@Andrew Woodhouse Etny, your dreams are filled with dark shadows and small places. Quiet hiding spots where whispers creep out of the crevices of the earth. You hear chittering. Noises. You can't make out what they say but they make you uneasy. Uncomfortable. The growling of a bear can be heard in the distance, but you can never tell from where. It feels like it is all around you sometimes. Whenever you run towards it, it feels farther away. Then other times... it is right behind you. You feel cold, as if caught in a snow drift--something that happened when you were younger. It's an eerie feeling, so real it seems.
@Collin J. L. Robinson Oredion... your dreams are full of blood. Crying. Laughter too. The smell of peppermint keeps cutting through to your nose over everything else, as if keeping you sane. Keeping your rage at bay. Is it? Or does it fuel it? You can't tell, but your anger is so... overwhelming. Why must things be so hard? Why can't you find these goblins who took your home? Took everything from you. You have nothing. Nothing. Do you? The smell comes to your nose again. A very large salamander flicks its tongue at you as you turn around. It is bright gold, staring at you. Smoke comes from its nose as it turns its head. It looks toward the sunrise. A red sunrise.
You jolt awake, feeling your hand gripping something tightly. Your eyes refocus in the dimly lit room. The single candle having burned out a few hours prior... You see you're still holding Etny's hand. You had fallen asleep in a chair beside her bed. With a sigh you look at it, caress it with your thumb, but it feels.... clammy. She seems to be sleeping still, but fitfully. Her face is flushed with a fever.
One of the other healers makes his way in, startling you. "Oh, so sorry sir." The young man is 16, maybe 17. He seems an apprentice, and wears robes of some other kind than you've seen Petvin in. "We just arrived, came from the Barony of Aren. We heard there was likely need of healers here in a few days time, but seems we were late--" He walks up, handing you a jug full of water and some towels. "Do you require any assistance? The high cleric here, a dwarf? He sent me to check on the lady."
He seems nervous, messy hair and a bag full of salves and bandages. A silver pendant of Pelor hangs around his neck. "He asked me to run some restorative magic over her injuries, he feared they were likely becoming infected? Many soldiers have been dealing with it out in the hall, diseased undead and all that." He kind of shifts uneasily, as if nervous about it himself. "Oh, I'm Benjamin by the way. Sorry, pleasure. I heard a dwarf with fiery eyes was one of the ones who helped save the city. I take it that's you?"
Oredion keeps hold of Etnys hand as he sits forwards. He eyes the boy, but waves him over to look at Etny's wounds.
"Come on over and look her over kid. She's asleep and I would like it to stay that way. So be gentle. She's not the type to sleep well. Have anything that might soothe her dreams a bit?"
Oredion looks at the boy with a smile. He completely ignores the kid asking if hes the dwarf with fiery eyes. He rather not be questioned about what took place on the battlefield.
@Collin J. L. Robinson Benjamin jumps a little and comes over. He's a husky young lad, human, with a kind face and gentle demeanor. He has a bit of a strange look to his own eyes, very bright and crystalline colored. Working carefully so he doesn't wake her, he disrobes her shoulder and you see the discoloration apparent in the bruises and scabbing.
"I have something for the sleep, actually. It's somewhat of a specialty where I'm from." He pulls out a vial that has the consistency of healing potion, but the color of lilacs or blueberry cobbler. He blushes a bit. There's a bit of homesickness on his face, though he's likely not been gone long. "My mom owns a shop in Aren, she makes stuff like this special. The temple loves using it. Would you mind...?"
Benjamin holds the bottle out to Oredion for him to give it to Etny. He moves around the bed to get a better angle of the injury. Pouring some holy water atop the worst areas, he swabs out as much of the disease as possible and places his hands a hairs' breadth above it. Closing his eyes he hums a low note, a soft glow coming from his palms as he casts a lesser restoration spell.
Oredion takes the bottle thankfully and carefully opens Etnys mouth. He pinches her nose shut and pours the liquid carefully down her throat. Hes not quite sure if he did it right, but is relieved when the liquid disappears into her system. He looks at the boy and gives him a wink and pulls out a small bag of 10 gold coins and forces it into the boys hand.
"Thank ya lad... I'm not much of the healing sort myself. I just hit things until it goes down or I do. Take this coin for helping her."
@Collin J. L. Robinson Finishing his spell, the boy is utterly shocked by the offer. "W-what? Really? Are you use? T-this is so much..." He hesitates. "I can't possibly accept." He seems taken aback and shy about the whole thing, glancing at the unconscious woman again.
"Lad it's nothing much. Please take it. I would be honored if you do so."
Oredion gives the boy a reassuring look and a smile. He notices him looking down at Etny and speaks up.
"Shes a hell of a fighter lad. Her names Etny and well... she is very dear to me. Me and her seem to get hurt quite often. Dosent help that I'm the one that keeps getting her hurt. Now please take the coin. Think of it as helping your family when you get home."
Oredion with his words of hurting Etny quickly let's go of her hand a little ashamedly.
@Collin J. L. Robinson Benjamin looks super shy but grateful nonetheless. He puts the gold carefully in his bag and watches you with the woman. "Well it looks like you're taking good care of her. You seem a hero to me, sir, with the way the town's been talking." He stands up, setting a few more bottles of the sleeping concoction on the table with some salves and bandages.
