Seeing the Stone Giants down for the count Ameiko looks at Stone, "I think we can handle them from here. Go!"
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Round Twenty at the Two Knights Brewery
Severo fell back off his horse. His armor absorbed the blow from the landing. Stone drives Shadowmist to behind Severo's horse. The Cleric quickly dismounts and provides healing to the fallen holy warrior. Severo immediately becomes conscious. Fortunately, this all took place out of reach to both of the Stone Giants. Uncle Gabe takes the opportunity to withdraw from the Stone Giants. Ameiko seeing the desperation of the situation, moves up, then casts a Grease spell under the feet of both Stone Giants.
Severo and the Stone Giant's Round Twenty. Round Twenty-One for Severo and Stone
"Round on the house for all! The Heroes of Sandpoint are home," Ameiko breaks into another rousing renditions of her ballad "The Heroes of Sandpoint."
Ameiko will fill Severo's mug with a very fine Dwarven Ale, "My aren't you big." She then looks at Sheriff Hemlock, "You have guards up on the walls and along the approaches I assume?"
"Or they are stuck with you," the Tian woman gives Flynn a smile. "Just call me Ameiko, and welcome to the Rusty Dragon. As long as you are with them," She glances toward Brandark, Elektra, and Stone. "Your stay here is at no charge. Our town is indebted to the Heroes of Sandpoint." Ameiko then looks at Devora, "This one I charge double." She gives the Pathfinder a teasing smile. Devora sticks her tongue out at Proprietor Kaijitsu. When Sheriff Hemlock storms in, Ameiko just rolls her eyes and turns her back to town constable.
The party moves to a table reserved for the party. Flynn finds a comfy chair that allows his back to the wall and a full view of the whole tavern. Severo finds another chair near the table.
About the time Ameiko finishes her song, a familiar to some older Halfling woman comes out carrying a tray of mugs and glasses. A young human woman follows with a wine bottle in one hand and a small keg under her left arm. She calls out, "The keg is filled with Dwarven Ale. We just received a shipment last week. We can also bring out a pitcher of fresh spring water if you prefer." Brathana gives Elektra and Devora a wine glass, Brandark and Stone mugs. She then looks at Flynn and then to Severo, "Would you like a glass or a mug?" The young woman puts the bottle near Elektra and finds an open spot for the small keg. She then begins to fill the glasses and mugs. "Help yourself to a refill." The young woman then heads to her normal spot behind the bar as the old Halfling woman heads to the kitchen. After a few minutes she comes out again, this time with a tray containing bowls and a plate with chunks of bread. The bowls are filled with a wild boar stew made with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. It is both savory and spicy. The taste maybe a bit gamy for some, so the house signature spicy noodles with chicken and vegetables is also available.
"Yes. They are indeed worthy of song." Ameiko grabs her sitar and begins to sing the song, "The Heroes of Sandpoint." Many of the tavern's patrons join in. Those party members that has heard this before will note that the song has been revised and expanded.
"Good to see you too, Brandark. But yes, we heard of your coming. I have reserved two room. Is Garrath and Shalelu not with you?" Ameiko Kaijitsu looks at the party. "Lady Elektra, we have saved several bottles of fine Elven Wine for your return." "Stone, welcome back." "Now, who might you two be?" Ameiko says looking at both Flynn and Severo. She then notices Devora, "Heidmarch! What are you doing with this rabble. You know that they are not good for your health."
Ameiko provides a letter of introduction and directions to the Villa.
Day Thirty-Two As the party prepares to head for Magnimar, Ameiko will approach the party, "Shalelu must have left sometime during the night. I don't think she likes big cities. Normally she only stays here one night every couple of months or so. She prefers the woods, I guess."
"Actually it is more had. We own a Villa in Magnimar. My Father often stayed in Magnimar. Just before..." Ameiko pauses. "He wanted me to return to Magnimar with him. But my care is for the Rusty Dragon. I do have a cousin who stays there. Her name is Choko. She is the caretaker. It is a big place. You could stay there. I will give you a letter of introduction." Ameiko returns to serving other customers.
Well in the mean time Ameiko tells the party, "I understand from Shalelu you are heading to Magnimar. I have family down there. Since you may be away for a few days, I will be roasting up a side of beef for tonight. We will have spiced potatoes, roasted corn and baked beans. We will open a fresh keg of Dwarven Ale and I even have a couple of bottles of vintage Elven Wine that have not been uncorked." Ameiko gives Elektra a nod and Shalelu a wink.
Day Twenty-Eight It was just past midnight when the party reaches the Goblin Squash stables. Brandark wakens Daverin Hosk in a stir, but the retired old Ranger settles down when he sees the familiar Dwarf. Hosk can smell the stench of death all over the party, "What have y'all been doin'? Diggin' up corpses? That is some pow'rful od'r you cari'n with ya." The ranger works to find stalls and help remove barding, tack, bridles etc. When the party walks into the Rusty Dragon it is full of patrons. Ameiko was in middle song when she suddenly stops. The patrons look at the party, one by one, "It is the heroes!" they call out. When Ameiko moves closer she gets to within about six feet and stops, "I will have Brathana prepare baths. We can bring supper up later." Ameiko quickly leads the party upstair. Patron after patron wrinkle their noses with a squint of their eyes and move away from the party. The baths were very much a welcome experience to everyone, party, patrons, Ameiko, Brathana but most of all Shalelu. She was nearly in tears as the smell of death, vomit and more hung around the shy Elf. Later, Brathana brings up the Local Wine, Dwarven Ale and Cool Water
To say the party was exhausted would be an understatement. The beds were warm and comfortable. Everyone rested well, except Garrath, Shalelu and Kelvin. Garrath and Shalelu's rest were feverish. Kelvin's itchy. When Garrath wakes up he finds himself weaker and not nearly as nimble. The thought of staying in bed sounds like a good idea.
Shalelu does not sleep but stays in bed feverish and sweaty.
To Kelvin's horror, he wakes up to leaky boils on his arms and legs. One such boil is growing on his cheek.
"Of course," Ameiko responds to Brandark. A few minutes later Brathana brings Brandark some parchment, ink and quill.
That evening at the Rusty Dragon, the party is warmly greeted by Ameiko, "I heard you were back. I have a table reserved for you. Today we are serving a beef roast with spiced potatoes, onions and carrots. We just recieved a new keg of Dwarven Ale and the local white has been particularly sweet." She pauses, "And someone is waiting for you. She hasn't been back more than an hour." Ameiko winks and moves on to work another table.
At the Rusty Dragon that night, the celebration continues. Ameiko treats the crowd to song after song, many in honor of the Heroes of Sandpoint. Ameiko and Brathana prepared a dish of curried beef for the night served over Tian noodles. Shalelu, uncomfortable with all these festivities, takes a bottle of wine upstairs for a nice warm bath. Orik visits the Rusty Dragon too, this time dressed in the uniform of a Sandpoint guardsmen. He will tell the party that Lyrie is being held in the Sandpoint garrison for further questioning. She is not happy about it. Orik fears she will do something stupid. But that is not something he can worry about now, his shift starts at midnight. Violet hangs around Garrath until around nightfall, when her mother gathers her up for the evening. Shayliss Vender attempts to corner Brandark alone and convince him to accompany her to a quiet spot near the lumber mill. Kelvin's keen sense will detect the odor of an Ulfen that has apparently visited the Rusty Dragon at some point in the day. He will not know if this is one of the Ulfen he has tangled with before. Otherwise, the day and night goes without incident. Day Twenty
Ameiko comes down the stairs, "The baths are ready. We will keep the food warm. Bring your drinks up with you."
