Oh yes, Esther has definitely heard of Aurora, and has seen her chant before. Most people have throughout the province.
They say she lost her lover in a tragedy, where he disappeared without a trace. Though blameless in the incident, she now travels the world in search of him, hoping her chants call him home.
She is a mainstay at the Baron's Ball each time it rolls around, yet he always makes her audition. In return, she treats him like scum on her shoe. They end up bickering each year over her price, which always goes up.
There is a lull in the talking when the music starts up. The people in the bar and in the reception area begins to dance and echo the singer as the ditty progresses. Azura finally nods at Aurora and they both shake hands, smiling. The tavern mistress slips something into the singer's ample bosom before she leaves the desk.
Azura looks up and sees Esther, crinkling her brow in confusion, as another patron tries to get her attention.
Just as the music pauses for a note, there is a huge crashing noise of metal coming from behind Esther. The audience and newly arrived patrons all laugh and clap at the sound. She can hear an angry voice coming from that direction, as well.
The music starts back up, and she can also now see a special section has been roped off towards the side of the bar, furthest from her. Raegar is making a fuss over it and lining everything up just so.
I love your music and picture. Thanks for involving all my senses :) this is so fun!!
Esther is temporarily dumbstruck by Aurora's presence. She's seen her from a distance, but up close there is an energy about her that is mesmerizing.
"Azura, sorry to bother you," Esther flinches at the loud noise behind her. Seeing that everything looks under control in the bar, she turns to look back, then says, "I was making sure you're all okay out here, but maybe I should go back and find out about that loud crash in the kitchen."
Staring at Aurora, with gaping mouth, Esther walks backwards for a moment, then turns and heads to the kitchen.
Esther leaves both the women with worried and confused looks on their faces. As she scrabbles back to the kitchen, she can hear Graeger's temper has flared. On the floor are two kitchen helpers (from the look of one, she surmises they are the replacement dishwasher) and the once bubbling stew. Their failing to pick it all up without burning themselves.
Graegar is fuming at the world, "Oh for ****'s sake, stand back ya're burnin' ye hands!" He flicks his wrist and everything is cleaned up. He continues to grumble to himself while going back to makin' a new pot of stew. "Can someone PLEASE start makin' Grannie's Pickled Surprise, I can't do everything me-self! The Baron's to be here anytime now."
If you care to know what magic might have been, pls roll an Arcana Skill Check.
Plus, roll two more skill checks for me: Nature and Perception.
Esther saw his practiced hand flick with ease; she also saw the bauble around his wrist flash for just a moment. Magic, especially that which lives within objects, is a mysterious force and sometimes it's best not to dwell on the details.
Graegar grumbles, "Oi, Esther. Coulda used ya a bit a ago." He sighs heavily, seeing her has taken the wind out of his sails a bit.
While he speaks, he's hastily preparing food and drinks, including a pot of tea. He asks, "Ya here to help or no?", and he goes to grab a tin labeled Dianthus Flowers. What he pulls out, however, is not carnations, but NIGHTSHADE - which everyone knows is a deadly poison. He throws it into the pot without looking and turns back to his stew.
"Graegar! Such speed in your clean up!" Esther enters the kitchen, keeping an eye on the tea, while attempting a chuckle to keep the mood light. With any luck, perhaps she can persuade Graegar to contain himself for the rest of the evening.
"Why the frenzy?" She crosses the room. "You had it under control when I stepped out." Coming closer, and consoling,"My apologies... I am here to help."It is clear, from the magic he used, and the poison in the tea pot, this is no time for conflict.
As her words are spoken, with as much sincerity as she can muster, Esther's internal dialogue is spinning about the poison and the tea pot, trying to surmise Graegar's plan. She doesn't know him well, but she wants to believe that Azura and Arnie would only allow good people in their lives; family or otherwise. She slows her breathing, and closes in enough to look into Graegar's eyes. Esther relies on her senses always. So much of her life was lessons learned from the invisible forces of nature. She always trusts her instincts, and they are usually right. Being new to Edgington, and civilization in general, Esther's social skills are evolving. She must depend on her intuition. It is time to find out more about this man, and size up her options for how to proceed.
Her spirit tells her that camaraderie is the only way, and the sooner she learns the truth about that tea pot, the better.
"Who are we poisoning tonight, my friend?" Esther smirks with a wink, and a sideways glance at the tea pot, all the while bracing for the possibility of danger.
I would like to roll on Esther's Insight and Perception. How much goodness can she perceive in Graegar's eyes, and how much Insight does she have about Nightshade, since she also has survival and medicine skills.
I feel like I'll be asking for this roll whenever Esther encounters someone new, who is possibly dangerous, but I don't want to hold up the flow.
With an exasperated face, "Lass! The night is still early, the orders are piling up, and I have no stew to feed the masses." Speaking to the new pot, "Why frenzy she asks? Why indeed!" He gives her another aghast look, "Controlled chaos, love, controlled mayhem. Looks are deceiving on a night like this!"
He takes a deep breath, calming down a bit, "Ay, no need to for apologies. Glad to have your help. How are you at making shepherds pie or at least following a recipe?"
He starts pointing out where all the ingredients and pans until he fully takes in her last question and renews his sense of audacity. "By what holy rope are ya going on about?! That's not a very nice thing to ask or even tease about. The Baron will be here any moment and yew want to kid around with a word like that?! Yew'll get me in the cell block with flappin' lips like that. What is wrong with yew tonight?"
See you're getting the hang of this!
Feel free to roll an insight check.
You already rolled a perception and a nature check. You succeed on perception, but didn't really do well with nature. This means you were able to recognize it, as it's a commonly known flower/plant/poison. However, you don't have many details about how it works.
You could try again with a medicine check, but as you aren't proficient in it (no black dot on the skill line), you'll roll with disadvantage.
Okay, so Graegar is a good guy. Whew! You had me worried there. Good job keeping me on my toes. Haha.
"I guess I misread the situation... hmmm. I have always understood that we should fear NIGHTSHADE, and you just added it to that tea pot." Esther feels determined to find out more if Graegar is willing to share.
"As for the cooking skills, I know my way around a kitchen." Esther's Aunt Naomi was a great cook, and taught her well. "Let me follow your recipe though. I like learning new recipes." Esther slouches and shrugs. Still feeling slightly humbled by the previous chaos, and not having the slightest clue what is meant by "controlled mayhem", she has one more question... "Does your recipe call for bacon?"
Graegar looks at her with a face mixed with emotions. From disbelief to outrage to horror and back again, "What arr yew goin' on about?!"
He hesitantly looks in the pot and shrieks when he sees the evidence, "THOSE GAWDAMN BARDS!! NOT AGAIN!" He throws the entire pot out the window. It smashes against a tree, as the cook rails against all the unscrupulous, conviving rat bastards in the other room. "They tried this shite two years ago! I almost went to jail! The Baron almost died!" Graegar goes on like this for time, quiets down, rages again, then simmers down a bit.
Looking to Esther with pleading eyes, "I canna trust anyone around here. Dear Esther, please do my poor soul a favor and fetch me some blue-fringed dianthus from the florist? They're stayin' open late tonight to accommodate all the admirers in town. Azura will have my head and the Baron will have hers if he doesn't get his tea. Please, Lass?" He is on the verge of blubbering into his stew when he finishes his request.
Roll a Survival skill check to see how good your pie comes out.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"HOLY MOTHER!!" Esther looks around the room, heart pounding, ready to attack.
Against the beasts of the forest she can survive, but human predators, with their conniving evil hearts, cause Esther immense pain, triggering her rage. Shocked by Graegar's discovery, Esther's passion rumbles. Memories of childhood enemies run through her like a stampeding herd. Grabbing for the nearest weapon, Esther's hand finds a rolling pin, and slams it on the butcher block.
"Who DARES to ruin this night, and put us in danger!!" Huffing, nostrils flaring, Esther grips the edges of the table. Closing her eyes, bending beneath the strain, she breaths deeply... slowly... dampening the rage. Once controlled, she looks at Graegar through sad, blood-stained eyes.
"Azura must be told." Gazing out the window at the broken pot. "I will fetch your flowers Graegar, but she must know of this before I leave."
Esther stands, stretching arms wide to release the tension, and groans, "By the way, how did my pie turn out?"
