@Sanimar and Sarűmir

The cat blinks, then turns to leave. Its tail playfully mocks you by brushing up against your leg before it goes.

Gaining reassurance from knowing where her friends ended up Twinkleblossum flies back down to eye level with Cosmos. "Where do you pilgrimage to again?... the center... center of what exactly?"

"I am not sure where all my friends are but I did see some over by the 'Bark and Buzzard' so I have to go now, but I will mention the Falling Fire to them and see if they want to learn more about it."

"Good bye, Cosmos." Twinkleblossum will wave good-bye as she hovers over toward the 'Bark and Buzzard.'

 

 

@Twinkleblossum

Cosmos blinks, looking around even though voiosuly that question was directed to him. "Oh yes! Um, right. We pilgrimage at the center of the crater in old Drakkenheim. OH! You must hear Mother Mathias talk. She does the ceremony every morning at dawn. It is truly magnificent!" He claps his hands together. When he sees you have to go, he frowns.

"Goodbye Twinkle...star." He says dreamily, then watches as you go.

You meet up and see Sanimar and Sarűmir down at the Bark and Buzzard.

Emma, standing up straight after drawing in the mud so much marches up towards the three of you, "You guys seem to have found your way around! If you need any more help, y'all know where to find me!" And she winks and starts strolling off to where her parent's cabin is. "Oh! And don't forget the Skull and Sword! You guys said you like rumors right. It's right over there." She points at a dingy saloon that was once a farmhouse. "But you didn't hear that from meeeee!" Then she skips off.

"Thank you Emma." Twinkleblossum waves good-bye to Emma as she leaves.

"Well Sarumir, what do you say? Should we try the Skull and Sword, see if we can't find you an ale there? You also look like you could use a drink Sanimar."

"Who knows what rumors and goings on we might overhear there?" 

 

@Sanimar, Sarűmir, and Twinkleblossum

Emma jumps up and down to almost mimic Twinkleblossum's flight. "ByEEE!!!" She tries so hard to smack the cartoonish sign overhead at the Bark and Buzzard, but misses, before she heads on out. 

Walking to the west of the Bark and Buzzard, is the Skull and Sword, a one-story ramshackle building with eclectic paint swatches on the front, being both purple, gray, and green. Some patches are painted in slight variations of the original color, which you can guess what their attempt at covering up graffiti. The only graffiti left standing however is one that has a poorly drawn skull superimposed on a sword. You would guess that's the logo but from its positioning on the random side of the building, it's likely not. 

A loud metal bang is heard.

Looking down the front facing window, the only window in this entire establishment, you can see a jaw-less skull impaled upon a rusty sword embedded beside the main doors.Across the walls are all sorts of armored decorations, one even looking similar to that rag-doll of an animated armor back at the Bark and Buzzard. On top of the mantle of the fireplace is a great-hammer that hangs there like a trophy. The inside of the place is colored yellow unlike the outside. Maybe it was an attempt to make it seem more lively?

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?!" You hear someone from inside the tavern yell. It is a loud barrel-chested bellow. The one who said it is decked out in shiny (albeit rusty) armor. A cloth apron is hooked around her waist. "You are going to get me in trouble with the Ainsbergs at the Buzzard!" It is quite hard to see what she is talking about because this massive orc's frame is obscuring most of the view.

Shifting over slightly to the right, you can see a glimpse of a small crowd gathered around a suit of armor. You can tell it is just the suit from the fact that all the limbs are detached.From the way the pieces are scattered, it was most likely just slammed to the ground.  

"Wear it! Wear it! Wear it!" The crowd chants. They all look to be teenagers or in their early twenties, all except for a middle-aged man standing in the corner with a mohawk and a scar across his left eye. Chains hang from his leather vest and black trousers. The rest of the crowd consists of five humans, two elves, and one satyr. The satyr kicks the chest of the armor with and jumps away. The others laugh and follow. "We're just borrowing him." One of the humans tease back at the orc waitress. She crosses her arms and stands there and waits til it is over with.

One of the elves picks up the metal gauntlet part of the armor and tries to put it on her hand. It fits like a glove. "Whoa?" She stares as her hand flexes, "That wasn't me." "No way! It's still alive?" Another, a human, bends over and takes to it with the second hand, puts it on, and wiggles his fingers. He points at it with his other hand. "Wow, no way! I'm not even doing that!" The two young adults both start posing.

The satyr who first kicked it now puts his hands around the helmet, tugging on it. "Ugh it's really screwed on there real tight." With a furious tug, he manages to pop it off. "Hazzah!" 

"Check this out, folks!" Tapping on the top of the head like a ketchup bottle, he then proceeds to put it on his head. "Ta- AHHH!" All of a sudden as he lifted the metal grating above the face, the grating came down slamming hard across his fingers. His fingers get trapped in middle, piercing down upon the metal chin. He starts shouting. The orc seems to be enjoying this, even from this angle and you can't see her face, the way her shoulders move indicate she is at least lightly chuckling.

It turns out it is an Animated Armor.

"Unhand me, you brutes!" The armor protests.

The two wearing the metal gloves start to come closer to the guy with the helmet. He shouts. Then they shout. Their gloved hands reach out for the metal helmet, trying to rip it out from his face. "GUYS?!" "It's not me!" "It's not us! We're not doing it." The elf tries to pry the gauntlet away from her hand to no avail. Neither does the human get any wiggle room off it. 

Two metal feet come clanking down from across the room, making it's way to the trio by hopping. "Look out!" The other teenagers turn around too little too late. The foot tries them and their face hits the wooden planks. "Eat dirt!" The helmet quips, still on the head of the satyr guy. You have no idea how it is talking while what looks to be his mouth is still clamping down upon the poor guy's fingers. The other kids go and take cover under the tables.

The guy in the corner just seems to be enjoying this as he sips on some brandy.

@Sarűmir

Through your time with thieves guild that worked for the Queen's Men, you didn't get to meet a lot of the faces of those in upper management. However, you did have a few chance encounters, though with no one real special- except that man in the corner smells awfully familiar. What- what's his name? Even as a young kid, you somewhat remember it. He was the one who passed down orders to you guys, yeah. What was his name... Leo? No, no, no. Leon the Swine.

Sarűmir enters the Skull and Sword, and upon seeing Leon he takes a step back, then growls and slowly draws his longsword. He doesn't approach though.

Sanimar enters the Skull and Sword and gives everyone a disapproving stare. Honestly, a bunch of children playing with armor. "All of you settle down and that includes your as well Mr. Armor! I am going to reassemble you, so the rest of you louts just behave, or you will have to deal with me as well!"

Intimidation Check

2

She moves to the Satyr and yanks off the helmet and places it on a nearby table. Then she will try to yank off the gauntlets off of the 2 fools and also place them on the table.  

Thanks the high flame and ask if I may take the documents. I feel I must go, have to meet with the rest of my traveling party. 

(Boink)

"What in the name of the Seelie Court is going on here?"

Twinkleblossum will draw a dagger and take cover behind Sarumir while letting Sanimar take the lead on this one as she has already issued a proclamation and also take the Dodge action.

 

@Sarűmir, Sanimar, and Twinkleblossum

"Wha-"

Everyone in the room freezes (even the suit of armor) when Sanimar went in and shouted at them. At first, they didn't even notice your stare, but your shouting? That was a whole 'nother level. Man it felt as it time stood still.

With a little squeak, the helmet on the suit of armor (with the satyr's head still under it) turns towards your direction. "They started it!" The suit objects. The two gauntlet-yielding kids are jerked forward. Their gloved fingers point in every which direction. Still, the helmet clamp relents and opens up. The satyr (whose face is now less obscured by the mask) seems to be crying. He holds his fingers and nurses the wounds.

The other two walk back, clearing the closet way towards the headpiece. The helmet takes a little long while to unscrew it off. It got stuck in his horns a little, but you manage. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The satyr could barely contain his gratitude. He grips your hand in a vigorous handshake. Now with the other two, getting them out is much easier. The gauntlets come off with ease. "Oh my Flame. How?!" The elf looks in awe at how remarkably it slipped off. The guy in the corner looks pleased with your efforts. He raises an eyebrow and sips his brandy.

The suit of armor head does not stay on the table. The body, with all its parts hopping into place, soon comes after its head, wandering towards it like a drunk man and lightly plops it on. "Thank you for that miss. I commend you and your efforts." Its sticks its hand out to shake yours. Instead it just lightly pats your hand if you let it. Its head is backwards but it does not seem to make it abashed. It then proceeds to sit at a barstool and thunks its head on the counter. Soon later those hiding, come out from under the tables. 

The orc tsks at the scene. "Yep, these louts sure thought they were real smart messing with Old Mr. Rattlecan from the Bark and Buzzard." She sternly looks back at them. "SO THEY SHOULD BRING HIM BACK TOO!" They scramble to their feet and grab the dazed suit of armor and start to haul him out towards the back.

"These kids... Hi. I'm Frida Longhorn, owner of the Skull and Sword. How can I thank you?" Her eyes narrow as she looks to the side.

"Hey!" She towers, imposing herself in front of Sarűmir. Her orc frame is nearly 7 and a half feet tall. "No weapons at my establishment. Either put that thing away or head out!"

@Lara

"May the Flame bless you." Reed kneels down with you. "Unfortunately I do not have those documents on hand with me, but I trust you would know the sight. As written in the letter I have sent you, the Chapel is before the city walls. You will find it towers among one of the residential boroughs. You will not miss it." 

"Yes, go see to it."

You open the doors out to the chapel, passing by Aster and an acolyte over by the side of the elevated garden. Emma meets you halfway through as you bump into her. "Oh? You're still here. I- I think I saw your friends at the Skull and Sword. I left them there just before. Have funnn!"

Going to the Skull and Sword you see a dingy saloon covered in various mismatched paint swatches. Looking in from the outside window you see your three friends talking with the tall orcish owner.

Sarűmir narrows his eyes, then relents and sheaths his sword. "Very well, then." He stares intently at Leon, the glint of barely contained rage glowing in his eyes.

Sanimar lets the armor pat her hand and looks to Frida Longhorn "Well this is my first time here in Emberwood and I intend to travel to Drakkenheim. I am here for information. Can you tell me about Drakkenheim and Delirium? As for thanks how about some supper on the house" 

Even quicker than she drew the dagger Twinkleblossum now makes it disappear back into it's sheath akin to how a stage magician works an act of legerdemain.

"We're sorry, we didn't know this was an act of some kind. We were just defending ourselves as we just entered into the middle of the show and thought it was real." Twinkleblossum flies hither and thither in excitement and even does a loop-de-loop before settling down a little, "It was very good, we honestly enjoyed the dedication everyone put into it."

@Sarűmir, Sanimar, and Twinkleblossum

Frida raises her eyebrow at Sarűmir until he puts down his sword. She watches for Twinkleblossum to do the same. "Alrighty then." She uncrosses her arms but then points, "But if I ever see that thing again- you too young lady- I'll have you thrown out. I don't tolerate bar fights. This ain't that type of establishment. I haven't had a window smashed since Eleven-Eleven (1,111). And that was the year the meteor struck."

Some turn their heads to watch the energetic fairy do twirls in the air. The rest of the usual chattering the bar resumes once the crowd dissipates. People slog drinks of one kind or another. A small dice game is going on in the back near where Leon is, but he isn't playing, just watching.

"Heh, I wish I had your enthusiasm," Frida scratches her neck, "But that wasn't for show." She then snorts and gives a hearty chuckle, "I did get a kick out of it so it might as well be." She then waves it off, "Just some more hooligans. Here again from last week. Keeping these kids cooped up in this village, tsk. Who knows what else might their young minds come up with next. As long as they do it way from MY BAR-" She catches sight of them walking with the armor through the window, "-it don't matter."

She sighs, "New in town, are ya? I hope you enjoyed your welcoming committee." She scoffs, still watching the kids as they head to the other bar. Frida wipes her hand with her apron, "Sorry but the kitchen's been closed since five years on back. I could offer you some ale, brandy, gin, or vodka's on the house. One each though I still gotta pay rent."

The orc woman pulls out a bar stool which screeches against the wooden floorboards. "Drakkenheim. Let's see Drakkenheim. Well to be honest, I've never been there myself, but so many here come and go in there it's hard to keep track of them all straight."

"I guess... I guess the one thing. The one thing I could say is that the people there- the ones that got infected with the delirium- they aren't all gone." She twirls the spoon she was holding in her hand, "Look, I've lost some people back when the star fell. And it ain't easy. But I've heard that if you show them something of their past. They might actually remember ya. Though that's all just a story. My sister was in there and got infected. Tried my real best, but it doesn't always work."

She takes a deep inhale, "Guess they gotta still have their head." She pushes the chair back and stands up, "It's all just stories there anyways." She flicks her head in the direction of the other bargoers, "None of these fine fellows ever been that deep into Drakkenheim yet, so I would't trust their stand-up tales for the life of me."

She leaves you to it and starts working on those drinks.

((I rolled a 99 for a rumor. so wow you got the highest one yet))

Sarűmir crosses his arms and stares down the orc after she finishes talking. "Lucky me, all the family I had ever known had been killed long before the star fell. And I apologize for disrupting the peace." He doesn't look very apologetic though.

After she walks away, he stares back over at Leon. This time, he slowly approaches, making each step as menacing as possible, his face a mask of deathly calm.

Sanimar will take the offered drink of vodka and tries to find a quiet corner table to gather her companions. She checks to make sure no one is eavesdropping and whispers the news about the bounty on Yoren and the job we picked up to Twinkleblossom. "Shall we leave tonight or during the day?" 

@Sarűmir, Sanimar, and Twinkleblossum

 Frida frowns but is used to this. "Boy, don't you go looking for trouble. You best believe it will come for you." She scoffs and heads to start mixing up some drinks. Seconds later, Sanimar's pineapple vodka is placed on her table by a red-haired halfling waiter. "On the house." The fact that it is flavored means that this was likely imported.

Leon and the others don't seem to notice Sarűmir's steps towards them. Leon sips on his drink then suddenly spits it out. It goes all over across the table. "HAH! Bad move there, Dale! Knew I couldn't bet on you! Argahah." He pounds the table with arrogant defiance. The tiefling who was playing wipes his face from Leon's spittle. "Ugh. Let me just try again. I'm still in." The players facing front seem to notice Sarűmir coming in and they offer you a seat at the table. "Come on you want in?"

Leon doesn't seem to disagree. It looks like he doesn't remember you at all.

Sarűmir growls lowly. "I do not wish to gamble on rolls of the dice. I was here for supplies, but it appears something else of value to me has wormed its way out of the crowd." He turns to look Leon dead in the eyes. "Greetings, Mr. Leon. Remember me?"

@Sarűmir

The dice party slowly starts murmuring as you say that. Their eyes follow yours as they land on Leon. They look expectantly between the two of you expecting some sort of duel.

"No." Leon leans against the pillar. He pushes his leather vest slightly to the side to reveal a saber tucked to his waist. "Why? Am I supposed to? You would think I would remember a mug so ugly as yours." This riles some laughter from his dice companions.

The deathly calm look on Sarűmir's face breaks for just a second, showing the rage lying beneath. However, he quickly controls himself. In a calm, cool voice, he says, "The Queen's Men raid on a small theives guild that you staged... what, ten years ago? You and your men showed up expecting an easy fight, but if I recall, we almost killed you. More specifically, I almost killed you. Does that ring any bells?"

@Sarűmir

"Hm." Leon cracks a bit of a smile once he sees your facade slightly break. He nearly reaches for his left eye. The scar burns deep, but he composes himself, now standing straight upright. "No, yes, you're right. They do 'ring some bells'. I do remember you. Still as scraggly as ever I see." He sips on his brandy then looks over to his dice-mates. "Cheers to old memories, eh?" 

"But you see, I remember it a bit differently." He leans in real close.

"I remember we killed most of your traitorous men. They botched their job and we cleaned it up. Alright?" 

He flashes his dagger. Frida doesn't seem too off put by this even though its completely in her range. "And you? I remember you ran."

"Ran with your scrawny little tail tucked in between your legs." This was obviously before you became a werewolf, so he's using it metaphorically. Still it must sting. Leon is now chest to chest with you. "And so what? You're here now? You want what? Revenge. Water under the old bridge."

(Reaaaaaaaally contemplating using Sarűmir's transformation to make a point on this mf.)

"Those men botched nothing. I was there for the whole mission, and they executed it perfectly. You were just tired of paying them. And yes, I ran, but not before helping take down five of your so-called 'soldiers' and giving you that scar. You're a coward, Leon. As soon as I gave you that little scratch, you left the fight all together and let your lackeys finish the job." Sarűmir takes a step forward, forcing Leon to move back. His 6' 1" frame towers over the man. 

"And that little 'ran with my tail between my legs' comment? Well, that may have been metaphorical, but now? Not so much. Do not try me again, because the beast inside is one thing you don't want to meet." He stands there, breathing heavily while trying to contain his thirst for blood.

[DELETED]