So, urged by Thia, you finally enter a comfortable room, heated by a large fireplace on one side, illuminated by a large window on the other, where some chairs allow guests to sit in front of a comfortable bed... on which lies a young woman (perhaps not even 20 years old) in obvious state of advanced pregnancy.
"Welcome," the woman leans up a bit, adjusting a pillow behind her back, so she can see your face more easily, and she gives you a broad smile, "I'm Martha! Please, take a seat!"
Her face, framed by wavy brown hair, is quite ordinary, but the woman's brown eyes look decidedly friendly as she asks: "Would you like some wine? Or maybe some beer? I can have Thia bring some..."
For Roxana
Reading this woman's body language and micro-expressions, you get the idea that she is trying to be a good host, be she would really like to come soon to the point and explain her concern - probably a really big one.
Spira walks over to the seat closest to Martha and sits down to talk to her closer to her own eye level. "Please don't trouble yourself about us too much, although I'm sure we all will appreciate the hospitality. I would imagine you're in some discomfort now, though ... I'll talk to Thia about some herbs that might help ease that when she brings my wine ... and would prefer us to be concise and to the point. I am Spira Inirali, and I and my brother -- who will be joining me soon -- are traveling healers. We learned you were looking for assistance, and so I came ahead to join these others in offering our services, and ... shall we say, I and my brother work a little better now than the days when my fellow Watchmates used to give me no peace about him being the rogue I really ought to be apprehending." She winks discreetly at this last remark and then settles back in her chair, waiting to see what Martha's response might be.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
Antar al'Barmeqi - goblin warlock (The Genie: Marid) 1, THE MOON OF THORNS
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 - Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Theris Dionte, shadar-kai rogue 1, Born of Stormmount
"A beer then."The white-haired warrior says plainly, dropping his backpack to the floor by one of the chairs but remanining standing with a stern expression, glancing out the window where the snow kept falling. He was hoping this service had nothing to do with delivery of child or he would certainly be out of his depth. The sight of the pregnancy would have brought joy to most, but the the face of the white-haired warrior shows nothing but sorrow and pain.
"I'd love to have some good wine," he says with a smile, leaning his staff against the arm of the chair. "It's not often I get to hang out in a place like this, so a taste of rich-people drink would be only fitting to complete the experience."
Spira walks over to the seat closest to Martha and sits down to talk to her closer to her own eye level. "Please don't trouble yourself about us too much, although I'm sure we all will appreciate the hospitality. I would imagine you're in some discomfort now, though ... I'll talk to Thia about some herbs that might help ease that when she brings my wine ... and would prefer us to be concise and to the point. I am Spira Inirali, and I and my brother -- who will be joining me soon -- are traveling healers. We learned you were looking for assistance, and so I came ahead to join these others in offering our services, and ... shall we say, I and my brother work a little better now than the days when my fellow Watchmates used to give me no peace about him being the rogue I really ought to be apprehending." She winks discreetly at this last remark and then settles back in her chair, waiting to see what Martha's response might be.
"A beer then."The white-haired warrior says plainly, dropping his backpack to the floor by one of the chairs but remanining standing with a stern expression, glancing out the window where the snow kept falling. He was hoping this service had nothing to do with delivery of child or he would certainly be out of his depth. The sight of the pregnancy would have brought joy to most, but the the face of the white-haired warrior shows nothing but sorrow and pain.
"I'd love to have some good wine," he says with a smile, leaning his staff against the arm of the chair. "It's not often I get to hang out in a place like this, so a taste of rich-people drink would be only fitting to complete the experience."
"Oh, thank you, you're very kind Lady Spira!" Martha smiles brightly at the traveling healer "Yes, some discomfort, but at least all good with the child..." why then that sudden shadow of sadness veils her face? But it is promptly replaced by strong determination as she goes on "...the problem is with the father... but I'm sure that all will be fine in the end, thanks to you! We'll get straight to the point as soon as you all have enjoyed that minimum of hospitality that I can offer you".
(OOC: Spira, please, make a Perception check!)
She turns to Thia: "So wine it is for Lady Spira, dear... and the same for our half-orc guest. Bring a glass for me also. While our imposing hero prefers a mug of beer - feel free to take something for yourself too, if you like".
The woman asks to Obadiah and Rash: "May I know your names also, brave lords?"
