"Sorry, mister," Addy says to seemingly thin air. "We'll be more careful." She reaches forward and grabs Herral. "Hey, Vas, lookit those booths. C'mon! Lets' go!" Addy takes off down the hallway, trying to pull Herral along with her.
Herral frowns at being grabbed but goes along with it, his only comment, "I think the pies are going to burn. Uncle will be mad with me. Oh well, at least the cellar is this way. What booths are you talking about? There isn't a booth along here."
A short while later...and a few unpleasant thoughts.
"Help, help I'm being kidnapped Uncle, help! Where are we going? Never been kidnapped before this seems like fun." He trots along babbling as he is frogmarched to the fun fair.
"I am in the clutches of a mad woman, someone help me down here in the cellar! Help! Help!"
“Ever met a priest of Cayden Cailean?” Mal asks, guiding Simon hurriedly towards the portcullis.
He nods to Will when they reach the rest of the group. “What are you waiting for?" he asks, gesturing the way forward.
Simon thinks it over.
"Yes, I did in fact. The drunken lout made a comment about my sister and I couldn't let it stand. I challenged him to a duel, but he passed out with the foil in hand. When he woke up, he had no recollection of the event!""That boy is being kidnapped... in a cellar? Brother Malik, you must intercede! That red-haired woman is up to no good!"
Mal and Will manage to "follow" their comrades down the rest of the hallway, past the secret door, then through the main chamber with the pool and corpses of the dead cultists. The entryway is just ahead.
You notice that, although the temperature isn't particularly warm in the passages, Simon seems to be sweating heavily and squints as you make your way. Addy and Herral look to have no such issues.
Addy-
Vas utters something about pies and cellars - maybe he smells someone's fresh pies in a booth? He seems content to follow along for a bit.
The robed man seems to take your apology well, as sheepish look coming across his face. He utters something about needing help to your father and a priest who is following along, and then he trails along seemingly worried as the two of you take off to check out the rest of he fair.
Just as you approach the end of the street, you make your way up a side street - a sudden flash of memory of moving you along. As you crest the street, you find yourself looking not just at any square, but the Fountain of Lions plaza!
A large round fountain dominates the center of the area. The distinct Lions of Taldor shaped of white marble sit in its center - water pouring from each beast's mouth. It is a beautiful site, espcially with all the booths, vendors and hawkers around. Oddly you notice that several beggars lie about snoozing amidst the bustle.
Just as you stop to admire the view, Vas fidgits about to get free of you - uttering something about being in the clutches of a madwoman. But last you checked, you were just a girl...
Simon-
Brother Malik seems to take on a pained expression as the red-haired woman seem to say something. He looks at you sheepishly, seeming calmed from his earlier tirade. The maiden takes the boy's hand and is initially happily led away towards the Bazaar.
Despite the confusion, all of you move on in the rising heat of the day - Brother Malik and the guardsman seemingly unpreturbed by the wamrth. You continue to wind your way up and down several streets before you find yourself overlooking the road to the the grand Bazaar.
Rising warm winds; bright sunlight strikes you (clearly Sarenrae hasn't blessed you fully with her healing warmth this day); and smells of food, people, water, and animals mix and can be seen below. The most dominant feature is a great, covered well - its waters shielded by a canopy incorporated with a statue of the Padishah Emperor in a noble pose of contemplation as he looks upon the Qadiran people of his empire. As people make their way around, you take note that several beggars lie about - seemingly asleep or addled in the sun.
It is about this time that the boy seems to start yelling something about being kidnapped, snapping you out of your contemplations. But Brother Malik and the guardsman seem unconcerned with his childish protestations.
Herral-
Despite your initial concerns about what's going, you quickly realize that there's a reason your Uncle doesn't seem concerned. As he and the red-haired woman (who looks nothing like your Aunt) move ahead and take you around a series of tunnels in the cellar that lead you to a new cavern they have been digging under the house. You don't remember this before, but it looks amazing!
