Maribel mulls the matter. "When you destroyed the body, I think, the soul tied to it was freed. It probably went back to its master who is a witch I guess.
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She looks over the baby, "We're good, we're good. I'm just shaken up." Spontaneoously, she hugs Kiley tight. "Thank you."
Wanting to catch the baby and give Kiley and Shaggar the best chance to finish this fight, she rushes up to Jingle-Toes creating a flank for Kiley and channels energy to heal both allies.
Round 6: The Devil’s Due
INIT: Kiley, Shaggar, Doll, NPCs
Kiley is staring at the blood gushing from her chest and feeling rather light-headed when Maribel catches the staggering girl and heals her. She staves off the worse of the damage - but not all of it.
Round 5: FINISH HIM!
INIT: Kiley, Shaggar, Doll, NPCs
Maribel rushes to Kiley's side and heals the injury in her hand.
Round 4
INIT: Kiley, Shaggar, Doll, NPCs
Maribel pursues in her nightgown, pulling out gear as she can. She has a mace in one hand, a spell component pouch in the other, and a holy symbol around her neck as she races to head off the poppet. "I can catch Elon! You've got to stop that thing!" From the campsite, Thom yells, "Janno's alive, just knocked out!" Round 3
INIT: Kiley, Shaggar, Doll, NPCs
Maribel looks around til she sees her grand-child and the doll. She searches her memory. "I think that's a Soulbound Poppet! They're created to serve witches. They're dangerous and hard to destroy. Let me get my gear, I can help." She pulls a kit from beneath the driver's seat.
Somewhere between the distressed wagon cover and the axe hit on the wheel, Elis awakens to find her child gone and her husband slumped halfway in the wagon. She starts screaming. In short order, all the family is up – disheveled, sleepy, and trying to understand what’s happening. Maribel looks from her daughter to her son-in-law that they’re trying to drag free of the wagon to the armed gnoll and the girl standing on top of her daughter’s wagon. She focuses, ”What the hell is going on?!” Round 2
INIT: Kiley, Shaggar, Doll, NPCs
As a representative of a god, Maribel is curious. ”A Miracle? What kind of miracle?”
The rest of the conversation is curtailed by Maribel serving tea and then dinner.
Maribel replies to Kiley's offer, "Just keep an eye on the kettle while I get some cups, if you would. That'd be a help."
Blood up, the young man seems largely unmoved… but the matriarch knows things aren’t always as simple as they appear. Between the initial impression Kiley made , the companionable air of the two strange figures, and the odd eloquence of the gnoll, she is… swayed. Her silky voice carries a hint of steel directed toward the young man. ”Janno, that badger won’t skin itself. Get to it.” In a time-honored tradition, the son-in-law knows enough to not cross his wife’s mother. He slowly retreats back to the wagon and continues his task, all the while casting distrusting eyes at the gnoll. The matriarch looks to the older man and the younger woman. ”We’ll need more wood and pans. It seems we have guests for dinner.” They both mobilize without complaint. The older woman comes forward, wiping her hands on her skirt before offering a hand to her guests. ”I’m Maribel – lay priestess of Lliira. Our goddesses were friends - I see no reason we should not be friends, too. That’s my husband Thom. Our daughter Elis, her husband Janno, and her son - our grandson - Elon.” She points at the two boys, ”Those hellions are ours as well – Shlem and Issok. Would either of you like some tea?” She glances at Shaggar’s exotic clothing, ”I’d love to hear of your travels. I think you’ve come from far away…”
Once she's certain that she'll just appear as any other human, albeit a short one, she grins up at Shaggar. "Not to demean your skill with people, but I think I should take the lead." The gnoll barks out a laugh, ”I would insist you lead, even if I was demeaned.” Shaggar shadows Kiley, staying several steps back, as she approaches what quickly proves to be a makeshift campsite. The setting appears clearly to her enhanced vision well before she is revealed by the firelight. Beside the trail, there are two modest covered wagons forming a semi-circle as protection against the wind. Within the semi-circle is a small cooking fire with pots on the boil. A group of humans are sitting around the fire or are busy at dinner-related tasks. Clearly overseeing the process, is a chubby woman in her 40’s. A man of equal years is carrying a pile of kindling and a few logs towards the fire. There is a younger man (20’s) skinning an animal of some sort near one of the wagons. Near the fire is a woman in her 20’s rocking a baby in her arms. Two young boys are playing some game with sticks and rocks. Kiley sees family resemblances in many of the people. She steps into the outer ring of firelight… "Hello and well met," she says once she's close enough to the camp that she doesn't have to shout. "May a couple of travelers share your fire for a while?" Everyone stops their various activities and looks toward Kiley. The matriarch eyes and assesses the stranger. It takes a moment, but an open smile creeps across her face. ”Of course, you are welcome, girl! We believe in the hospitality of the road. You said a coupl…” Her voice fades off as Shaggar steps into the light. Shaggar stoops as he steps quietly forward, thinking that he might be less intimidating if he appears closer to 6’ tall. Unfortunately, 6’ of gnoll or 7’ of gnoll made little difference… the gnoll part garners near instantaneous reaction. Any smiles fade and the older couple look poleaxed. The young woman clutches the baby, eyes going wide. The boys are slack-jawed. The young man, being a young man, drops his skinning knife and reaches for the nearest thing that passes for a weapon. He leaps to interpose himself between the others and the dangerous strangers, threatening them with the long wooden tines of a pitchfork.
The Campanile lets out a perfunctory bing tone. Lillibet looks at the placard in her hands, reading it intently. Rather than paraphrase it for the group, she feels compelled to read the notice...
Near noon, almost at the exact same moment that you hear the bell tower toll three times… there is a knock on your door. Lillibet, the Council Agent assigned to your case, is there to greet you, all smiles, with a placard in hand. ”Hi! I’m here to escort you through your first transition! We need to leave the building – it’s mandatory. For Transit all residents must be outside - but we can stand anywhere. I’d recommend we go to the plaza in Dockside for the viewing. It’s a great spot.” As you head into the streets, you see hundreds of other residents doing the same thing. There is something of a tense but also festive atmosphere… except for the members of the Watch who are out in force looking grim. There are even some bookies taking last minute bets on the Transit: which plane, which country (for bets on remaining in Golarion), is it a recurrent location or a one-off, etc.
Lillibet oohs over the exotic 'Lady Sable' moniker but refrains from asking personal questions about anyone. She lets you know that she is a life-long local and has been a Council Agent for several years. She lives upstairs, alone, and currently isn't dating anyone. Her job is to help you acclimate to Threshold and answer the questions you may have about the city, services, businesses, or anything else. She informs you that this is a typical residential building but most of the apartments don't have so many bedrooms. And the neighborhood is quite safe and not terribly expensive. It's generally considered a step up from Dockside. "And you want us to stay here. But you do not expect us to pay? Or do we pay on a regular basis, and this is what the town has set aside for us." Lillibet shares a kindly-intentioned laugh. "This apartment is yours - for free - for a month. The Council recognizes that getting used to Threshold can take a little time. If you haven't found a place you'd rather stay by the end of the month, we can talk about you renting this place either short or long term." Mama pulls her aside with a list and asks where to find several food items ("One cannot truly cook without lard, dear".), spices ("Garlic, some oregano, just the basics"), a couple utensils ("No offset spatula!, really!"), and other odds and ends. Not to be outdone, or perhaps as a show that this isn't the first time she's received such questions... Lillibet pulls out a hand-drawn map of the neighborhood and notes locations in her immaculate handwriting. "Just around the corner, you'll find the green-grocer and the butcher. It's maybe a 5 minute walk to the best spice peddler... don't go to the fella by the general store. And the general store, where you can buy pans and spatulas and such, is right here..."
Salli’s answer is immediate. ”My understanding is that she isn’t a mind-reader. I was told her power is more like… well, you know how a certain smell – like wood smoke, baked bread, or vanilla - will remind you of a moment from your childhood? You smell that scent and you are 10 again. It’s like that. Her songs stir your memories, musical notes that somehow ‘resonate’ with those recollections. And because she sings about loss and heartbreak, her music ‘vibrates’ with those types of memories, causing them to bubble up. That’s how it was explained to me. I’m sorry if that struck too close to home for any of you. She’s come a long way though, and she is still evolving. Hopefully, someday, she’ll sing songs that tug at happier memories.”
Kat re-opens the bar and more than a few people order strong shots. Salli wipes her eyes on her sleeve then starts making the rounds, checking on the stomachs and emotional states of her customers. Soon, she winds her way to your table. She picks up the platter with the carnage that was Yash and Lady’s meal. ”You folks alright?”
In short order, Salli and the musicians clear additional space near the trio and sweep the floorboards clean – an impromptu stage for their guest performer. Salli silently watches until all the final booze and food orders have been filled and everyone settles into their respective spots. Then she takes center stage as all of the lanterns lighting the tavern are quickly hooded. The only illumination in the Slattern is provided by one stage lantern, a few candles, and the fire from the fireplace. ”Good evening citizens, residents, and guests. We have a very special performer who wishes to share her gift with you tonight. It is a privilege for the Slattern, and my honor to host her. However, be warned…” Salli now switches from the common tongue to what Yash (from his wanderings in the Bizarre Bazaar) recognizes as Canto – the language of Threshold. She continues, ”Kiam vi vekas tigron...” To which the vast majority of the attendees respond in unison, ”…uzu tre longan bastonon.” Salli nods and continues, ”For those of you who are new to our community that means When you wake a tiger… use a very long stick. Our guest this evening is a formidable tiger and I expect you to treat her with the utmost respect. Because there isn’t a stick long enough for you to safely poke her. So, mind your manners and keep your noise to a minimum.” ”So, without further fanfare, may I present the singular voice of Saelihnriel, Bard of Niloc.” Salli leaves the stage to stand by the bar amid the sound of subdued applause for the arriving diva.
Salli comes down the circular stairs from her office, having traded her work-a-day frock for her best Godsday dress. It must stand out to the locals because much of the crowd quiets down noticeably. She whispers something to Kat before heading over to the musicians’ corner.
Desire wins out eventually... as Elsa makes her way over to the team's table to stand nearby.
Elsa's eyes go wide and she shakes her head vigorously, whispering, "Thank you so much but I shouldn't, ma'am! You're guests. I just work here. I couldn't take a chair from a customer."
"Thank you, ma'am!" Elsa is practically giddy, "Saelihnriel is maybe the greatest singer in Threshold ever. She barely sings at Crossroads and almost never anywhere else in the city. So, I might not have this chance again. They say her voice is so magical it moves people. I really hope it's true." Too excited to stand still any longer Elsa bolts, presumably to get ready for show.
There is a quiet knock on the door then a pause before Elsa pops her head in hesitantly. ”Do you need anything else?”
Mama waits until the other are gone and doesn't let Sulli leave, mentioning a desire for a private word. Quietly, she asks, Sulli, dear. I have the feeling that I am something of a shoe-in for the Bitty Committee. Problem is, I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. So, dear, could you enlighten me a little? If I intend to stay here, and I do, I'd prefer to know which friends I'm making. Salli nods and indicates a couple of overstuffed chairs. When seated, she smooths her dress. ”What would you like to know? The OBC are more of a social club than an organization, if that’s your concern. There aren’t ‘members’, really. There are other older women, and some men, that sit with them from time to time. They periodically invite others to tea if they have a concern they want to discuss or a match they want to make.” She chuckles, ”More than a few eligible young men have dreaded an invitation to tea because it meant the ladies were going to grill the lad over a girl they felt he should be ‘getting serious’ about.”
Xing grins, "I have been paid less for worse work. When do I start?" Salli glances out of one of several windows on this floor, noting the pearlescent, mineralized, wall looming over the city. "I imagine you have plans tomorrow... How about the day after? Noon?"
"I'm interested in learning more about the keeping of a bar, and the Slattern looks like the kind of place a person could learn a lot. I don't really know anything about barkeeping, though… I'm trained in nonlethal combat, as well, so I could help keep any trouble outside your door, if it's a helpful skill." Salli eyes the cat and considers the matter for a moment before speaking, ”We can always use another pair of hands - or claws periodically – either behind the bar or in the kitchen. You’d start as a bar-back. It’s a lot of grunt work – carrying ice, stocking shelves, preparing garnishes and juices, batching, cleaning, and running around to get whatever the bartender or the kitchen needs. But you’ll learn the business, how to bartend, and how to handle customers. If you do well, we can talk about getting you more time behind the stick as a backup ‘tender. The job pays 1 gold per 8-hour shift, plus a cut of the tips. If you are working during a meal, you get that meal for free. Off-shift, you pay half price. Still interested?” "Where Burt?" Salli smiles curiously at the entirely unexpected question. ”He’s behind the bar. He’s on for a couple more hours. Does he owe you money or something?” Sabelina requests rose and lavender for her bath. The proprietress nods, "You'll find a variety of bath salts in the cupboard. I believe both rose and lavender are available. I'll have Elsa or Olan check on that and fetch your wine."
With their course set, our heroes (along with Uller) take the steps up to street level and head into Dockside on the way to the Slattern. The large tiger, the ripped clothing, and the punctured armor draw some attention from locals, but not as much as you might expect. Several people step out of the way of the heavily armed group as they enter the plaza. But more than your appearance, it seems the looming mineral wall surrounding the entire city draws more concern and attention from the locals. Without a hitch, you arrive at the Slattern, get rooms – on Uller’s coins – and are escorted to the top floor by Salli personally. If she has any qualms about walking a stairway with a tiger or renting her a room, they never show. In the luxurious sitting room filled with leather furniture, rugs, and wall hangings, Salli notes with concern, ”Some of you look a bit worse for wear. I’ll send someone to repair your clothing and gear. I was informed you might appreciate baths. Those will be ready in each of your rooms in a few minutes. Is there anything else we can do for you right now?” While she listens for your answers, she unlocks Xing’s room and leaves the key on the nightstand as a courtesy.
"If I said I wanted to stay in Threshold, and I'm not saying I am, what would you do with the tykes?" "We'll take them with us, of course. A couple of our waypoints up ahead are in good-sized towns. We get the kids taken care of and then we track down any family, relations, or neighbors they've got in other villages. They may be from rural parts but we're still in Taldor. If word of the plague has spread, I bet the Prince's physicians and soldiers are already on it. We're not gonna leave these kids by the side of the road or in some orphanage, if that's your worry."
Upon waking, the caravanners face a conundrum. Eat Mama’s home-made meal or spend a few coins on the local fare while seeing faces they haven’t been staring at for the past three weeks. Most of them, including the caravan’s mistress, decide to eat at Mama’s cook-fire. With profuse apologies to the aged halfling, a couple wagoners and laborers instead head over to the Slattern. As they eat side by side, the caravan mistress speaks with Cookie , ”So, we’ve got our supplies and food sorted. We even made a bit of coin trading in a large portion of that crab meat. The caravan needs to think about moving on. We’ve got stops to make. We’ll spend today resting up and give the animals proper time to recover. Tomorrow morning, we’re back on the trail. You’re welcome to come along, if you’re of a mind to. You’ve both been invaluable. We’d love to have you along as part of our crew. I can even pay you some wages when we get to our next waypoint… but it’s up to you.”
Slattern Tour… ”What would you recommend? What’s interesting or unique or intriguing?” Salli considers, ”Hmm… It really depends on your interests. But, I’d say, if you want normal equipment, buy it in Dockside. For unusual gear and food, go to Market Square. You should visit Market Square and the Bazaar, in any case. They’re worth seeing. I also like the Museum of Unnatural History, that’s near High Gate… but they might be closed, changing out exhibits or something like that. And, you should really head to the end of the High Street to visit Crossroads and the Campanile – the bell tower.”