Then to those who didn't reply yet: "And for you? There's something Thia should bring?"
"Pardon me milady, my name is Obadiah and I'm at your service." The white-haired warrior responds with a slight bow of the head. "The father, is he missing then?" Obadiah continues with a hint of impatience.
"Pardon me milady, my name is Obadiah and I'm at your service." The white-haired warrior responds with a slight bow of the head. "The father, is he missing then?" Obadiah continues with a hint of impatience.
"It is worse" Martha admits, frowning. "We need to save him. But I'm sure we will," she forces herself to smile at Obadiah, hopeful "seeing how eager you seem to get started! That's very appreciated, by the way!"
"I'll explain everything soon - if someone hasn't already done so, that is..." she goes on. "It's not as if anyone has told you about this yet, have they? Anyway, even if they were, don't believe a word of other people's gossip... No one knows Dobbian better than I do" and she slams (albeit not too violently) her fist on the bed to underline the concept. "He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. We just have to save him".
"A wine for me too " asks Aidwyn trying to act politely but it's clear that she is a little bit out of her element. "Aidwyn is my name and please, tell us where is the father and from whom or what he needs saving?"
Thia snaps with her usual energetic exuberance, goes out the door and is back shortly after with what she was asked for - with the addition of a mug of beer for her too.
Martha drinks her glass of wine almost all in one gulp, as if to gain courage, then she starts: "Well, proceeding in order... You must know that Dobbian is not what an important and martial family like mine would consider 'a good catch'" her face twists slightly in disapproval as she pronounces the term. "I knew him here in Longsaddle, at last year's Dusty Rodeo festival, as a wandering and penniless minstrel... Discipline is not his forte... Nor fight... And of course, he does not know anything about horse breeding either... But we love each other!" her brown eyes seem to light up from within now, while she smiles in enthusiasm "He has decided to put aside his usual lifestyle, for me. He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. Do you want to hear what song he dedicated to me, before... well, before the problem I will explain very soon; but do you want to hear the song, anyway?"
"Pardon me milady, my name is Obadiah and I'm at your service." The white-haired warrior responds with a slight bow of the head. "The father, is he missing then?" Obadiah continues with a hint of impatience.
"It is worse" Martha admits, frowning. "We need to save him. But I'm sure we will," she forces herself to smile at Obadiah, hopeful "seeing how eager you seem to get started! That's very appreciated, by the way!"
"I'll explain everything soon - if someone hasn't already done so, that is..." she goes on. "It's not as if anyone has told you about this yet, have they? Anyway, even if they were, don't believe a word of other people's gossip... No one knows Dobbian better than I do" and she slams (albeit not too violently) her fist on the bed to underline the concept. "He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. We just have to save him".
Thia snaps with her usual energetic exuberance, goes out the door and is back shortly after with what she was asked for - with the addition of a mug of beer for her too.
Martha drinks her glass of wine almost all in one gulp, as if to gain courage, then she starts: "Well, proceeding in order... You must know that Dobbian is not what an important and martial family like mine would consider 'a good catch'" her face twists slightly in disapproval as she pronounces the term. "I knew him here in Longsaddle, at last year's Dusty Rodeo festival, as a wandering and penniless minstrel... Discipline is not his forte... Nor fight... And of course, he does not know anything about horse breeding either... But we love each other!" her brown eyes seem to light up from within now, while she smiles in enthusiasm "He has decided to put aside his usual lifestyle, for me. He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. Do you want to hear what song he dedicated to me, before... well, before the problem I will explain very soon; but do you want to hear the song, anyway?"
At the name of Dobbian. Spira raises one eyebrow with a slightly quirked smile, but remains silent until Martha mentions the song, then she breaks into a delighted laugh, "Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. That's the sort of thing even Gaer would ... well, I suppose my brother in particular having known so many bards would accept that as evidence that he loves you, though I can see how more conventional folk might scoff at that. And Gaer ... well, let's just say his big sister is quite happy to have the chance to say, 'Told you so' about one of our passing acquaintances on our travels. Please do favor us with the song." She chuckles.
====================================
OOC: Rolled 15 Perception in the campaign log. Would you like future rolls there or in our posts using the dice roller?