An exotic looking beauty, with a streak of white in her hair, brings you another Dwarven Ale, its strong yet fruity flavor is a treat. "You look capable. The Heroes of Sandpoint could use your help," the proprietor of the Rusty Dragon gives you a wink.
Lunch is a simple affair with fresh baked bread, butter, a wedge of cheese, a large pickle, giant ham stuffed olives and a bowl of spicy chicken noodle soup.
Ameiko will look at Brandark, "Let me get you an Ale. By the way, the Mayor is likely up at the Town Hall." A few minutes later she brings back a large stein of the Dwarven brew.
Ameiko will fill Calene's tankard with some more Dwarven Ale, "Bring your tankard. Let me show you to your room. There is no charge for room and board for the 'Heroes of Sandpoint.'"
Ameiko provides Adamas and Ranna with additional drinks, "Thank you for coming by the Rusty Dragon. Drinks and meals are 'on the house' for the friends of the Heroes of Sandpoint."
Ameiko returns with another round of drink for everyone, then looks at the party that had just returned from under the Glassworks, "You all look like you have fought the devil himself. What is going on under the Glassworks?'
Ameiko will bring Kelvin a tall glass of cool spring water.
Ameiko is happy to see the big Barbarian, and brings him out a mug of Dwarven Ale, and a slab of Roast Boar with some spiced potatoes. She also makes sure to bring another ale for Brandark and a refill of the water-downed wine for Elektra. She looks at the new travelers to Sandpoint, "Is there anything else I can get you?"
One of the other guest is a striking but stern looking Elf in woodsman attire, a longbow on her back. She looks like she has been through a battle. She makes a quick stop at the bar to pick up a glass of red wine. "I need a bath," the Elf Woman says as though desperate. "Of course you do," Ameiko says nearly laughing. The proprietor motions to an elderly Halfling Woman, who then heads up the stairs. The Elf Woman follows close behind.
Later Ameiko will address Adamàs' comments about the Dwarf and Elf. "Currently, their residence is here in my inn. They are more than guest, they are my friends. Come let me introduce you." Ameiko will take the Aasimar to meet Brandark and Elektra. She will then take her leave to serve other guest.
Looking at Adamàs, a chill goes down Ameiko's spine, "You look just like someone that once called Sandpoint home. Dark things happened to her." She sits a mug of Dwarven Ale in front of the Aasimar. "It is a fine ale. Enjoy."
Ameiko will bring a large bowl filled with mainly noodles, mixed with various vegetables and diced chicken flavored with whole dried hot peppers to the Shoan-ti woman. A pair of lacquer coated sticks are standing straight up in the middle of the bowl. The water is cool and refreshing as though from a mountain spring, an unusual find in any town. "Hope you enjoy.
Later Ameiko brings another round of Dwarven Ale with some Roast Boar and Spicy Potatoes to Brandark. "Is everything OK below the Glassworks?" For the first time in her life she actually has a care about the family business.
"My apologies. We became suddenly busy. Are you from around here?"Ameiko brings her a quality Dwarven Ale with just the right amount of fruity flavor, also the Curried Salmon with Spicy Potatoes. Ameiko will have overheard her comment about the Glassworks, but will choose not to reveal the truth of the events there.
"Well met. I am Ameiko. The fires were from a Goblin raid a week ago. The Goblins set several fires all around town. But thankfully nothing too big. We already had that problem about five years ago. The soup is more noodle than soup. Would you like a pair of sticks or a spoon?"
"Our troubles continue. A little over a week ago the town was beset by Goblins. Our Goblin woes have lingered for days after, as several more were found in the Glassworks. Many of our citizens have perished in the raid. I will get you your food and drink," the exotic beauty scurries off to the kitchen.
Things have been very uneasy in town with the Goblin Raid and murders at the Glassworks. The usually busy tavern has a sparse crowd this evening, as many of the locals have chosen to close themselves into their homes. The town mood is somber at best. The proprietor of this fine establishment has been through a trauma. She pushes through her ordeal by pouring herself into her work. And her work is good food, good drink and song. An exotic tattooed beauty with a distinctive white streak of hair in the front of her dark black mien of hair approaches as you take a seat in the tavern. "Tonight we have our signature dishes, you can choose between Curried Salmon with spiced potatoes or a large bowl of our Spicy Chicken Noodles with vegetables. We have just received a very fine Honey Mead imported from Korvosa. We also have a white Elven wine, and even some Dwarven Ale. But don't tell our local brewer that I am serving it. What can I get for you?"
As Garrath, Brandark and Kelvin frees Ameiko, and Lyr provides healing, Ameike gives each and every one a big hug. When Shalelu approaches the embrace is long for both of them. It is clear they have known each other for some time. "Tsuto! What has he done? He is in league with Nualia. She has hired several other mercenaries. He hinted that she’s got big plans for Sandpoint’s future. Where is he?" When the party relays to her that he is now dead. She looks down for a moment then looks up, "He did not have an easy life. But that is no excuse to do what he did. He got what he deserved. He wanted me to join him with their group at Thistletop. But I slapped him. Cavorting with Goblins! How low can one go? He became angry and turned me over to his Goblins. They overwhelmed me. That is the last thing I remember." "Thank you for rescuing me. I need to warn my father,' she says almost in resignation. When the party tells her about her father being dead also, she raises her head in a stoic fashion, "It is over then. Maybe he can rest now from whatever wrathful demon haunting him." She slowly stands, "I owe you my life." She looks again at everyone, "And I have found new friends. I like my friends close, as Shalelu can attest." She squeezes Shalelu's hand. "You will always have a free room at my Inn. and a place at my table."
"Of course. Several baths are being prepared this evening," she gives Shalelu a wink.
Ameiko looks back at Kelvin and nods her head appreciatively of what you have done.
When you get into the house, you make your way to the boy’s bedroom. Ameiko is in the room looking over a man’s lifeless body, likely Alergast, lying face down on the floor, half in the room and half partially down a hole in the closet. There is blood all over the closet. There is also a dead dog lying on the floor. Ameiko looking like she is almost at tears looks at Garrath, ”I will pull Alergast out." As soon as the body is free of the hole, a crazed Goblin jumps out, sees Garrath and slashes at him with what looks like a make-shift knife.
But misses the Barbarian. Initiatives to come.
The party returns to the Rusty Dragon. This crowd is sparse this evening. Ameiko sees the party, ”Did you enjoy The Hagfish? Their Seafood Chowder is really good.” Before anyone could answer Ameiko, a human woman, maybe in her mid to late twenties, rushes in from the back door, clutching a baby to her chest with one arm and clinging to the back of a small boy’s shirt with the other. In a panic the young woman cries out, ”Help. Help. I need the Heroes of Sandpoint. Through a stream of tears the woman quickly tells her story, ”During the Goblin Raid, my son Aeren saw a Globlin set a cat on fire. He was traumatized. Every night since, my husband Alergast has had to soothe him to sleep. He kept saying there was a Goblin in his closet. We thought it was just night terrors. But look at his arm.” The boys arm is covered in bites. Knowledge Nature (DC 10):
The bites are from a Goblin . The woman continues, "We heard a horrible howl from our dog Petal. We ran into Aeren’s room. A Goblin was on Aeren. My husband flew into a rage and chased the Goblin into Aeren’s closet. I grabbed Verah and Aeren and ran. Please help!” ”I know Amele’s house. Follow me,” Ameiko hesitates a moment to cast a spell, then runs out the back door at a very fast speed. The house is two blocks over on Bishop Street, back toward the Cathedral. A fast Garrath cannot keep up with Ameiko. Ameiko reaches the house and hesitates to make sure Garrath sees her and knows the house. When Garrath gets to the house, Kelvin and Elektra have turned the corner and can see him. The same will be true as Kelvin and Elektra reach the house Brandark and Lyr can see them.
