Vin was looking out the window when Elthana asks their question. The boy seems genuinely startled at first like he's afraid he missed her saying something earlier. "Ah! Umm... sorry! I was distracted. Anyway, no. They didn't." Nef unmistakably laughs in a woofish chortle. "She helped me through it. Without her..." Vin pets Nef's head as she smiles. "...I'm not sure I would of graduated. Heck, I didn't know I had latent magic power. Anyway, she helped me channel my magic. I'm pretty sure she is the only dog in history to be allowed to stay at the academy though. At first, a lot of the other students were jealous. I got teased a bit for it but it quicky stopped. For the most part Nef and I were left to our studies. Or, well... my studies. I had a lot to learn. Between Nef and the teachers I was able to figure it all out. Now, I'm here and ready to show everyone what I'm capable of."
Vin shifts to face Elthana to talk a bit more as they say "How about you? Did you go some some training school? You were so good at sneaking around with me! I'm the one that can turn invisible but I felt you were still better then me! It was amazing."
Unsure of what to make of the vision or even of Ebb and his colleagues, Sam grunts in understanding, confusion or dismissal (or a combination of all?) and climbs into the carriage. “That’s the problem with gods,” he mumbles to himself though loud enough for other inside to hear if they tried. “All powerful and all knowing, but can’t be bothered to be more than vague and annoying…”
“Heya Neferox,” Sam says brightly, turning to the animal and quickly changing the subject. “Good job with them wolves yesterday. You really gave them what-for, aint’cha?” Sam’s voice was higher and happier than his usual, as most people‘S are when talking to animals.
“The both of yas,” he adds, looking to Vin.
“Whatever happened with the guard… I don’t know and don’t care. We all don’t need to like each other. We do need to work together though. Least so long as we are… Alright?” Sam then looks from Neferox to Vin and back. The Half-Orc then shrugs and leans back against the carriage. “Alright…”
“Trundlesten next, then, is it” Sam asks to none and all. “I hear the place is nothing but a rest stop with delusions of grandeur… But from there the trail splits to Hokum one way or…” Sam pauses and visibly tries to think for most of a minute. “Lyvander…” He says softly as if the name just came to him. He quickly gets much louder, shouting loudly so Ebb, who is riding atop the carriage can surely hear him. “Ebb! This vision you had! Hokum is all but due north, right? Could what you seen have happened there and then moved south?!?”
Nef was actually watching and listening to Ebb and Sam talk as Vina nd Elthana were talking. Sam finds the hound watching the cleric closely. It's red eyes shift to Sam instead of the open window they were talking through and they give a definite huff and looks completely smug as their head tilts looking at Sam. Neferox looks at Sam for a bit longer as if expecting them to say something else then seems to shift their glare back to the window as they listen to Ebb and Sam continue their talk.
The yelling from Sam does grab Vin's attention as they look away from Elthana for a moment to see what this is about. Vin asks "Something moving south? Sorry, I think i missed some...." Nef looks at Vin and the boy stops talking as they look back at the hound. The boy doesn't continue and seems to be waiting for Ebb to reply to Sam now. An occasional glance back a Elthana to continue their own conversation as well.
Elthana watches Vin intently as he tells her about Nef and how he got through school. She looks at Nef and raises an eyebrow, this is one interesting creature, she thinks. When he turns the conversation to her she looks a bit surprised. "I appreciate the compliment, it is what I have been trained to do." and she turns away after that. She doesn't seem upset at all that he asked, just doesn't respond beyond. She starts listening in on the other conversation happening in the carriage...
Ebb keeps his eyes out about them still scanning but winces when he hears Sam. He was glad he was atop the carriage so no one could see his reaction. “That is exactly what I am afraid of, friend. What could possibly destroy a whole town and be able to threaten Lyvander though. I wonder if the lightning in my vision was metaphorical or if that actually happened in Hokum and will happen in Lyvander. What could even cause that much destruction?”
Ebb trails off and then casts a minor meditation to increase his ability to observe and continually does so when it fades. “Do you guys know of anything that is that strong?”
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Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
As midday passes the carriage stops, Gara asks if Vin would take up a seat on the drivers bench with Walker, as he does he gives a nod and wry smile in the direction of Sam. Once people have swapped round and a lunch of meats handed out the carriage departs once more.
Marblestead standing high on the cliffs far to the west of the forest line slowly becomes a smudge on the distant horizon and finally descends out of view as the carriage crests a hill on the road.
For those of you who have not stepped outside of the city before it may be a poignant moment, the safety and familiarity of home is gone, the open and vulnerable road a lonely counterpart. Trundlesten appears from the hills Infront of you, a township currently withholding the unknown, it is still a ways off, but now that it is within sight, you know you will make it there by nightfall.
The gentle squeak of the carriages wheels and the clopping of the horses shoes punctuate your ongoing conversations, as the day's journey continues.
Gewyn does not speak much during the ride. Instead he spends his time softly playing his pipes as he looks around. At times, his composition almost takes on the qualities of the scene around him, as if he is experimenting with playing the sound of a leaf falling through the air, or of tall grass swaying silently in the wind, or of the sun emerging from behind a cloud... Or of home growing smaller and smaller.
Vin was a bit disappointed that Elthana didn't seem interested in talking with them. He tried his best to not let it show and as Ebb asked a question Vin pauses a moment before answering "Umm, it's probably some kind of warning if something goes wrong with our current quest. Terrible things could happen."
Vin seems a bit nervous at first then looks at Nef for a bit. They then qrite in their journal before going back to looking out the window seeming a bit more contemplative. The journey takes them far, much further then Vin has ever been before. It was almost an alien landscape to the young man as they travel away from civilization. The sight of their home goes after the cresting of a single hill. It was a melancholy like feeling for him. They looked on and out with fascination but also a tense anxiety of the unknown. Not a bad feeling but strong and powerful.
As they group travels they make a small stop at midday to change lookout and drive. Gara calling on Vin to help keep watch while Walker keeps the horse on pace. It was a welcome time to stretch their legs then get back on the road. Vin for his part is totally oblivious to the machinations of Gara and happily says "Sure thing Gara!"
They hope on up with Walker and it isn't until they are both sitting up there that Vin realizes how uncomfortable the situation is. At first they don't say anything as the silence continues. Nef meanwhile is in back with the rest and glaring at Gara. A knowing look in their eyes but they eventually turn their gaze more towards where Vin is. Their canine ears perked and listening.
A bit of time passes in awkward silence but eventually Vin breaks the silence saying "Walker, I... I want you to know I think you're cool. Helping us on this mission. It's nice knowing I am not the only young guy here. Reassuring. I'm sorry about what happened." Vin leaves it at their apology as they wait for a reply from Walker. Hoping they will talk to Vin again.
Gara smiles at Nef apparently not put off or intimidated by her apparent understanding of Gara's little plan, he then promptly dozes off for a short while catching up on some sleep he missed out on.
Letting out a big sigh, "Apology accepted, don't worry, all healed and sorted eh?" Walker begins in response to Vin, "I didn't mean to surprise you all, but the dog seemed like she intentionally went for me, that's the only bit that really sticks in my head y'know? Just keep control of her and we'll be fine... please." He keeps the horses steady as the conversation flattens a little, after a while he looks to Vin and forces a smile. "You're welcome for the help, it's my job and I do it with pride"
Sam was happy to ignore the premonition or bad dream when it was first relayed to the group but he finds it much more disturbing now that he wonders if the trouble in Hokum is linked to what has, could or is happening in Lyvander. Still and all, there's nothing to be done about any of it until they arrive and get a look see for themselves. Time for that will come soon enough and mulling it over won't bring it about any quicker. So Sam watches the world go by, listens to the melodies Gewyn provides and waits...
Vin smiles too a bit forced as well but out of guilt. They do say "She agreed no more attacking our comrades." Nef gives a huff from behind them and Vin adds with a sigh "Unless they threaten me. I don't think we will have any more trouble." the hound lays their head back down as they seem placated, of course only those in the carriage notice either the huff or the satisfied look on the large dog. Vin however continues their talk trying to build rapport with walker. "Was it part of your training to learn how to handle horses? I had an option for learning horse riding in the academy but I didn't opt for it. I had a lot I already had to take with magical training."
Vin tries to keep the subjects light letting the conversation flow with walker if he lets Vin. Vin does try to ask what Walker knows of Trundlesten as its the first time for Vin going there. Just trying to get to know more about Walker and Gara and how they got where they are. Nothing specific. Otherwise Vin just enjoys the ride as their all make their way to Trundlesten. Watching the horses and asking tips for the future if they ever have to drive a carriage. The scenery enjoyable to watch and almost alien to the young boy who has only ever seen walls, roads, and bricks.
Neferox during the trip seems to prefer to sleep during the trip after the conversation between Vin and Walker seems to reach a neutral standing. The hound growls at Ebb, Gewyn and Gara if they try to pet her but not at Sam or Elthana. Seeming to definitely have favorites in the group. The black hound is eventually snoozing as they take up the majority of the reach seating.
Walker let's the discussion between himself and vin continue, they speak on the differences in their respective trainings and Vin learns a thing or two on how the guard operates.
The journey itself garners no disruptions as the day wears on and lights begin appearing in the small township ahead, illuminating it against the darkening sky, "we'll need to resupply here and you can get yerselves a room if you'd like, walker and I will stay with the carriage during the night" Gara says from his cosy spot in the corner of the carriage, "I've had enough of a rest that I'll stay up and see to the horses, so they should be good to travel a few days after Trundlesten without much stopping."
As the carriage finally reached the town, night has fully fallen, but the town seems alive with activity. As the carriage enters you see the main building is a large Inn next to a town hall with a clock tower, the odd shop nestle here and there amongst the houses lining the main street. The majority of the hubbub seems to be coming from a clearing just off the main street to the south, you see a large bonfire with several carriages and large tents surrounding it at a safe distance, to Gewyn's delight a song he recognises can be faintly heard coming from that way, under cut by the raucous laughter and clapping from a small crowd.
Your carriage approaches the inn slowly and comes to a stop just outside.
Elthana had kept to herself on the carriage after the short conversation with Vin. Once Vin heads up to sit with Walker, she slightly keeps an eye on Nef, unsure how the dog reacts when they are separated a bit. But otherwise just enjoys the different sights and smells as Marblestead disappears in the distance.
Once they arrive and hear the party going on around the bonfire, she sees Gewyn's face light up with delight. She asks him, "So, shall we make an entrance or would you like me to scope out the situation ahead of our arrival? I don't know about you, but I am not ready to settle in for the night."
During the journey Neferox seems relaxed but their ears are always perked and angled towards Vin. The ears twitching when conversations begin in the carriage with anyone else other then Vin. The dog seems content to be left alone as it rests for the majority of the trip again seeming to tolerate Elthana and Sam more then the others. Otherwise the journey goes well as Vin repairs relations with the young guard.
When they arrive at the smaller town of Trundlesten Vin seems excited. It may be far smaller then the city they grew up in but it was unique and new for them. Night may have fallen but it is a unique experience to see a small town like this at night versus the large city of Marblestead at night. There seems to be some kind of festival in the distance as firelight and music can be heard further into town. Nef seems to perk up at Vin's excitement as they dismount. As Gara informs them of their stay here Vin doesn't mind sleeping under the stars again as it was enjoyable to them last night... minus the wolves and biting issue of course. Vin wondered if he could get on top of one of the buildings out here for some height to see upwards in this clear night.
First thing is first though, what is all the excitement over there! Vin leaps out of the carriage and says "Come on Nef! Lets go check out whats going on!" The hound jumps down and seems ready to follow the boy. As Elthana mentions not being ready to settle in Vin jumps on their back foot and turns around to back step as they say "Me either! I'm going to go see what all the fun is about!" with that unless someone calls Vin back he and Nef run off to the sound of music and celebration.
Sam Hall is sociable enough when chatter breaks out, as it inevitably does on long rides, but he’s seldom the one to intimate it. Mostly he’s content to allow the miles to slowly pass by while his mind wanders slowly over things. Sam’s eyes do flick to Neferox on occasion and he wonders about the beast. It’s no dog he’s ever seen, nor wild animal he’s encountered. Which in and of itself doesn’t say all that much as Sam is no renowned explorer or such, but it does make the creature a point of interest. A normal dog would get plenty of attention from him - scratches and pets and rubs- even a well domesticated wolf, if it seemed tolerant enough. Neferox though? Sam thought perhaps they were less beast than they looked and thus far Sam wasn’t sure pets were quite appropriate.
Arriving at their destination, for this day at least, Sam was intent on securing a room first and foremost. “No telling how many nights will be spent on the ground. I’ll sleep in a proper bed when the chance allows, thank you very much,” he grumbles when the topic arises. The lights and the sounds do pique his interest, where there is festivities there is usually good and spirits after all, but it’ll keep u til a bed is secured. As such Sam will head into the Inn first, surely finding this group later will not be difficult.
Ebb enjoyed the ride atop the carriage as he kept look out. A few times here or there he would pull out a book which he would jot down different ideas and notes. He was glad the ride was uneventful. This wasn’t the first time he had traveled, let alone this route. The majority of the time he would travel alone, and if not alone with a merchant caravan. Most caravans were ecstatic to have a Cleic of peace along and there were a few that knew Ebb in particular. Those always welcomed him. Despite that, Ebb was more partial to traveling alone. Some even called him a hermit. Upon arriving, Ebb hops down and stretches a bit and decides to join Sam to the to the Inn.
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Drow enthusiast Lover of lore and magic. -The White Crow-
Gewyn hops out of the carriage and with a flourish offers his hand out of courtesy to assist Elthana down (though he feels confident she is both faster and stronger than he.) He says "Well I'm glad to hear you say that, Elthana. The night is too young. And for me, making an entrance and getting a lay of the land are often one in the same. So I for one am going to go where there is fire, music, and laughter. I have found in my experience that wherever those three things are present, a bit of booze is never far off, and making the fullest use of 'liquid friendship' is basically my job description back in Marblestead. Plus I am rather parched myself."
Entering onto the festival grounds, Vin, Nef, Elthana, and Gewyn see a plethora of activities, stunts, challenges and entertainments being performed.
At the entrance to the temporary circus grounds they read a large sign above a propped up archway that reads, "The Cirque Fantastica", just below this sign are two kobolds on a temporary stage that throw ice and fire toward one another respectively creating beautiful displays of magical prowess, a small sign reading "Bold and Kold" can be read, illuminated by the fire bursting the ice into steam in intricate patterns above them. Fire dances and forms statue-esque complexities in the air, to then be immediately solidified in glowing ice, which then, in turn, melts into water which runs off the stage into buckets below, only for the process to start again as the Kobolds continue their display.
A Goliath strongman in another area further in, picks some weighted metal dumbbells out of a tent and begins throwing them in the air, the dense metal then falling, surely to do this man injury, are then caught at the last moment as he lift the weights effortlessly above his head and begins increasing the weights and flexing as he goes. The sign near him offers ten gold for anyone who can beat the man in an armwrestling match.
Another sign reads "Tribaxi" as a group of three Tabaxi monks balance themselves, to the crowd's satisfaction, on thin bamboo-like sticks that are dotted around their area, the tops of which reach between ten and twenty foot in the air, they effortlessly hop, flip, and jump between the poles, sometimes leaping over one another to the come to a stop, balancing on one hand or the edge of their tippy-toes, never losing balance, never falling. A challenge on their sign promises ten gold to whoever can reach the fourth pole in their lowest set.
A lone blackbird kenku toward the edge of the festivities, stands juggling several long bladed weapons, he stands before a large straw target, every now and again he tilts his beak toward the sky and slides a rapier fully down his throat, whilst still keeping the other blades in the air. his particular sign reads, "knifedance, five gold to the keenest aim".
The crowd is enthralled with this multitude of entertainment, every so often a member of the public takes up a challenge and puts their skills to the test in front of the audience. The upbeat melodies of the band keep the energy of the entertainment alive, and the festivities going, the group looks over to see a large stage where the band is performing, "whalesong" their sign reads, as a Firbolg drummer, Tiefling guitarist, half Orc singer, and Dwarvish violinist rock out like their lives depended upon it.
This place is surely a place for merriment, and as the group grab a quick drink from the bar, they look around deciding on which area to give their attention first.
Gewyn walks to the bar with others, but politely shakes his head and holds up a hand to the bartender, declining a drink. "Oh, I'm fine for right now, thank you. But here's a tip for that wonderful smile of yours." He grins and slides a gold piece across the counter before turning and leaning against the bar to survey the area.
A human bartender, clad in colourful scarves and sashes adorned with clinking gold and silver trinkets, accepts the gold gratefully. "why, thank you so much sir" his smile states that he is clearly charmed by the compliment, but he quickly turns attention to other patrons and continues serving drinks.
Vin was looking out the window when Elthana asks their question. The boy seems genuinely startled at first like he's afraid he missed her saying something earlier. "Ah! Umm... sorry! I was distracted. Anyway, no. They didn't." Nef unmistakably laughs in a woofish chortle. "She helped me through it. Without her..." Vin pets Nef's head as she smiles. "...I'm not sure I would of graduated. Heck, I didn't know I had latent magic power. Anyway, she helped me channel my magic. I'm pretty sure she is the only dog in history to be allowed to stay at the academy though. At first, a lot of the other students were jealous. I got teased a bit for it but it quicky stopped. For the most part Nef and I were left to our studies. Or, well... my studies. I had a lot to learn. Between Nef and the teachers I was able to figure it all out. Now, I'm here and ready to show everyone what I'm capable of."
Vin shifts to face Elthana to talk a bit more as they say "How about you? Did you go some some training school? You were so good at sneaking around with me! I'm the one that can turn invisible but I felt you were still better then me! It was amazing."
Unsure of what to make of the vision or even of Ebb and his colleagues, Sam grunts in understanding, confusion or dismissal (or a combination of all?) and climbs into the carriage. “That’s the problem with gods,” he mumbles to himself though loud enough for other inside to hear if they tried. “All powerful and all knowing, but can’t be bothered to be more than vague and annoying…”
“Heya Neferox,” Sam says brightly, turning to the animal and quickly changing the subject. “Good job with them wolves yesterday. You really gave them what-for, aint’cha?” Sam’s voice was higher and happier than his usual, as most people‘S are when talking to animals.
“The both of yas,” he adds, looking to Vin.
“Whatever happened with the guard… I don’t know and don’t care. We all don’t need to like each other. We do need to work together though. Least so long as we are… Alright?” Sam then looks from Neferox to Vin and back. The Half-Orc then shrugs and leans back against the carriage. “Alright…”
“Trundlesten next, then, is it” Sam asks to none and all. “I hear the place is nothing but a rest stop with delusions of grandeur… But from there the trail splits to Hokum one way or…” Sam pauses and visibly tries to think for most of a minute.
“Lyvander…” He says softly as if the name just came to him. He quickly gets much louder, shouting loudly so Ebb, who is riding atop the carriage can surely hear him. “Ebb! This vision you had! Hokum is all but due north, right? Could what you seen have happened there and then moved south?!?”
Nef was actually watching and listening to Ebb and Sam talk as Vina nd Elthana were talking. Sam finds the hound watching the cleric closely. It's red eyes shift to Sam instead of the open window they were talking through and they give a definite huff and looks completely smug as their head tilts looking at Sam. Neferox looks at Sam for a bit longer as if expecting them to say something else then seems to shift their glare back to the window as they listen to Ebb and Sam continue their talk.
The yelling from Sam does grab Vin's attention as they look away from Elthana for a moment to see what this is about. Vin asks "Something moving south? Sorry, I think i missed some...." Nef looks at Vin and the boy stops talking as they look back at the hound. The boy doesn't continue and seems to be waiting for Ebb to reply to Sam now. An occasional glance back a Elthana to continue their own conversation as well.
Elthana watches Vin intently as he tells her about Nef and how he got through school. She looks at Nef and raises an eyebrow, this is one interesting creature, she thinks. When he turns the conversation to her she looks a bit surprised. "I appreciate the compliment, it is what I have been trained to do." and she turns away after that. She doesn't seem upset at all that he asked, just doesn't respond beyond. She starts listening in on the other conversation happening in the carriage...
Ebb keeps his eyes out about them still scanning but winces when he hears Sam. He was glad he was atop the carriage so no one could see his reaction. “That is exactly what I am afraid of, friend. What could possibly destroy a whole town and be able to threaten Lyvander though. I wonder if the lightning in my vision was metaphorical or if that actually happened in Hokum and will happen in Lyvander. What could even cause that much destruction?”
Ebb trails off and then casts a minor meditation to increase his ability to observe and continually does so when it fades. “Do you guys know of anything that is that strong?”
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
As midday passes the carriage stops, Gara asks if Vin would take up a seat on the drivers bench with Walker, as he does he gives a nod and wry smile in the direction of Sam. Once people have swapped round and a lunch of meats handed out the carriage departs once more.
Marblestead standing high on the cliffs far to the west of the forest line slowly becomes a smudge on the distant horizon and finally descends out of view as the carriage crests a hill on the road.
For those of you who have not stepped outside of the city before it may be a poignant moment, the safety and familiarity of home is gone, the open and vulnerable road a lonely counterpart. Trundlesten appears from the hills Infront of you, a township currently withholding the unknown, it is still a ways off, but now that it is within sight, you know you will make it there by nightfall.
The gentle squeak of the carriages wheels and the clopping of the horses shoes punctuate your ongoing conversations, as the day's journey continues.
Gewyn does not speak much during the ride. Instead he spends his time softly playing his pipes as he looks around. At times, his composition almost takes on the qualities of the scene around him, as if he is experimenting with playing the sound of a leaf falling through the air, or of tall grass swaying silently in the wind, or of the sun emerging from behind a cloud... Or of home growing smaller and smaller.
Vin was a bit disappointed that Elthana didn't seem interested in talking with them. He tried his best to not let it show and as Ebb asked a question Vin pauses a moment before answering "Umm, it's probably some kind of warning if something goes wrong with our current quest. Terrible things could happen."
Vin seems a bit nervous at first then looks at Nef for a bit. They then qrite in their journal before going back to looking out the window seeming a bit more contemplative. The journey takes them far, much further then Vin has ever been before. It was almost an alien landscape to the young man as they travel away from civilization. The sight of their home goes after the cresting of a single hill. It was a melancholy like feeling for him. They looked on and out with fascination but also a tense anxiety of the unknown. Not a bad feeling but strong and powerful.
As they group travels they make a small stop at midday to change lookout and drive. Gara calling on Vin to help keep watch while Walker keeps the horse on pace. It was a welcome time to stretch their legs then get back on the road. Vin for his part is totally oblivious to the machinations of Gara and happily says "Sure thing Gara!"
They hope on up with Walker and it isn't until they are both sitting up there that Vin realizes how uncomfortable the situation is. At first they don't say anything as the silence continues. Nef meanwhile is in back with the rest and glaring at Gara. A knowing look in their eyes but they eventually turn their gaze more towards where Vin is. Their canine ears perked and listening.
A bit of time passes in awkward silence but eventually Vin breaks the silence saying "Walker, I... I want you to know I think you're cool. Helping us on this mission. It's nice knowing I am not the only young guy here. Reassuring. I'm sorry about what happened." Vin leaves it at their apology as they wait for a reply from Walker. Hoping they will talk to Vin again.
Gara smiles at Nef apparently not put off or intimidated by her apparent understanding of Gara's little plan, he then promptly dozes off for a short while catching up on some sleep he missed out on.
Letting out a big sigh, "Apology accepted, don't worry, all healed and sorted eh?" Walker begins in response to Vin, "I didn't mean to surprise you all, but the dog seemed like she intentionally went for me, that's the only bit that really sticks in my head y'know? Just keep control of her and we'll be fine... please." He keeps the horses steady as the conversation flattens a little, after a while he looks to Vin and forces a smile. "You're welcome for the help, it's my job and I do it with pride"
Sam was happy to ignore the premonition or bad dream when it was first relayed to the group but he finds it much more disturbing now that he wonders if the trouble in Hokum is linked to what has, could or is happening in Lyvander. Still and all, there's nothing to be done about any of it until they arrive and get a look see for themselves. Time for that will come soon enough and mulling it over won't bring it about any quicker. So Sam watches the world go by, listens to the melodies Gewyn provides and waits...
Vin smiles too a bit forced as well but out of guilt. They do say "She agreed no more attacking our comrades." Nef gives a huff from behind them and Vin adds with a sigh "Unless they threaten me. I don't think we will have any more trouble." the hound lays their head back down as they seem placated, of course only those in the carriage notice either the huff or the satisfied look on the large dog. Vin however continues their talk trying to build rapport with walker. "Was it part of your training to learn how to handle horses? I had an option for learning horse riding in the academy but I didn't opt for it. I had a lot I already had to take with magical training."
Vin tries to keep the subjects light letting the conversation flow with walker if he lets Vin. Vin does try to ask what Walker knows of Trundlesten as its the first time for Vin going there. Just trying to get to know more about Walker and Gara and how they got where they are. Nothing specific. Otherwise Vin just enjoys the ride as their all make their way to Trundlesten. Watching the horses and asking tips for the future if they ever have to drive a carriage. The scenery enjoyable to watch and almost alien to the young boy who has only ever seen walls, roads, and bricks.
Neferox during the trip seems to prefer to sleep during the trip after the conversation between Vin and Walker seems to reach a neutral standing. The hound growls at Ebb, Gewyn and Gara if they try to pet her but not at Sam or Elthana. Seeming to definitely have favorites in the group. The black hound is eventually snoozing as they take up the majority of the reach seating.
Walker let's the discussion between himself and vin continue, they speak on the differences in their respective trainings and Vin learns a thing or two on how the guard operates.
The journey itself garners no disruptions as the day wears on and lights begin appearing in the small township ahead, illuminating it against the darkening sky, "we'll need to resupply here and you can get yerselves a room if you'd like, walker and I will stay with the carriage during the night" Gara says from his cosy spot in the corner of the carriage, "I've had enough of a rest that I'll stay up and see to the horses, so they should be good to travel a few days after Trundlesten without much stopping."
As the carriage finally reached the town, night has fully fallen, but the town seems alive with activity. As the carriage enters you see the main building is a large Inn next to a town hall with a clock tower, the odd shop nestle here and there amongst the houses lining the main street. The majority of the hubbub seems to be coming from a clearing just off the main street to the south, you see a large bonfire with several carriages and large tents surrounding it at a safe distance, to Gewyn's delight a song he recognises can be faintly heard coming from that way, under cut by the raucous laughter and clapping from a small crowd.
Your carriage approaches the inn slowly and comes to a stop just outside.
Elthana had kept to herself on the carriage after the short conversation with Vin. Once Vin heads up to sit with Walker, she slightly keeps an eye on Nef, unsure how the dog reacts when they are separated a bit. But otherwise just enjoys the different sights and smells as Marblestead disappears in the distance.
Once they arrive and hear the party going on around the bonfire, she sees Gewyn's face light up with delight. She asks him, "So, shall we make an entrance or would you like me to scope out the situation ahead of our arrival? I don't know about you, but I am not ready to settle in for the night."
During the journey Neferox seems relaxed but their ears are always perked and angled towards Vin. The ears twitching when conversations begin in the carriage with anyone else other then Vin. The dog seems content to be left alone as it rests for the majority of the trip again seeming to tolerate Elthana and Sam more then the others. Otherwise the journey goes well as Vin repairs relations with the young guard.
When they arrive at the smaller town of Trundlesten Vin seems excited. It may be far smaller then the city they grew up in but it was unique and new for them. Night may have fallen but it is a unique experience to see a small town like this at night versus the large city of Marblestead at night. There seems to be some kind of festival in the distance as firelight and music can be heard further into town. Nef seems to perk up at Vin's excitement as they dismount. As Gara informs them of their stay here Vin doesn't mind sleeping under the stars again as it was enjoyable to them last night... minus the wolves and biting issue of course. Vin wondered if he could get on top of one of the buildings out here for some height to see upwards in this clear night.
First thing is first though, what is all the excitement over there! Vin leaps out of the carriage and says "Come on Nef! Lets go check out whats going on!" The hound jumps down and seems ready to follow the boy. As Elthana mentions not being ready to settle in Vin jumps on their back foot and turns around to back step as they say "Me either! I'm going to go see what all the fun is about!" with that unless someone calls Vin back he and Nef run off to the sound of music and celebration.
Sam Hall is sociable enough when chatter breaks out, as it inevitably does on long rides, but he’s seldom the one to intimate it. Mostly he’s content to allow the miles to slowly pass by while his mind wanders slowly over things.
Sam’s eyes do flick to Neferox on occasion and he wonders about the beast. It’s no dog he’s ever seen, nor wild animal he’s encountered. Which in and of itself doesn’t say all that much as Sam is no renowned explorer or such, but it does make the creature a point of interest. A normal dog would get plenty of attention from him - scratches and pets and rubs- even a well domesticated wolf, if it seemed tolerant enough. Neferox though? Sam thought perhaps they were less beast than they looked and thus far Sam wasn’t sure pets were quite appropriate.
Arriving at their destination, for this day at least, Sam was intent on securing a room first and foremost. “No telling how many nights will be spent on the ground. I’ll sleep in a proper bed when the chance allows, thank you very much,” he grumbles when the topic arises. The lights and the sounds do pique his interest, where there is festivities there is usually good and spirits after all, but it’ll keep u til a bed is secured. As such Sam will head into the Inn first, surely finding this group later will not be difficult.
Ebb enjoyed the ride atop the carriage as he kept look out. A few times here or there he would pull out a book which he would jot down different ideas and notes. He was glad the ride was uneventful. This wasn’t the first time he had traveled, let alone this route. The majority of the time he would travel alone, and if not alone with a merchant caravan. Most caravans were ecstatic to have a Cleic of peace along and there were a few that knew Ebb in particular. Those always welcomed him. Despite that, Ebb was more partial to traveling alone. Some even called him a hermit.
Upon arriving, Ebb hops down and stretches a bit and decides to join Sam to the to the Inn.
Drow enthusiast
Lover of lore and magic.
-The White Crow-
Gewyn hops out of the carriage and with a flourish offers his hand out of courtesy to assist Elthana down (though he feels confident she is both faster and stronger than he.) He says "Well I'm glad to hear you say that, Elthana. The night is too young. And for me, making an entrance and getting a lay of the land are often one in the same. So I for one am going to go where there is fire, music, and laughter. I have found in my experience that wherever those three things are present, a bit of booze is never far off, and making the fullest use of 'liquid friendship' is basically my job description back in Marblestead. Plus I am rather parched myself."
Entering onto the festival grounds, Vin, Nef, Elthana, and Gewyn see a plethora of activities, stunts, challenges and entertainments being performed.
At the entrance to the temporary circus grounds they read a large sign above a propped up archway that reads, "The Cirque Fantastica", just below this sign are two kobolds on a temporary stage that throw ice and fire toward one another respectively creating beautiful displays of magical prowess, a small sign reading "Bold and Kold" can be read, illuminated by the fire bursting the ice into steam in intricate patterns above them. Fire dances and forms statue-esque complexities in the air, to then be immediately solidified in glowing ice, which then, in turn, melts into water which runs off the stage into buckets below, only for the process to start again as the Kobolds continue their display.
A Goliath strongman in another area further in, picks some weighted metal dumbbells out of a tent and begins throwing them in the air, the dense metal then falling, surely to do this man injury, are then caught at the last moment as he lift the weights effortlessly above his head and begins increasing the weights and flexing as he goes. The sign near him offers ten gold for anyone who can beat the man in an armwrestling match.
Another sign reads "Tribaxi" as a group of three Tabaxi monks balance themselves, to the crowd's satisfaction, on thin bamboo-like sticks that are dotted around their area, the tops of which reach between ten and twenty foot in the air, they effortlessly hop, flip, and jump between the poles, sometimes leaping over one another to the come to a stop, balancing on one hand or the edge of their tippy-toes, never losing balance, never falling. A challenge on their sign promises ten gold to whoever can reach the fourth pole in their lowest set.
A lone blackbird kenku toward the edge of the festivities, stands juggling several long bladed weapons, he stands before a large straw target, every now and again he tilts his beak toward the sky and slides a rapier fully down his throat, whilst still keeping the other blades in the air. his particular sign reads, "knifedance, five gold to the keenest aim".
The crowd is enthralled with this multitude of entertainment, every so often a member of the public takes up a challenge and puts their skills to the test in front of the audience. The upbeat melodies of the band keep the energy of the entertainment alive, and the festivities going, the group looks over to see a large stage where the band is performing, "whalesong" their sign reads, as a Firbolg drummer, Tiefling guitarist, half Orc singer, and Dwarvish violinist rock out like their lives depended upon it.
This place is surely a place for merriment, and as the group grab a quick drink from the bar, they look around deciding on which area to give their attention first.
Gewyn walks to the bar with others, but politely shakes his head and holds up a hand to the bartender, declining a drink. "Oh, I'm fine for right now, thank you. But here's a tip for that wonderful smile of yours." He grins and slides a gold piece across the counter before turning and leaning against the bar to survey the area.
A human bartender, clad in colourful scarves and sashes adorned with clinking gold and silver trinkets, accepts the gold gratefully. "why, thank you so much sir" his smile states that he is clearly charmed by the compliment, but he quickly turns attention to other patrons and continues serving drinks.