Slattern Tour… "I would like a room on the one gold floor." Salli exchanges a key for the coin with a nod of thanks. ”Number 6 is yours. It will be quiet, we have very few guests on that floor at the moment.” "I wonder, what can you tell me about Breck? I fear I've offended him, and would like a chance to make it up to him, if possible." ”Breck?” She considers, ”He’s worked the docks for some years now. He’s generally alright, doesn’t cause trouble… but he can be a bit prickly at times. He’s like a mother hen to his crew - meaning the other stevedores. I’ve never known him to nurse a grudge for long. If you’re passing through, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you might be here longer, I’d stay out of his hair for a few days before trying to get on his good side.”
Slattern Tour… Cookie and Senna join Xing for the tour. Salli has Xing (and anyone else) drop their bags in the corner near the musicians. ”Your gear will be safe here.” She gives the musician on the strange instrument a look of mock gravity. ”Anything happens to this gear, I’m takin’ a bite out of your ass.” ”Will you be showing us only your establishment? Or some of the surrounding areas?” Salli smooths her dress, thinking. ”I never thought about walking folks around town. That might be a business opportunity. Let me give that some thought, while I take you through the Slattern.” Salli leads you up the spiral staircase while providing a light, friendly narrative... The second floor is marked by a large central sleeping/sitting room and a few private quarters. It is clean with woven mat beds. Clearly, the Slattern is also an Inn. "Most of our guests stay here. It's affordable. Unfortunately, the sound carries up from the tavern. On raucous nights, it can be a bit hard to sleep unless you are dead tired or dead drunk. A bed here will cost you 2 Silver per night, or 5 Silver for one of the rooms." You mount the next set of stairs and arrive at the third floor. There is a comfortable sitting room with a window on one side and a variety of private rooms of different sizes evident down a long hall that seems to stretch for three-quarters of the boat's length. At the end of the corridor is a red door. The sounds from below are well muffled. Sitting unobtrusively in the window sill is a guard in the livery of the Inn. Salli answers the unspoken questions. "We don't usually have trouble here and the door-guard ensures that. When you pay a gold for a night's sleep, we try to ensure you get what you pay for." She walks you briefly into an adjacent bedroom. It is 10' square, well appointed, with a large feather-bed, nightstand, and a window overlooking the inlet. The door is sturdy oak. After you've had a chance to inspect it, she leads you into the hall and back towards the staircase, saying over her shoulder. "The brothel is on the other side of the red door. The quality and price of the girls and boys goes up on each floor." You revise your opinion. The Slattern is a tavern, an inn, and a bordello. You mount a set of carpeted stairs - arrive at the 'top' of the boat – and are greeted with a luxurious sitting room of rugs, wall hangings, and leather furniture. The ceiling has a gentle slope conveyed by the curving hull of the ship. On both sides of the room sunlight streams in through large glass windows that look out on the ocean and hills. No sound from below penetrates to this level. Again, a corridor stretches away fully half the ship's length and terminates at a red door. The guard here is also in livery and has the look of a man who really knows how to handle himself in a fight. He nods politely. Salli announces the obvious, "Top Floor - where our most honored guests stay." She rings a chime and a beautiful young woman and equally handsome young man step out from a room down the hall, leaving the door open. She is all of 5' tall with wavy blonde hair that flows past her rear and enough curves that you have NO doubt as to her gender. The boy is 6’ tall with dark hair and chiseled, well, everything. Their maid and butler outfits are designed to reveal more than be practical uniforms. They both move quickly towards the group and curtsy/bow, revealing tantalizing hints of even more of themselves. Salli introduces them, ”This is Elsa and Olan. They are the floor attendants and see to the needs of the guests on this floor exclusively. If you want a bath, a meal, a massage, or a companion, they will sort you out.” She leads the group down the hall to the open room. It is 15' x 20’. All of the ceiling has a nice slope. The entire wall overlooking the ocean is gone. A few feet in, a full-sized set of glass doors segregate the room itself from what becomes a private balcony facing the water. The doors are propped open, allowing a breeze to blow through the room. On the balcony are a small table and chairs with a bowl of fresh fruit. The furnishings in the room are equally lavish with a four-poster bed, wardrobe, nightstand, leather couch, and a claw-footed bathing tub separated by a privacy screen. Salli smiles, letting the room speak for itself. After you satisfy your curiosity... Back in the sitting room, she smiles warmly, ”A suite on this level runs 3 gold pieces per night, without gratuities for Elsa and Olan. Well! That concludes our tour! If you want to stay with us, let me know. If our prices aren’t to your liking, that’s fine. I’d recommend you visit the Rustic for more financially sensible accommodations. I’ll be happy to have someone walk you over there. Finding the right alley can be something of a trick, particularly after dark. May I answer any questions for you about our services or Dockside or other venues in Threshold you might enjoy?”
