Abishai's Dragons of Icespire Peak

Zephyros pours Meira another glass of Thunderbelly Stout while also draining his own. (Constitution Save: 12)

"Yes, the gnomes are much safer as well with Lyra in company. I'm sure she'll make her way back to Phandalin when she's ready." He watches on in amusement as Meira drinks the strong liquor. His spirits beginning to lift, grateful his companions didn't leave him to drink alone. The bear of a man is caught by surprise when Meira announces her desire to go to the lighthouse. A smile creases his mouth and he begins to laugh a little at the display. "Yes..." He downs another glass of the strong drink, finally starting to feel relaxed some. "...let's go tomorrow after we check in with the townmaster. What say you, Gareth? Will you come?" He turns his gaze to the ranger. 

Gareth listens attentively to Zephyros' story. "What's your favorite thing about her?" he asks. "And what was her name, if I may ask?"

He tries not to think too much about what he would do if something happened to Sylvie. He's not sure he would be able to go on. One of his greatest fears is about something bad happening to her while he is away on one of his adventures. The ranger's mouth tightens a bit as he knows he would never be able to forgive himself. Zephyros' grief is obvious, but Gareth can see that Meira is hurting as well. Leaving Lyra behind must've been incredibly hard, and Gareth pretends not to notice the tears on the rogue's face. 

"Let's go check out this lighthouse," Gareth says eventually. "I think we have the time. No one is in need of any urgent rescuing that I can think of, and we don't exactly have a deadline for slaying the dragon."

Gareth waves Toblen down for a mug of the Thunderbelly Stout. "You both tried this so now I've got to too," the ranger jokes, taking a dip swill of the strong liquor. It burns going down, but the flavor is actually really good. 

Constitution - 21

Zephyros,

The Thunderbelly Stout goes down smoothly and leaves a pleasant oak aftertaste that you enjoy. You easily drink 3/4 of the bottle before feeling a slight buzz from the strong liquor.

Meira,

You finish your mead before sitting down with Zephyros. You shoot the glass of golden liquid Zephyros pours for you, and it immediately burns going down. You're not even sure this drink is safe for consumption. Instantly, you feel the effects and are quite intoxicated. [[OOC: if you drink any more, please give me a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, you get sick.]]

Gareth,

Toblen walks over at your request. Eyes wide in shock as he sees the bottle of Thunderbelly Stout nearly empty. "Oh my... heh, someone is going to have a headache in the mornin." He winks at Meira as he pours you a glass. You too enjoy the beverage. It warms your belly and leaves a pleasant oak aftertaste. He places the bottle back on the table, with about one glassful left in it. "Let me know if'in ya need anything else. I've got yer rooms ready and prepared for ya."

Despite the vile taste, and feeling the effects of the first shot, Meira of course continues on with another shot. She isn't about to refuse more after already having indicated she wants a refill. She downs it quickly to get it over with. (CON Save 16) 

It burns going down and she isn't sure it was a good idea. And she's already feeling a bit dizzy. And sad. She glances at Zephyros as Gareth asks about his wife's name. 'Yea, it would be nice to know her name. Wonder if Lyra knew her name,' she thinks. And then tears start again quietly as she wishes the halfling were here. She thinks that the old man has answered when she speaks out. "You know what my favorite thing about Lyra was? She was mischievous and loved pranks. Though she could have improved on holding on to the joke longer. She would always break and give it away."  A wistful smile comes to her face. "I did like her warm brown eyes too. And how... umm... cute she was. And kind." 

She sighs, shaking her head, which only seems to make the room spin a bit. "She'd told me she was going back to Neverwinter when we left Axeholm. I was surprised she changed her mind and decided to stay in Gnomengarde. Figured we'd at least have tonight together, but no."  Again, she sighs, and once again seems almost near tears. It's quite an uncharacteristic display for Meira. "I didn't even tell her I loved her! I mean, not really. It was kinda in my song, but I didn't tell her. She's going to think I didn't really care. And soon she'll just forget about me! Why wouldn't I say anything? Why would I do that?"  

She finally just folds her arms on the table, burying her head there. She seems to be sobbing. 

The night wears on and slowly the Inn's patrons thin out one by two. Late into the evening, Toblen tells the group, "It's getting late masters. If'in you need anything else It'll have to wait for the morrow. G'night to you all." With a slight bow and nod of the head, he departs from the common room. Zephyros helps Meira up to her room before retiring himself. Everyone else retires for a nights rest at their leisure.

 Zephyros,

 Meira,

Everyone,

You awake the next morning as the light of dawn begins to peak in through the windows. Heading down to the common room, you find Trilena Stonehill serving breakfast. She greets you all with a warm smile and offers to bring you a breakfast of biscuits and gravy, bacon, and eggs. [[OOC: You all benefit from a long rest. The day is yours to do with what you will.]]

Zephyros replies to Gareth's question, though he's fairly certain Meira didn't hear the answer as she begins rambling on about Lyra, "Silvara. Her name was Silvara. She had the most beautiful smile... and hair, she had long dark brown hair. I loved helping her comb it."

He smiles at the memory and respectfully pauses as Meira continues on. He nods along in agreement as Meira describes the halfling cleric. As Meira mentions not getting to tell Lyra she loved her, the bearded veteran interjects, "Oh, she knew. You told her through your actions." Though again, Zephyros was sure his words were not heard by the musical rogue. He places a comforting hand on Meira's shoulder as she buries her head in her arms on the table.

Only a moment later he gets up to walk over to Rasziel and Alisande. "My apologies for not sitting with you. We have decided to go to the lighthouse next. Master Moorcroft, previously you mentioned your willingness to accompany me in this venture. You are welcome to come, however, I don't hold you to it." He turns to Alisande with a polite bow, "My Lady, it would please me for you to join us as well."

After discussing the mission with the two, Zephyros would say, "Now if you'll excuse me, I believe my friend is ready for bed." He departs company and makes sure Meira is safe and sound in her bed before retiring to his own for the night.

 Awakening before dawn, Zephyros rubs his temples as his head spins. Regretting the amount of drink he had the night prior. 'Cursed sleep again... will these nightmares never end.' The thought of the lighthouse looming in his future both excited and terrified him. 'What has become of you my love? Are you really upset with me over what happened?'

Making his way down to the common room, Zephyros finds a pitcher of water and begins to drink deeply. A while later, Trilena comes in and begins serving food. He's grateful to the woman and welcomes the breakfast with a ferocious appetite. As the other filter down to join him, Ironheart makes it clear he wishes to speak with the Townmaster before leaving and asks Meira to give him the schematic for the SMADEK so he can share it with Mr. Wester in hopes he'll know someone to build it. He asks if anyone would like to join him and sell any magical trinkets to the Townmaster as part of their mission to Gnomengarde, and then sets out regardless if anyone accompanies him or not.

"Oh, nothing to apologize for my friend, I was just making good on a deal with the Ms. Alisande, but I dare speak for the both of us when I say we will of course accompany you to this lighthouse." Rasziel says with a sincere smile, quickly standing up with respect to the bearded veteran. "I hope you will find what you seek there Ironheart." He continues, only now noticing the state of the stylish bard. "And yes, it seems Ms. Meira could do with your support." He adds with genuine concern on his tone.

Rasziel would be fairly early in joining the others downstairs for a morning meal  He explains to the others that he has some business at the Mining Exchange to attend to, but will be back at the inn within long to start their journey west towards the coast and the lighthouse.

Meira awakens, feeling a little disoriented. It takes a moment to realize she's in her room. 'Wasn't Zephyros going to tell us about his wife?' she wonders. It's about then she realizes something else, she's alone. She sits up and immediately regrets that as she feels the pounding in her head. 'It's going to be a long day,' she thinks. As tempting as it would be to go back to sleep, she decides she'd best get up. 'Did we decide to go somewhere today?' Her fuzzy mind couldn't quite remember exactly. Slipping out of bed she struggles over across the room. Still dressed, she slips outside to find some water to drink, and some to wash up with too.  Quickly she is back into her room, not really wanting to run into anyone yet. 

'What did I even say last night?' she wonders. Slowly she gets undressed, washes herself up, and slowly brushes her hair.  Looking in the mirror, she considers her hair style a moment. She'd just changed it up recently, recalling how Lyra had cut it a bit short on one side and she ended up keeping it longer on top, shaved on the sides. She considers for a while, her aching head not helping much. A sudden idea occurs to her, and she decides to find some scissors.  Having slept again last night in her usual clothes, she dug around amongst her things to pull out some other garments. Really, it had been more of a costume for performing, but it would serve.  Continuing to drink her water, she works on her appearance for some time before she's content.  A little smile comes to her face. 

Coming into the dining area a good while after breakfast had started to be served was what seemed a boy in his mid-teens. He was dressed in a fine cream-colored shirt, embroidered in a matching color thread along the front. His pants were a bright red and he wore a sash to complete the look. It was a bit of a splashy color, but he appeared to perhaps be a nobleman's servant. A stylish cloth hat covers his very short cut black hair. (Disguise Kit / CHA Check: 22, if using a disguise with the tool proficiency is allowed!) 

The boy comes over to where Zephyros is sitting. "Are you Master Ironheart?" he says in a low voice. Assuming he confirms this, he goes on. "I have been sent to you on behalf of Miss Dheran. She will not be joining you today, but I am to serve you in her stead. I understand we are to head to a lighthouse today?"  If he spots Trilena, he asks for a small plate of food and plenty of water. 

If Zephyros asks about the SMADEK schematic still, he will say, "I can get that for you. Just once I have completed my breakfast." He would offer to accompany him to the Townmaster as well. 

(Performance: 25, just for trying to play the part of the boy) 

"Yes, I'm Zephryos." as he looks at the young boy (Perception check: 10) and wonders where Meira is and why she's sent this boy in her stead. "Please tell Meira I need the schematic for the SMADEK before heading over to see the Townmaster."

His curiosity increases his suspicion (Insight check: 16) as he watches the boy eat his meal before they head out to see Harbin Wester. Convinced of the ruse, Zephyros wonders at how this boy knows Meira and assumes the woman had too much to drink the night prior. "How do you know Ms. Dheran?"

Finishing up his breakfast, the boy looks at Zephyros, his eyes clearly bleary. "Well, Miss Dheran has many friends. My family of course adores her singing." There's a grin on his face as he starts to get up. "I'll be right back with that schematic. And I can accompany you."

He heads up towards the rooms. It's probably just a coincidence that there's the light sound of a chuckle after he disappears. Quickly he's back with the paper. And wearing armor and a rapier identical to Meira's. "Let's go?"

Gareth hesitates for a moment but then he rubs Meira's back, trying to comfort her. "She knows," he says. "When you love someone like that, they know. They can feel it, even when you don't say it. Believe me, I know from experience."

The ranger tosses back the remainder of the Thunderbelly Stout before he too retires for the evening. He makes sure Zephyros and Meira make it to their beds before he crashes onto his own.

In the morning, he has a mild headache from the alcohol, but it's tolerable. The smell of biscuits and gravy is too enticing to be resisted, and he smiles at Trilena as he accepts the hearty breakfast. "Compliments to the chef," he tells the innkeeper's wife. "This is delicious."

Gareth glances over as the boy descends the stairs and approaches Zephyros. He frowns. There is something familiar about the boy, but he can't quite place what it is. Finishing his meal, the ranger approaches the pair and nods to the bearded warrior.

"I'll head to the Townmaster's with you. Who is this?" Gareth studies the boy with curiosity. "Meira must still be sleeping it off, I take it?"

Perception to see if he recognizes Meira - 9

After breakfast, Zephyros, Gareth and the young boy head over to the Townhall. Outside the sky is a grey expanse and snow continues to fall at a slow pace. Several inches have accumulated, and swirl into growing snowbanks ushered forth by the incessant wind from the east. Most of the towns inhabitants seem to be sheltering inside. Only a few individuals are out and about out of necessity. Though, you do see a couple of children making a snowman. 

As you pass the job board you see the following jobs posted:

Dragon Barrow Quest. “The dragon that besets us is not the first to threaten this region. Between here and Neverwinter lies the barrow mound of a warrior whose magical dragon-slaying sword helped fell a green dragon terrorizing the High Road a century ago. Rumor has it the dragon slayer sword is buried there too. Retrieve it, and let the sword be its own reward!”

Woodland Manse Quest. “The orcs have fallen under the sway of evil spellcasters in Neverwinter Wood, and have been sighted in growing numbers near Falcon’s Hunting Lodge. The spellcasters dwell in a ruined manse. Falcon needs someone to make a preemptive strike against it. Destroy the evil in the manse, then expect him to reward you.”

Loggers’ Camp Quest. “Deep in Neverwinter Wood, along the river that flows west toward Neverwinter, is a logging camp. Every two months, Phandalin delivers fresh supplies to the camp, which is run by the half-brother of Phandalin’s townmaster, Harbin Wester. Barthen, the local provisioner, has prepared a new delivery. He needs someone to bear the supplies safely to the camp. Return to Harbin Wester with a notice of delivery signed by his half-brother, Tibor Wester, to claim your reward of 100 gp.”

As usual, the Townmaster isn't in the Townhall, but walking next door you find the craven Townmaster Harbin at home behind his sturdy oak door. Knocking on the door you hear the usual greeting from the Mr. Wester, “If you’re a dragon, know that I’m far too thin and bony to make a good meal!”

Rasziel,

You make your way over to the Miner's Exchange to meet with Halia Thornton.

"Yep, Meira's sleeping it off," the boy replies to Gareth. "My name's Sandor."  He looks at the items on the board for a moment. "We should find that sword. That would be of great use with the dragon, or dragons, lurking about."

At the Mining Exchange

Rasziel,

At the Mining Exchange

"Pleasure to meet you Sandor."

At the Townhall, Zephyros agrees with Sandor. "Indeed, and not too far away from the lighthouse either. A good plan."

At the Townmaster's home, Zephyros knocks on the door. When the Mr. Wester answers, Zephyros says, "There's no dragons out here Townmaster! Open up, we have news to share with you regarding Axeholm and Gnomengarde."

The bull of a man shares their success with the Townmaster regardless of whether the cowardice Mr. Wester opens the door or not. "We've cleared out Axeholm. Also, the Gnomes provided a few magical items that might assist us, but my group has decided to keep them at this time. The most promising prospect from Gnomegarde rests within this schematic. It's a ballista like none other. It could fortify and protect the town against all manner of attacks. Including the dragon kind. I can make a copy for whoever you deem able to build such a device."

Gareth nods and offers to shake Sandor's hand. "Nice to meet you. I didn't realize Meira had so many friends in this area," says the ranger. "A friend of Meira's is a friend of ours though so welcome."

At the townmaster's home, Gareth rolls his eyes when the cowardly Harbin Wester refuses once again to leave the safety of his abode. "If you're so worried about getting eaten by the dragon, maybe you should evacuate with some of the townsfolk to Axeholm. It's a much more defensible location," Gareth says through the door. Even as he says it, the ranger knows Wester will never willingly leave his house, even to shepherd the townsfolk he is sworn to protect to safety. This angers Gareth, and he has to bite back what he really wants to say to the man they have thus far spoken to only through a door.

Rasziel,

Zephyros, Gareth, and Sandor

Townmaster Harbin refuses to answer the door but does congratulate you on a job well done as he slides 250gp under the door, one coin at a time. "Yes! Maybe we should evacuate post haste to Axeholm. It's a shame you don't have any magical items from the gnomes to share, but I have no use for this SMADEK contraption. Everyone knows gnomish contraptions are terrible and never work right. Show me a working gnomish invention, and I'll eat my boots!"

'Sandor' tells Gareth, "Well, you can imagine Meira has quite a following, given her great talent." He then watches the antics of the Townmaster with the coins. "Huh, sounds like we've just got to find a way to get that SMADEK to work now! Who do you suppose could build it?"