Aislingis relieved that they are finally reunited and on their way to find an inn. The events with the cage, the prisoners, and the missing boy—along with the words her patron whispered into her mind—still linger in her thoughts, but they fade into the background as they approach the Cargo Gate.
The half-elf looks like a child allowed to leave home for the first time, staring wide-eyed at everything and everyone they pass, mouth slightly agape. Is this what the real world feels like? She doesn’t particularly love the scent of fish in the air, but she savors the fact that she can smell it at all. After so many years confined to the Ithilmir estate—where all she ever saw was the house’s grand interior, the scrutinizing gazes of a "father" and "mother" who never truly wanted her, the wary glances of the servants who feared her—this feels like freedom. At least Elarion had been kind to her. She missed him, and hoped he was all right.
As the disguised half-elf lingers to take in the sights along the way, she often finds herself having to run to catch up with the group. Still, she manages to overhear Cyriel’s conversation with the guard and chimes in, "I guess that means the Black Dragon, right? We don’t want this nice boy"—she gestures to the horse—"to spend the night outside, do we? He’s a beautiful animal! I wish I had an apple to give him!"
"Vielen dank mein herr, ve vill find zis Black Dragon zen." The young knight says with a polite smile, giving his black stallion a pat. "I hope you do not mind following me to ze Black Dragon meine freunden." He turns and says to his new companions with a friendly smile before proceeding through the gates, making his way to the main street to find the Black Dragon inn.
"Ah he vould love ein apfel fräulein Aisling, would you not Viktor?"The young knight says to the half-elf, then turning to pat his steed again with small chuckle. "If you vant you can ride him fräulein, you vill have a better view of ze city from ze saddle." He offers, ready to help the half-elf up if she so wishes.
Aislingsmiles widely at Cyriel. "Oh...! I've never ridden a horse. I'm not sure I would know what to do! But the idea sounds lovely! I haven't had contact with animals, to be honest." She begins to extend a hand toward the animal, saying, "What do you say, boy? Will you let me ride you?"
Checked with Valagan about Victor's reaction due to Aisling's backstory, so I'll go ahead myself.
Victor's ears pin back, and he jerks away from Aisling’s hand with a startled snort, his muscles tensing as if ready to bolt. The sudden reaction makes her freeze, taken aback by the horse’s fear. Her smile vanishes, replaced by a shadow of sadness. Her hand lowers slowly, falling limply at her side.
For a moment, Aisling simply stares at the horse, her heart sinking. "It’s because of him...", she realizes quietly. With a soft sigh, she murmurs, "I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to scare you, Victor."Her voice is barely a whisper, tinged with sadness. Then, she quietly leans back away from the horse and Cyriel, wishing she still had Joy’s cloak to hide beneath it.
The young knight gives Viktor and Aisling a concerned look, first embarassed by the reaction of his otherwise calm and trusty steed but then giving the helf-elf a slightly scrutinizing look. "My sincere apologies fräulein Aisling, I do not know vhy he reacted ze vay he did, ze journey along ze Selintan have made him tired I zink." He offers with an apologetic smile, feeling sorry for the half-elf, wishing he could say something more comforting and reassuring. "So, vhat brings you to Greyhawk fräulein Aisling?" He asks out of curiosity, but also to change the subject.
As Cyriel gets directions to The Black Dragon Inn, he absorbs all he can about the world around him. Much like Aisling, Leif's lower jaw sags as they enter into the city proper, he's grateful for the momentary respite from his chattering teeth. He watches the interaction with Aisling, Cyriel, and Viktor play out, thinking to himself, 'You wont catch me going near that thing if that's how it reacts to someone as nice as Aisling... dangerous beast.' (referring to the horse) He takes a few steps back increasing his distance between himself and the horse, still following the group to the Inn in silence.
"Saving your life?" Lusia replies to the knight - or at least she presumes Cyriel is a knight. "Ah yea, the horse and rope. I was hardly any help there. You're the one that saved the... people." She falls in with the group as they make their way. "I followed the captives and captors to their ship, 'The Silver Gull'. Unfortunately, I could not learn of its destination. I did note an elaborately dressed tiefling woman aboard the ship. She had distinctive large red horns and a scar or tattoo on her left cheek. I'd hoped someone might know who she was." She shrugs. "Or at least I would definitely recognize her should I see her again."
As she passes the gate with the others, she is happy to hear they have directions for two taverns. The promise of lodging helps calm her nerves which were still a bit on edge. As the guards comments about watching your purse, she scoffs. "Watch your purse. Right. More like be on your toes so you can pass by trouble," she mumbles, not really to anyone but loud enough the others can hear. "Least the bandits outside the gates are inept."
She is a bit startled as she sees how Cyriel's horse reacts to Aisling. She eyes the half-elf for a moment with suspicion, though the knight's explanation seems to make sense. 'And what do I know of animals really,' she thinks. She lets the incident slip from her mind as they continue their way towards the Black Dragon.
As the girl with the lute mentions what she found out about the slavers, the young knight's curiosity is immediately piqued. "An excellent intiative following ze slavers to zeir ship fräulein Lusia, I zink ve all are interested to see if ve can do something for zose poor people. Did you see anything zat could tell us if zey are departing soon or not?" He asks, hoping the group would have time to follow up on Lusia's leads before the ship left port.
Joy listens intently, nodding as Lusia recounts what she saw. “If we ask around, maybe someone else has seen her before.” Her expression turns more serious as she crosses her arms. "From what I've heard, keeping 'people' like that is outlawed in the city. Maybe the docks are different, but...We could try reporting it."
As they near the Cargo Gate, she glances up, studying the weathered carvings of merchant ships and laden wagons. A city built on trade and movement, on stories passing from one traveler to the next. She grins, already imagining the tales waiting to be uncovered here. The guards barely spare them a glance, their indifference almost amusing. It’s a stark contrast to the wary stares she’s used to, and she finds herself relaxing a little. No whispers, no gawking—just another traveler in a sea of countless others.
She glances at Viktor, then back at Aisling after the horse's strange reaction, her voice gentle. “I’ve known animals that needed time to warm up to me too. Doesn’t mean they never did.” With a playful nudge, she adds, “Besides, Cyriel’s got enough charm for the both of you—I’m sure Viktor will come around.”
Cleo finds that she is not the only one reacting to the size and sights of the city with open-mouthed wonder. She follows along after the party, half-listening to the conversations and half-distracted by everything around her. She's never seen so many people in one place before. Looking up at the tall buildings makes her feel dizzy so she focuses her gaze back a little closer to the ground. She is listening to Cyriel and Aisling's conversation in a distracted sort of way, but Viktor's startled reaction to Aisling draws her attention.
"Easy there, boy," she says soothingly to the horse. Always having had a way with animals, Cleo usually feels more comfortable in their presence than with other people. She is curious about the horse's reaction, but she knows that animals don't always take immediately to every person. Usually that means there is something off about that person. Cleo has learned to trust the judgment of animals and so she gives Aisling a slightly scrutinizing look but decides that one interaction is not proof of anything really.
"I wouldn't mind having a gander at that ship," Cleo says after listening to Lusia's report. "Slavery is abhorrent. If we can do anything to help those people, I for one would be all for it."
While they are discussing their plans, suddenly Cleo feels a strange sensation come over her. She blinks several times, but it's as if her eyes are seeing something far away. After a while, she seems to come back to herself, but her heart is racing. "Oh Gods," she murmurs, completely oblivious to her new companions, forgetting they are even there for the moment.
"So, vhat brings you to Greyhawk fräulein Aisling?" He asks out of curiosity, but also to change the subject.
"I... uhm... I needed to leave my home. It wasn't very nice there," the half-elf replies, idly playing with her fingers. Her voice carries a hint of nervousness. "I didn't really know where to go, but I thought Greyhawk might give me the opportunity to start anew." It isn’t technically a lie, but it’s far from the whole truth—one that Aisling is nowhere near ready to share. (Deception: 20)
She’s grateful when the topic shifts quickly to the boat Lusia has found and nods eagerly as the others suggest taking action.
Aisling notices the scrutinizing looks from the others, especially Cleo. The gnome doesn’t say anything, though, and instead seems to be overtaken by something strange and suddenly stares away for a while. "Are you all right, Cleo? Is it the city? Too overwhelming, perhaps?"
"As far as 'The Silver Gull' departing goes, they were clearly in a rush," Lusia answers. She was actually relieved that the subject of her lute had been dropped and happy to focus in on the ship and tiefling. "The dockhand made it sound like they were imminently leaving. I'd be surprised if they haven't shoved off already."
Hearing Aisling speak about her reasons for coming to the City of Greyhawk, brings an immediate response from the young woman. "Me too! Sometimes you just have to... I don't know. Put home behind and this does seem to be a place full of..." She glances around at all the bustle of people and the spaces densely packed with tall buildings. "Well, there's just a lot here! But bound to be opportunities somewhere here. It's good to..." Her voice trails off as Aisling asks if Cleo is alright.
Listening to the half-elf's short story, the young knight notices it is quite vague, but he decides he must of course respect this, he was quite confident there was nothing sinister that was untold. He was of course curious, but for the most part he was only trying to make pleasant conversation.
As the hexblood says something about him being charming, the young knight starts coughing while Viktor lets out a short neighing, almost like a snicker, looking between the young knight and the pelorian, the young knight giving his steed a quick stern glare. "Ahem, yes, I zink Viktor just needs some hay and some rest now." He says a bit dismissively about his steed, scratching his neck as a briefly glances over at the hexblood.
The gnome indeed seems to have a good way with Viktor, making him curious about her and seeking more of her attention as the group continues to the Black Dragon Inn.
The young knight gets a troubled look as the girl with the lute mentions the slavers most likely have already departed. The face of the man he saved appears in his mind again. He had undoubtedly saved the mans life, which meant he was responsible for what life he had henceforth. He vowed to himself to not let this rest, there must be something he could do, they could do. "Ve can still make a difference perhaps." He says, hoping to sound encouraging.
Joy listens as the conversation shifts between Aisling, Lusia, and the others, picking up on the hesitation in Aisling’s voice, the determination in Cyriel’s, and the concern in Cleo’s silence.
"Yes, a new dawn is always exciting. A fresh start, another chance to help..." She looks to the gnome as her gaze seems a million miles away. 'Is she coming down with something?', Joy thinks worriedly, looking for signs of illness.
"So, vhat brings you to Greyhawk fräulein Aisling?" He asks out of curiosity, but also to change the subject.
"I... uhm... I needed to leave my home. It wasn't very nice there," the half-elf replies, idly playing with her fingers. Her voice carries a hint of nervousness. "I didn't really know where to go, but I thought Greyhawk might give me the opportunity to start anew." It isn’t technically a lie, but it’s far from the whole truth—one that Aisling is nowhere near ready to share. (Deception: 20)
Aisling notices the scrutinizing looks from the others, especially Cleo. The gnome doesn’t say anything, though, and instead seems to be overtaken by something strange and suddenly stares away for a while. "Are you all right, Cleo? Is it the city? Too overwhelming, perhaps?"
'I should never have left my home.'Leif thinks to himself. 'I don't even know if I have a home anymore.' The young halfling sniffles and his eyes begin to get teary as he thinks of home. He quickly blinks and rubs away the tears with Joy's cloak he's still wrapped in. The wool material scratchy on his face.
Hearing Aisling speak about her reasons for coming to the City of Greyhawk, brings an immediate response from the young woman. "Me too! Sometimes you just have to... I don't know. Put home behind and this does seem to be a place full of..." She glances around at all the bustle of people and the spaces densely packed with tall buildings. "Well, there's just a lot here! But bound to be opportunities somewhere here. It's good to..." Her voice trails off as Aisling asks if Cleo is alright.
As Lusia agrees with Aisling, suggesting her home is also not a nice place, Leif wonders what could be so bad as to drive these two people away. 'Right about now, my ma would have a nice hot cup of apple cider with some of her tasty rabbit stew ready for me... What am I thinking? It's been years... she probably wouldn't even recognize me.' Glad the attention of the party moves to Cleo, the young halfling hopes no one notices him. The tears come unbidden and unwelcome as they silently run down his face. The wool blanket inadequate in keeping them at bay. He quietly moves to the shadows.
"Yes, a new dawn is always exciting. A fresh start, another chance to help..." She looks to the gnome as her gaze seems a million miles away. 'Is she coming down with something?', Joy thinks worriedly, looking for signs of illness.
Medicine: 10
Joy, Apart from Cleo's momentary shift in consciousness, you detect no other sign of illness.
Adventurers, You make your way through the Cargo Gate and onto the directed pathway, a prominent thoroughfare. Getting to know each other as you walk. You observe various establishments as you wander the street toward your destination. Many folks move around as you pass market stalls offering all manner of goods, from fresh produce to handcrafted items, artisan workshops, smithing huts, and tailor shops. Most of them closed for the night, but the occasional enterprise remains open for business. The fragrance of freshly baked bread reminds you of your hunger. Eventually, you make it to the city's main avenue. Majestic buildings and grand temples line the street. There on the corner, just as the City Watchman said, is the Silver Dragon, and just down the road, across a bridge, you spot the lively bustle of a well-worn tavern. The Black Dragon Inn.
The young knight nods in agreement with the pelorian's statement. There was no need to worry about despair in her company, that much was clear he thought with a small smile, to busy taking in the city sights, sounds and smells of the great city around him to notice a halfling melding with the shadows of the eveningfall.
"Ah, ze Black Dragon Inn, ve are not yet lost meine freunden." The young knight says as the inn comes into view across the bridge. He reminds himself to check on his purse as he moves on with Viktor following behind him. "So, anything in particular zat brought you to ze city fräulein..." He asks the hexblood as they cross the bridge. "...or is it simply to bring Joy to ze world." He adds with small smile, hoping the green-skinned pelorian wasn't sensetive about her name.
Joy grins at Cyriel’s wordplay, shaking her head in amusement. “Something like that,” she says, her hazel eyes warm with humor. “Bringing a little light where I can, seeing if I can tip the scales toward good, even just a little.”
Her smile softens as she gazes ahead toward the Black Dragon Inn, the golden glow of lanterns spilling onto the cobbled street. “But also to test myself. It’s one thing to hold onto faith when you're surrounded by people who share it—it’s another to step out into the world and see if you still stand firm when things get difficult.” She glances back at Cyriel, her expression open, yet thoughtful. “Greyhawk City felt like the right place to figure that out.”
"You are vise beyond your years fräulein Joy."The young perrenish knight says with a sincere tone and a friendly smile, thinking his own reasons for being here was not so unlike those of the pelorian, although true faith in the gods was a gift he had yet to recieve. Instead there was a certain book that had brought him to the city. "You vill undoubtedly bring both light and Joy to ze city, but perhaps ze city vill also show you more about who you are and vhat you vere meant to do, ja?" He continues as they cross the bridge and near the waiting in.
“I hope so,” she says, her voice light but thoughtful. To find who she was, beyond the temple and the hag.
She glances at him as they near the inn, curious now. “And what about you? Are you here for a similar reason—to find your own path? Or is this some grand knightly mission?” Her grin turns playful, but there’s genuine interest in her tone. “You’ve certainly traveled far. Must be something important that brought you all this way.”
Aisling is relieved that they are finally reunited and on their way to find an inn. The events with the cage, the prisoners, and the missing boy—along with the words her patron whispered into her mind—still linger in her thoughts, but they fade into the background as they approach the Cargo Gate.
The half-elf looks like a child allowed to leave home for the first time, staring wide-eyed at everything and everyone they pass, mouth slightly agape. Is this what the real world feels like? She doesn’t particularly love the scent of fish in the air, but she savors the fact that she can smell it at all. After so many years confined to the Ithilmir estate—where all she ever saw was the house’s grand interior, the scrutinizing gazes of a "father" and "mother" who never truly wanted her, the wary glances of the servants who feared her—this feels like freedom. At least Elarion had been kind to her. She missed him, and hoped he was all right.
As the disguised half-elf lingers to take in the sights along the way, she often finds herself having to run to catch up with the group. Still, she manages to overhear Cyriel’s conversation with the guard and chimes in, "I guess that means the Black Dragon, right? We don’t want this nice boy"—she gestures to the horse—"to spend the night outside, do we? He’s a beautiful animal! I wish I had an apple to give him!"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Vielen dank mein herr, ve vill find zis Black Dragon zen." The young knight says with a polite smile, giving his black stallion a pat. "I hope you do not mind following me to ze Black Dragon meine freunden." He turns and says to his new companions with a friendly smile before proceeding through the gates, making his way to the main street to find the Black Dragon inn.
"Ah he vould love ein apfel fräulein Aisling, would you not Viktor?" The young knight says to the half-elf, then turning to pat his steed again with small chuckle. "If you vant you can ride him fräulein, you vill have a better view of ze city from ze saddle." He offers, ready to help the half-elf up if she so wishes.
Aisling smiles widely at Cyriel. "Oh...! I've never ridden a horse. I'm not sure I would know what to do! But the idea sounds lovely! I haven't had contact with animals, to be honest." She begins to extend a hand toward the animal, saying, "What do you say, boy? Will you let me ride you?"
Checked with Valagan about Victor's reaction due to Aisling's backstory, so I'll go ahead myself.
Victor's ears pin back, and he jerks away from Aisling’s hand with a startled snort, his muscles tensing as if ready to bolt. The sudden reaction makes her freeze, taken aback by the horse’s fear. Her smile vanishes, replaced by a shadow of sadness. Her hand lowers slowly, falling limply at her side.
For a moment, Aisling simply stares at the horse, her heart sinking. "It’s because of him...", she realizes quietly. With a soft sigh, she murmurs, "I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to scare you, Victor." Her voice is barely a whisper, tinged with sadness. Then, she quietly leans back away from the horse and Cyriel, wishing she still had Joy’s cloak to hide beneath it.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
The young knight gives Viktor and Aisling a concerned look, first embarassed by the reaction of his otherwise calm and trusty steed but then giving the helf-elf a slightly scrutinizing look. "My sincere apologies fräulein Aisling, I do not know vhy he reacted ze vay he did, ze journey along ze Selintan have made him tired I zink." He offers with an apologetic smile, feeling sorry for the half-elf, wishing he could say something more comforting and reassuring. "So, vhat brings you to Greyhawk fräulein Aisling?" He asks out of curiosity, but also to change the subject.
As Cyriel gets directions to The Black Dragon Inn, he absorbs all he can about the world around him. Much like Aisling, Leif's lower jaw sags as they enter into the city proper, he's grateful for the momentary respite from his chattering teeth. He watches the interaction with Aisling, Cyriel, and Viktor play out, thinking to himself, 'You wont catch me going near that thing if that's how it reacts to someone as nice as Aisling... dangerous beast.' (referring to the horse) He takes a few steps back increasing his distance between himself and the horse, still following the group to the Inn in silence.
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
"Saving your life?" Lusia replies to the knight - or at least she presumes Cyriel is a knight. "Ah yea, the horse and rope. I was hardly any help there. You're the one that saved the... people." She falls in with the group as they make their way. "I followed the captives and captors to their ship, 'The Silver Gull'. Unfortunately, I could not learn of its destination. I did note an elaborately dressed tiefling woman aboard the ship. She had distinctive large red horns and a scar or tattoo on her left cheek. I'd hoped someone might know who she was." She shrugs. "Or at least I would definitely recognize her should I see her again."
As she passes the gate with the others, she is happy to hear they have directions for two taverns. The promise of lodging helps calm her nerves which were still a bit on edge. As the guards comments about watching your purse, she scoffs. "Watch your purse. Right. More like be on your toes so you can pass by trouble," she mumbles, not really to anyone but loud enough the others can hear. "Least the bandits outside the gates are inept."
She is a bit startled as she sees how Cyriel's horse reacts to Aisling. She eyes the half-elf for a moment with suspicion, though the knight's explanation seems to make sense. 'And what do I know of animals really,' she thinks. She lets the incident slip from her mind as they continue their way towards the Black Dragon.
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
As the girl with the lute mentions what she found out about the slavers, the young knight's curiosity is immediately piqued. "An excellent intiative following ze slavers to zeir ship fräulein Lusia, I zink ve all are interested to see if ve can do something for zose poor people. Did you see anything zat could tell us if zey are departing soon or not?" He asks, hoping the group would have time to follow up on Lusia's leads before the ship left port.
Joy listens intently, nodding as Lusia recounts what she saw. “If we ask around, maybe someone else has seen her before.” Her expression turns more serious as she crosses her arms. "From what I've heard, keeping 'people' like that is outlawed in the city. Maybe the docks are different, but...We could try reporting it."
As they near the Cargo Gate, she glances up, studying the weathered carvings of merchant ships and laden wagons. A city built on trade and movement, on stories passing from one traveler to the next. She grins, already imagining the tales waiting to be uncovered here. The guards barely spare them a glance, their indifference almost amusing. It’s a stark contrast to the wary stares she’s used to, and she finds herself relaxing a little. No whispers, no gawking—just another traveler in a sea of countless others.
She glances at Viktor, then back at Aisling after the horse's strange reaction, her voice gentle. “I’ve known animals that needed time to warm up to me too. Doesn’t mean they never did.” With a playful nudge, she adds, “Besides, Cyriel’s got enough charm for the both of you—I’m sure Viktor will come around.”
Cleo finds that she is not the only one reacting to the size and sights of the city with open-mouthed wonder. She follows along after the party, half-listening to the conversations and half-distracted by everything around her. She's never seen so many people in one place before. Looking up at the tall buildings makes her feel dizzy so she focuses her gaze back a little closer to the ground. She is listening to Cyriel and Aisling's conversation in a distracted sort of way, but Viktor's startled reaction to Aisling draws her attention.
"Easy there, boy," she says soothingly to the horse. Always having had a way with animals, Cleo usually feels more comfortable in their presence than with other people. She is curious about the horse's reaction, but she knows that animals don't always take immediately to every person. Usually that means there is something off about that person. Cleo has learned to trust the judgment of animals and so she gives Aisling a slightly scrutinizing look but decides that one interaction is not proof of anything really.
"I wouldn't mind having a gander at that ship," Cleo says after listening to Lusia's report. "Slavery is abhorrent. If we can do anything to help those people, I for one would be all for it."
While they are discussing their plans, suddenly Cleo feels a strange sensation come over her. She blinks several times, but it's as if her eyes are seeing something far away. After a while, she seems to come back to herself, but her heart is racing. "Oh Gods," she murmurs, completely oblivious to her new companions, forgetting they are even there for the moment.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
"I... uhm... I needed to leave my home. It wasn't very nice there," the half-elf replies, idly playing with her fingers. Her voice carries a hint of nervousness. "I didn't really know where to go, but I thought Greyhawk might give me the opportunity to start anew." It isn’t technically a lie, but it’s far from the whole truth—one that Aisling is nowhere near ready to share. (Deception: 20)
She’s grateful when the topic shifts quickly to the boat Lusia has found and nods eagerly as the others suggest taking action.
Aisling notices the scrutinizing looks from the others, especially Cleo. The gnome doesn’t say anything, though, and instead seems to be overtaken by something strange and suddenly stares away for a while. "Are you all right, Cleo? Is it the city? Too overwhelming, perhaps?"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"As far as 'The Silver Gull' departing goes, they were clearly in a rush," Lusia answers. She was actually relieved that the subject of her lute had been dropped and happy to focus in on the ship and tiefling. "The dockhand made it sound like they were imminently leaving. I'd be surprised if they haven't shoved off already."
Hearing Aisling speak about her reasons for coming to the City of Greyhawk, brings an immediate response from the young woman. "Me too! Sometimes you just have to... I don't know. Put home behind and this does seem to be a place full of..." She glances around at all the bustle of people and the spaces densely packed with tall buildings. "Well, there's just a lot here! But bound to be opportunities somewhere here. It's good to..." Her voice trails off as Aisling asks if Cleo is alright.
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
Listening to the half-elf's short story, the young knight notices it is quite vague, but he decides he must of course respect this, he was quite confident there was nothing sinister that was untold. He was of course curious, but for the most part he was only trying to make pleasant conversation.
As the hexblood says something about him being charming, the young knight starts coughing while Viktor lets out a short neighing, almost like a snicker, looking between the young knight and the pelorian, the young knight giving his steed a quick stern glare. "Ahem, yes, I zink Viktor just needs some hay and some rest now." He says a bit dismissively about his steed, scratching his neck as a briefly glances over at the hexblood.
The gnome indeed seems to have a good way with Viktor, making him curious about her and seeking more of her attention as the group continues to the Black Dragon Inn.
The young knight gets a troubled look as the girl with the lute mentions the slavers most likely have already departed. The face of the man he saved appears in his mind again. He had undoubtedly saved the mans life, which meant he was responsible for what life he had henceforth. He vowed to himself to not let this rest, there must be something he could do, they could do. "Ve can still make a difference perhaps." He says, hoping to sound encouraging.
Joy listens as the conversation shifts between Aisling, Lusia, and the others, picking up on the hesitation in Aisling’s voice, the determination in Cyriel’s, and the concern in Cleo’s silence.
"Yes, a new dawn is always exciting. A fresh start, another chance to help..." She looks to the gnome as her gaze seems a million miles away. 'Is she coming down with something?', Joy thinks worriedly, looking for signs of illness.
Medicine: 10
'I should never have left my home.' Leif thinks to himself. 'I don't even know if I have a home anymore.' The young halfling sniffles and his eyes begin to get teary as he thinks of home. He quickly blinks and rubs away the tears with Joy's cloak he's still wrapped in. The wool material scratchy on his face.
As Lusia agrees with Aisling, suggesting her home is also not a nice place, Leif wonders what could be so bad as to drive these two people away. 'Right about now, my ma would have a nice hot cup of apple cider with some of her tasty rabbit stew ready for me... What am I thinking? It's been years... she probably wouldn't even recognize me.' Glad the attention of the party moves to Cleo, the young halfling hopes no one notices him. The tears come unbidden and unwelcome as they silently run down his face. The wool blanket inadequate in keeping them at bay. He quietly moves to the shadows.
Stealth: 17
DM for Tyranny of Dragons and Phandelver and Below, two in-person campaigns that meet weekly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Joy, Apart from Cleo's momentary shift in consciousness, you detect no other sign of illness.
Adventurers,
You make your way through the Cargo Gate and onto the directed pathway, a prominent thoroughfare. Getting to know each other as you walk. You observe various establishments as you wander the street toward your destination. Many folks move around as you pass market stalls offering all manner of goods, from fresh produce to handcrafted items, artisan workshops, smithing huts, and tailor shops. Most of them closed for the night, but the occasional enterprise remains open for business. The fragrance of freshly baked bread reminds you of your hunger. Eventually, you make it to the city's main avenue. Majestic buildings and grand temples line the street. There on the corner, just as the City Watchman said, is the Silver Dragon, and just down the road, across a bridge, you spot the lively bustle of a well-worn tavern. The Black Dragon Inn.
The young knight nods in agreement with the pelorian's statement. There was no need to worry about despair in her company, that much was clear he thought with a small smile, to busy taking in the city sights, sounds and smells of the great city around him to notice a halfling melding with the shadows of the eveningfall.
"Ah, ze Black Dragon Inn, ve are not yet lost meine freunden." The young knight says as the inn comes into view across the bridge. He reminds himself to check on his purse as he moves on with Viktor following behind him. "So, anything in particular zat brought you to ze city fräulein..." He asks the hexblood as they cross the bridge. "...or is it simply to bring Joy to ze world." He adds with small smile, hoping the green-skinned pelorian wasn't sensetive about her name.
Joy grins at Cyriel’s wordplay, shaking her head in amusement. “Something like that,” she says, her hazel eyes warm with humor. “Bringing a little light where I can, seeing if I can tip the scales toward good, even just a little.”
Her smile softens as she gazes ahead toward the Black Dragon Inn, the golden glow of lanterns spilling onto the cobbled street. “But also to test myself. It’s one thing to hold onto faith when you're surrounded by people who share it—it’s another to step out into the world and see if you still stand firm when things get difficult.” She glances back at Cyriel, her expression open, yet thoughtful. “Greyhawk City felt like the right place to figure that out.”
"You are vise beyond your years fräulein Joy." The young perrenish knight says with a sincere tone and a friendly smile, thinking his own reasons for being here was not so unlike those of the pelorian, although true faith in the gods was a gift he had yet to recieve. Instead there was a certain book that had brought him to the city. "You vill undoubtedly bring both light and Joy to ze city, but perhaps ze city vill also show you more about who you are and vhat you vere meant to do, ja?" He continues as they cross the bridge and near the waiting in.
“I hope so,” she says, her voice light but thoughtful. To find who she was, beyond the temple and the hag.
She glances at him as they near the inn, curious now. “And what about you? Are you here for a similar reason—to find your own path? Or is this some grand knightly mission?” Her grin turns playful, but there’s genuine interest in her tone. “You’ve certainly traveled far. Must be something important that brought you all this way.”