| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Isidiana pops up from a half daze, piles of paper about her, and she grins! She had a nice chat with Tot, and that certainly got her thinking about gods. Now that Ari and Tot were talking again she had used that inspiration to find the perfect tune and she hoped passable lyrics!
"I have to talk to the Father, need to share this with him now. See if he likes it. Forgive me, got to find him!"
And she rushes off looking for Father Zantus. When she finds him, if he's not busy, and maybe even if she is, she starts up her instrument and breaks into song!
She starts it almost as a rambling cadence, but one that still is clearly heard, "She was here when it begins
Well not here but the heavens
She’ll be your loving glowing friend
If you’re not a bigoted horse’s end
then she is..."
Then the gnome increases her volume a bit and the cadence becomes a musical declaration "Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar
Who watches over us!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!"
Her violin strings along, allowing the complexity of the melody with undertones to increase a bit as izzy's voice continues her song of praise.
"She has her secrets to tell
From Dreams at which she excels
Its a wondrous message
Hope shines wherever we walk, ride, or sail!
So while the dark hovers constantly
Or so it might seem to thee
Luck’s with us and the Song of Spheres cares about you and me
Her story’s infinite
Like a mother’s faith in her child she brings out our best!"
"Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar
Who watches over us!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!" Even dancing a touch as mixes instrumental and vocal so it doesn't get dull, for it shouldn't be, given who it honors.
"She was here when it begins
Well not here but the heavens
She’ll be your loving glowing friend
If you’re not a bigoted horse’s end
then she is…"
A change up, or at least a delay of the chorus one might expect...
"So many names and titles has she
Born from travels of eternity
From great woods to rocky shores
She risks the Dark so we can stay free
Though chased she’s never been caught
We’d be doomed if not for this god
Despair like slime would spread and dreamers be distraught
Of gods the friendliest
Sharing with strangers her campfire of cheer!"
It's possible by now a crowd or at least a few folks are gathering to see what all the music is about.
"Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar
Who watches over us!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!"
She nods to anyone around but keeps singing, "And while we’re at it
Let’s keep the light of Desna in our souls!"
"Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!" She thinks this would sound really good with a church choir if one talented voice took lead and could interject without disrupting.
"Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar (And while we praise you)
Who watches over us! (Hopefully our journeys will please you!)
Let the light of Desna in your soul! (Thanks for lighting up our souls!)
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!"
Ecstatic, she bounds and bounces! Happy if anyone joins in even as the song comes to an end.
"Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar (And while we praise you)
Who watches over us! (Hopefully our journeys will please you!)
Let the light of Desna in your soul! (Thanks for lighting up our souls!)
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!"
She blows a kiss in the direction of the temple (or up in they are at the temple) and bows with a finish, hoping Father Zantus is pleased!
Tot looks as if she's feeling at least a little better when Ari returns. She blushes a bit when he asks what colors she likes. Like so many other things, something as simple as that wasn't spared a thought by her, concerned with the imperatives of survival in a regime that wouldn't hesitate to kill her and then in the wilder lands of Varisia after she'd escaped as she was.
"Blue, maybe," she answers. "Or green. Growing up I saw a lot of reds and blacks, but never much of anything else."
Feeling his touch, she meets Ari's gaze and gives him what she hopes is a reassuring smile.
"Well, my head still feels firmly attached, so I think we're in the clear for now," she jokes. "I'm glad to hear Savah has something that should fit, though I doubt you could have done much worse than I did when I got what I had."
She hesitates for a moment, listening as Izzy sings, though distance muffles the words into unintelligibility. Making up her mind to do something because she wants to, not because she has to or feels obligated, she scooches over and pats the ground next to her. If Ari accepts her invitation to sit, she leans against him and rests her head on his shoulder.
"Today has been weird," she tells him, the words coming out slow and measured. "A monster steals my first kiss and tries to turn me into one of its kind by forcing its tongue down my throat, then not even two hours later, I'm realizing that I don't know what I want to do or that I don't know what colors I like. What do I value? Why am I risking my life for others and this town? So many questions and I have no answers."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ari gladly sits beside her and listens. He gazes off in the distance and thinks before replying. "I've asked myself similar questions in the past. The fact that you ask is almost the answer. What do you value? Why are you risking your life for virtual strangers? Same as me. Because you are good. You value life and freedom. A mercenary, or anyone that does it for personal gain wouldn't risk their life. Money just isn't worth enough for the risk."
He glances at her, cocking his head to the side. "Blue, or green then? Yeah. Dark blue maybe."
"You have kept to yourself a lot, not wanting to share about your life before here. That's fine. I don't do that so much because although I have made many mistakes, most of the people I've hurt have forgiven me. We're not Gods so we're not perfect." He pauses for a short bit, then continues. "Actually, you've made me think about some of my mistakes. I didn't always try to be nice when I was younger. I had a girlfriend a few years ago.... For me it was fun being with her. We were both seventeen.... But she started pushing for more than just fun. She was thinking about marriage, and settling down with a home and children. I.... I felt that we were too young. I still feel like that. 17 is too young to be starting a family. Besides, I didn't have a career, or even a choice of what I planned to do. She was very upset when I broke up with her, and really mad a couple weeks later when I asked one of her friends for a date. I don't know where she is anymore, or I'd try to go and apologize."
"Savah? Oh. It's Vernah's Fine Clothing, but it is owned and run by Rynshinn. She's a really pretty half-elf, about forty or more years old. Doesn't look it though. Elves you know. Never try to guess an elf's age, unless you are an elf! Anyway, she's really nice. My Dad always took me along to buy nice things for Mom, even when I was a little kid. I'm sure you'll like her, and she'll like you!"
Listening to Ari talk is...
It's nice.
For a moment, Tot forgets about goblins, people long thought dead possibly not being so, Tsuto, and even her impending transformation into a monster if Father Zantus fails to stop it.
"I hope I do like her," she says. "I've--I've never had friends before, people I can trust."
She nibbles on her lip for a moment, wondering if she should share more. The fact that her own mortality had been reinforced rather pointedly early today only adds to her confused feelings on the matter.
He trusts me, though.
The thought breaks through the logjam and she takes a deep breath.
"Ari, if--if we are friends. I think you deserve to know why I don't like talking about myself. If I do tell you, it could be dangerous. It could even get you killed, though I hope--no, pray! that never happens. It--it would break me if it did. Knowing that, do you want to hear it?"
Ari relaxes when Tot doesn't react to his mention of her past. He likes sitting here beside her, even if it delays their search of the strange underground place.
When she mentions them being friends, and her past, and danger he tenses up. "Danger? If it's dangerous wouldn't it be more so if I.... or we as the group, didn't know something of it?" He thinks about it for a moment. "Whatever details you feel.... comfortable sharing. I would like to know. But only what you are willing to share. And it's up to you what to share with the others."
Tot winces as she feels Ari tense up and gently squeezes his hand in silent apology.
"Maybe. I don't know. I've just been--" her voice trails off. He deserves to know, she tells herself and steels her nerves again.
"There are some things that would certainly be dangerous to know, but I think I can tell you this much. I'm--I'm from Cheliax. A couple of years ago, I deserted from the unit I had trained with since I was a young girl. That's where I learned how to fight."
Ari considers Tot's information. "Cheliax? I've read a good bit about there. Not a fun place from what I know. So you think that the people that you escaped from might come looking for you? Izzy definitely should know then. Keep her from having anyone resembling you in her music or stories."
"Pity though. What you've done just by yourself.... would be a historic tale!" He grins, obviously looking at her tail....
"I've already asked her to not mention me, and she promised to at least keep things vague."
Ari smiles at Tot. "Good! Then I'm fairly sure that we're safe. But we can be on watch if we know what to watch for. Any visiting warriors from Cheliax...."
Isidiana pops up from a half daze, piles of paper about her, and she grins! She had a nice chat with Tot, and that certainly got her thinking about gods. Now that Ari and Tot were talking again she had used that inspiration to find the perfect tune and she hoped passable lyrics!
"I have to talk to the Father, need to share this with him now. See if he likes it. Forgive me, got to find him!"
And she rushes off looking for Father Zantus. When she finds him, if he's not busy, and maybe even if she is, she starts up her instrument and breaks into song!
1d20+10
She starts it almost as a rambling cadence, but one that still is clearly heard, "She was here when it begins
Well not here but the heavens
She’ll be your loving glowing friend
If you’re not a bigoted horse’s end
then she is..."Then the gnome increases her volume a bit and the cadence becomes a musical declaration "Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar
Who watches over us!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of many a sonnet!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!"Her violin strings along, allowing the complexity of the melody with undertones to increase a bit as izzy's voice continues her song of praise.
"She has her secrets to tell
From Dreams at which she excels
Its a wondrous message
Hope shines wherever we walk, ride, or sail!
So while the dark hovers constantly
Or so it might seem to thee
Luck’s with us and the Song of Spheres cares about you and me
Her story’s infinite
Like a mother’s faith in her child she brings out our best!""Wanderin’ Butterfly winged goddess of the Northstar
Who watches over us!
Let the light of Desna in your soul!
Not to put too fine a point on it
But she’s worthy of...
Ari smiles at Tot. "Good! Then I'm fairly sure that we're safe. But we can be on watch if we know what to watch for. Any visiting warriors from Cheliax...."
"Anyone from Cheliax, really," Tot says, "Or Nidal."
Even mentioning the two nations brings a bitter taste to Tot's mouth. Memories of a terrible night filled with horrors and screams and blood threaten to drag Tot under. She closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath before letting it out slowly, then changes the subject.
"Do you think Izzy could make Grod or Garen laugh," she asks.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ari's face goes grim when Tot mentions Nidal. "I've read about the history of Nidal. I found it odd how little is known, outside of that dark land. But what little I read beside rumors and horror stories was enough to know that is one place I don't want to go! Even if I heard for certain of a Thassilonian ruin I wouldn't want to go!"
The next day, Father Zantus prays and casts his spell on the diseased Tot and through the will of Desna, she is cured. He checks her over once again, and pronounces her fit enough to be released. "Be well and rest easy. May the dreams of the Starsong linger long in your heads." He gives you a benediction as you make ready to depart. He asks Isidiana to write down her song, and the music it is set to, so they can record in the cathedral hymnal.
Tot and Ari are reunited and make a trip to one of the finer clothing establishments in Sandpoint, and soon Tot is outfitted in new scale mail armor with some hand-tailored clothing to go with, instead of te tattered things she came to town wearing.
