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"Er... Yeah," Conrad looks sheepish. "Some k-kind of vision. J-Joanna had it too." He shakes his head. "It's n-nothing." "Actually, I think it is something. You see, most of us had dreams too." He lowers his voice more "In my case, there was a messenger of Desna. Was your dream involving divine matters as well? Because we need to compare notes. A darkness is coming to Sandpoint. That seems to be the common theme."
"Hello, Conrad. Hello, Joanna. Sorry to intrude..." the young Shoanti gives a welcome to both. Then, not sure if Dare or Lita will bring up the subject, but he thought he heard something "Pardon me, Conrad. did you mention a dream?"
Scrapeknee's comments have her turning to him. With a sigh, she packs away her negative feelings, "The spire would never be an option. Xenophobic applies to any outsider, which even with these..." she loops her hair over her pointed ear "I am still an outsider." Dare barks a laugh at Scrapeknee. "I think one of me's enough." Scrapeknee feels flustered, but not in a totally bad way.. "Fine. I'm full of silly platitudes, but that's how I am somedays, but I'm still glad you're both here and in one of my few acts of rebellion... so there." Sheepishly, as they make their way towards the Cathedral. His companions might notice he pauses to check his hair briefly before they get to its doors.
"Well, you both seem like good people to me. If saving people like you do, Dare, makes one a Jerk, then the world needs more jerks.... if you don't mind me saying." And a nod to Cailyn, "And I don't know about Spirelves, but I know who my friends are and I consider you one. This Spire's loss is Sandpoint's gain."
Scrapeknee struggles to keep up as Ashborn storms ahead Cailyn goes after her. His eyes widen as the latter lets loose a curse he did not expect. Dare's warnings about Foxglove HAVE alarmed him. If this man is such a monster, and loose in Sandpoint, then he definitely needs to warn his Uncle the Sheriff to keep an eye on the fellow.
Scrapeknee listens to this conversation with growing concern... "This isn't the first time I've gotten some kind of message from my Goddess or one of her servants. And Scrapeknee's clearly been blessed, so between us, and a disruption of a festival of Desna, messages in our dreams makes sense, but... I couldn't tell you why us. I'm sure the Gods have stronger servants willing to fight this fight. We might simply be the ones who were here, or they have plans on pushing us into being the stronger servants we're looking for. Father Zantus is a good place to start." "Yes, I think we should definitely talk to him. I'm not...sure what to make of my blessing but I've got a responsibility to use it wisely. I'm hoping you'll be able to make sure I don't bungle it, Lita." He coughs into his hand. The conversation about Foxglove however is very over his head "He was very focused on you, Cailyn. I thought he just might admire you. There's a lot TO admire, but then I can miss a clue or three when it comes to people so maybe I read him wrong. Maybe you shouldn't be alone with him?"
Scrapeknee frowns when Willie seems to deny having a dream. He had been SO sure everyone would have.
At Dare's concerns, Scrapeknee sympathizes, "I'm not worthy of this trust either, Dare. And I don't know why us in particular. Maybe we're all they've got. Maybe it is because the holy day, the festival, lets them at least advise? All I know is, we appear to be asked for help so... thank you, for answering like this." He actually seems touched at the praise for Sandpoint
"I was going to see Dani myself because.. it appears she and I shared a dream." He focuses on the danger to sandpoint "In which we were warned uhm.. how was it? 'A dark cloud hangs over your home. It's up to you to help decide Sandpoint's fate. I fear that ill omens hang over your head.' and so on. I was told others were receiving messages as well. I asked if I could reach out to you guys for help. The messenger said of course I could."
Scrapeknee doesn't have time to respond at Cailyn's romantic narrative of his and Dani's meeting. Which might be good as he's not sure how to respond to that. So she nods, "Morning, Princess." She tilts her head toward her companion. "Scrapeknee. Sleep well?" "I had dreams, to be honest," He answers, "And in that dream I was told others might be getting messages and warnings to. If that's the cause, I thought maybe we should compare notes, He admits, "How about you two?" A side glance to Lita then back to Dare
"I'd ask you to painstakingly detail your dream, but the basics are probably the same. 'You and your companions are needed to prevent a darkness from descending on Sandpoint and destroying all the good cooks.'" she gives her head a small shake, looking a little embarrassed, "Just for example of the oncoming threat, of course" "Cooks? Mmm... For me it was... 'A dark cloud hangs over your home. It's up to you to help decide Sandpoint's fate. I fear that ill omens hang over your head." He shakes his head, as they walk "I Hope that was a 'you' plural, because i am not qualified to decide anyone's fate let alone a whole town." And to distract from that mistake, she says "And Dani was there?" her eyes dance with questioning tease "I ask, but only if disclosing would not be in bad taste." His cheeks heat a bit, "Yes, I mean, she is training to be a cleric of Desna and.. well, I didn't think she was real at first. I'm afraid I was too forward ... I asked her for a dance. We did. Then , of course, I came to realze oh she's really in here, and felt like a fool. And, by the end of the dream I was asking her out. So... if she remembers that, I'll definitely know it was real." Ahem, "But that isn't the important part. You and I both had messages from higher powers. I suspect the others did too. We need to each hear what the other remembers and see if the pieces give us a bigger pattern on what we need to do."
"It'd my honor, Lady Vanderdale," The ten year old curtsies, and takes the treat up, then whispers "Cleo is AMAZING, tell her I said so , please?" If forgiven, the young woman beams her thanks, then joins Scrapeknee, slipping her arm in his. Or at least she starts to, but then stops, remembering both yesterday's misunderstanding and the adoration in Dani's eyes. Best not muddy any waters, she tells herself, then smiles. "Would you mind if I join you?" "I was hoping you would" He says, and starts to offer his arm out of habit then chuckles and opens the door for her instead, then follows. The chuckle is a bit forced, but it's there. As they head to the streets, he says "In my dream I was told others were having dreams as well, not just ordinary dreams, but messages. I think I spoke to a servant of Desna. Which sounds like hubris I know, but there you go. Dani was there... in my dream getting the same message. I want to talk to her too and see if she recalls."It is possible that others may see them heading to the Cathedral as they walk
Scrapeknee woke up, smile still on his face, and he realizes that he ... that that was no ordinary dream. Hurriedly, he rose, and...
It's a new day, yet trouble is still on its way, if the Dream was right. He puts on the armor and takes his weapon, at least it's been cleaned, and he heads into the main area of the Deer and on his way out.
"Hey, Rubus, I need to head out," He feels like apologizing for it, "Tell your dad I..."
Scrapeknee tilts his head, "Thanks. Is my hair a mess or something?"
Oh. It sinks in He's ...scared of me? Rubus isn't scared of much he... "Since Yesterday, it seems. It's..nothing special about me, more of a ...gift. I'm still me, Cuz." Rubus looks at him, less afraid, but still a touch distant, "No, I don't think you are, OjWoj. I'm pretty sure you're never going to be the same you again." And Scrapeknee feels like he just got gut punched, not that Rubus meant it meanly, but it was a truth he... Whatever I do from now on, THIS is with me. I'll never be the same again. I...wow. Then he's tackled by a ten year old girl, "You're a HERO!" Veedie, youngest of his cousins, seems to be quite sure this is an amazing things, "Your friends saved Jonu's mom! She told me about it! You're a hero! They're heroes! That means I'm hero adjacent!"
Veedie sticks her tongue out her older brother, then looks to Scrapeknee, "Tell Cailyn she's cool, she has a magic OWL. That's one of my favorite animals!"
And the ten year old girl , Veedie, freezes as if royalty were visiting, her jaw dropping open. Now, by now , Cailyn has seen Veedie and Rubus before, but today, Veedie gazes at her as if she were a brand new person, not just a customer, but a heroine! With a magic owl!"Good morning, Cailyn. I had ...interesting dreams actually. I mean to talk to you and the others about it," Scrapeknee says, "I was about to head to the Cathedral but... did you have any odd dreams yourself?"
And he snoozes with a smile on his face
Scrapeknee Dream:
"That sounds like a great start to a journey of faith." He smiles
The Shoanti young man blinks as this gesture is made, and is surprised how ... nice it feels. How nice it makes him feel. BOTH his cheeks warm as what just happened sinks in.
The praise makes him embarrassed even more than the kiss, "Not THAT good...Just doing what anyone would do for neighbors and family" She's not Shoanti, but.. you know, she's a wonderful girl and...she likes me. Maybe it would be okay to be just a little selfish ...as long as I was a gentleman about it?Scrapeknee says "If we remember all this and... can, would you like to share a meal at story at Risa's Place sometime?"
One of Scrapeknee's biggest fears would be a variation of the goblin raid, in a what if it were successful. Sandpoint in flames, his uncle aunt and cousins dead, his friends ash... and likely him helpless to do anything about it this time. Another fear might be he imagines himself in the cinderlands, and the Shoanti there act like they don't know who his mtoher was. He returns to Sandpoint, only no one there remembers or "knows" him either. He looks in a mirror and he has no face. Third option probably involves his bad leg 'spreading' until he can't move any limb, and just lays there, "a leech on society" that everyone pities at best, disdains at worst. Just when he thinks he figures he can at least watch his friends hoping to be content to at least a spectator to their joy... his vision begins to blur, and sounds... go quiet.
This feels like a trap!