...At the name of Dobbian. Spira raises one eyebrow with a slightly quirked smile, but remains silent until Martha mentions the song, then she breaks into a delighted laugh, "Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. That's the sort of thing even Gaer would ... well, I suppose my brother in particular having known so many bards would accept that as evidence that he loves you, though I can see how more conventional folk might scoff at that. And Gaer ... well, let's just say his big sister is quite happy to have the chance to say, 'Told you so' about one of our passing acquaintances on our travels. Please do favor us with the song." She chuckles.
====================================
OOC: Rolled 15 Perception in the campaign log. Would you like future rolls there or in our posts using the dice roller?
(OOC: Both are fine by me... Feel free to use either campaign log or dice roller as you prefer)
For Spira:
An apparently inconspicous small bronze hand mirror rests on a chest nearby. A mirror that would appear to be just like the one Gaer once owned...
Martha was apparently waiting for nothing more than the slightest nod; so she promptly begins to hum the song, enthusiastically, even if not in a tone, smiling at obviously pleasant memories and moved at the end:
"I'll be the father of your child. I'll lead your horses through grass and wild. I know your few fears and you know the many mines. Your family doubts, but we'll be fine! And I love you, I swear that's true... From now on, I can't live without you."
"Beautiful, right?" she furtively dries her tears of emotion "And... he composed it for me! He dedicated it to me!"
Obadiah gratefully accepts the mug of beer, immediately taking a big gulp, then glancing down at the young half-elven girl having one of her own, wondering about this servants age, a slight grin on his face as the girl joins in drinking with her mistress. Standing by the window, the white-haired warrior shifts slightly with unease as there is mention of singing. He didn't mind it but he struggled to see the relevance in hearing a song in order to save it's author, but he kept his mouth shut about it, simply nodding with a strained smile, hoping to get the performance over with so that he might go to work with saving the would-be father.
Obadiah would assume Thia could be 14-15 years old, if she were human. She's a half-elf though... so she's probably a few years older. Upon noticing the slight grin, the young girl winks and she begins to sip the beer confidently, as if to show herself more grown up than she is.
Meanwhile, Martha has finished immersing herself in the memories of her Dobbian and, with a deep sigh, begins to speak gravely again:
"I was saying that you must save him. Because... Yes, now I must tell you what happened. You will have understood by now that my family is not exactly thrilled with him. Well, during that bloody dinner on Hammer 23," the young woman is clenching her fists in anger "five bloody days ago, during a heated argument with my cousin Tharby and her husband Adran, who insisted on calling him an 'opportunist who didn't deserve the luck that had befallen him', my poor Dobbian became so inflamed that he choked on a large mouthful of bread, suffocating to death before someone could save him!"
"In short," the young woman is staring at you with her brown eyes, as if studying your reaction "he is dead. And I confess to you that, for a moment, I almost thought of killing myself, of following him in that fate".
"But of course not!" she again slams a fist on the bed "That's not what should be done! Now that I've just found the love of my life and that I have his child in my womb, I certainly can't give up at the first difficulties! We will save him!" and her eyes are fixed again intensely in those of each of you, as if to convey to you the same unshakable conviction that animates her "Or rather, you will".
"It shouldn't be difficult," (yes, she is not joking as she says it) "I had a divination done that gave me some information. I know there is a means to save him. I have a general idea of the location. But I know that we will have to hurry, to act quickly, within a few days. And that there may be 'some risk' associated with the recovery of said 'means'".
"And I, in my state," she slowly passes a hand over her pregnant belly "unfortunately cannot take risks myself - not only would I not be able to fight at my best, but I would also put the life I am carrying in danger! No, you'll have to go - generously rewarded, of course. Provided you feel up to looking for this unspecified 'means' that can save my Dobbian, facing unspecified 'risks'. But... well... that's what adventurers do, right? How about? Do you think you can do it?"
And there she is, this young woman, pregnant and alone. She is looking at you intensely, with a light of hope that she doesn't seem to want to give up in the face of any obstacle. It is clear that if you don't accept, she will look for someone else. Or maybe, if she doesn't find anyone, she will eventually go herself, in spite of the wise observations she has just made? However it is clear that at this moment Martha is praying to whatever deity she can think of that you will agree to try to help her...
Aidwyn looks curious to the read-headed woman when she admits to know the fianceé of the woman but says nothing.