The rest of the group gathers in the common room of the Rusty Dragon, with free food and drink provided by Ameiko. Not long after you tuck into a hearty breakfast, the sheriff enters and comes to your table.
"Heard you might be here. Ran into some trouble down below did you?" He listens with interest to your story and shakes his head. "As if I didn't have enough problems without a fiendish lair set right below town. It's a wonder we hadn't heard of it before now."
Hemlock takes a biscuit from the table and soaks in gravy before popping most of it in his mouth. When he's done chewing, he says. "Wanted to wish you luck and to tell you that my contact from the Hinterlands, the ranger Shalelu, sent word that she will be in Sandpoint tomorrow evening. Come by the Garrison, and let's talk about your findings related to the goblins and their raid. She may have something to say about it. Till then, be careful and get rid of whatever infernal things lie below."
After the others go about their business, or in Ari's case, doing a favor for Tot, the tiefling follows Izzy to the sun balcony that Father Zantus recommends, the gnome's guidance becoming necessary once Tot is out in the bright sun again and squeezing her eyes shut against the glare. It doesn't lessen the feeling of being hit with a board behind her eyes, but at least Tot is expecting it this time.
Once they're settled, with Tot laying down and shielding her eyes with one arm, the tiefling finds her mind wandering. The experience fighting the vargouille brings back other memories and the questions that Tot had never been able to find answers for, or at least never had the courage nor time to ask.
"Izzy, what do you know about the gods," she asks as she lays next to the gnome on the stone floor of the balcony.
"I know Desna is not as easy to rhyme as I thought it would be," The gnome says looking up from her scribbling of notes and possible Lyrics. Then she smiles "You probably know as much or more than I do. The gods vary in intent, power, and methods. They are beings who for reasons kind, cruel, or in between seek to guide those of with mortal souls to join them on their paths. I like some more than others. Oh, they work miracles, or at least could. Some think they intrude too much, others resent they don't act more directly." She adds.
"Flora or fauna would work, I think," Tot suggests for a rhyme. The tiefling listens as the gnome explains, one ruby-red eyed peeking out from under a shielding arm.
"I know less than you think. There was only one god that we were to follow, and all others were verbotten," Tot replies, something unsaid haunting the depths of her voice as she speaks the last five words. "I know nothing of the gods. I've never worshipped them, and--and yet, when they released the swallowtails," she says, her voice trailing off as she recalls a fonder memory, hundreds of brightly colored butterflies soaring into the sky after hearing the tale of how a blind girl saved a goddess and was rewarded with a beautiful, immortal form so that she could go out and see the world.
"Is there a god that would welcome me," she asks.
"Oh tish tosh, many a god or goddess would take you. They take me. And I don't respect or follow just one. Cayden, Desna, and Shelyn are my favs. But it's not just you getting taken in by a god, YOU get to decide which god you want to take into you. Which one values what you value? Which one can help you become the best Tot YOU want to be?" A shrug "For that matter, which ONES. A farmer might worship Erastil AND Abadar, one for farming, the other for selling the food. That kind of thing. What are your values? What do you long to preserve or spread in this world?"
The question catches Tot off-guard. What does she value? What does she want to preserve or even help thrive? Who does she want to be? She doesn't have any answers to those questions, and the realization bothers her much more than she wants to admit.
"How does one know," she asks, speaking the thought aloud without meaning to.
"mmm well, let's take a look at your actions, what you do ... you protect people, you help them, you care. You maybe scared of public attention, but you still risk your life for them. What's that tell you?"
Realizing that what she thought was a thought in her head had actually been said aloud, Tot briefly panics, but as she listens to what Izzy says, the panic gives way to being flustered and her Chelish accent grows decidedly more pronounced.
"B-b-but I'm n-not--Izzy--I'm--I--I th-think you are giving me too much of the benefit of the doubt. I'm no hero. I--I just try to survive," she says, the words slowing as she says the last sentence. When she continues, she's much calmer, though her tone turns decidedly melancholic.
"I just don't want the first place I've found where I'm not chased out or treated with barely concealed hostility to burn down. I'm tired. I'm tired of never feeling like I belong anywhere, and Ameiko--Ameiko took me in. She gave me a job, a place to stay, and--and I couldn't keep her safe from her brother," she admits, tears welling up in her eyes that she scrubs away with her hands. "Betrayal from family always hurts, even when you should have seen it coming," she says, sounding more as if she is speaking from experience than quoting some proverb.
The gnome notices the accent drift, but makes little mention of it, "You've got a right to your feelings, but Ameiko's brother being a jerk is NOT your fault, not my fault, not Ameiko's fault. And you are right, family betrayal is.. an extra sharp sting, but there are the families you're born into, and then the ones you find. You should talk to Father Zantus, he's a Desnan but the temple here has lots of gods. Maybe some of them call to you more than others? I think a god or goddess, the right one or ones might be good for you. They let you know you're not entirely alone no matter where you are." SHe ponders "I'm not big on wisdom of Faith. Grod would certainly know more too and all as he's a warpriest of Gorum. We got a paladin... wow, more I think about it I'm pretty sure I'm not very qualified but heck with it. Why not look into gods associated with food, cooking and feasting and see if that would be one for you?"
The tiefling snorts in amusement as Izzy decides to barrel on ahead and suggests a god of cooking, food, and feasting. Tot's more than a little surprised by how much better she feels after that.
"I took up cooking because at least if I did it I got to decide on something for myself," she says, meaning for the words to come out lightheartedly, but the note of bitterness that slips past weighs them down like lead. Realizing how she must sound, Tot shakes her head in apology to Izzy. "Sorry, it's just some bad memories."
She thinks about what Izzy has said, and after a moment, remembers the trip here from Magnimar and the little surprise Izzy had for her after they arrived.
"Is there a god of drawing and writing," she asks.
"Oh that would probably be Shelyn. She's one of my favorites, though I worship more one. She's the goddess of Art as well as music. Poets and playwrights also honor her." She happily talks about Shelyn a bit too but admits she doesn't know as much as a proper cleric would. "The Eternal Rose is concerned with Beauty, Art, and Love. Though not in a shallow way for any."
Love? I--
Tot's thoughts come to a halt as Ari's face comes unbidden to her mind's eye. Her cheeks redden as she quickly refocuses on what Izzy said next.
"Wh-what do you mean by shallow," she asks the gnome.
"She doesn't encourage vanity or just judging people by their looks. Say I meet a fellow who is hideous to look at. And a fellow who is gorgeous to look at. But the hideous guy offers a helping hand to strangers in need, and writes great poetry about inspiring things. The gorgeous guy is selfish, cruel, and doesn't care about others at all. Shelyn would say the first guy, the helpful one is truly beautiful, and that the second guy has all sorts of ugliness. The only beauty that second guy has is shallow beauty."
Tot tries to imagine anyone in her family lending someone a hand and finds that she can't. Her siblings, her parents, her grandparents, her aunts and uncles, and her cousins wouldn't do anything unless they saw some gain in it for themselves. Despite the fear she feels at the thought of ever running into any of them again, she finds it ironically humorous how petty they all appeared to be as she looks back on what she remembers.
"I think I know a lot of people that would be ugly if their appearance showed what waas on the inside, then," she says. She thinks for a moment more, then smiles at Izzy. "Thank you. You've given me a lot to think about."
Maybe after we clear out the rest of the catacombs, I should ask if someone could tell me more about Shelyn.
The gnome smiles back in that wide way she has, "DEE Lighted. I Hope you find what you're looking for..."
And she goes back to work on song writing...
Rynshinn greets Ari and Tot as they arrive for the fitting. She glances back and forth, apparently sizing the couple up as they arrive.
"Hello. Ari, This isn't about you. So sit down over there. And if you think you need to ask a question, just think about it until you come up with your own answer." Turning to Tot she smiles. "Well. Just leave your weapons with Ari. Maybe he can sharpen your sword while he waits!"
Her grin looks almost predatory. "Now come back to the fitting room, and some privacy for us ladies."
Once they get back in the room, behind a closed door Rynshinn gives a kind smile. "Now take off the armor and hang it there. The pants I've made still need the final stitching so they fit you right. I've worked with people with tails before, but never with a tiefling, especially as small as you, and with such a nice tail! It looks like you could strangle someone with it!"
"And what should I call you dear? Ari refers to you as Tot. I assume that is a nickname? Is that what you prefer?"
The young tiefling does as she is instructed, leaving her weapons with Ari and following Rynshinn into the fitting room. She tries not to look too nervous, but her tail is always a dead giveaway, and it twitches as she shucks off the scale armor she has just gotten from Savah's
"T-tot's fine. It's my name," she quietly tells the half-elf. She tries not to squirm too much as she reveals the increasingly ragged outfit she'd been reduced to after the goblin raid on the swallowtail festival. She's grateful that she had some help doing up her hair this morning. She could only imagine the impression she'd give if her hair was it's usual mess. She blushes as she asks, "D-do you really think my tail is nice? I can't really hurt anyone with it. I can grab anything that's not too heavy, though."
She smiles and glances at the tail. "My experience has been mostly with Ratfolk and such. Not such a supple tail. And I see that it almost has a mind of it's own." She grins with that.
She pulls out three pairs of trousers that look almost perfect size for Tot. The top of the trousers looks interesting as it has a fastening tie in the back and belt loops above that. "Now, this is a design from a tailor friend of mine in Magnimar. You pull the trousers on and tie this above your tail. You also have a belt to hold it up above your hips. Get out of your pants there and try these. I've got the rest of the order here too, but these are the first items as they are special for you." She steps over to a shelf where Tot sees a small pile of clothing, some leather and some a heavy cloth. She carries the pile over and Tot sees that there are also a couple skirts. Rynshinn glances at Tot and holds up one of the cloth skirts. "Nothing fancy, but sometimes a girl should show that she's a girl."
Seeing Tot mostly undressed she frowns. "Just stop for a second. Put on the robe there. I'll be right back." She leaves quickly and is almost instantly back with a box. Opening it she pulls out what Tot recognizes is undergarments, white, made of light cotton. "Now these are for protecting the outer garments from yourself. And, they protect your skin from the tougher materials that the other cloths are made of. I've enough your size.... for, I think six days. And these," She holds up a couple brassieres, "These are for holding up what you've got so they aren't sagging like you're old when you're still young!"
Tot blushes as Rynshinn mentions how her tail has a mind of its own, but it's nothing compared to the one she wears when told to get undressed. One of the few perks of essentially being ostracized by the rest of her squad was a measure of relative privacy. It takes her a moment to work up the courage to do as instructed, revealing the terrible job Tot had managed with her own attempt to accommodate her tail and the almost equally ragged undergarments she wears. A few scars cross her otherwise smooth skin, a testament to over fifteen years learning how to fight or fighting.
It's almost comical how much relief shows in Tot's posture and expression when Rynshinn tells her to pull on a robe. The blush returns with a vengeance, however, when the seamstress holds up the brassieres. Tot reflexively covers her modest bosom with crossed arms as she wonders if she might die of embarrassment after all. Sure, her camisoles aren't in great shape, but they'd gotten her by for this long.
"A-Am I s-supposed to change into them here," she asks, her voice cracking on the last word.
Rynshinn smiles and turns away. "Yes, but you are so shy. We are both women you know. I'll step out while you change. I know some people have issues with nudity in front of anyone. Put on one of the comfortable outfits and let me know when I can come back in."
Tot feels herself turning beet red, but there's not much she can do about that. With a sigh, she slips out of the robe and changes into the new underwear. She had forgotten how nice it can be to wear something that is just comfortable. She stuggles a bit with the brassiere, but after she manages to get that particular garment situated, she quickly ges dressed in one of the outfits she'd asked for to wear while working at the Rusty Dragon or going about around town.
"I-I-I'm d-dressed," she tells Rynshinn.
Rynshinn returns to the room, looking at Tot and assessing the fit of the outfit. "Much better. And I think Ari will like it."
She looks at Tot critically. "How old are you? At first I thought you were still in your teens. Tieflings age similar to humans right? You're not a child.... Well, compared to me you are. But you're actually a young woman. Just so you know, I think Ari believes you to be about sixteen. Sweet sixteen and never ?" Her smile is sweet, obviously hoping to dispel any possible anger at the intrusion. "You might want to tell Ari. Well, maybe just mention it somehow how old you really are. He'll still like you as much as he does now." She laughs at Tot's blush. "I glanced at that pretty pink dress outside when he was here before. It was a suggestion, but a pretty bad one. Pink is definitely not your color!"
Tot's blush is nearly wine dark, but there's a small smile there as well.
"D-do you really think he will like it," she asks. "And no, I've never been close with anyone, at least not like that. I know people tend to think I'm much younger than I really am. I turned twenty-seven this year, but most everyone thinks I'm barely a little more than half that. It's probably the freckles and that I can't do my hair to save my life."
She laughs. "So you're older than him. A real cougar! Just kidding. But I'm sure he'll like anything you wear. He obviously likes you. Keep one thing in mind. He doesn't see anything bad about your non-human appearance. His view of you is based on how good he thinks of you. You obviously aren't mean, rude, or anything like that"
Once Tot had tried on the clothing and Rynshinn had made the final stitching to the trousers she pulled a very nice cloak off of a hanger. "Now I know this wasn't on the list. I'm adding it and don't ask anything about the cost. I make lots of money over-charging the faux nobility in this town. They know I do it and are fine with it because they can afford the best fancy clothing from anywhere in Sandpoint! The inner lining is beaver pelt so it's nice and soft and warm. The outer cloak and hood is shark skin, smoothed and dyed black. It's tough and water proof so the nice clothes you have can be kept dry."
"I'm not that much older than him, am I," Tot asks when Rynshinn teases her.
When the seamstress giftts her the magnificent cloak, Tot finds that she's at a lost of words. It takes a few moments before she finds her voice again.
"Thank you, Ms. Rynshinn. I appreciate it," Tot says as she admires the cloak. A warm cloak will be a godssend as autumn turns into winter.
"Don't worry. A couple of years hardly matter. And if things go well.... The difference matters less and less as the years go on. I just have fun teasing an 'older woman' by calling her a cougar. You are familiar with the term?"
"When you need anything else feel free to come back. I'll give you a good price too. Maybe not quite as good as today...." She glances in the direction of the front of the shop. "I'm helping, well, for one because I can, and because I think Ari is special. Has he or his mother told you about his birth? It's a special story so I won't spoil it. But I will tell you that I met him about 20 years ago when Ron came in to get some clothes for Cher. That's his parents. Great couple. Anyway, Ron had this cute toddler with him that I swear looked exactly like him, except the eyes. As Ari grew up that didn't change. I'd swear that Ari is a clone or doppelganger of Ron except for his eyes. And Cher's eyes aren't blue either. Ari was a cute kid, but as he grew he was always respectful. Cher follows Sarenrae, and taught that to Ari. He really believes in being good, even when the people he deals with aren't. Ron and Cher both believe that Ari was given to them for something special in the future. Who knows the will of Gods? It might be true!"
She helps to bundle up the stuff that Tot wasn't wearing. "Now let's go and let Ari be awed by how pretty you look!" She holds up the armor. "But just carry this for now. You'll certainly need it later. Just not now."
Opening the door they see that Ari isn't sitting where they'd left him. Looking around the room Tot spots him over by a rack of dresses. "Blue? Is dark blue.... Oh. Am I allowed to speak yet?" Seeing Tot he gets a big smile on his face. "Wow! I knew you'd look great. Mom always liked the cloths that Dad bought for her. And I'm sure that Rynshinn helped him pick the right stuff, and get the right sizes!"
Rynshinn grins and shrugs at Ari's words. "I told you he'd like it. Maybe you should meet his parents?"
