Malachi chokes back a surprised sound as the Mayor offers them the money order. Based on their earlier interactions with the Mayor, Malachi clearly did not expect the reward. Still, he recovered quickly with a small bow of his head as he takes the money order. “You honor us, Mayor Berg. We were glad to help, just doing our civic duty. But your offer is most generous, we humbly accept.”
Malachi turns to Scormen and takes the two documents, which joins the money order in his satchel. A reward and a letter of introduction to a Councilor! This was shaping up nicely. “We would be glad to carry your missive and honored to meet with the Councilor. With luck we can convince them of the danger they face from the cultists and whatever is coming from across the sea.” He pauses and glances over at his companions before looking back at the others “But we are new to Cambria and have never been to Talmouth. Could we impose on your hospitality once more for transportation of some type to the city?”
He adds almost as an afterthought “And Joren is right about the worms, he was almost swallowed. Terrifying.”he shudders.
Samir nods along in agreement with Joren. "Indeed, these gloazworms and their adult kind might be a far more immediate threat to this city than anything else at this point. Unfortunately, we know little about their life cycle or habits. If possible, I would highly recommend you attempt to retain the services of an entomologist or a knowledgable nature worker. These creatures are highly dangerous, to say the least. If we were back in Madurst, I could recommend one or two scholars that might be able to assist you, but as it is I have no contacts of that nature on this side of the mountains, regretfully."
Mayor Berg has been fairly serious and formal through the whole event, but a traces of a pleased expression turn the corners of his mouth when the group agrees to deliver the correspondence. It falls away quickly though at the mention of the gloazworms. "Yes, unfortunately we do not have the option to forget about that. We are still figuring things out in that regard. We need more information, but no one has volunteered to go acquire it for us, and I don't expect that to change. And there's no one in this city I despise enough to send on that suicide mission, if it is so bad as you say."
He puts his hands on his hips and looks around at the others who all greet his gaze with equally grim expressions. "What I am saying is that we don't really have a plan yet." Scormen pipes up again. "Well, no plan beyond keeping that tunnel sealed, rigging up all nearby shafts with collapse charges that we can use in an emergency, and suspending half of our mining operations temporarily. Now that we are open for business, we at least have months of exports we can use to keep the economy afloat. We need to find a solution in that time."
Mayor Berg taps his chin in thought. "Actually... Samir, was it? If there was any way for you to get word to those enta- entylo- to those scholars you mentioned, Tensmith would be willing to pay for travel expenses and hire someone on to provide their expertise. I'll have an offer written up before you leave." He turns to Tanpur, from the merchant's guild. "Speaking of which, I believe you had some business to discuss with our guests here?"
"Ah yes," Tanpur steps away from some paperwork. He makes an attempt to tidy his clothes, disheveled and wrinkled from the long night. Tucking one side of his shirt back into his trousers, he says, "This morning we were approached by a handful of people looking for you. Apparently you had a busy night as well, as they all wanted to express their gratitude to you. Marshall Lanya informed them she didn't think you would be sticking around much longer, and they all left. Got back not long before you did, and it seems some citizens pitched in to purchase a cart and horse for you, and several of the shops from the flooded area stocked it with provisions. It's waiting outside for you now, I believe."
Ashley grows silent as Joren brings up the gloazworms. The mayor and the others state they understand what they are dealing with to the best of their abilities, but she doubts their nightmares can contain the terrors that await them below the city. When the discussion switches to acquiring someone who might actually help from where Samir is from, she breathes a sigh of relief. Her friends are right, they could probably take over all of Cambria.
Once Tanpur speaks, Ashley finally finds her voice, "Really? You have such wonderful townsfolk! That would make things soo much easier!" She recalls her time before the shieldpass when she had such difficulty acquiring a horse, but hey, that's how she met Joren and a smile grows warmly on her face. "Sounds like things are moving in the right direction here, I'm very glad to hear that." She looks over at the Marshall, "Anything you need before we head out?"
Joren subsides regarding the gloazworms. The truth is, he has no better plan for them either. He just had not been convinced before this that Mayor Berg and the others were taking the immense threat from the subterranean monsters seriously. But now at least they claim to be.
He glances at his companions. It is sounding as if we have decided not to be telling these leaders about our supernatural experience in Andra's office? Supposing that would be best, as doing so would be admitting that we in fact broke Tensmith law.Joren keeps his mouth shut about that.
He winces when the group's activities late the previous night are brought up, recalling his humiliating attempts to get rid of the honey jar with Darkness cast on it far more than his efforts saving the family whose house had been collapsed by a Shatter spell.
"Thank you, or rather, we should be thanking them. The cart, horse and provisions are sounding very helpful," he allows, gruffly.
Mayor Berg says, "Yes, well I fear you may not have seen me at my best when first we were introduced, but what you have done here is no small deal for us. I do not consider it exaggeration to say that there are lives that will be spared from starvation, illness, and crime simply by allowing our gates to open once more. To speak nothing of your heroic activities last night. I do not know what your business here in Cambria is, but whatever your cause, having an in with a council member will make your efforts in Talmouth a lot smoother. I am sorry this recognition of your deeds is happening in private, but in times like these, ceremony needs to be set aside so things can actually get done. And we have a lot to do. I wish you well on your journey." The others nod their heads at you in agreement, and Lanya waves from her makeshift bed, mouthing "Thank you"
Joren snaps off another salute to the bedridden Marshal, this time including Berg, Tanpur and the others. Strangely, he finds himself a little sorry to leave Tensmith now. It felt good to have made a difference in a town and to be recognized for it, by both the citizens and the leaders. He is wary of this feeling however, as most honest soldiers are of civilian praise. If my head is getting too big, I can just remember the jar of honey smacking me in the face.
He notices Ashley smiling and smiles back, not knowing why. Doesn't have to be a reason.
He muses to the entire group: "My inner optimist is telling me that this journey, overland on roads with a provisioned cart, and a contact to seek out on the Talmouth council, cannot possibly be harder than the trek over the Shield Pass or the subterranean journey through the cultists' tunnels and gloazworm cavern. But then I am also feeling as if those may be famous last words. We should hurry before the cultist ships are coming closer."
Guessing that half the town has seen his echo by now, he doesn't bother to hide it, walking alongside.
Malachi works his way around the room, shaking hands of the leaders of Tensmith and offering his honest thanks and appreciation, both for the opportunities at Talmouth and the gracious gifts from the townspeople. “Your hospitality is much appreciated, Mayor..as is yours Marshal. You placed trust in us when few others would”
He joins the others as they prepare to depart, nodding to Joren. “Yes, I daresay we will enter Talmouth on a much better footing than we would have otherwise. Still, I wish Vilus was still with us” He looks at the cart and horse and a small smile crosses his face as he remembers sharing a wagon with Samir before meeting the others. Then a thought hits him suddenly and he turns to the others “Does anyone know how to drive this thing?”
Samir can only nod awkwardly, his smile faltering and his hand raising automatically to fidget with his glasses. He manages to direct a more natural smile and nod at the Marshall before making an exit from the room.
A few minutes later, the group stands together, contemplating the conveyance before them. Samir glances over with an apologetic shrug at Malachi's question. "I mean, certainly I know the theory behind guiding such a thing, but... no, I have never done so before. I never had need to travel such long distances, I suppose."
Before sits a simple but well looked-after wagon complete with a canvas cover. Several townspeople cheer when they see the group emerge form the building, and two men bring over a pair of horses and start getting them hitched. "Thanks for all yer help. As I understand it, not only did you take care of the flooding, but you also helped the city reopen..." A bystander shouts out, "And saved the MacKinsey's from that trouble with their house collapsing!"
The first one to speak grunts and says, "Well either way, this here ve-hicle is yers to keep. The horses too. Ye've got about a week's worth of food and drink in the back there, fer you and the horses. Take good care o' them, ya hear? They're good steeds."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ashley holds back an urge to go and hug Lanya before they depart, but with laying on the cot and getting her bandaging taken care of she gives the woman a warm smile and a small salute as they all leave. She follows the rest out back on the street. As Malachi mentions Vilus she gets a bit silent, wondering if he still lives and if so, whether they would ever see their goliath friend again.
As the wagon is brought round to the group, she beams at the sight of the well looked-after wagon with cover. And the horses look beautiful to her. She walks over to the closest beast, slowly and murmurs softly to it. She attempts to pet its nose and make a connection with the animal
The grey horse shakes its head, flicking its ears at Ashley's touch, though it doesn't pull away. Trained as it is, it keeps its focus forward, antsy to start walking.
Joren has never been much for riding horses. Even just before the Shield Pass, he recalls how he felt a relief to be echo-marching while Ashley and the goat's milk-providing Daerwul rode. Echo knights had always been infantry in the Khirian army, despite having some of the speed of light cavalry due to their echo-swapping. After all, it isn't as if you can bring your horse with you when you echo-swap... better to stay on your own two good feet.
Nevertheless, Joren has been around plenty of (cavalry) horses. Seeing that Ashley's grey appears to be well-trained and ready to embark, he tries approaching and lightly touching the reins, walking beside the horse as if it is all natural and winking at the fire genasi as he speaks gently to the grey:
"Eager to get started, horsie? Let's see if the three of us can be leading the way. You, me and my fiery companion here."
Joren attempts to continue walking calmly and matter-of-factly alongside the grey once the horse gets started, along with Ashley if she is willing, giving her a silent grin and a gulp which all but admits that he really has no idea what he is doing.
Malachi clambers up onto the wagon as Joren and Ashley prod the animals into movement. Standing and playing every inch the role of the conquering hero he raises both arms and plays to the crowd. “Thank you, good people of Tensmith. Your hospitality in these trying times will not be forgotten. You will always have friend in us”
He collapses down onto the bags of provisions and supplies in the back of the wagon, making himself comfortable for the trip ahead and leaving room for anyone who would like to join him. “So, what is the plan when we arrive in Talmouth? Straight to our new friend on the council, build up our allies and warn them of Razmus? Any other ideas?”
Ashley grins at Joren as he attempts to get the horses moving and decides to walk along with him for awhile. When Malachi dons his conquering hero routine, she rolls her eyes good naturedly and is ready to head on out. Tensmith wasn't bad to them, but she had an ache to move forward. They had to get to Talmouth and do whatever they could to stop this Razmus... and what of Vilus? Was he still out there?
As Mal asks his questions, she nods, "Yes, those are all good, but I bet when we get there we'll need a place to rest. And let's find a place that doesn't remind us of Opportunity Knocks Inn."
She enjoys the walk at the start, happy to not be in the tunnels and to really get a good look at the countryside. It was all so different from where she was from. She did hope they would run into some interesting people along the way.
Samir scrambles to catch up as the cart begins moving, his attention having wandered to some internal thought once more. Clambering into the back, he manages to secure a seat with his feet hanging over the edge, his bag clutched against his chest.
"I imagine that Ashley is right. But I imagine that we should move as quickly as we can to contact the council. The more warning and preparation time they have, the more capable of defending people they will be."
Aloof as the grey had been towards Ashley, it soon warms to Joren's presence, occasionally nudging Joren for attention. Several familiar faces wave to the group as they pass through the streets towards the main gate. There is a buzz of activity from the warehouses and docks as, for the first time in months, people are preparing a vessel for departure. As the gates appear around a cluster of buildings the adventurers see that one of the gate's large doors is open and several wagons are being loaded up with wares.
Guards by the gate look about, as though searching for someone. One them locks eyes with Ashley, the fire genasi easily standing out amongst the crowd. He gets the attention of the other guards, and a small group of them start making their way through the gathering crowd.
One evidently higher ranked guard falls into step beside Joren, pulls out an official-looking document, looks it over and says, "I presume you are the guardian angels that head office told us to be on the lookout for. Allow us to clear the way for you so you may be on your journey with haste." The other officers have already begun ushering people in the gathering crowd to the side. Everyone seems to excited about the gates opening to be irritated at the inconvenience. "We've already sent what men we can spare to scout the roads ahead and ensure smooth passage to Talmouth for you. Go in peace." He smiles.
Joren continues patting the greys nose on occasion and drawling conversationally at her to put her at ease if he can.
As the guard falls into step beside him, Joren mouths the phrase "guardian angels," taken aback. He looks at his companions, flummoxed. In his mind, they had all just been acting how people (i.e. in Joren's accustomed world, soldiers) are supposed to act if they are able-bodied and have any self-respect.
He feels a little bad for all the civilians being ushered to the side just when the Tensmith gates are finally reopening and almost begins to say "Not being necessary, all of this..." But then he thinks of the harrowing journey over the Shield Pass and through the tunnels, deciding to let it go. He grins - somehow he doubts Malachi would approve of Joren turning down the special treatment for the party. He almost turns it down just to see the half-elf's reaction.
Ashley beams at the higher ranked guard, "This is so unexpected! Thank you so very much, I hope you haven't spared too many men, I'm sure we'll be fine. Thank you again!" The town completely doing a 180 on how they feel about the group really puts a spring in her step as she walks along the horses and with Joren. She smiles back to Malachi, Marion and Samir, making sure they heard the sentiments as well.
For his part, Samir looks a bit overwhelmed at the send off, having not expected anything of the sort. Having someone scout ahead of their path could be incredibly helpful, given the difficulties they had run into in the past. Perhaps this leg of their journey could be accomplished with a minimum of chaos and terror. Hopefully they could make it to the capitol, inform the council of what was afoot, find Vilus, and set things to rights.
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Malachi chokes back a surprised sound as the Mayor offers them the money order. Based on their earlier interactions with the Mayor, Malachi clearly did not expect the reward. Still, he recovered quickly with a small bow of his head as he takes the money order. “You honor us, Mayor Berg. We were glad to help, just doing our civic duty. But your offer is most generous, we humbly accept.”
Malachi turns to Scormen and takes the two documents, which joins the money order in his satchel. A reward and a letter of introduction to a Councilor! This was shaping up nicely. “We would be glad to carry your missive and honored to meet with the Councilor. With luck we can convince them of the danger they face from the cultists and whatever is coming from across the sea.” He pauses and glances over at his companions before looking back at the others “But we are new to Cambria and have never been to Talmouth. Could we impose on your hospitality once more for transportation of some type to the city?”
He adds almost as an afterthought “And Joren is right about the worms, he was almost swallowed. Terrifying.” he shudders.
Samir nods along in agreement with Joren. "Indeed, these gloazworms and their adult kind might be a far more immediate threat to this city than anything else at this point. Unfortunately, we know little about their life cycle or habits. If possible, I would highly recommend you attempt to retain the services of an entomologist or a knowledgable nature worker. These creatures are highly dangerous, to say the least. If we were back in Madurst, I could recommend one or two scholars that might be able to assist you, but as it is I have no contacts of that nature on this side of the mountains, regretfully."
Mayor Berg has been fairly serious and formal through the whole event, but a traces of a pleased expression turn the corners of his mouth when the group agrees to deliver the correspondence. It falls away quickly though at the mention of the gloazworms. "Yes, unfortunately we do not have the option to forget about that. We are still figuring things out in that regard. We need more information, but no one has volunteered to go acquire it for us, and I don't expect that to change. And there's no one in this city I despise enough to send on that suicide mission, if it is so bad as you say."
He puts his hands on his hips and looks around at the others who all greet his gaze with equally grim expressions. "What I am saying is that we don't really have a plan yet." Scormen pipes up again. "Well, no plan beyond keeping that tunnel sealed, rigging up all nearby shafts with collapse charges that we can use in an emergency, and suspending half of our mining operations temporarily. Now that we are open for business, we at least have months of exports we can use to keep the economy afloat. We need to find a solution in that time."
Mayor Berg taps his chin in thought. "Actually... Samir, was it? If there was any way for you to get word to those enta- entylo- to those scholars you mentioned, Tensmith would be willing to pay for travel expenses and hire someone on to provide their expertise. I'll have an offer written up before you leave." He turns to Tanpur, from the merchant's guild. "Speaking of which, I believe you had some business to discuss with our guests here?"
"Ah yes," Tanpur steps away from some paperwork. He makes an attempt to tidy his clothes, disheveled and wrinkled from the long night. Tucking one side of his shirt back into his trousers, he says, "This morning we were approached by a handful of people looking for you. Apparently you had a busy night as well, as they all wanted to express their gratitude to you. Marshall Lanya informed them she didn't think you would be sticking around much longer, and they all left. Got back not long before you did, and it seems some citizens pitched in to purchase a cart and horse for you, and several of the shops from the flooded area stocked it with provisions. It's waiting outside for you now, I believe."
Ashley grows silent as Joren brings up the gloazworms. The mayor and the others state they understand what they are dealing with to the best of their abilities, but she doubts their nightmares can contain the terrors that await them below the city. When the discussion switches to acquiring someone who might actually help from where Samir is from, she breathes a sigh of relief. Her friends are right, they could probably take over all of Cambria.
Once Tanpur speaks, Ashley finally finds her voice, "Really? You have such wonderful townsfolk! That would make things soo much easier!" She recalls her time before the shieldpass when she had such difficulty acquiring a horse, but hey, that's how she met Joren and a smile grows warmly on her face. "Sounds like things are moving in the right direction here, I'm very glad to hear that." She looks over at the Marshall, "Anything you need before we head out?"
Joren subsides regarding the gloazworms. The truth is, he has no better plan for them either. He just had not been convinced before this that Mayor Berg and the others were taking the immense threat from the subterranean monsters seriously. But now at least they claim to be.
He glances at his companions. It is sounding as if we have decided not to be telling these leaders about our supernatural experience in Andra's office? Supposing that would be best, as doing so would be admitting that we in fact broke Tensmith law. Joren keeps his mouth shut about that.
He winces when the group's activities late the previous night are brought up, recalling his humiliating attempts to get rid of the honey jar with Darkness cast on it far more than his efforts saving the family whose house had been collapsed by a Shatter spell.
"Thank you, or rather, we should be thanking them. The cart, horse and provisions are sounding very helpful," he allows, gruffly.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Mayor Berg says, "Yes, well I fear you may not have seen me at my best when first we were introduced, but what you have done here is no small deal for us. I do not consider it exaggeration to say that there are lives that will be spared from starvation, illness, and crime simply by allowing our gates to open once more. To speak nothing of your heroic activities last night. I do not know what your business here in Cambria is, but whatever your cause, having an in with a council member will make your efforts in Talmouth a lot smoother. I am sorry this recognition of your deeds is happening in private, but in times like these, ceremony needs to be set aside so things can actually get done. And we have a lot to do. I wish you well on your journey." The others nod their heads at you in agreement, and Lanya waves from her makeshift bed, mouthing "Thank you"
Joren snaps off another salute to the bedridden Marshal, this time including Berg, Tanpur and the others. Strangely, he finds himself a little sorry to leave Tensmith now. It felt good to have made a difference in a town and to be recognized for it, by both the citizens and the leaders. He is wary of this feeling however, as most honest soldiers are of civilian praise. If my head is getting too big, I can just remember the jar of honey smacking me in the face.
He notices Ashley smiling and smiles back, not knowing why. Doesn't have to be a reason.
He muses to the entire group: "My inner optimist is telling me that this journey, overland on roads with a provisioned cart, and a contact to seek out on the Talmouth council, cannot possibly be harder than the trek over the Shield Pass or the subterranean journey through the cultists' tunnels and gloazworm cavern. But then I am also feeling as if those may be famous last words. We should hurry before the cultist ships are coming closer."
Guessing that half the town has seen his echo by now, he doesn't bother to hide it, walking alongside.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Malachi works his way around the room, shaking hands of the leaders of Tensmith and offering his honest thanks and appreciation, both for the opportunities at Talmouth and the gracious gifts from the townspeople. “Your hospitality is much appreciated, Mayor..as is yours Marshal. You placed trust in us when few others would”
He joins the others as they prepare to depart, nodding to Joren. “Yes, I daresay we will enter Talmouth on a much better footing than we would have otherwise. Still, I wish Vilus was still with us” He looks at the cart and horse and a small smile crosses his face as he remembers sharing a wagon with Samir before meeting the others. Then a thought hits him suddenly and he turns to the others “Does anyone know how to drive this thing?”
Samir can only nod awkwardly, his smile faltering and his hand raising automatically to fidget with his glasses. He manages to direct a more natural smile and nod at the Marshall before making an exit from the room.
A few minutes later, the group stands together, contemplating the conveyance before them. Samir glances over with an apologetic shrug at Malachi's question. "I mean, certainly I know the theory behind guiding such a thing, but... no, I have never done so before. I never had need to travel such long distances, I suppose."
Before sits a simple but well looked-after wagon complete with a canvas cover. Several townspeople cheer when they see the group emerge form the building, and two men bring over a pair of horses and start getting them hitched. "Thanks for all yer help. As I understand it, not only did you take care of the flooding, but you also helped the city reopen..." A bystander shouts out, "And saved the MacKinsey's from that trouble with their house collapsing!"
The first one to speak grunts and says, "Well either way, this here ve-hicle is yers to keep. The horses too. Ye've got about a week's worth of food and drink in the back there, fer you and the horses. Take good care o' them, ya hear? They're good steeds."
Ashley holds back an urge to go and hug Lanya before they depart, but with laying on the cot and getting her bandaging taken care of she gives the woman a warm smile and a small salute as they all leave. She follows the rest out back on the street. As Malachi mentions Vilus she gets a bit silent, wondering if he still lives and if so, whether they would ever see their goliath friend again.
As the wagon is brought round to the group, she beams at the sight of the well looked-after wagon with cover. And the horses look beautiful to her. She walks over to the closest beast, slowly and murmurs softly to it. She attempts to pet its nose and make a connection with the animal
Animal handling 20
The grey horse shakes its head, flicking its ears at Ashley's touch, though it doesn't pull away. Trained as it is, it keeps its focus forward, antsy to start walking.
Joren has never been much for riding horses. Even just before the Shield Pass, he recalls how he felt a relief to be echo-marching while Ashley and the goat's milk-providing Daerwul rode. Echo knights had always been infantry in the Khirian army, despite having some of the speed of light cavalry due to their echo-swapping. After all, it isn't as if you can bring your horse with you when you echo-swap... better to stay on your own two good feet.
Nevertheless, Joren has been around plenty of (cavalry) horses. Seeing that Ashley's grey appears to be well-trained and ready to embark, he tries approaching and lightly touching the reins, walking beside the horse as if it is all natural and winking at the fire genasi as he speaks gently to the grey:
"Eager to get started, horsie? Let's see if the three of us can be leading the way. You, me and my fiery companion here."
Joren attempts to continue walking calmly and matter-of-factly alongside the grey once the horse gets started, along with Ashley if she is willing, giving her a silent grin and a gulp which all but admits that he really has no idea what he is doing.
Animal Handling: 17
As they depart, he turns back and gives the townspeople a wide, genuine smile and mouths the words "Thank you!"
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Malachi clambers up onto the wagon as Joren and Ashley prod the animals into movement. Standing and playing every inch the role of the conquering hero he raises both arms and plays to the crowd. “Thank you, good people of Tensmith. Your hospitality in these trying times will not be forgotten. You will always have friend in us”
He collapses down onto the bags of provisions and supplies in the back of the wagon, making himself comfortable for the trip ahead and leaving room for anyone who would like to join him. “So, what is the plan when we arrive in Talmouth? Straight to our new friend on the council, build up our allies and warn them of Razmus? Any other ideas?”
Ashley grins at Joren as he attempts to get the horses moving and decides to walk along with him for awhile. When Malachi dons his conquering hero routine, she rolls her eyes good naturedly and is ready to head on out. Tensmith wasn't bad to them, but she had an ache to move forward. They had to get to Talmouth and do whatever they could to stop this Razmus... and what of Vilus? Was he still out there?
As Mal asks his questions, she nods, "Yes, those are all good, but I bet when we get there we'll need a place to rest. And let's find a place that doesn't remind us of Opportunity Knocks Inn."
She enjoys the walk at the start, happy to not be in the tunnels and to really get a good look at the countryside. It was all so different from where she was from. She did hope they would run into some interesting people along the way.
Samir scrambles to catch up as the cart begins moving, his attention having wandered to some internal thought once more. Clambering into the back, he manages to secure a seat with his feet hanging over the edge, his bag clutched against his chest.
"I imagine that Ashley is right. But I imagine that we should move as quickly as we can to contact the council. The more warning and preparation time they have, the more capable of defending people they will be."
Aloof as the grey had been towards Ashley, it soon warms to Joren's presence, occasionally nudging Joren for attention. Several familiar faces wave to the group as they pass through the streets towards the main gate. There is a buzz of activity from the warehouses and docks as, for the first time in months, people are preparing a vessel for departure. As the gates appear around a cluster of buildings the adventurers see that one of the gate's large doors is open and several wagons are being loaded up with wares.
Guards by the gate look about, as though searching for someone. One them locks eyes with Ashley, the fire genasi easily standing out amongst the crowd. He gets the attention of the other guards, and a small group of them start making their way through the gathering crowd.
One evidently higher ranked guard falls into step beside Joren, pulls out an official-looking document, looks it over and says, "I presume you are the guardian angels that head office told us to be on the lookout for. Allow us to clear the way for you so you may be on your journey with haste." The other officers have already begun ushering people in the gathering crowd to the side. Everyone seems to excited about the gates opening to be irritated at the inconvenience. "We've already sent what men we can spare to scout the roads ahead and ensure smooth passage to Talmouth for you. Go in peace." He smiles.
Joren continues patting the greys nose on occasion and drawling conversationally at her to put her at ease if he can.
As the guard falls into step beside him, Joren mouths the phrase "guardian angels," taken aback. He looks at his companions, flummoxed. In his mind, they had all just been acting how people (i.e. in Joren's accustomed world, soldiers) are supposed to act if they are able-bodied and have any self-respect.
He feels a little bad for all the civilians being ushered to the side just when the Tensmith gates are finally reopening and almost begins to say "Not being necessary, all of this..." But then he thinks of the harrowing journey over the Shield Pass and through the tunnels, deciding to let it go. He grins - somehow he doubts Malachi would approve of Joren turning down the special treatment for the party. He almost turns it down just to see the half-elf's reaction.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Ashley beams at the higher ranked guard, "This is so unexpected! Thank you so very much, I hope you haven't spared too many men, I'm sure we'll be fine. Thank you again!" The town completely doing a 180 on how they feel about the group really puts a spring in her step as she walks along the horses and with Joren. She smiles back to Malachi, Marion and Samir, making sure they heard the sentiments as well.
For his part, Samir looks a bit overwhelmed at the send off, having not expected anything of the sort. Having someone scout ahead of their path could be incredibly helpful, given the difficulties they had run into in the past. Perhaps this leg of their journey could be accomplished with a minimum of chaos and terror. Hopefully they could make it to the capitol, inform the council of what was afoot, find Vilus, and set things to rights.