Sabelina and the Pros… ”Take me and do as you will.” Donal nibbles on Sabelina’s neck and whispers, ”Oh, I absolutely will.” Violetta smiles like a cat grown fat on eating canaries, clearly thrilled. And both of the pair’s questing hands, fingers, and toes start fulfilling some of their promises. The rest happens in a bit of a blur for Sabelina. She is whisked out of her chair and up two flights of stairs. The decision itself made her heady and Violetta’s perfume didn’t help as it wafted around her as Donal’s and Violetta’s bodies brush against her as they escort her through a lovely sitting room. She catches a glimpse of the inlet through a large window. And then they are heading down a corridor towards a red door. The hands of the two artisans of pleasure are all over her, teasing her deliciously and loosening every button, fastener, and buckle of her outfit. Her clothes are practically falling off her when the red door shuts behind her with a click. In a moment, she is led into a private suite and Sabelina’s clothes pool on the floor topped quickly with the silken robes of her soon-to-be intimates next to the steaming scented bath which could certainly fit more than one person… Here we shall leave you, gentle reader. Could we accurately describe the festivities that long night? Perhaps. But could we do them justice more than your imaginations? I think not.
Sabelina and the Pros…
Sabelina raises a hand to Violetta's ear… ”So delicate, such a sublime shape.” The half-elf presses a little closer, brilliant hazel eyes regarding Sabelina. Her delicate fingers run along Sabelina’s hand holding her wine glass. She says quietly, ”My ears aren’t even my most sublime feature.” ”But your offer comes at a time when I must admit to being financially embarrassed. I've only arrived in Threshold hours ago, and haven't quite yet made my fortune here you see. I cannot afford even one of you…” Violetta nods, disappointed. ”I understand… It’s a shame. Donal and I almost never get to play together. It takes someone exceptional to… ah inspire us.” To emphasize the point, Sabelina feels a hand (probably Donal’s?) massaging her knee and brushing across her inner thigh. As if an idea has struck her, Violetta perks up. To her friend, she whispers quietly, ”She’s new, likely road-weary, probably doesn’t have a place to stay, and we’re like a welcoming committee. What do you think?” The two professionals carry out an entire conversation purely with subtle gestures, finally concluding with Violetta turning her charms and focus back to Sabelina. The bladeswoman has the brief, uncomfortable feeling of a field mouse seeing an owl descending on it. ”We'd like to offer you a steep discount…” Donal interjects huskily, ”Let’s call it a very, very deep discount…” Violetta shivers slightly in remembrance, ”He is not wrong. We’d like to offer you a very deep discount on a night you will remember until you die. We have an enchanting room with silk sheets and beautiful tapestries. There's a scented bath to get the road dirt off you… and we’d love to bathe you. Donal can massage the remaining kinks out after your bath. He is a skilled masseur. And then you’d have us all night to play or cuddle with, as you choose.” She runs a nail lightly up Sabelina’s unoccupied thigh, ”We’ll take care of your needs and sate your desires. Isn’t that, aren’t we, worth 10 little pieces of gold?”
DM Stuff: [rolls redacted]
Xing and Senna... and MORE?
With drinking, eating, and talking, time creeps away almost unnoticed. More people begin to enter the tavern as their work days end and the sun heads for the horizon. As Xing and Senna debate tenis… the plump and attractive middle-aged woman you noted in the office when you first entered, slides up to the table and introduces herself. ”Welcome to the Near-Sighted Slattern. I’m Salli, your host and the proprietor. If you folks are just here for drinks and food, you are welcome. But we also offer other services. If you’d like, I’d be happy to give you a quick tour and answer your questions. What do you say?”
Sabelina and the Pros… As Sabelina first approaches the prostitutes, she has the distinct impression based on the looks they give her, that they are about to tell her to shove off because they aren’t working. However, even these jaded professionals find her approach so charming, they can’t really object. They thank her for the roses and insist that she sit between them. ”You can bask all you like here…” Violetta practically purrs, ”Or we could find somewhere private for a more intimate bask.” She lets the silk robe drop from her shoulder. ”I assure you, you haven’t begun to really appreciate me yet.” Donal slides a glass of wine to Sabelina and smoothly interjects, ”Violetta is exquisite and gifted… That said, I have some talents you may appreciate deeply. As it would be unfair to force you to choose, why don’t we accompany you upstairs where you can fairly judge our merits singly and together.” Someone’s toe is tracing a lazy pattern on Sabelina’s calf and she can’t really tell if it is Donal’s or Violetta’s toe.
The crowd may be rough but the hospitality is quick. Within moments of sitting, a pleasant girl of sixteen years finds her way to the table. "Welcome to the Slattern. Are you eating, drinking, or both? We have fresh seafood chowder, made this morning. That'll run 2 silvers but it is enough to feed two..." She glances at the tall Minatan monk, "usually."
Emi moves with Reiko, her scarf whipping towards the same Sczarni.
Status:
Emi shadows Reiko's movements, using her as a human shield. As Reiko attacks, the beautiful Varisian girl emerges from her shadow and dances a bit further, keeping 5' of space between herself and the Sczarni weapons. She utters a phrase of power and a fan of garish colors assaults the eyes of several Sczarni.
Spell Effects:
Victahana takes Marcus' hand, as if it were a strange thing and acknowledges his thanks with a nod. "Good luck."
"Weaknesses are hard to spy,
The witch pauses in her dance - her limbs held at curious angles - and thinks on Marcus' question. "The river has hidden places:
"But the foolish rabbit cannot run
"Fool's hopes plague the heads
Jak doesn't miss a beat, pointing at the witch-woman with a wink, "Hey, not a rhyme!" The crazy woman gambols on the shore and smiles at Jak.
Zeke struggles with what Victahana says. "So Blackest can hear, if rhymes...you don't hear?" "To confuse the demon's ears and drown out what he may hearspeak in persistent rhymes they deafen like a church's chimes... BING BONG BING BONG" She gestures with her stick at the crows, "Words passed beneath the sky
"...have you made any deals with this demon?" The witch's gaze rakes the Paladin, the stick twitches in her hand. Her voice is filled with sarcasm. "Yes, all the time."
"I'm not much for riddles, but you seem to be, so maybe..." She scowls and pokes Marcus with her stick. "I speak no riddles,
"Can you help us find this creature?" Victahana jumps away and looks at Marcus like he's crazy. She glances at her little stick, wishing it were a log to beat him with. It takes a long time before she can manage an answer. "Fate may guide your way...
"On the morrow, the demon comes, to collect his due.
"Jak, will our weapons work against this thing?"
Jak rubs where the stick struck, glowering at the woman as he mutters, ”Be a damned shame if you spoke plain, woman.”
She taps Jak lightly on the crown of his head, 'knighting' him. It seems to mean 'yes'.
He listens for her reply for Ezekiel, but can’t help muttering. "I’m not really sure she means the deal-makers when she mentions the wolf. She could be talking about Black." He watches the witch for any signs that his observation has merit. From the woman's frown, Jak's speculation is wrong. At the mention of Black's name again, she pokes Jak with her stick and shakes her head. "Sentinels stand amid the rows,
She waves her stick in the direction of an oak tree. Three crows sit amid the branches, silently watching.
"So how would the wolf avoid the snap? And why does the trap take their cubs, I mean kids and family?"
The witch seems well pleased with Zeke until he falls from the analogy by saying 'kids and family'. She glances out at the trees again. "Their season run, the trap is sprung.
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