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As the young man before her continued to speak, Naelah smiled to herself. He was like a gale, constantly blowing about - he reminded her of her youngest brother with the way he flitted this way, and that. Like a bird almost, or a leaf on the wind.
When he bowed to her the second time, Naelah returned the gesture, showing him the respect due to one who bothered to learn of her people. "Tae si shol tasia o maraelia."* She said, using the traditional phrase. "I am called Naelah, and also Snow-Child. For my hair, and being born during the winter snows." She said, touching her pulled-back hair to draw attention to its platinum-blond color. Gesturing to the wolf companion by her side, she spoke again, her voice growing in confidence as she continued to use the common tongue as best she knew. "Veren is his name. Wise-eyes, I call him." She said, wondering at the meaning of the Raven's name.
"Yes. I travel. I am on my walk. My Shol-shar."* She said, agreeing with his assessment of her presence. "You are a wise man? A leader for your people?" She asked, as he spoke about who he was. "Mastery cannot be gained by wishing. You must chase the wind for it. Or make the wind chase you."
"Tae si shol tasia o maraelia." - May the winds carry you safely.
"Shol-shar." - Wind-Walk.
...Let's get going," says Ven...
Vesh gives his bundle of equipment (along with his cloak) to Ameiko for safe-keeping and insists on donning his chain shirt before exiting with Ven--in the middle of the common room if necessary.
As Vesh leaves, he gives one last glance towards the fighting man and woman he was sitting next to. Perhaps I should have introduced myself, he thinks with regret.
You follow [Ven] across the nearly deserted market square...
What have I gotten myself into? Vesh thinks to himself as he follows the thick man. He must think me a fool to be armed so. But, he will not defend me from the Chelaxian, either!
...Shayliss, abandons her cart and grabs you by the hand pulling you towards a pile of tables, chairs, linens and other things stacked neatly by the side of the house. "Come on Vesh," she says, giggling slightly, "I'll show you what we need to do."
Vesh follows the girl, bemused by her obvious attraction. Cut it out, Vesh thinks to himself reproachfully, she's as old as my little sister! Or, is she?
Vesh works quickly, diligently, and as directed. While doing so, he makes occasional small talk, trying to get to know Shayliss and her family more, asking for stories of Solsta and the Varisian side of the family in particular. In return, as he becomes less self-conscious, Vesh offers a story or two about his own family.
When he bowed to her the second time, Naelah returned the gesture, showing him the respect due to one who bothered to learn of her people. "Tae si shol tasia o maraelia."* She said, using the traditional phrase. "I am called Naelah, and also Snow-Child. For my hair, and being born during the winter snows." She said, touching her pulled-back hair to draw attention to its platinum-blond color.
"Naelah, a lovely name." Slidell observed. "And Snow-Child, very appropriate", he grinned.
Gesturing to the wolf companion by her side, she spoke again, her voice growing in confidence as she continued to use the common tongue as best she knew. "Veren is his name. Wise-eyes, I call him." She said, wondering at the meaning of the Raven's name.
"Veren, Veran" Slidell murmured to himself, "Very similar. I wonder if the meanings are related?" He said, wondering at the meaning of the wolf's name.
"Yes. I travel. I am on my walk. My Shol-shar."* She said, agreeing with his assessment of her presence. "You are a wise man? A leader for your people?" She asked,
"A WISE man?!?," Slidell blew a burst of air through his lips, causing them to vibrate. "Not hardly. A Leader? I don't know." He admitted thoughtfully. "I never tried to be."
as he spoke about who he was. "Mastery cannot be gained by wishing. You must chase the wind for it. Or make the wind chase you."
"Oh, I'm hardly wishing Naelah. That WOULD be powerful magic!" Slidell responsed wryly.
"I'm just disappointed beacause I've never failed at something I've put my mind to before." He explained. "Not that I'm a failure!" He quickly amended, "There are plenty of potentials out there who never even master basic cantrips. I can easily cast conjurations of the 1st order, I can even alter the originals spells to some degree, which is something that some archmages can't do!" He said emphatically. "I just feel like I should be farther along by now."""Chase the wind" indeed". He continued softly. "That's exactly what I feel like I've been doing. Or make the wind. chase. YOU!" He exclaimed suddenly, lunging forward to look her full in the face, drawing a growl of warning from the throat of her up-til-now silent companion. "Are a GENIUS!" He grinned.
"Yes!" he leaned back and continued in his normal voice. "Make the wind chase me. I wonder. I'll have to think on that."
"Thank you," he said, facing Naelah again. As his nightime-dark blue eyes met her daytime-sky blue ones, she felt an small spark of connection. Judging by the sudden blinking of Slidell, it was a connection he may have felt as well. What was it about this odd, chatty, flighty stranger that made her think of her own connection the wind? Why had the wind chosen to blow this skinny whirlwind of a stranger into her own path?
Her musings were interrupted by Slidell.
Again.
"In the meantime," he was saying, as he waved his arm like a windmill, attempting to catch Garridan's attention. "It is breakfast time. And you are going to love this!"
"Garridan," he said more calmly after getting the big Shoanti's attention across the room. "Can we get some of those,...oh, those things from yester-morn!" He asked loudly enough for Garridan to hear across the busy inn. "Yes, for two please!" he smiled in response to Garridan's unasked question.
The large Shoanti could say as much with a raised eyebrow as Slidell could with a lungful of air.
"You are going to love this!" Slidell repeated as he sat back down. "I don't know if they are a traditional Shoanti recipe, or his own invention. But they. Are. GOOD."
"Thank you Garridan!" Slidell beamed as the large innkeeper promptly arrived with a plate of, something. Some sort of a roll, Naelah observed as Garridan deposited it on the table. It was certainly not any Shoanti recipe that she had ever seen. But they did smell good. Slidell promptly used the wooden serving spoon and his own belt knife to serve Naelah first.
"These alone are reason enough to stay at the White Deer Inn." Slidell said as he helped himself.
As they shared breakfast, which turned out to be rolls filled with some sort of meat and pleasantly pungent seasoning, Slidell continued chatting amicably. But to Naelah it seemed less, frantic, than before. As if, without realizing it, he had found something that he had been looking for. It may have only been someone to sit still long enough to listen to him she mused wryly. But somehow she doubted it.
After making sure that Veren had a serving, and Slidell had (after many furtive glances over his shoulder to ensure that Garridan was not, actively, watching,) tossed up a few bites into the air for his fast-snatching friend, they both began to gather their things.
"Well", said Slidell, as he briskly brushed the remaining crumbs from his fingertips. "Since you are even more recently arrived than I am, I am presuming that you have not yet a proper tour of the town." He smiled again, shyly. Naelah realized that he was embarrassed. "It just so happens that I, ah, have a few errands to run before the festivities start. If you don't mind the company, it would be my honor to give you the two-copper tour." He finished quickly.
"Ah, Garridan." Relieved, Slidell began patting his many pockets, looking for his coin-pouch, as the large Shoanti ambled over to take the now-empty plates. "I have a few questions about some recent events. Is there a place in town that keeps information of events on record? A local scribe? Librarian? The Sherrif's office, or maybe an archivist for the Town Hall?"
As he finally fumbled his coin pouch out of a pocket, he looked expectantly to Garridan for his answer,...
:)
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"Veren, Veran" Slidell murmured to himself, "Very similar. I wonder if the meanings are related?" He said, wondering at the meaning of the wolf's name.
"They are." She responded. "Veran means wise-heart."
"A WISE man?!?," Slidell blew a burst of air through his lips, causing them to vibrate. "Not hardly. A Leader? I don't know." He admitted thoughtfully. "I never tried to be."
"If the wind speaks to you, then it is your duty. Like it is mine." She said, continuing to dispense her little wisdoms.
""Chase the wind" indeed." He continued softly. "That's exactly what I feel like I've been doing. Or make the wind. chase. YOU!" He exclaimed suddenly, lunging forward to look her full in the face, drawing a growl of warning from the throat of her up-til-now silent companion. "Are a GENIUS!" He grinned.
Surprised by his sudden movement, she leant back away from him, placing a calming hand on the ruff of her wolf's neck, as she realized he was simply excited.
As Slidell continued to speak, Naelah felt a bond growing between them. The wind had whirled them together, like loose little leaves, and together they would twirl for a time. When the food came, she nodded in agreement at the excellent taste, and gave Slidell a treat - her shy smile, reminding him of the morning sun breaking onto snowfall.
At his suggestion, she nodded her agreement. "I thank you for you offer, Stormraven. I would like to see more of this...city? I will admit wishing to see the rites that I understand are to occur later today." She said, tossing the last portion of her breakfast to Veren.
"Mish bredf- (gulp), I say, this bread is really scrummy, Corran. You better take it away from me!" says Ehlissa, and then her ears are drawn to the sound of an excitable mam gabbling away to a much calmer woman with unusual tattoes. You really do see all sorts out here! she thinks to herself, This Corran chap seems alright, I suppose, I wonder... oh no... oh why not?
The young noblewoman turns to her companion and asks, "This is going to sound sort of, well... silly I suppose, but... have you ever, I don't know, ever thought of just one day leaving everything behind? Going out to see the world?"
She then goes a shade of pink, "Oh no, I suppose not, you have your family tradition to uphold and whatnot. That's a big responsibility. Sorry; I know what that's like." she finishes quietly.
then her ears are drawn to the sound of an excitable mam gabbling away to a much calmer woman with unusual tattoes.
Slidell thanked Garridan again, effusively praising the breakfast as he fumbled his way into his overcloak. As the couple made their way toward the exit, (miraculously unimpeded by the wolf-wary patrons), Slidell glanced toward the ceiling. "OK Ver',...Let's go." And the raven once again emerged from the shadowed rafters, landing on Slidell's shoulder right before they made the doorway.
Outside, Slidell glanced around trying to get his bearings.
"I really want to swing by the "Curious Goblin" bookstore, and see if they have a Varisian prayerbook." He said, settling his wide-brimmed hat onto his head. "But,...I THINK if we follow Garridan's directions to the Town Hall, we can catch the next street over from there."
He smiled at Naelah and began to stroll, his long legs forcing the wolf to trot to keep up with him, though his mistress showed no visible effort keeping pace.
As they walked, Slidell pointed out the various buildings that he had examined earlier, telling Naelah about the histories and influences on the building's styles. And trying in vain to capture busy and wolf-scared passerby to ask about the buildings he hadn't yet visited.
As they approached the square where the Town Hall was located, Slidell's constantly busy fingers withdrew something wrapped in paper from one of his cloak's many pockets.
"Rock candy?" He asked, extending the open paper to Naelah.
"It's a brilliant Varisian recipe, they boil sugar for a specific length of time, at a certain heat, flavor it with berries and fruit, and when it cools, it resembles rocks! Like Quartz."
The Shoanti looked sceptically into the open paper, and saw what did indeed appear to be small, clear rocks. Most had a reddish hue, but there were also some blues and greens.
Noting her look, and also noting that Garridan was not the only Shoanti in town that could say a paragraph with a raised eyebrow, Slidell laughed.
"It's only called "rock candy" because of how it looks, not how it tastes. It's really quite good!" He explained, popping a piece into his own mouth to prove his point. "Goo aheod," He continued speaking around his treat, "Troy a peoce."
Distracted by the unusual confection, even the usually perceptive Naelah seemed as unaware as Slidell of the couple struggling with a wide-eyed and fearful donkey almost directly in their path.
"Mish bredf- (gulp), I say, this bread is really scrummy, Corran. You better take it away from me!" says Ehlissa, and then her ears are drawn to the sound of an excitable mam gabbling away to a much calmer woman with unusual tattoes. You really do see all sorts out here! she thinks to herself, This Corran chap seems alright, I suppose, I wonder... oh no... oh why not?
The young noblewoman turns to her companion and asks, "This is going to sound sort of, well... silly I suppose, but... have you ever, I don't know, ever thought of just one day leaving everything behind? Going out to see the world?"
She then goes a shade of pink, "Oh no, I suppose not, you have your family tradition to uphold and whatnot. That's a big responsibility. Sorry; I know what that's like." she finishes quietly.
Corran finishs a bite of his own meal. "Yes... its a tradition generations old to serve in the military, first for Imperial Cheliax, then for Magnimar after the Godfall."
Corran looks around, then lowers his voice. "But I don't know if I want to spend the next twenty years chasing bandits and walking the walls. Its honorable work, and it needs to be done. Iomedae knows we could use more soldiers here in the hinterlands, our farmhold has been raided more than once by goblins or bandit scum. Not that we didn't see them off, but others aren't as well equipped or trained as our farmhold."
His eyes light up, and his voice becomes more animated "But I want to travel, and see places I've only read about. And have people read about my adventures, not just travel the same roads on patrol every week."
"Have you ever read the Pathfinder Chronicles?"
Corran and Ehlissa:
After eating her breakfast, Ameiko makes some final preparations and locks up the Rusty Dragon to head to Church Square. It is mid-morning and you still have about two hours before the festival starts if you want to explore further.
Corran looks around, then lowers his voice. "But I don't know if I want to spend the next twenty years chasing bandits and walking the walls. Its honorable work, and it needs to be done. Iomedae knows we could use more soldiers here in the hinterlands, our farmhold has been raided more than once by goblins or bandit scum. Not that we didn't see them off, but others aren't as well equipped or trained as our farmhold."
His eyes light up, and his voice becomes more animated "But I want to travel, and see places I've only read about. And have people read about my adventures, not just travel the same roads on patrol every week."
"Have you ever read the Pathfinder Chronicles?"
Ehlissa regards Corran with a new appreciation as his enthusiasm becomes infectious, especially when he swears by Iomedae, "No, I haven't read that, but it sounds ever so exciting! I want to do those things too! But not to be famous or anything, but to make a difference, to stand for something greater than myself, for as it says in The Acts: "And Iomedae said unto the people of that place 'When the darkness surrounds thee, Let thy faith be as a lamp, to guide the lost and to give hope where there is none'" - I'd like in a small way to do that."
Following her excitable companion with an inhuman patience for his consistent chattering, Naelah was almost overwhelmed by the sights that assaulted her as they wandered through the town. Never before had she seen such a variety of people, all moving about their appointed tasks and chattering, always chattering.
She was beginning to realize why her companion talked so much - you never got to talk to anyone unless you talked faster than they did.
When he offered her the 'candy' she curiously took a green piece, wondering at its sticky coating. As she popped it into her mouth an explosion of sticky sweetness covered her tongue, and she smiled in pleasure.
Just as she was about to verbally express her enjoyment, she noticed the horse-like animal that was clearly having trouble at the presence of her companion. Gesturing to Veren, he stayed where he was, and she held out a stilling hand to Slidell, silently asking him to do the same.
Slowly, she approached the donkey, using her body language and slow, gentle movements to communicate her benign intent. With an aching slowness, she extended a hand towards the animal, every ounce of her being radiating calm. As she approached, she flickered her eyes in acknowledgment to the pair moving with the skittish animal, beseeching them with her bright blue eyes to do nothing, and let her and the donkey focus on each other.
Handle Animal check to calm the donkey:
"Vesh, quick help me," yells Shayliss in alarm, "that wolf will spook the donkey!"
<Link> Vesh strains to keep the animal from bolting.
The animal submits to Naelah's gentle caress and calming words. As Shayliss and Vesh look on in disbelief the donkey at first relaxes its pull on the harness slightly, then settles into a nervous skittering dance."By Desna! How did you do that, ... whoever you are?" asks Shayliss recovering slightly from her shock.
"She is Shoanti," says Vesh, finally finding his tongue, "that is how she did it." Turning to the Shoanti woman, Vesh bows in accordance to the traditions of the Shoanti that he met as a lad on the Velashu Uplands. In the dialect of the Velashu Shoanti, he tells the woman:
(For those who speak Shoanti)
With a glance to her thin Chelaxian friend, Vesh flashes a frown as he contemplates how the Chelaxian has come to sport the tattoos of his people--tattoos that Vesh himself has been given. How the markings stand out on his pale skin! Remembering himself, he bows again to the Shoanti woman.
Slidell stopped chatting suddenly, brought to a sudden halt by his new friend's upraised hand. When his familiar opened his beak to protest, he promptly raised his own hand and used his thumb and forefinger to clamp Veran's beak closed.
He watched intently as the blond Shoanti closed slowly with the frightened donkey, calming it, somehow communicating with it until it was no longer in danger of bolting.
"By Desna! How did you do that, ... whoever you are?" asks Shayliss recovering slightly from her shock.
"Yes, how did you do that?" Slidell murmured so quietly that only Veren and Veran could hear him. "I saw no outward evidence or application of mystic force. I would have been forced to stun the poor creature." He continued to intensely observe her actions as she turned the frightened animal once more into a calm, domesticated beast of burden. "It all seems so , instinctual, as if she is projecting some inner part of herself." He rubbed his chin with his free hand, "Hmm,...I wonder,..."
"She is Shoanti," says Vesh, finally finding his tongue, "that is how she did it." Turning to the Shoanti woman, Vesh bows in accordance to the traditions of the Shoanti that he met as a lad on the Velashu Uplands. In the dialect of the Velashu Shoanti, he tells the woman:
The rest of the comment was in the language that Slidell now knew to be Shoanti, but he had no earthly idea what the man was saying. (Other than from the body language and inflection, which indicated that the youth was asking her a question. But the youth seemed on edge, more so than having to deal with a panicked animal could account for. And for all Slidell could tell, he could have been giving her his recipe for roast donkey.)
Slidell looked down at the furry fiend that had started all of this commotion to be sure it was still obeying it's mistress's last command. It sat there, it's tongue lolling out the side of it's mouth, decidely un-interested in the well-being of the donkey.
"Good boy", he said unnessacarily, "Stay".
With a final mental admonition to the raven on his shoulder to behave and not re-startle the beast, he began slowly approaching the group around the donkey as Naelah began to respond to the youth,...
As he appoaches the group, Slidell wonders at the Varisian patterns on the young man's bare arms,...
Ehlissa beams, feeling the almost tangible excitement and revelling in the small town feel. People have been so welcoming, and she almost feels like a part of a family.
She turna and grins at Corran, "This is so nice!" she exclaims, "Everyone seems so happy and full of life; this is the sort of thing that makes life worth living!"
She spies the old man and his entourage and is immediately intrigued; she grabs Corran's hand and makes to go over to see whats going on, "Come on!" She cries, for all the world like a little girl at the fair.
"She is Shoanti," says Vesh, finally finding his tongue, "that is how she did it." Turning to the Shoanti woman, Vesh bows in accordance to the traditions of the Shoanti that he met as a lad on the Velashu Uplands. In the dialect of the Velashu Shoanti, he tells the woman, "Sal o thys talol si eilostar. Air shar eir Ai tyr pai sai caer cos thys velol eirdae! Tia basti air Vesh os si Camelo tal ol si Velashu Val. Sor air tia tystalol, ei jhylar os sor syrn shyri basti air Shayliss. Ai shyr shi cylysaer sai jhaes si basti kolael o shia os vaedi."*
Looking at the young Varisian in surprise when he speaks her tongue, if haltingly, she replies kindly, keeping much of her attention on the donkey. "Ai eis cyrn eir Myrn Tor, eistyl tia vaedi. O tia tar ti Naelah. Shol tasia o maraelia."*
Recovering from her surprise, she replied to the question the girl had asked. "I am Shoanti. I speak to the wind. And I am Naelah." Her reply was simplistic at best, but whilst she was distraced with the donkey, she didn't have much brain power for conversation.
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Ai eis cyrn eir Myrn Tor, eistyl tia vaedi. O tia tar ti Naelah. Shol tasia o maraelia.
"Ai eis cyrn eir Myrn Tor, eistyl tia vaedi. O tia tar ti Naelah. Shol tasia o maraelia."*
"Naelah," repeats Vesh, more to himself than anyone in particular, "Naelah Snow-Child." I can see why they call her that, he thinks to himself, her hair is magnificent.
Making certain that--between Naelah and Shayliss--they have the donkey under control, Vesh turns his attention to the thin Chelaxian man with the Raven.
Purposely using the proper greeting that one Varisian would give another , Vesh addresses the pale man. "My name is Vesh. If you don't think that your bird would spook the donkey further, would you help me make sure the load in the cart is secure?"
Without waiting for a reply, Vesh glances around the area, and as he turns back towards the cart--giving Naelah a wide birth so as not to disturb her--he remembers himself. Addressing the Chelaxian again, Vesh quickly adds, "Oh! This is Shayliss. I am assisting her and her father in making preparations for the festival."
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I sigh "Alas, the Blackfire was captured by the Chelaxian navy. She's been impounded and most of me old mates are in shackles. I barely escaped and stole a little boat and sailed down here. I'm gonna try to get my ship repaired and then sail back to Riddleport and put together a crew to recover the Blackfire." I laugh and ask "Who'd want out of Riddleport eh? Its been a long time since I was home. How are the winds of fortune treating ye? I see you're the master of your own ship now. Come on. I'll buy you a drink at the Rusty Dragon." I start to walk towards the Rusty Dragon and notice the odd fellow in the blue tunic. I turn and mutter to Fenster "Who's that fellow? I noticed him hanging around your ship earlier."
Purposely using the proper greeting that one Varisian would give another , Vesh addresses the pale man. "My name is Vesh. If you don't think that your bird would spook the donkey further, would you help me make sure the load in the cart is secure?"
Slidell Returns the bow with an casualness that belies the intensity of his swiftly searching gaze. "Greetings Vesh, I am Slidell, sometimes called Stormraven." With a warning glance to the indifferent raven on his shoulder he continues,... "That shouldn't be a problem, I'll be glad to help."
Without waiting for a reply, Vesh glances around the area, and as he turns back towards the cart--giving Naelah a wide birth so as not to disturb her--he remembers himself. Addressing the Chelaxian again, Vesh quickly adds, "Oh! This is Shayliss. I am assisting her and her father in making preparations for the festival."
Realizing that he addressing Vesh's back, Slidell raises an eyebrow and turns his attention to the young lady. "A pleasure Shayliss, rock candy?" He smiles and deposits the heavy paper containing the afore-mentioned sweets into her surprised hand. Noting Vesh's glance, he follows it, trying to determine if he can see what Vesh is looking at, or for. He then continues to move around to the other side of the cart from Vesh.
"So Shayliss, what is it that you and your family are contributing to the festival today?" Slidell asks as he works. It is quickly obvious that he is no expert on knots or ropes, but he does his best to make sure that the cargo is in no immediate danger of falling off of the tiny, overloaded wagon. As he works, it is obvious that Slidell's attention is focused as much on his new acquaintances as it is on the cargo.
It finally becomes obvious to Slidell that the cargo is as secure on his side as he will be able to make it. So he ambles back around to the front where the ladies are. "AH! Rock candy!" He says delightedly, noting the crumpled paper still held in Shayliss's hand, and helps himself to a piece. Winking, Slidell then relieves her of the paper. After making sure that the ladies have another piece if they want it, he then turns to Vesh, who is returning from his side of the wagon, and holds it out to him. "Rock candy?"
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As Slidell works on his side of the cart, Vesh busies himself with his own. Not particularly paying attention to what he is doing, Vesh's thoughts are a-swirl with the activity of the last few hours.
I have been dock-hand, prey, messenger, and laborer in the span of a morning! Vesh thinks, his face again forming an unconscious frown as he half-concentrates on his ropes and knots. This Chelaxian is odd--perhaps he is in league with the other one. The thought hits him like a punch to the stomach as he turns to the front of the wagon.
...he then turns to Vesh, who is returning from his side of the wagon, and holds it out to him. "Rock candy?"
"What is this?" Asks Vesh, his eyes widening in surprise at the medicinal-looking things in Slidell's outstretched hand. Poison!
Vesh takes a step or two backwards. "What are you about? Were you following me?!" his eyes narrow, and he spares a quick glance around as he quickly draws his short sword from its scabbard. His voice drops to a growl, "where is your friend, eh? Speak!"
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"The nature of yer cargo? I figured you hadn't gone legit. Yeah, its a shame but if all goes well I'll free 'em and we can be sailing and liberating goods by the beginning of winter. I might wait for ye and take ye up on that offer. It'd be nice to go back home in something a tad more impressive than a fishing boat." I say quitely as we walk up to the Rusty Dragon. Once inside I lead Fenster over to a table and thank Bethana with a smile and a few silver coins. "We won't be long. Thank you."
"So old friend, what're ye up to these days?" I ask, tearing off a chunk of the bread.
"What is this?" Asks Vesh, his eyes widening in surprise at the medicinal-looking things in Slidell's outstretched hand. Poison!
Seemingly bemused by Vesh's initial reaction, Slidell pops another piece of candy into his own mouth.
Vesh takes a step or two backwards. "What are you about? Are you following me?!" his eyes narrow, and he spares a quick glance around as he quickly draws his short sword from its scabbard. His voice drops to into a growl, "where is your friend, eh? Speak!"
This quickly changes to genuine surprise. When Vesh draws his weapon, Slidell takes a step back himself, his raven hissing in defiance at the unexpected threat.
Recovering, Slidell quickly puts up a hand to still his familiar. He then, slowly and calmly, closes the paper and puts it back into his pocket. If you don't LIKE candy, all you had to do was say so. He thinks to himself.
Slidell gives the bared blade before him the same scrutiny he did the unlikely couple a moment ago. "I was about," he replies, much slower than Naelah had ever heard him speak, "to offer you a piece of candy. But I'll take that as a NO."
Relaxing a little, Slidell continues. "As far as following you, no. Sorry, but I've never seen you before now. Hardly surprising as you just arrived by boat, and I haven't set foot on a ship in a long time." He smiles, "And I'm afraid the only friend I have in this town is this young lady right here. And I've only just met her this morning."
Slidell makes a placating gesture as Vesh opens his mouth in apparent anger. "And NO, I did not have to follow you to tell that you just arrived by ship." Unable to contain a small smile at Vesh's look, Slidell's irrepressible personality takes over and he continues, warming to his subject as he once more becomes the human whirlwind of speech that Naelah first met.
"You still have some sea-salt encrusted in your hair. You still have a faint odor of brine that your labors of the day have not completely worn away. And your armor and,... weapon," he looks deliberately to the short sword still held unwaveringly at his face, then back to Vesh, "are pitted with exposure to the sea air. All of these tell me that you are recently arrived by ship. Probably this morning."
He lowers his voice a little and leans slightly forward, "Your reaction also tells me that you are expecting company, or are afraid that you might have company. Though I confess I am completely in the dark as to why."
Slidell reaches back over his shoulder and taps his still-slung staff with a forefinger. "Now," He continued amiably, "If you'll put that away before you attract too much attention, (I understand the sheriff has a very low tolerance for drawn weapons in town,) and tell me what seems to be the trouble, I might just be able to help."
At Vesh's openly skeptical look, Slidell explains. "I consider myself a trouble-shooter. You seem like a man with a mystery to solve. And I happen to LOVE a good mystery. Perhaps, as Naelah here would say, 'The Winds of Fate have blown us together'? What do you say Vesh?"
Slidell continues to stand calmly still, awaiting Vesh's response.
(Though if looks could kill, the score would be, RAVEN-1,Vesh-0)
(Though if looks could kill, the score would be, RAVEN-1,Vesh-0)
:)
@JSL-
"I was about," he replies, much slower than Naelah had ever heard him speak, "to offer you a piece of candy. But I'll take that as a NO."
Candy! Vesh feels the burn of embarrassment start in his stomach, and he notices for the first time that the women are eating candy. Fool that I am!
...Hardly surprising as you just arrived by boat, and I haven't set foot on a ship in a long time..."
How did he know? But Vesh's thought, and the protest on his lips, are cut off by
a placating gesture as Vesh opens his mouth in apparent anger. "And NO, I did not have to follow you to tell that you just arrived by ship..."
As Slidell launches into his explanation, the burning that started in Vesh's belly enflames his face.
"If you'll put that away before you attract too much attention...and tell me what seems to be the trouble, I might just be able to help...I consider myself a trouble-shooter. You seem like a man with a mystery to solve. And I happen to LOVE a good mystery. Perhaps, as Naelah here would say, 'The Winds of Fate have blown us together'? What do you say Vesh?"
The end of Vesh's sword wavers slightly as a crestfallen look washes over his face. Then, the moment broken, he turns the shortsword to better examine the blade.
"Pitted?" He says with a frown, "I honed the damned blade every night while at sea. But," continues Vesh, looking Slidell full in the face as if for the first time, "you obviously see things that I do not."
Sheathing the blade, and with calmness of voice that comes as a surprise to himself, Vesh bows low to Slidell, "I am a fool Slidell Stormraven." Rising he continues, "Apparently, the only thing I see are Chelaxians following me in the shadows. I am sorry. Your manner, your tattoos, your bird, they . . . confused me. I thought--" But, Vesh cannot bring himself to say that he thought the man was offering poison when he had only offered him candy. Candy! For Desna's sake even children are not afraid of candy!
"If I you like a mystery, as you put it," Vesh feels the heat mercifully draining from his face, and he glances at Naelah as he continues, "and if your companion doesn't mind putting up with a hotheaded Varisian, I'll take you up on your offer of help. Perhaps you will see what I have been unable to see."
"And," Vesh pauses and looks at Slidell, a slight smile playing across his face, "I'd like a red one."
Slidell returns Vesh's low bow. "'There is no fool like a young fool', or so my master says." He pushes his wide brimmed hat farther back on his head, his infectious smile revealing his own youth.
"I see the same things that everyone else does, less so sometimes. I just have a knack for putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with '22'. And that is as much a pain as it is a blessing I can assure you."
" My manners are usually inexcusable, my tattoos are easily explainable, and my bird is,...well he's usually annoying, but mostly harmless." Slidell offers no reaction as the raven turns his head at this statement, opens his beak, and lets loose the unmistakeable sound of a raspberry directly into his ear.
"You see what I mean?"
"As far as putting up with a 'hotheaded Varisian', " Slidell continues, steering Vesh closer to Naelah as he once again offers the rumpled paper and candy to him, "I think that Naelah might enjoy that as a nice break from the 'chatty Chelaxian'." He said with a quick wink at Naelah. "She happens to be a most excellent listener with unusual insight."
"Now my dear," He says as he turns back to calm the obviously agitated Shayliss, "While we walk, can you tell me whether your looking for your boyfriend, your older sister, or your father, whom I'm guessing doesn't approve of your current boyfriend?" At Shayliss's shocked stammer, he waves his hand as if shooing away an insect. "2 plus 2 is 22" He murmers, " And I wonder, is your mother preparing the food for your booth, or is this setup for one of the restaraunts in town?".
"And Vesh," He continued, turning back toward the Varisian, who was now tentatively enjoying his treat. "Why don't you start with why a Varisian from a sea-faring town is expecting to be jumped on by Chelaxians from the shadows, or anywhere else for that matter?"
Naelah smiled at Vesh as the young Varisian realized that he had been placed next to the soft-spoken Shoanti, where he might feel less threatened while still assisting her in controlling the donkey. Then Vesh saw that while speaking non-stop, Slidell had managed to place himself between both Vesh and Shayliss. Where he settled himself with another candy from his bag, obviously prepared to listen to both of them.
"Smugggling eh?" I reply in an equally hushed tone "I'll stick to plundering. "Always good policy, never trust the rich and powerful. I'll most likely still be here." I say, returning the salute and finishing my ale.
"So, there's trouble in Magnimar. I wonder what's happening now? I wonder why she's here." I think, staring pensively at the noble from Magnimar "Still best to watch her."
"No, I think I have what I'll want." I say with a smile and hand her a few coins for the bread and the ale. I wander out into the Swallowtil Festival, just looking around.
She spies the old man and his entourage and is immediately intrigued; she grabs Corran's hand and makes to go over to see whats going on, "Come on!" She cries, for all the world like a little girl at the fair.The odd procession comes to a sudden stop as you approach. Amidst jostling and bummping, the old man steps to greet you, his hand outstreached.
"Well met, good stranger, I am Ilsoari Gandethus: Headmaster of the Turandarok Academy. And these," children duck and scatter as he sweeps his hands about, "are my wards. Orphans, many of them, rescued off the street by the good people of Sandpoint; but just as many are sent to me by their parents to learn the arts and sciences. In fact, right now we are putting that study to good use - aren't we children? Each child has raised a brood of swallowtail butterflies for today's festival. Ah yes, Entomologie!"
Some of the children barely suppress giggles as they watch the effusive headmaster prattle on about the Academy and their coursework. Others have taken advantage of the momentary lapse in discipline to wander off and indulge in the multitude of sights, sounds, and smells in Church Square.
Corran talks to the children about their butterflies, remembering not too long ago when he was just starting to learn about nature.
Ehlissa grins as Corran talks to the children, saying quietly, "A swordsman and a butterfly expert! You're full of surprises!" She turns to the old man and says more loudly and earnestly, "I must say, your academy is an absolutely splendid idea! Goodness only knows how these poor children would have fared otherwise. Truly Our Lady smiles on your good work."
The four of you, accompanied by your menangerie, make your way to the festival grounds at Church Square.
Vesh walks in between Naelah and Slidell. The company, even of these particularly strange strangers, puts Vesh more at ease. Perhaps my proximity to Naelah is calming me as it did the donkey. A smile plays across his face as he contemplates who the bigger ass was just moments ago, the animal or himself.
Vesh launches into his story a little haltingly at first, as if to figure out where to begin.
"To start at the true beginning would take all day and a good part of tomorrow," Vesh begins as a frown of contemplation returns to his face. "It is enough to say that the foolishness that I put on display for you just now played a large part in my having to leave the City of Riddleport--my home for last few years--quickly, quietly, and perhaps for good." His eyes become unfocused, as though searching through his own thoughts for the next thing to say.
"I escaped with my life, my limbs, and only the possessions I could carry on my back," Vesh continues more quietly. Taking a deep breath, he seems to return from his thoughts, "As you've observed, Slidell, I've only just arrived in Sandpoint this morning, a sailor on my vessel assisting me in de-boarding under the guise of a dockhand unloading his ship. He directed me to the Rusty Dragon, to Ameiko, to get some assistance from her in what to do next, but on my way to her, I noticed that I was being followed by a tall Chelaxian in blue and grey livery. When he saw that I had spotted him, he ducked behind a building, and I did not follow. Ameiko was good enough to put me to work helping her set up her booth for the festival, under the direction of Ven, Shayliss' father."
Looking up at the lanky Chelaxian, Vesh says, "And that, Slidell, is the big mystery. Have I been seeing Chelaxian ghosts? Am I going crazy? Or, am I being shadowed?"
As he finishes his story and asks the questions, the group comes to the church square.
The square is full of people setting up colorful tents and booths...
No sooner have you arrived then you are greeted by Bethana and Ameiko. They thank you warmly for bringing the tables and chairs. Caught up in the excitement you help set up the booth near a fire pit covered with a metal grilling rack as you visit and make introductions.
Vesh busies himself in helping with the preparations, but does not say much. As he helps, he listens to what, if anything, Slidell and Naelah offer in response to his story. He finds himself more at ease now that he has a task set before him and companions to converse with; as a result, he finds himself looking over his shoulder for his Chelaxian shadow less and less.
Shayliss recovers from her shock at Slidell's assessment of her personal life and says to no one in particular, "It's Katrine's boyfriend that Daddy doesn't like. And thanks to her, I can't even get out of the house. But what do you care?
"Ah, of course." Slidell nods knowingly. "And being a concerned father, he doesn't want you following in your sister's footsteps." "Sorry," he grins sheepishly, "Sometimes '22' isn't always the right answer. But your wrong about one thing, I do care. And your lucky to have a father that does as well,... It must be nice,..." He murmurs almost to himself, becoming uncharacteristically quiet for a moment.
And the tables are for Ameiko's booth, like that's any of your business either."
"Ameiko?!" Slidell brightens instantly. "Isn't she the owner of the Rusty Dragon? Where I smell that wonderful baked fish every time I pass by?"
Slidell continues to make small talk with Shayliss as they make thier way to the square. But the looks he throws over his shoulder make it clear that he is listening to everything that is said, and left unsaid, by Vesh.
The four of you, accompanied by your menangerie, make your way to the festival grounds at Church Square.
When it becomes clear that Shayliss is done with 'small chat', Slidell returns his full attention to Vesh, and ponders his story.
Looking up at the lanky Chelaxian, Vesh says, "And that, Slidell, is the big mystery. Have I been seeing Chelaxian ghosts? Am I going crazy? Or, am I being shadowed?"
"Well," Slidell offers after a few moments of thought, "Ghosts are unlikely." He smiles wryly, "If even half of the stories told of us 'demon-callers' were true, then all Chelaxians would be hauled off by greedy spirits the moment of thier demise, so, no ghosts to worry about."
"Crazy. Possible I suppose, but I'm hardly the most qualified judge of mental stability." He points to the raven on his shoulder, grinning. "I talk to birds for Desna's sake!" He once again ignores the raspberry delivered unerringly into his ear from his familiar.
"That only leaves shadowed. My master once said, 'Just because your paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!'." He resettles his hat on his head. "Blue & grey you said? Interesting. Isn't that the colors worn by deputies of the local sherriff? There can't be too many Chelaxians working for the sherriff here in Sandpoint. SO, if you DO happen to see your 'friend', point him out will you? I'd love to know how a fellow countryman ended up so far from home."
He punctuates his last remark with a broad wink, to ensure Vesh that he means nothing sinister by his comment. Then turns his attention to thier arrival at the square,...
The square is full of people setting up colorful tents and booths...
No sooner have you arrived then you are greeted by Bethana and Ameiko. They thank you warmly for bringing the tables and chairs. Caught up in the excitement you help set up the booth near a fire pit covered with a metal grilling rack as you visit and make introductions.
Slidell helps with enthusiasm, if not a lot of physical grace. He is decidedly more quiet than usual as he helps, obviously unable to keep up his usual, steady stream while also working and trying to take in all that is going on around the square at the same time.
If he notices when Shayliss sneaks off, he wisely (perhaps due to Naelah's quiet influence?) does not say anything to stop her. He also remains uncharacteristically quiet when overhearing her father's mutterings.
I buy myself one of the delicacies offered at Ameiko's tent and wander through the crowd. I watch the man in the blue/grey livery closely, curious. I wend my way through the crowd and try to get close enough to hear his conversation.
I sit down on a hay bale about 20 feet from the cart and listening to the speeches, bored by all but Cyrdak's, although I do pay attention.
When I see the goblin kill the dog I leap up and draw my blades. I look under the cart, trying to figure out exactly where the goblin is as I advance on it. I try to remember what I've heard of goblins which, given that I've spent most of my life on the sea, isn't much.