Naraeld nods "He scurried out when we arrived, I'll try to pin him down whilst I'm in town." He licks his finger then runs it around the plate, picking up the last of the breadcrumbs on it before he sucks them off the fingertip. He stands and picks up his plate and bowl, offering to take the other empties from those seated at the table. He collects the dirty dishware and then makes his way over to a bucket with some luke-warm water still inside, he takes up a nearby rag and smears it with a rough looking paste before starting to scrub the bowls. He whistles quietly as he cleans each item, placing it in a rickety wooden draining rack once he is done washing it.
As Aubin and Mishann converse privately, Naraeld again looks over the she-elf that had effectively brought him into this mixed group, "So, Elk Running, do you mind if I shorten that to just 'Elk'? My mother has a tendancy to both pry, I guess it comes with the job, and sometimes her optimism can be misplaced. This little band that you travel with seem yet to be a far cry from the family that a clan provides, though I guess time will tell. What happened to you and yours?"
As soon as they are out of earshot of Dannika, Eva whispers to Sabetha: "I'm glad you emphasized that we would bring a willing chwinga. I saw a chwinga in captivity during a lesson at Nystul's. These chwingas are mischievous yet benevolent and exceedingly free spirits. The poor thing in its cage was not a pretty sight."
Sabetha's eyes go a little wide at Eva's casual mention of Nystul. She has sometimes felt the stirrings of some force, perhaps magic, within herself, but she is certain it is not wizardly magic. Nevertheless, she vaguely remembers hearing from her studies that Nystul was a powerful enough arch-mage to have spells named after them!
Who is Eva that she would have a lesson with such a legendary figure? Or perhaps Nystul's is a place that was once frequented by the wizard...
Regardless, Sabetha is in full agreement. "Willing chwinga's only. Perhaps reciprocating their playfulness and curiosity may entice them to come with us?" Sabetha smiles for a moment. "I could see Teb charming them as well, having already done so with me!"
After thanking and checking with Myrtle downstairs on whether Beldora the beggar has been by, Sabetha is ready to accompany Eva back to the rendez-vous point for the entire party, unless we see a seamster/seamstress on the way that we may wish to visit regarding Eva's garments.
As you make your way down the stairs from Dannika’s room, you find Myrtle standing at the bottom, holding a note. “It’s the strangest thing,” she says, “Beldora came in while you were upstairs. I told her that there was someone here looking for her and she got an odd look on her face. I mentioned your friend Remi, and she took a scrap of paper out of her pocket and wrote this for you.”Myrtle hands the paper to Sabetha.
“Then she left without even having a bite of lunch. Maybe she was ill? Anyway I hope this helps.”
On your way to the dwarves’ safehouse, you pass a tailor’s shop and you decide to stop in. The tailor tuts at Eva’s outfit. He exclaims, “My lady, that is a classic dress, a style that I haven’t seen for a generation or two. You should take better care of it. Come this way and I’ll see what I can do to bring it back to life.”
He motions you both toward the back of the store and has Eva remove the dress so he can work on it. He offers her a robe to wear, while he does the repairs. He also eyes Sabetha’s clothes, asking, “When was the last time you wore a different shirt or pair of breeches?” His eyes are full of judgment.
Aubin:
Mishann takes the gem, saying, “It is not for the deed that I take this. There are many people I care for and it would be foolish to turn this gem away. In trade I ask just one thing, please watch over my boy. He has not had an easy life, he tends to put himself in dangerous situations. It is your friendship with my son that I ask for in payment.”
Aubin, Naraeld, and Elk Running:
Mishann and Aubin return to the room. Aubin looks like he has had ten years of life restored to him. Mishann says to Naraeld and Elk Running,“You both must watch over your friend here. He seems to get himself into tricky situations.” She smiles at Aubin. “Plus no-one else could pull off that hat.”
Mishann walks with you out of the shrine, holding Naraeld’s hand. “You come see me when you get back, okay?” she says, looking at Naraeld. She gives him another big hug and waits at the entrance to the shrine as you walk off, still waving every time you look back.
(OOC: Naraeld and Elk Running are welcome to continue their conversation at Mishann’s; we’ll just say it took place before Aubin and Mishann came back)
Sabetha, remembering some of her training for once, takes the note as if it is nothing more than a heartfelt personal correspondence to be read in private.
"Aye, Myrtle. The memory of old friends and old times can be all that sustains you when the cold winds blow. Even then, the burden may be too much to face. Thank you for looking out for all of us." With that, Sabetha gives Myrtle a quick hug if the tabaxi allows it. Then heads out the door with Eva.
