Aisling is surprised by Leif's words. Why would he think they were looking for him? And… slave? This halfling must have been through a lot, the poor thing. She doesn’t say anything to him just yet, instead focusing on hiding him from the guard as best she can. When Joy approaches, Aisling moves closer, hoping that standing near her might help shield the halfling further.
She listens intently to the conversation, nodding eagerly at the hexblood’s question about the prisoners. Then she adds, “Also, what in the world happened to that cart? It’s rather strange that it just rampaged through the street right as so many passengers landed from the boat. By the gods, what if it had slammed into them?” She shivers and hugs herself tightly, partly from the thought, partly from the evening chill seeping into her damp skin.
Cyriel, you search your memory and try to recall the rescue. It was intense, but you don't remember any other folks down there. You are almost sure you left no one behind.
Leif, these men and the guards are not paying you any attention.
Aisling asks the man who gave her the key, "So they're prisoners? What did they do to deserve this, if I may ask? And who is this boy you mentioned? I didn't see anyone else down there."
The man's eyes desperately dart around, searching. He is becoming slightly annoyed at being questioned.
Joy joins Aisling and questions, "Yes, I'd like to know exactly why they were locked in that cage before I start chasing anyone down."
He is about to speak when Aisling adds, "Also, what in the world happened to that cart? It's rather strange that it just rampaged through the street right as so many passengers landed from the boat. By the gods, what if it had slammed into them?"
His demeanour changes. He looks straight at you both and speaks in desperation, almost fear. "Please, I have to deliver this lot. They belo..." and he stops short. He pauses, sighs and continues, "My thanks to you all for your gallant toil. I am afraid I have no reward to offer, and I must..."
The man is interrupted by the guard, a member of the city watch, who several other guards now accompany. "Move along now!" The guards are not helping the men who lost the cart, they are just keeping order.
The three men who were chasing the carriage get busy rounding up and searching. The crowd disperses, and the guards usher away the remaining crowd, yourselves included.
As it becomes clear to Leif these men have no interest in him, his panic turns to anger as the man talks about delivering the people. His anger giving him a newfound courage, Leif walks up to the three men looking for the boy and says, "Hey misters. I think I saw the boy you were looking for run that way." He gestures to the opposite direction of where he thinks the boy went. Leif then returns to the group with a crooked smile on his face. Still cold and soaked, but a little less miserable. Confident the men would believe his deception.
After the guards usher us away from the docks, Leif addresses the group. In hushed tones, he tells the group, "I think I saw the boy they were looking for. He escaped by going under the jetty after getting out of the wagon." He points in the general area where he last saw the boy. "Maybe we should go see if he's okay... if we can find him."
As Lusia is ushered off by the guards, she tries to note where the three men from the carriage are headed. She tries to go that direction, trailing a bit behind them. Or if the guards don't initially allow her that option, she will seem to comply with their wishes then try to double back after a few moments. She tries to stay inconspicuous and not be noticed by the men, but she won't attract other attention by trying too hard to hide from them. (Stealth if needed: 24)
At the moment she really doesn't pay too much attention to the others that had helped with the rescue.
Aislingexchanges a glance with Joyas she notes the desperation—almost fear—in the man’s voice. Why would that be? the changeling wonders. But she doesn’t have long to dwell on it, as the guards soon begin dispersing the crowd, including them.
Amid the confusion of people scattering, and realizing that Leifhas lied, she decides to support his deception by conjuring an illusion of footsteps running away in the direction he indicated. Aisling doesn’t truly know why she’s doing this. It’s not as if lying to the authorities comes naturally to her. But at the same time, she simply doesn’t trust them right now. This whole situation—the wagon, the guards’ reaction—feels strange.
When Leif claims to have seen the missing boy, she arches an eyebrow. “Really? Oh, yes, then let’s try to talk to him, of course. He must be terrified. And I would really love to know why those men were bound. Point the way, Leif.”
Then she adds, “By the way, do any of you happen to have a cloak or something Cyriel, Leif, and I could use to dry ourselves?”
Still standing stoically in his soaked clothes and armour, listening in on the conversation with the men responsible for the people in the cage, it finally dawns on the young knight that the man he saved was most likely a slave, which helps explain his lack of gratitude for being alive. While this was the first time he had left his homeland, he was still quite aware of different views on slavery across the Flanaess. He would never condone this practice but he had no right to simply free these people by force, if he would even be able to. Still, he didn't feel the least obliged to help them find the missing boy.
He listens with a small smile as the halfling tries to trick the three men away, then leaning in closer as Leif talks in hushed tones. "You go and find ze boy, but be discreet, ve don't vant those men to find him, ja? I vill have a talk vith the men and make sure zey are distracted. Ze drying can vait."He says quietly, giving the thoughtful half-elf a friendly smile, then approaching the three men that are busy rounding up and searching.
"Entschuldigung meine Herren! I vas of course glad to be of service vith rescuing these people from certain death, and whoever you are taking zese people to must be grateful to not lose ze value zat zey represent. Your master vill be grateful if you directed me to zem so zat zey can zank me in person. Zere is no need for your master to know about the negligence zat led to zis incident, ja?" He says with a polite but quite firm tone, hoping to convince the men to give the identity of the slave owner while also keeping their attention away from his new companions.
When Aisling asks about something to dry off with, Joy immediately unfastens her pack and pulls out a thick woolen blanket. “Here,” she says, pressing it into Aisling’s hands. “It’s not much, but it’ll help. You and Leif share it. Good thinking with that illusion by the way."
Then, as Cyriel moves in to speak with the men, Joy follows without hesitation. She steps up beside him, her presence calm but commanding, the emblem of Pelor on her shield gleaming faintly. “Yes, I was just thinking the same thing,” she chimes in, giving the men a feigned sympathetic smile as she attempts to help with Cyriel's attempt to persuade them. “I imagine your boss would want to hear about this incident from us—after all, if we explain how hard you worked to fix this disaster, I’m sure they’ll be more understanding.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The young knight is at first surprised to see the green-skinned pelorian standing by his side, but he quickly gives her a small grateful smile for her support.
He listens with a small smile as the halfling tries to trick the three men away, then leaning in closer as Leif talks in hushed tones. "You go and find ze boy, but be discreet, ve don't vant those men to find him, ja? I vill have a talk vith the men and make sure zey are distracted. Ze drying can vait."He says quietly, giving the thoughtful half-elf a friendly smile, then approaching the three men that are busy rounding up and searching.
"Sounds good, I'll make sure I'm not being followed!"
When Aisling asks about something to dry off with, Joy immediately unfastens her pack and pulls out a thick woolen blanket. “Here,” she says, pressing it into Aisling’s hands. “It’s not much, but it’ll help. You and Leif share it. Good thinking with that illusion by the way."
Leif refuses Joy's offer, "I'm okay, thanks.Aisling, you take it." The young halfling then runs off, trying to track down the other boy who escaped down the jetty. He makes every effort to go unseen by prying eyes while trying to pick up the boy's trail from where he left the water.
Aislingthanked Joywith a warm smile but soon protested when Leifclaimed he was fine and simply ran after the missing boy. He was going to catch a cold if he stayed soaked as he was! But seeing there was nothing she could do about it at that moment, the changeling simply wrapped herself in the cloak—silently grateful that Joy was taller than her, allowing her to cover most of her body with it. Perhaps later, if they all ended up sharing the same inn, she could make sure Leif had something hot to drink to make up for all that cold.
Since Joyand Cyrielwere busy speaking with the men, Aisling stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. After a brief hesitation, she followed after Leif, though she kept some distance with the halfling. It was probably best that he was the first to approach the boy once he found him. And given Leif’s own past—one that seemed to involve being trapped or enslaved—perhaps this would help him connect with the child.
With half their newfound party speaking with the men who were apparently responsible for the captives and half going off to search for the missing boy, Cleo took a moment to think about her own strengths. It was definitely not in talking with a group of tall folk, especially ones who could be slavers. The gnome frowns with distaste at the thought that the poor rescued people could be slaves. Then she follows Leif and Aisling, hanging back near Aisling.
"This all makes my nose twitch," Cleo whispers to Aisling. "There's something off here, but I don't know what."
The men try to go about their business. One stands over the five captives with the man who gave Aisling the key. Aisling conjures her illusionary ruse, and he looks up from the captives and scans where he hears the footsteps. But for the short distraction, he returns his attention to the captives. Possibly attributing it to one of the many other denizens moving around the area.
Leif confronts the third man. "Hey misters. I think I saw the boy you were looking for run that way."pointing north.
The man immediately takes off.
Cyriel, you walk over to distract the two men. "Entschuldigung meine Herren! I vas of course glad to be of service vith rescuing these people from certain death, and whoever you are taking zese people to must be grateful to not lose ze value zat zey represent. Your master vill be grateful if you directed me to zem so zat zey can zank me in person. Zere is no need for your master to know about the negligence zat led to zis incident, ja?"
Both look at you, then to each other and back at you, seemingly agitated with your line of questioning when Joy joins you.
“Yes, I was just thinking the same thing,I imagine your boss would want to hear about this incident from us—after all, if we explain how hard you worked to fix this disaster, I’m sure they’ll be more understanding.”
Joy's presence is pacifying.
"Hark, we must make haste! Once more, our deepest thanks, yet we can tarry no longer!"
Enter two new men. One of them starts to help move the captives while the other joins the man you are speaking with.
"What devilry is this? We are pressed for time, do you not know?" Observing the situation, he asks, "Why are they loose? What ill fate has befallen the cart?"
The man, at a loss to explain the situation, remains silent.
"Onward, let us make haste!" the four men leave with the captives.
Returning to his new friends, Leif shares the last known whereabouts of the boy, and he and Aisling plan to pursue the lad.
Leif, Aisling, Cleo, You follow Leif as he leads you under the jetty and along the shoreline south for several minutes. The city walls are closer to the river bank, towering some 30 feet above you. There is no sign of the boy.
Lusia,
Please see the PM.
With the sun now past the horizon, the evening becomes night and the air has become cold.
The young knight is visibly annoyed at not having his questions answered. Didn't they realize he was a noble? It was a matter of pride for him now to bring up these mens' utter lack of courtesy with their master. To this end he quickly makes note of any identifying insignias or such with the insolent men.
(Perception: 15 )
As the group of newly arrived is reassmebled he turns to them with a tired smile. "I for one is not done vith zose men, but perhaps ve should find zat tavern now ja? It is getting both dark and cold." He says, looking around at the others with a friendly smile. They had all acted to help without apparent duty to do so, some even risking their lives to do so, and this impressed the young knight, these where people he would want to spend more time with during his visit in the city. "Did you find ze boy?"He turns and asks the halfling, half-elf and gnome with a concerned look as they start walking.
Joy sighs as the men turn away, their eagerness to be rid of them all too familiar. People were always in a hurry to move away from her. Still, it was frustrating. She glances at Cyriel as he notes their insignias, silently appreciating his persistence. They might not have answers now, but this wasn’t over.
At his suggestion after they reunite with the others, she smiles warmly and nods. “Yes, let’s find that tavern. You, Aisling, and Leif need to get warm before you catch a chill.”
As the young halfling searches for any sign of the boy, he soon realizes he isn't a very good tracker and comes up empty-handed. Once again defeated, he turns back towards Aisling and Cleo. "I dunno where he went. I hope he's okay."Leif begins to shiver as the cool night air rolls in.
When the group reconvenes, Leif responds to Cyriel, "No." He looks down as he says the word, expecting the group to be disappointed in him. During his captivity, punishment always followed failure, and he had no reason to believe the outside world was any different. He prepared himself to get berated, but he was willing to take it if it meant getting to stay with this group. He had grown fond of them in a short amount of time.
Aislingsighed. Whatever had happened to that boy? She, too, hoped he was safe and wished the best for him. Leif’s disappointment was palpable, and the shapeshifter ached for him. She extended a hand to pat his back but hesitated, remembering the unnatural chill of her touch. Recoiling, she grasped her cloak with the same hand, wrapping it around her fingers before repeating the motion. This time, with the cloth as a barrier, she gently patted Leif’s back before settling the cloak over his shoulders.
"It’s okay, Leif. At least that boy is free now. Let’s hope this gives him a chance at a better life—one better than whatever those guards had planned for him."
She nodded to Cyrieland Joy. "Yes, let’s find an inn. It’s been quite the night, and some rest and a proper meal would be more than welcome. I hope we can find somewhere that can give lodging to the six of us!", she added, nodding towards Cleo andLusia too.
As she spoke, Aisling adjusted the cloak around Leif. The fabric nearly swallowed the halfling, so she carefully rolled it up so it wouldn’t drag.
Grateful for the extra layer of fabric around him, Leif thanks Aisling and wraps the cloak tighter around himself. "Thanks." he is surprised by her kind words and attention.
The young knight is about to say that the warmth of the green-skinned pelorian's smile would be enough for him, but he just returns the smile with a faint red hue to his cheeks. "Entschuldigung fräulein, you do your name and faith credit, but I must admit I have never met anyone like you before...ehm...vhat I mean is...ehm...looking like you...I mean..."He says, the finally going silent and looking down on his heavy boots that still held gallons of water it felt like, feeling heat rising to his cheeks over how awkwardly it was to ask what she was, why she was...green. Perhaps it was awkward because it shouldn't matter why she was green he thought. He already knew she was kind and brave, it was all he really needed to know.
The young knight nods in agreement with the half-elf as she comforts the halfling, and he takes a knee by his side. "Ve can still find ze boy to make sure he is fine. I can not promise to set free zose slaves but I vill certainly seek a way to give zem zeir freedom back."He says with a reassuring smile to Leif, giving the halfling a gentle pat on the shoulder before standing up again, water still dripping from his cloak and armour, taking the reins of his black steed and making his way towards the city gates as soon as the others are ready to follow.
Joy blinks in surprise at Cyriel’s sudden flustered demeanor, then lets out a bright, easy laugh. His awkward attempt at an explanation—combined with the red creeping up his face—was far too endearing for her to take offense. Someone was bound to ask eventually. She tilts her head, offering him a warm, if slightly shy smile.
She glances down briefly, tucking a loose strand of green hair behind her ear. “It’s a little hard to explain,” she admits, voice light but honest. “My parents are both human, you see. I was fey-touched before I was born. Likely one of my relatives made a wish—probably for me to be born healthy or strong—and, well...the fey, especially the less friendly ones, don’t give gifts without leaving their mark.” She spreads her arms playfully, gesturing to her green skin, forked ears, and sharp nails. “'Hexblood' they call it. You can recognize us for sure by the crown. It um...doesn't come off.” She reaches up to tug at her circlet. It's difficult to tell through all her hair, but the seemingly wooden item is actually attached to her head. Hopefully the revelation doesn't frighten the others too much, but she feels it best to be honest--aside from avoiding the word 'Hag'.
The young knight is relieved to hear the bright easy laugh, no hint of scorn there he thought, daring to look up at the green-skinned pelorian again as she explained her quite particular heritage. "It is impressive how you valk vith confidence in spite of vhat many people might zink and say about zose looking different zan zemselves fräulein Joy. You must excuse me when I stare, it is quite exotic for me to see someone like you, but I suspect I vill be doing a lot of staring coming to a great city from ze remote castle of my family and clan."He explains with a small smile. "You must tell me how you came into ze service of the shining one fräulein."He continues with a friendly smile, glancing down at the pelorian's shield, seeming more relaxed and confident again.
Aisling is surprised by Leif's words. Why would he think they were looking for him? And… slave? This halfling must have been through a lot, the poor thing. She doesn’t say anything to him just yet, instead focusing on hiding him from the guard as best she can. When Joy approaches, Aisling moves closer, hoping that standing near her might help shield the halfling further.
She listens intently to the conversation, nodding eagerly at the hexblood’s question about the prisoners. Then she adds, “Also, what in the world happened to that cart? It’s rather strange that it just rampaged through the street right as so many passengers landed from the boat. By the gods, what if it had slammed into them?” She shivers and hugs herself tightly, partly from the thought, partly from the evening chill seeping into her damp skin.
(Insight on the guard's answers: 17)
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Nessa | Saxa | Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren
Lusia, you don't see any likely suspects.
Cyriel, you search your memory and try to recall the rescue. It was intense, but you don't remember any other folks down there. You are almost sure you left no one behind.
Leif, these men and the guards are not paying you any attention.
Aisling asks the man who gave her the key, "So they're prisoners? What did they do to deserve this, if I may ask? And who is this boy you mentioned? I didn't see anyone else down there."
The man's eyes desperately dart around, searching. He is becoming slightly annoyed at being questioned.
Joy joins Aisling and questions, "Yes, I'd like to know exactly why they were locked in that cage before I start chasing anyone down."
He is about to speak when Aisling adds, "Also, what in the world happened to that cart? It's rather strange that it just rampaged through the street right as so many passengers landed from the boat. By the gods, what if it had slammed into them?"
His demeanour changes. He looks straight at you both and speaks in desperation, almost fear. "Please, I have to deliver this lot. They belo..." and he stops short. He pauses, sighs and continues, "My thanks to you all for your gallant toil. I am afraid I have no reward to offer, and I must..."
The man is interrupted by the guard, a member of the city watch, who several other guards now accompany. "Move along now!" The guards are not helping the men who lost the cart, they are just keeping order.
The three men who were chasing the carriage get busy rounding up and searching. The crowd disperses, and the guards usher away the remaining crowd, yourselves included.
As it becomes clear to Leif these men have no interest in him, his panic turns to anger as the man talks about delivering the people. His anger giving him a newfound courage, Leif walks up to the three men looking for the boy and says, "Hey misters. I think I saw the boy you were looking for run that way." He gestures to the opposite direction of where he thinks the boy went. Leif then returns to the group with a crooked smile on his face. Still cold and soaked, but a little less miserable. Confident the men would believe his deception.
After the guards usher us away from the docks, Leif addresses the group. In hushed tones, he tells the group, "I think I saw the boy they were looking for. He escaped by going under the jetty after getting out of the wagon." He points in the general area where he last saw the boy. "Maybe we should go see if he's okay... if we can find him."
Deception: 6
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
As Lusia is ushered off by the guards, she tries to note where the three men from the carriage are headed. She tries to go that direction, trailing a bit behind them. Or if the guards don't initially allow her that option, she will seem to comply with their wishes then try to double back after a few moments. She tries to stay inconspicuous and not be noticed by the men, but she won't attract other attention by trying too hard to hide from them. (Stealth if needed: 24)
At the moment she really doesn't pay too much attention to the others that had helped with the rescue.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi ||
Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue
Aisling exchanges a glance with Joy as she notes the desperation—almost fear—in the man’s voice. Why would that be? the changeling wonders. But she doesn’t have long to dwell on it, as the guards soon begin dispersing the crowd, including them.
Amid the confusion of people scattering, and realizing that Leif has lied, she decides to support his deception by conjuring an illusion of footsteps running away in the direction he indicated. Aisling doesn’t truly know why she’s doing this. It’s not as if lying to the authorities comes naturally to her. But at the same time, she simply doesn’t trust them right now. This whole situation—the wagon, the guards’ reaction—feels strange.
When Leif claims to have seen the missing boy, she arches an eyebrow. “Really? Oh, yes, then let’s try to talk to him, of course. He must be terrified. And I would really love to know why those men were bound. Point the way, Leif.”
Then she adds, “By the way, do any of you happen to have a cloak or something Cyriel, Leif, and I could use to dry ourselves?”
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Nessa | Saxa | Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren
Still standing stoically in his soaked clothes and armour, listening in on the conversation with the men responsible for the people in the cage, it finally dawns on the young knight that the man he saved was most likely a slave, which helps explain his lack of gratitude for being alive. While this was the first time he had left his homeland, he was still quite aware of different views on slavery across the Flanaess. He would never condone this practice but he had no right to simply free these people by force, if he would even be able to. Still, he didn't feel the least obliged to help them find the missing boy.
He listens with a small smile as the halfling tries to trick the three men away, then leaning in closer as Leif talks in hushed tones. "You go and find ze boy, but be discreet, ve don't vant those men to find him, ja? I vill have a talk vith the men and make sure zey are distracted. Ze drying can vait." He says quietly, giving the thoughtful half-elf a friendly smile, then approaching the three men that are busy rounding up and searching.
"Entschuldigung meine Herren! I vas of course glad to be of service vith rescuing these people from certain death, and whoever you are taking zese people to must be grateful to not lose ze value zat zey represent. Your master vill be grateful if you directed me to zem so zat zey can zank me in person. Zere is no need for your master to know about the negligence zat led to zis incident, ja?" He says with a polite but quite firm tone, hoping to convince the men to give the identity of the slave owner while also keeping their attention away from his new companions.
Persuasion: 11
When Aisling asks about something to dry off with, Joy immediately unfastens her pack and pulls out a thick woolen blanket. “Here,” she says, pressing it into Aisling’s hands. “It’s not much, but it’ll help. You and Leif share it. Good thinking with that illusion by the way."
Then, as Cyriel moves in to speak with the men, Joy follows without hesitation. She steps up beside him, her presence calm but commanding, the emblem of Pelor on her shield gleaming faintly. “Yes, I was just thinking the same thing,” she chimes in, giving the men a feigned sympathetic smile as she attempts to help with Cyriel's attempt to persuade them. “I imagine your boss would want to hear about this incident from us—after all, if we explain how hard you worked to fix this disaster, I’m sure they’ll be more understanding.”
The young knight is at first surprised to see the green-skinned pelorian standing by his side, but he quickly gives her a small grateful smile for her support.
(Another persuasion due to help: 23 )
Leif turns to go in the direction he thinks the boy went before stopping as the rest of the group discusses.
"Sounds good, I'll make sure I'm not being followed!"
Leif refuses Joy's offer, "I'm okay, thanks. Aisling, you take it." The young halfling then runs off, trying to track down the other boy who escaped down the jetty. He makes every effort to go unseen by prying eyes while trying to pick up the boy's trail from where he left the water.
Stealth: 12
Survival: 2
Perception: 4
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Aisling thanked Joy with a warm smile but soon protested when Leif claimed he was fine and simply ran after the missing boy. He was going to catch a cold if he stayed soaked as he was! But seeing there was nothing she could do about it at that moment, the changeling simply wrapped herself in the cloak—silently grateful that Joy was taller than her, allowing her to cover most of her body with it. Perhaps later, if they all ended up sharing the same inn, she could make sure Leif had something hot to drink to make up for all that cold.
Since Joy and Cyriel were busy speaking with the men, Aisling stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. After a brief hesitation, she followed after Leif, though she kept some distance with the halfling. It was probably best that he was the first to approach the boy once he found him. And given Leif’s own past—one that seemed to involve being trapped or enslaved—perhaps this would help him connect with the child.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Nessa | Saxa | Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren
With half their newfound party speaking with the men who were apparently responsible for the captives and half going off to search for the missing boy, Cleo took a moment to think about her own strengths. It was definitely not in talking with a group of tall folk, especially ones who could be slavers. The gnome frowns with distaste at the thought that the poor rescued people could be slaves. Then she follows Leif and Aisling, hanging back near Aisling.
"This all makes my nose twitch," Cleo whispers to Aisling. "There's something off here, but I don't know what."
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf - Lvl. 4 Halfling Rogue (The Shattered Obelisk) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan - Lvl. 10 Half-Elf Sorcerer (Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick - Lvl. 4 Aasimar Paladin (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Selene Albion - Lvl. 12 Human Ranger (In-Person Homebrew Campaign) ♦ Phaerdra Tor'viir - Lvl. 3 Drow Wizard (Exandria Sandbox Campaign)
The men try to go about their business. One stands over the five captives with the man who gave Aisling the key. Aisling conjures her illusionary ruse, and he looks up from the captives and scans where he hears the footsteps. But for the short distraction, he returns his attention to the captives. Possibly attributing it to one of the many other denizens moving around the area.
Leif confronts the third man. "Hey misters. I think I saw the boy you were looking for run that way." pointing north.
The man immediately takes off.
Cyriel,
you walk over to distract the two men. "Entschuldigung meine Herren! I vas of course glad to be of service vith rescuing these people from certain death, and whoever you are taking zese people to must be grateful to not lose ze value zat zey represent. Your master vill be grateful if you directed me to zem so zat zey can zank me in person. Zere is no need for your master to know about the negligence zat led to zis incident, ja?"
Both look at you, then to each other and back at you, seemingly agitated with your line of questioning when Joy joins you.
“Yes, I was just thinking the same thing, I imagine your boss would want to hear about this incident from us—after all, if we explain how hard you worked to fix this disaster, I’m sure they’ll be more understanding.”
Joy's presence is pacifying.
"Hark, we must make haste! Once more, our deepest thanks, yet we can tarry no longer!"
Enter two new men. One of them starts to help move the captives while the other joins the man you are speaking with.
"What devilry is this? We are pressed for time, do you not know?" Observing the situation, he asks, "Why are they loose? What ill fate has befallen the cart?"
The man, at a loss to explain the situation, remains silent.
"Onward, let us make haste!" the four men leave with the captives.
Returning to his new friends, Leif shares the last known whereabouts of the boy, and he and Aisling plan to pursue the lad.
Leif, Aisling, Cleo,
You follow Leif as he leads you under the jetty and along the shoreline south for several minutes. The city walls are closer to the river bank, towering some 30 feet above you. There is no sign of the boy.
Lusia,
Please see the PM.
With the sun now past the horizon, the evening becomes night and the air has become cold.
The young knight is visibly annoyed at not having his questions answered. Didn't they realize he was a noble? It was a matter of pride for him now to bring up these mens' utter lack of courtesy with their master. To this end he quickly makes note of any identifying insignias or such with the insolent men.
(Perception: 15 )
As the group of newly arrived is reassmebled he turns to them with a tired smile. "I for one is not done vith zose men, but perhaps ve should find zat tavern now ja? It is getting both dark and cold." He says, looking around at the others with a friendly smile. They had all acted to help without apparent duty to do so, some even risking their lives to do so, and this impressed the young knight, these where people he would want to spend more time with during his visit in the city. "Did you find ze boy?" He turns and asks the halfling, half-elf and gnome with a concerned look as they start walking.
Joy sighs as the men turn away, their eagerness to be rid of them all too familiar. People were always in a hurry to move away from her. Still, it was frustrating. She glances at Cyriel as he notes their insignias, silently appreciating his persistence. They might not have answers now, but this wasn’t over.
At his suggestion after they reunite with the others, she smiles warmly and nods. “Yes, let’s find that tavern. You, Aisling, and Leif need to get warm before you catch a chill.”
As the young halfling searches for any sign of the boy, he soon realizes he isn't a very good tracker and comes up empty-handed. Once again defeated, he turns back towards Aisling and Cleo. "I dunno where he went. I hope he's okay." Leif begins to shiver as the cool night air rolls in.
When the group reconvenes, Leif responds to Cyriel, "No." He looks down as he says the word, expecting the group to be disappointed in him. During his captivity, punishment always followed failure, and he had no reason to believe the outside world was any different. He prepared himself to get berated, but he was willing to take it if it meant getting to stay with this group. He had grown fond of them in a short amount of time.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Aisling sighed. Whatever had happened to that boy? She, too, hoped he was safe and wished the best for him. Leif’s disappointment was palpable, and the shapeshifter ached for him. She extended a hand to pat his back but hesitated, remembering the unnatural chill of her touch. Recoiling, she grasped her cloak with the same hand, wrapping it around her fingers before repeating the motion. This time, with the cloth as a barrier, she gently patted Leif’s back before settling the cloak over his shoulders.
"It’s okay, Leif. At least that boy is free now. Let’s hope this gives him a chance at a better life—one better than whatever those guards had planned for him."
She nodded to Cyriel and Joy. "Yes, let’s find an inn. It’s been quite the night, and some rest and a proper meal would be more than welcome. I hope we can find somewhere that can give lodging to the six of us!", she added, nodding towards Cleo and Lusia too.
As she spoke, Aisling adjusted the cloak around Leif. The fabric nearly swallowed the halfling, so she carefully rolled it up so it wouldn’t drag.
Diving deep to the surface ♫ Nessa | Saxa | Auriel | Chase | Shenua | Arren
Grateful for the extra layer of fabric around him, Leif thanks Aisling and wraps the cloak tighter around himself. "Thanks." he is surprised by her kind words and attention.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
The young knight is about to say that the warmth of the green-skinned pelorian's smile would be enough for him, but he just returns the smile with a faint red hue to his cheeks. "Entschuldigung fräulein, you do your name and faith credit, but I must admit I have never met anyone like you before...ehm...vhat I mean is...ehm...looking like you...I mean..." He says, the finally going silent and looking down on his heavy boots that still held gallons of water it felt like, feeling heat rising to his cheeks over how awkwardly it was to ask what she was, why she was...green. Perhaps it was awkward because it shouldn't matter why she was green he thought. He already knew she was kind and brave, it was all he really needed to know.
The young knight nods in agreement with the half-elf as she comforts the halfling, and he takes a knee by his side. "Ve can still find ze boy to make sure he is fine. I can not promise to set free zose slaves but I vill certainly seek a way to give zem zeir freedom back." He says with a reassuring smile to Leif, giving the halfling a gentle pat on the shoulder before standing up again, water still dripping from his cloak and armour, taking the reins of his black steed and making his way towards the city gates as soon as the others are ready to follow.
Joy blinks in surprise at Cyriel’s sudden flustered demeanor, then lets out a bright, easy laugh. His awkward attempt at an explanation—combined with the red creeping up his face—was far too endearing for her to take offense. Someone was bound to ask eventually. She tilts her head, offering him a warm, if slightly shy smile.
She glances down briefly, tucking a loose strand of green hair behind her ear. “It’s a little hard to explain,” she admits, voice light but honest. “My parents are both human, you see. I was fey-touched before I was born. Likely one of my relatives made a wish—probably for me to be born healthy or strong—and, well...the fey, especially the less friendly ones, don’t give gifts without leaving their mark.” She spreads her arms playfully, gesturing to her green skin, forked ears, and sharp nails. “'Hexblood' they call it. You can recognize us for sure by the crown. It um...doesn't come off.” She reaches up to tug at her circlet. It's difficult to tell through all her hair, but the seemingly wooden item is actually attached to her head. Hopefully the revelation doesn't frighten the others too much, but she feels it best to be honest--aside from avoiding the word 'Hag'.
The young knight is relieved to hear the bright easy laugh, no hint of scorn there he thought, daring to look up at the green-skinned pelorian again as she explained her quite particular heritage. "It is impressive how you valk vith confidence in spite of vhat many people might zink and say about zose looking different zan zemselves fräulein Joy. You must excuse me when I stare, it is quite exotic for me to see someone like you, but I suspect I vill be doing a lot of staring coming to a great city from ze remote castle of my family and clan." He explains with a small smile. "You must tell me how you came into ze service of the shining one fräulein." He continues with a friendly smile, glancing down at the pelorian's shield, seeming more relaxed and confident again.