"Here, least I can do for the coin. Feel free to stop in if you're ever in town. I'll be back to check on her in a few hours."
"Thank ya lad... it means a lot."
Oredion sets back in his chair again trying to relax, but none the less stays awake. He does not take Etnys hand in his own again. He simply places his hand atop of hers.
A day has passed. Or has it been a year? A decade? It feels like she's been asleep forever, and has not had a chance to wake up until now. Etny's waking is slow, lethargic, and drowsy. Her eyes are heavy, and her body feels like it's swimming in a deep pool of sleepiness. She can't help but feel the comfortable bed she's laying on beckon to her to fall instantly back to sleep, sinking into its pillows and cushions, as if floating on a calm river. Nevertheless, Etny opens her bleary eyes, and looks up. There is a large blur near her bed, and she can feel a hand resting on hers. Blinking away the sleep, she clears her vision, and finally sees Oredion the Bronze sitting in a chair next to her bed. His big burly hand rests gently on hers, and she smiles inwardly.
"Oredion-elenn...how...how long was I out?" Her words slur slightly with drowsiness. "I think...I think I feel a lot better now." Her shoulder aches, but it does not have the lancing, searing pain it had before she passed out.
Oredion sits up startled a bit. He couldn't fall back asleep and has been sitting there in daze with his thoughts. Hes not quite sure how long they have been there. The hours have just started to melt together in his mind. He looks at Etny happily.
"Glad your awake! Didn't know how much longer I could wait for sleeping beauty to wake up. As for how long... well your guess is as good as mine."
Oredion laughs and takes his hand off of hers and places it on his knee to stand.
@Andrew Woodhouse @Collin J. L. Robinson Petvin enters at that moment, a smile on his tired face. "Oh praise Pelor she's awake... Benji said she wasn't doing all that well this morning. Looks like the boy has some potential after all." He closes the door behind him, patting Oredion on the shoulder. He gives you a curious look, sensing something off about the color in your face and the scruffiness overall. There's definitely something different than when he first met you but he can't pinpoint what.
He says nothing about it, but turns to Etny instead. "Arm feeling well? I don't recommend you using it too much just yet, take it easy for a week or so... You'll be up and around in no time. Humans are resilient... not as sturdy with injuries as dwarves can be, but if I've learned one thing from working here all these years it is how tenacious men are! Er, women. Both of which, of course." He coughs, shaking his beard slightly as he tries to not show how flustered he is. He's definitely tired, and may have had a drink or two trying to steady his nerves.
Petvin quickly scoops some salve into the wound and patches it up again within seconds, then ties up a sling around your neck to support it while it heals. "Not to shoo you away just yet heroes, but I do need some extra beds soon... Are you feeling well enough to move, huntress?"
Etny looks up at the healer, and then at Oredion, and back to the healer again. She nods silently, ready to be done with healing. "Resilient...or foolhardy," she remarks. "Or both."
She slowly sits up with Petvin's help, and carefully swings her legs around to the side of the bed. Then...she slowly, steadily, a little shakily, stands up. For a moment, she feels like her knees want to give out, but she steels herself, and stands up to her full height, all the same. She takes a tentative step forward, and then another. With each step forward, she can feel the strength returning to her legs and feet, and body overall. She smiles at Petvin, and gives him a nod.
"Thank you, good healer. You have done well, despite so much death and injury. Come, elenn," she gestures to Oredion. "What say we have some drinks, eh? I think I can hold my liquor well enough, and don't worry...I won't ask any...strange questions."
She smiles, and holds out a hand to help Oredion onto his feet.
Oredion accepts her hand hesitantly with a smile.
"Aye that sounds like a better plan then any. Feel free to ask a the strange questions you want lass. I feel like an open book today."
He gives her a wink as he stands. He pats Petvin on the shoulder and tries to quickly exit the room.
@Collin J. L. Robinson @Andrew Woodhouse You both leave the temple and make your way down the hill toward the harbor. The smells of food from the market are intoxicatingly nice. Despite the battle that transpired, ships still come in to port and leave port each day... bringing with them new blood and supplies. There is a strangeness and a normalcy with it all. Peace... the setting sun lights everything in a golden glow.
You pass through the market and past several new booths that have sprung up since last week. One that catches your eye is a stall labeled "Marvelous Meads, Awesome Ales, and Special Spirits." A funny-looking tabaxi wearing a colorful vest and white parachute pants waves at you.
Etny spots the alcohol stand, and pointing to it, she gestures to Oredion.
"Come elenn! Let us try some drinks here! Then we can ask all sorts of weird questions to one another!"
Chuckling a little, she walks up to the stand, and slamming her fist firmly on the counter, lays down her demand for drink.
"I require your hardest and most exotic drink for myself and my friend here!"
Oredion shakes his head slowly and chuckles. He walks up to the stand she went to and Pat's her on the back good naturedly.
"Sounds like a plan Et! Your questions are one in a million around here."
He let's out another loud chuckle.