I almost said 'let us not harp on it.' How stupid would that have been? Wake up, Sabetha, wake up!
She walks away unhurriedly, waiting until just out of sight of the Geldenstag's Rest, around the corner of another building, using it as a windbreak.
At that point, Sabetha humbly begs Eva's pardon and stands aside a few feet to quickly read Beldora's note in private before tucking it away again.
Later, at the tailor's shop, Sabetha is lost in thought while Eva's dress is fitted, though not so far lost that she fails to notice the comment about the dress being from a generation or two back. When the tailor mentions her own clothing, she comes to with a start, stumbling back a step.
"My... my breeches? My shirt?" She looks down at herself, clearly not accustomed to giving her clothing any thought other than its function.
Aubin nods "Of course I will look out for him like a brother."He leaves the room actually smiling with a lightness in his step and rejoins the others "I have received the advice I needed, shall we go and meet the others?"
Naraeld looks up from his conversation with Elk Running as Aubin and Mishann return, inwardly he scoffs at how his mother has referred to eveyone as his 'friend'. He barely knew these people and friend was tag he attributed to very few people, in fact he currently struggled to think of anyone that he could consider a real friend. Still, his mother was always optimistic no matter what reasons or arguments were placed in front of her, and that was one of the things that he truly admired about her. His own view of the world was badly tarnished, and a little positivity helped remind him that it wasn't an entirely awful place.
Taking in Aubin's re-invigorated appearance and Mishann's relaxed expression that Naraeld had seen understood that "Aubin, you found the answers you wanted, yes? Perhaps now you can tell us a little more about this 'tricky situation'?"
Aubin looks to both of his companions "Know that my employer seems to be able to see and hear whatever I do. I rather keep it vague for your sake, but if your ready to face possible assassin's then yes I can tell you" says Aubin by the door
Eva is taken aback by the implication that she has fallen behind the times. “Why, I only bought this outfit—when? Last month?” She still struggles to pinpoint when she and Alfred departed from Baldur’s Gate, let alone why.
She also remains shocked, and in no small measure ashamed, by the extent of her physical degradation. As she disrobes, Eva examines her clothes and body in the full-length mirror. She’s jolted by the sight of the vicious scars directly above her heart. It’s increasingly hard for Eva to repress the knowledge of her undoing and carry on as if nothing has happened, asking about Alfred as if she had lost her way—not been brutally murdered and discarded.
Eva emerges from the changing booth. Burying these thoughts, she manages an awkward compliment: “You have an excellent sense of style. This is an impressive little town to have a tailor of your capability.” Realizing how patronizing she must sound, Eva qualifies, “Well, I mean, being so far from civilization.” Having dug herself even deeper in the hole, she pivots: “I’m particularly eager to have my outerwear stitched up. You have perpetually inclement weather in these parts.”
The tailor looks blankly at Eva while she tries to complement him. Just staring at her. When she turns away, he goes back to sewing.
To Sabetha he says, "Come now, you must have another set of clothes. What do you do on laundry day? Just stand around naked? You adventurers are always so simple minded."
Turning back to Eva, he remarks, "You are quite pretty. Like a goddess. Like a marble statue of a goddess. Would it hurt you to get some sun!"
Finishing up the dress, he hands it back to Eva. As she goes to try it on, it feels slightly heavier, more substantial in her hand. It fits perfectly though and the formerly faded and half-rotted fabric appears good as new. And, she suddenly realizes, now it has pockets. How did he do that?
While Eva is getting dressed, the tailor approaches Sabetha. "While you are here, would you like to pick up something for someone else in your life? A loved one? Gifts for a group of friends?"
"Look at this place Aubin, a god has gone and made our summer winter, and our winter even more of a living nightmare. Another person trying to kill me is just one more who will fail, so yes, I'd rather know what lies ahead of us if we are to travel together." Naraeld replies without any mockery or bravado at his statement, it is as earnest a statement as you've heard from him. "Whilst you are working to aid Bryn Shander, I've got your back."
Aubin strokes his mustache "Lets walk and talk" he leaves intent on joining his other companions. "I was forced to work for the Zhentarim. Well specifically Pasha Dor. He impanted me with a Red Slaad's tadpole to do his bidding before I came to this frost bitten land. Mishann was able to rid me of that danger, but Pasha Dor's is a powerful man and I will continue to seek Gant for him. Otherwise he will bring even more death and possible destruction to Mishann and Bryn-Shander."
Sabetha does admire Eva's new garb, though she still hasn't yet worked up the courage to ask the dead lady any of the obvious questions.
She attempts to recover her equilibrium with the tailor, pushing Beldora's cryptic message to the back of her mind for now. "I... no, there's no friend or loved one that I expect to be seeing soon that I know needs to be outfitted, other than my companion who you are already helping."
"As for what I wear - it must allow freedom of movement for my limbs, and suited for trekking through the Dale. If you have a lighter, more functional set of warm clothing than what I have now, I would be interested. Though my own funds are limited at the moment. Not your ideal customer, I'm afraid."
"Pretty...like a marble statue of a goddess." Upon hearing these words, Eva's face flushes—but instead of a rush of warmth to her cheeks, a chill accompanies her bashfulness. In my present condition, I'm not sure such flattery is warranted. Nevertheless, it pleases Eva.
"Sun? Here in Icewind Dale, we could all use more sun! I recall reading somewhere that a smile is the same as sunshine; it banishes winter from the human countenance. That is what your words have done for me, dear sir. I sincerely thank you for that—and for your masterful handiwork." Grateful, Eva hands the tailor [whatever amount of money she owes him].
She is also filled with gratitude toward Sabetha for the kindness she has shown her—a kindness which seems to be in short supply in Auril's cold and cursed north—above all, for convincing the others to take her in. It is clear now that I would have no hope of surviving on my own. I must seek an opportunity to repay her generosity in kind.
As they walk, Elk Running ponders Aubin's remarks, frowning at the unfamiliar words and names. She grows tired of feeling ignorant of the ways of the world, but the world, it seems, has changed a great deal. "I know not this Zhentarim. Is it a clan, a city? How did they bend you to their will?"
"The Zhentarim is a powerful organization of thieves, spies, assassins, and wizards. They implanted me with the tadpole of the Red Slaad which would have eaten me from the inside out. Not a fate I would want that's for sure"Aubin heads back to the Northlook to wait for the others.
Naraeld seems to recoils at Aubin's first reaponse. He was more then willing to put himself in danger to help the man in exchange for his assitamce to the town but to so brazenly put the inhabitants in danger, to put Naraeld's mither into harm's way... Aubin finishes his explanation of who the Zhentarim are as Naraeld plants himself squarley in front of Aubin, his large hands dart forwards to grab onto Aubin's clothing and with the same motion Naraeld manhandles Aubin, lifting him so his feet lose purchase on the floor and slams him into the nearest wall. Naraeld leans his face in close and snarls out an insult. "You selfish son of a whore! How dare you bring your troubles into my home and lumber them on people you care nothing for!" The rage explodes from Naraeld's demeanour, as he continues his aggressive position, "Mother has the decency to cure you from being eaten alive, and you repay her by putting her life, and the lives of the flock she tends in danger? I should march you back to the jail so these Zhantarim will have no trouble finding you!" Naraeld steps back and drops Aubin to stand under his own power. "Was your offer to Markham just as two-faced? Help Bryn Shander? Pah! Use them more like!"
"I will allow this just once. You don't want to test me. Your mother knew what she was getting into. I told her danger may come, but she helped me anyway. Now I will do what I can to repay her, but by no means does this make me into some kind of bleeding heart saint. If these people had any sense they would leave this land for warmer climate. Of course I am using the Sheriff for information. This is business, nothing personal" Aubin dust himself off and waits for the others.
Talking to Sabetha, the tailor says, "No loved ones? Nonsense. A pretty thing like you must be surrounded by suitors. And you are my ideal customer! A chance to increase the beauty in the world." Eyeing her, he shoves a colorful scarf into her hand. "Here! That will add a little color to your otherwise drab ensemble. It will lift your spirits and the spirits of those around you."
Turning to Eva, he says, "Just absolutely stunning! You are as good as an advertisement for my little shop. In fact, that is the price I ask, direct people to this shop. Tell them to visit Erevan's Everything shop! In fact, get your friends to help as well." He picks up a random assortment of items from various tables, stuffing them in a bag. He hands the bag to Eva.
"Now shoo! I have to close up shop and go meet a friend. Ever so much to do, I'm sure you understand." He begins to gently push you out of the store, ignoring all protestations. Soon you find yourself on the street again. You see Blackberry coming up the street, as if he is looking for you.
Naraeld nods "He scurried out when we arrived, I'll try to pin him down whilst I'm in town." He licks his finger then runs it around the plate, picking up the last of the breadcrumbs on it before he sucks them off the fingertip. He stands and picks up his plate and bowl, offering to take the other empties from those seated at the table. He collects the dirty dishware and then makes his way over to a bucket with some luke-warm water still inside, he takes up a nearby rag and smears it with a rough looking paste before starting to scrub the bowls. He whistles quietly as he cleans each item, placing it in a rickety wooden draining rack once he is done washing it.
As Aubin and Mishann converse privately, Naraeld again looks over the she-elf that had effectively brought him into this mixed group, "So, Elk Running, do you mind if I shorten that to just 'Elk'? My mother has a tendancy to both pry, I guess it comes with the job, and sometimes her optimism can be misplaced. This little band that you travel with seem yet to be a far cry from the family that a clan provides, though I guess time will tell. What happened to you and yours?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Eva takes the lantern and examines it curiously.
As soon as they are out of earshot of Dannika, Eva whispers to Sabetha: "I'm glad you emphasized that we would bring a willing chwinga. I saw a chwinga in captivity during a lesson at Nystul's. These chwingas are mischievous yet benevolent and exceedingly free spirits. The poor thing in its cage was not a pretty sight."
Sabetha's eyes go a little wide at Eva's casual mention of Nystul. She has sometimes felt the stirrings of some force, perhaps magic, within herself, but she is certain it is not wizardly magic. Nevertheless, she vaguely remembers hearing from her studies that Nystul was a powerful enough arch-mage to have spells named after them!
Who is Eva that she would have a lesson with such a legendary figure? Or perhaps Nystul's is a place that was once frequented by the wizard...
Regardless, Sabetha is in full agreement. "Willing chwinga's only. Perhaps reciprocating their playfulness and curiosity may entice them to come with us?" Sabetha smiles for a moment. "I could see Teb charming them as well, having already done so with me!"
After thanking and checking with Myrtle downstairs on whether Beldora the beggar has been by, Sabetha is ready to accompany Eva back to the rendez-vous point for the entire party, unless we see a seamster/seamstress on the way that we may wish to visit regarding Eva's garments.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Sabetha and Eva:
As you make your way down the stairs from Dannika’s room, you find Myrtle standing at the bottom, holding a note. “It’s the strangest thing,” she says, “Beldora came in while you were upstairs. I told her that there was someone here looking for her and she got an odd look on her face. I mentioned your friend Remi, and she took a scrap of paper out of her pocket and wrote this for you.” Myrtle hands the paper to Sabetha.
“Then she left without even having a bite of lunch. Maybe she was ill? Anyway I hope this helps.”
On your way to the dwarves’ safehouse, you pass a tailor’s shop and you decide to stop in. The tailor tuts at Eva’s outfit. He exclaims, “My lady, that is a classic dress, a style that I haven’t seen for a generation or two. You should take better care of it. Come this way and I’ll see what I can do to bring it back to life.”
He motions you both toward the back of the store and has Eva remove the dress so he can work on it. He offers her a robe to wear, while he does the repairs. He also eyes Sabetha’s clothes, asking, “When was the last time you wore a different shirt or pair of breeches?” His eyes are full of judgment.
Aubin:
Mishann takes the gem, saying, “It is not for the deed that I take this. There are many people I care for and it would be foolish to turn this gem away. In trade I ask just one thing, please watch over my boy. He has not had an easy life, he tends to put himself in dangerous situations. It is your friendship with my son that I ask for in payment.”
Aubin, Naraeld, and Elk Running:
Mishann and Aubin return to the room. Aubin looks like he has had ten years of life restored to him. Mishann says to Naraeld and Elk Running, “You both must watch over your friend here. He seems to get himself into tricky situations.” She smiles at Aubin. “Plus no-one else could pull off that hat.”
Mishann walks with you out of the shrine, holding Naraeld’s hand. “You come see me when you get back, okay?” she says, looking at Naraeld. She gives him another big hug and waits at the entrance to the shrine as you walk off, still waving every time you look back.
(OOC: Naraeld and Elk Running are welcome to continue their conversation at Mishann’s; we’ll just say it took place before Aubin and Mishann came back)
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Sabetha, remembering some of her training for once, takes the note as if it is nothing more than a heartfelt personal correspondence to be read in private.
"Aye, Myrtle. The memory of old friends and old times can be all that sustains you when the cold winds blow. Even then, the burden may be too much to face. Thank you for looking out for all of us." With that, Sabetha gives Myrtle a quick hug if the tabaxi allows it. Then heads out the door with Eva.
I almost said 'let us not harp on it.' How stupid would that have been? Wake up, Sabetha, wake up!
She walks away unhurriedly, waiting until just out of sight of the Geldenstag's Rest, around the corner of another building, using it as a windbreak.
At that point, Sabetha humbly begs Eva's pardon and stands aside a few feet to quickly read Beldora's note in private before tucking it away again.
Later, at the tailor's shop, Sabetha is lost in thought while Eva's dress is fitted, though not so far lost that she fails to notice the comment about the dress being from a generation or two back. When the tailor mentions her own clothing, she comes to with a start, stumbling back a step.
"My... my breeches? My shirt?" She looks down at herself, clearly not accustomed to giving her clothing any thought other than its function.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Aubin nods "Of course I will look out for him like a brother." He leaves the room actually smiling with a lightness in his step and rejoins the others "I have received the advice I needed, shall we go and meet the others?"
"Aubin?" Elk Running asks. "How did this ailment come upon you? Such a thing I have not seen in my travels."
Naraeld looks up from his conversation with Elk Running as Aubin and Mishann return, inwardly he scoffs at how his mother has referred to eveyone as his 'friend'. He barely knew these people and friend was tag he attributed to very few people, in fact he currently struggled to think of anyone that he could consider a real friend. Still, his mother was always optimistic no matter what reasons or arguments were placed in front of her, and that was one of the things that he truly admired about her. His own view of the world was badly tarnished, and a little positivity helped remind him that it wasn't an entirely awful place.
Taking in Aubin's re-invigorated appearance and Mishann's relaxed expression that Naraeld had seen understood that "Aubin, you found the answers you wanted, yes? Perhaps now you can tell us a little more about this 'tricky situation'?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Aubin looks to both of his companions "Know that my employer seems to be able to see and hear whatever I do. I rather keep it vague for your sake, but if your ready to face possible assassin's then yes I can tell you" says Aubin by the door
Eva is taken aback by the implication that she has fallen behind the times. “Why, I only bought this outfit—when? Last month?” She still struggles to pinpoint when she and Alfred departed from Baldur’s Gate, let alone why.
She also remains shocked, and in no small measure ashamed, by the extent of her physical degradation. As she disrobes, Eva examines her clothes and body in the full-length mirror. She’s jolted by the sight of the vicious scars directly above her heart. It’s increasingly hard for Eva to repress the knowledge of her undoing and carry on as if nothing has happened, asking about Alfred as if she had lost her way—not been brutally murdered and discarded.
Eva emerges from the changing booth. Burying these thoughts, she manages an awkward compliment: “You have an excellent sense of style. This is an impressive little town to have a tailor of your capability.” Realizing how patronizing she must sound, Eva qualifies, “Well, I mean, being so far from civilization.” Having dug herself even deeper in the hole, she pivots: “I’m particularly eager to have my outerwear stitched up. You have perpetually inclement weather in these parts.”
For the first time in her “life”, Eva feels dumb.
Sabetha and Eva:
The tailor looks blankly at Eva while she tries to complement him. Just staring at her. When she turns away, he goes back to sewing.
To Sabetha he says, "Come now, you must have another set of clothes. What do you do on laundry day? Just stand around naked? You adventurers are always so simple minded."
Turning back to Eva, he remarks, "You are quite pretty. Like a goddess. Like a marble statue of a goddess. Would it hurt you to get some sun!"
Finishing up the dress, he hands it back to Eva. As she goes to try it on, it feels slightly heavier, more substantial in her hand. It fits perfectly though and the formerly faded and half-rotted fabric appears good as new. And, she suddenly realizes, now it has pockets. How did he do that?
While Eva is getting dressed, the tailor approaches Sabetha. "While you are here, would you like to pick up something for someone else in your life? A loved one? Gifts for a group of friends?"
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
"Look at this place Aubin, a god has gone and made our summer winter, and our winter even more of a living nightmare. Another person trying to kill me is just one more who will fail, so yes, I'd rather know what lies ahead of us if we are to travel together." Naraeld replies without any mockery or bravado at his statement, it is as earnest a statement as you've heard from him. "Whilst you are working to aid Bryn Shander, I've got your back."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Aubin strokes his mustache "Lets walk and talk" he leaves intent on joining his other companions. "I was forced to work for the Zhentarim. Well specifically Pasha Dor. He impanted me with a Red Slaad's tadpole to do his bidding before I came to this frost bitten land. Mishann was able to rid me of that danger, but Pasha Dor's is a powerful man and I will continue to seek Gant for him. Otherwise he will bring even more death and possible destruction to Mishann and Bryn-Shander."
Sabetha does admire Eva's new garb, though she still hasn't yet worked up the courage to ask the dead lady any of the obvious questions.
She attempts to recover her equilibrium with the tailor, pushing Beldora's cryptic message to the back of her mind for now. "I... no, there's no friend or loved one that I expect to be seeing soon that I know needs to be outfitted, other than my companion who you are already helping."
"As for what I wear - it must allow freedom of movement for my limbs, and suited for trekking through the Dale. If you have a lighter, more functional set of warm clothing than what I have now, I would be interested. Though my own funds are limited at the moment. Not your ideal customer, I'm afraid."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Pretty...like a marble statue of a goddess." Upon hearing these words, Eva's face flushes—but instead of a rush of warmth to her cheeks, a chill accompanies her bashfulness. In my present condition, I'm not sure such flattery is warranted. Nevertheless, it pleases Eva.
"Sun? Here in Icewind Dale, we could all use more sun! I recall reading somewhere that a smile is the same as sunshine; it banishes winter from the human countenance. That is what your words have done for me, dear sir. I sincerely thank you for that—and for your masterful handiwork." Grateful, Eva hands the tailor [whatever amount of money she owes him].
She is also filled with gratitude toward Sabetha for the kindness she has shown her—a kindness which seems to be in short supply in Auril's cold and cursed north—above all, for convincing the others to take her in. It is clear now that I would have no hope of surviving on my own. I must seek an opportunity to repay her generosity in kind.
As they walk, Elk Running ponders Aubin's remarks, frowning at the unfamiliar words and names. She grows tired of feeling ignorant of the ways of the world, but the world, it seems, has changed a great deal. "I know not this Zhentarim. Is it a clan, a city? How did they bend you to their will?"
"The Zhentarim is a powerful organization of thieves, spies, assassins, and wizards. They implanted me with the tadpole of the Red Slaad which would have eaten me from the inside out. Not a fate I would want that's for sure" Aubin heads back to the Northlook to wait for the others.
Naraeld seems to recoils at Aubin's first reaponse. He was more then willing to put himself in danger to help the man in exchange for his assitamce to the town but to so brazenly put the inhabitants in danger, to put Naraeld's mither into harm's way... Aubin finishes his explanation of who the Zhentarim are as Naraeld plants himself squarley in front of Aubin, his large hands dart forwards to grab onto Aubin's clothing and with the same motion Naraeld manhandles Aubin, lifting him so his feet lose purchase on the floor and slams him into the nearest wall. Naraeld leans his face in close and snarls out an insult. "You selfish son of a whore! How dare you bring your troubles into my home and lumber them on people you care nothing for!" The rage explodes from Naraeld's demeanour, as he continues his aggressive position, "Mother has the decency to cure you from being eaten alive, and you repay her by putting her life, and the lives of the flock she tends in danger? I should march you back to the jail so these Zhantarim will have no trouble finding you!" Naraeld steps back and drops Aubin to stand under his own power. "Was your offer to Markham just as two-faced? Help Bryn Shander? Pah! Use them more like!"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"I will allow this just once. You don't want to test me. Your mother knew what she was getting into. I told her danger may come, but she helped me anyway. Now I will do what I can to repay her, but by no means does this make me into some kind of bleeding heart saint. If these people had any sense they would leave this land for warmer climate. Of course I am using the Sheriff for information. This is business, nothing personal" Aubin dust himself off and waits for the others.
Sabetha and Eva:
Talking to Sabetha, the tailor says, "No loved ones? Nonsense. A pretty thing like you must be surrounded by suitors. And you are my ideal customer! A chance to increase the beauty in the world." Eyeing her, he shoves a colorful scarf into her hand. "Here! That will add a little color to your otherwise drab ensemble. It will lift your spirits and the spirits of those around you."
Turning to Eva, he says, "Just absolutely stunning! You are as good as an advertisement for my little shop. In fact, that is the price I ask, direct people to this shop. Tell them to visit Erevan's Everything shop! In fact, get your friends to help as well." He picks up a random assortment of items from various tables, stuffing them in a bag. He hands the bag to Eva.
"Now shoo! I have to close up shop and go meet a friend. Ever so much to do, I'm sure you understand." He begins to gently push you out of the store, ignoring all protestations. Soon you find yourself on the street again. You see Blackberry coming up the street, as if he is looking for you.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd