(assuming no further parting words for the guards...)
As you approach the inn, an oddly familiar sight greets you. Spacious without being overlarge, the somewhat squat building bears all the hallmarks of a classic roadside inn, perhaps a tad on the fancy side as these things go. An open lot beside the inn contains a caravan's worth of carts, wagons and tethered horses, overseen by a middle aged hobbit, watchfully napping in the shade under the eaves of the inn. The broad double-sided solid oak doors hang open, and a familiar promise of good food, tasteful beverages and glad company practically oozes from every pore. A sign hangs high above the door, cheerfully capturing a long sturdy bridge of stone above a blue expanse below.
"So this must be it."Valeria says as she takes in the view. She then gracefully dismounts and leads her steed over to the hobbit. "Would you be so kind to take care of our steeds."She says offfering the hobbit a polite smile. Assuming he helps out Valeria would then go inside and head up to the bar to get some rooms for the travellers, as well as something to eat and drink.
Mae gave the guard's badges a long look as she passed by them but didn't comment on them, instead opting to push on toward the inn. She hopped off her horse as they approached, taking a long look at the inn and the grounds around it. It had been a while since she was here, and while much was the same it was also different. Like a melody returned, a similar refrain but not quite as you remember it. Eventually she made her way into the inn, keeping herself fairly wrapped up in a traveling cloak and looking for an unoccupied table or booth hopefully. She did try to look around for anything unusual perhaps, as well as the place to sit. (Perception: 13)
Kiersa dismounts as Valeria does. She lingers alongside her own horse while waiting to see if the halfling is going to take them. In fact, she takes the time to look over the animals being cared for in the open lot, just to also ensure their animals might be taken care of properly. She allows the others to go ahead into the inn as she waits outside.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Iravon leather gloves creak gently as he clenches his gifts at the guard's words. Not so long ago such an insult would have demanded immediate repercussions in the form of a flail to the head. But Iravon had been traveling among humans for a long time now, and he has had too learn to hold back. If he reacted then the whole party would be in trouble, and he was nothing if not a team player. So he remained still, and silent, and followed the others through town to the inn.
Inside while Valeria heads to the bar and Mae finds a table, Iravon studies the people. What is the atmosphere in here, what type of people are present? Is anyone paying them undue attention?
The hobbit sniffs and stretches from his nap. With skilled hands, he leads you all to an area to safely stable your mounts, curtly informing you that the services are free, so long as one purchases a room for at least an evening. Otherwise, he warns, there's "a rate."
Mae, you don't notice anything unusual, per se, though it does seem like the area is crowded, more so than you remember. It's always been a busy inn, but the adjoining livery and stable is nearly unusually full. Peering inside, you happen to spot a familiar figure striding out to greet you all - Kellin Shadowbanks, proprietor and manager of the Old Bridge. "You seem familiar, traveler!" He calls out cheerfully. "Did we happen to meet somewhere a few years ago?"
Iravon: Naturally, the slackness in discipline is the first thing that jumps to your attention. As much as people seem to tensely hold on to their belongings, they do so with an absence of strategy, a lack of trust in the brothers by your side in the shield wall. That same tension pervades the atmosphere like a cloying scent. There's a definite sense of unease, a gnawing worry. Some locals are present, most of them fairly well dressed and affluent, but most of the tavern's tables are occupied by traveling merchants, nervously consulting ledgers and haranguing each other about minor details. None of them seem pleased to be here, and judging by the stable next door, some have been here for far longer than they had planned to be.
Valeria informs the hobbit that they are indeed staying at the inn for the night. Inside the inn she notices the man greeting Mae, likely the proprietor of the place, and moves to stand by Mae's side, letting the charming bard take care of ordering accomodations and something to eat.
Mae grimaced slightly for a moment at the unusually busy tavern, but her attention was quickly diverted when the fairly familiar face of the owner appeared nearby to greet them. She lifted her hood enough for her face to be seen more clearly before answering, "Kellin Shadowbanks, surely you do not forget the lady who managed to enchant the town for all 314 verses of Gallaghar the Love sick Goliath! No? Hmm. It has been a few years though at least I think. Are you the owner here now? I don't quite recall." She paused for a moment and pulled Valeria up alongside her a bit. "I am traveling with a few companions this time though, like Valeria here, her good friend Kiersa who should be coming inside any moment, and Iravon, the grumpy looking toad over there." She nodded at Iravon and winked. "Oh he's quite a good soul though. Perhaps though you can assist us with some accommodations and food and drink? I'd be glad to perform to help compensate if that is needed of course."
Valeria relaxes as she hears Mae speak up. Her voice was so comfortable and soothing to her ears. Valeria herself was confident with handling people, but no one had a way with them as Mae did. She was confident that if anyone could procure lodgings for them in this busy place it would be her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once Kiersa has seen that their horses are properly lodged in the stables, and watered, and fed, she will slip inside the inn, looking for her friends. (Animal Handling, to ensure they are taken care of: 7)
"Quite the busy place here," she observes to whoever is around the stable. "I didn't realize Drellin's Ferry sees so much traffic in a day."
"Of course! How could I forget! I confess, the last seventy or so verses elude me, for to be entirely honest I may well have fallen asleep somewhere in there! I'm sure you can remedy that with one of your charming performances one of these fine evenings. I am indeed Kellin Shadowbanks, proprietor of clan Speaker for, well, you know. Let's see, rooms for four... I'm afraid I don't have the space to provide you each with private lodging. I have two chambers that can be made available easily enough, and a discreet part of my servant's quarters that I could part with for half price a regular night's stay. I apologize on behalf of the Shadowbanks for the circumstances, but as your friend has noted there is a good deal of traffic at the moment. I'm sure a gentlewoman's performance would certainly serve as partial payment, but what poor manners have I to discuss business upon my doorstep! I insist you come right in and make yourselves at home for however long we may serve you! Your mounts will be well cared for, on my honor as a Shadowbanks!"
With a sweeping bow, Kellin welcomes you into the inn, the shiny buttons on his open waistcoat clinking in the long light of the late afternoon.
Once inside (if that is where you all decide to go) you see many of the tables are already occupied, some enjoying an early dinner, others morosely chatting over drinks, and a few around the room getting games of three-dragon ante started up. Kellin will see you all settled at a comfortable table by a few of the servers - other cheerful-looking hobbits - and shortly steps away to make sure your rooms are prepared for your stay, though he is happy to discuss matters for a few moments longer.
(Sorry, I thought we were already inside, my mistake, but the check and answer still work.)
Once Kellin moves away from their table, Iravon speaks in a low voice to the group, the slightest of reverb in his voice from the ominous helmet. "There is great tension in this place. Many strangers, very little trust between them. There is crowding, many wish to move on but something prevents them. Perhaps the Red Hand are blocking the roads. We should investigate."
Valeria smiles politely and follows Kellin inside, taking a seat by the table he offers them. "We'll take those rooms I think. And if we might have a look at your menu?"She says, hoping there is one. It wasn't the first time they had to double up on a room. Valeria had preferred to have her own room when possible but wasn't above sharing rooms with the others when necessary. She then motions for Kiersa when she comes inside to join them. She nods as iravon speaks. "Yes, you are right, although I would want us to continue to Vraath keep as soon as possible, we should try to learn more about this Red Hand before we do that." She says, turning and smiling at Mae as she knew this was her territory, although Valeria was always curíous to speak with new people herself.