@Andrew Woodhouse @Collin J. L. Robinson The tabaxi smiles a wide, toothy grin. "I like your spirit girl! And you'll like mine!" He pulls you closer with is furry hands and gestures to his table. "The name's Cheeky! Cheeky Chance. Always have new things coming in, new and fantastical! Fantastical and new! Anything catch your interest? Don't worry about price just yet, we can always discuss! Or you tell me what you think it's worth, go on!"
His orange tail swishes from side to side. Oredion, you step forward too looking at the strange bottles. He points out several interesting ones that he has today.
The first he holds up is clear, and labeled "Water." His snaggletoothed fangs poke out. "Illusionist's draft!" His whispers loudly. "When you want to enjoy a secret drink. Extremely potent."
Another he holds up, a amber concoction of powdery liquid. "Caramom, newt, werewolf... fantastic grain alcohol! When you wanna feel like someone new." He gives a wink, handing it to Oredion.
"Ritual Ale!" A black bottle with a white firework painted on the front. "A sugar cube, meticulously melted over a glass of purified Mage's Alcohol, with drops of Blood Whiskey." He waves his hand over the front of the bottle mysteriously. "For the discerning drinker.... it will fill you with amazing energy!"
He bounds behind the table, pulling out another bottle with a twitch of his whiskers. "Mead of Concentration... a halfling mead made from hibiscus honey and clover, aged 30 years! Imported from the south. Only have a few of these.... fantastic for meditation. Anything tickle your fancy?"
Oredion fumbles with the bottle he was handed. He does not like the sounds of any of it. He would rather drink something normal then something with added properties. Oredion looks over at Etny.
"I said," she replies, leaning forward on her elbows on the counter, "bring me me your strongest and most exotic."
Holding up a bag full of gold, she jangles it around.
@Andrew Woodhouse The Tabaxi stops in his tracks, mouth open as he looks as the bag of coin. "Yeeeeeeeees.... o-of course! Of course... Cheeky's got you covered! Let me see..." He blinks as if to clear his mind of the dazzling amount of money and ducks behind the counter. You hear him fishing out something from deep in his stock.
He coughs as he pops out again, shooing dust from his nose. He holds up a deep blue bottle, the liquid sloshing around inside a royal purple color. Across the front of the large container is a pale white label with a metallic blue moon and stars. "This is one of my finest, from far in the southern isles. Moonberry Elixir. It's aged perhaps 20 years. Sweet elven wine layered atop honey rum and pear blossoms. It's light, crisp and grants those who drink it a lucky "once in a blue moon" experience... or so they say. It's one of my strongest, and most just take it half a shot at a time. Eating it with sweets is also recommended." He chuckles, placing it carefully on the counter.
"How does this sound?"
Etny smiles and looks the bottle over. "Oredion-elenn, what do you think of this? I do not wish to throw myself into a coin bargain today, but what do you think it's worth?"
"Hmm I'd say no more then 10 gold, but that's just me... We could always get free drinks at the inn, but nothing quite like this. I'd say it's up to you Et. We've definitely done enough as of late to splurge a bit..."
Oredion takes the bottle inspecting it carefully.
(Investigation 13+6)
You pick up the bottle and handle it carefully. It looks very fancy and high quality, even if just the craftsmanship of the item itself. You feel it is definitely worth perhaps 10 gold, though you're curious what this "once in a blue moon" effect is that he's insisting it will cause. The description of the taste sounds delicious.
(@Collin J. L. Robinson @Andrew Woodhouse I've been debating how to unfold what this drink does... because this will likely be leading to roleplay/questions/talking between your characters I suppose I will tell you out of game what the effects are. You can then rp accordingly as you see fit. XD Um.........
The drink DOES give you a huge boost to luck when you first start drinking it. Your next skill check/roll you do is an automatic Nat 20. But......... to balance it out, the next 3 after that are all Nat 1's. :D Soooooo... this should be really fun. LOL.)
Etny carefully takes the Moonberry Elixir from Oredion, and puffs out some air as she exhales deeply, thinking. "I know I said I wasn't up for bargaining with coin but....maybe I can play the game just this once."
She pats the back of jingling coin on the counter, and speaks up. "7." (18 Persuasion).
@Andrew Woodhouse The tabaxi looks at you, his whiskers twitching. He has a big smile on his face. "Ahhh, I see I have a haggler here! Perhaps.... we could make it 8?" The tip of his tail twitches again. "20% off! I like you fellas a lot, and if the drink suits you I hope you might consider coming back to try more."
"Well, if you happen to have anything as exotic and strong as this, then I think I may just have to. 8 coin it is!"
Etny fishes out 8 coins and places them in a neat row on the counter of the booth.
@Andrew Woodhouse He grins wider, showing many of his pointy teeth. "Sold! I hope you both have a fantastic night! Enjoy the beautiful liquor." He winks, his furry face happy and his nose twitching.
Oredion let's out a loud laugh as he Pat's Etny on the back.
"I'm surprised you could haggle so well huntress! How you've grown! Now where shall we drink your spoils? The inn at the bar in company of the others or in our rooms? Walk around and talk as we drink? Or shall we go to the forest where your camp is?"
Oredion waves a goodbye to Cheeky Chance and starts to casually stroll down the road waiting for Etny to come to a decision. He feels lighter. Even after all the recent events... he feels happy just taking his time to relax and spend time with everyone.
Etny laughs heartily, and walks with the dwarf. "Anywhere, really, is fine when I am with you, elenn. "But if I were to give my say, it would have to be at the inn, where mayhap we could find some sweet foods to go along with this!"
Oredion smiles and nods his head in agreement.
"Aye that was what I had in mind as well. Weird how it almost feels like my own place now. I wouldn't call it home, but its second best."
Oredion whistles a light dwarven toon as they walk down the streets to the inn.
"That tune you whistle...is it a song of your people, elenn?" Etny, intrigued and curious eyes her friend. "It's beautiful in a haunting, deep, and earth-y kind of way."
"To be honest lass I'm not quite sure of its origins. I only remember a hazy memory of my mother humming it as she tended to her garden."
Oredion stops whistling as he tries to remember the ending of the dity his mother hummed long ago. He keeps a smile on his face in front of Etny, but the more he thinks back the more he realizes he can't make out his mothers face. He mentally trys to force himself to remember, but the more he imagines her face the more her face starts to fade away.
Etny continues onward, her hand on Oredion's shoulder, as they make their way to the Dragon's Lair Inn. It is alive with folk and music, and Etny is more than obliging to play a game or two with Oredion as they drink and enjoy this exotic argaklel.
Etny opens the door, and holds it open for Oredion to enter. "After you, dear elenn!"
You both head in to the sounds of revelry. There is a small band of halflings on stage singing a diddy and a round of clapping as they are cheered on. The smells of food are intoxicatingly delicious.
You see a pirate at a table cackle as a set of black dice tumble across a table, her hair flowing out under a tricorner hat. There's an auditable grown and cheer among the crowd. She has a big smile on her face.
"Another win for me, boys! Bring 'em in!" She snickers, the clinking of coins and glasses hitting the table.
Etny smiles brightly at all the fun. She is totally unprepared for the amount of revelry happening, and she skips happily into the middle of the room.
"Come, Oredion-Antrahtu, shall we have a dance?!"
Her violet eyes shimmer brightly, smiling infectiously.
"Er... I'm not much for dancing Et... You go ahead and I'll go take a seat."
Oredion smiles at Etny as he declines her offer. He knows he can't dance worth anything and he would like to keep it a secret. He thinks back to when he was last drunk enough to dance and shudders at the thought. His ears turn a little red at the embarrassment of the memory, but he laughs it off. He finds a booth in the back and signals to bar maiden for some food and a few drinks.
@Collin J. L. Robinson The matron bustles over with a tray of food and drink, setting it down with a smile. "Any special requests tonight, sweetheart?"
"Actually, yes. Could you grab me two empty mugs? We brought our own drinks tonight."
Oredion sets back in the booth and starts to drink what she brought to the table. He eyes the food hungrily, but decides to wait and eat. Atleast until Etnys done dancing.
Crestfallen, Etny's arms drop to her sides as she watches her dear friend leave to go to a booth. Her brows knit, and her fists clench. She walks straight up to Oredion, and grabbing his hand in hers, pulls him to her. She makes no qualms about what she is trying to do, and kneeling down, whispers in his ear, "Don't worry, elenn, food can wait." She waves to the matron, letting her know she is handling this.
"Just stay with me, and follow my lead, elenn. I will guide you, and you need not be ashamed! Even if you have two left feet, I will lead you and guide you. Trust me, and go with me," she says in a soothing, comforting voice. "Let us have some fun and enjoy ourselves! Look at all the rest of these patrons! They're having a great time, despite their skills in dance!"
She begins to move her body lithely, stepping and moving in time to the music. "Come, elenn! It isn't so bad!"
(17 Performance, 19 Persuasion.)
Oredion grudgingly gets up much to his shock. He slowly starts to move with the beat, but starts to trip over his own feet. He hates dancing, but he will try for Etnys sake.
(Performance 2+3 😂 Even the game thinks ore can't dance.)
(😂😂 All good! It's all just fun and games at this point.)
Etny catches the dwarf several times before he falls over, and rights him, helping him keep his feet. She laughs merrily, and shouts over the din of the crowd and music playing, "Elenn, we will just have one dance, and that's it! No need to hurt yourself for my sake!"
Regardless of what's going on, Etny is genuinely happy, and having a good time.
Oredion starts to get into the groove of things and takes Etny by the hand. He leads her into small dance where he practically hops around. A smile grows on his face as they spin around and around holding each others hands. He feels his heart beat faster the more they spin.
(Performance 14+3)
(Yeeeeeeeeeeet!)
Etny laughs merrily through the din, a smile literally plastered on her face as she spins round and round with her beloved dwarven friend. It is time she will not forget, and a night that will cement itself in her memories for the rest of her life.
Oredion slows his pace and gazes into Etnys eyes. A cheeky smile grows on his face.
"You know what Et... I'm glad you got me out here dancing. Hell I'm glad your here with me. Et... I... I... I lov... I suck at dancing! Wanna call it quits before I fall on my face?"
Oredion smiles and laughs, but his cheeks turn a bright red as he adverts his gaze.
"Of course, elenn! Let us have some drink, and something tasty to eat! I'm starving, and seeing as I snatched from your want of food, I owe you one, big time!"
Etny laughs again as she walks with Oredion to the booth, taking a seat, and producing the bottle of exotic alcohol, and swirling its contents gently.
Etny waves a hand for the Matron, and calls out, "Do you have anything sweet to eat this evening?"
The server smiles wide. "Of course! Fresh fruit cobbler with cream. I'll bring two plates out!"
The food is fetched and you indulge in both fruity drink and dessert. They compliment one another beautifully and it gives you a pleasant buzz, your heads a tingle.
(Roll con saves for me)
16+7
(10 Con save...)
Oredion, you enjoy the complex flavors well...it's a rich but light drink. It feels like liquid courage running through you. Etny, this gives you a lovely buzz... It feels like your head is still dancing. You can't help but smile.
(Your next roll gets a nat 20... Then 3 ones in a row. 😂 enjoy the rp)
Etny laughs a tipsy little laugh, the drunkenness just barely beginning to show, but oh, does it show! Her head sways slightly as she smiles in Oredion's direction, the alcohol working its wonders. "So, elenn, shall we play our game again? I promise I won't ask any...loaded questions."
(Use that nat 20 wisely and have creative fun with the 1's 😂🤣😂)
Oredion smiles and let's out a laugh at Etnys drunkenness.
"That sounds like fun to me Et. Just try not to overdue it on the drinks though lass. Let's let this game last a bit longer shall we."
Oredion leans back in his seat positioning himself until hes comfy. He lays his hand on the table gently and looks at Etny.
"Let's see... as I remember it, it was your turn to ask the question where we left off."
She giggles drunkenly, and looks Oredion in the eye. "So, elenn...what kind of women are you into these days?"
Her tipsy smile pulls at the corners of her mouth as she awaits his answer.
Oredion visibly freezes. His cheeks grow red and his ears turn a cherry color. He dosent know if it's the alcohol going threw him or a surge of courage, but he decides the truth is his only option. He looks away and starts to talk in a embarrassed calm voice.
"Well... that's a tough one Et. The type I'm into... hmm. I can't say I have a type, but... I defiantly have a women in mind... Shes a huntress who has the personality of a raging storm. She can be very... well let's say pushy for short. Shes hot headed and likes to rush things and throw herself into things unnecessarily. All in all shes a very stubborn minded lass."
Oredion looks up at Etny and gazes her to her eyes.
"But... at the center of that storm lies a heart of gold. Shes the kindest person this dwarf has ever known. I adore he little quirks like how to use a fork, how to use gold, hell I love the way she cusses. Shes a woman I would do anything for. A woman that I wish to spend my days with. Etny... I... This woman is the person I share my heart with, the person i love..."
Oredion looks away and quickly knocks back his drink.
Etny's smile slowly fades, but into an expression of awe and wonder. She begins to comprehend it all now, and she must have been dumb as rocks the whole time! But it couldn't be avoided. There wasn't any other way to say it, then to grasp the dwarf by the sides of his face, pull him close, and plant a long kiss upon his lips. After what seems like hours, or mere seconds, or an eternity, Etny can't tell the difference; she parts from Oredion, and finally speaks. Though she is a little drunk, she is still lucid enough to grasp what he was saying.
"Shiza, but there is so much I want to say to you, elenn! I...you....you were talking about me! I must admit that I wasn't getting it at first, but the further you went along in your description, I got it! Ava nala de, Oredion-Antrahtu, and forever may it be!"
She pauses, gazing into the dwarf's strong-willed, broken, yet calm eyes--eyes that had so long been a thing of rage, and she just...gazes.
"Ava nala de, Kementari, I name you, Oredion."
Oredion tries to hold her gaze, but falters looking down at the table instead. His cheeks are a bright red and he has a smile plastered on his face. He takes a few minutes with the silence and thinks, thinks hard on what he wants, no needs to say. He looks back up at Etny and trys to speak in a calm, yet determined voice.
"Et... I'm sorry for saying that all so suddenly. I just didn't know when to say it or even if I should. Et, your like a calming stone in my life of flowing despair. I would be honored to answer any questions you may have, if you will do the same in return."
Oredion averts his gaze once again not wanting to stare to long. He picks up his drink quickly and knocks it all back in one go. He positions his back against the wall of the booth and sinks down slightly. He can definitely deal the drinks slowly starting to kick in.
Etny gazes at her beloved friend. She can see his struggle to voice his feelings vocally, and tries to reassure him by resting her hand on the side of his face. It is a weathered but strong face, and that is one if the many things she admires about him.
"Elenn, I would be deeply honored to answer all of your questions to me. You are the light in the darkness of my heart and soul, elenn. You ground me, and give me a stability I cannot deny." She looks down for a minute, and back up again, her violet eyes bright and full. Her expression is filled with calm and deep emotion.
"I'm sure, by now, elenn, you've figured it out, but 'ava nala de' means..."
She blushes, a deep red in her face.
"It means 'I love you.'"
She smiles and blushes even deeper, but her tone of voice and demeanor are sincere. "If I can lift you up through your despair, elenn, then it is within my power. I will always be here for you, come highest of the Seven Tiers of Celestia, or the lowest levels of the Nine Hells. Why, elenn," her voice quavers with emotion, "I would go to Hell for you and back."
Oredion takes her hand in his own and holds it. Hes not sure what to say anymore. He sits there quietly trying to take everything in. He looks back up at Etnys Violet eyes and gazes into them. He can feel nothing troubling him, in this moment there is no despair only an overwhelming feeling of joy. He starts to speak in a quiet voice.
"As would I Et." He smiles cheekily "Now do you wish to continue our game? I bet it's going to be a joy of the time with current happenings." He let's out a deep laugh that fills him with joy and he squeezes Etnys hand gently.
Joey pops out and starts to attack the food hungrily. He turns to look at Etny and Oredion gazing at each other and flicks his tongue at them. He turns back to his food and starts to fill his stomach once more.
Etny laughs as well, and gives his hand a squeeze. "Right, right, we were trying to play a game. Well, I do believe it's your turn, my good Antrahtu!"
She smiles and winks at him.
"Ah... so it was, so it was. Tell me Et, what is your kindest secret?"
Oredion leans forwards and starts to eat some of the food the bar maiden brought to him. He looks up at Etny curiously.
"Ah it was wasn't it... and here I was trying to get you to go twice!" Oredion gives her a roguish wink. "I have a question that's been bothering me. It's not really a question exactly... more a perspective from your viewpoint..."
Oredion sets back and a serious look Dawn's his features. He leans forwards and looks Etny in the eyes closely, not wanting to miss a single moment of her reaction.
"When I lost it, nay, transformed. What did you think? What are your thoughts on whatever happaned to me." Oredion leans forward a tad more and whispers in a soft shaken voice. "I killed many good and evil souls that day. I even came after you... How do you still trust me after I turned into a frenzied monster?"
Oredion leans back in his seat and eyes Etny with shame. He feels his muscles tense and his arms grow heavy. He feels a wave of doubt crash over him. His scared eye starts to glow a very faint blue as he waits upon Etnys reply.
"But elenn...," she reaches forward, stroking the dwarf's face again, "you have never been a frenzied monster to me, even when in your frenzy you pursued me. It is..," she tries to pick her words carefully, "it is not within the bounds of your thought or control to do what you did. I forgive you, certainly and frankly, elenn, but honestly, there is nothing to forgive. I see you as no less a friend and beloved than when you are a dwarf, as when you are a bear. You have my love elenn, no matter what."
A slow smile spreads on her face. "Besides, I know how to defend myself against large creatures."
Oredion let's out a shaky laugh feeling slightly relieved at her words. He grabs his drink and starts to knock it back. He let's out a loud breath as he sets his mug on the table.
"Aww wouldn't that be a fun little hunt. Hate to say it, but I think I would lose that hunt."
Oredion let's our another laugh, but this time it feels more steady, more calming. He gives Etny a playful pat on the hand alongside a cheeky grin.
"Thank you for the reassuring me Et... it helps. Now... I think it's your turn to ask a question."
"Hmmmmmmm," Etny thinks, releasing her hand from the dwarf's face. She taps her chin thoughtfully, mulling over what kind of question she should ask him.
"I've always wondered...where did you get that axe of yours?" She winks at him, and a smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. "You know...the one you pegged me a love tap with on our first meeting?"
Oredion flinches a bit at the memory of their first encounter. He looks down at his hands a little in shame even though she was teasing.
"I... I'm sorry about that Et... if I knew how things were going to turn out with us as we are now I would... I would have never let my axe leave my hand that day."
Oredion shifts a bit uncomfortably and slides back in his seat. He reaches down grabbing his axe that he let lean against the booth and slowly places it on the table carefully. He runs his eyes from the handle of his axe to its double head. He Pat's it gently as he speaks.
"As for my axe lass. It was originally my mother's. As my father was rising threw the ranks to become the kings blacksmith he met my mother on one of his outings for new ore to mine. He was instantly infatuated with her. It took awhile, as my mother was a very hot headed dwarf, to get my mother to like him. On one of his outings he discovered a new type of metal for the king. Something that they could only find in my home land. My father named the metal Oredion and started to make weapons out of it for the king, while he secretly crafted this axe late into the night hours for my mother. For dwarves a weapon as a gift if one of the highest forms of appreciation. As you can see, since I'm here, it obviously worked. So on and so on, they fell in love. Blah blah blah... That's the rough origins of my old gale here..."
"No worries, Oredion-elenn. I have long since forgiven, and it is nothing more than a slightly awkward, if maybe a little funny memory." She chuckles, remembering. "I had no idea we'd be growing into what we are today, but...well, as time and history have it, so it is, elenn.
And that is an amazing story about your axe! I think it is a beautiful piece of weaponry!"
Etny knocks back more of the exotic alcohol, and firmly plants the bottle on the table. "Now, elenn," she hiccups loudly, "it is your turn!"
Oredion laughs merrily with a hint of awkwardness. He places his hands upon Etnys holding them gently. He tries to think of a question, but gets lost looking into Etny's eyes. As he tries to think of a question Joey bumps Oredions hand with his tail. Oredion looks down at his friend and it Dawn's upon him that hes never asked about Etnys pet.
"Et? What about your friend outside? Gaare was it? How did you meet your feathered friend? "
Oredion gives Etny a playful wink.
Etny laughs with Oredion, and gives his hands a squeeze.
"I raised Gaare, since she was just a hatchling. I have had the privilege to call her my own since I was just a girl."
Etny smiles and thinks for a moment, but before doing anything else, she takes an extra long pull on the Moonberry Elixir, and slams it down on the table top.
"Oredion-Antrahtu, I challenge you to a new game," her voice proud, boisterous, and very much drunk.
"Katak-Kalak! That is the new game!"
"In my tongue that means truth-dare!"
"Et... do you mean truth and dare?"
Oredion bends over laughing. He pounds the table with his fist and tears start to form in his eyes. He looks back up at Etny still giggling. Hes definitely drunk.
"Et I can't believe you of all people know of truth and dare. I guess everyone does play it, even if they call it by a different name. I'm sorry to laugh... it just came as a shock. Yes I'd love to play... even though we been doing the truth part all this time..."
Oredion wipes away the tears forming in his eyes and trusts to stop chuckling.
"Alright!"
She pounds her fist into the palm of her other hand, a cheeky grin on her face. "Who goes first?"
She begins to sway a little, the drunkenness starting to do its work. She very nearly topples over, but catches herself on the edge of the table.
"I'd say keep the order lass. So you can go ahead and ask me or dare me. I'm game for either."
Oredion says a little as well feeling the liquor take full effect. He decides to stop the swaying to drink even more.
"S-sure! Hmmmm," she grasps the edge of the table to steady herself again, damn swaying!
"I dare you...to make a rooster call as loud as you can," she whispers at him, her giggling starting to escalate to full on laughter.
"....... what..."
Oredion leans back in the booth and cups his hand around his mouth.
"Kacadoodle dooooooooooo..."
Oredion screams it as loudly as he can and then starts laughing hysterically. His cheeks turn red as he eyes Etny.
"Now... truth or dare?"
"Alright, alright, I suppose it's," hiccup-belch, "only fair! Dare it is!"
Oredion smiles mischievously and drunkenly. He let's out a small drunken laugh as he starts to speak.
"I dare you... to yell the first sentence you think of."
Etny, hoists her drunken self up, gets up as gingerly as she can onto the table, and proceeds to yell, "SHIZA! THESE SWEETS ARE AMAZING!!!"
A lot of heads had looked over at the rooster crowing, but now most people glance in the direction of your table. Some cackle with laughter and the drunken revelry, others even crow back. You can hear ripples of merriment throughout the establishment. The halflings singing on stage smile wide and start a new song about sugary food and beautiful women.
Oredion trys not to laugh at first with the sight of a drunken Etny climbing the table, but as soon as she yells he loses it. It's mostly the liquor making him laugh, but he dosen't care. He let's out a serious of strangled laughs as he tries to catch is breath. He looks up at Etny, while still laughing, and speaks.
"Get down here huntress before you fall down. If you do we have more sweets!"
Joey skitters around the table avoiding Etny, and leaps up on the bench next to Oreidion. Flicking his tongue in confusion, he scrambles up the trench coat and into Ore's sleeve. A little puff of smoke issues from the arm of the coat, a small burn hole showing the colorful snout of the salamander.
Etny laughs aloud with her friend, her drunkenness showing. "Why would I," she hiccups, "ever want to come down, elenn?"
She begins to dance and move to the music, but she is swaying about drunkenly on the table. Nevertheless, she moves lithely and fluidly with the music.
(23 performance).
Oredion places his hands on her legs trying to keep her steady. He can't help, but laugh along. He gets a roguish smile on his face and he let's go of her and leans back in the booth.
"So what your telling me is you would never come down here and sit beside me? It brings a tear to my face Et..."
Oredion chuckles and puts on a terrible pouty face completely opposite of his normal ruggish features. He brings his hands up to his eyes pretending to wipe away fake tears.
(I'll use my natural 20 for charisma lol)
Etny, looking down at Oredion, attempts to take a step down off of the table, but she trips over her own foot, her ankle rolling a little.
She desperately tries to catch herself, but only manages to make her situation much worse.
(7 dexterity saving throw on a Nat 1...)
She topples forward, crashing down to a heap over the seat next to Oredion.
Oredion tries desperately to catch her, but nonetheless fails miserably.
(Nat 1 athletics +8)
Etny attempts to get up again, and this time, tufts herself, somewhat, next to Oredion.
She is laughing hysterically, and drunkenly. She rests a hand on his shoulder, trying to further steady herself.
She looks at Oredion, her eyes glazed over with drunkenness. "Truth or Dare, elenn?"
"Dare?"
Oredion leans back up chuckling.
"Hmmmmmmm," Etny thinks, swaying back and forth with drunkenness. "I dare you, Oredion-Antrahtu, to wear these gloves of mine!"
Etny lets out a loud, unlady-like belch, covering her mouth, and giggles uncontrollably.
"Oredion stops laughing and just looks at Etny confusedly. He takes the gloves from her and just stares down at him.
"Et... I know we are drunk... but these are not going to fit my big hands... Well I guess a dare is a dare!"
(Nat 1 to put on the gloves)
You manage to squeeze your hands into the front of them, rolling them up around a few of your fingers. They look rather ridiculous and make you appear like a little dinosaur.
Etny cannot contain herself. She falls sideways from her seat, and rolls on the floor laughing, curled up in a ball. Her drunken laughter fills the entirety of the inn, and she just can't help herself!
"O-Oredion! You l-look like a r-raptor! But...but....small sized!" Another string of loud, drunken laughter, "O-oh! I...can't...breathe!" She gasps in as much air as she can, and her laughter starts anew. "I'm...so sorry....elenn!"
Oredion quickly takes the gloves off embarresdly and tosses them at Et. He stands shakily from the booth and starts trying to make his way to his room.
(Nat 1 to go to my room lmao)
You stumble into another patron who catches you, laughing and spinning you into a seat nearby. "Woah thar dwarf, steady yerself! Hitting the bootle hard aren't ye?"
"W-waiiiittt, eleeeeeennnnnn," hiccups, "please don't gooooooooooo! I didn't mean to laugh at youuuuuuu...." Etny attempts to stand up, and make her way to Oredion, who has been spun around and set in a nearby chair. She stumbles drunkenly, and tries to walk as straight a line as she can to the dwarf.
(Nat 1 plus 3 athletics to stay on my feet and NOT PASS OUT!)
Oredion slurs his words as he thanks the man for helping him.
"Iiiveee... had (hiccup) only a few things... immm finzzz."
Oredion glance at Etny and laughs at her attempt to reach him. He laughs with merriment and whispers in her direction in a drunken voice.
"Shhhh... I'm fine! There's jerky in my room and it sounds gooooooood"
Etny, you stumble forward toward Oredion but your feet catch on themselves. You feel yourself going left but end up going right. You tumble into a chair by the table of dice players. The pirate woman chuckles loudly. "Hella swig of alcohol was it? Here missy, I'll help ya! You boys need a break from me whipping you at dice anyway." With a gaffaw and a wink, she flicks her tricorner hat and hefts you up with ease.
"Come, Gus, bring the dwarf. Let's get these fellows up the stairs and do our good deed for the day." With a goofy grin, another fellow steps forward and helps Ore. With the assistance of the pirates you make it to Oredion's room. The smell of jerky is strong when the door opens.
"Mmmmmmmmmm.....jerkyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy......" Etny mumbles while being held upright by the pirate woman. "Dat smelllszzzz gooooooooooood!"
Oredion accepts the helping hand and laughs as they all make their way to his room. His jaw practically drops when he gets a whiff of his jerky in his room. He sits down roughly on his bed practically throwing himself down. He waves a goodbye to the fellows who helped them.
"Tha.. thank ye gents. Have a nice night now that the loud ones are no longer their to ruin your fun."
Oredion rummages threw his bag as the guests leave his room and pulls out a bundle of jerky wrapped in a cloth.
Etny sways.
She is barely able to keep herself upright. She slowly, carefully seats herself on the floor at the foot of Oredion's bed, and leans her back against the end of the bed.
"O-oredion-elenn," she mutters, a heavy slur to her words, "wha...wah...wu....what game were we playing again? I was having so much fun, but...I dun see anything familiar....where are we? Ooooooooooh, and I smell something amazing! Izzz that jerkyyyy?"
Oredion chuckles as he unwraps the cloth. He picks out two pieces of jerky. He takes one for himself and slides the other to the foot of the bed. He rolls upside down and let's his head hang off the bed. He looks at Etny with visible confusion and amusement.
"Hmm I think we are in my room. As for the game... hmm... I think we were playing truth (hiccup) and dare... I think it's your turn E.. Et... idk anymore, but it was fun."
Oredion giggles drunkingly as he starts to chew on his jerky savoring every bite.
Etny nods, and reaches out a hand, and taking the jerky, she chews on it. To her everlasting knowledge, that was probably the best jerky she had ever tried. It was rich, succulent, and full of great flavor, and she savors every bite. It is incredibly good. She can't help herself though, and her vision begins to swim.
"H-hey Ore," she says lazily drunk, "do people normally go to sleep in the same room after they have had argaklel?"
Oredion freezes realizing there both very drunk late at night in his room. He looks up at the ceiling and chuckles.
"Well yes and no Et. Its complicated. How about you take the bed and I can take the floor."
She looks him dead in the eye, and waggling her eyebrows, she says cheekily, "or we could BOTH take the bed!"
Oredion eyes Etny with a serious face.
"No... that wouldn't be right with us both wasted."
Oredion rolls over and crawls off the bed. He takes his travel bag and places it sideways at the head of the bed. He walks carefully over to Etny trying not to fall and places a hand on her shoulder.
"Sorry Et... Now can you move up to the bed before you pass out."
Oredion laughs and offers his hand to help her up.
Etny laughs as well. "You know I was only joking, elenn! But yes, I think a good rest is needed. If you insist I take the bed," she hiccups loudly, "I will."
She drunkenly takes his hand and gets up on the bed as best as she can while in her wasted state. "Good night elenn...," is the last thing out of her mouth before she passes out completely on the bed.
Oredion smiles at Etny fast asleep and quietly whispers.
"Good night love."
Oredion lays down with his back against the bed and rests his head on his travel bag. He smiles as he thinks of everything that happened today. His eyes slowly start to close and he drifts into a peaceful sleep.
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