Scrapeknee, and oh, that really is Dani? : "Of course you don't have to face this alone," Selalia says with a warm smile. "I suspect that your friends are all having similar conversations. As for advice, don't let the expectations you imagine others have for you keep you from being the person you should be. Some things we cannot change about ourselves, true, but the important things, your actions, your thoughts, those you can change, Scrapeknee." When he is told his friends may already being alerted, another weight is lifted off of him, so much so that he almost doesn't pay as much attention to the rest but when he does, he wonders if he's had wrong thoughts that need changing? When an agent of a god warns you of that sort of thing, you heed. He makes a note to think more better! "I will, thank you!"
Inspired, he says "I wont." Then he turns and... realizes Dani maybe sharing a dream with him, but she is not likely just a creation of his dream.
OjWoj Scapeknee, now with a right to claim Watcher of Stars as gift name, though it is a bit long, squeezes the hand back "So you really ARE Dani. This makes me feel very ah.. brazen for just pushing for that dance." A light blush, "And yes. I know. But.. I'm also not sure how far you've gotten in your own gifts from your goddess." He remembers she did not appear to be able to cure wounds, light or otherwise, at least not magic "I don't want to put you in danger before you're ready. Heck, I'm not sure I am ready. But then again Selalia spoke to us both so neither of us will be doing nothing. I need to talk to my friends, see what they learned as well. Can you check any records or the like at the Cathedral? I know omens are lost, but.. maybe there's something in the teachings there that can give us a clue or so? I'm not much of a Scholar."
Scrapeknee's Dream:
He is a bit sheepish at having caleld her a goddess, but he's grateful for the gift and says so "Nice to meet you, Selalia, and thank you. Your gift saved many lives." Her smile fades as she continues. "I fear you will need it and more. Since Aroden's death, prophesies have been fickle, their meanings lost and muddled. Yet there are still thread of fate that we can sense and feel. Some of those threads have begun to converge on Sandpoint. I brought you here so that I may warn you. A dark cloud hangs over your home. It's up to you to help decide Sandpoint's fate. I fear that ill omens hang over your head." At that, he exchanges a worried look with Dani, but nods, and then asks Selalia, "Thank you for the warning. I'll protect Sandpoint from this Cloud, even though I am unworthy to decide the fate of a town. What else can you tell me? Any advice? I ... I have friends. Can I ask their help in this? Dani and I probably won't be enough."
Going to give Lita a little longer to post. I hope y'all are having fun with this little dream sequence. I know I have been. :) Enjoying it!
Scrapeknee and the Dream:
His brows shoot up, "She does? Oh dear. I really need to talk to the Father about Desna after this, or maybe you. I .. owe her. For now, I'm going to assume this is just a dream so I can stay bold." A grin at that, somewhat hapless. He was far more sure in his defense of this girl in the battle than he was of her acceptance to dance here. But accept she does...
Bad leg or not, the moment, for OjWoj, is too perfect not to savor and enjoy. The smell of mint in her hair, the stars spinning above them as the two young dancers orbit each other. He notices the scenery change but figures that's just how dreams are sometimes. When the song stops, he parts and says, "Thanks for the dance." Then he sees the singer.
Scrapeknee's eyes widen and he remembers what Dani said about dreams being used for messages. He kneels before her, though it is awkward given his lameness "Are you... Desna? And.. if you are, Thank you. I'm.. indebted for your gifts. I don't understand why you gave them to me, but thank you. What would you have me do?"
Scrapeknee's Dream: You're easily able to point out not only the Shoanti constellations, but also the Varisian ones as well. As you look more closely, you can see the various planets. After a moment of study, you realize that this is the night sky as it appears over Sandpoint this night. You can't help seeing The Dancers rising in the east as Dani's voice draws your eyes back to her. He always found comfort in the stars, and the stories that were told about them, and the stories they told in turn. The realization that they are in Sanpoint, in a dream about it, is oddly comforting after seeing it attacked.
"It's a nice dream," He says, "At least I think it's a dream." He looks around, then looks at her, "Pretty sure it is a dream," Sheepishly, "Probably it is best if it's a dream. It won't matter if I say something stupid in a dream." He listens to the wordless song in the background "It's a pretty tune. I wonder where it is from? Guess in a Dream it doesn't matter." If this is a dream, she's not really here. That makes him feel bolder, and he's happy to be alive but today was supposed to be a celebration, "If you hear it too, would you like to try to dance to it? My leg is bad and we'll mostly just sway but if that's okay?" He doesn't understand this dream, but the Dancers to the east, then the look at her inspired him a bit. And no harm in a dream in asking. Though he still blushes a bit. It all seems so real. Like a vision quest mixed in with a splendid lucid sort of dream that is so rare
At the Dragon:
Whether Cailyn was caught mid swallow or not, and whatever the reaction, Scrapeknee smiles, "I meant more romanticly than.. medically, but good advice. Thank you, Willie." And he thinks he's not that good a man.
Before going to bed, he did try to drop by the Cathedral, only to find the High Priest is still busy, or perhaps his priests are covering for him so the poor man can rest. either way he understands. He is glad to see Dani is okay though, and simply lets her know what happened before going. He really couldn't stay long anyway and didn't want to start rumors about him and a NEW Girl either. Not fair to Dani. Dream for Scrapeknee: As your head hits the pillow, whatever guilt you feel fades away. A soft, wordless song caresses your ears as you open your eyes. You are lying in the middle of a mirror smooth lake, but your body and clothes are dry. As you pick yourself up and look around, you see the stars above reflected in the water. A purple and blue swallowtail butterfly draws your eyes to another figure out here on the lake with you. Standing on the water clad in wispy blue silk robes tied with a silver belt is Dani transfixed, her gaze on the stars above and her face in an expression of awe. Scrapeknee picks himself up, then looks around. "Dani? What are you doing here?" He blushes a bit how lovely she looks. If you were Shaonti, my Uncle Garridan might understand me staying at Sandpoint. He gazes at the stars with her, admiring them. There are secrets to be had in the stars. His mother taught him that.
As Cailyn has her own conversation about the diabolical lure of food and the risks of culinary independence, Scrapeknee takes a bit or two of his own. It's good, not as good as White Deer's in his biased opinion. He says "Why rush finding out what you want to do with your life? Maybe you were meant to be some adventurer. You and your owl certainly were amazing tonight at saving people." Any hypocrisy innate in his trying to ease her worry about expectations on her eludes him for the moment.
His copper skin flushes, "I think it's a bit too soon for me to leap to any conclusions about any girls in Sandpoint. Near as I can tell so far, trying to figure out what women want is probably meant for wiser heads then me. Maybe it was just the butterflies." But he does not sound convinced even to himself, "If it's not, well, that would be yet another thing way over my head. I mean, we didn't talk that much before now and she's pretty enough she has other fellows to pick from who are better looking and better positioned than me. Man's got to have a future where he can provide for a lady if he's gonna go a courting, and I don't. Probably wouldn't be fair to her even if I knew she were the one." He glances over at Wilie, "How about you, Willie? Any advice on how to treat women right and win them over? I've never been good at it." This is timed when Cailyn is trying to swallow some bread or drink. It is possible, juuust possible, that Scrapeknee, an other wise decent fellow, has given into temptation to have a bit of fun back with his friend.
A small tray of hot bread with cheese drizzle on them is brought to them pretty promptly, some have seeds on them as well. He motions to the others ,"Please, help yourselves. Might help absorb some of the liquors." Taking the focus off his own ...changes, he rather just talks about what they've been through "The whole thing was nightmarish, but no denying it would have been worse without everyone who chipped in. For that I'm grateful. I suppose I should check on Dani later when I go to see the Father. Let everyone there know what happened."
Cailyn wasn't exactly sure Scrapeknee understood her correctly, but there was a warm fog getting in the way of her thoughts so maybe it was doing so for him as well. So instead of trying to push her point she starts to look around for snacks. Seeming to read her mind, or maybe he's just snacky too, OjWoj motions to one of the folks working despite tthe town having been through hell, "Got any of those spinach puffs or cheezey bread bites? and pass on the porcupine skewers, we've been stabbed at enough"
"Sorry, Cailyn, folks. Maybe I should go for something weaker for my third glass." THAT makes him chuckle.
Now he grows curious, listening intently, at her mention of the crux of his problem? He cautiously nods. He doesn't want to BLAME his Uncles for anything but she's not wrong.
Looking embarrassed, he admits, "I have no idea. I mean, Desna has always seemed a bit... fllighty?" He blushes, "I mean, I honor her out of respect... but she was never on my mind barring festival days. Though, if she's behind this as you suggest then I guess i owe her a debt." A frown ,"Maybe that's it. I need to go to the temple and see what Desna wants me to do to pay her back." It is possible he has missed the core of her point entirely.
