"More Dragon Men," Gavin whispers to no one in particular. "What kind of work do you do for the Dragon men? Perhaps if you take us to Thane Phudge Highbulp, we can lend our hand and help, too!"
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Gavin eyes the dwarves and digs around his pockets for anything they'd consider pretty, but comes up blank.
Hah yes! I thought it'd be funny to change the avatar to match the appearance. I'll change it back next time I'm on the PC
Numbing pain disperses and is quickly replaced with a rejuvenating thrumming of healing energy. Gavin steadies himself. "What...what just happened?" He runs his fingers through his hair and touches all the parts he felt melt away. "....bless you, Lady Goldmoon. I heard death's call, I was sure of it. Bless you." Gavin takes a seat, in complete awe of what just happened. "Please, give me a moment."
The caustic burn of acid shakes Gavin from his cowering stupor. The pain was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. It fell on him like a rain of magma. The skin on his forearm bubbles until raw muscle is exposed. Half of his face and scalp simply slough off of his skull, like warmed butter melting, leaving him grossly disfigured. He hobbles as best he can under what he can only hope is some sort of cover.
Gavin chuckles to the others
"Leave it to Jak Jak. Thanks This, Tania."
Gavin is startled by the roar of flames. The scattering of feet and the sound of panic among the lizard people sent a smile crawling across Gavin's face.
Gavin shakes the grogginess loose and attempts to reorient himself.
Gavin swats away at the webs with his sword in an attempt to cut himself free. It seems futile at first, but his perseverance proves positive.
Gavin nods in agreement with Caitlyn. "A solid plan. Jak Jak, keep to the skies and assist in a way you see fit. We'll hold off, and when You and Mariel are in place, we'll have This and Tania spring the counterattack."
"I like your thinking, Thistle! Tania, did you catch that? Caitlyn, Mariel, Jak Jak, have you any advice? It seems this may be a time to be proactive and strike while the iron is hot. If we simply engage them on equal footing, they've got us where they want us."
"Is that so? Can you tell us exactly where they are? If we plan this right, we could ambush our ambushers. Do you know if they've spotted us?"
"Thistle! You can't just run off like that! I know you can't help it sometimes, but you could've really caused problems for us!"
Truly annoyed with the Kender, Gavin bites his tongue before he says anything he can't take back. "Gah, that Kender will be the death of us. Be ever vigilant, we know not if the source of these footprints would do us harm.
Gavin barely breaks his concentration from the ruins and answers his comrades while he examines the masonry.
Gavin is hit with a brief pang of jealousy, not a common feeling for him. He takes a deep breath and releases, willing the jealousy to go with it. If Jakun could've, he would've included me in that spell. It's nothing personal, Gav. Let it go. "Oh great. Thistle's off again. Let's pray that wherever we are doesn't carry a nasty reputation for devouring nosy little kenders who can't stay put" He meant it playfully, but a minute tinge of spite came through, not something he's proud of. Seriously Gavin, just let it go He follows as best he can after Thistle into the ruins, worried that the kender may hurt himself, but gets caught up in the ruins themselves. He made a living traveling with others to plunder ruins much like this one, yet he'd never been to this particular place.
A look of incredulity washed over Gavin's face.
This whole situation leaves Gavin uncharacteristically quiet, but excitement bubbles beneath his skin.
In a half whisper, Gavin calls out "Mariel! Are you crazy?!" but it was too late. He plants his feet and prepares for the possible battle.
"Well, isn't this the most beautiful scenery." Gavin quips. "'Darken Woods', full of wonder and mystery! Or was it blunder and misery? Either way, let's keep our wits about us. Thistle, don't stray too too far, friend."
It was unusual for Gavin to not offer first watch. His sluggishness and sudden bout of sleepiness poorly masked the sadness he felt. He loved adventuring and helping others, but he was ready to take a break and spend the time with his family. He held no animosity or resentment towards Goldmoon, but he wished time could have been on his side for once. "I'll get a head start on resting. Wake me up when it's my turn to watch."
Gavin sets down on a stump.
Do we have the necessary skills to spend a couple of days in a cave? Anyone good with survival?
Gavin suffers through another yawn.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll probably skip the update for now.
Belly full of potatoes and mom's roast, Gavin follows Tania's yawn with one of his own.
Saria takes Caitlyn's hands in her own and promises her to carry out the favor.
It pained him to leave so soon, especially under such circumstances. All he could do was hope that no trouble would come to them due to his hasty decision to bring Goldmoon over.
Saria retreats to her bedroom and returns with a small bundle of clothing.
Kallos gives the Blue Crystal Staff a good look over as his eyes stray around the room. "Such a strange looking thing, that staff." His eyes keep trailing along the room, comparing the staff to other household objects until his eyes land on Gavin's Greatsword.
"Gavin! Your sword! We could use it as a disguise. I've some twine, we could tie the staff up to the backside of your scabbard. Between the sword and a cloak, it should be enough of a disguise to get you out of town."
"Put that away. Now!" Gavin barks frighteningly, startling his family. His demeanor all too serious and ready to kill.
Saria's eyes well up with tears. As she had expected, this reunion was to be a brief one.
"I will prepare a package of herbal remedies, for your trip. Mother, some tea for our guests please while I gather a few things?"
"I commend you all. Brave, noble, foolish in the best way possible. I wish you all luck." Kallos adds as he reaches out to the adventurers. "I'm proud of you all."
Saria and Kallos share an all too familiar glance.
"He wasn't even a real wizard! You guys lied to me for years!" Gavin bites back. "Not a wizard, no, but you looked up to Tov all the same. As if he could move mountains." grandmother chuckles as she eats.
Gavin leads the group to his family's home. A mouthwatering aroma, rich in herbs, wafts down the mighty vallenwood, along with a jovial sea shanty on the pan flute.
The home belonged to Gavin's maternal grandfather. With his grandfather's passing, and his father's injury at sea, his grandmother decided that it would be best if Saria and Kallos took the home to give Gavin a "proper" upbringing. In keeping with Grandmother's wishes, the Carroways improved what grandfather in old age couldn't. The stairs leading up, the doors and window frames all appeared to be relatively new. Though modest, their home had a very elegant look, as most artisan's homes typically do. Knocking was unnecessary. The Carroways had an open door policy during meals, and often planned on a neighbor or two stopping by. The warm glow of home made Gavin the happiest he'd been in years. The only thing he loved more than being with friends was being with family, and he missed his family very much. Gav pops into the open doorway as his mother, Saria, puts the finishing touches on her pot roast, and his father, Kallos plays another song on his pan flute. Grandmother Tora is the only one to see the group approach the door, as she assists Saria. She cracks a wide grin, but contains her excitement. As Kallos plays his song, Gavin joins in. "Weeelllll! I left me lady alone at home, oh save 'er save 'er for me!
Teary-eyed, both Kallos and Saria jump to hug Gavin.
At the sound of Thistletorp, Kallos eyeballs all of the smaller knick knacks in the house. "Now Thistle, if any of my belongings go missing, I'd hope they find their way right back to where the belong." Saria and Kallos jump at the sight of Jakun. Wow. Who would've thought that he'd find his way to Solace! They embrace him as they embraced Gavin. They both regarded Jakun as family and they were just as ecstatic to see him as they were to see Gavin. though it had been years since they've needed to, they both fell into a half-Kothian speak, switching back and forth between their languages. "Jakun! Child, you've grown! What a... Wow! Things aren't as exciting here, but it is what Kallos needs after he nearly got his back broken in two. What brings you to Solace? Is everything all right at home? And a WIZARD! Kallos, would you look at that! Mischievous little Jakun, a wizard! Please, sit. We'll have to catch up." As they question Jakun, Gavin closes the front door.
"Very well. Guard on, gentlemen."
"We should probably leave too, before they scrutinize us." Gavin downs the rest of his ale, takes one last bite of the spiced potatoes and grabs his sword. He leaves enough money to cover the group's bill, and a very generous tip for Otik and Tika before stepping outside through the front door.
"Well, perhaps you should check in with that handsome fellow Toede around the way. He and a few of his men seemed rather excited to find that staff of yours. Perhaps they've already acquired it while you've been dilly-dallying at an old inn like this. Be honest, are you here for a drink?"
No matter the situation, there is always strength in numbers.
Gavin nods solemnly at the old man as a sign of respect.
"We could move this to my parent's home once we're finished eating. I know they'll be happy to see you." "What say we take this over to my family's home after food and drink to speak more privately" He leans in to whisper, pointing at the disguised minotaur with a wry smile on his face, "and so that this old geezer can expose himself to us."
"Caitlyn! Beautiful as ever." He gives her a strong bear hug, nearly lifting her off the ground. Caitlyn had been his first, and he'd argue, only crush. He made it no secret that his biggest weakness was his feelings for Caitlyn. Lucky for him, she was no damsel in distress and could probably toss him around the room like a sack. He sets her back down and pats her on the shoulders. "A lot more's grown since last we met. Check out this sword! Can't believe I fancied the ol' sword & board at one point. I got this lovely piece about a year ago while abroad and haven't looked back since. " Gav mockingly searches for his sword, muttering under his breath "Now where did that sword even get to? Could it be? Did Thistletorp manage to filch something bigger than he?" Another massive hug, this time for Thistle and with less pressure. "How are you, dear friend? I sure did miss your thieving little crab claws" The old man catches him off guard. Who could this old man possibly be, and why would Caitlyn and Thistletorp risk his poor life with their company? "Greetings old man, I don't believe I know you, but a friend of a friend deserves the same welcome" He leans in close and hears the mention of his oldest friend.
"Wow! What a great moment, us all being here. I nearly forgot about Fewmaster Froege or 'atever his name was asking Mariel, Tania and I for the same object. A Blue Crystal Staff. How peculiar that something could be such a hot ticket item."
"Well ain't she a sight for sore eyes!" Gavin says to himself. "Wow. Five whole years."
"I can just taste them now! Warm and crisp pieces of heaven on earth. I'm sure mum & pa would understand if I waited to see them." He could barely contain his excitement as he stepped inside the inn. Boisterous and jovial as ever, Gav calls out to Otik.
For the time being, it felt great to be back. Gavin missed the familiarity of Solace, but knew if he stayed too long it would drive him mad. After his grand entrance, he removes his Greatsword from his back and rests it against the table and sits among his friends.
For clarification, we're all acquaintances (good friends?) and are meeting for the first time in five years?I think everyone except Jakun is, yes. He's the weirdo. :) Ah, but Jakun is an old friend of Gavin's, so that'll work out nicely ;)
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