Ameiko would tell you to try the Feathered Serpent. It is where Hook and Rum streets meet not far from the Sandpoint Bridge. The proprietor is a Vorvashali Voon. "He may not be able to trade spells with you, but he does have a good collection of scroll," Ameiko will communicate.
That night at the Rusty Tavern, Ameiko prepared the Wild Hog in splendid fashion, with sliced apples and spices cooked into the meat. Though a tad tough, it had a good flavor. The wine and the ales flowed freely. A good time was had by all. Aldern Foxglove was curiously missing from the dinner. End of Day Three
Ameiko will look at Brandark, "The General Store is on Main Street right across the street from the Turandarok Academy. You can't miss it." Ameiko returns to prepping the Wild Boar for roasting.
As an amend, Ameiko is very thankful to both Elektra and Lyr's concern. The attractive Bard is pleased with the growing friendship and camaraderie.
Elektra can hear the faint sobbing. It stops. Seconds later the door opens. Ameiko's eye shadow is running, "Thank you. My Father is an angry man. He always has been. But it has been getting worse of late. I appreciate your concern. You sleep well too. I hope the room is to your liking,' she gives Elektra's hand a squeeze, smiles and shuts the door.
Ameiko rushes in to a position between Garrath and the Tian man, fearing an escalation. Ameiko in Minkaian:
Enough Father. What is that you want? Tian man in Minkaian:
You are coming with me to Magnimar. Now! The Tian man tries to grab Ameikos' hair, but Ameiko bops him in the head with her semisen. He staggers backwards. Several in the Tavern begin to giggle. Feeling the pain of the whack, the Tian man puts a hand to his head. “You’re as dead to me as your mother,” the Tian Man rages before leaving the tavern. Ameiko begins to cry and runs upstairs. Brathana was not too far away from the scene. She notices some confusion in the party. "That was Ameiko's Father, Lonjiku. As you can tell things have not been going well for them. My poor Ameiko," the Halfling woman works to hold back tears for her friend.
With the stare back Ameiko gives Kelvin a wink and a wry smile.
Ameiko returns back to Brandark's tankard for a large gulp of his Dwarven Ale.
As drinks, meals and more goes on, Ameiko Kaijitsu comes down from the second floor humming and strumming her samisen. She eyes the heroes and begins to sing. "In the night of the Goblins When little terrors struck Came New Heroes to Sandpoint Our good lady Luck," Ameiko approaches the party to cheers from the patrons. "One a Shoanti man Filled with rage," Ameiko nudges up against Garrath. "Another an Elf Wizard More like a Sage," She bows to Elektra. "A Cleric of Shelyn Beauty and Art Prevail," Ameiko dances around Lyr. "Dwarf on a Horse Lift your tankard of ale." The crowd lifts their tankards with a cheer, as Ameiko pauses to drink from Brandark's tankard. Then looks at him with a pout when she finds it empty. "Mystery Elf We long to know," She looks deep into Kelvin's eyes as she approaches the secretive elf. "A party of five Better friend than foe. Bravery to thank So let out a cheer," And yet another cheer rings out. "Rejoice our new Heroes Sandpoint my dear." Ameiko moves around the crowd playing her samisen to a constant applause.
Ameiko Kaijitsu approaches the party, ”Everyone must be tired. I know I am. Tonight I can offer my servant Brathana’s and my room for tonight at the Rusty Dragon. We have a place to sleep just off the kitchen. And tomorrow I can offer you two rooms, one for the Ladies, and another for the Gents free of charge for the next week. Father Zantus speaks, ”Yes, tonight we must rest. Tomorrow we will mourn, then bury our dead. ”
End of Day One
It was then, that Ameiko Kaijitsu with three small children, wait, no one was an older Halfling Woman, comes out from hiding in her booth, running toward the stone Cathedral. ”Worthy of song, it will be. Worthy of song!” Ameiko says, pausing, as she ushers the little ones in to the Cathedral.
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