"No, but I can guess it's meeaning," Tot says a little sourly when Rynshinn asks if she knows what cougar means. After hearing how she sounds, she shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Rynshinn. You don't deserve me getting grouchy at you, espeically when you've been so kind and helpful to me."
As Rynshinn explains why she's helping, Tot feels her cheeks heating up again. She understands some of it, after all, she's been the beneficiary of Ari's kindness and gentle nature. Part of her feels as if she's intruding on something private, but another part of her, the part that's become increasingly infatuated with the young man since meeting him, is fascinated and wants to know more.
How do I ask him about it, though, she wonders as she carries the bundled clothing and armor out from the back. Maybe he'll tell me himself someday.
Her cheeks heat even more as she sees where Ari has gotten off to, though there's a shy smile curling the corners of her mouth giving away how she truly feels at the moment. Seeing his simple joy at how she looks is enough to wash away a lifetime of feeling inadequate or being seen as nothing more than a nuisance.
Maybe I should see his parents, Tot thinks to herself as Rynshinn teases her.
"Thank you, Ms. Rynshinn," the small tielfing says, thanking her for more than just the clothes.
Rynshinn smiles at Tot's tone of voice to the 'cougar' comment. But is was just a joke and she'd never consider this shy girl.... young woman, to be such. "Don't worry dear. I'd never think such of you." She gets a sour look on her face for a moment as she remembers 'cougars' that she had known. If anyone like that had ever gotten their hooks into Ari! Well, that had never happened. Ari had no idea how many 'protectors' he had around this town!
"Ari. No you may not. And I won't let you embarrass this beautiful young lady by having her try on any dress that you might pick out, today. You may feel free to come back with her.... in a week. She of course can return whenever she wants!"
"Tot. You are more than welcome. I enjoyed our little discussion. Now don't you share any of the secrets I mentioned with Ari. They were for women only!" Her eyes sparkle at that comment, but just to Tot.
"I won't," Tot promises. She'll have to come back once things have calmed down and she's saved up some coin.
After they leave, Tot smiles shyly at Ari.
"Thank you. I--I had fun."
Hearing Ari sound so grim feels unnatural.
"Probably wise," she says as she sits next to him, her head on his should. Meanwhile, she relives the night of horrors that so firmly crystalized her doubts about her homeland's path that her distant cousin is leading it down.
No longer my worries, she tells herself. I have troubles enough here.
Tot bows her head at Father Zantus' benediction. After her conversation with Izzy, she wants to learn more about the gods, but she knows that they have more to do in the Catacombs beneath Sandpoint. She thanks the good Father and Desna for their help ridding her of whatever curse had been placed on her by the vargouille.
After picking up her new clothing and her new armor, Tot is grateful to get something to eat, though she feels guilty about making Ameiko do the cooking when she was hired to be the Rusty Dragon's cook.
After putting away her new clothes, she finds her employer and apologizes.
"I'm sorry, Ameiko. Both for what happened to you and not being around to help out yesterday and this morning. I--Is there anything I can do to help you," she asks.
After joining the others and getting something to eat, Tot's face turns beet red when Sheriff Hemlock mentions them running into trouble.
Trouble might be a bit of an understatement. I could have turned into a monster.
Hearing of Shalelu, Tot perks up. She's heard the name, but not much else from the few conversations she's overheard since coming to Sandpoint. She hopes they'll have the Catacombs cleared out by then. She looks to Ari to see what he things, and hopes that Sheriff Hemlock won't bring up how she was blushing rather furiously when he mentioned them running into trouble.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The next day, Father Zantus prays and casts his spell on the diseased Tot and through the will of Desna, she is cured. He checks her over once again, and pronounces her fit enough to be released. "Be well and rest easy. May the dreams of the Starsong linger long in your heads." He gives you a benediction as you make ready to depart. He asks Isidiana to write down her song, and the music it is set to, so they can record in the cathedral hymnal.
She is happy to share her notes and give a more formal writing. Indeed, the gnome beams at the praise like a wagging Andoran Retriever dog!
And Tot is healthy again!
It is very likely, since two of Izzy's favorite gods are worshipped here anyway, she might become a regular church goer for a bit!
.......
"Heard you might be here. Ran into some trouble down below did you?" He listens with interest to your story and shakes his head. "As if I didn't have enough problems without a fiendish lair set right below town. It's a wonder we hadn't heard of it before now."
Hemlock takes a biscuit from the table and soaks in gravy before popping most of it in his mouth. When he's done chewing, he says. "Wanted to wish you luck and to tell you that my contact from the Hinterlands, the ranger Shalelu, sent word that she will be in Sandpoint tomorrow evening. Come by the Garrison, and let's talk about your findings related to the goblins and their raid. She may have something to say about it. Till then, be careful and get rid of whatever infernal things lie below."
"Excellent, I mean, who couldn't benefit a bit from a little 'Elf Improvement'," The gnome winks!
Hearing Izzy's pun, Tot lets out a snort and starts shaking from laughter. She likes wordplay, and the joke catches her off guard enough that she finds it more hilarious than is probably warranted.
Once they go back to the Dragon for breakfast Ari asks Tot to wear one of the skirts with a comfortable shirt, and sandals rather than the sturdy boots. "Show them the girl that I see! You can change after we eat before we go back to face the danger again."
After she drops the rest of the clothing off in her room Ari stops her with his arms spread wide. "Can I get a hug from my pretty girl before we eat? And I'd like to go back to the church before we go back underground. With Izzy's music and everything that's happened I realized that I've been slack with my thanks to Sarenrae. The Dawnflower is the main lady I was raised to respect, after my mother of course." He puts a hand up to her head, glad to see that her hair wasn't falling out anymore.
After the meal he goes to the temple to offer quiet prayers of thanks to Sarenrae. Then returns with Tot to get her armor and weapons. Of his own equipment he leaves his bow and pack. He didn't think they'd be 'camping' in that area and didn't feel like carrying the load.
|
Garen did his morning prayers before coming down to breakfast. "Thank you sheriff. We'll clear it out if it takes us a week. I look forward to meeting this ranger of yours. Hopefully she can help sort out the goblin confusion and point toward a source."
Garen is ready to leave as soon as Ari returns. As a matter of fact, "Ari and anyone else who is doing last minute items, I'll meet you at the glassworks. I'll see how the guards are doing."
Grod passes the days quietly, mostly. Sees to Izzy at the Cathedral (none of the gods worshipped there are really his sort, but they're still gods and therefore worthy of respect. Plus sometimes he conducts some services for Gorum outside). "They really ought to hire you to train up their choir, my little friend. You're easily the most talented one here." he says to her. Eventually meets the others at the rusty Dragon again. Once everyone seems ready, he loudly cracks his knuckles. "So, are we ready for round 2?"
Tot blushes at Ari's requests, but does as he asks, changing into a navy shirt and black skirt that fits her much better than her old outfits ever did before giving him a hug. She's hesitant at first, unsure of what to do, but as she feels his warmth, she relaxes and savors the moment.
She enjoys breakfast, though she tries to be quick so the others are not waiting on her. She changes into an outfit more appropriate for traipsing around ancient ruins filled with forgotten monsters and comes out of her room a few minutes later dressed in a cream, tan, and dark green outfit with her newly acquired armor over that and belted at her waist. She carries her weapons, her journal and pen, and coil of rope.
"As ready as I can be," she answers when Grod asks if they are ready to delve the catacombs once more.
Geared up for battle, the Heroes of Sandpoint leave the comfort of the Rusty Dragon behind, and head, once again, into the Kaijitsu Glassworks. Descending to the cellar again, you make your way through the broken down brick walls and into the long tunnels that lead towards the catacombs you find before. Since you know the way, the time it takes is greatly lessened, and it not long before you find the fork and the path that takes you to another broken brick wall (broken inwards this time). After that the man-made tunnel turns into a natural cavern, and you recall approaching a chamber on the right that held a pair of the horrible bent legged creatures you tussled with yesterday.
Tot stops the others as they approach the catacombs. She is still getting used to the extra weight and noise of her new armor, and she feels that she's not likely to have a better chance of seeing how much it affects her skills in stealth and scouting.
"Let me go first," she says. "I can see without any light, and even with the heavier armor, I should still be fairly quiet."
Tot draws her sword and slings her shield over her back where she can quickly ready it if need be.
Though she is distracted by her efforts to keep quiet, she does move fairly quietly up to the chamber where they'd fought the horrible dog-legged monstrosity.
Ari stays up with Tot. "I remember the way. And there seemed to be some light there. I could see.... And if the lights do go out I can cast a dancing lights spell."
"Let's go back to where that monster was. The Vargouille?"
"W-we sh-should, Tot agrees, though her stutter betrays her nerves. "I'd rather not walk into an ambush, though, so let's make sure anything down here hasn't move into places we've already cleared."
”Right. So we move slow and quiet. Scout and be ready to run back to the group. You move pretty quietly in that armor.”
With Zorlen in the fold again, the group moves near the entrance to the ruins. Remember the cave at the front, Tot and Ari cautiously peek around the corner. In the dark, even with enhanced vision, Tot doesn't see anything, but Ari sees more of those weird mutants in the room, rushing at them. They were apparently on guard and heard the group coming, even with attempts at stealth.
This time there are three spawns in the guard room, and they are ready for a fight.
Tot is taken completely by surprise despite her caution.
The Gnome is a bit caught off guard herself there are MORE of them?
Ari draws his rapier and steps to the other side of the entrance casting Dancing Lights as a man shaped figure inside the room.
"So much for sneaking.... More of those Thassalonian creatures!"
"Sinspawn!" Grod rumbles from behind.
"Right! Remember these things are resistant to magic, and their bite is worse than their claws. It can make you focus on things from your past instead of the battle in front of you! Anybody bit might be needing immediate help!"
Tot swallows hard. The gods know she's got more than enough in her past to cause her trouble.
1st (4+2/day)- Bonus: Enlarge Person (DC 16)x2; Ear-Piercing Scream (DC 16); Grease (DC 16); Mage Armor (DC 16) x2;
0th (at will)- Acid Splash (DC 15); Detect Magic (DC 15); Prestidigitation (DC 15); Ghost Sound (DC 15)
"Sinspawn? They'd have to be remnants from the Thassilonian Empire, having lasted all these years..." Zorlen looks to them in wonder for a brief moment before Ari's warning grounds him, and he gets ready to support the group with his arcane knowledge.
Guard Cave Redux - Round 1
30 Ari
24 Zorlen
23 Blue Sinspawn
10 Yellow Sinspawn
10 Red Sinspawn
6 Tot
6 Isidiana
6 Garen
5 Grod
Ari sees the aberrant creatures, but Zorlen, who already crackles a bit with his magical protective armor already cast, just hears the shouts, either way they are both first to react.
Zorlen knows mostly what Ari said. Though he hasn't heard these creatures are resistant to magic, his Thassilonian study remind him these sinspawn can, with a touch, send people into a state of sinful reverie that impacts their ability to fight fully. They were the basest protectors of the realm of the Thassilonian rulers back long ago, but its unclear why any are here now.
"Are you sure about their resistance to magic, Ari? Maybe my knowledge about them isn't as complete as I'd hope. Regardless, your warnings are spot on - a touch from them can leave you unable to fight to your full ability. Be careful."
Zorlen moves up next to Ari, to get a better view of the creatures, and lets out a silent scream at the nearest one.
"If magic is indeed weaker against them, I can probably contribute best by making one of you larger and stronger. The spell takes a bit longer to cast, however."
"Remember that they're from the age of Thassilon. The book I read had a short chapter about such created things as these. I remember it saying they were resistant to magic, but maybe not all magic?"
Guard Cave Redux - Round 1 - continued
30 Ari
24 Zorlen
23 Blue Sinspawn
10 Yellow Sinspawn
10 Red Sinspawn
6 Tot
6 Isidiana
6 Garen
5 Grod
Ari throws up a man-shaped figure of dancing lights that both illuminates the guard room, and hopes to distract the attacking sinspawn.
From the back of the group, Zorlen moves up. He then casts a spell that is inaudible to most, but creates sonic damage for the intended target. The red sinspawn suddenly stops moving, grabbing its head in pain for no obvious reason to others.
Blue Sinspawn is not distracted by the floating lights, using its nose its seems to sort out the flesh from the illusory. It leaps forward and attacks Tot, who is closest. Claws miss, but the things horrible mouth does bite the fighter, though she avoids the worst of it. The touch of the sinspawn does cause Tot to recall her past sins vividly but she tries to fight through it.
Yellow leaps forward also, also attacking Tot even though the corner of the cavern provides some cover. One of the claws seems sure to hit Tot, but the monster can't quite make it work around the edge of the cavern wall, and she goes unscathed, from these attacks.
Red Sinspawn is dazed from Zorlen's spell and does not move or attack.
fail
crit possible
not confirmed
misses due to cover
Tot shakes off the sudden spike of rage and hatred, though barely. The pain of betrayal is still fresh, despite the two years that have passed since that day. Studying the situation for a moment, Tot realizes that she's going to have to beat a way past the sinspawn blocking the entrance if she's going to give the others enough space to fight these things.
|
|
Garen driven by his hatred of evil finally reacts when he sees the monsters attacking Tot. He steps past Izzy, "Pardon," he says maintaining his manners even while moving to destroy. He then steps behind Tot before bringing his sword down aiming for the nearest monstrosity (blue). In an attempt to avoid Tot, he misjudges his swing and misses.
"Maybe I'll be there to chop off your head, maybe I'll be there to strike you dead..." The music rolls with dedication and the brother hood of smacking and slicing bad guys.
Guard Cave Redux - Round 1 - continued
30 Ari
24 Zorlen
23 Blue Sinspawn
10 Yellow Sinspawn
10 Red Sinspawn (6hp dmg, dazed)
6 Tot (15/18hp remaining)
6 Isidiana
6 Garen
5 Grod
Tot fights off the overwhelming urge to get lost in painful memories, and instead attacks one of the offending creatures. The aberration is able to block her assault and no damage is dealt.
Garen is eager to fight these evil creatures again, and steps forward to enter the fray, but his first stabbing attack fails to connect.
Isidiana starts a musical number that inspires courage and martial prowess in her allies while moving back from the front line.
Grod looks left, then right, trying to find a way to edge around Tot but the tunnels are too narrow. Frustrated, he instead summons up some of the power of Gorum and lays a hand on Tot, saying "Fight hard, my friend, with Gorum's strong arm."
Ari watches the battle in front of him. He holds his rapier but can't reach the monsters. If he could he wouldn't do much damage. Maybe he should have worked on strength while he was growing up? To late for such concerns now!
Seeing the Sin-Spawn graze Tot with his bite Ari is worried. But if the attack had any effect she seems to ignore it. He hopes that her new armor will provide the protection to keep her safer in this battle.
Zorlen looks at the cramped space the group is fighting on, and considers his options for a moment.
Not really much space to enlarge one of the fighters. Although the choke point here could prove an advantage. Hmmm...
With a series of arcane words and meaningful gestures, Zorlen casts his spell and a pool of some sort of oily substance appears underneath the Sinspawn fighting Tot and Garen.
Seeing his spell take effect, Zorlen moves behind Ari, hoping to give the martials more room to maneuver.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Guard Cave Redux - Round 1 - concluded
30 Ari
24 Zorlen
23 Blue Sinspawn
10 Yellow Sinspawn
10 Red Sinspawn (6hp dmg, dazed)
6 Tot (15/18hp remaining)
6 Isidiana
6 Garen
5 Grod
Unable to get to the front line, Grod passes along to Tot, who is toe to toe with enemies, his warpriest blessing, allowing her tactical advantages for the next minute.
End of Round 1