She was about to drink the wine when Martha says his loved one is dead, and she almost choke with the liquid.
She makes an effort not to say the first thing that comes to her mind and takes into consideration that the woman carries a child that it seems to be about to be born. So she takes a deep breath and looks to the others.
"I... see... that could prove a real problem indeed... he being dead I mean... I am sorry for your loss... ehh.. you... you said you had some divination done. Who did this magic for you? And what information is that? Must be something really incredible if will allow you to... bring him back... "
Aidwyn clearly thinks that someone had scammed the poor, traumatized woman. At least she will make the scoundrel pay for taking advantage of a poor woman, and a pregnant one on top of all!!
Rash pauses mid-swig as Martha says that the man they're supposed to save. He manages not to choke, but... they're being hired to save a dead man? Well, in all fairness powerful Clerics have been known to resurrect the dead, and even a few extremely powerful arcane spellcasters could do so. But... how could a group of random adventurers pull off such a task? Of course, it would likely involve recovering some powerful magical item... He swallows mouth full of wine and slowly puts down the cup.
"Well... that's definitely something. I won't promise that we can pull it off... but I for one am more than willing to do whatever I can to help out here."
Aidwyn looks curious to the read-headed woman when she admits to know the fianceé of the woman but says nothing.
She was about to drink the wine when Martha says his loved one is dead, and she almost choke with the liquid.
She makes an effort not to say the first thing that comes to her mind and takes into consideration that the woman carries a child that it seems to be about to be born. So she takes a deep breath and looks to the others.
"I... see... that could prove a real problem indeed... he being dead I mean... I am sorry for your loss... ehh.. you... you said you had some divination done. Who did this magic for you? And what information is that? Must be something really incredible if will allow you to... bring him back... "
Aidwyn clearly thinks that someone had scammed the poor, traumatized woman. At least she will make the scoundrel pay for taking advantage of a poor woman, and a pregnant one on top of all!!
"We must try!" insists Martha, almost desperate "Getting that divination wasn't easy for me! Not even the Harpells I tried to contact were able to give me those directions. But Colin, this foreign wizard who knew how to divine the directions for me, asked for a reward that takes much time to use - so it wouldn't make sense for him to try to trick me. If his directions turn out to be inaccurate, I can cancel his reward at any time. You see, as a reward for his divination, Colin asked that I get make him study at the Harpells - which, on my reward, they agreed. But studying takes time... and if I find Colin has deceived me, I may demand my agreement with the Harpells annulled - and he wouldn't get the knowledge that interested him so much!"
"Please..." the woman's eyes become imploring "Follow the directions I'll give you. They indicate how to reach a place. They don't specify well the 'means' to recover in that place and the 'dangers' to face... but you are adventurers... you are experts in these things... you will certainly be able to recognize something that can do for us, right? Will you give it a try, at least? It's always Colin who warned me that it had to be done quickly, in a few days... If he had wanted to cheat me, wouldn't it have been more convenient for him to tell me that I had all the time I wanted? That way, he could have had time to finish his studies at the Harpells..."
"I think Colin knew what he said"Martha really seems convinced. "And, above all, I feel that this is my last hope... Will you at least try?" she runs a hand lovingly across her lap "Do it for us... We need Dobbian... For us and for a rich reward, of course! Do you wish me to tell what I'll give you if you succeed?"
Rash pauses mid-swig as Martha says that the man they're supposed to save. He manages not to choke, but... they're being hired to save a dead man? Well, in all fairness powerful Clerics have been known to resurrect the dead, and even a few extremely powerful arcane spellcasters could do so. But... how could a group of random adventurers pull off such a task? Of course, it would likely involve recovering some powerful magical item... He swallows mouth full of wine and slowly puts down the cup.
"Well... that's definitely something. I won't promise that we can pull it off... but I for one am more than willing to do whatever I can to help out here."
"Oh thanks!" Martha gets out of bed to reach out and hug the half-orc "So you'll try! You won't regret it, you'll see! Now that we know the place, what will it take to recover the 'means'? I'm sure you can do it! I can see that you are capable people and, above all, with a good heart! I have no doubts you'll bring my Dobbian back!"
"Besides," Thia adds, finally recognizing Roxana and pointing her finger, "we also have Roxana's help! Do you remember, Lady Martha? Roxana! It's that girl of us, from Longsaddle, who put in his place that impoverished nobleman who wanted to cheat her! Do you remember? Not too long ago..."
"Yes, of course, you are right Thia..." Martha tries to recall those events that had been on everyone's lips at Longsaddle "Lord Roland Frindos, of Triboar, had done it. That cowardly profiteer! I felt so proud that one of us had unmasked him and put him in his place!" and looking well at Roxana "Yes, I remember, it was you! If even a smart girl like you agrees to help me, I feel we can't fail!"
After having followed with the others into the house, Roxana declines the offers of hospitality. "I'm Roxana. And really, we should just see what it is you need." She waited however as others had drinks brought, including the one for Martha herself. She doesn't bother taking a seat, standing off to one side of the room to listen.
She listens to the song, then smiles to the young woman. She can't help but think of the young man that she'd fancied not so long ago. 'I'll bet the Sharnshield's would have thought him 'a good catch' and look how that turned out! I wonder if we will still get paid when Dobbian is found and he had just skipped town on her,' she muses for a moment. The latter thought doesn't last long though, as Martha reveals Dobbian is dead. Roxana is left speechless.
She listens as she goes on to explain about Colin. 'Yet another charlatan?' But the woman has some solid responses. Clearly, she had already considered that she was being cheated. The tale of going somewhere and in that place they could find something to bring back someone from the dead seemed like a pretty astounding task. 'Would Martha actually pay me to do something like that?' she wonders.
"Martha, I can tell this means a lot to you. I perhaps..." For a moment Roxana loses her confidence, wondering if she'd really be cut out for such a task. But then she recalls what seemed to be dwindling work at the tavern and how she'd stood up for herself not long ago. 'Maybe this is what I should be doing', she thinks. She comes to this conclusion in what seems like a long pause, but not too terribly long she hopes. "Perhaps I could help you with this. But you've not really said where we will be going. And I'm honestly a bit concerned about the details of what exactly we're trying to find."
(OOC - Sorry, had a hard time getting a moment to respond late yesterday / early today. I've been working on this post while, and every time I see I've fallen farther and farther behind on the story! So, with any luck I'm caught up now. And if I'm still not up-to-date, then I just hope that I'm close!)
So, urged by Thia, you finally enter a comfortable room, heated by a large fireplace on one side, illuminated by a large window on the other, where some chairs allow guests to sit in front of a comfortable bed... on which lies a young woman (perhaps not even 20 years old) in obvious state of advanced pregnancy.
"Welcome," the woman leans up a bit, adjusting a pillow behind her back, so she can see your face more easily, and she gives you a broad smile, "I'm Martha! Please, take a seat!"
Her face, framed by wavy brown hair, is quite ordinary, but the woman's brown eyes look decidedly friendly as she asks: "Would you like some wine? Or maybe some beer? I can have Thia bring some..."
For Roxana
Reading this woman's body language and micro-expressions, you get the idea that she is trying to be a good host, be she would really like to come soon to the point and explain her concern - probably a really big one.
Spira walks over to the seat closest to Martha and sits down to talk to her closer to her own eye level. "Please don't trouble yourself about us too much, although I'm sure we all will appreciate the hospitality. I would imagine you're in some discomfort now, though ... I'll talk to Thia about some herbs that might help ease that when she brings my wine ... and would prefer us to be concise and to the point. I am Spira Inirali, and I and my brother -- who will be joining me soon -- are traveling healers. We learned you were looking for assistance, and so I came ahead to join these others in offering our services, and ... shall we say, I and my brother work a little better now than the days when my fellow Watchmates used to give me no peace about him being the rogue I really ought to be apprehending." She winks discreetly at this last remark and then settles back in her chair, waiting to see what Martha's response might be.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
Antar al'Barmeqi - goblin warlock (The Genie: Marid) 1, THE MOON OF THORNS
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 - Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Theris Dionte, shadar-kai rogue 1, Born of Stormmount
"A beer then." The white-haired warrior says plainly, dropping his backpack to the floor by one of the chairs but remanining standing with a stern expression, glancing out the window where the snow kept falling. He was hoping this service had nothing to do with delivery of child or he would certainly be out of his depth. The sight of the pregnancy would have brought joy to most, but the the face of the white-haired warrior shows nothing but sorrow and pain.