Mae waited for Kiersa to join them as well before offering a smile. "Well, Iravon, I'm sure I can find a way to put them at ease, if not for just a little while. Perhaps the keep and the arrival of the Red Hand are not separate incidents. Still, let us enjoy a brief respite, and we can talk plans and tactics later, hmm?" Mae would offer a few more encouraging words in kind to her travel mates (casting "Motivational Speech", +5 temp HP and ADV on WIS saving throws for 1 hour) and then cast off her cloak. In a flash she was dressed for performing, wearing a low cut but pretty white and blue top with matching tight leggings and dark boots that laced up to her knees nearly. She found an open spot, pulled out her flute and began with a slow but breezy introduction (and giving herself inspiration so that her mote that looks like a colorful musical note floated around her head) before working into a medley of fairly familiar tunes to the realm. (Performance: Nat 20 +10 for 30 total)
As Mae cast off her cloak Valeria knew it was time to lean back in her chair and enjoy another excellent performance. She had had the privilege to watch the angelic bard for some time now since she joined her and Kiersa for their journey to this vale, but the performance she now witnessed was something more, a masterpiece even by Mae's highly set standards, a performance that surely would ease the minds and hearts of these folks, perhaps even give them hope and strength to resist this Red Hand that likely was the cause of their tension, worry and unease.
(OOC - Since it appears nobody is out around the stables, Kiersa will move inside.)
After seeing to the horses, Kiersa slips inside the inn, finding her companions to join them in time for Mae's encouraging words. She quietly asks Valeria, "Did they have rooms?"
"Well, Mae charmed two rooms and and a discreet part of the proprietors servant's quarters from him."Valeria quietly answers Kiersa, giving her a quick glance and then returning her attention to Mae's performance.
As Mae's songs fill the room, the atmosphere slowly changes, fading from a sense of heated tension to a soft, gentle restfulness. By the time she kicks up the tempo and launches into some fan-favorite foot-stompers, every eye follows her every movement throughout the room, and for many tears of gladness are hurriedly wiped away, lest they miss an iota of the stunning performance. As Mae concludes her finale, wearied but triumphant, a thunderous applause fills the room to bursting, with many a shout for an encore and not a few coins gladly left at her feet. Mae also notices about 10 letters scrawled in varied penmanship, likely expressing how meaningful her songs were during these troubled times with a few (from the more colorful patrons) sharing intimate revelations and promises of everlasting love and loyalty. Kellin himself, torn away from his duties by the performance, approaches the table and wipes a tear from his eye. "Re- *sniff*- reminds me of my own mother tuckin' me in on a cold winter's night. Lovely, absolutely lovely. My lady," he cries, taking Mae's hand and kissing it lightly on the knuckles, "you have grown in beauty and skill. Tonight, you and yours may stay free of charge. May my hospitality flow as generously as your art!" Incidentally, Kiersa and Iravon, as you keep a vigilant eye on the room around you, you do notice that Kellin's servers never stop moving through the entire performance - though Kellin's generosity is certainly to your benefit, it is also equally true that he made an enormous profit this night as many of those who would otherwise have retired early in frustration at the times seem set now on staying late to recapture the fleeting glory of Mae's performance, ordering many an extra bottle of rather expensive wine to keep them company.
The roaring crowd eventually settles, with a renewed sense of vigor and an attitude of hope as your supper arrives, Kellin having promptly replaced your previous orders with a special selection of the best foodstuffs on offer (and off it) to be had in the whole town. The noise level in particular quiets down as a balding man in a fine robe, wearing the gold chain of mayoralty, enters the tavern with a capable-looking woman wearing a set of plate armor and a fine-looking sword strapped to her waist. He heads over to you all as you finish your supper, calmly but firmly introducing himself.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, but I may need a few minutes of your time. I am Norro Wiston, Town Speaker and Mayor of Drellin's Ferry. This is our Guard Captain, the hero Soranna. I'll get right to the point: we are in trouble, and I think you all may be able to help us out. Our town is, to put it plainly, under attack. Hobgoblin raiders have been carrying out ambushes on the roads around Drellin's Ferry for some weeks now, killing good folks in outlying homesteads and waylaying travelers along the Dawnway."
Captain Soranna adds, "We've had some trouble with them before - a quick raid or two on homesteads across the river to the West, but usually nothing deadly. This time is different. It looks like a large, aggressive tribe has moved down from the mountains. Frankly, I fear they may be numerous enough to sack the town, and might be trying to test our response."
"Beyond the immediate threat to our homes, the road is our lifeblood." The Speaker continues. "If the Hobgoblins make the Dawnway impassable to merchants and travelers heading West, trade won't come this way and we will all be ruined. We need to repel these invaders, and we've got to keep that road open. Can you help us do it?"
Kiersa, like most of the crowd, is thoroughly enraptured by Mae's songs. Not enough so that she doesn't keep an eye out on the crowd however. But she does find her toes tapping and steals quite a few glances to just watch the performance. As food is brought, she happily eats of the fine fare, if somewhat sparingly. And she tries to be temperate with the wine she drinks along with the meal.
Her eye is immediately drawn to Captain Soranna as she enters. If she is anywhere near as good as the equipment she wears, then she certainly should have been capable of helping defends the town. But then again, she couldn't stand alone against many. She studies her as the mayor speaks to the group, though still listening to what he has to say. The moment he concludes and asks if they can help, she thinks, 'Of course we will help!' But that's as far as the thought goes. She stays quiet, turning her eyes to Valeria to see what she might answer.
Many a time along their journey, Iravon has explained to Mae the pointlessness of music, dance and song, unless it is a battle anthem, created to get the blood pumping before a fight, or very occasionally a dirge of respect to those who have died honourably. She is wasting her undeniable talent, he tells her, on frivolity.
But tonight even he is captured by her performance. The food on the table is forgotten, the drink in his hand goes undrunk, and his eyes, unseen in the shadows of the Helm, watch her movements as she travels around the room.
As she finishes and makes her way back to their table, he manages "That was..." but cannot think of what to say. He catches himself, angry that he has let himself get so caught up. He barks out "It was fine!" and takes a deep draught of his ale before slamming the tankard down and grabbing a bite of some exquisitely prepared meat.
After the Mayor and Soranna have said their piece, Iravon turns to Valeria, the red points of light in his helm glowing like burning coals. "A large tribe, they say. It appears you were right, and I underestimated how many would turn to this false god. You know my answer. They cannot be suffered to live."
(assuming no further parting words for the guards...)
As you approach the inn, an oddly familiar sight greets you. Spacious without being overlarge, the somewhat squat building bears all the hallmarks of a classic roadside inn, perhaps a tad on the fancy side as these things go. An open lot beside the inn contains a caravan's worth of carts, wagons and tethered horses, overseen by a middle aged hobbit, watchfully napping in the shade under the eaves of the inn. The broad double-sided solid oak doors hang open, and a familiar promise of good food, tasteful beverages and glad company practically oozes from every pore. A sign hangs high above the door, cheerfully capturing a long sturdy bridge of stone above a blue expanse below.
"So this must be it." Valeria says as she takes in the view. She then gracefully dismounts and leads her steed over to the hobbit. "Would you be so kind to take care of our steeds." She says offfering the hobbit a polite smile. Assuming he helps out Valeria would then go inside and head up to the bar to get some rooms for the travellers, as well as something to eat and drink.
Mae gave the guard's badges a long look as she passed by them but didn't comment on them, instead opting to push on toward the inn. She hopped off her horse as they approached, taking a long look at the inn and the grounds around it. It had been a while since she was here, and while much was the same it was also different. Like a melody returned, a similar refrain but not quite as you remember it. Eventually she made her way into the inn, keeping herself fairly wrapped up in a traveling cloak and looking for an unoccupied table or booth hopefully. She did try to look around for anything unusual perhaps, as well as the place to sit. (Perception: 13)
Kiersa dismounts as Valeria does. She lingers alongside her own horse while waiting to see if the halfling is going to take them. In fact, she takes the time to look over the animals being cared for in the open lot, just to also ensure their animals might be taken care of properly. She allows the others to go ahead into the inn as she waits outside.
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Iravon leather gloves creak gently as he clenches his gifts at the guard's words. Not so long ago such an insult would have demanded immediate repercussions in the form of a flail to the head. But Iravon had been traveling among humans for a long time now, and he has had too learn to hold back. If he reacted then the whole party would be in trouble, and he was nothing if not a team player. So he remained still, and silent, and followed the others through town to the inn.
Inside while Valeria heads to the bar and Mae finds a table, Iravon studies the people. What is the atmosphere in here, what type of people are present? Is anyone paying them undue attention?
Insight: 18
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
The hobbit sniffs and stretches from his nap. With skilled hands, he leads you all to an area to safely stable your mounts, curtly informing you that the services are free, so long as one purchases a room for at least an evening. Otherwise, he warns, there's "a rate."
Mae, you don't notice anything unusual, per se, though it does seem like the area is crowded, more so than you remember. It's always been a busy inn, but the adjoining livery and stable is nearly unusually full. Peering inside, you happen to spot a familiar figure striding out to greet you all - Kellin Shadowbanks, proprietor and manager of the Old Bridge. "You seem familiar, traveler!" He calls out cheerfully. "Did we happen to meet somewhere a few years ago?"
Iravon: Naturally, the slackness in discipline is the first thing that jumps to your attention. As much as people seem to tensely hold on to their belongings, they do so with an absence of strategy, a lack of trust in the brothers by your side in the shield wall. That same tension pervades the atmosphere like a cloying scent. There's a definite sense of unease, a gnawing worry. Some locals are present, most of them fairly well dressed and affluent, but most of the tavern's tables are occupied by traveling merchants, nervously consulting ledgers and haranguing each other about minor details. None of them seem pleased to be here, and judging by the stable next door, some have been here for far longer than they had planned to be.
Valeria informs the hobbit that they are indeed staying at the inn for the night.
Inside the inn she notices the man greeting Mae, likely the proprietor of the place, and moves to stand by Mae's side, letting the charming bard take care of ordering accomodations and something to eat.
Mae grimaced slightly for a moment at the unusually busy tavern, but her attention was quickly diverted when the fairly familiar face of the owner appeared nearby to greet them. She lifted her hood enough for her face to be seen more clearly before answering, "Kellin Shadowbanks, surely you do not forget the lady who managed to enchant the town for all 314 verses of Gallaghar the Love sick Goliath! No? Hmm. It has been a few years though at least I think. Are you the owner here now? I don't quite recall." She paused for a moment and pulled Valeria up alongside her a bit. "I am traveling with a few companions this time though, like Valeria here, her good friend Kiersa who should be coming inside any moment, and Iravon, the grumpy looking toad over there." She nodded at Iravon and winked. "Oh he's quite a good soul though. Perhaps though you can assist us with some accommodations and food and drink? I'd be glad to perform to help compensate if that is needed of course."
Valeria relaxes as she hears Mae speak up. Her voice was so comfortable and soothing to her ears. Valeria herself was confident with handling people, but no one had a way with them as Mae did. She was confident that if anyone could procure lodgings for them in this busy place it would be her.
Once Kiersa has seen that their horses are properly lodged in the stables, and watered, and fed, she will slip inside the inn, looking for her friends. (Animal Handling, to ensure they are taken care of: 7)
"Quite the busy place here," she observes to whoever is around the stable. "I didn't realize Drellin's Ferry sees so much traffic in a day."
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Of course! How could I forget! I confess, the last seventy or so verses elude me, for to be entirely honest I may well have fallen asleep somewhere in there! I'm sure you can remedy that with one of your charming performances one of these fine evenings. I am indeed Kellin Shadowbanks, proprietor of clan Speaker for, well, you know. Let's see, rooms for four... I'm afraid I don't have the space to provide you each with private lodging. I have two chambers that can be made available easily enough, and a discreet part of my servant's quarters that I could part with for half price a regular night's stay. I apologize on behalf of the Shadowbanks for the circumstances, but as your friend has noted there is a good deal of traffic at the moment. I'm sure a gentlewoman's performance would certainly serve as partial payment, but what poor manners have I to discuss business upon my doorstep! I insist you come right in and make yourselves at home for however long we may serve you! Your mounts will be well cared for, on my honor as a Shadowbanks!"
With a sweeping bow, Kellin welcomes you into the inn, the shiny buttons on his open waistcoat clinking in the long light of the late afternoon.
Once inside (if that is where you all decide to go) you see many of the tables are already occupied, some enjoying an early dinner, others morosely chatting over drinks, and a few around the room getting games of three-dragon ante started up. Kellin will see you all settled at a comfortable table by a few of the servers - other cheerful-looking hobbits - and shortly steps away to make sure your rooms are prepared for your stay, though he is happy to discuss matters for a few moments longer.
(Sorry, I thought we were already inside, my mistake, but the check and answer still work.)
Once Kellin moves away from their table, Iravon speaks in a low voice to the group, the slightest of reverb in his voice from the ominous helmet. "There is great tension in this place. Many strangers, very little trust between them. There is crowding, many wish to move on but something prevents them. Perhaps the Red Hand are blocking the roads. We should investigate."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Valeria smiles politely and follows Kellin inside, taking a seat by the table he offers them. "We'll take those rooms I think. And if we might have a look at your menu?" She says, hoping there is one. It wasn't the first time they had to double up on a room. Valeria had preferred to have her own room when possible but wasn't above sharing rooms with the others when necessary. She then motions for Kiersa when she comes inside to join them. She nods as iravon speaks. "Yes, you are right, although I would want us to continue to Vraath keep as soon as possible, we should try to learn more about this Red Hand before we do that." She says, turning and smiling at Mae as she knew this was her territory, although Valeria was always curíous to speak with new people herself.
Mae waited for Kiersa to join them as well before offering a smile. "Well, Iravon, I'm sure I can find a way to put them at ease, if not for just a little while. Perhaps the keep and the arrival of the Red Hand are not separate incidents. Still, let us enjoy a brief respite, and we can talk plans and tactics later, hmm?" Mae would offer a few more encouraging words in kind to her travel mates (casting "Motivational Speech", +5 temp HP and ADV on WIS saving throws for 1 hour) and then cast off her cloak. In a flash she was dressed for performing, wearing a low cut but pretty white and blue top with matching tight leggings and dark boots that laced up to her knees nearly. She found an open spot, pulled out her flute and began with a slow but breezy introduction (and giving herself inspiration so that her mote that looks like a colorful musical note floated around her head) before working into a medley of fairly familiar tunes to the realm. (Performance: Nat 20 +10 for 30 total)
As Mae cast off her cloak Valeria knew it was time to lean back in her chair and enjoy another excellent performance. She had had the privilege to watch the angelic bard for some time now since she joined her and Kiersa for their journey to this vale, but the performance she now witnessed was something more, a masterpiece even by Mae's highly set standards, a performance that surely would ease the minds and hearts of these folks, perhaps even give them hope and strength to resist this Red Hand that likely was the cause of their tension, worry and unease.
(OOC - Since it appears nobody is out around the stables, Kiersa will move inside.)
After seeing to the horses, Kiersa slips inside the inn, finding her companions to join them in time for Mae's encouraging words. She quietly asks Valeria, "Did they have rooms?"
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Well, Mae charmed two rooms and and a discreet part of the proprietors servant's quarters from him." Valeria quietly answers Kiersa, giving her a quick glance and then returning her attention to Mae's performance.
As Mae's songs fill the room, the atmosphere slowly changes, fading from a sense of heated tension to a soft, gentle restfulness. By the time she kicks up the tempo and launches into some fan-favorite foot-stompers, every eye follows her every movement throughout the room, and for many tears of gladness are hurriedly wiped away, lest they miss an iota of the stunning performance. As Mae concludes her finale, wearied but triumphant, a thunderous applause fills the room to bursting, with many a shout for an encore and not a few coins gladly left at her feet. Mae also notices about 10 letters scrawled in varied penmanship, likely expressing how meaningful her songs were during these troubled times with a few (from the more colorful patrons) sharing intimate revelations and promises of everlasting love and loyalty. Kellin himself, torn away from his duties by the performance, approaches the table and wipes a tear from his eye. "Re- *sniff*- reminds me of my own mother tuckin' me in on a cold winter's night. Lovely, absolutely lovely. My lady," he cries, taking Mae's hand and kissing it lightly on the knuckles, "you have grown in beauty and skill. Tonight, you and yours may stay free of charge. May my hospitality flow as generously as your art!" Incidentally, Kiersa and Iravon, as you keep a vigilant eye on the room around you, you do notice that Kellin's servers never stop moving through the entire performance - though Kellin's generosity is certainly to your benefit, it is also equally true that he made an enormous profit this night as many of those who would otherwise have retired early in frustration at the times seem set now on staying late to recapture the fleeting glory of Mae's performance, ordering many an extra bottle of rather expensive wine to keep them company.
