Donimah, eager to meet her contact, begins making her way to Brodert Quink's challenge.
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"Your reign shall soon meet its end, Bethana," Juriya tries to slyly remark as she steps up to face the maid in competition, dagger in hand. What starts off fairly well for the Kitsune ends up slowing her down, as she gets bogged down by her usual overconfident bravado. She bids her farewell to the competitors after doing her best, thanking both Ameiko for hosting and Bethana for participating. Again, she has to stop herself from bowing instinctively as she speeds off to the next competition.
The Balancing Beam, however, is a different story. As she's cheered on by at least some of the crowd, her vulpine reflexes allow her to be steady on the beam. She smiles as she overconfidently attempts to do a flip off of it... only to land on her face and embarrass herself immensely. "Overconfidence leads me nowhere," she mutters to herself as she wipes the dirt off her face. She gets her congratulations from Mativ, as well as the golden coin from the competition.
Can't hurt to check if the Thunderstones are coming along well, she muses as she runs off to the family house. "Seem to be doing well enough, will check on them again after the festival," she says as she exits the building. If it weren't for the festival being so public, as well as getting to eat more of Ameiko-cooked food, she'd probably be begging for scraps as a fox to get by relatively easily. Not the day, she thinks to herself as she rushes off to eat lunch.
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Straightening her fancy hat as she glides out the door of the Whote Deer, Persephone and Isabel smiles up at the bright Sun and the blue skies.
Following the sounds of the boisterous crowd, the Shaman and Familiar make their way in the general direction. Waving at folks passing by, stepping into various shops to browse, and stopping to appreciate the differing aromas of barbecue and grilled meats, Persephone lazily makes her way pass the numerous games and challenges.
Arriving at the Rusty Dragon, the pair enter to witness Juriya's performance.
Not too bad, Juriya! Well practiced.
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Cherry couldn't help but snicker a bit as Juriya fell on her face. "That was impressive, but next time, remember you don't have wings like me and-oh! Isabel and Persephone!" he chirped, looking over to see the shaman and her raven familiar and flying to sit on Persephone's shoulder. "Ano should be in the Rusty Dragon somewhere...I wonder-what in the hell is she doing?"
Ano was doing so well in the chopping competition, but she got too overconfident at the last one and had to stop herself from potentially chopping off one of her fingers. With a sheepish grin she headed towards the rest of the group. "Well...I tried," she smiled awkwardly, before pointing at an empty table, "Oh yeah, I reserved a table for you all! Including Arrian and..."
"Uh, Don-ee-mah and Zel-drith?" she asked. She had a hard time remembering the names of new faces, but she was able to remember their names. She hoped.
As Arrian leads him to Junker's Point, Zeldrith follows close behind, though he does balk at the sight of the slippery pole. "M-maybe we could try by the mill, friend? I'm not good with heights..." Just then, his attention is drawn by Gorvi's indiscretions as a local shop assistant tries (and fails) to reach the tattered flag at the end of the pole, and his fiendish features contort with rage. "Why that dirty rat! Hold my hat, pal - I'll show him something he won't forget in a hurry!" Zeldrith shoves his wide-brimmed hat into Arrian's hands, then approaches the pole, his crimson eye blazing with anger...
...and, driven by fury rather than fear, the normally acrophobic young man begins his climb to the top of the pole. At first, he falters, his fear of the climb ahead of him holding him back, but as he gets back to his feet, he tries again, scrambling up the grease-slick wood like a spider up a wall, his hooves finding purchase on the slippery surface. At the top, he unhooks the simple flag, then slides back down the pole to land on the ground near the trash sweeper. The young mercenary tosses the dirty flag at Gorvi's feet, grabbing the chest and the wooden coin with a sneer. "Now you've got nothing to look at, do you, pal?"
Zeldrith makes his way back to Arrian, jamming his floppy hat back on his head and grinning at the young Caydenite. "Can't say I liked the height, but the look on that creep's face made it all worthwhile, don't you think? I saw Persephone and the others headed towards the Rusty Dragon earlier - we should probably go see what they're doing."
As Arrian leads him to Junker's Point, Zeldrith follows close behind, though he does balk at the sight of the slippery pole. "M-maybe we could try by the mill, friend? I'm not good with heights..." Just then, his attention is drawn by Gorvi's indiscretions as a local shop assistant tries (and fails) to reach the tattered flag at the end of the pole, and his fiendish features contort with rage. "Why that dirty rat! Hold my hat, pal - I'll show him something he won't forget in a hurry!" Zeldrith shoves his wide-brimmed hat into Arrian's hands, then approaches the pole, his crimson eye blazing with anger...
...and, driven by fury rather than fear, the normally acrophobic young man begins his climb to the top of the pole. At first, he falters, his fear of the climb ahead of him holding him back, but as he gets back to his feet, he tries again, scrambling up the grease-slick wood like a spider up a wall, his hooves finding purchase on the slippery surface. At the top, he unhooks the simple flag, then slides back down the pole to land on the ground near the trash sweeper. The young mercenary tosses the dirty flag at Gorvi's feet, grabbing the chest and the wooden coin with a sneer. "Now you've got nothing to look at, do you, pal?"
Zeldrith makes his way back to Arrian, jamming his floppy hat back on his head and grinning at the young Caydenite. "Can't say I liked the height, but the look on that creep's face made it all worthwhile, don't you think? I saw Persephone and the others headed towards the Rusty Dragon earlier - we should probably go see what they're doing."
"I think he had the same look of shock I did! Wow you did great and I think you won some gold! That will teach the old lecher a lesson about peeking at young ladies. Right Gorvi? Don't make me get the Mayor over here..."
Not confident he can outclimb Zel, he still tries his luck! He removes his leather armor so it doesn't slow him down...
Falling down on his last two tries Arrian lets out an "Oof! and gathers his things while grumbling about the sun getting in his eyes...or something...
He smiles at Zel for how well he did though.
Feeling outclassed, and out of money, he decides to go swimming in the hopes of earning that Potion of Healing. Removing his armor (again) before jumping in, he gives it a go!
But only manages to give the lifeguards a workout as they have to work together to haul his sizeable bulk out of the water. Wet half-orc - mmm that's stinky!
Panting heavily and dripping water all over the place while putting his armor back on he explains to Zel, "What did I expect? I grew up in basically a desert. I had no business trying to swim but that potion sure would've fetched a nice price..."
Wringing out the bottom of his shirt he tells Zel, "Yeah let's see what the ladies are up to. Hopefully they weren't in the crowd to see me stink up the place. Geeze!"
Donimah approaches the contest of wits and introduces herself.
"Brodert Quink? Donimah Southlander of the Order of Cyphers. I've been looking forward to meeting you. I'm conducting an archaeological survey and understand you are the local expert on Ancient Thassilon. It's an honor and a pleasure."
She participates in Brodert's challenge.
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She is only able to answer one of the questions with flair, but finds herself stumped on the more folksy wisdom the other two require. She tries her best to swallow her annoyance, as she still needs to make a good impression on Mr. Quink, so she makes a big show of shaking his hand when losing.
"I look forward to working with you in the days to come, Brodert."
But she is fuming as she walks away.
Her stroll takes her down to the beach where she notices the swimming competition, and considers that maybe if her mind wasn't impressive enough for Sandpoint's denizens, maybe her physical skills would.
She sets her robes aside and jumps into the water in her smallclothes.
She starts off strong, memories of diving into the Harbor coming back to her with a small bit of wonder of how much clearer the sea was here, and despite faltering a bit in the middle, she finishes strong as well, smirking a bit as she notices Arrian getting pulled from the water.
"Not bad, but you may need some more practice," she tells him as she dresses again and claims her prize.
She accompanies Arrian and Zel back to the Rusty Dragon for the lunch.
"Congratulations on winning the pole climb, by the way, Zel. Arrian, tell me more about this place we're dining at, the Rusty Dragon. I think I'd heard in the little speech today that the proprietress, Ameiko, shares a name with the lord who isn't attending the Festival today, Lonjiku Kaijitsu?
She starts off strong, memories of diving into the Harbor coming back to her with a small bit of wonder of how much clearer the sea was here, and despite faltering a bit in the middle, she finishes strong as well, smirking a bit as she notices Arrian getting pulled from the water.
"Not bad, but you may need some more practice," she tells him as she dresses again and claims her prize.
In case Doniman did not hear (and to make sure even more people hear him) Arrian says, "Like I told Zel I basically grew up in a desert until I arrived here as an orphan so I never learned how to swim. I was just desperate enough for some coin to give it a try."
She accompanies Arrian and Zel back to the Rusty Dragon for the lunch."Congratulations on winning the pole climb, by the way, Zel. Arrian, tell me more about this place we're dining at, the Rusty Dragon. I think I'd heard in the little speech today that the proprietress, Ameiko, shares a name with the lord who isn't attending the Festival...
Juriya, flipping her hard-earned coin in the air and catching it to catch her reflexes, takes pause when she hears the surname Kaijitsu.
"Oh, the Kaijitsus? They're a local noble family in the Merchant's League, doing glasswork of all kinds. My family, a somewhat successful family of Alchemists, has to do business with them on the regular... you know, since alchemy requires a fair bit of glassware. Lonjiku is Ameiko's father. He's... admittedly a bit strict at times, from what Ameiko tells me. "
Upon seeing the drenched Arrian, Juriya chuckles a little bit and responnds, "lose a fight with a pond recently, hm?" It's clear from her tone that this is light-hearted banter.
"He challenged the sea herself! Unfortunately the sea won," Donimah replies, flipping the wooden coin and catching it to show it off. "I've struggled against her since I was old enough to walk, so I'm wise to her tricks."
"I do find it interesting that a town this size has nobility in the first place, but then what passes for nobility where I come from are pirate lords and crime bosses, so I'd take Sandpoint's nobility any day."
"More noble in their status than actual relation to any kind of ... well, king or anything," Juriya replies. "If I remember correctly the family was one of four that founded the city? Ano and her familiar can correct me if I'm wrong, haha." She then shoots a glance at Cherry, known to be essentially the conscience of Ano.
Cherry nods his little bird head. “That is correct. However, I wouldn’t really mention Lonjiku around Ano. He and Ano’s aunt, Saryo-one of the clergy of the town’s church-have been hating each other since the Clovermarks moved to the town. It ended up being a reason why Ano couldn’t hang around with Ameiko. And a reason why Ano doesn’t go out of her way to talk to Ameiko.”
Ano meanwhile was still sitting at her table, waiting for the others with a couple of pies, one of them for Juriya and another for Arrian. Other than a couple passing words, she indeed hasn’t said anything to Ameiko.
Donimah waves to greet Ano.
"Thank you for saving a table for us."
The group can see Ano’s mood instantly spring up when she saw them coming towards her. “Hey guys! Hope you all had a fun time with some of the games!”
Upon seeing the drenched Arrian, Juriya chuckles a little bit and responnds, "lose a fight with a pond recently, hm?" It's clear from her tone that this is light-hearted banter.
Sighing deeply Arrian replies, "Yeah I didn't have any business trying to swim but that potion of healing would be such a great prize! My desert beginnings certainly didn't help; Jurgi says I must still have dust on the bottom of my feet because I make such a mess."
Ano meanwhile was still sitting at her table, waiting for the others with a couple of pies, one of them for Juriya and another for Arrian. Other than a couple passing words, she indeed hasn’t said anything to Ameiko.
Arrian brightens when he finds out there's a pie waiting for him!
"For me? Are you sure? I don't want to get anyone into trouble..."But the way he's staring dreamily at the pie, and the bit of saliva glistening on his tusks, make clear what answer he's hoping to hear.
The group can see Ano’s mood instantly spring up when she saw them coming towards her. “Hey guys! Hope you all had a fun time with some of the games!”
"I had fun watching Donimah and Zel win some prizes but I wasn't so lucky. Still better than cleaning up stuff. I hope they'll have some more games later in the day."
Zeldrith waves back at Ano as he enters the Rusty Dragon at Arrian's heels. "Morning, Ano! Good to see you!"
"Oh, the Kaijitsus? They're a local noble family in the Merchant's League, doing glasswork of all kinds. My family, a somewhat successful family of Alchemists, has to do business with them on the regular... you know, since alchemy requires a fair bit of glassware. Lonjiku is Ameiko's father. He's... admittedly a bit strict at times, from what Ameiko tells me."
The young mercenary nods. "They've got a townhouse in Magnimar and everything. Half the glassware my father sells in his shop has the Kaijitsu maker's mark - it's quality work, though the imports from Janderhoff are still cheaper."
"Hey guys! Hope you all had a fun time with some of the games!"
Zeldrith smirks, showing the coin he won. "There was a climbing competition at Junker's Edge. Some guy named Gorvi was running it - real creep, looking up womens' dresses and everything. I got to the top so he wouldn't have anything to look at anymore." He shrugs. "Ordinarily, I'm not so good with heights, but anger makes us do funny things. Really, it was either climb the pole or knock the lights out of his ugly mug, and creep or no, I have no doubt the Sandpoint folk would side with the local over the 'hellspawn thug from Magnimar.'"
He looks around at the rest of the assembled group. "What about the rest of you? Donimah, I saw you swim - you're better than I could ever hope to be, I'll tell you that! I'd heard there was some trivia competition, too - sounds like it would be your speed. Been there yet?" His question seems innocent enough, and he is definitely not mentioning how embarrassing poor Arrian's near-drowning experience was, especially not in front of Persephone - his stupidity is debatable, but he's certainly not blind.
Arrian brightens when he finds out there's a pie waiting for him!
"For me? Are you sure? I don't want to get anyone into trouble..."
But the way he's staring dreamily at the pie, and the bit of saliva glistening on his tusks, make clear what answer he's hoping to hear.
“Yup that pie is for you!” Ano smiled at Arrian, knowing that would be his reaction to his own pie. She looked at the other four, “And there’s one for you, Juriya! I had to put a bit of coin for pies for Donimah, Persephone and Zeldrith, but only because I didn’t know we’d have more than two friends to-” She suddenly stopped, feeling like she immediately slipped up by calling these three people she met yesterday friends. Arrian and Juriya…she’s known those two for at least a couple of years. They were definitely friends. She needed to stop assuming everyone who was friendly at the first meeting is automatically a friend…
She sat down and looked around for a waiter to come to order their meals and drinks. Hoping they would just ignore her antics and continue their conversations.
"Yeah I didn't have any business trying to swim"
Thinking to how she can only really swim while in a proper fox form, Juriya pipes up, "I can swim, but I really really prefer not to! Personal reasons."
"They've got a townhouse in Magnimar and everything. Half the glassware my father sells in his shop has the Kaijitsu maker's mark - it's quality work, though the imports from Janderhoff are still cheaper."
"Yeah. Sometimes we import Janderhoff as well. However there's also no shipping cost, which definitely softens the blow. And some sunk cost fallacy and loyalty as well, since both our families are originally from Minkai. Good to know it's not just us using their glassware! What's your father use it for?"
"Hey guys! Hope you all had a fun time with some of the games!"
Upon hearing Ano's chipper reply, Juriya responds in kind, "Heh! You saw me flub the chopping competition, but my reflexes helped me win THIS!" she says as she shows the coin. "Balancing was fairly easy, but one of your familiars saw me overconfidently faceplant at the end of it," to which she rolls her eyes.
Arrian brightens when he finds out there's a pie waiting for him!
"For me? Are you sure? I don't want to get anyone into trouble..."
But the way he's staring dreamily at the pie, and the bit of saliva glistening on his tusks, make clear what answer he's hoping to hear.
“Yup that pie is for you!” Ano smiled at Arrian, knowing that would be his reaction to his own pie. She looked at the other four, “And there’s one for you, Juriya! I had to put a bit of coin for pies for Donimah, Persephone and Zeldrith, but only because I didn’t know we’d have more than two friends to-” She suddenly stopped, feeling like she immediately slipped up by calling these three people she met yesterday friends. Arrian and Juriya…she’s known those two for at least a couple of years. They were definitely friends. She needed to stop assuming everyone who was friendly at the first meeting is automatically a friend…
She sat down and looked around for a waiter to come to order their meals and drinks. Hoping they would just ignore her antics and continue their conversations.
Arrian's huge grin is soon covered in blueberry juice!
"Yeah I didn't have any business trying to swim"Thinking to how she can only really swim while in a proper fox form, Juriya pipes up, "I can swim, but I really really prefer not to! Personal reasons."
"They've got a townhouse in Magnimar and everything. Half the glassware my father sells in his shop has the Kaijitsu maker's mark - it's quality work, though the imports from Janderhoff are still cheaper.""Yeah. Sometimes we import Janderhoff as well. However there's also no shipping cost, which definitely softens the blow. And some sunk cost fallacy and loyalty as well, since both our families are originally from Minkai. Good to know it's not just us using their glassware! What's your father use it for?"
"Hey guys! Hope you all had a fun time with some of the games!"Upon hearing Ano's chipper reply, Juriya responds in kind, "Heh! You saw me flub the chopping competition, but my reflexes helped me win THIS!" she says as she shows the coin. "Balancing was fairly easy, but one of your familiars saw me overconfidently faceplant at the end of it," to which she rolls her eyes.
"Wow congratulations Juriya! All these winners around me, I'm starting to get a complex about it..."
He chuckles to show he's kidding and offers some of his pie to the others.
The halfling Bethana chuckles as Juriya and Ano have their go on the spices. She says "Got to have small hands to chop better darling." You've never seen Bethana so smug or even speaking loudly for that matter. She is usually very shy, but the competition seems to be getting her out of her shell.
However, when Juriya finds the balancing beam and gets through it, she is applauded by all, even helped back to her feet by some. The halfling Mativ is clearly annoyed, but she just struts away as the townsfolk come talk to Juriya saying "Do you need to learn to balance to make alchemy?" and "I knew there was more to you than meets the eye." The Minkaian woman receives a well carved wooden coin to go with her praises.
Meanwhile, Zeldrith's heavy efforts are cheared on by the others nearby. Even Banny, the current best climb yet, is cheering on the tiefling. It seems that they all want to see Gorvi's challenge settled. When he finally reaches the top, he is met with much enthusiasm. The half-orc gives the wooden coin and chest with gold to him silently. He quickly collects his stuff and moves back into his house, closing the door with a slam. A few girls show their tongues to the closed door.
It seems that Arrian's efforts in the water are a little short of his expectations. Luckily for him, there were also other disqualified participants. Two farm girls friends called Rasi and Pepper were also disqualified. In fact, it seems it was their first time trying to go into the water. There was also a disqualified sailor called Porky who was a little too worried of big moorays to concentrate on swimming. There are no such fish here, but he still worried. The line to attempt this was getting bigger when Donimah showed a sublime performance. Although some left looking disgruntled to have not the opportunity to try, most were so impressed that they offered to help dry her and she even got a job offer to join the crew on one of the ships. She received a potion that Juriya later identified as a Cure Moderate Wounds potion.
Before going to the docks, Donimah did stop by Brodert Quink's shop, where he was excitedly quizzing some people closeby. Most were more confused with the questions than actually thinking of an answer, but they were very good in making thinking faces. The Shoanti woman approached him wanting to discuss some things, to which he replied "Sure sure, dear, but later. Right now, you need to pass the test to go further." To Donimah's attempt, he asked the question "What is the most popular Qadiran economical custom?", which Donimah failed to recognize as haggling over transactions. He then asked "What is the name of a fey that has a human upper half with ram horns and look like a goat from the waist down?", but Donimah cannot identify the satyr. It was only when he asked "Why did the Ayindilar elves migrate to the Darklands?" that she was able to explain that it was to escape Earthfall. It seems she knew quite a lot about this event because she started to talk more on the subject. Quink, however, was having too much fun quizzing the people and getting them confused. Quite unexpectedly, Donimah is approached after by the mayor who says "It seems you are quite a knowledgeable and studied person. May I ask what brought you to our little festival?"
It seems the mayor is more interested than worried. It doesn't look like she is after the prize, only to get to know people who are interested in Quink's challenge.
It seems that no one is able to beat Bethana on the chopping competition, so she takes the prize in the end. Everything is taken away to the kitchen and Ameiko acknowledges Juriya and Ano's presence but seems busy to come and talk. By the end of the conversation, the inn starts to smell like the food being prepared. It smells suspiciously like the spices that were being chopped in her competition. Little time after, people start emptying the inn and the group overhears them commenting "They're releasing the butterflies soon, let's go!"
Bethana stops by the group's table and mentions "I'll save your table if you want to go see the butterflies." She seems happy to help the people she beat in the competition.
Back in front of the new cathedral, a large wagon sits covered before the gathering crowd. The local priest, Father Abstalar Zantus says slowly "Desna once fell to the earth and was nursed back to health by a blind child. As a thanks, she transformed the child into a swallowtail butterfly." he pauses as people look at him with growing interest. Once the silence became unbearable, he raises his hands to the air and the wagon is uncovered by three young helpers. "Fly Desna's children!" he finishes loudly and an explosion of colors in the form of uncountable swallowtail butterflies bursts out. The children scream in delight, as do many grown ups, as they try to chase some of them. The priest says "If one of them lands on you, take good care of it, it's good luck! Now, go grab some lunch! You can find that the Rusty Dragon Inn, the White Deer inn and the Hagfish are offering lunch on their own expense, so don't be shy!"
People are happy to try a little of everything, but the hungrier of the crowd rushy to the White Deer. Being closer, it is faster to get sated there. By the end of lunch time, it is clear that Ameiko's curry-spiced salmon is the people's favorite, over the White Deer's peppercorn venison and the Hagfish's lobster chowder.
After lunch, many games are still going, where people try to play even the games whose wooden coin have been already distributed, just for the fun of it. Quink's game gets a little emptier, since people weren't having fun with his gleeful showcase of knowledge.
Ano thanks Bethana for holding their table as they all head out to see the swallowtails be released. As they do, Ano closes her eyes and gives herseld a small prayer.
Ama Ilargia, mesedez, esan iezaiozu nire aitari bere lagunek eta familiak nahi dutela gaur gurekin egon zitekeela.
"Well," Juriya directs her response to Mativ, "I'm still an amateur alchemist. I still need some manner of defending myself before I get bomb production down... without blowing myself up. So, I've learned to be very dexterous with a Rapier, since my strength is mmm... lacking!" She points to her very thin frame, which conveys no strength whatsoever, before continuing, "Admittedly it was also a bit of luck! You were an amazing competitor, I must add!" After the exchanges of words, she begins consuming the meal at the Rusty Dragon, very pleased with Ameiko's cooking, as usual. This time it's free! I don't even have to beg as a fox for free food this time!, she thinks to herself. Granted, Ameiko has presumably caught on to her tricks by this point and would not give her free food in her fox form, but her customers are a different story, and it takes less food to be satiated like that anyways.
She turns to Bethana after her offer, thanking her and running to see the butterflies. She has to internally remind herself to not eat them in fox form, no matter how much she wants to. Sadly, or luckily, no butterflies land on her. She isn't a follower of Desna, as her family's faith lies squarely with the Lady of Foxes, but she still respects the Goddess all the same.
Afterwards, she goes to show Mativ that it really was just luck. She does not want her to get any ideas that she's a kitsune, and goes to show her that she actually is trying her best as she manages to fall off fairly early.
As she falls off while going to show the halfling, she mentions, "See? It was just luck the first time, and that doesn't mean I'm better than you at this. Honestly, you probably are better than me at this, as Halfling bodies are smaller and thus can maneuver on a beam easier. Doesn't mean it will work every time, however!"
She tries, emphasis on tries, to tackle the sack race next. She, however, trips on her own feet and is distracted by how comfortable the sack would be in her miniscule fox form, and just falls flat on her face. She remains in her human form, of course, but right now it feels like she could shrink away at any moment.
Persephone's mixed-matched ocean blue and emerald green eyes shine brightly, as the Shaman watches the natural gathering of her Tribe. She laughs at Ano's excited presentation of pies. She smiles at Arrian's bashful acceptance of perfectly and properly placed praise, platitudes and pie. She smiles at Juriya's easy recital of readied information. She smiles at Zeldrith's unease, purposeful distraction of his friendship with the 1/2 Orc and his honor. She smiles at Donimah. The Wizardess an example for each in her demeanor, confidence and wariness.
Isabel circles above Persephone also enjoying the gathering.
This is wonderful.
Persephone nods in agreement as she glides to the group.
Such a wonderful event shared with wonderful friends. Beautiful pies Ano.
Both Shaman and Spirit Animal seem to be gloating.
At the releasing ceremony, they both are silent throughout as if 8n communication with....
With a quick "Thanks Bethana!", Arrian slows his pace to match the others as they hurry to the release of the swallowtails.
"If my lack of luck in the games today is any sign I doubt a swallowtail will land on me. But if anyone who's a bit shorter wants a boost up, I can put you on my shoulder."
When Father Abstalar Zantus mentions that lunch is free at some of Sandpoint's taverns, including The Hagfish, Arrian's mouth drops open as he suddenly remembers.
Turning to the rest of the group he says, "I'm sorry guys but I've got to help Jurgie or I'll never hear the end of it!"
Making sure anyone on his shoulders is set down gently the half-orc rushes at full speed to get back to work!
As he rushes to The Hagfish Arrian assumes the role of advertiser shouting, "Go to The Hagfish, best lobster chowder in Sandpoint!"
"Yeah. Sometimes we import Janderhoff as well. However there's also no shipping cost, which definitely softens the blow. And some sunk cost fallacy and loyalty as well, since both our families are originally from Minkai. Good to know it's not just us using their glassware! What's your father use it for?"
Zeldrith shrugs. "Same thing as most merchants use it for, I think. He owns a general store in Rag's End. I won't argue that the Kaijitsu glass is better quality, but the sort who visit my family's shop don't generally have the money for the fancy stuff, which is why we sell more of the cheaper Janderhoff glass." As the Minkaian woman shows off the coin she won at the competition, Zeldrith grins. "The balance beam? Congratulations, my friend!" He nods towards Persephone. "You going to try any of the challenges, friend? I'll be honest, you don't really seem the athletic type, and I doubt you'll beat Donimah's time in the swimming challenge in any case."
As the patrons start to move outdoors for the butterfly release, Zeldrith smiles, getting to his feet and making his way outside for the main event of the festival. As Father Zantus makes his speech, he lowers his head in prayer to Desna, applauding politely when the butterflies are released. When Arrian rushes back to the Hagfish, he chuckles to himself, shaking his head. "You're in quite the hurry, my friend! Good luck this afternoon!"
The mercenary makes his way back to the table at the Rusty Dragon, taking a seat and nodding gratefully to Bethana as she brings over a plate of salmon. After eating in silence for a minute or two, he looks apologetically at the others at the table. "Look, I'm sorry if I've been a bit on edge these past couple of days. Sandpoint seems like a very nice town, and I've felt welcome here - it's just that I've never really had many friends, see. Most of those who don't sneer at me for being poor sneer at me for the whole 'curse' thing, and I'm just trying to make sure I can come back here someday - I think my family might like it better here than in Magnimar, to tell you the truth."
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Before going to the docks, Donimah did stop by Brodert Quink's shop, where he was excitedly quizzing some people closeby. Most were more confused with the questions than actually thinking of an answer, but they were very good in making thinking faces. The Shoanti woman approached him wanting to discuss some things, to which he replied "Sure sure, dear, but later. Right now, you need to pass the test to go further." To Donimah's attempt, he asked the question "What is the most popular Qadiran economical custom?", which Donimah failed to recognize as haggling over transactions. He then asked "What is the name of a fey that has a human upper half with ram horns and look like a goat from the waist down?", but Donimah cannot identify the satyr. It was only when he asked "Why did the Ayindilar elves migrate to the Darklands?" that she was able to explain that it was to escape Earthfall. It seems she knew quite a lot about this event because she started to talk more on the subject. Quink, however, was having too much fun quizzing the people and getting them confused. Quite unexpectedly, Donimah is approached after by the mayor who says "It seems you are quite a knowledgeable and studied person. May I ask what brought you to our little festival?"
Donimah eyes the Mayor somewhat warily, unsure of her intentions.
"To be truthful, the Festival occurring during my arrival was merely a happy coincidence. I come to Sandpoint as a student of the Order of Cyphers. I was planning on...residing...in your fair town for the foreseeable future while I conduct an archaeological survey of Thassilonian ruins in the area, especially as Mr. Quink has a reputation as a local expert, even as far as Riddleport."
She has no reason to lie, after all. This was a local politician, not an academic rival. And since she'd likely be paying this woman taxes within the next month or so, making a good first impression would go a long way. In many other "lawful" towns, wizards like her tended to be charged more due to the presumed collateral damage of wayward spells, at least until they were powerful enough to make good on any threat to turn people who annoyed them into various amphibians.
He looks around at the rest of the assembled group. "What about the rest of you? Donimah, I saw you swim - you're better than I could ever hope to be, I'll tell you that! I'd heard there was some trivia competition, too - sounds like it would be your speed. Been there yet?" His question seems innocent enough, and he is definitely not mentioning how embarrassing poor Arrian's near-drowning experience was, especially not in front of Persephone - his stupidity is debatable, but he's certainly not blind.
Donimah grimaces when Zeldrith inquires about her performance at Brodert Quink's game.
"I have, yes," she says flatly. "Clearly, I have a lot more to learn about the world outside Riddleport."
It seems that no one is able to beat Bethana on the chopping competition, so she takes the prize in the end. Everything is taken away to the kitchen and Ameiko acknowledges Juriya and Ano's presence but seems busy to come and talk. By the end of the conversation, the inn starts to smell like the food being prepared. It smells suspiciously like the spices that were being chopped in her competition. Little time after, people start emptying the inn and the group overhears them commenting "They're releasing the butterflies soon, let's go!"
Bethana stops by the group's table and mentions "I'll save your table if you want to go see the butterflies." She seems happy to help the people she beat in the competition.
Noticing the others seem excited by the coming spectacle and not wanting to look like the stick-in-the-mud, Donimah rises to join them for the butterfly-watching.
"Thank you, Ms...Corwin, was it? We shall return."
Back in front of the new cathedral, a large wagon sits covered before the gathering crowd. The local priest, Father Abstalar Zantus says slowly "Desna once fell to the earth and was nursed back to health by a blind child. As a thanks, she transformed the child into a swallowtail butterfly." he pauses as people look at him with growing interest. Once the silence became unbearable, he raises his hands to the air and the wagon is uncovered by three young helpers. "Fly Desna's children!" he finishes loudly and an explosion of colors in the form of uncountable swallowtail butterflies bursts out. The children scream in delight, as do many grown ups, as they try to chase some of them. The priest says "If one of them lands on you, take good care of it, it's good luck! Now, go grab some lunch! You can find that the Rusty Dragon Inn, the White Deer inn and the Hagfish are offering lunch on their own expense, so don't be shy!"
People are happy to try a little of everything, but the hungrier of the crowd rushy to the White Deer. Being closer, it is faster to get sated there. By the end of lunch time, it is clear that Ameiko's curry-spiced salmon is the people's favorite, over the White Deer's peppercorn venison and the Hagfish's lobster chowder.
After lunch, many games are still going, where people try to play even the games whose wooden coin have been already distributed, just for the fun of it. Quink's game gets a little emptier, since people weren't having fun with his gleeful showcase of knowledge.
While Donimah is far from religious, she can't help but feel a small sense of wonder as the butterflies are released and form a kaleidoscope in the air. You didn't see things like this in Riddleport. People rarely looked up at the sky save to see which way the wind was blowing so their ships can cast off. Those without ships to sail on kept their heads down, focusing on the filthy streets and their hand on their coinpurse. Even the Cypher Lodge, with spells going off at all hours of the day, felt more mundane. The colorful runes that danced around her and her classmates' had become so...ordinary by comparison. She wasn't used to feeling like this, feeling like there was time to just...slow down and experience something outside the stress of study and competition.
"It's...captivating."
The mercenary makes his way back to the table at the Rusty Dragon, taking a seat and nodding gratefully to Bethana as she brings over a plate of salmon. After eating in silence for a minute or two, he looks apologetically at the others at the table. "Look, I'm sorry if I've been a bit on edge these past couple of days. Sandpoint seems like a very nice town, and I've felt welcome here - it's just that I've never really had many friends, see. Most of those who don't sneer at me for being poor sneer at me for the whole 'curse' thing, and I'm just trying to make sure I can come back here someday - I think my family might like it better here than in Magnimar, to tell you the truth."
Ano perked up at that-more from Zeldrith considering the rest of the group, herself included, friends. She then added, “My family moved from Magnimar when I was a baby-something offered by the lumbermill my dad worked for. I don’t remember anything about Magnimar, but I can say this place is lovely to live in! At least…it is now.” She looked down at her plate as she continued, “When I was a kid there were a few more people who were…I don’t know if cruel is the right word. Bitter maybe? Either way, after the first church burned down, the townsfolk became closer, more supportive of each other. Not everyone of course, but for one jerk in Sandpoint you have about fifty people willing to give a hand when needed! Plus, if anyone gives you trouble they’ll have to deal with me!”
Jargie looks at Arrian angrily when he comes in and barks "You were supposed to be here an hour ago, where were you? The garlic's not going to cut itself." He is clearly stressed more than usual. It's important to him to get more clientelle. He wants to be a better competition to the Rusty Dragon.
Juriya has some people snickering at her before the halfling Mativ barks out "She got the wooden coin for the balancing beam, show some respect!" This is enough for people to stop and some actually clap in recognition. However, they keep cheering on their favorites in the sack race.
As Persephone is observing the festival heat , she is approached by Father Zantus. He says in a light tone "It's been a while since we've seen you around here. How have you been?"
Mayor Deverin replies to Donimah "I'm glad that our little corner of the world interests those with more... how should I say this... mental training. Please, let me know if there's something you need. I could introduce you to the professors in the academy if you like." After some thought, Donimah realizes that the mayor is more interested in the more economical aspects of having a scholar visitor than the ancient, more obsolete Thassilonian secrets.
Smiling at the approaching Father Zantus, Persephone cursties.
Happy festival, Father. Such a pleasant day for the celebration. It is nice to return home after these last 5 years. I am excited for the new Cathedral opening.
Isabel is seen preening in a tree above the Shaman's position.
Jargie looks at Arrian angrily when he comes in and barks "You were supposed to be here an hour ago, where were you? The garlic's not going to cut itself." He is clearly stressed more than usual. It's important to him to get more clientelle. He wants to be a better competition to the Rusty Dragon.
Smarting from the rebuke Arrian goes out of his way to work harder, faster, and do whatever needs to be done before being asked. He tries to stay out of Jargie's sight to avoid another reprimand!
Back at the Rusty Dragon, Ano continues to chow on her fish…though her mind was starting to wonder to some less fun places. She’s trying hard to keep her spirits up on this day, though she was having a lot of conflicting thoughts tonight.
She got up and told Zeldrith, “I’m gonna go…check on my mother. Cherry can you keep him company while I’m gone?” Before the bird can say anything she immediately walked out of the inn.
Juriya laughs off the jeers, and thanks her for sticking up for her.
Afterwards, when Ano rushes off to check on her mother, Juriya rushes back to her family's house to check on the Thunderstone batch. Looks nice, she thinks to herself. After a good few minutes form-shifting and stretching out her humanoid vulpine legs, she goes back to her human form and immediately back to the Rusty dragon to eat whatever food the inn has remaining. "Mmm, sometimes I forget how good Ameiko's cooking is," she says to herself once finally reseated.
Mayor Deverin replies to Donimah "I'm glad that our little corner of the world interests those with more... how should I say this... mental training. Please, let me know if there's something you need. I could introduce you to the professors in the academy if you like." After some thought, Donimah realizes that the mayor is more interested in the more economical aspects of having a scholar visitor than the ancient, more obsolete Thassilonian secrets.
Donimah smiles a bit. Perhaps she and the Mayor had more in common than she initially expected.
"I'm humbled by your generosity, Madame Mayor. I was unaware Sandpoint was host to an academy! The discoveries made here certainly can only benefit the town in the long run, drawing more scholars both mystical and mundane. I'm currently staying at the White Deer, though given the apparent proprietor's...prickly attitude, I may take my business to the Rusty Dragon soon, but I will be remaining in the town for the foreseeable future as a sort of...home base for the survey. Individual expeditions may require roughing it out on the Coast for a few days to a week, but results must of course be catalogued and studied."
Noting the crowd heading for lunch, she gives a small bow.
"I best be returning to the group I've found myself with, then. Some of the other locals have been hyping up Madame Kaijitsu's salmon, and as someone who's gutted their fair share of fish throughout life, I am curious."
With that, she rejoins the group in the Rusty Dragon.
She samples the salmon and her eyes widen. This blew the hammer-flattened fishcakes back in Riddleport literally out of the water.
"By the Spirits, I think this is some of the best food I've ever eaten..." she muses.
The mercenary makes his way back to the table at the Rusty Dragon, taking a seat and nodding gratefully to Bethana as she brings over a plate of salmon. After eating in silence for a minute or two, he looks apologetically at the others at the table. "Look, I'm sorry if I've been a bit on edge these past couple of days. Sandpoint seems like a very nice town, and I've felt welcome here - it's just that I've never really had many friends, see. Most of those who don't sneer at me for being poor sneer at me for the whole 'curse' thing, and I'm just trying to make sure I can come back here someday - I think my family might like it better here than in Magnimar, to tell you the truth."
Donimah shrugs.
"I mean, I've literally only known you for a day, so I have nothing to compare it against. But I can certainly relate to being sneered at for being poor. Had to deal with that literally my whole damn life. And while I can't say I've been 'cursed,' I know what it's like to be looked down on for what you are. My father was Shoanti, so people think me a superstitious horse-f***ing brute, and any actual Shoanti I've met...well you saw what happened at the White Deer yesterday. I suppose that means we have more in common than I initially expected."
Ano perked up at that-more from Zeldrith considering the rest of the group, herself included, friends. She then added, “My family moved from Magnimar when I was a baby-something offered by the lumbermill my dad worked for. I don’t remember anything about Magnimar, but I can say this place is lovely to live in! At least…it is now.” She looked down at her plate as she continued, “When I was a kid there were a few more people who were…I don’t know if cruel is the right word. Bitter maybe? Either way, after the first church burned down, the townsfolk became closer, more supportive of each other. Not everyone of course, but for one jerk in Sandpoint you have about fifty people willing to give a hand when needed! Plus, if anyone gives you trouble they’ll have to deal with me!”
Ano's enthusiasm makes Donimah chuckle a little.
"And there I suppose is something shared between us too. Father wasn't born in Riddleport. He only went there because the Shadde-Quah banished him for...something. No, he's never told me, and whether I've asked him is no business but ours. But there's a lot fewer people in Riddleport willing to help an exiled Shoanti and his daughter than there'd probably have been if he could have afforded to come as far as Sandpoint. But I thank you now, for making me feel so welcome."
Juriya laughs off the jeers, and thanks her for sticking up for her.
Afterwards, when Ano rushes off to check on her mother, Juriya rushes back to her family's house to check on the Thunderstone batch. Looks nice, she thinks to herself. After a good few minutes form-shifting and stretching out her humanoid vulpine legs, she goes back to her human form and immediately back to the Rusty dragon to eat whatever food the inn has remaining. "Mmm, sometimes I forget how good Ameiko's cooking is," she says to herself once finally reseated.
"Ah, welcome back Ms. Arima," Donimah says politely. "I don't know who's luckier; I for getting to taste it for the first time, or you for getting to experience that first taste again and again."
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"I mean, I've literally only known you for a day, so I have nothing to compare it against. But I can certainly relate to being sneered at for being poor. Had to deal with that literally my whole damn life. And while I can't say I've been 'cursed,' I know what it's like to be looked down on for what you are. My father was Shoanti, so people think me a superstitious horse-f***ing brute, and any actual Shoanti I've met...well you saw what happened at the White Deer yesterday. I suppose that means we have more in common than I initially expected."
At the mention of the White Deer's innkeeper, Zeldrith's face darkens. "That lā mitluku targīgu? I think that's just an issue with him." He glances around the Rusty Dragon before continuing. "This place seems nice, and the innkeeper hasn't insulted me yet - I was thinking about getting my things and staying here later. I had a few choice Shoanti words to say to that guy at the Rusty Dragon - though they're not the sort I'll repeat with ladies present." He gives a proud grin. "Matter of fact, I can curse fluently in twenty-one languages. I bet you can't name someone else who can do that!"
"And there I suppose is something shared between us too. Father wasn't born in Riddleport. He only went there because the Shadde-Quah banished him for...something."
The young mercenary shrugs. "I suppose I'm the odd one out here in that regard - my family's lived in Magnimar for as long as anyone can remember. My grandfather Endru was a gravedigger, and his father before him was a carpenter. Like I said earlier, it's said we're descended from kings - we've been dirt poor as long as anyone can remember, but we also have a family curse of sorts, and I've only ever heard about those on noble houses." He gestures to his mismatched eyes with his seven-fingered hand. "Every so often, a child from my family is born with different-colored eyes, one red, one black. Of course, usually, it's more than that - I have hooves, and my sister Vayath has fingers like knives - but it's always at least the eyes. Most of the time, there's nothing really wrong with the children - my nephew Revek has quills for hair, and he's the most sweet-natured little kid you're likely to meet. Still, the temple of Iomedae is notably more enthusiastic about helping ordinary poor people than it is about helping poor people with mouths that looks like they're full of knives."
"I’m gonna go…check on my mother. Cherry can you keep him company while I’m gone?"
As Ano leaves in a hurry, Zeldrith shrugs and continues his meal. After an awkwardly long silence, he sighs. "I-I'm sorry - I've never met any talking birds before, so I don't really know where to go with this conversation. Do you... like eating seeds, by any chance? I'm afraid I don't really know anything else to say."
As Ano leaves in a hurry, Zeldrith shrugs and continues his meal. After an awkwardly long silence, he sighs. "I-I'm sorry - I've never met any talking birds before, so I don't really know where to go with this conversation. Do you... like eating seeds, by any chance? I'm afraid I don't really know anything else to say."
The cardinal stares at him very much unamused, “I’m not just some talking bird, I’m more of Ano’s conscious. I can hold conversations with others fine. You can talk to me like normal. Juriya does.” He does look at the door worringly, “Though I’m…not sure what came upon Ano. I know she’s not going to check on her mom-at least that’s not the real reason she left. She always makes that excuse with that face whenever she wants to leave. I was becoming a little proud of her-hard for her to make friends. Only real friends she has in this town are Arrian and Juriya. I don’t know if I count, being her conscious and all.”
Meanwhile…
The catfolk walked along the town’s streets, trying to keep herself from looking sad or anything like that. She was internally beating herself up, both for thinking the passerbys were now her friends, and for taking off when she could have stayed and converse more and make an actual attempt to talk to the passerbys. She truly wasn’t sure why she was getting so worked up-a part of her wondered if the Rusty Dragon was getting crowded or something.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she bumped into someone and fell to the ground. “I-I’m so sorry I should’ve watched where I was going it won’t happen again-!” Ano immediately blurted out defensively, expecting the scolding of a lifetime from someone who didn’t tolerate her.
Persephone smiles down at Ano. The good Father Zantas barely knocked back a half of step by the distracted Amurrun. Reaching down, the Shaman gently assists her back to her feet.
Well hello Ano. We were just discussing a bit of the New Cathedral. Exciting isn't it. Desna has been quite busy.
Isabel gently lands on Ano's shoulder.
So, what types of treats do you offer Cherry?
Both Shaman and Familiar smiles warmly at her.
Ano looked beyond flustered in embarrassment when she saw it was Father Zantus and Persephone she bumped into. Deep down, the church is the last place she wanted to be, but it would be rude to run away now.
“Thank you Persephone,” the catfolk thanked the shaman as she got back to her feet. Upon the raven landing on her shoulder and asking her a question, she said, “Well, Cherry usually eats seeds but he loves to snack on berries and cherries. Cherries especially.”
The cardinal stares at him very much unamused, “I’m not just some talking bird, I’m more of Ano’s conscious. I can hold conversations with others fine. You can talk to me like normal. Juriya does.” He does look at the door worringly, “Though I’m…not sure what came upon Ano. I know she’s not going to check on her mom-at least that’s not the real reason she left. She always makes that excuse with that face whenever she wants to leave. I was becoming a little proud of her-hard for her to make friends. Only real friends she has in this town are Arrian and Juriya. I don’t know if I count, being her conscious and all.”
"You've taken on a hard task then," Donimah muses. "Most familiars I've encountered do not even question their..."master" would not be the right word in this case, you are clearly an equal in your relationship with her..."bonded partner's" instructions, let alone volunteer to act as a supplementary moral compass."
She turns to Zeldrith.
"Any other challenges you wish to try your hand at? The tug-of-war, maybe? I believe it's in groups of two."
Juriya continues to snack on the Ameiko-cooked food as she comments on the situation, "I don't know much about working with a familiar, but I do know that some of them refuse to be mere pets. Cherry's definitely one of those familiars. And as for the food? I don't forget entirely, so it's never like the first time," she says.
"Though I'm…not sure what came upon Ano. I know she's not going to check on her mom-at least that’s not the real reason she left. She always makes that excuse with that face whenever she wants to leave. I was becoming a little proud of her-hard for her to make friends. Only real friends she has in this town are Arrian and Juriya. I don’t know if I count, being her conscious and all."
Zeldrith raises an eyebrow. "She's seemed especially skittish around Donimah and me, the two transients of our little group, and she looked concerned when she found that I would be leaving for Magnimar within a few days. Perhaps she's afraid of losing those close to her? Worried that she will become friends with travelers passing through, then be devastated when they disappear?" His mind strays to the discussion of the previous day, of the 'Late Unpleasantness' and the nature of loss...
"Any other challenges you wish to try your hand at? The tug-of-war, maybe? I believe it's in groups of two."
Zeldrith shrugs. "Perhaps. I think it might be a better idea to seek out Ano, however - make sure she's well. I'll see what time I have for games after my friends are safe. Thank you for your hospitality, Ameiko." The tiefling stands and makes his way out of the tavern, doing his best to retrace Ano's steps.
His nose twitches, but the multitude of people passing by makes it impossible to single out Ano's scent. He picks a likely-looking direction and sets off, but if he finds the catfolk, it will be through as much luck as anything else.
Arrian swiftly cuts, carries, cleans, and any other chores/jobs Jargie has for him to do!
Isabel makes a pleasant sounding caw, as she prepares to take flight.
Cherries. Makes sense.
Persephone smiles warmly at the catfolk.
It has been 5 years since I've been back to Sandpoint. Anything interesting in that time, Ano?
The Shaman's mix-matched ocean blue and emerald green eyes follow the crowds of folk continuing to enjoy the Festival.
Finding a seemingly turned about Zeldrith wondering among the crowd, Isabel proceeds to fly over in his direction to circle just about the Tieflings head.
Persephone and Ano are just ahead to your right.
Persephone is seen smiling directly at him.
"You've taken on a hard task then," Donimah muses. "Most familiars I've encountered do not even question their..."master" would not be the right word in this case, you are clearly an equal in your relationship with her..."bonded partner's" instructions, let alone volunteer to act as a supplementary moral compass."
Cherry nods. "The first thing I had to do as her familiar was save her from...whatever that thing was that night. She swears it was the Jersey Devil itself, but to me it looked more like an oversized bat. Either way, I've always made sure she doesn't walk into some dangerous situation or help her in a stressful situation. Her living this long without me is a testament that she's stronger than she thinks."
Zeldrith raises an eyebrow. "She's seemed especially skittish around Donimah and me, the two transients of our little group, and she looked concerned when she found that I would be leaving for Magnimar within a few days. Perhaps she's afraid of losing those close to her? Worried that she will become friends with travelers passing through, then be devastated when they disappear?" His mind strays to the discussion of the previous day, of the 'Late Unpleasantness' and the nature of loss...
Cherry looks down. "It's not entirely in my place to say it, and she doesn't talk about it a lot but...during the Late Unpleasantness she lost a couple people close to her. One of them being her dad. I never met him, but from what Ano's mother said he was a pretty good guy. So it wouldn't surprise me if she was afraid of losing friends."
Zeldrith shrugs. "Perhaps. I think it might be a better idea to seek out Ano, however - make sure she's well. I'll see what time I have for games after my friends are safe. Thank you for your hospitality, Ameiko." The tiefling stands and makes his way out of the tavern, doing his best to retrace Ano's steps.
Cherry flutters with Zeldrith. "Sorry to leave you two ladies behind, but I'll help him find Ano. It is my duty as her conscience after all." With that Cherry flies ahead, noticing Isabel and Persephone with Ano. "Zeldrith, ahead of us on our left."
Persephone smiles warmly at the catfolk.
"It has been 5 years since I've been back to Sandpoint. Anything interesting in that time, Ano?"
Ano's ears flattened at the question. She felt like the last person to be asked that question. "Well I...don't really get involved too much with Sandpoint as of late. I generally go out to the nearby farms and help them out. Y'know, moving hay, harvesting, livestock, and all that."
"Sandpoint Devil? The Late Unpleasantness?" Donimah asks, an eyebrow raised. When Zeldrith volunteers to follow Cherry after her, Donimah rises and joins him. Her curiosity was now piqued.
As Persephone and the two familiars direct him towards the group, Zeldrith approaches, albeit somewhat tentatively. "Ano? Cherry here was telling me about why you had run off, and I thought I might try to help. I'll be honest - Sandpoint is not my home, and I have family in Magnimar that I can't just abandon. Now, that said, I have no intention of leaving Sandpoint anytime soon. It's a beautiful town, and for... various reasons, it's probably safer for my family if I can bring them here than if they keep living in Magnimar." He sighs, staring at the ground at his hooves before glancing back up to Ano. "My grandfather always used to say that 'fear of tomorrow is what keeps us from living today.' I can't guarantee that I will be in Sandpoint forever, but forever is a long time. Eventually, I'll die - matter of fact, eventually, you'll die, too! All we can do is make the most of now."
"Thanks for the hospitality as always, Ameiko, I might as well make sure Ano is okay," Juriya says as she bows, this time not even catching herself, and leaves the rest of the food for later.
She finds footprints that track with what an Amurrun would likely have, but loses them a few seconds in. Should I track the scent as a Fox? she asks herself as she seriously considers it. She decides against it, just in case Ano might accidentally spill the secret.
Instead, she blindly tumbles into them while trying to find the tracks, along with a few of the group. "Oh, there you are! You okay, Ano?"
Ano takes in what Zeldrith says to heart just as Juriya and Donimah arrive.
“Y-Yeah I’m fine Juriya,” she says, addressing her friend. She then turns to the tiefling and says “Thank you for your words. I’m sorry if I’m flighty or stupid or anything like that-I think all the talk about the new church is pulling up feelings I thought went away. Or something. Could also be the big crowds.”
Cherry landed on the catfolk’s shoulder and chirped, “C’mon now, your father and friend wouldn’t want you moping on today. This is a happy day! And plus, Donimah, Persephone and Zeldrith look like the kind of people who would tell you that they wouldn’t want your company if they didn’t want it. Right?” The cardinal looked at the tiefling, changeling and Shoanti as if asking for assistance in cheering up Ano.
Persephone lays a gloved hand on the shoulders of the sad Catfolk.
Today is Desna's Day of blessing us with the truth that we can all become beautiful butterflies. Going through the mud, muck, many mean things can shape us.
The Tribe Shaman's mix-matched ocean blue and emerald green eyes look at each of them in the group.
Friends. Friends help guide us, pick us up, kick an ass for us when warranted.
Isabel squeaks in response to Persephone's cursing, but the spectacularly colorful Raven does nod in agreement to her sentiment if not her vocabulary.
Persephone smiles at each of them.
Ano. Zeldrith. Juriya. Donimah. Arrian. Anyone seen our lost Arrian? I think he needs our support too.