Rash plops into one of the offered seats.
"I'd love to have some good wine," he says with a smile, leaning his staff against the arm of the chair. "It's not often I get to hang out in a place like this, so a taste of rich-people drink would be only fitting to complete the experience."
"Oh, thank you, you're very kind Lady Spira!" Martha smiles brightly at the traveling healer "Yes, some discomfort, but at least all good with the child..." why then that sudden shadow of sadness veils her face? But it is promptly replaced by strong determination as she goes on "...the problem is with the father... but I'm sure that all will be fine in the end, thanks to you! We'll get straight to the point as soon as you all have enjoyed that minimum of hospitality that I can offer you".
(OOC: Spira, please, make a Perception check!)
She turns to Thia: "So wine it is for Lady Spira, dear... and the same for our half-orc guest. Bring a glass for me also. While our imposing hero prefers a mug of beer - feel free to take something for yourself too, if you like".
The woman asks to Obadiah and Rash: "May I know your names also, brave lords?"
Then to those who didn't reply yet: "And for you? There's something Thia should bring?"
"Pardon me milady, my name is Obadiah and I'm at your service." The white-haired warrior responds with a slight bow of the head. "The father, is he missing then?" Obadiah continues with a hint of impatience.
"It is worse" Martha admits, frowning. "We need to save him. But I'm sure we will," she forces herself to smile at Obadiah, hopeful "seeing how eager you seem to get started! That's very appreciated, by the way!"
"I'll explain everything soon - if someone hasn't already done so, that is..." she goes on. "It's not as if anyone has told you about this yet, have they? Anyway, even if they were, don't believe a word of other people's gossip... No one knows Dobbian better than I do" and she slams (albeit not too violently) her fist on the bed to underline the concept. "He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. We just have to save him".
"Well, that sounds ominous... what are we saving the gentleman from?" Rash asks.
"A wine for me too " asks Aidwyn trying to act politely but it's clear that she is a little bit out of her element. "Aidwyn is my name and please, tell us where is the father and from whom or what he needs saving?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Thia snaps with her usual energetic exuberance, goes out the door and is back shortly after with what she was asked for - with the addition of a mug of beer for her too.
Martha drinks her glass of wine almost all in one gulp, as if to gain courage, then she starts: "Well, proceeding in order... You must know that Dobbian is not what an important and martial family like mine would consider 'a good catch'" her face twists slightly in disapproval as she pronounces the term. "I knew him here in Longsaddle, at last year's Dusty Rodeo festival, as a wandering and penniless minstrel... Discipline is not his forte... Nor fight... And of course, he does not know anything about horse breeding either... But we love each other!" her brown eyes seem to light up from within now, while she smiles in enthusiasm "He has decided to put aside his usual lifestyle, for me. He is the father of my child and he will stay with me, to become my husband. Do you want to hear what song he dedicated to me, before... well, before the problem I will explain very soon; but do you want to hear the song, anyway?"
At the name of Dobbian. Spira raises one eyebrow with a slightly quirked smile, but remains silent until Martha mentions the song, then she breaks into a delighted laugh, "Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. That's the sort of thing even Gaer would ... well, I suppose my brother in particular having known so many bards would accept that as evidence that he loves you, though I can see how more conventional folk might scoff at that. And Gaer ... well, let's just say his big sister is quite happy to have the chance to say, 'Told you so' about one of our passing acquaintances on our travels. Please do favor us with the song." She chuckles.
====================================
OOC: Rolled 15 Perception in the campaign log. Would you like future rolls there or in our posts using the dice roller?
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
Antar al'Barmeqi - goblin warlock (The Genie: Marid) 1, THE MOON OF THORNS
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 - Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Theris Dionte, shadar-kai rogue 1, Born of Stormmount
(OOC: Both are fine by me... Feel free to use either campaign log or dice roller as you prefer)
For Spira:
An apparently inconspicous small bronze hand mirror rests on a chest nearby. A mirror that would appear to be just like the one Gaer once owned...
Martha was apparently waiting for nothing more than the slightest nod; so she promptly begins to hum the song, enthusiastically, even if not in a tone, smiling at obviously pleasant memories and moved at the end:
"I'll be the father of your child.
I'll lead your horses through grass and wild.
I know your few fears and you know the many mines.
Your family doubts, but we'll be fine!
And I love you, I swear that's true...
From now on, I can't live without you."
"Beautiful, right?" she furtively dries her tears of emotion "And... he composed it for me! He dedicated it to me!"
Obadiah gratefully accepts the mug of beer, immediately taking a big gulp, then glancing down at the young half-elven girl having one of her own, wondering about this servants age, a slight grin on his face as the girl joins in drinking with her mistress. Standing by the window, the white-haired warrior shifts slightly with unease as there is mention of singing. He didn't mind it but he struggled to see the relevance in hearing a song in order to save it's author, but he kept his mouth shut about it, simply nodding with a strained smile, hoping to get the performance over with so that he might go to work with saving the would-be father.
Obadiah would assume Thia could be 14-15 years old, if she were human. She's a half-elf though... so she's probably a few years older. Upon noticing the slight grin, the young girl winks and she begins to sip the beer confidently, as if to show herself more grown up than she is.
Meanwhile, Martha has finished immersing herself in the memories of her Dobbian and, with a deep sigh, begins to speak gravely again:
"I was saying that you must save him. Because... Yes, now I must tell you what happened. You will have understood by now that my family is not exactly thrilled with him. Well, during that bloody dinner on Hammer 23," the young woman is clenching her fists in anger "five bloody days ago, during a heated argument with my cousin Tharby and her husband Adran, who insisted on calling him an 'opportunist who didn't deserve the luck that had befallen him', my poor Dobbian became so inflamed that he choked on a large mouthful of bread, suffocating to death before someone could save him!"
"In short," the young woman is staring at you with her brown eyes, as if studying your reaction "he is dead. And I confess to you that, for a moment, I almost thought of killing myself, of following him in that fate".
"But of course not!" she again slams a fist on the bed "That's not what should be done! Now that I've just found the love of my life and that I have his child in my womb, I certainly can't give up at the first difficulties! We will save him!" and her eyes are fixed again intensely in those of each of you, as if to convey to you the same unshakable conviction that animates her "Or rather, you will".
"It shouldn't be difficult," (yes, she is not joking as she says it) "I had a divination done that gave me some information. I know there is a means to save him. I have a general idea of the location. But I know that we will have to hurry, to act quickly, within a few days. And that there may be 'some risk' associated with the recovery of said 'means'".
"And I, in my state," she slowly passes a hand over her pregnant belly "unfortunately cannot take risks myself - not only would I not be able to fight at my best, but I would also put the life I am carrying in danger! No, you'll have to go - generously rewarded, of course. Provided you feel up to looking for this unspecified 'means' that can save my Dobbian, facing unspecified 'risks'. But... well... that's what adventurers do, right? How about? Do you think you can do it?"
And there she is, this young woman, pregnant and alone. She is looking at you intensely, with a light of hope that she doesn't seem to want to give up in the face of any obstacle. It is clear that if you don't accept, she will look for someone else. Or maybe, if she doesn't find anyone, she will eventually go herself, in spite of the wise observations she has just made? However it is clear that at this moment Martha is praying to whatever deity she can think of that you will agree to try to help her...
Aidwyn looks curious to the read-headed woman when she admits to know the fianceé of the woman but says nothing.
She was about to drink the wine when Martha says his loved one is dead, and she almost choke with the liquid.
She makes an effort not to say the first thing that comes to her mind and takes into consideration that the woman carries a child that it seems to be about to be born. So she takes a deep breath and looks to the others.
"I... see... that could prove a real problem indeed... he being dead I mean... I am sorry for your loss... ehh.. you... you said you had some divination done. Who did this magic for you? And what information is that? Must be something really incredible if will allow you to... bring him back... "
Aidwyn clearly thinks that someone had scammed the poor, traumatized woman. At least she will make the scoundrel pay for taking advantage of a poor woman, and a pregnant one on top of all!!
PbP Character: A few ;)
Rash pauses mid-swig as Martha says that the man they're supposed to save. He manages not to choke, but... they're being hired to save a dead man? Well, in all fairness powerful Clerics have been known to resurrect the dead, and even a few extremely powerful arcane spellcasters could do so. But... how could a group of random adventurers pull off such a task? Of course, it would likely involve recovering some powerful magical item... He swallows mouth full of wine and slowly puts down the cup.