The roaring crowd eventually settles, with a renewed sense of vigor and an attitude of hope as your supper arrives, Kellin having promptly replaced your previous orders with a special selection of the best foodstuffs on offer (and off it) to be had in the whole town. The noise level in particular quiets down as a balding man in a fine robe, wearing the gold chain of mayoralty, enters the tavern with a capable-looking woman wearing a set of plate armor and a fine-looking sword strapped to her waist. He heads over to you all as you finish your supper, calmly but firmly introducing himself.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, but I may need a few minutes of your time. I am Norro Wiston, Town Speaker and Mayor of Drellin's Ferry. This is our Guard Captain, the hero Soranna. I'll get right to the point: we are in trouble, and I think you all may be able to help us out. Our town is, to put it plainly, under attack. Hobgoblin raiders have been carrying out ambushes on the roads around Drellin's Ferry for some weeks now, killing good folks in outlying homesteads and waylaying travelers along the Dawnway."
Captain Soranna adds, "We've had some trouble with them before - a quick raid or two on homesteads across the river to the West, but usually nothing deadly. This time is different. It looks like a large, aggressive tribe has moved down from the mountains. Frankly, I fear they may be numerous enough to sack the town, and might be trying to test our response."
"Beyond the immediate threat to our homes, the road is our lifeblood." The Speaker continues. "If the Hobgoblins make the Dawnway impassable to merchants and travelers heading West, trade won't come this way and we will all be ruined. We need to repel these invaders, and we've got to keep that road open. Can you help us do it?"
Kiersa, like most of the crowd, is thoroughly enraptured by Mae's songs. Not enough so that she doesn't keep an eye out on the crowd however. But she does find her toes tapping and steals quite a few glances to just watch the performance. As food is brought, she happily eats of the fine fare, if somewhat sparingly. And she tries to be temperate with the wine she drinks along with the meal.
Her eye is immediately drawn to Captain Soranna as she enters. If she is anywhere near as good as the equipment she wears, then she certainly should have been capable of helping defends the town. But then again, she couldn't stand alone against many. She studies her as the mayor speaks to the group, though still listening to what he has to say. The moment he concludes and asks if they can help, she thinks, 'Of course we will help!' But that's as far as the thought goes. She stays quiet, turning her eyes to Valeria to see what she might answer.
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 || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Many a time along their journey, Iravon has explained to Mae the pointlessness of music, dance and song, unless it is a battle anthem, created to get the blood pumping before a fight, or very occasionally a dirge of respect to those who have died honourably. She is wasting her undeniable talent, he tells her, on frivolity.
But tonight even he is captured by her performance. The food on the table is forgotten, the drink in his hand goes undrunk, and his eyes, unseen in the shadows of the Helm, watch her movements as she travels around the room.
As she finishes and makes her way back to their table, he manages "That was..." but cannot think of what to say. He catches himself, angry that he has let himself get so caught up. He barks out "It was fine!" and takes a deep draught of his ale before slamming the tankard down and grabbing a bite of some exquisitely prepared meat.
After the Mayor and Soranna have said their piece, Iravon turns to Valeria, the red points of light in his helm glowing like burning coals. "A large tribe, they say. It appears you were right, and I underestimated how many would turn to this false god. You know my answer. They cannot be suffered to live."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos