Ano's request gives Zeldrith pause, but after a moment, he nods. "That fool of a mother made you promise you wouldn't spend time around us, yes? No worries - as far as I'm concerned, you helped Arrian bind my wounds when I fell. You'll still a hero, but there's nothing for your mother to get upset about."
At Arrian's words, Zeldrith shrugs. "Perhaps something important was buried with Father Tobyn? That might explain all the trouble the goblins went to so they could get here."
One eyebrow raises as Persephone points out the blood and miscellaneous byproducts of battle on his face. "If it helps, it's my blood. Thank you, Persephone."
At Zel saying "fool of a mother" Arrian's eyes bug out and he stands between Ano and Zel and tells Zel, "Please don't insult Mrs. Clovermark."
Father Zantus obliges and heals all wounds suffered by the group. He seems silent, probably ashamed and thinking he could have been of use with his power versus undead.
Listening in on the conversation, the sheriff comments "About that... I would appreciate it if you would keep what happened here to yourselves. I know how... zealous your family can be, Ano, but what happened last night was bad enough. The townsfolk have been scared enough. Also, if you could make yourselves, uhm, visible or at least accessible to the folks, I think it would be good to remind the people that they're safe."
Ano's request gives Zeldrith pause, but after a moment, he nods. "That fool of a mother made you promise you wouldn't spend time around us, yes? No worries - as far as I'm concerned, you helped Arrian bind my wounds when I fell. You'll still a hero, but there's nothing for your mother to get upset about."
Ano's fur bristles a bit at Zeldrith calling her mother a fool, but she replies calmly, "N-no, I can still hang out with you all. It's just...she doesn't want me getting into anymore danger. Or, heroics, you know? She doesn't want me to get hurt is all...[/b]"
At the mention of keeping the event a secret, she nods, "Yeah, I think the only other who should know is Donimah, who-say...I thought she'd be back by now? Or are we meeting her back at the Hagfish?"
At the reproach from Arrian and Ano, Zeldrith sighs, hanging his head. "My words were... poorly chosen, and for that I apologize. Ano, from where I stand it seems that your mother denies what is in front of her - that you can help others, and that you can take care of yourself. Still, there's no reason to call her a fool for worrying about her daughter - as I said, I apologize for my harsh words."
In response to the Sheriff's request, he nods. "I understand. We'll keep quiet about this, don't you worry." As the group goes about their business in the town, Zeldrith seeks out work around the town - with the deaths from the goblin raid, there are likely tasks that need doing, and Zeldrith is more than happy to lend a hand - in the process, he takes note of what jobs his sister and parents could help with were the family to move from Magnimar to Sandpoint.
Persephone smiles at each, as she and Isabel take their leaves to spend the remainder of the day inside the chapel, communing with Desna.
"Yeah. Ano's mom can uh... be like that," Juriya shudders as she remembers a few key memories of the woman. "Best to let someone reasonable take the fame here, and say that Ano helped wrap up wounds or something similar."
"Does anyone know where Donimah went? I think we should let her know what happened just in case she's seen or heard of anything odd happening. If you guys need me I'll be at The Hagfish trying to solve the 'Stench in the Pantry' mystery."
Ano wanted to agree with Zeldrith, but something inside her prevented her from doing so. Either way…she’ll definitely have a talk with her mother. Hopefully.
At the mention of Donimah, Ano says, “I…don’t know. She said she was meeting with someone, though. Wonder who…?”
She will then ask Juriya or Arrian if they need help at their place. If asked why isn’t she going to help the farmers, she’ll say,
“Oh, yeah, that! Uh well, I mean, goblins might be outside the town and I certainly wouldn’t want to get ambushed! Right? That’s a…thing they…do that I read about!”
You’re the worst liar in Varisia. Cherry and Ano said internally in synch towards the catfolk.
Quink narrows his eyes, half expecting Donimah to laugh at his efforts. Still, he says a little arrogantly "I'll have you know that I seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge. I am not after trinkets or magic... I have studied for 20 years with the dwarf engineers of Janderhoff. And, of course, the prestige that would accompany such an important discovery would be... nice as well."
From his tone, it seems that the prestige would be more than nice for him.
Donimah gives a knowing nod.
"I'd hesitate to call the runes of ancient Thassilon trinkets, but 20 years of study is indeed impressive. And I can understand the...frustration of that many years of hard work currently amounting to little in the present. Hopefully we'll be able to correct that."
She looks out the window.
"Spirits and stars, look at the sun! I was going to try and meet with Mayor Derevin today too...she offered to introduce me to some of the other academically-inclined townsfolk."
Ano wanted to agree with Zeldrith, but something inside her prevented her from doing so. Either way…she’ll definitely have a talk with her mother. Hopefully.
At the mention of Donimah, Ano says, “I…don’t know. She said she was meeting with someone, though. Wonder who…?”
She will then ask Juriya or Arrian if they need help at their place. If asked why isn’t she going to help the farmers, she’ll say,
“Oh, yeah, that! Uh well, I mean, goblins might be outside the town and I certainly wouldn’t want to get ambushed! Right? That’s a…thing they…do that I read about!”
You’re the worst liar in Varisia. Cherry and Ano said internally in synch towards the catfolk.
"You can always hang out with me Ano. Jargie doesn't yell as much when you or Juriya are around but be prepared to work."
Mimicking Jargie's voice Arrian says, "Idle hands do the devil's work!"
Banny Harker is looking for some muscle to help run his Lumber Mill.
The lumber mill is owned by the local family Scarnetti, who have, apparently bought off your debt from the Sczarni. They have learned that you are looking to settle in Sandpoint and have planned to have you work there for little money. If you figure out eventually that they have your debt, only then would you start paying it off with your work.
It's very easy to figure out where Donimah went. Being one of the new heroes, people are very much aware of her comings and goings. And they are also very vocal to show the rest of the heroes how knowledgeable they are. The group is pointed to Brodert Quink's hut.
Getting there, Brodert is not at home, and neither is Donimah. THe neighbors point them to the southern gate.
Looking at the sun, Donimah estimates that the sun will be up for another half an hour. Time flies when you're focused.
Quink visibly relates to what Donimah said. He says "Well, thank you, smart girl. Would you look at that, the sun really is low. I should go to the gate. Come if you want to see real magic."
Arriving at the southern gate, Donimah sees that there is a small group of farmers and their children. The children await patiently for something. As she arrives with the old man, it is clear that this is what they were waiting for.
Brodert says to them "Forgive my tardiness, young ones!" He proceeds to tell a story. By the sound of it, he did not start at the beginning, and it is actually its continuation.
The story is about a young mason called Mel, who lived in Thassilonian times. The story is clearly exaggerated in some parts, but otherwise it is very sweet, in that pure-hearted Mel tries to live in a nation that promotes viciousness and the survival of the fittest.
The children listen attentively and also most of the farmers, although they are visibly tired. The story finishes in a cliffhanger where Mel has to decide if he's going to help a child who just lost her parents, or lose his place in the mason's guild.
The children wanted more, but Quink says "Oh, be here tomorrow before sundown! We'll see what happens! And don't remember to take care of your neighbor, like Mel!"
"I don't think we have any volatile batches that need watching over, so I'd be down to make sure that Jargie's a bit quieter," Juriya says to Arrian.
Ano sighs in relief at Arrian and Juriya’s words. At least she can still hold a job and keep her promise of staying in town at the same time.
“It is getting late though,” Ano remarks, looking at the sunset, “I think my ama is expecting me back home before dark. I can meet you two at the Hagfish first thing tomorrow though!”
Donimah follows Brodert, her curiosity piqued. When they arrive at the south gate and she realizes what Brodert's doing, she gets a confused look on her face, leaning on her whaling spear as she watches.
She tries to hold a serious expression until this part of the story concludes. The saccharine tone of the story left an unwelcome taste in her mouth. Thassilon had been a grand nation, one only had to look around to see that. Monuments coursing with arcane power, their masters changing the very face of Varisia...but someone had to build those monuments. No empire was built from goodwill and cooperation. In the grand scheme of things, someone like her, who'd struggled up from the bottom, was more like Mel than like Thassilon's mysterious rulers that she looked up to. She wonders if there's any truth to the tale Brodert is spinning, if Thassilon really had been the kind of place he described rather than the place she imagined it to be...and what it said about her that she looked up to the mages instead of the Mels. If she didn't know better, she'd have thought Brodert was deliberately making it all up to get a rise out of her.
Once the children start leaving, she waits for Brodert to look at her.
"Your story...makes a lot of assumptions about daily life in the ancient world," she says in a measured tone.
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After asking around the inns, Zeldrith ventures down to the lumber mill to talk to Banny Harker, following up on a rumor that he was looking for help running the mill. At the mill operator's instructions, he visits Scarnetti Manor, intrigued - shortly thereafter, he exits with an ashen expression on his face. Making his way over to the southern gate of the town, he spots Donimah and some of his other friends, forcing an entirely unconvincing relieved grin.
"It's good to see you! I have some g-" He clears his throat. "-good news. I found a position in town working at the lumber mill, for the Scarnettis - with any luck, I'll be able to bring the rest of my family here soon." Donimah's literal interpretation of the story brings a frown to his face, and he gently nudges her in the ribs with his elbow spur. "You're missing the point - it's not about the ancient world, it's about doing the right thing when it's difficult. He takes a few liberties with history so he can teach these children to live good lives - a fair trade, I think."
Ano managed to make it just in time for dinner. As the two had some chicken and potatoes, the room was awfully quiet, until dinner was done.
"I hope you have been keeping out of trouble today?" Fosyo asked. Ano was lucky her mother couldn't see her face.
"Y-Yeah, uneventful. Except..." Well she could just not tell her about the Boneyard and just go straight to the good news. "Well, since I can't go out of the town anymore, on the Oath and all, I went looking for another job. And Arrian said I'm able to help him out at the Hagfish! So there's that!"
