work. She's noticed that it never does, which is a little disappointing actually since Bryndís finds the activities involved in caring for her kit soothing. Still, she has her spear, dagger, axe, and kunai to attend to, just to be be extra sure they are honed and ready. Next, she gives her armor a thorough going over.
By the time all those things are done, Bryndís can no longer ignore her hunger. She goes downstairs and has a plate of eggs and about four beers, which makes her feel enough like her normal self to start talking. Her divergent schedule has left her out of synch with most everyone else, so she finds strangers' ears to bend. Of course this involves telling tales involving a sea battle against undead, risen from the depths of the sea in the midst of a ferocious storm.
Dreadful was the enemy, implacable in their drive to bring death to all. Great were the deeds done to vanquish them. As she begins to become more well lubricated and relaxed, Bryndís also keeps an eye peeled for any good looking Varisian men who might be about, long, dark, curly hair preferred.
Darius gladly accepts Wayilant's help and guidance disembarking the ship. "Thank you, my good priest. It is good have steady ground under my feet, and to smell some healthy rural air."
He tries his best to sound polite. But he Korvosan, and had this air of superiority of city-dwellers in his blood. Many town feel small in comparison to Korvosa, and Sandpoint does have this particular sleepy fishing town feeling. But just as he said, he glad to be on land again.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Darius," she says before looking down at Julie. "What do we say to people when we first meet them, Julie," she asks the young girl, obviously trying to get her to practice good manners.
"Pleasure to meet you both, ladies. Pleasure to meet you both." In other time and place Darius might have tried being flirty. But right now, after the days in the cell, he merely dreams of a bath and soft mattress to sleep in.
"Now, who I could bother about a glass of wine and a hot bath?"
PC Tracker
Wayilant: HP -0/23| Channels -0/6 | Spells Used:
Bryndis: HP -0/31 | Rage -0/10 | Bane -0/3
Liotierri: HP -0/24 | Spells Used:
Taliendra: HP -0/20 | Bardic Performance -0/9 | Elemental Ray -0/6 | Spells Used:
Govrina: HP -0/28 Temp HP -0/3 | NLD 0 / Burn +0/6 | Shatter -0/1 | Tinder-twig -0/4 | -1/4 Alchemist’s Fire | -0/2 Sunrod | -0/20 Wand of Snapdragon | Wand of CLW -0/30
Darius: HP -0/23 | Arcane Reservoir -0/6 | Dancing Light -0/3 | Spells Used: | Ruin Stone -0/1 | CLW Potions Used -0/2 | Scrolls Comprehend Language -0/1 | Mage Armor -0/4 | Monkey Fish -0/1 | Obscuring Mist -0/1 | Alchemist Fire -0/2 | Spells Used:
The trip back to Sandpoint was short but felt long for those who managed to stay awake long enough to experience it. After disembarking the Pelican and parting ways with Captain Henderson, the group heads back to the Rusty Dragon. Still under the influence of Mayor Devrerin’s generosity, the group still has credit enough to cover another night of room and board. Warm beds with clean linen and fresh basins filled with recently heated water await each of you in your rooms. Although the time is rapidly approaching early afternoon, the group seems to have no trouble falling asleep.
Most the day passes along with a good portion of the evening. When you awake, you note that the sun has set, leaving a clear view of the moon. You estimate that is now somewhat late in the evening. If desired, the Rusty Dragon’s evening meal, which includes Curried Salmon and a tankard of Raspberry Mead, will be delivered to each of your rooms. Currently, the inns main room is modestly occupied by a number of the city’s merchants and a more than a normal level of its watch. Waitresses and barmaids quickly work the floor delivering plates of food and beverage to a number of tables. Looking across the room, you see a small handful of the Pelican’s crew enjoying drinks and a hearty meal at a table situated along the back of the Dragon’s upper floor.
You also notice Sheriff Hemlock sitting quietly towards the back of the upper floor, enjoying a drink.
Off to one side of the bar, Bryndis seems to be enjoying the establishment's accommodations as she plunges into detailed stories of recent events.
The aasimar wakes confused to see the dark sky. Groggily, Wayilant says his now-evening prayers and gets dressed. The cleric goes downstairs to enjoy The Rusty Dragon's evening meal.
Wayilant eagerly looks for any sighs of Julie or Alina, nodding to the city guard who have the caydenite under watch.
Wayilant sighs to himself. The damage has already been done, likely, the cleric thinks to himself as he observes the vibe of the tavern room.
After her conversation with Govrina and something to eat, Talienda goes back to the room she is sharing with Alina and goes to bed. Thankfully, her sleep is free of the nightmares she half-feared would visit her. She wakes not long after Wayilant, but unlike the cleric, she stays in bed, wondering if she is ready to follow the trail back towards Abosolom and her uncle.
Wayilant finds Alina and Julie eating supper away from most of the crowd. The young handmaiden is trying to teach Julie some basic table manners, and from the looks of things, it's not going smoothly.
"Ah, Master Wayilant! I hope you slept well. A certain young lady has been wanting to see you all day," Alina tells him with a smile that banishes the subtle signs of frustration from her expression.
Wayilant smiles as he picks up Julie and puts her on his knee. "There you two are!" The cleric leans in and talks to his adoptive daughter.
"I'm so sorry I slept for so long."
Wayilant pulls out a chair near him for Alina to sit down. "Alina, please sit. Tell me about your day! You can choose the chair or share my lap", the aasimar winked.
"My day," Alina asks. "I am afraid there is not much to tell. I made sure that you and Lady Talienda were alright and I kept an eye on Miss Julie while she played. I have tried teaching her a few things, mostly etiquette, but that has proved vexing for both of us." She shrugs and looks back at hers and Julie's meals. "Could I get you something? Lady Ameiko is a wonderful cook. Her curried salmon is delicious!"
"Well, now I'm here to take over the reigns" Wayilant smiled. "Please relax. And thanks for your help today. But don't worry. It's only the first of many days." The caydenite hugged his daughter. "We'll have to learn together, won't we?"
"I ate the evening meal. But I'll gladly keep you company, unless you wish to relax in solitude." Wayilant looks around the busy tavern. "well, as much solitude you can get at this hour."
"No!" Alina blurts out her reply almost before Wayilant can finish his qualifier. She blushes and looks back down at her half-finished plate before continuing.
"N-n-no. I-- I would like it if you stayed with me." She takes a bite of food hoping to buy herself some more time before having to speak again. "I overheard Bryndis telling a story about the fight. Was Master Darius really the only one that could be saved," she asks in a much softer voice.
"Yes", Wayilant said grimly, gripping Alina's nearby hand. "I would have preferred less people know about our 'boat trip', but Skald warriors must boast, I imagine. We caydenites can be boastful to, at time, to be fair."
"But I shall gladly bear you company, Alina. Anytime."
Wayilant turns his attention to Julie on his knee. "Now Julie. Tomorrow morning, Papa and his friends will have an appointment with the Sheriff. After that, I'm not sure how much longer in Sandpoint we will be staying. Do you think it would be a good idea to let you say goodbye to your friends you made here?"
Alina shifts her hand to hold Wayilant's and seeing the Caydenite turn into Julie's father brings a smile to Alina's face.
"I can watch Julie while you meet with the Sheriff," she offers. "I assume Lady Talienda will be going with you?"
"I assume", Wayilant answers. "Has The Lady not deemed to honor us with her Presence?"
"She was still asleep when I checked on her a little while ago. She may be up now, but given what you have been through and how exhausted she looked when she went to bed, she may sleep though the night."
Wayilant nods. "Best let her sleep, then. And now that I have Julie again, you seem to have the night off. Congratulations. You want something stronger from the bar? My treat!"
"S-stronger?" Alina stutters as she blinks in surprise. She looks at her mug full of water. "I've only ever had water, or juice as a treat," she mutters as she squirms next to Wayilant. "Our tutor told us it was unseemly for young ladies to be drunk, so... I..." Her voice trails off as she begins to blush in embarrassment at having to admit that.
Wayilant laughs, but it is not a mocking laughter. "Oh, sweet Alina. I have much to teach you. As a caydenite to a lady bearing the last name of my deity, I feel it is my 'moral imperative' to teach you how to drink." The cleric turns to his daughter. "But you are too young, little lady! So don't even try it."
With Julie in his arm, Wayilant stands and looks down at the handmaiden. "I've got just to starter drink for you. We'll be right back."
Both adoptive father and daughter walk up to the bar. Wayilant talks to the bartender and discusses something with the lady. The cleric produces a few silver and a few moments later, Wayilant is handed a small brown cup. Smiling, Wayilant and Julie return to their place at the table, putting the small wooden cup before Alina.
"This is called applejack. It is a lovely simple alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented apple cider. It was a sweet apple taste. A treat for the senses. Please. Take a sip"
"A-alright," Alina says timidly before taking a small sip. Her eyes grow wide and round as saucers as the applejack hits her tongue.
"That's-- That's really good," she says before taking a longer sip. "That's really, really good. I wish Lady Talienda were here to try some. I think she'd love it."
Wayilant smiled wide. "Alina Cailean. You have taken your first steps, into a larger world. I'm prepared to buy you one more if you'd like."
"I-- I really shouldn't. That would be taking advantage of your kindness, Master Wayilant," she answers before she takes another sip. Her cheeks glow cherry as she sets the glass down. "One more wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Wayilant simply smiles, holding Julie and returns from the bar with another applejack.
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Alina finishes off the first drink as Wayilant gets up to get her another. The second one is half gone after a few sips, and the young handmaiden is noticeably tipsy.
"Masssster Wayilant, You-- you wanna know somefin' funny," she asks. "Af'er you bandaged my ankle, Tali as'ed me when shhhhe shhhhould sssstart callin' me Missssess Arden. A han'some fella like you who's sssweet an'-an'-an' kind prolly has sum'n b-b-beaudiful waitin' on him. No waaaaaay I could be Misses Arden." She laughs and leans against Wayilant and rests her head on his shoulder.
"But y'know, if I had a chance, any chance at all, I think Alina Arden has a nice ring to it," she says just loud enough for Wayilant to hear, though it sounds like she isn't even aware that she is speaking aloud.
Satisfied that the Flagon Slayers are now up and around, Sheriff Hemlock finishes off his drink and then slides a couple coins onto his table. Shortly after, he nods over to the group and then heads for the Dragon’s front door. The extra city guards stick around for a short time longer and seem to be enjoying Bryndis’s stories. With all that has transpired in Sandpoint, their presence gives a comfortable obeisance to the entire establishment, which eventually puts everyone at ease.
Julie seems somewhat disappointed when Wayilant says she can’t have any of the sweet apple tasting drink. “Dad, could I please try the apple drink?” She says with a pair of hopeful eyes staring at the drink. Over across the way, you can see the barkeep, an older looking Halfling lady , shake her head no.
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Wayilant smiled to himself.
What an introduction to the Sacred Beverage, the cleric thought. Sure, I was hoping Alina's inhibitions would drop a little bit, but her heart's pouring out like an incorrectly-tapped keg. She DOES NOT think I'm 'just a healer'! Thanks, Cayden!
Wayilant looks to his daughter. "Okay, you cherub! I need to set you down for a bit. Papa needs both hands for this." The aasimar sets the little girl down and and rotates his chair, facing a tipsy and confused Alina.
"Alina Cailean. You are a remarkable, beautiful woman. And an adorable drunk."
Wayilant cups his hand gently to the handmaiden's cheek, leaning in and gives Alina a soft gentle kiss.
Nearby patrons looking on give hoots of encouragement and raise mugs toward the two lovers.
Alina looks at Wayilant with a confused expression as he turns and compliments her. Her eyes open wide again as he kisses her, and she stiffens in surprise. It only lasts for a moment as she returns the kiss and embraces Wayilant. Her movements are gentle and timid, and she's clearly unsure of what to do in this situation. The tips of her ears and her cheeks turn crimson as the hoots and cheers ring out, but she doesn't pull away quickly or far when she stops kissing the Caydenite.
"You think I'm beautiful," she asks softly as she leans against his shoulder. She smiles serenely as she melts into his arms. "I think you truly are a great man, and I guess that makes me an adorable lucky drunk."
She giggles and kisses Wayilant on the cheek.
"I love you too, Master Wayilant."
The aasimar just simply smiles and goes back to kissing Alina. "Calling me Wayilant is also acceptable. When social conventions allow."
Alina gives Wayilant an impish smile. "I thought you liked the way I called you Master," she says before returning the kiss. After a few moments, she snuggles in closer and yawns. "Julie wore me out," she mumbles. "She's fast with her hands and her feet. She's gonna be trouble when... she's... older..."
The handmaiden's breathing slows as she falls asleep.
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"Hmm", Wayilant ponders quietly to Julie. "And here I'd thought you would be going to bed first."
"We'll let Miss Alina sleep some before we take her upstairs to bed. I think she's earned it."
Both adoptive father and daughter talk about Julie's new family and education. "I should write your grandmother a letter. Finally. Telling her about her new granddaughter. Oh! She'll love that" Wayilant giggled to himself.
So the cleric of Cayden Cailean and his adoptive daughter sit and talk, while the handmaiden to the errant noblewoman girgles in her drunken sleep in Wayilant's arms. The aasimar waits to see if other Flagon Slayers or associates make it down to the tavern floor to join them.
The evening wears on with a fair amount of foot traffic in and out of the Rusty dragon throughout the evening. With more than a few hours of rest still available, the Flagon Slayers spend the evening uninterrupted. The added guard presence, along with the Flagon Slayers reputation, increases the establishment’s business by almost thirty percent, so you presume that Ameiko is being more than a little compensated by your presence.
Soon, the new day dawns, bringing with it a morning chill that properly reflects the winter season. Looking outside, you can see that the fog has cleared, and the skies are free of clouds. The sound of merchants rattling shutters can be heard resonating up and down the street as they prepare for the upcoming day's business. The Dragon’s nighttime clientele has mostly cleared out while the city’s guards have changed shifts, but still remain vigilant and present throughout the Rusty Dragon.
Last Night
As the evening wore on, the duo of Ardens, Wayilant and Julie, helped the unconscious form of Alina to bed. The little girl walked before her father as he carried the sleeping form of Alina up the stairs to Talienda's door. Once let in, Wayilant explained what happened to the confused noblewoman as he laid his love interest on the bed. Once Alina was secure, both Ardens returned to Wayilant's room and got ready for bed. Julie asked for a story before bed, so both father and daughter laid in bed, while Wayilant told several small stories until Desna took both to slumber.
In the morning
As Julie gets dressed for the day, Wayilant performs his morning prayers to Cayden Cailean. When both are dressed and ready, the Arden family goes downstairs for some breakfast at the tavern, waiting for the others to come down.
Darius was eating his breakfast (fried cheese, which tries to imitate the Korvosan gebbgebb, but unfortunately falls short of the original delicacy), when Wayilant drops some armor sets onto the table.
"Magic? Darius asks, mouth full of hot cheese, and swallows it down before continuing. "Nice. Some loot you happened to come around?"
Happy to oblige, he wiggles his fingers in dramatic fashion and leans closer to study the magical auras.
After looking over the tree items, Darius concludes that the quilted armor has a small amount of protective magic woven into its fabric, which grants it a little more protection than the average variant . The potion looks like it might be some sort of healing potion. Its aura is faint, so Darius believes it is a lower quality version. After glancing over the studded leather, he concludes that it too has faint amount of magic worked into its fabric, but he is unsure about its specifics.
"Thank you, Darius", Wayilant spoke. "I have two more items I'd like you to look at, please?"
The cleric produces a pewter flask and a whistle with Draconic written on the side.
Talienda answers the door in her nightgown, and is surprised to see Alina, her cheeks ruddy with drink and a happy smile on her face, asleep in Wayilant's arms. She lets him and Julie in and turns down the bed so Wayilant can lay her down. One explanation later, the young noblewoman smiles at the cleric.
"Thank you for taking good care of her," she says before giving him a hug. She kneels so she can look Julie in the eyes and wraps her up in a hug as well. "You too, Miss Julie. Thank you."
Once Wayilant and Julie leave, Talienda does her best to try and get her unconscious handmaiden ready for bed, but she only succeeds in waking Alina up long enough that she manages to do it herself.
Talienda is woken up by Alina moaning as she clutches her head. The young noblewoman decides that perhaps it's for the best that Alina lay down while Talienda gets her something for the hangover. She gets dressed after washing up and hurries downstairs to get something for Alina. She hurries back up with a bowl of porridge and lots of water, though neither seem to help much.
The pair come down just as Darius finishes identifying the magic items.
Alina looks at Wayilant, then looks away blushing as she sits next to Talienda at the noblewoman's insistence. After an awkward moment or two, she finally speaks up.
"M-master Wayilant, I-- I'm truly sorry about what happened last night," she apologies quietly.
Wayilant takes a quick glance at Julia, then back at the blushing handmaiden. "Why, Alina? What do you think happened last night?" The caydenite asked, with a slight s#it-eatng grin.
Gravi swaggers in with the bravado of a man who's done some heroic stuff and reaped the reputational rewards thereof. He flops down at a table with the others, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. Morning, I miss anything exciting? I see we're all standing, perhaps a little bleary-eyed? But nothing like a night of celebrating when you feel so alive! he grins around the room.
Alina's face turns beet-red as she pouts and glares at Wayilant.
"I-I kissed you, then fell asleep," she answers.
Seeing the grin and that Gravi has joined them, Talienda clears her throat.
"Master Wayilant, Master Gravi, please try not to tease my handmaiden too much. She tries to hide it, but she's almost as sheltered as I am," she says.
Alina turns her head to face Talienda, a look of surprise layering over the one of embarrassment.
"B-b-b-b-but milady," she stammers.
"It was almost too unbelieveable to believe, quite frankly." The cleric pounded his fist on the table lightly for emphasis. "A 'Cailean' that doesn't drink?! It's a Scandal! It's Preposterous!"
Wayilant pats Alina's hand. "I'm glad I discovered your identity when I did. Rest assured, I shall do my due diligence to make you as educated in alcohols and their consumption as any caydenite. Sure, we'll have to spend many hours together, drinking into the night, and sometimes into the morning. But if that's what it takes, I'm prepared to lead you down this Path of Enlightenment!"
Alina turns back to look at Wayilant, and it's clear her mind has just gone blank. Her face is flushed, and it looks as if a stiff breeze could knock the poor girl over. She stares at Wayilant, though her hand moves to hold his.
"Th-that sounds nice," she mutters as her other hand pulls up the scarf she's wearing to ward off the chill in the air to partly shield her face. She smiles at the cleric.
"So, when's the wedding," Talienda asks the couple with an impish smile on her face.
"We didn't discuss that far", Wayilant adds. "Alina was the one who essentially proposed marriage."
"But Radius here has helped identify some magic items from the cave", the cleric addressed the group before Alina could react. "The quilted armor has a little enhancement, a low-level healing draught, but the mystery of the black studded leather still eludes us."