Scrapeknee imagined he saw Dare heading this way for a moment, then sees her veer off, clearly looking for someone else after all. Not sure she likes the crowds He thinks sympatheticly. Conrad slipped away when he (and others) weren't paying attention. And Scrapeknee hopes he gets some place comfortable. The big man seems on the shy side. But it can't be denied, as the liquor eases its way into his system, mostly he's staring at the pretty light. And it is Cailyn, who seems to navigate crowded social situations better than she knows despite the fact she's rather find a nook and a book to read in it, or so he suspects, that has his most attention ... and as she is a kind person, this is no bad thing. Straightening, she collects herself and says "Illumination with a touch, especially without years of laborious study, is simply as amazing as it is practical. Combine that with being able to conjure water from nothing and heal injuries... Scrapeknee Viskalai, local hero, your tale could go any way you wish from this point forward." At that, he first smiles, for it is a wonder indeed. I have a gift. I should thank whoever gave it to me. then... gives a kind of hapless "Oh." He takes more of a drink, getting another helping if offered, and says feeling the buzz. All night he's been just rolling with the strangness, it had to wait. Now he's got time, and Cailyn has made the kind mistake of listening so he.. he talks, not just about the gift, but what she said about HIS tale. HIS wishes. When to him, there's not really such a thing, "In truth. I've got two paths really, and I've no idea which I should take. I love Sandpoint, but I know so little about my mother's people, and my Uncle Garridan would tell me.. 'go find your tribe, OjWoj. Honor your traditions, are you Shoanti or not? and then I've got my Uncle the Sheriff...you saw him too, impressive, but.. changed his name like.. like he didn't even care. I mean, I call myself Scrapeknee but it.. it's a deed name, Uncle Belor just..I don't know.. it's like he doesn't even CARE that he's Shoanti. There's no past for him just the now and the future. And.. he's always telling me I can do the same.. but he don't..." His tongue feels a bit loose, "I got one wanting to head out and leave Sandpoint like he never could, and another acting like my mom's people should be forgotten... I don't know which one to choose. I try to be dutiful but I just don't know where i really fit, where I should be. And now I got these gifts. What's THAT mean? Is someone telling me it is time to head towards the tribe now that I am more prepared, or are they telling me to set up as a town healer or something here? How do I do the MOST the most good for those that need it most?" And he realizes he is babbling, A LOT."Sorry, Cailyn, folks. Maybe I should go for something weaker for my third glass."
"I knew you'd love that place," Scrapeknee smiles, delighted his new friend enjoyed it. In truth, the conversations that ensued between the bookstore owner and Cailyn went right over his head, what little he heard. But it is clear Cailyn made a good impression there and more importantly, now has a haven to go to when she wants.
With some liquor now going down through his own system, Scrapeknee answers. All night a part of him had been inwardly freaking out what was happening to him, or rather through him. A larger part was practical and focused on the townsfolk. IT helped them, so he he had to use it for the greater good. Now, with the liquor settling in, and a weight off his shoulders, mostly he feels confusion and gratitude in equal amounts. "I have... no idea." He admits, "But it does seem a bit too much to be a coincidence. I don't even know how I did it. It just felt like.. it was like opening a blind and letting the star light come through the glass. I'm not particularly devout. I honor Erastil most I guess, but even then not much as I probably should. I try to pay respects to all the gods of the Cathedral but that's partly .. I don't know, tradition? Honoring their protection of Sandpoint's citizens? I can feel it is limited, like, every time I heal, those blinds start to close in again just a bit more. Somehow I know I have two more of the more powerful miracles in me. Lesser ones, like the water... wait, let me try something." Scrapeknee puts his hand over his drink, and the mug..glows, as if with bright starlight, akin to a torch in strength.
"Wow." He blurts, then cautiously at first, then with more confidence, takes a swig from the glowing vessel, and he sets it down again, "I've seen some magicians cast something like that. I mean, pretty common, just.. not from me." Amazed. "I need to ask the Father about this. He might know."
There is almost a tangible sense of weight being lifted from the young Shoanti's shoulders. He mutters a thanks, and seems to be recharged a bit as he goes. ****
"You're a tyrant, Ameiko," But he gives a lazy smile at that to show he appreciates her offer of protection. It's hard not to like Ameko. If he gets any resentful looks or thumbs ups from any male peers in town, he fails to notice them. After all, some still might believe he was dating Cailyn, yet he helped rescue Dani, and now Ameiko's arm is about his waist. Folks MIGHT read into that, as amusingly off as the idea of OjWoj being a heart throb would be in reality.
Aldern's rambling is a bit of a hurried blur, with the ladies getting the most attention but then, who can blame Aldern for that? as long as he doesn't mock them or make them uncomfortable
"Well, I can see that you and your friends have been busy, Scrapeknee, If you ever need anything, I'm more than happy help you out," the tells the Shoanti oracle before giving a loose salute with her sword and heading for her shop. "Thank you!" he calls out, "Get some rest when you can."
Scrapeknee does try to politely refuse, "Ameiko, are you trying to get me in trouble with my Uncle Garridan?If I get declared a regular here, He's going to consider me a traitor." But he does go along. The euphoria of folks surprises him, yet perhaps it is better to celebrate courage than feel the full weight of loss. And so much more COULD have been lost.
Scrapeknee is not a big drinker, and indeed, rarely partakes, but today? By the gods, he's going to take up that offer. I can heal. HOW can I heal? How can I create water? I don't have any answers and doubt I'm going to find one at the bottom of a mug, but can't hurt to check one or two.
"As is only sensible, old lad," Willie replied with a whistle, grateful for conversation to distract himself from the thoughts fogging about his head. Thinking had never been his strong suit, anyway. "Horrid little things. Ripping effort from yourself, though! That curative whatsit of yours? Smashing stuff!" He tried to retrieve his darning needle of a sword and found it stuck. Goblin hide was apparently as thick as their wits! "Yes, it's new to me, I don't know what to call it either," He glances at the hand that projected the healing magic to Lita, then he adds "In fairness, you were the one who charged to Lita's aid, and with a steady hand. You're kind of inspiring battle, for all your prudent dislike of same."
"Oh no! Not again," the goblin chanter cries before trying to escape Conrad and the rest of the party's wrath. With its attempt to flee, the other goblins' morale breaks and they also run for their lives. "COWARDS!" Scrapeknee is so very tired of these little green bastards getting away and then killing elsewhere. Frustrated he chases after just a bit, and flings a sling stone at the nearest fleeing goblin!
His shot goes wise and he huffs, then turns and heads back "I really really hate goblins now."
"OjWoj "Scrapeknee" Viskalai" He answers "I'm sorry about your dog."
Scrapeknee is surprised, not that Lita ran out to him to get her healing. Honestly the woman seems incredibly calm for one who just badly wounded and OjWoj envies her discipline. More, because the healing worked so well! His leg ached just briefly, their hands touched just as briefly, and it seemed a halo of starlight flowed from him , no, through him, to her and her wounds, what he could see of them through her armor, just washed the wounds away, like those healing spring wells one hears stories about. I have no idea how I got this crazy blessing, but to whatever powers are involved? Thank you. Thank you for helping me help Sandpoint and its defenders.
Scrapeknee remembers what his Uncle Hemlock once said about plans and battles... 'the first casualty of a battle is often your expectations Plans die on the road side right next to the soldiers trying to carry them out. Don't get attached to them, carry an extra in your pocket if you can, if you can't? Keep your wits about you' At the time, he didn't quite comprehend just how true that could be. Now? yes. Lita did her part, but she just took a terrible hit, and Willie of all folks rushed to the rescue despite his earlier protests Better fellow than he knows and Cailyn remains deadly with a crossbow. A part of him wants to whine about his bad leg, about how he really could have used a horse, but there's no time for such selfish indulgence when others are bleeding and HE remains untouched despite his stupid risk. He is slow... that can't be changed, so no point fussing. However, Lita is hurt, but she's not lame. He races towards her, calling, "Lita, if you can, to me!"
The little green bastards hate and fear dogs
But what he does know, because she tells him is, "Yeah, 'course I'll go to the gate. Princess was right, then." She nods toward Cailyn with a tone that just veers toward the edge of respect. "Something's up there." She is already walking in that direction. Seeing Dare take the lead, Scrapeknee nods. He wishes he had his horse, it would possibly save lives and save time, but the walk to the horse would also slow them down. He prepares to go North even if it is just Dare and he together. OJwoj needn't have worried. Cailyn speaks up promptly"Alight then.". She grasps her cousin's sleeve "Shall we be off?" she says, not asks, as she tugs him along with her toward the gate. The Shoanti flashes her a smile at that.
Scrapeknee wants to protest, talking of Conrad helping people and downing that goblin, but seeing the expression decides not to.
Scrapeknee nods again, trying to reassure with the gesture and pretty sure he's failing. Rotten luck, old boy," Willie ventured, his lemon throbbing to concoct some lie, "You know that if it were a question of volunteers to man the lifeboat, I would spring to the task, but, you see, I fear I've, um, strained my fetlock in all the excitement." Scrapeknee looks confused, but only for a moment, then grins, "Well, if you were a horse, that might be a problem. It's going to take sometime to get used to your sense of humor, Willie. But if I can do this with a bum leg, you can do it with a sprained Fetlock." More somberly, " I get it now, I thought you were a bit callous at first, but you just use humor to fight your fear and you end up doing what's right anyway, for your kin, and even strangers. Noble in a way. Good man. " And with that, Scrapeknee follows Dare as they head to the North Gates. Worry crosses his features again. He hopes the White Deer Inn is okay.
Scrapeknee eyes the Catherdrel, and with a gesture, spreads more water this time on top of the roof of it, more than once.
"Sorry, don't speak Goblin. That's the right idea, I think, trying to interrogate it." she sighs, nervously pushing short black hair out of her face. "Are you all staying here, then? There's still people out there getting hurt." He tilts his head, and realizes she's right, in the distance, goblins are still hurting sandpoint "Damn it, you're right. I wish Uncle Belor was here. He's Sheriff, He'd know what to do..." Cailyn spares a glance to Scrapeknee. The hint of her normal humor returns as she whispers "told you that you were a hero." He whispers back "Cailyn, I don't know WHAT I am. And I don't have the time to walk in circles trying to figure it out." then in good humor back "You never told me Willie was USEFUL. What's up with that?"
"With help, yes." he looks to the others, "This is Willie, who kept a woman, Joana alive and rallied us as well. That's Cailyn, I don't know how she does it, but she has a formidable feathered friend, and is a dead shot. That's Conrad, and he fights with a fierceness to protect the innocent. Dare is fearless and fighting for us. They all are. This is Lita, a paladin of Sarenrae who killed a goblin on me and Dani. They held the square, Sheriff. Sandpoint owes them a debt. And..." he looks at them all "If you're willing, I'd like to have you folks help just a bit more. Northgate?"
As two goblins get away, Scrapeknee gives a rare CURSE under his breath. Two have gotten away, one with a torch no less. Despite the good they've done, it feels like a loss to let such a risk live. He gets now why Daviren Hosk HATES goblins. "Willie, Conrad... hell, all of you, thank you." He says, then looks to the well where a third goblin has snared itself and informs Dare who is scouting around a bit!"We have a living prisoner. Does anyone here speak Goblin? And does anyone want to help me fish our prisoner out? I think Sandpoint deserves answers."A look to Dani, "Dani, thank you for your help" And a nod to the Cathedral."The good father probably needs you."
Already feeling guilt for the fact someone may die because he might literally come up short, Scrapeknee realizes she has a point. Not that he was showing off intentionally. There's no time to explain all this, the healing, the shooting start coming out of his face, all of it is.. new! And thus he is using tools he never knew he had! From her point of view, he might indeed seem to be showing off. And someone IS dying.
So he just nods and will try to continue on his path to Joana when he can
"My first true battle" He admits. Training in the militia is one thing and patrolling the streets, breaking up disorderly conduct... but this? this is real battle and it is, frankly terrifying, but Sandpoint needs him. The chanter and the two goblins with still lit torches notice what's happening and run back the way they came. The one that Scrapeknee doused stamps its foot and hollers at their backs. Somehow he knows to his bones that if he ran as hard as he could and cast for water again, he still couldn't reach the goblins. They can out pace him. He's rarely resented his bad leg more. And there is Joana, who he can help with. But...argh! "We have to stop the torch bearers," He calls out, "Those of you near the Cathedral, please, stop them! I'll try to get to Joana in time to heal her..." He starts to race up towards the bleeding woman, weaving a way to avoid the former torch/now club wielder. But the fact, the FACT those torch bearers will likely start spreading fire else where eats at him. "you like fire ,so much?" He snaps their direction and from his face, with the exhale, launches something that looks like a shooting star! It streaks the distance, and strikes one of the goblins bearing a still burning torch!
Scapeknee is almost startled out of the crises by the utter oddness of it Did I just shoot a small star OUT OF MY FACE? But he refocues, "If the rest of you will hunt them down and deal with this one fellow I think I can save Joana!"
So much is happening, it would be hard to say OjWoj the Scrapekneed understands it all, he hears laughter not too far away and realizes Dani is working some miracle. For some reason he didn't think she was that advanced yet, and a part of him wants to congratulate her! This well intentioned thought is quelled by common sense. Lita is rushing up to assist. Pretty sure a champion of Sarenrae is a better warrior than I'll ever be. "Lita, your help is appreciated..." And... he tries to thrust not to attack, but to force the goblin to shift his defenses so Lita can strike that much easier, "May your blow be true."
From the area where he is looking over the corspes of some fallen, Scrapeknee hears Willie talk about leaving it to the guards, and so on...
As the band of would-be heroes agrees to check on the northern gate and Joanna and Tera make it to the Cathedral doors, the sound of the horrid goblin song gets louder. From the northwest a band of the wretched things comes with torches and crude swords aloft as they kick the heads of a couple of stray dogs before them.... Damn it, he liked Tup-Tup, he used to sneak him snacks out back of the Inn! Two goblins leading the song follow in the wake of the three sword-armed goblins charging at the closest victims they can find. Tera and Joanna cry out in pain as crude, chipped blades tear open painful gashes, though both of the young women manage to avoid the worst of it. Scrapeknee, seeing the one rushing Dani, pulls the acolyte out of the way of its swing, saving her from another injury. The fresh wave of goblins makes one thing seem likely, "I think they're foccusing on the Cathedrel! and Terri and Joana need help now!" A mutter, if this doesn't work, and even if it does, this is likely to get him hurt, but the fires have to be stopped before they start again, "Dani, use me for cover. I MEAN that!" And he steps forward to the side of the goblin that as closed with him. That's not his target, trying to weave so he can focus and not get hit (He'd just run out to the side, but that would leave Dani ALONE with a goblin to attack her again) he raises his hand, "That is a holy place, you'll not burn it while I live."Of course, the goblins may find his terms acceptable and kill him quickly Once more, water from a cloudless sky spills down, this time (hopefully) snuffing a torch.
Srapeknee listens to the others talk, and he IS listening, but his eyes are searching the fallen. The ones past saving. There are not as many as their would have been if not for those who fought to defend the place. There's Vardin Nearwinter, an Ulfen blooded friend of his. You know Vardin was Ulfen blooded not just because he was big and blond, but because he wouldn't shut up about it. He was fun though, and had a good heart for all his 'blood of warriors' talk. Now his belly is split open and his entrails spread out. But there's blood, and not his own, on a stick he used as a club. In the end, his friend went out like Ulfen warriors were supposed to- fighting. Then there's Tafi Wafflefoot, the sweetest old halfling lady you could ever meet. Never said a mean word about anyone as she crafted nets for hard working fishermen, sometimes holding off on payment for the poorer families. She could craft a net with her toes, and the kids of town just found that neat! Now she was dead, the wounds on her small body look massive in relation. Barley Bucksman was a jerk, a bully, and didn't care for Shoanti. Used to make rude comments whenever Scrapeknee or even Sheriff Hemlock came by (But never to Hemlock's face) and would try to charge anyone of Shoanti blood extra at his store. He was a hateful man, but he didn't deserve to die with burn marks and gut wounds. Then there's the body he's ashamed to say he can't identify. The face gashed brutally, blood all over. Friend? Enemy? Doesn't matter... whoever they were, they were a sandpointer, or a guest of sandpoint. "No, Conrad. I am not well, unwounded in body, but.... well, grieving will come later. " He nods to the talk of the gates "I will follow, slower than I like. Seems I can heal. I don't know how, but I do know a gift like this is not meant to be hoarded when people are in need." He gets ready to follow them.
He wonders what she was going to ask about but nods, "Stay alert, if you can, be at a place with a well or other water supply nearby. There maybe more goblins out there we missed." And once she is on her way, he rejoins the others with a thousand questions in his head. Many will have to wait.
"You're welcome," he says to her, "I... suppose this is a weird thing to bring up, but Cailyn is not my... we're not together. We're just friends. You might want to spread word of that. Wouldn't be fair for her to be labeled falsely." He moves with her, his face somewhat somber and sees if he can find her a crutch "We need to check other parts of town. You need to get some place safe but I'm going to have to check with Cailyn and Willie and Conrad and Dare and Lita and...well, all of them. They fought bravely for Sandpoint. I can't desert them now."
As the others down the last goblins in the immediate area, OjWoj reaches deep within and as others start to smother the flames? He starts to cry out as he hobbles about the fires in circular motions with hard stomps "Plači za nama, Noćno nebo! Plači za nama, da udovice ne moraju! Stavite sjeme vatre na počinak! Iščupajte crveni cvijet svojim ljubaznim suzama! Poštedite narod gubitka! Zovem vas. Ja plešem za tebe. Isporučite nas svojim plačem!"
For those that speak Shoanti:
"Cry for us, Night Sky! Cry for us, so the widows do not have to! Put the seeds of fire to rest! Pluck out the red flower with your kind tears! Spare the people loss! I call to you. I dance for you. Deliver us with your weeping!" It hurts, but there is purpose to the pain. And with it, realization, for this old prayer, this 'rain dance' motion his mother hinted at when he was young... it works! He IS doing this. He's not sure how, but that's not what matters! Over each fire that stil lingers nearby, the flames find themselves denied further growth as they are snuffed by waters from a still cloudless sky. It as if the stars were shedding tear drops with great and wondrous accuracy. Those watching Scrapeknee find his 'dance' an inelegant lurching thing; but there seems to be a glow about him, as if he was putting off the slightest amount of light around him, particularly around that lame leg. When it seems done, he stops, but he's not done yet. He looks at those who fought for Sandpoint "I thank you for this... pardon. There is.. something else I must try." And he makes his way to Dani, bending down, "Hold still, Dani. I don't know what's happening to me, but that can wait. The town's going to need more help. And I should have moved faster to protect you." He mutters over her legs "Soil and Stars, Flesh and Heart." And the wounds on Dani's legs seem to glimmer and glow, even as bones knit and flesh mends. He stares at it for a moment. SO many questions, but none more important than this as he looks back to those who fought off the goblins "Who else...needs healing. It seems.. I can do that." And he has no idea how.
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