As if on que, a small butterfly with yellow wings with black spots lands on the outstretched digit, folding its wings for a moment as it rests on Jessica's finger. After a few moments, it flutters forward, zig-zagging drunkenly across the sky before resting on Kiley's nose. After a quick kiss, it flaps off to join its fellows.
Jessica gently pulls Tal's head around after he whispers to her so she can reply.
When she finishes whispering, she turns his head gently again and gives his lips a quick brush with hers before letting go.
Jessica holds very still as the swallowtail comes to rest, not daring to breath for fear of scaring the pretty thing away. When it flies over to Kiley and lands on her nose then leaves again, Jessica laughs in delight and impulsively hugs Kiley, "These butterflies are gorgeous aren't they, and from what you said it sound we are both blessed with Desna's Luck this time."
Kiley holds her breath when the butterfly lands on her nose, not daring to move, but the laughter comes quickly after the swallowtail leaves its kiss on her nose. Caught up in the moment, she hugs Jessica back and twirls around in a circle before letting go.
"I always loved watching them release the butterflies. I've never missed it since I was little!" She says as the giddiness subsides a little.
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As Jessica's lips brush his, his eyes widen a little more behind the sunglasses.
For someone who has never been kissed before she sure has a feel for teasing. This will be interesting.
As the butterflies fly off and Kiley does her little jig, Tal clears his throat.
"As we are in a prime position, I suggest grabbing some of Ameiko's food while there still is some. It's the best in town." He says as he maneuvers into the line.
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Vivi listens with reverence as the priest intones the sacred story of the goddess being honored this day. Sacred stories such as these are always beautiful. They remind us that the spirits, while they can be capricious and spiteful at times, still are kinder to mankind then we often give them credit.
Then the swallowtails are released, and Vivi is almost overwhelmed by the array of colors floating in their own directions.
"Now this is as amazing as the gnome said it would be! It reminds me of some of the lantern festivals back home, only the lanterns in this case can move on their own!"
Vivi is deeply moved, and sits down on the ground with the souls of his feet pressed against each other. Meditating on the goddess and on the blind child of the story, Vivi begins humming a few chants he learned back in the monastary.
Vivi sits down and begins meditating. He feels a light tickle on his right arm, slowly working up to the elbow. A quick glance shows a huge red-winged butterfly at rest, white circles on the wings. As it spreads them, it almost appears as though a pair of eyes glances in the monk's direction before the creature takes off with its fellows.
Ameiko's spiced dishes are the rage, as usual, as Tal directs you to her line. The Minkaian dishes are exotic but fine, and there is water, juice, and ale to wash it down with, whatever your preference might be. Mayor Deverin gets up in the middle of the luncheon. "Sandpoint appreciates the generosity of its businesses for this wonderful meal! Thank you all for joining us, and I hope you have a great rest of the festival! The consecration will be at the new Cathedral at dusk. We hope to see you all there!"
Jessica gets in line with Tal, "That sounds like a wonderful idea Tal, what would you suggest?"
Kiley enjoys the spicy salmon and a glass of juice for lunch. The meal was delicious and the sun felt good. After she finishes her meal she turns to Jessica.
"So, was that worth the trip?" she asks with a grin.
Vivi looks back into the eyes on the butterfly's wings. I see you there. As you now see me. Enjoy your celebration, little one.
Standing as the red swallowtail flutters off, Vivi gets in the line and takes plenty of spiced vegetables, some water, and even a cup of juice.
"I am glad I came to this place. Even if I do not end up staying long, it has certainly been one of the better stops I have had in the region so far."
Vivi smiles broadly and turns to Tal.
"So if you find this place so boring, why stay my friend? The roads are not as bad off as you might think and the places and sights you see on the way are amazing."
Seeing what Kiley got and thinking it sounds good, Jessica doesn't wait for Tal's response before ordering the same, "Oh my yes, that was wonderful!"
Vivi also asks Kiley and Jessica more about their interests, their likes, dislikes, and in the case of Jessica what her home is like.
Delendir looks at the butterflies as they fly around So pretty and weak. An efimer life. Like ours indeed. Fragile and short.
After some time of contemplation and introspection, the sturdy man lines up for food.
Taking his vegetables soup, he sits next to Vivi. "Yes, Jessica, explain us more about your place. I have been told Shelyn's followers often come from musicians and artists origins."
When Vivi asks his questions of her, Jessica smiles brightly at him, "Well, I have always been interested in song and performing theater, and I always enjoy shopping for pretty things, clothing especially." Her eyes light up as she speaks. "As for my home, I grew up in the Ordellia district of Magnimar, an island on the southern edge of the city. It's the home of most of the embassies, and almost half of the population are not human. My parents still live there plying their trades and my brother works as a stage hand in many of the cities theaters."
When Delendir makes his comment, "It's true, I used to go with my brother to the various theaters when he worked on the sets and fell in love with the performing arts. It eventually led to me joining the church of Shelyn."
Vivi pays attention as Jessica descibes her home and the theaters of Magnimar.
"This place sounds beautiful. I did not get to the Ordellia district on my brief stop there, so if I head back that way I will have to explore it. Perhaps you will be there to give me a small tour, eh?"
Vivi smiles warmly.
"My upbringing was much more simple. My parents left me with the monastary when I turned three, and the monks raised me until I was seventeen. Since then I have been wandering the world, bringing the knowledge of my order into it... and I suppose learning new wisdom from it in exchange."
"Delendir, what is it that you do that keeps you in this area but not in the town? And why are you trying to speak to the Mayor on such an important day? What is so important to interrupt the honoring of the spirits?"
Vivi has a concerned face as he brings up this last question. Maybe this is why he was cursed when I first saw him. One should not meddle with the honoring of the spirits.
Kiley listens to everyone telling the others about themselves. After everyone else had spoken, she suddenly realizes all eyes are on her and despite herself, she can already feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
"I-i'm nothing special. I grew up in Sandpoint. My parents were acolytes at the old church until the... Late Unpleasantness. Ameiko took me in and I've lived at the Rusty Dragon ever since."
She seems like she's about to squirm her way under the table as she finishes, her cheeks bright red despite her olive skin.
Vivi raises an eyebrow at the cause of Kiley's parent's dissapearance.
"Late unpleasantness? Well, if it is late then let it stay so. Unpleasantness is never a welcome guest in even normal times, let alone at a festival. Still, you do not strike me as nonspecial my friend. Perhaps a tad shy, but it is not every day that I run into people as kind as you, or Jessica, or even Talwin, though I doubt he would openly admit to his kinder side. Or as merry as Delendir for that matter. None of you are common, not truly."
Vivi leans across the table and offers his hand to Kiley.
"I am sorry that your parents are not here with you today. But like the story of the blind child nursing the goddess honored today, they are not truly gone either. The child, and your parents, still are watching over us. They are in the trees, and skies, and the pleasent chipmonks and butterflies that look at us from the trees. The kami of our ancesters always watch over us. And they would want you to realize just how special you are. To them, and to those around you. I would be honored to consider you a friend, if you will honor me."
Vivi smiles reasuringly and leaves his hand out.
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"Yes the salmon is very nice but I actually like the duck better. The spicing is more complex and the combination of the crispy skin with the tender meat adds a nice dimension to the dish's texture. Here have a taste." Tal says as he feeds Jessica a bit of duck.
"By the way I thought you were singing when we met. I don't suppose I could tempt you to grace us with your singing voice once more?"
When Vivi asks his question about why Tal stays in this boring town he replies "Well my aunt lives here and because of her age she needs me to do some chores for her. She is so old, it amazes me that she is still alive. But she still has plenty of energy for a human her age."
Tal will listen interested to Delendirs story. Tal might have seen him once or twice, but he never knew him to be local.
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The sun starts arcing to the west as you all get to know one another over the delicious lunch. Time seems to pass quickly, and before you know it the sky starts to darken towards orange, the sun hanging low in the sky. Father Zantus abandons the feast and games to prepare for the consecration, and the more diligent members of society start making their way to the Cathedral, though it will be at least another hour before dusk falls upon Sandpoint.
Jessica accepts the bite of duck, "Mmmmm, delicious." When Tal asks if she would sing again her eyes light up, "I will once I finish my lunch."
Jessica looks to Tal as he makes his statement and seems to take note of something, but exactly what is unclear. She continues to listen to everyone's stories as she works on her meal. Once Delendir has had a chance to talk and she finishes eating, "I promised I'd sing again and I will, I hope you like it." She sings a tune from one of the productions she saw in Magnimar in a high soprano voice.
At one hour before the dedication, "Well Kiley, do you want me to still help with your hair before the ceremony? I need to change anyway so if you want to come with me, I could take care of you at the same time."
"Uh, sure!" Kiley answers after a moment of indecision. She follows along and once they are a little ways from the crowd, she turns to the taller girl.
"There's actually another thing I need help with. I have some armor that I practice in, but I can't ever keep my hair from getting caught in it, and it hurts when that happens. Can you show me how to put it up so that it stays out of the way?" she asks sheepishly.
Vivi notices the pause, but chooses not to comment on it further. As a man with a few secrets myself I can respect him not telling me everything right now. In time, if such a time comes, he may tell me more about what keeps him in this quiet part of the world.
As Jessica sings, Vivi closes his eys and follows the melody in his head, entranced. Ah, music. Styles may differ from land to land and people to people, but this truly is one of the greatest universal gifts the gods gave mortals.
As she finishes Vivi applauds.
"Well done, very well done indeed. If this singer at the opera is even a fraction as talented it will be a great show indeed!"
As the sun begins to set and the festivities begin to wind down, Vivi excuses himself from the table and goes back to the gardens near the Cathedral. He finds himself a quiet portion where he is surrounded by plants and flowers, sits down, and meditates alone for a few moments.
"I'm not entirely sure Kiley, I bet we can come up with something, it'll just take some work." She leads the way to her room, and get's them both presentable.
When Jessica and Kiley meet up with everyone out in the square, they both come out looking well, Kiley's hair is done up nicely, and Jessica is wearing her clerical vestments and carries her glaive.
Kiley, apparently misunderstanding things, dons her armor while Jessica changes. The padding adds a bit of bulk, and she could pass for a tall, lanky dwarf if her figure had filled out more. The armor itself is scale mail with half-finger gauntlets. It looks as if it should fall to the knees normally, but on Kiley, it falls to halfway down her calves.
She turns around, only to have it dawn on her that Jessica probably didn't mean right that second.
Too late to change back, she just grabs the sword belt draped over a chair and her halberd from a corner of the small room while Jessica tries to tame her wild and unruly curls.
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As Jessica starts her singing Tal seems impressed. There's a lot more to this girl than just a pretty face it seems.
Tal whistles in appreciation of Jessica's vocal prowess and applauds after she finishes. "We should make you the headliner for the theater performance. You would shame any professional with that voice love."
Tal will stay on the festival grounds in his current getup as it is fancy enough for the occasion. He will make sure he'll get a good spot to view the show from and save enough room for the rest.
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Delendir listens greyful at Kiley's explanations about his past. This girl's past years must have been horrible. I can hardly think what she has gone through. Even me, grown up, I'm having terrible time to step up everyday after such a loss.
Delendir takes Tal's words literally and do not seem to sense anything else than that.
After listening the others Vivi asks his questions. Delendir looks down, very serious he starts talking "I was born far from here, though Varisia has been always my home. Eventualy I found a place to live in Sandpoint's countryside. It has been a simple and joyful life since from. But recently my home was burned down by some creatures losing all I had." it really seems difficult for the man to continue on, but after getting air he says "Giants... my family has fought with them in the past. I know how they do, that's why I try to convince the authorities, but I had no results until now" his soul seems to deepen then.
Vivi is up to ask something when Tal acts and make Jess sing changing the mood to a much more cheerful one.
"Great song yes. You made me forget my greives, hahaha!"
Then Delendir walks with Tal to the church armored just with his cold iron dagger and his sling clinging over his scalemail.
Hearing Delendir's story, Jessica will get up if necessary and give him a hug much as she did Kiley when she told her story, "Should you ever feel the need to talk more about your loss Delendir, I am willing to listen."
Jessica blushes at the praise, "Thank you, I think with all that has happened today, all that I have seen, and you, my new friends, inspired me to perform at my best."
As Jessica and Kiley return and join you, Kiley in a suit of armor for some reason, Jessica in a piece that is moderately scandalous to the more conservative citizens of Sandpoint, Father Zantus stands on a small stage that has been erected in front of the Cathedral. A soft murmuring fills the air as hundreds of conversations buzz around you, until you hear the sharp retort of a thunderstone the Father uses to gain everyone's attention.
Zantus smiles at everyone, and inhales to start his speech, then a high-pitched scream splits the air. Confusion replaces jubilation in the crowd as everyone looks around, then another scream sounds. Then another! You become aware of other voices at this point, laughing and shrieking in non-quite-human tones.
The crowd starts to part around the disturbance, and you glance something low to the ground skittering past, giggling in awful delight. A pained yelp can be heard from under a wagon in the square, and you look to find a dog laying there in a pool of its own blood. A throaty chant fills the air, shouted from scratchy, sadistic throats:
"Goblins Chew and Goblins Bite.
Goblins Cut and Goblins Fight.
Stab the Dog and Cut the Horse,
Goblins Eat and Take by Force!"
Round 1: Vivi, Tal, Jessica, Kiley, Goblins, Delendir
As Delendir hears the song, he tries to spot the origin of it, shouting lowdly which makes him slow his reactions.
"Crazy goblins! Whom do you think you are to break the celebration like this?"
Wincing at the goblins horrific singing, Jessica yells out to be heard over the panic gripping the crowed, "We have to help them, come on!" She grips her holy symbol and holds it up,
[ooc]She casts bless, 1 minute duration, and then draws her glaive.[/b]
"Goblins! What else?" Kiley snarls at Delendir. The small woman starts pushing against the crowd, a dangerous glitter in her eyes as she readies her halberd.
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When Jessica arrives Tal is taken aback by her outfit. demonic racoons on a bristle, she cleans up very nicely It is a good thing Tal is wearing sunglasses, for his eyes move all over Jessica's body. Before he has a chance to speak to her, the fathers speech begins and after the thunderstone cracks, the goblins attack is heard.
"Bloody bunnies from hell. What are goblins doing attacking us?" Tal yells as he tries to push through the crowd.
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Vivi's face gets as solemn as anyone has seen it to date as Delendir describes the sacking of his home by giants. Now that brings up memories best left in the past. Poor man, no wonder the spirits seemed to be tormenting him.
Vivi turns to him, and bows solemnly. "Nothing I can say or do will ever take away from your loss, and for that I am deeply sorry at my insufficiency. I understand what it is like to lose so much. Not even the passing of time ever makes it go away. But it can make it easier to carry. Until that comes to pass, I will help you with what I can."
Finishing his meditiations, Vivi stands up at the approach of his new friends. Tal and Delendir look much as they did before. Jessica and Kiley though... Oh no...
Vivi falls to his knees and bows, head hitting the ground hard along with the palms of his outstreached hands.
"Begging my pardon, goddesses... I failed to see the goddesses of beauty and war in your human guises. Thank you for blessing me with your presences and please forgive my lack of vision... and any offense I may have given during our previous meetings!"
Upon the screams, Vivi looks towards the sound. That is not the sounds of people celebrating... what evil spirit is interrupting the festival? Upon hearing the song, Vivi draws his kama.
"Well, these are not good things for celebrating today. Perhaps these... giblins?...gorbins?.... should be driven off."
So saying, he begins moving forward toward the sound of the song, preparing for combat.
Vivi draws his sickle-like blades as he advances towards the goblins, keeping pace with the 'goddess of war'.
Jessica gives everyone another blessing from her Goddess, then draws her weapon.
Kiley draws her weapon as she pushes through the crowd to get to the menace.
Three of the goblins race towards the two people who are actually coming towards them, brandishing a burning brand in one hand, a rusty short sword in the other.
The other goblin gets on top of a cart, spies a fleeing townsperson, then launches his torch missile at her.
The goblin's aim is a little off from the clumsiness of the weapon itself, but he still manages to hit her right in the back, the flames spreading to the woman's clothing as she collapses under the press of feet, her screams a strange complement to the song and cackles of the goblins.
Delendir is flying scared with the crowd without even thinking. Then he spots his new friends, all thin and squishy, but perhaps the young Kiley. Oh my! They are so brave! What am I doing? Fighting against his instincts he rears himself fighting against the crowd who pushes him towards the opposite direction.
Pushing back to the crowd trying to open space himself he starts to shout "Camo'n Sandpoint! You can't fly from those goblins! They want to burn down our temple again! They are just 5! We are hundreds! Let's collapse them!" though he shouts with all his strength no one seems to listen. Armed with up to the last bit of his power he starts to push people to one side and the other, some falling to the floor, while he draws his cold iron dagger. He pushes back until he arrives to the clearer area where his friends have set their defenses.
Arm with arm with his mates he shouts "I will not leave you alone. These goblins have made their own tomb."
Kiley closes the distance and gets some momentum behind her weapon. The flashing steel whistles as the spike opposite of the axe-head finds its mark, stabbing the goblin in the eye. Her voice is harsh as she speaks in their chittering tongue.
Vivi moves toward one of the oncoming goblins, angered by the carnage they are unleashing on what has been a holy day.
"How dare you defile this ceremony with this violence and anger! Away with you, until you can learn civilized manners!"
So saying he swings with one kama only.
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Upon getting a clear view on the goblins Tal will cast acid bolts at the goblins when he can, while keepung his distance.
"Bad timing leaving my crossbow at home."
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"Bloody hellbunnies people! Get out of the way!" Tal yells in frustration as he moves closer through the crowd.
"Does anyone have a spare crossbow? I didn't expect a goblin attack today."
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