All sorts of gemstones dot the walls in an array of colors from bright yellow to deep indigo. Most interest is that it looks like your Uncles have been working on some kind pumping/digging machine (maybe that was the conversation you heard earlier...). It's a massive thing that's tied to a water well underneath it. The only thing that concerns you is that several people you never seen look to be lounging about the cavern (workers?) asleep while the machine bellows and pumps.
It's about this time that you get the feeling this strange woman has something to do with this....
...and then suddenly it is as if you have awoken from dream. You have to blink several times - bits of people and things you don't remember still at the edge of your vision - but you are definetly back in the main chamber in the pyramid. How you got here you're not sure.
Will is close by with a concerned look. Addy is standing there with a lost look in her eyes - staring at the room - and holding your hand. Will seems to be steading Simon as they walk behind you - the paladin seems to sweating profusly and also has a glazed look.
The main chamber is as you last left it. The large pool of water remains the same and the bodies of the dead cultists lie where you felled them.
"No! No kidnapping! It's fine, I promise! We're almost there!" Will says, forcing a pleasant smile onto his face as he glances back and forth between the happily 'kidnapped' Herral, The enthusiastic 'lil Addy' and Simon.
"Where ever 'there' is!" He mutters under his breath.
Will wracks his brain, trying to figure out what was IN that accursed smoke cloud, whether not the effects will end, soon, or better yet, how to snap them out of it!
Will wracks his brain, trying to figure out what was IN that accursed smoke cloud, whether not the effects will end, soon, or better yet, how to snap them out of it!
Without a true sample, you're not sure what the powder is in terms of poison and effect. Clearly, it's a hallucinogenic, and their behavior is similar to what you witnessed by the party-goers several days back.
However, what the people absorbed at the masquerade must have been more potent given their extreme behaviors compared to how Addy, Herral, and Simon are acting. And those folks seemed to keep that stupor for days! So maybe the duration of the effect will be similarly shorter - hours perhaps.
Suddenly, you brain starts getting alarmed about variables you didn't count for! Maybe it was the masks everyone wore? Or something with how the magic in the crypt interacted with the powder's effect - you all seemed to have a mild version of vivid nostalgia after all. Or maybe it's the pyramid?
You decide to stick with the optimistic answer that the effect will only last few hours.
Addy shows surprise at the halfling's reaction. "Vas! What're you talking about?! What madwoman? All I see are th booths and stalls and the food ... do you wanna head back to my dad?"
Simon thinks it over.
"Yes, I did in fact. The drunken lout made a comment about my sister and I couldn't let it stand. I challenged him to a duel, but he passed out with the foil in hand. When he woke up, he had no recollection of the event!""That boy is being kidnapped... in a cellar? Brother Malik, you must intercede! That red-haired woman is up to no good!"
Despite the strange situation, Mal chuckles. He likes this version of Simon. “Story checks out,” he says.
“The boy’s fine. He’s just addled,” Mal makes a corkscrew motion with his finger to his temple. “Must be ... ah ... this Qadiran heat? As you can see we’re not in a cellar.” I hope you see that.
"More like an oven, though I guess you're used to it. Me, I'm sweating like a Galtan sovereign..."
The paladin wipes sweat from his brow.
“Almost there,” says Mal, then more loudly, “everyone together. That way,” pointing to the entrance just ahead.
Mal & Will
You make your way out the pyramid through the main entrance without hinderance, although corralling deluded comrades makes for just as much effort as fighting a crazed cultist it seems.
As you arrive outside, you realize that the extra effort of getting your impaired comrades back has delayed your planned exit time. By the time you emerge, the valley is partially revealed by the light of the first hour of the morning. The sun would probably be even more illuminatinig if you weren't in this bowl-shaped vale.
Initially, you're struck at how calm everything is after last evening's chaos and battles. The remains of the goblin's camp is still there, but apparently Itaden decided to leave it a little cleaner. Dead bodies are no where to be seen, and the remenants of the campfires and damaged tents of been removed - leaving only the single larger prisoner tent.
The captives, soldiers, gear, and camels are all gone - leaving the ground before the pyramid much cleaner - although signs of last night battle still are visible. An obvious trail of a large crowd is visible leaving down the trail that leads out of the valley.
But you're not alone. Sitting under the tent, Daylen Vors leans against a tent pole - facing the pyramid's entrance. Nearby, Simon's charger munches on the remains of some feed while the ranger sharpens his sword to pass the time. He looks up initially with intensity, and then relaxes and grins when he see all your emerge. Standing up, he starts to walk in your direction.
Addy-
Despite your fascination and interest in the Fountain of Lions, and all the wonderful things to see, your father seems intent on taking you to another part of the fair. The feel of cool mist from the fountains feels wonderful in the day's warmth. This is turning out to be the bigggest street fair you've ever seen!
As you round the founatin, the wide street known as the Avenue of Kings extends ahead towards the palace and courts of the Grand Prince. Why would you be going there, you wonder? The statues of the kings of old Taldor have always seemed a little imposing and scary to you.
Still, there seems to be a wonderful light beckoning from the street's end. As you proceed down and look upon the imposing figures of long ago, and you wonder for a bit if Mother - "an immortal lady" your father calls her - ever knew of them....
...and suddenly your are awoken from your dreaming. It takes you a few moments - blinking in the rising sun's bright light as fragments of imagery and memory melt away at the edge of your vision. You realize you are outside the pyramid (how?), and standing there with a copper piece in your sweaty palm.
Simon-
With reassurances from the guardsman and stammering approval of Brother Malik (have you ever seen him so nervous?), you seem to be directed on through the Bazaar with the maiden and child. Despite the bustle, all seem to part away from you as you walk - perhaps knowledge of your Taldoran station has gotten out among these folk; maybe they fear you despite your recent change of faith.
As you round the Padishah's Well, you see that the guard is indeed taking you back to Citadel for confinement. Truly, this has been the greatest moment of release you've had yet - perhaps the truth of your new faith is finally gaining you trust. Maybe soon they'll allow you and your men to go home.
It would be drab end to your constitutional and lessons but for a brilliant light that seems to emanate from the Citadel. It is reassuring; mayhap Sarenrae's blessing has come upon you finally. You begin to wonder, how will I tell my family of this...
...and then it is as if awakening from a deep dream. In the morning light, you have to blink several times as images and memory flicker away the edge of your vision. The morning light bathes you, and warms your bones in a way you expect is small blessing from the goddess. You find yourself back at the pyramid's entrance with the rest of the group - the ranger you just recently met standing at the camp and greeting you.
Herral
See above post - you should have snapped out if when you first got to the pool room. From that room to the exit and outside your see the same thing as Will and Mal.
Mal squints up at the sky and stifles a yawn. It’s been a long night. “Dayle,” he nods conversationally at the approaching man then asks, “Itaden left already?” nodding towards the outward trail. Then he glances at his addled companions, wondering if any of them are going to take off or do anything stupid.
Simon blinks, shaking his head. He looks around as if seeing the camp for the first time.
"But I was... this isn't... Huh. It seemed so real, though I suppose it was awfully strange as well."
He frowns.
"And it seems we're too late."
Will nods carefully when Simon Speaks, eying Addy and Herral warily.
"You think?" He murmurs, looking around at the cleaned and abandoned area. The slight wizard sighs wearily.
"NOW what?,..." He murmurs (mostly) to himself when he sees Daylen.
He sighs again, a softer, more weary sigh. "This traveling isn't nearly as easy as the journals make it look." He murmurs, stifling his own yawn.
"Well...I was beginning to think I'd need to come get you," Dayle starts with a sarcastic tone."Glad to see you are all back," he glances at the dazed look of some people,"if lookin' a little worse for wear."
The ranger's leg seems better than when you last saw him(and heard him). While his leg looks better, there's some haggardness in his features - probably from the night's events and a lack of sleep. He gestures back towards the tent and you notice a low fire of heated stones and a kettle "I have some tea simmering, should pick you up a bit if you need it before we head out."
To Mal and Simon's inquires, a wry smile comes to his face. "Itaden was ready to go at very first light. Managing that many people, given that many of them are still loopy and confused, is like herding a 500 cats. It'll be slow going and take them awhile to get going. He doesn't expect to make it much past the valley's entrance today - so we can still catch up."
He checks the charger's saddle as he talks. "I was slow to get back on my feet at dawn, and rather than hold up his plans, I volunteered to stay awhile longer and take the horse if you didn't return." His tone is slight conspiratory as he adds, "Frankly, I probably would have tried to see if I could find you first, despite my orders."
Will nods carefully when Simon Speaks, eying Addy and Herral warily.
"You think?" He murmurs, looking around at the cleaned and abandoned area. The slight wizard sighs wearily.
"NOW what?,..." He murmurs (mostly) to himself when he sees Daylen.
He sighs again, a softer, more weary sigh. "This traveling isn't nearly as easy as the journals make it look." He murmurs, stifling his own yawn.
"You're awfully glum for a man that hasn't been impaled by spikes, nearly dropped into a pit or ensorcelled with hallucinogenic dust. I thought you Pathfinders loved to travel."
He nods to Dayle.
"Thank you, Corporal. Tea would be just the thing, unless someone has something... No, never mind. Pardon me a moment."
Simon walks off a little ways from the party, takes a knee facing the risen sun and starts his morning prayers.
"What the ..." Addy keeps blinking a bit, confusion still clouding her mind. "OK, what just happened there? And how did I get this coin?" She looks around, hoping someone can shed some light. "I'm guessing this had something to do with that trapdoor we tried to open, yes?"
Herral comes round to his surroundings with wide eyes. "I, I, I was at my Uncle's. Yes, it was the trapdoor I reckon. We should be a bit more careful when opening those trapdoors. I mean someone could have been hurt."
Coming out into the daylight Herral smiles, It's Dayle! How's the wound?"
Then he wanders over for breakfast mumbling about missing out on some pies even if they were dream pies..
At Herral's eager inquiries, the ranger seems to flinch slighty. Nonetheless, he shows a wily grin and answers: "Quite well, oh inquisitive one."
As Herral scrambles around for breakfast, Dayle reaches into his pack and tosses him an apple. "For your troubles...I think you'll find it a bit tastier than those hardtack biscuits you've been munching on."
He proceeds to get the tea going, and offers some of the stores they have found as the rest for breakfast. Besides tea and water, there's a wineskin of a white wine; some dried rations and biscuits; and an egg mixture with some meat bits that Dayle's made. While basically trail food, after all your exertions, it seems positively robust and you recover some of your energies.
Herral pulls out his travel plate, a halfling device to allow someone to walk and eat. It has a wide lip and holder for a fork or spoon. The halfling piles his plate high then gets his backpack and other equipment ready to leave, shield on his back.
"Dayle, this makes up for my missing pies. Thanks. Not sure if we will have time for a second breakfast," he apologises after loading up his plate.
Will just shakes his head in wonder, takes his portion of the food (What's left of it after the halfling fills his plate!) And enjoys it immensely.
It is with an undisguised sigh that he gets up with the others and lifts his rapidly-getting-heavier backpack.
Simon returns after his morning prayer and eats his fill. He seems sorely tempted by the wine, but ultimately sticks to tea and water. He clears his throat when finished.
"I've a small favor to ask before we rejoin Itaden. If we could keep the... specifics of my faith between us, I would appreciate your discretion. The worship of Saerenrae has been unjustly outlawed in Taldor for some time and I would rather avoid being thrown in prison. Again."
Addy eats lightly, then prepares her gear for travel. She's unusually quiet as she remembers her hallucination and how real it seemed to be. She smiles as she thinks of her father, but the smile quickly turns to a frown as she recalls why he's no longer with her. An astute observer might even notice some of that glare is occasionally directed Simon's way ...
Mal, who has been concentrating on eating with the dedication of an old campaigner who doesn’t know when his next proper meal is coming, raises a surprised eyebrow in Simon’s direction, but nods his agreement to the man’s request.
Soon after, noticing Addy re-checking her pack, he stands and shoulders his own. “C’mon,” he says. “Best be off if we’re to catch Itaden.”
The Trip Back or "Wherever You Go, There You Are."
Having put some breakfast under your belts and recuperated a little, Dayle tamps out the fire and leads the way down the obvious trail. Initially, he leads Simon's horse alongside everyone to get some pacing down. An hour into the trip, the ranger mounts and does some scouting ahead and around the trail - his concern is mostly for stray wolves or perhaps one of the goblins that fled the day before. But his patrol is marked as unventful, and he returns to walk with the rest of you. He offers the mount as needed to anyone who needs a break from the hiking.
You pace is brisk, but not overly taxing in the morning hours even as the heat gently rises. As you scan the valley, the cairns and markers of the old battles of Taldor and Qadira are more evident than they were in the darkness. The immensity of the fight, and hence the large monument, are more obvious now that you see things in the light of day. The Pathfinders among you suspect that was the reason for the archeological expedition that uncovered the pyramid (and started this whole mess).
By mid-morning you are coming up on the valley's entrance, and the clouds and noise of the large group ahead of you is readily apparent. By noon-time, you're reunited with Itaden, Gorzal, and the guardsmen guiding the mesmerized party folks. They are revlieved to see you all back and you have a chance to chat and get ready for the longer trip when an official break for lunch takes place. The nobles and townsfolk are still dazed or lost, although some seem to be gaining more awareness and self-control as the day progresses.
There's some brief concern as you consider the prospect of having to feed this many people as you make your way back. One of Itaden's more practical qualities seems to have considered this, as he places everyone (including all of you) on a ration system to stretch the supplies they discovered in the camp. No one will starve or get too thirsty, but you may have to tighten your belts just a bit.
By the time you rest for the evening, Itaden has tried to put as much distance as possible from the infamous "Valley of Death." Dayle manages to do some foraging to supplement your meal with fresh rabbit stew, and you all are asked to help with watches to keep an eye out for predators or make sure none of the drugged folks wander away. You all soon find yourself asleep, and its the most welcome sleep you've had the past week. It is also the most of vivid dreaming you might have had in a recent time - the impact of the ancient place for all you and the recent drugging from some of you - work to give you a series of deep dreams.
You awaken and the journey begins again, you role being part travelers and part caravan guards. The process is helped by the fact that several of the people seem to fully recover from their stupor, and even help out. You spot Ruggles Ironbeard - the town blacksmith - among the crowd, and he proves especially help to you all. Unfortunately, several of the nobles of the crowd also become fully aware, and they prove to be mostly useless - their voices ringing with complaints or crying at their situation. Itaden's authoritarian tone and Simon's diplomatic reassurances seem to keep any of them from becoming problematic or panicked.
The pattern continues for the next two days, with more people becoming aware as whatever they were drugged with wears off. Itaden's soldierly direction manages to keep everyone in line, and your assistance proves invaluable at times. While some people - nobles and townsfolk alike - prove helpful or helpless at times, some of the people have yet to awaken, including Lady Vestang.
Whether by chance or with the Gods' blessing, you all aren't sure, but despite the rising chaos in your crowd, no further threats either from predators or banditry arises.
Finally, after three days of travel, you get more luck. A contingent of the Taldan calvary arrives from the direction of Vestang manor. After some confused discussion, Itaden quickly coordinates with the Taldan captain (Nadlar, by name) and the whole group is underway again. With the added men, the pressure is off to be more proactive and instead the whole party becomes more of a caravan and less of an escort mission.
Several days and more miles later finally brings to view the sea coast; Vestang manor; and the tent town that was so bright and gay before the grand gala. For most of the nobles and townsfolk, there is a great release of excitement and cheering. The place has certainly become more active since last you left it - with soldiers and those people who were left behind to give it some life again.
The sign of the Dancing Tabi welcomes you back - placing you back where you started the chase to rescue the people now standing around you - yelling, cheering, complaining, crying - as Itaden and the Taldan soldiery try to get everything in order and get everyone settled. The scene is fairly chaotic, but you're much too tired to care.
As you stand around slightly dazed from the long trip, a few of the townsfolk - Jorn, Haeroke, Ruggles, etc. - make it a point to thank you or make promises of recompense. Some of the noble folk, still in their tattered costumes, even manage to thank you themselves. The rest seem to be demanding that the Taldan soldiers escort them back to their tents and quarters. One older man with brownish hair makes directly for Simon and shakes his hand while having a quiet word directly with him. You also look around and see the tents and wagons of the Varisian entertainers not far away - the one area that shows no signs of activity. The sight reminds you that while you saved many people, there are some who won't be coming back ever.
Amidst all this, Dayle - looking as worn out as the rest of you - nudges you all away from the crowd and towards Vestang manor. "It's Itaden's request for you guys," he grins without further explanation. The manor that was the scene was of so much chaos is now clean and looking as one would expect of a Taldan country manor. Without much ceremony, several servants direct you to individual rooms for each of you - offering you a warm tub, fresh meals, and large, comfortable beds.
Whatever you choose to do, the sudden comforts seem enormous after a week of hard traveling and fighting. The immensity of what you have faced; what you have discovered; and what you've been forced to do washes over you and seemingly doubles your fatigue. After peeling off dirty clothes; washing off tired muscles and feet; and eating something that isn't jerky or stew, you manage to settle in.
Tomorrow will be a day to settle matters, but for now you have the evening to rest and recover.
So tired after the last several days’ adventure (and hiking) Mal hardly even thinks about seeking out alcohol or soft company (I’m getting too old for this crap, he thinks) – after a quick wash and a meal he collapses into the bed at the manor and is soon snoring loudly.
Will grumbles about his sore feet, (even though he never turned down a chance to ride the horse when offered,) as he gratefully takes advantage of the tub. The effects of the last few days has left him a little leaner, (Hard to tell, since he was so skinny to begin with!) And he admires his physique in the room's small mirror.
"Will Wyrdrune, Pathfinder Venture-Captain!" He mutters, lowering his brow and wrinkling his forehead to see if it makes him look more Captain-y.
Moments later he is in bed, snoring loudly in a very un-captain-y manner.
Addy eats heartily, washing down her meal with a couple of glasses of decent wine. She then indulges in a long, hot bath, and collapses into bed. Within moments, she's sound asleep.
Simon eats his fill with the older man that greeted him outside, discussing the things that have happened. He's not nearly as formal, smiling and laughing more often, despite his weariness. While his companion partakes of the offered wine, Simon abstains. Eventually, he bids his friend goodnight and heads to his room for a quiet bath and a nice restful sleep.
The night is indeed a quiet one, and the sleep quite welcome. Those of you who were affected by the dust trap of a few days ago have very vivid dreams, whatever their content, but nothing more. If anyone awakens from their dreamy state early on, you would note that the peace of the coast and town is interrupted by the slight rumble of more Taldan calvary to supplment the contingent already there. While the place is hardly a fortress, compared to the confusing buzz of festivities that greeted you when you first arrived, the place has certainly grown more orderly.
You find yourselves awakening by the mid-morning , a fresh breakfast and clean clothes greeting you. Things like armor and weapons remain for your care, and none of your possessions are amiss. Still, it looks like your basic cares have been covered. A note, written in a strong hand, to each of you is also present:
Friends -
You have my deepest thanks on your help this past week. General Vestang has arrived to check on the state of things, and would like to meet you at some point today. For now, meet me for drinks at the Dancing Tabi this evening, if you please. The least this old soldier can do is buy you a round of drinks.
Signed,
Itaden Garridan
So you find yourself with some time to relax, if you choose to join Itaden this evening.
Will & Mal-
In addition to the note above, you each receive a second note, also from Itaden, that states:
As the resident Pathfinders and Absalom visitors, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Nothing dangerous, but it was a little surprising what the servants revealed it to me. In any case, can we make arrangements to meet, say for lunch, in the mansion's kitchen? Please pass your request along to the one of the guardsmen in the foyer when you have a moment this morning.
Mal-
While your dreams are just fine, you do have a vivid memory that you're certain is not yours. You seem to recall awakening, and as you get dressed, a shapely, naked woman rises from your bed and caresses your face. It is the same dark-haired, blue-eyed woman from your visions in the pyramid, but whereas it seemed haunting last time now it just seems natural. She touches your face, and says:
Will you be coming home soon? I know that they need your sword, but I'll miss you. I've made something for you to remember me by....
She presents you with the same amulet you pulled from the trapdoor - newer and cleaner, but the same silvery and blue-gemmed item. When your mind wanders or you feel overwhelmed, it will help you think of me and give you a reason to come home safe.
She gives you a deep kiss, and then the memory fades....
Other than that, there's no lasting affect on your mind.
Addy-
Among the other items in your room, you spot a vase of flowers and a second note written in a quick handwriting:
Hey Red,
While the charade is generally over, I'm still keeping up appearances and going about the business of packing up your "tent" and things now that nobles and such are heading home. I'll probably be at it awhile, plus I want to see if the Holy Sister (underlined for emphasis) shows up looking for you. I'll run interference for you and give her the trinket - maybe see how much she knows about this whole affair and our activities.
It'll take me awhile, so no rush. At least bring me some lunch, will ya? Maybe a bottle of Taldoran red, eh? (See if they have a 4700, I've heard that's great year). Talk to you later,
Gorzal
Simon-
The evening before-
You are greeted by Sorgi with a warm handshake and a toothy grin. The older soldier looks relieved to see you. Once you start to settle in, the man sees to your armor and chats to you - filling in certain details:
"Seems by the time I arrived, this place was a ghost-town. I wondered what in Aroden's name was going on, when I managed to find some townsfolk who had hidden in a nearby stable. Something about a goblin raid and everyone at the Ball being kidnapped, and what have you. If'n yer worried about appearances, you needn't be - I doubt that in the confusion anyone will even remember when you showed up."
Then a grin beams across his face. "Ahh, but they'll be remembering you as the good captain who rescued 'em, that I've heard. If you look in that drawer over there, you'll find a half-dozen scented kerchiefs from the rescued captives and those that managed to stay behind. I'd stay away from Dame Kidanen's - she old enough to be your grandmother. But the one from the Lady Tressel, you might want to find 'er. A little vain, but she's got a nice backside." The whole part of the dialogue is done with a dry tone clearly intended to rib you for your sudden fame.
"Seriously, Cap'n, you've caught some attention and I think it may take you out of the mire in Oppara's estimation of you. You could be a captain or more again. But I'm thinking your devotion to a certain lady may have to be kept quiet if that's the case, eh? Do they (implying the rest of the party) know?"
"Don't mean to wool gather so much, sir. You're probably tired; and I've made a favorite of yours. Would you like to tell me what your vision brought you to?"
With that, Sorgi settles in to drink some wine. He's prepared a pitcher of lemon tea - adding a hint of ginger and cinnamon to spice it up. The evening's end is spent in normal conversation and hopefully an explanation of what happened for the man.
Whether you choose to take it as a sign or not, you dreams are pleasant. You have visions of warm summer days and flying like an eagle; punctuated by a soft kiss to your cheek and a sense of beaming pride upon your shoulders.
The next morning-
You awaken to find Sorgi is not about. Your armor is polished and as clean when you first wore it on this trip - not a hint of damage or dirt - and hung on a special stand for your use. A simple scarf with the Lions of Taldor rampant is tied to one arm - indicating that your status with the army has changed to active. A note sits with your breakfast and clothes.
Scrawled on the outside: Told you so...
Inside, in a more deft hand the letter reads:
Simon Theodorus Gellner II, third son of Baron Gellner,
It is with great interest that we request your presence at the noon-time hour on this day in the headquarters of General Thorenbrad Vestang - Commander of the Grand Prince's 3rd and 4th divisions; Defender of the 2nd Lion; Scourge of the Qadiran dervish; and Lord of the Jalrune Plain.
Conversation will entail matters military and politcal; we expect promptness and proper dress wear.
Thank you for your presence in this matter,
Lord-General Vestang.
Will gets up (eventually) and smiles as he feels a lot better than he thought he would.
'It's a wonder what a bath a clean set of clothes will do for you!' He muses as he dresses in his cleaned clothes. He reads the notes that were tucked under his door, and scribbles a reply on the shorter note. This he folds and tucks into a belt pouch as he goes out to get breakfast and see if any of the others are up. He gives the note to a guardsman in the lobby as he looks around for any of the others.
Will has scribbled the response in a hasty but flowing handwriting;
'Sir, I must confess you have peaked my curiosity. I will be happy to meet you for lunch. ~Will'
As he is eating his breakfast, he gets a faraway look in his eye, and stares without seeing anything in front of him.
"Ah. Ah-Hah. So That's how it works! Of course, it's so simple, really." He suddenly declares to no in inparticular, and dashes back to his room, leaving the remainder of his breakfast untouched.
Simon chuckles dryly at Sorgi's addendum to his summons from the General. He eats his breakfast and gets to work making himself presentable: grooming his beard, making certain that his uniform is properly up to inspection.
Mal wakes late, and, after dressing and scribbling a reply to the messages left for him - Sure. Mal. – he joins the others for breakfast. He has washed, dressed in clean clothes – his own, not the patchwork of costume and armour that he has worn for the past several days, but has still not shaven, the stubble on his jaw almost, but not quite, reaching the status of ‘beard’.
He brings with him the items that he retrieved from the hole in the floor of the tomb room; two small bags, a dagger, a masterwork bastard sword and an amulet (the silver stone it is made of shows pitting and tarnish. But the blue stone in its center still retains its color and shine).
He tells the others that there was also a skeleton within the hole, and asks Will if he can determine the magical properties (if any) of the items.
Malatar actually wears the amulet around his neck, and the others might notice that he constantly touches and plays with it during breakfast, almost unconsciously. He seems strangely reluctant to let anyone else look too closely at it, or take it off, although he will do both if directly asked, and stakes no verbal claim to the item (though he might do so if challenged).
At some point during the meal (before Will dashes off), the warrior leans close to his wizardly companion and asks quietly, “Know anything about hauntings? I keep seeing and hearing this woman ... seems familiar. A looker – just my type, ‘part from likely being dead.”
At the end of breakfast, Mal sticks around if anyone wants to talk about anything, or if there is any discussion about splitting up loot or next moves or anything.
Afterwards, he heads to Will’s room and knocks on the door.
At some point during the meal (before Will dashes off), the warrior leans close to his wizardly companion and asks quietly, “Know anything about hauntings? I keep seeing and hearing this woman ... seems familiar. A looker – just my type, ‘part from likely being dead.” Anyone who makes an effort to listen can overhear this.
Will looks interested, despite the fact that he's obviously distracted with some obscure arcane formulae.
"Well, spirits aren't exactly my specialty,... A 'looker' you say? Seems familiar? Are you sure that you aren't simply letting your imagination run away with you? We HAVE been on the road for a while, Maybe your missing a, friend ?" He asks tentatively as he rummages through his encyclopedic knowledge for anything that sounds like what Mal is talking about,...
Addy sleeps late, and by the time she heads to eat breakfast, the rest are likely finishing up. She greets Mal, Will, and Herral with a smile, and nods at Simon. She'll look around for one of the servants, and inquire, "Hate to be a bother, but looks like I'll be taking lunch later out by my tent. Any chance I could get something packed up for me and my ... servant; and maybe a bottle of Taldan Red? 4700, if you have it."
"Well, spirits aren't exactly my specialty,... A 'looker' you say? Seems familiar? Are you sure that you aren't simply letting your imagination run away with you? We HAVE been on the road for a while, Maybe your missing a, friend ?" He asks tentatively as he rummages through his encyclopedic knowledge for anything that sounds like what Mal is talking about,...
Mal shrugs, as forthcoming with information as usual. Then, after letting Will think for a moment, he plucks at the amulet around his neck. “Think this was hers,” he says. He’ll allow Will to examine the amulet if he wants.
Still rummaging through the corners of his mind for relevant information, Will takes the amulet and idly traces it's lines with a finger, seeing if it brings anything to mind,...