"Well... that's definitely something. I won't promise that we can pull it off... but I for one am more than willing to do whatever I can to help out here."
"We must try!" insists Martha, almost desperate "Getting that divination wasn't easy for me! Not even the Harpells I tried to contact were able to give me those directions. But Colin, this foreign wizard who knew how to divine the directions for me, asked for a reward that takes much time to use - so it wouldn't make sense for him to try to trick me. If his directions turn out to be inaccurate, I can cancel his reward at any time. You see, as a reward for his divination, Colin asked that I get make him study at the Harpells - which, on my reward, they agreed. But studying takes time... and if I find Colin has deceived me, I may demand my agreement with the Harpells annulled - and he wouldn't get the knowledge that interested him so much!"
"Please..." the woman's eyes become imploring "Follow the directions I'll give you. They indicate how to reach a place. They don't specify well the 'means' to recover in that place and the 'dangers' to face... but you are adventurers... you are experts in these things... you will certainly be able to recognize something that can do for us, right? Will you give it a try, at least? It's always Colin who warned me that it had to be done quickly, in a few days... If he had wanted to cheat me, wouldn't it have been more convenient for him to tell me that I had all the time I wanted? That way, he could have had time to finish his studies at the Harpells..."
"I think Colin knew what he said" Martha really seems convinced. "And, above all, I feel that this is my last hope... Will you at least try?" she runs a hand lovingly across her lap "Do it for us... We need Dobbian... For us and for a rich reward, of course! Do you wish me to tell what I'll give you if you succeed?"
"Oh thanks!" Martha gets out of bed to reach out and hug the half-orc "So you'll try! You won't regret it, you'll see! Now that we know the place, what will it take to recover the 'means'? I'm sure you can do it! I can see that you are capable people and, above all, with a good heart! I have no doubts you'll bring my Dobbian back!"
"Besides," Thia adds, finally recognizing Roxana and pointing her finger, "we also have Roxana's help! Do you remember, Lady Martha? Roxana! It's that girl of us, from Longsaddle, who put in his place that impoverished nobleman who wanted to cheat her! Do you remember? Not too long ago..."
"Yes, of course, you are right Thia..." Martha tries to recall those events that had been on everyone's lips at Longsaddle "Lord Roland Frindos, of Triboar, had done it. That cowardly profiteer! I felt so proud that one of us had unmasked him and put him in his place!" and looking well at Roxana "Yes, I remember, it was you! If even a smart girl like you agrees to help me, I feel we can't fail!"
After having followed with the others into the house, Roxana declines the offers of hospitality. "I'm Roxana. And really, we should just see what it is you need." She waited however as others had drinks brought, including the one for Martha herself. She doesn't bother taking a seat, standing off to one side of the room to listen.
She listens to the song, then smiles to the young woman. She can't help but think of the young man that she'd fancied not so long ago. 'I'll bet the Sharnshield's would have thought him 'a good catch' and look how that turned out! I wonder if we will still get paid when Dobbian is found and he had just skipped town on her,' she muses for a moment. The latter thought doesn't last long though, as Martha reveals Dobbian is dead. Roxana is left speechless.
She listens as she goes on to explain about Colin. 'Yet another charlatan?' But the woman has some solid responses. Clearly, she had already considered that she was being cheated. The tale of going somewhere and in that place they could find something to bring back someone from the dead seemed like a pretty astounding task. 'Would Martha actually pay me to do something like that?' she wonders.
"Martha, I can tell this means a lot to you. I perhaps..." For a moment Roxana loses her confidence, wondering if she'd really be cut out for such a task. But then she recalls what seemed to be dwindling work at the tavern and how she'd stood up for herself not long ago. 'Maybe this is what I should be doing', she thinks. She comes to this conclusion in what seems like a long pause, but not too terribly long she hopes. "Perhaps I could help you with this. But you've not really said where we will be going. And I'm honestly a bit concerned about the details of what exactly we're trying to find."
(OOC - Sorry, had a hard time getting a moment to respond late yesterday / early today. I've been working on this post while, and every time I see I've fallen farther and farther behind on the story! So, with any luck I'm caught up now. And if I'm still not up-to-date, then I just hope that I'm close!)
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin