The next day dawns bright, with a smattering of clouds in the sky.
Etny jerks awake sometime in the morning, her eyes dry, bloodshot, and itchy. She is terribly tired, and feels as though she got little to no sleep during the night.
She sits up, and swinging her legs over the side of the bed, stands up, throwing the curtains aside. The light is blinding at first, and she shuts her eyes against it. Letting her vision adjust, she hazards a glance back outside the window.
(Almighty DM, what does she see? It's approximately 10:00 in the morning. XD)
(7 perception
Etny, you wake to see a bustling street outside. A strange fellow with a floppy hat and a... well, it looks like a wooden merchant chest following him, that has sprouted centipede-like legs. Quite a odd sight indeed. You also see the sails of The Juniper still in the harbor. The Tribunal now complete, they are leaving later that evening.
Gaare, still tethered outside, seems antsy. He keeps picking at his leash, scratching at the ground for bugs. It's been a long time since you've been in a town with him. He's not quite used to all the noise and energy.
Etny rises now, her auburn hair falling over her shoulders and her violet eyes tired and full of a visceral mood.
She walks over to the mirror in the room, and stares once more at her reflection. The exhausted looking, lonely young woman stares back at her with bloodshot eyes. Dark circles encompass her lower eyelids, and she scoffs aloud. "Tch, shiza! I look like a hag!" Impatiently, and full of a growing self-loathing, she splashes her face vehemently with cool water. When she looks up again in the mirror, the self-same young woman is staring back at her. "Shiza, now I look like a hag, but all wet now!"
Etny scoffs again, leaving the mirror, and dons the rest of her gear. She makes her way downstairs, her demeanor sour and full of an irritation she can't explain. She has felt this way before, and calls it "the black mood." She cannot shake it, and hates every minute of it.
Arriving downstairs, she approaches the bar counter, and makes the strangest request she has ever made.
"May I have a large cup of your strongest argaklel?"
Jennae gives you a funny look. There's a twinkle in her eye. "Sure thing, darlin'. I got something special for you." She reaches under the bar and pulls out a red bottle. "Some of our special stock. Applebrew Hard Cider."
She pops the top of for you and places it down on the counter. The fruity strong smell tingles your nose pleasingly. "Consider this one on the house. Something bothering you? I'm a good listener."
"A good listener, oh?" Etny takes the bottle herself and takes a swig from the liquid. It is fruity, and yet burns a little going down. She coughs and splutters a little, her arm over her mouth. Don't want to waste such a gift, she thinks to herself. Come, Etny! You, a mighty huntress cannot handle strong drink?
She takes the bottle, tilts it up, and takes several long pulls from it. She slams the bottle down on the counter, and looks at Janae.
"My do I have a tale to spin for you yet, Oman-dera!"
Oredion awakes to the smell of the fresh morning air. He sits up and rubs at his eyes certain he has something in them. He stops realizing the strangeness of what's going on. His scared eye is open but he feels no rage, no anger. He quickly gets up almost running to the mirror to see his eye. The eye is certainly open but it is not glowing but, it is not the color of his other eye. A Rusty Brown color it is now pure white with hints of blue in the middle. Oredion stands there a good while trying to come to terms with this new development. He has not been able to see his scared eye in twenty years unless it opened during his rage but, he had never thought to look in a mirror during those times.
"By the gods what is going on? First it's the damned lizard turning gold and now my eye!'
Oredion not sure on what to do further prys his sight away from the mirror and finds his close. His cloths now clean and surprisingly patched up well give a hint of a Rosey fragrance off of them. He stomach growls and he decides it best to get some food before he tackles these two new mysteries. Oredion heads down to the bar and spots Etny drinking?
(8 con save against drunkenness
(You are... definitely feeling the effects. XD Not super hard core but still)
Etny takes another long pull from the argaklel, is fruity bouquet masking the bitter tinge of the drink.
"Did you know, Oman-dera, I trapped a whole Anga? In ropes and nets? It was....amazing!"
Miss Applebrew chuckles. "You did, did you? You seem quite the capable huntress." She begins polishing the bar as she listens, preferring to do something with her hands. "Was that the first time you have captured a... Anga?"
Oredion, Joey puffs a little fire from your beard, licking at your shoulder and neck. Although bathed, there's still some deep, bruised bitemarks there from your battle yesterday. They, along with the intense burns on your hands, are quite tender.
Oredion not sure on whether to greet his new found friend or to sit back and watch decides on the later. He takes a seat in the back watching Etny closely while still trying not to be noticed.
(Stealth 3)
(Lololol poor Ore
Etny lolls her head to the side, noticing someone enter the room. Not quite completely inebriated, but starting tip get there, she sees through a slight haze in her peripheral vision Oredion.
"Ahhh! Oredion-Antrahtu! I knew you'd be here! Come here, you devil, you!" A smile graces her features, but it is not a happy smile. Just an empty one. "I was just telling Janae-dera about how we," she jolts from an internal hiccup, how I caught the Anga in nets and ropes!"
(Perception 10
(Con saving throw of 3
Oredion walks over taking a seat beside Etny is face full of concern.
"Aye we took down the beast. Etny here ensnared it expertly!"
"Anga--you don't know that beast, Janae-dera?" She makes to take another several long pulls from the bottle. Tilting it back, she takes three big glugs from it.
"Ore-elenn," she grasps his shoulder, her violet eyes misty and glazed over, "you are a sight for sore eyes!"
(Con save 4
Jennae raises her eyebrows, a teasing smile growing. "Sounds like you both make quite a team."
(Etny has three levels of intoxication. She is highly inebriated at this point. She gets disadvantage on wisdom saving throws, and disadvantage on wisdom and intelligence ability checks.)
(Nice! Poor etny... XD
Oredion eyes Etny and calmly says.
"I know your a tough warrior and all but, maybe cool it on the drinks. It's only 10 in the morning. Maybe we can get you some water and some fresh air. We can go sit outside and talk. What ya think of that mighty huntress?"
Oredion stands offering his hand and a friendly smile.
(Persuasion 15+3)
She rests a drunken hand on his shoulder, and whispers "orolin, gagria ora shamal kotar kla, Oredion-Antrahtu."
With that, she nearly passes out, the alcohol having done its foul work on her.
(She basically said something to the effect of: "can you help me? I need help.")
Oredion seeing Etny pass out quickly puts his hand on her shoulder to stop her from falling. He looks at the bar maid almost instantly regretting his friends behavior and slide her 5 gold coin.
"I'm going to help this one back to her room. Hopefully that will suffice as payment for another night and food and drink for this one when she comes to."
With that Oredion hefts Etny in his arms and proceeds up the cursed stairs. He rounds the Walk way to the room where Etny has been staying and gently places her on the bed. He taps her on the head with his them (Something his mother taught him for good luck) and exits the room heading back down the stairs before he leaves he sees the bar maid peering at him.
"Take care of her! Doesn't look like she can handle her liquor well."
With that said Oredion heads out in search of the blacksmith's.
you walk outside in the fresh air, feeling better than you've had in years. Lifting your shield a little higher on your shoulder you make your way to the blacksmith. You can hear his hammer ringing in the distance, his door open to help with the sweltering heat of the forge.
Stepping inside, you see a middle aged man with a beard, bent over an anvil. He looks up as you enter a friendly smile despite the bags under his eyes.
"Why hello there, my dwarven friend! How are you? May I help you today?"
"Fine young man, just fine!"
He says with a chuckle. Oredion starts to look around the shop examining the blacksmith's forge, tools, and the blacksmith himself.
"So how long you been learning the trade? Ever worked with dragon scale?"
He gives the blacksmith a mischievous smile.
The man snorts. "Been at it since I was a lad, nearly 40 years now. As for dragon scale... Once or twice. Hard to come by."
He lifts the sword he was hammering and places it back in the forge to heat it. "But I did work with basalisk, just this week in fact. Quite a marvelous, draconic-like material... Do you need some work done?"
"Aye I'm needing this shield on my back enhanced a smidge."
Oredion points his thumb over his back.
"I have dragon scales, bones, and pines harvested from a frost dragon. You think you could outfit this here thing with the scales to reinforce the strength of the shield. The bone to do an outer ridging, a bit of design, and a new handle to hold onto. Then use the pines as a deadly center piece to deal a bit of damage. Sound like something you could do?"
Oredion paces back and forth excited to hear his reply. He does not know why but, ever since he awoke this morning he has been in an incredible mood.
The blacksmith has an equal look of excitement about him. "That sounds like an interesting challenge... May I see the shield and the material?"
Oredion hands his shield to the blacksmith, then proceeds to dig threw his travel bag pulling out the white diamond looking scales, the bone slightly red (even though he tried to clean them thoroughly), and the pines off the dragons tail. He places the assortment on top of the shield in the blacksmith's arms.
"I am looking forward to seeing what you can do with these. If you need help do not be afraid to find me and ask. I may be Rusty but I grew up in a family of blacksmith's long ago."
Oredion gives the blacksmith a hardy Pat on the shoulder and lets out a deep bellowing laugh.
" I see!" His eyes twinkle a bit as he looks down at the materials. "Hm... A project like this might take some time. Perhaps a week. And mayhaps about... 50 gold. I'm... A bit short staffed right now."
He sets them down on his table, handling the scales with care. He talks as he looks at them. "An extra pair of hands would speed up the process... And I would be happy to give a discount for my helper..." He looks up with a smile. "Mind coming in a little each day to exchange knowledge?"
(Dude.. How you described your shield sounds so friggin cool. I love the idea.)
"That be fine with me lad. Happy to help where I can. As for the money I will still pay in full. Feel free to find me when you need help good sir."
Oredion places the bag of money on the shield, pats the Smith on the shoulder one last time, and decides to head out and find some food.
The blacksmith waves, scratching his beard as he looks at the materials again. He looks puzzled but the excitement is still palpable.
---
Etny...
You drift through a endless sea. Floating atop the water like a piece of flotsam. It is peaceful. Calming. You feel like a child. A relaxing voice calls to you in your memory. "Get you some water and some fresh air."
You watch as a red bird soars overhead. It flits about happily. Singing. Then another. Then another. They seem few at first, but then grow into a concourse of song, a mass of uncountable size. Then they block out the sky. It looks like streaking ribbons of blood.
Then they fall. Dead. All of them, plummeting to the water. They make tremendous splashes, turning the entire sea into an overwhelming tempest. The churning water turns red. The feathers melt away. They're your friends. People from your tribe. Men. Women. Children.
You can't keep your head above the water. You sink. Into the dark murky depths, you plummet like a rock. Icy blue eyes stare at you from the shadowy bottom, a dragon's maw open to devour you. A broken crown sits atop its head.
The eyes devolve into black shadow. You are lost to it's teeth.
You land on a hard surface. It's damp. Dark. Hollow. Silty. The ground is rock beneath you, but no light shines. It feels like a cave. A very large... Empty... Hungry cave. It smells of decay.
Silver eyes shine at you in the darkness. First two. Then ten. Then a thousand. They fill the distance like stars. Gleaming amid the cackling, yowling laughter of Einhycacht. Their gray scales pale like death.
You wake in a cold sweat.
Etny sits up with a jolt, her whole body trembling in a cold sweat. Was she shivering from the cold, or was it from that dream? She can't tell, but the dream was the most vivid she's ever had.
Looking about, she sees that she is back in her room. Then it all comes back to her: the night before, the black mood, drinking argaklel, and then...nothing.
She looks this way and that, taking in everything. Suddenly, her stomach begins to protest the copious amounts of strong argaklel. She leaps out of her bed, and racing over to the latrine, empties the contents of her stomach into it.
Etny stands up, head throbbing and vision swimming slightly. "Shiza! I am never touching argaklel again!"
She sits on her bed for a few minutes, waiting out the dizziness, her head in her hands, breathing deeply.
Etny, there is a knock at your door. The voice of Miss Applebrew carries through the wood. "Hello dear, fancy a bite to eat to settle your stomach? All paid for." She chuckles. "It should help."
"J-Janae-dera," she says, a little surprised. "Yes...yes! That would be amazing!"
Etny rises slowly from the bed, making sure not to exacerbate her already precarious balance, and makes her way slowly to the door. Opening it, she sees Janae standing there, a knowing smile on her face.
Etny returns a weak smile back, and rubs her upper arm sheepishly.
"Can...may I have some help...with the stairs, ora? I do not think I am quite...into my feet yet after that...drink."
Jannae flashes a toothy grin up at Etny. "Won't be necessary deary."
She moves so you can see a plate and a pitcher in her hand. "Brought it to ya. Fresh water, boar bacon and quail eggs. It'll knock you back on your feet again."
She bustles into the room, setting the food and drink on the table. "Here beautiful, over here." Rather motheringly she guides you by the hand to a chair.
"I take it you ain't drank much before, have ya? Might wanna start off with some tamer stuff." She chuckles.
Etny allows herself to be guided to the small one-person table in the room, and eyes the delicious food hungrily.
"Harra, thank you, Janae-dera," Etny says quietly. She smiles again, and begins with the boar bacon.
"Anga is dragon in your tongue. I did not explain this well earlier..."
"Aaah...! So you were the lass who roped it!" Her smile widens, sitting nearby. She wipes her hands on a towel over her shoulder.
"There were many rumours flying around the bar the other night... Zeed is known to exaggerate. Especially when the booze is flowing. But I can tell you're not. A dragon... Fantastic, deary. And your friend helped? The bearded, green eyed fella?"
She takes a drink of water, and sets the mug down. "The Antraht--dwarf," she corrects herself, "he delivered the killing blow to the beast."
She lets out a belly laugh and refills your mug. "He looks like the protective type. You seem a good hunting team."
Etny chuckles, taking the full glass gratefully. "He is a good-hearted Antrahtu. The funny part is...we only just met a few days ago." Her face darkens a little. "Of course, then, we weren't exactly...," she tilts her head, thinking for a moment, "...hunting partners."
"The sea blows in many strange folk, who meet in many strange ways. Some for a long time... Some a short time. That's why I like to live here."
Jennae leans back with a sigh. "It blew my heart into port and here it stayed. I love meeting the new faces... I've gotten good at guessing who sticks around. Who's up to no good. Who's a liar. Who's a lightweight." She chuckles.
"I knew you probably were, but it was a slow morning and I knew if you were gonna try some alcohol... might as well do it somewhere safe like my little Lair." The barmaid winks.
"You're quite the complimentary partner to Mr. Bottomless stomach. Haha! I think he drained a whole barrel of ale that night of the party... Probably to replace all the blood he lost."
Etny smiles again, her violet eyes shimmering. "You're probably right. And I believe you, Janae-dera. We do compliment each other." She chuckles to herself, noting that the black mood from earlier has lifted, if somewhat. Outlanders were very kind. Etny would remember this. To the end of her days...
"He seems like the type to have argaklel for blood, doesn't he!"
Jennae laughs, patting the girl on the shoulder. "You got a word for everything, dontcha?"
---
Oredion, you follow your nose out to the market down closer to the docks. You haven't really stopped at any of the stalls since you've been here, but you can tell that some of them change out each day. Others look a little more permanent, perhaps locals selling their wares to travelers.
You see a stall for vegetables, one for ship flags, another for musical equipment and one for jerky. There's a stall with gear for cave spelunking, one for diving, and another full of rare bones and skulls. Near the end you find a butcher, a tanner, and a canner selling pork and apple pies.
(Jerkyyyyyyyyy)
Oredion sighting the jerky stand almost trips. He Rush's up to the stand almost immediately on recovery.
"How much for 10 pieces??"
Oredion eyes the jerky hungerly knowing he's about to taste one of his favorite things once again.
(Yea I'ma skip all the cool stuff all i need is some jerkyyyy 😂😂😂)
(Lolol)
The sign above it says "The Salted Calf" and has pelts tacked to the back wall. There is a gnome and an orc working the stall together. The orc lets out a loud laugh at your excitement, his tusks sticking out at a silly angle.
The gnome says with a buck-toothed grin, "Well h-h-howdy gee to ya, f-fella! W-wha' kind would ya like? We have s-several! M-maybe some of each, ya? Our own s-special recipe. 2 g-gold for a full p-pound!" Despite his stutter and his messy hair he's very friendly.
Oredion still giddy with joy looks at the Gnome with a serious face.
"I'll take 3 pounds."
He then proceeds to slide 6 gold coins across the counter.
"O-oh ho! G-gee, Fal, this f-fella like jerky as much as you!" He titters a high pitched laugh.
The orc chuckles, intently picking different meats out for you. His voice is deep and toothy. "Venison... Beaver... Gator... Bulette... Boar... Badger... Wolf... Owlbear... Spider..."
(I love how excited ore is lololol
Oredion excited to know end, mouth watering lets out an excited sigh.
"You men are doing gods work here. I can't wait to try it. It all looks so goooood."
(Ore LOVES jerky. Little known fact till now lol)
"Oh gee t-thanks mister!! You're sure welcome!" The little gnome smiles bigger and runs his hand through his hair, his ears bright red. Fal just chuckles. "Hur hur... Very welcome sir. Come back for more. Or if you catch things, we buy... Just need fresh."
Oredion smiles not at the guys working the stall but at the 3 pounds of jerky in his hands.
"Uh huh.. will do fellas."
He walks away mouth watering. He tries the first bite and almost cried. Oredion's mouth now completely full of pure mouth watering flavor. He instantly knew he was chewing on the gator jerky. It had a sweet yet salty taste to it. The top of the jerky was chewy yet soft in the middle. He starts look around seeing people around him eyeing him curiously. He starts to jog back to the inn in case someone wants to steal his precious jerky.
(Omg Collin I'm dying 🤣😂 I love it
The barmaid stands up when Etny's done eating and takes the dishes for her. "How are you feeling now?"
Oredion runs into the bar and runs up the cursed stairs rounds the corner and runs into Etny's room yelling.
"I have JERKYYYY."
He sees the bar maiden Jennae and blush's knowing he's a full grown Dwarf running into a maiden's room yelling jerky. Oredion looks completely embarrassed and quickly looks between the two. He then slowly backs out the door and closes it quickly. All they can hear is Oredion's loud footsteps quickly walk to his rented room and quickly close the door with a loud thump.
Etny, having watched this whole exchange, begins chuckling, which then becomes chortling, which then becomes full-on belly busting laughter. Etny laughs and laughs, and laughs some more. Why, she's never laughed this hard until now! She is hunched over the little table, hugging her stomach, finding it difficult to breathe, she is laughing so hard. Hot tears of mirth and utter joy steam down her face.
After about a minute or two of this, Etny finally calms down enough to get her wits about her. Standing, she holds up a forefinger in the air to Janae, indicating to wait a second.
She leaves her room, and slowly approaches Oredion's room. Knocking lightly on the door, she asks, "still..still have some of that jerky, Oredion-Antrahtu?"
Oredion dosent even move to check the door he just sits there to embarrassed to do much then get a few words out.
"Aye I do but, I'm not home."
Oredion gives a small chuckle on the other side of the door.
"Not home," she says incredulously, a smile growing on her face. "Come Antrahtu, I want to try some of that jerky you got! Don't worry, no need to be embarrassed."
Oredion stands by the door and almost like a child says.
"I'm not coming out and your not coming in. Here's some damn jerky."
Oredion slides one of each of the flavors he bought under the door.
"Oredion-Antrahtuuuuu...," she whines slightly. "I promise I won't laugh anymore. I should not have laughed so hard at your expense, elenn. I was wrong to do so."
(11 persuasion)
Oredion cracks the door open slightly eying the huntress.
"You feeling better yet. It's not good to be drinking so much in the morning."
Etny looks down in shame, her face and ears burning with embarrassment. She sets her eyes.
"Y-yes, Oredion-Antrahtu. I'm...I'm doing much better thank you. I don't think I'll be touching argaklel anytime soon."
Silently, she is grateful for his sincere concern. Her violet eyes look up and meet his for a moment.
"Good, I was worried about you."
Oredion exits the room and grabs up all the jerky.
"Care to come try some. Jerky is by far my favorite thing. It's just so... So good."
Etny smiles at the dwarf, and beckons for him to come to her room. "Come Ore-elenn," she says, "let us try some of that jerky!"
Oredion decides to follow Etny with his precious jerky.
"So what are your plans for today. We should probably go find the dragon and the mage later."
Etny's face darkens at the mention if the dragonborn. She is silent for a moment, not speaking. "Arach...," she mutters under her breath.
Oredion confused at the change of her tone eyes her curiously.
"Arach? What's that mean lass?"
"O-ohhh, uuuuh, it means...." she stops herself short. Should she lie? It isn't in her nature to deceive.
"It means...liar."
Oredion even more confused hoarsely let's out a cough.
"Ahem.. Trust me lass I do not lie. The jerky is delicious to this I swear."
He lets out a soft chuckle worried she doesn't actually like jerky.
"O-OHHH! No, no, I didn't mean you Oredion-Antrahtu!"
She has quickly turned around, facing him, an apologetic look in her eyes. "I was..." She stops, realizing what she's about to admit, and not fond of the outcome it might bring. "...n-nevermind. It is nothing, elenn."
"What's under your skin Etny? I hope you know you can talk to me. I know we only met a day ago but... Idk your the person I've trusted the most in the last 20 years. Except for Joey here."
Joey jumps out of Oredion's beard at the mention of his name and quickly steals a piece of jerky and scrambles away.
"You little buggers get back here!"
Oredion quickly chases Joey who has run into Etny's room.
(Persuasion 9+3)
(19 dexterity to catch Joey mid-stride as he tries to make his way into her room)
Etny looks into Oredion's eyes, a pained but sincere expression on her face. After a few moments pass, she speaks. Her voice is quiet. Solemn. Resolute.
"He deceived me, Oredion-Antrahtu."
She pauses again, her mind in a distant place for a moment.
"Atriox-Dugairon."
Oredion looks up and stares into her eyes.
"Atriox? How? When? Why?"
Thoughts start to race threw Oredion's mind. "Why would he betray Etny? How did he betray her?"
Etny looks away, and looks back, her face a stoney mask.
"He told me he was a prince, and I foolishly took him at his word. He...," she stops, trying to contain her emotions.
"He forced me to bow before him...when...."
She turns away again. "When we first met."
Oredion not sure on how to reply stands looking at the floor for a few minutes. Then looks up trying to say his words carefully.
"I'm sorry. Bowing under a lie must be hard for you, but I do not know if he is actually lying. He in name is a prince yes, but his kingdom fell when he was young. I think we must speak to him and clarify. Whatever you choose after that I will accept. I am not honor bound any longer after repaying my debt and slaying the frost dragon."
Oredion nervous about what he said, not wanting to offend the huntress, looks at her eyes waiting for a response.
Etny meets the dwarf's gaze, her eyes blazing with an intensity that he's never seen in her eyes before.
"The time for words is past, Oredion-Antrahtu. What he has done is nothing short of a grave insult to me, and my tribe."
The intensity of her violet eyes grows.
"I must salvage my honor as Andraya; I must challenge the Angakresh."
"You plan to fight the dragonborn? Are you sure?"
Oredion's eyes grow with concern for his friends safety.
"Eyeh, Oredion-elenn. It is a matter of great honor. It is not something I can ignore or put aside. I..."
The emotions are strong, and her eyes are misty with threatening tears. "I, like he, lost everyone...everything. I am the last of my tribe to live and be free, Oredion-Antrahtu. To bow before one in power is a privilege and a great honor. The great chieftains of my tribe, with all their glory and power, would never force one to kneel before them, or compel one too bow before them. To do so was taboo, and profanely insulting."
She swipes at her eyes impatiently. "To dishonor and insult me is one thing, Oredion-elenn..."
Looking away, her voice wavering with emotion. "To dishonor and insult my tribe, who is dead, is another matter entirely. I cannot shake off what he has done to me. I MUST challenge Atriox-Angakresh. I MUST regain mine and my tribe's honor."
Oredion takes a moment to process her words. He knows how she feels, yet is conflicted to jump to a fight so fast without hearing one another out first. The dwarves eyes flash a dark green as a hint of rage Wells up inside him. He is starting to get angry. On one hand he has one of the warriors who saved him from being a goblins plaything enslaved and tortured. While on the other hand he has someone he's grown extraordinarily close to over a short amount of time. Oredion feels he could disclose anything with his new found companion while he has barely met or spoken with the Dragonborn Atriox.
"I.. I will help you Etny. I know this is a personal matter and will stay out of it for the time being, but if I feel you are in danger I will act without question."
Oredion looks determinedly into Etny's violet eyes his voice determined without falter.
She meets his intense gaze, her violet eyes flashing with equal determination. She rests a hand on his shoulder knowingly.
The two of them enter Etny's room, and she takes a seat, her violet eyes averted to the far wall. "Arat, I am...I am sorry, Oredion-elenn. I did not mean to drag you into my problems and troubles. You are right: they ARE personal. I do not wish my inner hardships on anyone, especially you. Ora, please...," her expression is pleading, "I cannot deny your loyalty, Oredion-elenn, but...I need to do this on my own. It is...a matter of deep honor."
"I understand."
Oredion averts his eyes. He feels he must say something anything to stop her from acting rash, but nothing comes out. He sits in silence for what feels an eternity. He decides he must at least say something.
"May I at least accompany you to challenge him. I swear on my dwarven pride I will not jump in. I... I just need to be there."
He looks down his eyes start to grow a bright green. Rage fills his insides at the thought of Etny getting hurt without him being there. He tries to calm himself to no avail. Oredion now lost to his rage sits quietly planning his next move carefully ready for any answer Etny may give him.
Etny feels more than sees a change come over her friend. She looks at him with deep concern, noting the greenish glow to his eyes.
"Oredion-elenn, I..."
She doesn't know what to say. On the one hand, she feels guilty for dragging the dwarf into her personal issues, yet on the other hand, she feels comforted by his offer to at least accompany her.
She cannot shake the feeling that meeting this dwarf and this group was a fate unforseen to her. Something in the way that all of this came together intrigues Etny. It has only been a couple of days, but she feels a deep connection to this dwarven man.
She almost can't believe how much she's grown to admire him in such a short time, especially after he threw his axe into her shoulder when they first met.
"Oredion-elenn, harra, thank you...I wish you to be my official witness when I challenge Atriox-Angakresh."
Oredion looks up relieved she will let him go. Rage is still building behind his eyes. He sets the jerky down on the table in Etny's room and turns to face her.
"Good, now let us be off to find this dragonborn."
With that said Oredion walks out of the room ready to face anything that may lie ahead.
Etny rushes forward, takes the dwarf's head in her hands momentarily, and plants a kiss there.
Turning bright red, redder than her auburn hair, she turns away, letting Oredion lead the way.
Etny retrieves her bow and arrows, as well as her tribe's javelin.
She is nervous beyond belief, but if any time is the right time, it is the present.
She steels herself for the task ahead.
Oredion blown away from Etny's action freezes. His cheeks turn as red as Cherry's and his ears change to a bright red. He quickly grabs his weapon and armor from his room and meets Etny at the front of the bar.
"Are you ready for this? Once we go out this door there's no turning back."
Oredion glances at Etny out of the corner of his eye and sees her completely prepared for battle. He feels dumb for asking, but he can't bring himself not to ask one last time knowing someone will get hurt in the future.
Etny slams the bottom of her javelin onto the floor three times. Her violet eyes blaze with determination.
"I never turn back, Oredion-Antrahtu, except to shoot the enemy behind me. I am ready."
---
At the Velvet Fang, Atriox wakes and heads down to the buffet for breakfast. Sitting down with a plate, someone else sits down across from him. Sage Thayassa. She has a mysterious expression on her face. "Hello, Princeling. Quite a place you have here."
Atriox feels a smile tug at his lips. A pleasant feeling after the events of yesterday. Though he expected to maybe see the female dragonborn the night before he's not entirely surprised to see her this morning.
"Ahhhhhh The Blizzard. I trust your evening was Pleasant Master Thayassa ?"
As to her compliment he looks around the room and then back at her
"Why thank you. A note worthy compliment coming from someone as exemplary as you. You must have seen a hundred establishments superior to this one."
Thayassa raises a scaly eyebrow. She cooly looks around. "Never."
She passes a sealed letter across the table. "I have never had the pleasure of being entertained in such a manner of establishment as this... Although I'm sincerely flattered that you imagine I've been to hundreds." A playfulness dances in her eyes.
Atriox looks embarrassed. He doesn't move to open the sealed letter yet.
"Apparently I'm not such a wordsmith afterall. I did not mean to imply just this type of business. Though I have no moral qualms about this sort if business in particular I know it is not for everybody. I hope I didnt not offend........ I'll give you a discount on the house if you are offended."
Atriox gives her a smirk and holds up the letter
"What.......is this pray tell?"
You hear a strange noise...
She chuckles.
"To each his own..." Thayassa muses. She watches the elf maid go by, thinking for a long moment... And exhales a cold mist from her nostrils.
"It is the sentencing of your... business partner." She pauses again. "I came to deliver it."
Atriox looks at the letter momentarily then puts it in a side pocket. He then looks at the female with a smile playing across his lips.
"I will read this later. I do not wish to sour a good day yet. I wonder madam would you indulge me and take a short trip with me ? You would be back before tomorrow. Probably tonight at latest. I have some things to get done and I'd love to get to know more about the powerful female Dragonborn who has risen to the top of the mage guard. And there is something I think you may find interesting that I'd like to show you. How do you feel about ancient elvish ruins ?"
She blows a cool bit of frost from her snout. "Well our last Tribunal is today..." She tilts her head, placing her claws on the table. "And we are leaving this evening."
Thayassa pauses. "However... it is not common for me to see one of my kind this side of the sea."
Atriox blows some hot steam right back her seeing as she keeps throwing frosty mist in his face. He e gives her a tilted smile flicking his tongue in excitement.
"Alright then. Its decided. Shall we ? If I must have you back by tonight we might as well not delay."
She stands, her claws leaving the table. You notice the food you were eating--even your drink--are frozen solid, little crystals growing on the outside of them.
"Let's see these ancient ruins of yours. The old magic intrigues me."
Dahlia exits the matrons office at that moment, stopping in her tracks as she sees Atriox. Her eyes dart between him and the mage guard woman in surprise.
She seems to hesitate, her face stony. Straightening her outfit a little she heads downstairs with a clipboard, working hard at her new position. A bracelet cuff on her wrist catches the light as she leaves the room.
Atriox gets up as well. "Then we shall leave at once. I'd hate to keep your curiosity contained longer than it need be."
He gives her a smirk and waves his arm torwards the door.
"After you Madam"
The Blizzard follows you, Atriox, from the Fang. You retrieve the large horse tied up outside, the one you got from the keep in the mountains.
She looks it over with a wry smile. "Beautiful animal. Yours?"
Atriox looks at her a little sideways as he pats and runs his hand gently down the horses neck. He returns the smile
"In a manner of speaking. She's mine for now till I return her to the fort. They were kind enough to lend me a horse when I was in a bit of a hurry."
She climbs aboard the horse with you, the animal large enough that you both fit snuggly. It feels like you have your back against a mountain of snow.
"I see. My my, you are quite powerful here in Dragonshore. Well liked. Have you lived here long?"
Atriox chuckles and looks back at her
"Nay only for about 8 days give or take. I guess I work fast. I've been very busy since I landed."
He gently spurs the horse into action
The mage is quiet for a time, mulling over your information. She takes in the sights. She carries herself well on the horse, as if familiar with it. Despite her cool--almost chilly--demeanour at times, she seems polite enough... And quite beautiful. There is definitely a mystery about her that intrigues you.
You pass the edge of town and come to a strange sight. You see Bitey, Tank and Zeed sitting around, playing dice. Behind them sits Tak, fresh armor and javelin in hand. He smirks when he sees you. There are easily two hundred kobolds behind him, waiting.
People near town whisper and stare, nervously watching the creatures. Watching you.
Atriox steers the horse up to Tak and the boys. Once there he looks at Tak with a smile.
"Hail there brother. How have things been since I left you in charge of the army ? Are you settling in well ? "
Tak nods. You can see the kobolds behind him look a mix of bored, agreeable and irriated. Perhaps some still aren't fans of him, but it looks more the part of a leader all cleaned up.
"You need Tak stay or go? Who we fight? The bitey one not say much." He wrinkles his nose. "Just say wait here."
Atriox snorts a little
"Yes he's not one for words. There will be no fighting. At least not yet. We do not know when the Orc army will come. This town needs to be defendable. You will set up a routine Tak. These kobolds here will work to guard the town for a period of time. Then they are to be relieved by a equal amount of troops. I will let you decide the switch intervals. While the kobolds are here I expect them to work on defenses.Trenches, barricades,wooden spikes. The whole works. I would think you'd be more of use at the camps. Habe you found any shining candidates among your breathern that you could trust with more responsibilities? Like commanders, lieutenants, officers ?"
He looks thoughtful. Glancing over his shoulder, Tak points. There are a small group of blues near the back having a sparring match. One is easily defending himself against three others. Each strike is knocked away by his javelin, twirling around him like a whirlwind.
"Darr. He strong. We fought." He smiles and you see he's lost a tooth. "I beat him. He listen to me now."
Atriox watches this Darr for a minute then looks back at Tak
"As long as you trust him. Promote him, leave him in charge with his orders and we will see how he does. We are heading to the camps ourselves."
Atriox motions to his passenger
Tak nods and stands up. "Yes Atriox. Will listen. Will do."
The two of you canter off through the forest. You show your guest the sights of the grove, now devoid of any villainous goblins. The strange dragon bones and the sanguine glow intrigue her greatly. Once in a while you spot blue scales flitting through the trees, but otherwise the only sounds and sights that follow you are the pleasant twittering of birdsong.
"There is definitely an old magic here... Ancient. The heart of the forest is alive with it. Do you feel it, princeling?"
Atriox nods looking around
"I do feel it. I feel its warmth inside of me. It is what remains of the ancient spirit of Pyrlanth. Those are his bones you see over there. He has a freind that lives around here still. I need to speak with her. Would you like to meet her ? I warn you her visage is very scared and only a part of her remains in this world. She is as old as those bones."
Thayassa smiles. "I would be very interested to meet her... This spirit of the old world. Lead the way."
You pass through a thicker part of the grove spotting the knotted trees leading to the elven maid's small cottage.
Atriox dismounts from the horse and helps Thayassa do the same even though he knows she probably doesn't need his help. He ties the horse up and puts his blade into the ground blade first. He approaches the cottage slowly. Though his hands aren't up this time he is still cautious. He gently knocks on the door
The door opens noiselessly at the soft touch, as if it wasn't even latched. You see the elven maid with her back to you. She appears to be meditating, legs crossed and floating slightly off the floor. Around her lay dozens of pulsing firebloom blossoms.
"Welcome, dragonkin. You paid your respects as you passed through Pyrlanth... I felt you there. I felt your reverence. I feel the clensing of the blighted goblins from the forest. What kind hearts. The trees hum your name."
You almost forgot how cryptic Krysvyre was, even more so than Thayassa.
Atriox bows in respect
"I kept my word Krysvyre. I wanted to check up on you and inform you that we were successful. I should have known you would already know.It pleases me that the forest is at peace.I also wanted to introduce you to Master Thayassa the Blizzard. She is an Elite member of the Mage Guard.
The apparition turns her thin face, her old eyes lingering on the magi. Her feet lower to touch the floor. The few clumps of her silvery hair gently shift against her burned skin as she approaches.
"Hello to you, Master Thayassa. It is well that you visit. You seek history? Truth? Whispers carry on the wind..."
She retrieves and passes a book--the same book that she read to you when you first came by--into the hands of the Blizzard. Inside the cover are several new pages of notes.
"May this old lore please your intriguing mind. May more softened hearts feel of Pyrlanth's warmth." Her visage flickers slightly, caught in a breeze from the door.
Atriox simply watches with curiosity
The Blizzard takes the offering. "I would be honored, Krysvyre. Thank you for this meaningful knowledge... History is precious. Alive."
The ghostly being flickers again. "Atriox... Continue your search for Droven Whyte. If my friend fell due to the ancestors of that town of yours...their demise over what was taken would be a morose end."
Atriox nods to the ancient elf
"I finally have some free time coming up. I will continue to hunt down that name and the artifact he holds. I swear it still my lady...........forgive me for asking but is there nothing we can do to help ?"
He points to how she keeps flickering.
The spectre gives Atriox a soft smile. She floats to him, taking his claw in her old, frail hands. "You are. I am growing faint because I am finding peace. There is a new Keeper of Pyrlanth's Grove... Growing in power each day. Soon my spirit will find rest with my friend... We will soar the endless ethereals together."
Atriox is stunned and a little emotional. He just stands there awkwardly. Keeping his face down to try and hide the emotions
Old Krysvyre floats up and kisses you on the forehead. "Peace, after so long... What a great gift you have brought me."
She puts a palm to the dragonborn's chest. A warmth fills his soul. "To mingle with the essence of Io. His scales in the stars. To have the great Bahamut guide Pyrlanth and I..." At the mention of the names, your heart burns.
Atriox bows his head. He try's to speak.........
"I am honored that I could in my own small way help you return to Pyrlanths side..........this forest will miss you. I doubt anyone will be able to watch over it as you did."
"My imprint will still be here, as will Pyrlanth's magic. Forever." She drifts into a sitting position again. "But you are a kind spirit, dragonkin. I hope to see it grow into a mighty, beautiful forest from the ether. It will with care, and devotion, and heart."
Atriox decides he's satisfied with this encounter and remembers they are on a bit of a time crunch. He bows his head one last time
"That will he a glorious day indeed my lady. Sadly we must take our leave. Until we meet again keeper of Pyrlanths forest."
He backs away.
Krysvyre nods, letting the door open soundlessly for you both. It's peaceful when you walk back outside. You feel no ill will here, nor any threat like when you first found her abode. Taking the horse, you continue on your way to the acquisitioned kobold camp.
When you arrive, you're rather surprised at what you see. The kobolds have already made quite a few changes. All the goblin bodies have been disposed of (how and where you have no idea, and perhaps don't want to know). Some of the tents have been burned and destroyed, more natural ones put up in their places. Tunnels are being dug, and the pits outside have somehow started filling with water.
When you approach, the kobolds skitter nervously around as they watch you. One approaches wearing a freshly skinned goblin skull for a hat. It still glistens with moisture. He seems rather strong and relaxed. In a gibberishy sort of draconic, he says,
"Hail leader. I Tepid. You return fast. Still taking over camp. Tak took some. Went to humans." He scratches his side with his clawed foot. "Should be back soon. Need or want?"
The Blizzard dismounts the horse and looks around with a cool gaze. "Quite the pleasing little camp you have here. Doesn't look... koboldan necessarily. But well defensible. My my, I wonder how the little ones will do here."
Atriox nods his head. "Who knows? But at least now they have a chance to find out. If they would have continued to slave for Tyranus........they would never have gotten anywhere. Under my rule I hope they will find happiness as well as fulfillment."
She nods, content to observe. She studies the mountains in the distance, and the landscape surrounding this edge of the forest. "It is a good place. A strong place with much sun, and room. With the right structure they'll grow, like in my homeland."
Atriox just simply says
"That is the hope."
He let's out a breath and looks to Tepid
"You are doing good work. All of you. This is turning into a fine stronghold. Keep up the good work and the rewards shall follow."
He looks back to the Blizzard "shall we carry on ? You came here for the ruined temple. We should use our time wisely. You only have till tonight afterall."
She smiles. "Let us see this place." She walks casually back to the horse, and the two of you ride off to the temple.
Atriox, you make it to the temple by late afternoon. After some small talk with the Blizzard you've learned a bit about her homeland, their travels, and The Juniper. It sounds like they have quite a few jobs ahead of them in the area, which is why they must leave so soon. The conversation is pleasant though and passes the time well.
You arrive at the temple, finding it well stocked--better than ever. The kobolds you brought back with you through the portal have definitely made improvements already, moving more dirt and debris from the inner, collapsed rooms. You spot a pile of old, rusted and dirty artifacts they've no undoubtedly excavated and dumped, for lack of knowledge as to what they are.
Atriox grunts
"They're making progress."
He gets off the horse and barks out
"Who is in charge here ?!"
Most of the kobolds immediately point to you out of respect.
One or two point to another kobold wearing several different types of woven linen. Realizing their mistake they quickly change direction and point back to you.
Atriox rolls his eyes
"Who here can give me a update of what has been done since my absence."
The one that was pointed to before steps forward. "Vele." She smiles up at the dragonborn, providing her name. "We bring in many supplies. Excavate new room. Bring over hoard as requested." She tilts her head, and you notice her markings are a little different. She has more curved bone spurs off her jaw, and a different style of teeth.
"Wolves not want come. Cannot swim to bottom. We fetch new wolves here. Training... takes time but can do."
Atriox looks at the little female
"Vele you say ? That a strong name. Tell me.....why did some of your breathern point you out do you think ? And why do you look a little different ?"
He points out what he means
She glares at the other kobolds, adjusting her clothes. "I keep them in line. I came from other tribe. We blended long ago, up in mountains. I make strong things. They like. They treat with good support."
Atriox nods "hmmm interesting. I wasn't aware of another tribe. Well Vele. I sense a good nature about you and the others trust you. You answer to Tak and then of course me but from now on you are in charge of the temple. That means you are in charge of the fortifications, the construction, and the digging and most importantly.....keeping everyone in line. Think you can do it ?"
She smirks. "Yes, dragon. Can do very well."
---
Alrik, you wake... In a little, one room shack on the edge of town. A few days ago you commissioned some help to build it. A peaceful place away from the crowds and noise.
Alrik steps outside, enjoying hearing birds singing their morning tunes. Rekindling the fire from the night before, he sits down on a stump and takes a deep breath. "I like The Fang... but this peace and quiet is nice in it's own right."
After a breakfast of coffee, bacon, and a couple eggs he found nearby, the Storm Caller grabs both staffs as well as the potions, the wooden ring and waterskin of blood, and walks into town. Hoping to find Nathbryn, he heads to The Juniper.
The sea air is crisp and refreshing this time of morning. It's pleasant. The sounds of the dock yard are a cacophony of noise, and can't help but remind you of what transpired yesterday...
As you approach the ship, you spot Nathbryn sitting on the railing high above... one leg over another, eyeing the crowd below. Her whip lazily swings from side to side in her hand. A smirk crosses her face when she sees you. "Why hello, Tempest... Coming for the trial today?"
Alrik cracks his neck from side to side, letting out a sigh. "Yes, among other things..." he kicks the deck nervously, not sure how to bring up what's on his mind. "Could you do me a couple favors, Scourge? Er... Nathbryn... I mean... Ms. T'sossz..." he slaps his face into his hand, grumbling to himself for his awkwardness.
"Oh Alrik, you knoooooow how I love to do favors..." she croons, resting her chin in her hand. Her painted nails drum against her cheek.
"...Means they're owed back to me." She flashes him a seductive smile, her eyes almost glowing. "Do you need to discuss these... Favors in private?"
She's not being overly quiet, and you feel quite a few eyes turning your way. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
"Uhhhh.... no, not really. At least, I don't think so?" He leans the staves against the railing and begins rummaging in his satchel for the strange potions he found. Lining them up on a nearby crate, he gestures to them. "I grabbed these out of the dragon hoard, but I don't know what they are... I know enough to know you don't just go drinking whatever you find..." he chuckles
She pouts a little. "I see... Well that's fine too, then. Bring them aboard." The Scourge swings her legs over, landing deftly on deck. She snaps her whip and walks toward the door leading inside.
You follow the Scourge back into the ship. Finding one of the larger rooms, she dramatically sits down and motions for you to place all the items on the table in front of her. "Let's see what beauties you've brought me this time, Alrik..."
She first picks up the potion of green and blue ice crystals, admiring the flask it's in. "Gorgeous crystal work... alone this is worth a few gold. Hm..." She swirls the contents, holding it up to a light. She uncorks it, wafting the smell toward her upturned nose. "Ooooh... what a rarity. A potion of giant's strength. Frost, I might say, given the ice... It reminds me of Thayassa... Mmmm." She corks it again, setting it down. "Unimaginable power, this. With how much is here... likely lasts an hour at the very least."
She picks up the second potion, the deep, bubbling amber. "Oh my, quite the find. Quite the find indeed... Superior healing qualities." The drow tilts the bottle back and forth watching the liquid slosh like thinned honey. "You won't find anything like this in a little ho-hum town like Dragonshore..." She sets it down next to the first.
Nathbryn delicately picks up the last of the three potions and stares at it, curious. "Hm..." She turns it over, watching the teal jelly like substance glub down to the other side of the rounded globe of a container. A smile grows on her face. "Is this...? What I think it is?" She tests the cap, and a very fruity smell fills the room. She lets out a very rich laugh.
"This one... Oh, goodness. Alrik. This one will double your magical abilities... the connection you have with the weave--oh, astounding." Her eyes twinkle. "Would... you like to try this? I would love to witness that. Almost 20 years of study condensed down into in a dessert."
She smiles, her white teeth showing brightly against her ebony ashen skin. "I've only ever seen one of these before in my life..." She leans forward, her voice softening to a whisper. "Jaundree... he used one just like this once."
Alrik's eyes light up in excitement, a faint glimmer of sparks dancing within. He carefully takes the bottle, looking at the liquid and taking in the fragrance of it. A large grin comes across his face as he tips it back, pouring the jelly-like liquid into his mouth.
As soon as the liquid touches your tongue, you feel a strong tingle run through your body. It's utterly delicious. The drow's smile grows.
You feel light and heat come off of your body, a tingling running up the scales on your spine. For a moment you have to close your eyes, the sensation almost overwhelming. Then... you open them again. You feel.... different.
Nathbryn begins to chuckle. Then she starts laughing uncontrollably.
You look down. You're now 2'10" and maybe just over 20 pounds. You were still holding your normal staff against you when you drank it... and now the staff is smaller, too. It looks like a toy.
"Great...." he scowls at Nathbryn. "When do I change back?"
She almost can't speak for laughing so much. Through her tears she manages to say, "I--I didn't completely lie sweetie... Jaundree used one just like this once. Oh he was so excited, and then..." She snickers behind her hand. You should have seen him. Looked like a little bald bearded baby."
Waving her hand, she leans her head back trying to breathe. "It wore off after about four hours. Nothing permanent. Oh... that made this trip so. So worth it."
Alrik climbs up onto the table, standing nearly eye level with her, and points his finger in her face. "As far as favors are concerned, I'd say you owe me more than a few now!" He's trying to be serious, but deep down knows he's hilarious looking and can't keep a completely straight face.
The drow leans forward, struggling not to laugh. She gives him a kiss on the forehead. "That's fair. Still worth it." She pokes him on the nose with a little "boop".
He smacks her hand away with his tiny staff. "Not a word to anyone..."
Leaning past him, snickering, she picks up the waterskin. "No promises."
She sits back again observing the strange object. "Hm... still warm. Strange." She sniffs the irony blood. "A rage fills this one. Something barbaric."
Glancing at the staff and the ring, she raises an eyebrow. "I'm not too sure on those... not my forte. I can try if you'd like, but..." Nathbryn shrugs. "No promises."
Alrik, finally back to normal size after retreating to his room aboard The Juniper to wait it out, ventures back outside to find out what he can about the ring and staff.
As he walks up on the deck, he again spies Nathbryn sitting near the edge, dozing in the warm afternoon sun. He cracks a grin and creeps over, poking her in the ribs with his finger laced with just enough static electricity to wake her up. "So! About one of those favors..."
The Scourge jolts upright, a green mist starting to flood from her hands. Seeing you though, it immediately stops. Her expression turns flat.
"Oh... Yes, what is it? I'm very, very busy right now..." she lays back down, stretching, making to fall asleep again.
"Yes... yes you are." Without waiting for her to respond, he grabs her hand and begins pulling her toward the gang plank and down onto the docks. "You're going to come visit a friend of mine..."
He leads her to Wilster's shop, stopping a few feet from the door. "He's been working on some sort of potion, but it's failing every time."
She begrudgingly follows, an irritated and yet curious expression on her face. "I see..."
The bell tinkles overhead. Wilster's little menagerie of items whirl and chirp about like normal. You spot him at his counter, still focused as usual. When he looks up though he lets out a strangled gasp of surprise. Almost dropping his beaker, he fumbles with it end over end, catching it before it smashes on the ground.
"O-oh!! Welcome! Welcome." He quickly wipes his hands on his robe and smiles.
"Nathbryn, this is Wilster. Wilster... may I present to you Nathbryn T'sossz... The Scourge." He flourishes his hand as he introduces her, giving her a large grin.
She gets a sly smile on her face, not shy at all about her position, her power, or her appearance. She croons, "I've heard marvelous things about you, Wilster... It's a pleasure to meet you."
"N-no the pleasure is all mine!" He squeaks out his compliment. "For what do I owe the p-p-pleasure?" He glances at Alrik in surprise.
(Aka.. What you doing here? Need anything? XD
"I told you if The Scourge showed up I'd introduce you... I know she can help you with your potion problem..."
The alchemist lets out a very soft whine, almost like a suppressed, embarassed giggle. "Ah!! Y-yes. I'm..." He looks down at his ingredients, almost as if avoiding eye contact will help him talk better.
"I've been on the verge of.... Something new, for months. I feel so CLOSE! But it always turns to mud when I add in the rotroot powder."
The Scourge approaches, tracing the counter with her fingers. "Hmm... Rotroot... And braceweed I see. Goat milk? Interesting." She circles around the back, her poisonous voice very sultry as she brushes her hand across the alchemist's shoulder.
"Would a base like sunleaf oil help as a stabilizer? Before you add the rotroot, perhaps?" Her eyes gleam.
His eyes widen, almost lost to her to toying affection. "Sun...leaf... Sunleaf!" He looks overjoyed and turns to hug her. She's taken aback, hands up in the air. Wilster jumps back, hands up. "Sorry! Oh I'm so estatic, that sounds-- yes!! That must be it!"
He grabs a cloak from the wall, tossing a key to Alrik. "Lock up for me will you? Thank you! Thank you Miss T'sossz! You are a genius!" He rushes from the shop to hunt for plants.
Alrik shrugs at Nathbryn as Wilster nearly flies out of the doorway. "I hope it works for him. He's been working in it for a long while..."
She lifts the recent attempt off the table, attempting to dump it out. It's almost cemented in the bottom of the flask.
"Well he was successful in making... Something. Glue?" She sniffs it. "Very noxious glue. I hope that helps."
She sets it down again, wandering the shop looking at the interesting magical items. Picking up a whistling teapot that sounds like a bird, she asks, "Soooo... Does that make up the favor? I think we're even now."
"Oh no! Not even close..." he opens the door. "After you, you pain in my butt..." he smirks and locks the door after her. "The favor I want is for you to funnel rare and obscure potions to me as you come across them. I have plans for them... plans that could help both of us later down the road." (If I need to roll anything, just tell me!)
(hmmm...... Persuasion for me)
The drow lifts an eyebrow. She pets Alrik's cheek with the back of her hand, a smirk growing. "That's a big favor... I'm not sure yet. What's this plan of yours?"
(I used my inspiration point... got a 19)
"Let's just leave it at a benefit to both of us..." he smirks
She leans forward, looking Alrik in the eyes. She stands extremely close, her flowery oleander perfume quite strong. "Hmm... Tempting offer... You're speaking my language now. I do like friends with benefits..."
She traces her fingers up his jaw before turning to walk away, her hand aloft in a wave. "Fine by me, scar-boy. If I come across anything unique... I'll let you know. But unless I'm in a very good mood... they won't always be free." She turns her head to flash a smile.
Alrik grabs Nathbryn's arm in an overly exaggerated manner and pulls her next to him, resting his head on her arm and looking up at her. "I think this is the start of a beautiful partnership..." (he's teasing her by attempting to act like her. Lol)
She stares down into his eyes... And her mask cracks. She can't help but laugh at Alrik's attempt. "Oh please, don't. You're so terribly bad at this." Nathbryn teases. "Partner."
He feigns being offended. "How rude! I'll have you know that I.... yeah, I got nothing..." he grins and chuckles. He nudges her arm and hangs on for a brief minute. "I enjoy being around you, Nathbryn... it feels safe..." after a minute he adds, "even if you do trick me into drinking things..."
Nathbryn smirks, sensing his affectionate lingering. "I have that effect on people, storm mage. I'm a living oxymoron." She tips his chin up and gives him a long kiss.
She pats him on the cheek playfully. "I'll send you some fun potions from my collection later. Let me know how everything goes."
Alrik blushes and turns his head, trying poorly to hide it. "Please label them, and correctly!" He calls after her as she leaves. He takes a deep breath and sighs. "Off to see how much Oxious wants me dead..." he heads across town to The Velvet Fang.
You head into the Fang, the familiar sights and sounds relaxing and uncomfortable...given everything that's happened.
Dahlia raises her eyebrows. "Oh! Welcome Alrik. Haven't seen you in a bit. Here for a meal or a bath?"
"Neither, I'm afraid. I'm here to talk with Oxious. If he's up for a visitor, that is..." he shoves his hands in his pockets and looks at the floor, slightly embarrassed
Dahlia can't help but smile at Alrik. "Sure. He woke up earlier this morning. Didn't want to go to his house yet, so he's... well, relaxing here. I'll take you to him."
She leads the way to the baths and gestures for you to follow. The humidity feels sticky with all your gear on. You spot the tiefling relaxing in one of the end pools by himself, facing one of the walls as if deep in thought.
You walk up. He looks up at Dahlia first. Then his dark eyes flit to Alrik. He glances back at Dahlia, gesturing with his head toward the storm mage. His voice is rather stale and henpecking. "I'm afraid I'm in no need of an escort tonight, my darling matron. He can tend to the other customers."
Alrik grumbles, leaning his staff against the wall. "I came to check on you, you stubborn bastard. We may have our differences and dislike each other, but that experience wasn't something to just brush off..."
Alrik reaches into his bag and pulls out a small bottle of brandy, one he's held over since before he left the desert and hands it to Oxious. The liquid is a golden hue with a slight red tint and sweet to the smell with subtle notes of nuts and cedarwood. "Here. Best brandy I've ever had. Made in a monastery in the deserts across the Great Sea. They make it with a very exotic fruit that I hadn't ever heard of until arriving there."
Oxious takes it carefully and looks it over. He motions for Dahlia. With a bit of a smirk he says, "Alright, leave the ecsort. Bring me two shot glasses please, darling?"
He signals Alrik to go sit in a nearby chair. "You can join me if you wish, I really don't care. And something pleasing like this is too sad to drink alone. I'll share a shot of it with you."
Reclining in the water, the tiefling scratches behind his ear. "And believe me, Tempest, I'm not brushing off anything. It was a beautifully intimate encounter. I'm glad you could share such a moment with me."
Alrik shrugs off his jacket and shirt, hanging them on his staff before stripping down and stepping into a nearby pool scented with cherry blossom. "Trust me... I've had an encounter with Death before, and it's not something I care to do again... The Corpse reminded me entirely too much of that day..." his eyes kind of glass over as his hand drifts to the back of his neck. "That day all those years ago..."
"Oh, so I wasn't your first. Pity, that. I suppose the first time is always special." He leans back, staring up at the enchanted ceiling. "Listen, I know that--oh thank you dear." He takes a couple glasses from Dahlia, then pours out a shot for each of you.
"I know that things could have gone better. But what to do? Really it's all dealt with now, I suppose. You got to see me squeal," he downs his shot and the fantastic flavor hits him. "Damn, that is good..." He coughs and sets the glass down on the rock nearby.
"And I didn't lose my business or get carted off to their magi tower for more acupuncture lessons. Win win, I'd say."
Alrik downs his shot and then slides completely under the water, laying on the bottom of the pool for a brief time. After resurfacing, he looks at Oxious. "Win-win it is, then. Let's put it behind us. Moving forward, I'm going to try and not view you the way I have in the past... I may also bring you items from time to time so that you can help me assess if they are cursed or not."
Oxious sighs loudly. "No, no now I'm not falling for that. Bring me items, get me another slap on the wrist..." He sinks further into the water, his eyes closed and ignoring you somewhat. (You can make a persuasion roll for me lol)
Alrik holds up his hands, the two magic rings glimmering in the dim light. "I have no ill intentions toward you. Anyone who went through a dance with Trak'skulan and came out the other side has spilled everything. You were innocent of what I thought you were doing, and for that I can only attempt to make right with my future actions. You said you collect items of a cursed nature... I collect helpful magical items, such as this..." he gestures the the ring of spell storing and with a grit of his teeth and a wave smelling of exotic fruits and freshly fallen rain breaks through the air, two of the small gems within emit a faint glow. Breathing heavily, Alrik rests his hand on the cool stone around the pool. "I only wish to discern cursed from useful..."
The tiefling looks at Alrik with a unreadable expression. He sniffs. "Ah, yes. But you see, I no longer collect items of a cursed nature... for study or otherwise. That was the old me that died." He waves his hand flippantly, but there's a hesitation there.
Not looking at Alrik, he stares off at a spot on the wall. "But in curiosity, if you had procured an interesting item and brought it to me, what was it?"
"I'm not sure if I've come across any yet... I have an odd staff as well as a ring that I do not know the nature of. I thought I'd have Breehani take a look at them, which leads me to my next question... would you like The Enigma to look at your wounds? While Trak'skulan healed them, he is not very gentle... Breehani would be able to fix almost any phantom pains and possibly even reduce the nightmares, if there are any."
Oxious looks over at Alrik, sitting up a little straighter in the pool. You can clearly see he has a very warped, twisted sort of scar on his shoulder where Trak'skulan speared him and then healed him.
"Although the... Enigma... was definitely the kindest of you all during the proceedings, I must say I'm not thoroughly sure I'd like to step foot on that ship again. No offense."
He gives a half smirk. "Plus scars are useful. This one here now reminds me I have to be careful who I'm a prick to, or they'll come back to bite me in the ass."
Looking away, he shrugs. "Regardless... if I were to provide assistance of a magical nature, what benefit is there for me?"
Alrik smirks. "Yes, those who mess with storms tend to get struck by the lightning..."
He pours them each another shot of the foreign brandy and takes a small sip of his, savoring the flavors. "As for benefits for you, I am interested in setting up a... trade... of sorts. Not just between the two of us, but between me and whomever is interested. Rare and exotic potions, magical items, spell scrolls... think something along the line of Wilster's shop, but not just localized to Dragonshore..."
He takes another sip before continuing. "Of course, I'm going to extend the same offer to Wilster... I would have you do the preliminary screening to make sure the prospective buyer is sane of mind for such purchases... the last thing we need is another mad mage getting his hands on a powerful magic item."
Oxious is not amused by the lightning comment but listens nonetheless. After hearing your explanation he takes a sip of his drink again.
"I see... interesting. Tempting. And would I have a stake in the profits of said business, perhaps? Or am I just helping because I'm a bleeding heart of generosity?"
"But of course you would take a share of the profits... 10% to you, 10% to Wilster, should he agree to join the endeavour... 20% to another interested party, and 60% for myself, more than half of which will be used for procuring more items."
He drains the rest of his glass and grunts as he stands up in the pool. Snatching a towel from nearby, he dries off and then wraps it around the rest of him. He definitely has the lower half of a satyr, white fur matching his head and his cloven hooves clacking on the stone.
The tiefling slips on a silk robe. "Been a while since I've been able to enjoy this place. Come. Let's go to my office and discuss this further. I'm sure you know the way blindfolded now." He waves and walks off, snatching an apple from the buffet.
Alrik stands and dries off, once again dressing in his uniform. Making sure the cork is properly seated in the small bottle, he puts it back into his satchel and makes his way to the office, grabbing a bowl and putting a variety of fruits into it as he passes the buffet.
You head downstairs with your food, going to the door you've come to know rather well. Oxious is reclining on the couch, halfway done with his apple. There's some soft music playing somewhere in the room.
"Show me these items you are speculatively talking about... I'm curious to see what you'll be making me deal with."
"The staff is currently in my cabin on the edge of town, but I do have the ring in question with me..." he pulls out the ring, still wrapped in it's fabric cover Alrik used to grab it.
He reaches over to take it, unwrapping it carefully and handling it with the cloth. "Hmmmm..." You see his eyes light up a little. Despite his attempts to look unconcerned, there's definitely an enjoyment there...
"Interesting... Very interesting." Oxious picks a wand up from the table, testing a few spells on the small crimson ring. "Looks normal on the outside. Beautifully crafted. It is definitely magical. It has a... healing aura to it."
He sets it on the table and tests another spell or two. A fine mist raises from the ring and the tiefling chuckles. "Yes. This is definitely cursed. Seems like it gives out quite a strong healing effect. But once you lose that vitality... it begins draining your life force. What a beautiful red lie you are..."
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