There was a long pause. Ano turned around, and saw her mother nod softly. As Ano sighed and headed to her room to bed, she heard Fosyo say, "Don't think that by doing favors for the town that I'm going to change my mind. I decide when to call off the Oath, and I decide that the Oath will stay to the end of your days. And that is final." Although there was no hint of malice-authoritativeness, yes, but no malice-the words did sting. The amurrun had to accept that there was no getting out of this.
"Bai, ama. Gau on, ama."
Cherry was snuggled in soundly in his little nest bed, as Ano couldn't sleep. She looked out the window into the starry night and the moon, and sighed. She had to uphold her part of the Oath...there was no other choice regarding that. But something was going on in the town, and she couldn't disappoint her friends...
Quink says "All stories do, dear. But it is important to portray a good message!"
Foxglove is waiting sitting by a table finishing a cup of coffee. He lightens up whenever one of the heroes shows up.
The following morning, the Shaman and Familiar awaken just before the dawn to pray and perform a simple ceremony for Desna. Communing with Isabel, Persephone receives her daily miracles.
Today promises to be quite exciting!
Isabel frowns.
You do realize that these trials will not be without injury, or worse. She needs the irons fired!
Persephone nods in understanding to Isabel.
Gliding down an hour later, the Varisian partakes of a simple breakfast of tea and sweet pastries. Isabel frowns. Persephone laughs.
Approaching the table occupied by Lord Foxglove, the Varisian smiles.
Desna 's blessing, Lord Foxglove. What a beautiful morning for a venture in nature.
After asking around the inns, Zeldrith ventures down to the lumber mill to talk to Banny Harker, following up on a rumor that he was looking for help running the mill. At the mill operator's instructions, he visits Scarnetti Manor, intrigued - shortly thereafter, he exits with an ashen expression on his face. Making his way over to the southern gate of the town, he spots Donimah and some of his other friends, forcing an entirely unconvincing relieved grin.
"It's good to see you! I have some g-" He clears his throat. "-good news. I found a position in town working at the lumber mill, for the Scarnettis - with any luck, I'll be able to bring the rest of my family here soon." Donimah's literal interpretation of the story brings a frown to his face, and he gently nudges her in the ribs with his elbow spur. "You're missing the point - it's not about the ancient world, it's about doing the right thing when it's difficult. He takes a few liberties with history so he can teach these children to live good lives - a fair trade, I think."
Donimah raises an eyebrow at Zeldrith's "good news."
"I know that tone...They're helping you pay down a debt so they aren't paying YOU beyond the bare minimum in the meantime, aren't they?"
She flinches a bit at the rib poke.
"I know that!" she hisses to him.
Quink says "All stories do, dear. But it is important to portray a good message!"
"At least in stories told to children, anyway," Donimah replies. "I'm more used to academic writings than stories. Thank you for your time, Brodert. We will...remain in touch."
Once Brodert leaves, she turns back to the group.
"So, you know what the majority of my day was spent doing, and I know what Zeldrith's been up to. What about the rest of you, o brave
and mighty heroes of Sandpoint?"
Foxglove is waiting sitting by a table finishing a cup of coffee. He lightens up whenever one of the heroes shows up.
Donimah descends the stairs to the common room of the Rusty Dragon, packed like she's going to camp out in the woods for a week, various items clanging against each other as they hang from her backpack. She heads over to Lord Foxglove's table and takes a seat.
"Good morning to you, Lord Foxglove. Persephone."
She flags down Ameiko and requests some breakfast, efficient but inexpensive. She didn't want to be weighed down on this venture, even if she was not really "hunting" with the rest of the band and more just tagging along for the scenery.
Arrian rushes into the Rusty Dragon's common room a bit late, looking harried and even messier than usual. His armor not quite on right, shield not balanced, rapier's scabbard not within easy reach, and his hair uncombed.
His eyes widen when he notices Lord Foxglove already at the table and tries to straighten everything up.
"Good morning Lord Foxglove, everyone. Apologies for being late it was a rough evening at The Hagfish and I didn't have time to make myself presentable this morning."
"Hopefully they think the sweat is from hard work and running..."
Juriya scampers as quick as a fox, quite literally in fact, up to the outside of the Rusty Dragon, trying her best to remain hidden. She flubs it a bit more than usual, hoping that no one connects vitiligo and piebald fur.
Once she takes the few seconds to go into her human form, away from prying eyes, she enters into the Rusty Dragon. "Greetings Dominah, Arrian, Persephone and Isabel! Lord Foxglove as well, naturally," she announces, adjusting her stowed Rapier and Crossbow, their position being slightly askew from the form changes.
Just as it seems to be that Ano will skip out, she bursts into the room, almost tripping on herself.
"I told you you aren't late! Though I wonder why you wanted to wait a bit to leave?" the cardinal scolded the amurrun.
"I-I just didn't want my mom to find out I'm heading out, so it was best to wait until she headed to the market!"
She slowly got herself up, wiped the dust off her shirt, and smiled sheepishly. "Morning everyone! Hope I'm not late!"
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"I know that tone... They're helping you pay down a debt so they aren't paying YOU beyond the bare minimum in the meantime, aren't they?"
Zeldrith winces, his mismatched eyes firmly fixed on the ground as he mumbles out a response. "They're much more reasonable about it than Molatius Falco... At least this way, I can repay it without having to break anyone's arms." He clears his throat before continuing in a slightly louder voice, though not so loud as to carry to the nearby children. "L-look, Donimah - the man I owed money to makes Titus Scarnetti look like a Sarenrite priest. I'd much rather be in debt to a merchant who will give me a steady job than a sadist who might kill my sister to hear her screams. Believe me, I'm grateful they bought up my debt." He firmly keeps from meeting the eyes of any of his friends - he's met the other Scarnetti workers, and he thinks the mill is somewhere he could be happy working, but he knows the others won't see it the same way.
At Donimah's vehement rejection of Brodert's stories, seemingly because of their topic matter, Zeldrith looks askance at the mage. "You are a historian, yes, Donimah? Sometime, I should show you the murals I found in Magnimar's ruins. The Bakrakhani - my ancestors - were not good people. They razed cities for daring to speak out against them, waged war for no greater reason than bloodlust..." He taps one of his hooves against the cobblestones for emphasis. "...and some even worshipped demons. Among the lords of Magnimar or other lands, these deeds would be buried in history's dark corners - the Thassilonians bragged of them in their murals." His gaze returns to Brodert Quink's retreating form. "Perhaps it's best if some things stay buried... I think Brodert knows this, likely more than any others here."
Zeldrith is the last to arrive in the common room of the Rusty Dragon - he left his room a good while before Lord Foxglove arrived, and for the past hour or so, he has been learning the basics of the lumber mill operation from Banny Harker. Shortly after Ano arrives, the hooved tiefling enters, brushing sawdust off his clothes. "Morning, everyone! It's a beautiful day today, wouldn't you say?" He grins at Aldern Foxglove, tipping an imaginary hat to the young noble (his real hat currently resting in his room upstairs). "Your Civvieness. Glad to see you're doing better. Give me a minute to get my gear, but other than that, I'm ready to leave whenever you are."
Foxglove makes a note of each of the arrivals. He is polite and greet each by name. As all are ready, he says "Well, I would gladly sit all day and drink with you, but it's good to spend some time outside, my mentor used to say." He gets up with perfect upright posture, but no effort to do it. He says "Now, if you'll accompany me to the Goblin Squash Stables, I've arranged for mounts to each of you, as is proper."
Arriving at the stables, three men clearly dressed as servants await with appropriate saddle already being worn. Foxglove introduces them as Maurice, Malfont and Asmo, but from his tone, it seems that the introduction is only so you know how to call them in case you need any service. They have horses too.
The plan is to go to Tickwood forest to the east of town. Despite its name it's known to be quite safe and home to wild boars, deer, firepelt cougars and rare giant ticks. No goblins are known to live in it. The ride to the eastern gate is met with curious eyes. Only then is it obvious to the group that the town heroes are riding horses in the company of a noble man. They make a formidable sight, which is hard to ignore.
While most reactions are of wonder, excitement and some pride, it is clear that some people react with some envy. One could say that if some these people had the chance, they'd hinder anyone in the group.
The ride is quite short, so Foxglove takes it slow. He is in a great mood and asks "It is so great to be in so wonderful company! Please, tell me a bit about yourselves. Even though I do have an estate nearby, I'm afraid I've not spent the due time in Sandpoint, so the local extraordinary have escaped my acquaintance!" He takes time to hear each of the group that decides to answer him.
Ano doesn’t seem to pay any mind to the townsfolk, though she keeps her eyes on them, hoping to the Gods that her mother doesn’t see her.
“I gotta say, never ridden a horse before. It’s…weird.”
Upon Foxglove requesting each of them to talk about their lives, Ano remarks her tale.
“Well, I wasn’t born here in Sandpoint, my family moved from Magnimar when I was really little. But I have no memory of the place-was told I might have a cousin or two still in the city, though I’ve never met them. I was friends with one girl growing up…but then not too long ago I made friends with Juriya and Arrian. I used to go help the nearby farmers with whatever problem they have, but I’ve decided to stick around the city. Safety for myself and to make sure no other goblin sneaks in. As for the cardinal upon my head, that’s my familiar, friend, and conscience, Cherry.” Said cardinal was practically sleeping on her head.
"Agreed on the horse-riding being weird," Juriya says while completely ignoring the crowd, engrossed in trying to stay stable on the horse.
"My name is Juriya Arima, and I'm the only child of a family of alchemists that sell their wares to Sandpoint and the surrounding area. Unlike Ano, I was born in Sandpoint, but my family two generations back is originally from Minkai, much like the Kaijitsus. We've gotten... along well enough wIth them," she says as she shudders while thinking of how strict Lonjiku can be, "...given repeated purchases for potion glass, along with the minimal cost of shipping to someone who lives in the same town. We're nowhere near as wealthy as the Mercantile League, though. I'm still learning Alchemy as a self-defense mechanism, but I help around with providing for the family as much as possible."
When they are away from the eyes and ears of the locals Arrian will share his insights with the rest of the group.
Trying to balance himself on the saddle, as he's never ridden a horse before, Arrian answers Lord Foxglove's inquiry but is careful not to reveal too many details.
"I don't have an exciting history like Zel. I've lived in Sandpoint much of my life - mostly at The Hagfish. Jargie, the owner, adopted me and I've worked there while I also started learning about the ways of Caydean Cailean from Father Zantus. Even though he's a cleric of Desna he's been nice enough to give me books to read and teach me the fundamentals of serving Cayden. I...felt one day I would be called to serve Cayden by helping others; I just didn't think it would be due to a goblin attack on Sandpoint. Right now I'm thanking Cayden that my horse Lucky is very gentle or I'd probably be walking next to him!"
He grins as he slips a bit in his saddle while scanning the area.
A minute after heading upstairs to his room to get his equipment, Zeldrith returns dressed in his old uniform from the Goblinblood Wars, beaming proudly, with his longsword strapped at his hip. He follows close behind Foxglove as the nobleman makes his way to the Goblin Squash stables, extending a hand in greeting to the servants as Aldern introduces them (apparently not understanding his dismissive attitude towards the three). "A real pleasure to meet you all."
As Juriya and Ano struggle with their horses' reins, Zeldrith grins, vaulting onto his horse's back with speed borne of repetitiveness, if not necessarily training or actual skill. "I'm by no means an expert, but I learned how to ride a little in my skirmisher division. Far as the balance part is concerned, the trick is to anticipate the horse's motion and move with it - they settle into a pretty steady rhythm after a bit. Guiding the horse isn't hard, either - you just tug the reins a little in the direction you want to go... like so... and there you have it!" He reaches down and pats his horse's neck. "Think I'll call you Căprar - it's a good name."
Riding through the town with the rest of the group, he seems to miss most of the resentful glares, grinning as the villagers see the group on their way. At Aldern's question, his smile widens, and he turns to the nobleman. "Well, there's not much to tell. I'm not from Sandpoint originally - I grew up in a poor family in Magnimar. I learned to fight in the street gangs, and when the Goblinblood Wars started, I lied about my age and got into a mercenary company - Fourth Vânători Regiment, or "The Zenderholm Skirmishers," as we were called. Did quite a bit of fighting in the Mushfens - when the war ended, most of the officers in the company were dead, so we disbanded. I went back to Magnimar and continued as a sellsword, then fled to Sandpoint to escape some debts."
As the group nears the dark Tickwood Forest and the conversations die off, Zeldrith begins to hum to himself - after a minute or so, he begins to sing: a haunting, slightly morbid tune that was a favorite of his grandfather. "Oh, bury my mother, pale and slight / Bury my father, with his eyes shut tight. / Bury my sisters, two by two, / And then when you're done, let's bury me too!" He clears his throat, licking his lips nervously as he glances around the silent woods. "Oh, bury my body at the place where I fell, / Dig for yourself a grave as well. / What meaning in darkness? Yet here I remain, / I'll wait here forever, till light blooms again!"
Arrian 'dances' in the saddle a bit but stops when he almost falls off his saddle.
"Wow that's really great Zel! You could make good money performing in inns and taverns."
Ano smiles at Zeldrith's singing. Her horse seems to be enjoying the song too.
"Guess you like my friend's singing huh? Melody...I think that's a good name for you."
The truth was, while Ano was terrified of her mother finding out about this boar hunt, she was also excited-she never actually went into Tickwood before, nor has she ever been on a hunt.
Riding properly on her new horse, Persephone lingers toward the rear of the parade. Her blue and green mixed matched eyes politely following the various conversations about her.
Isabel merrily floats above on the currents.
Foxglove reacts to each of the stories.
To Ano, he says "Wow! I've lived in Magnimar a good portion of my life! Maybe your family and I have crossed paths one day! Although, I don't really remember any significant encounters with catfolk, I would definitely remember that. It's great that you found a hero partner among your friends." Addressing Juriya and Arrian also, he says [b]" You three must have some story of some mischief together, don't you?"
To Juriya, he says "That is a profitable business. It's the perfect mixture of magic and craft and I find it very respectable. Maybe you can be my supplier! Is that something you'd be interested in? I might even speak highly of your work to my other rich friends." It is hard to tell if he is being playful or serious.
To Arrian, he says "I can promise you, from your feats, your story must be more impressive than you're letting on. I've heard that every Caydenite must have the best drunken stories. Please, share me yours. I'm sure it will explain how one becomes a goblin slayer wielding only a dagger."
To Zeldrith, he says "I understand... debt... in a way. It is most crippling. I am glad you found some good people to be around. With your experience, maybe you can name this group of heroes? Something that sounds strong and resilient." He seems to look a bit dreamy. As Zeldrith sings, he clearly enjoys it, but does not move his body.
Foxglove reacts to each of the stories.
To Arrian, he says "I can promise you, from your feats, your story must be more impressive than you're letting on. I've heard that every Caydenite must have the best drunken stories. Please, share me yours. I'm sure it will explain how one becomes a goblin slayer wielding only a dagger."
"I don't have many 'drunken stories' because Jargie says I'm too young to drink. He said I was old enough and let me drink some beer and I told Ano and Juriya about it. Later that day both Mrs. Clovermark and Mrs. Arima came by The Hagfish. They sent me out to play while they 'talked' with Jargie. I don't know what they said but Jargie bought me a new outfit and I started going to the Cathedral for services. I'd never seen Jargie scared until after they finished with him. I told him, "Wow Jargie are you in trouble with Mrs. Clovermark and Mrs. Arima too?" He replied, "I"m always in trouble with the ladies" and winked, but he never gave me another drink or let me miss going to church."
"I know that tone... They're helping you pay down a debt so they aren't paying YOU beyond the bare minimum in the meantime, aren't they?"Zeldrith winces, his mismatched eyes firmly fixed on the ground as he mumbles out a response. "They're much more reasonable about it than Molatius Falco... At least this way, I can repay it without having to break anyone's arms." He clears his throat before continuing in a slightly louder voice, though not so loud as to carry to the nearby children. "L-look, Donimah - the man I owed money to makes Titus Scarnetti look like a Sarenrite priest. I'd much rather be in debt to a merchant who will give me a steady job than a sadist who might kill my sister to hear her screams. Believe me, I'm grateful they bought up my debt." He firmly keeps from meeting the eyes of any of his friends - he's met the other Scarnetti workers, and he thinks the mill is somewhere he could be happy working, but he knows the others won't see it the same way.
Donimah shrugs.
"I am no stranger to debt, Zeldrith. You leverage the best deal you can so you're indebted for as short a time as possible. Give as few opportunities for them to tighten their grip on you and push you deeper under. If you feel you're getting a better deal with these Scarnettis than you were with the other guys, then I can't argue. I'm just saying, a sawmill worker's pay will take a while to get you out of that hole, so you better be careful with your money for the forseeable future, so you're not caught in a situation where you need to beg your new boss for a loan so you can afford to eat this month."
At Donimah's vehement rejection of Brodert's stories, seemingly because of their topic matter, Zeldrith looks askance at the mage. "You are a historian, yes, Donimah? Sometime, I should show you the murals I found in Magnimar's ruins. The Bakrakhani - my ancestors - were not good people. They razed cities for daring to speak out against them, waged war for no greater reason than bloodlust..." He taps one of his hooves against the cobblestones for emphasis. "...and some even worshipped demons. Among the lords of Magnimar or other lands, these deeds would be buried in history's dark corners - the Thassilonians bragged of them in their murals." His gaze returns to Brodert Quink's retreating form. "Perhaps it's best if some things stay buried... I think Brodert knows this, likely more than any others here."
At this, Donimah's brow furrows.
"So I should just throw up my hands and walk away from the path my father and I worked so hard to set myself on? Learn to become a stonemason and accept my lot in life? Prove those brats back in Riddleport they were right all along, that I'm just some fish-faced, garbage-wearing horse-f*cker who should have stayed in the gutter?!"
She stops short as she realizes how agitated she's getting. She takes a few deep breaths.
"I'll...see you in the morning," she says before storming back to the Rusty Dragon for the night.
To Ano, he says ”Wow! I've lived in Magnimar a good portion of my life! Maybe your family and I have crossed paths one day! Although, I don't really remember any significant encounters with catfolk, I would definitely remember that.”
Ano sighs, “I wouldn’t know. Not sure why-my mother and aunt both grew up in Magnimar with the rest of the family, but I was never told who they are. Hell, I didn’t even know until a few years ago when my aunt told me about my family there. When I asked my mom about it, she told me not to bring it up.”
"I don't have many 'drunken stories' because Jargie says I'm too young to drink. He said I was old enough and let me drink some beer and I told Ano and Juriya about it. Later that day both Mrs. Clovermark and Mrs. Arima came by The Hagfish. They sent me out to play while they 'talked' with Jargie. I don't know what they said but Jargie bought me a new outfit and I started going to the Cathedral for services. I'd never seen Jargie scared until after they finished with him. I told him, "Wow Jargie are you in trouble with Mrs. Clovermark and Mrs. Arima too?" He replied, "I"m always in trouble with the ladies" and winked, but he never gave me another drink or let me miss going to church."
At that the catfolk snickered. “I remember that. My mom was soooo mad at Jargie that day. Asked me for a whole week if I was ever offered alcohol. I still don’t drink to this day-tried a little ale before, and a few sips give me a headache.”
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"Hah! I tend to keep it light on the alcohol. A few times with the wrong alcohol, I have gotten so drunk... haha, 'good' times. I'm not going to do that again."
Don't drink a humanoid-sized glass of wine in fox form ever again, that was... certainly a hangover! she thinks to herself as she winks to Ano. Ano can probably piece together what she is referring to, but no one else, presumably, can.
Foxglove makes a note of each of the arrivals. He is polite and greet each by name. As all are ready, he says "Well, I would gladly sit all day and drink with you, but it's good to spend some time outside, my mentor used to say." He gets up with perfect upright posture, but no effort to do it. He says "Now, if you'll accompany me to the Goblin Squash Stables, I've arranged for mounts to each of you, as is proper."
Arriving at the stables, three men clearly dressed as servants await with appropriate saddle already being worn. Foxglove introduces them as Maurice, Malfont and Asmo, but from his tone, it seems that the introduction is only so you know how to call them in case you need any service. They have horses too.
The plan is to go to Tickwood forest to the east of town. Despite its name it's known to be quite safe and home to wild boars, deer, firepelt cougars and rare giant ticks. No goblins are known to live in it. The ride to the eastern gate is met with curious eyes. Only then is it obvious to the group that the town heroes are riding horses in the company of a noble man. They make a formidable sight, which is hard to ignore.
The ride is quite short, so Foxglove takes it slow. He is in a great mood and asks "It is so great to be in so wonderful company! Please, tell me a bit about yourselves. Even though I do have an estate nearby, I'm afraid I've not spent the due time in Sandpoint, so the local extraordinary have escaped my acquaintance!" He takes time to hear each of the group that decides to answer him.
Donimah wolfs down her breakfast quickly and follows the rest of the group out. Upon gaining her horse, Donimah looks it up and down, assiduously.
"I will name you 'Rotomo.' The rune of 'headwind.' A desirable rune among the Shriikirri-Quah."
No matter what the townsfolk think as they ride through the town, Donimah doesn't seem to care, carrying herself atop Rotomo like an empress, head held high and whaling spear in hand.
At Foxglove's question, she shakes her head.
"I am as new to Sandpoint as you are, Lord Foxglove. My home is in Riddleport, at the Cypher Lodge. I'm what you might call a 'self-made woman.' My father is Shoanti, an exile of the Shadde-Quah, and he worked very hard to give me the best life a poor man in a pirate haven could offer his daughter. I worked hard in my own way too, growing up, and together we managed to scraped together enough money to apprentice me to the Order of Cyphers. Of late, I have completed that apprenticeship, become a true wizard, and am seeking research options that will put the name of 'Donimah Southlander' into history, and Sandpoint's local ruins seemed a promising location for an archaeological survey. As such I'll be staying in the area for the next few months, maybe up to a year depending on what I find."
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Juriya looks at Ano and just says, "I'll think I'll name the horse Uma, since I have no other idea."
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"So I should just throw up my hands and walk away from the path my father and I worked so hard to set myself on? Learn to become a stonemason and accept my lot in life? Prove those brats back in Riddleport they were right all along, that I'm just some fish-faced, garbage-wearing horse-f*cker who should have stayed in the gutter?!"
Zeldrith shakes his head, scowling. "That's not the point at all - I'm just trying to say that you should be careful." He reaches down to his hip and draws his longsword, flipping it around and proffering it to Donimah hilt-first. As he speaks, the tiefling seems to become more and more agitated, gesticulating with his free hand to emphasize his point. "Here, this sword's a good example. It's a tool, yes, but it's dangerous - if you pretend it's a toy, you'll cut yourself. From what I've seen of it, Thassilon's the same way. Sure, it's impressive, but anything they left behind's like as not to be pure evil. Look, this isn't a game, Donimah!"
Realizing that he is becoming upset, he sighs and makes a visible effort to calm down, breathing deeply for a moment, before he looks up at Donimah again, this time with pleading in his eyes. "...I'm sorry - I'm a bit vehement about this. It's just... you remind me a lot of my best friend Jhindyl, back when I was a mercenary. He had something to prove, and it caused him to take risks. Be stupid. It killed him in the end - he tried to rally retreating soldiers at the Bridge of Rysev and died for his trouble. If discovering the secrets of Thassilon is your dream, I won't stop you; just please, be careful, Donimah - I've already buried one friend whose ambition killed him, please don't make me bury another."
"I understand... debt... in a way. It is most crippling. I am glad you found some good people to be around. With your experience, maybe you can name this group of heroes? Something that sounds strong and resilient."
Zeldrith shrugs, looking sheepish. "Well, Mister Scarnetti is a very generous employer, and he's helping me out with my debt." He grins. "As for the name... how about Arrian's Raiders? He seems to be the peacemaker in our little group. I remember the best soldiers in my old mercenary company were called 'San Trayne's Raiders,' after their commander."
As the talk turns to drink, however, Zeldrith grimaces. "...Well, I understand the night before last was probably one of those times when you get way too drunk. I... kind of lost count after the third pint, but I understand that after my first drinking song, I gave the tavern an extremely drunken encore... then a third one, where I couldn't remember half the lyrics and made up my own really dirty ones." His face reddens at the memory. "I remember there were gestures. Ameiko almost choked to death, she was laughing so hard." He shakes his head to clear the mildly disturbing memories, then grins. "Still, could be worse, right? Who knows? Perhaps I'll invent a drinking song of my own someday - name it after myself and everything. 'The Angothane Reel' has a nice ring to it, what do you think?"
"I still think you could earn more money performing at local inns than whatever work you're doing in the lumber yard. I'm sure Lord Foxglove would have a more traveled perspective but the Rusty Dragon would likely pay decent money for your singing and war stories. Well maybe not so much the war stories now; with the goblin trouble and all."
Ano remarked at Zeldrith, “You should be alright. My father worked for the lumber mill-he was even recommended to work there by people stationed in Magnimar. Only thing he was required to do was a few business trips to the city. He never said what the trips were for. And it was a source of arguments between him and my mom…anyways, I can at least vouch that Zeldrith will be fine at the lumber mill as long as he doesn’t cause trouble. And by trouble I mean, like, criminal stuff.”
Persephone and Isabel seem to be enjoying the ambiance surrounding them. The tales, stories, memories were a light with promises of a strong foundation. The Shaman of Desna smiles....
"So I should just throw up my hands and walk away from the path my father and I worked so hard to set myself on? Learn to become a stonemason and accept my lot in life? Prove those brats back in Riddleport they were right all along, that I'm just some fish-faced, garbage-wearing horse-f*cker who should have stayed in the gutter?!"Zeldrith shakes his head, scowling. "That's not the point at all - I'm just trying to say that you should be careful." He reaches down to his hip and draws his longsword, flipping it around and proffering it to Donimah hilt-first. As he speaks, the tiefling seems to become more and more agitated, gesticulating with his free hand to emphasize his point. "Here, this sword's a good example. It's a tool, yes, but it's dangerous - if you pretend it's a toy, you'll cut yourself. From what I've seen of it, Thassilon's the same way. Sure, it's impressive, but anything they left behind's like as not to be pure evil. Look, this isn't a game, Donimah!"
Realizing that he is becoming upset, he sighs and makes a visible effort to calm down, breathing deeply for a moment, before he looks up at Donimah again, this time with pleading in his eyes. "...I'm sorry - I'm a bit vehement about this. It's just... you remind me a lot of my best friend Jhindyl, back when I was a mercenary. He had something to prove, and it caused him to take risks. Be stupid. It killed him in the end - he tried to rally retreating soldiers at the Bridge of Rysev and died for his trouble. If discovering the secrets of Thassilon is your dream, I won't stop you; just please, be careful, Donimah - I've already buried one friend whose ambition killed him, please don't make me bury another."
Donimah is in the process of storming off when Zeldrith's plea makes her stop in her tracks.
"I...can't make any promises...I'm no diviner. Don't know what the future will bring. But if Thassilon's treasures and knowledge are so likely to be evil what does that make me? And why would you want to be friends with that?"
There's confusion and more than a little hurt in her tone, but is it at Zeldrith or at herself?
Come to think of it, did any of you tell Donimah about the skellingtons?
"I...can't make any promises...I'm no diviner. Don't know what the future will bring. But if Thassilon's treasures and knowledge are so likely to be evil what does that make me? And why would you want to be friends with that?"
Zeldrith raises one eyebrow. "'What does that make you?' Certainly no worse than the direct descendant of the Thassilonians, yes?" He sighs. "...Look, my words were... poorly chosen. Things made by cruel people can still be used for good - for instance, the smith in my old company was rude to everyone, but he still made good swords. I saved his life once, you know, from a hobgoblin battle-priest." He scowls. "Not that he ever said thank you, the ungrateful son of a..." The mercenary clears his throat before continuing. "...Well, that's not important now. I'm not saying you're evil, I'm just asking you to be careful. Thassilonian stuff's dangerous, but so is that log splitter Banny was showing me earlier. If you know what you're doing, I won't stop you."
The young warrior forces a grin, rubbing his hands together. "...Well, that was definitely more heated a discussion than I had anticipated when I walked in on an old man telling a children's story. What say you we go back to the Rusty Dragon and get too drunk to remember this? Believe me, I've got quite a story for you about what we were doing while you were away!"
"...anyways, I can at least vouch that Zeldrith will be fine at the lumber mill as long as he doesn’t cause trouble. And by trouble I mean, like, criminal stuff."
Zeldrith grins. "No worries there, Ano. Like I said, Mister Scarnetti is very generous, and I won't betray his trust."
"I'm in agreement. I've heard stories about Thassilonians and... unless its something that actually corrupts your soul, it can be just as well used for get as for... whatever the Thassilonians used it for," Juriya says. She hasn't heard much about the Thassilonians, as they weren't exactly the biggest in terms of Alchemical innovations, but she's heard a few stories passed down.