(OOC: And we're back from holiday hiatus! Hope you are feeling better. <3)
Graeger through his emotional turmoil looks at your creation just about to head into the oven. "Looks alright. Once it's cooked, we'll see how it tastes. That's the most important part."
Looking out towards the reception area and then at her with both puppy dog and mad eyes, "Aye, she does need to know. But, I don't wanna do me self. I don't wanna see those bastards up close! Would ya mind, Esther?" Continuing, "I know this is a lot for me to ask of ya, but I'd owe you a solid anytime ya asked, if you agree." From his demeanor, he's obviously uncomfortable and a bit ashamed, but resolved to not leave his post at the stew pot.
Esther is happy that Graegar likes her creation so far. She can tell he is man committed to his work. As she stares in his sad eyes, the emotion on his face confirms her suspicion that the situation is dangerous, and that Azura could be in danger as well. With increased scrutiny for her surroundings, and heightened senses, she turns for the doorway to the reception area.
Looking back, "Graegar, you are a dedicated man. Do not worry. We can succeed. I will return with Dianthus as fast as I can."
Esther heads to the reception area to warn Azura of the danger they've discovered.
Walking into the reception area, the scene is the same as when she left it, tightly controlled chaos. However, Azura is not at the desk.
After looking around for a bit, Esther can see her back at the bar attending to some of the regulars. She's chit-chatting away, as Esther makes her way through the more abundant and lively crowd leading to the bar.
Taking her eyes off of Azura for a moment to step around a pair of jigging halflings, suddenly, a golden-haired man in studded leather is at her elbow, whispering into her ear.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Her senses heightened to full alert, Esther makes her way to the bar. Scanning the crowd, she expects to catch the eyes of the villain upon her. However, what she feels instead are the cheer behind the smiles, accompanied by loud playful tunes in the air. Smiles and music cast a veil of twinkling spirits across the darkness running through her mind.
She is suddenly startled by a whispering voice in her ear.
(OOC: Rephrasing the last sentence to be clearer.)
Upon returning her gaze to Azura, after stepping around a pair of jigging halflings, Esther suddenly sees someone at the bar owner's elbow. A golden-haired man in studded leather is whispering in Azura's ear. She nods and slips him a note, along with a drink. Throwing it back with wink, he quickly makes his way passed Esther and out the nearby door. Even from this distance, she can sees Azura blush.
Esther is at the bar, facing Azura, "You are bluuuh... sheeeeng." Her sing-song voice is matched by sparkling eyes.
"Who is that handsome beast? And what the heck was that all about?"
Then remembering why she came, "Wait a minute." Esther places a firm grip on Azura's arm to make sure she's listening. "Someone tried to poison the Baron, and make it look like Graegar is the assassin. They slipped NIGHTSHADE into the Dianthus canister. Luckily I notice before we served it up in the Baron's tea!"
Esther could feel her heart speeding as she relived the tragic discovery, "Since we still need to provide the Baron's favorite tea, I offered to run out to the florist for more Dianthus, but first I wanted to make sure you agree."
"Also... I think for you safety, you should introduce me to your whispering William."
Azura's eyes darken and her smile weakens slightly at Esther's playful jesting. They grow even darker at the news of the nightshade incident.
She breaks free from Esther's hand with a hard turn to come around the bar, "Why, that's just terrible! How is Graegar?! Oh nevermind...I should go check on him myself." She waves you off, "Yes, yes! He must have his tea. You are so thoughtful and helpful to us. Please go and fetch the plant, but be most careful. Wouldn't want anything to happen along the way." She gives Esther a wink and heads off towards the kitchen.
If she decides to go, the florist shop is not far from the tavern, towards the center of town.
Esther watched Azura leave, pondering the blond man, the note, the blushing inn keeper, and finally the parting wink. Uneasiness rested in her belly, but she snapped herself back to the task at hand.
Heading towards the front door, Esther focused once again on the customers, trying to detect ill vibes or shifty eyes. A sense of dread lingered from the bellicose scene in the kitchen. As Esther reached the street, she stopped to breath the fresh air, taking a moment to gaze skyward and reminisce upon the stars. After some long, deep breathing, she headed down the road.
At the wagon, filled to overflowing with giant bouquets, Esther was relieved to see Blue-fringed Dianthus flowers.
Esther approaches the Floral Wagon, owned by one Shameus Gilroy, she notices there are more performers jamming, talking, and drink around the town's fountain square. They, perhaps, are of lesser means than their tavern colleagues, but one would not be able to tell them apart this evening. The town watch, who give you a solid nod as you enter the area, is doing their best to appear casual while keeping a close eye.
The Florist greets her warmly, "Grand evening, Miss Esther! Ye are not one for a plucked flawa. How can aye be of service?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Esther is briefly distracted by the activity at the town square. She nods her appreciation toward the town watch, adding a wink and a smile.
"Aye Shameus," Esther chuckles, "I suppose I am the last person you expected here tonight." She moves closer and enjoys the fragrant arrangements. Internally she notes the need to treat herself to flowers once in a while.
"If you please, Graegar needs some of your Blue-fringed Dianthus for the Baron's tea tonight."
Perception roll = 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Oh yes, Esther has definitely heard of Aurora, and has seen her chant before. Most people have throughout the province.
They say she lost her lover in a tragedy, where he disappeared without a trace. Though blameless in the incident, she now travels the world in search of him, hoping her chants call him home.
She is a mainstay at the Baron's Ball each time it rolls around, yet he always makes her audition. In return, she treats him like scum on her shoe. They end up bickering each year over her price, which always goes up.
One of her songs (close your eyes after the ad): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr5i78Qehm8
Now Playing on the Stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z3NtGyNoI4
There is a lull in the talking when the music starts up. The people in the bar and in the reception area begins to dance and echo the singer as the ditty progresses. Azura finally nods at Aurora and they both shake hands, smiling. The tavern mistress slips something into the singer's ample bosom before she leaves the desk.
Azura looks up and sees Esther, crinkling her brow in confusion, as another patron tries to get her attention.
Just as the music pauses for a note, there is a huge crashing noise of metal coming from behind Esther. The audience and newly arrived patrons all laugh and clap at the sound. She can hear an angry voice coming from that direction, as well.
The music starts back up, and she can also now see a special section has been roped off towards the side of the bar, furthest from her. Raegar is making a fuss over it and lining everything up just so.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
I love your music and picture. Thanks for involving all my senses :) this is so fun!!
Esther is temporarily dumbstruck by Aurora's presence. She's seen her from a distance, but up close there is an energy about her that is mesmerizing.
"Azura, sorry to bother you," Esther flinches at the loud noise behind her. Seeing that everything looks under control in the bar, she turns to look back, then says, "I was making sure you're all okay out here, but maybe I should go back and find out about that loud crash in the kitchen."
Staring at Aurora, with gaping mouth, Esther walks backwards for a moment, then turns and heads to the kitchen.
Yeah! Glad to be of service!
Esther leaves both the women with worried and confused looks on their faces. As she scrabbles back to the kitchen, she can hear Graeger's temper has flared. On the floor are two kitchen helpers (from the look of one, she surmises they are the replacement dishwasher) and the once bubbling stew. Their failing to pick it all up without burning themselves.
Graegar is fuming at the world, "Oh for ****'s sake, stand back ya're burnin' ye hands!" He flicks his wrist and everything is cleaned up. He continues to grumble to himself while going back to makin' a new pot of stew. "Can someone PLEASE start makin' Grannie's Pickled Surprise, I can't do everything me-self! The Baron's to be here anytime now."
If you care to know what magic might have been, pls roll an Arcana Skill Check.
Plus, roll two more skill checks for me: Nature and Perception.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Esther stands in the doorway watching the kitchen scene, and is shocked when Graeger cleans up the whole mess with a flick of his wrist.
Arcana = 14
Nature = 17
Perception = 5
Esther saw his practiced hand flick with ease; she also saw the bauble around his wrist flash for just a moment. Magic, especially that which lives within objects, is a mysterious force and sometimes it's best not to dwell on the details.
Graegar grumbles, "Oi, Esther. Coulda used ya a bit a ago." He sighs heavily, seeing her has taken the wind out of his sails a bit.
While he speaks, he's hastily preparing food and drinks, including a pot of tea. He asks, "Ya here to help or no?", and he goes to grab a tin labeled Dianthus Flowers. What he pulls out, however, is not carnations, but NIGHTSHADE - which everyone knows is a deadly poison. He throws it into the pot without looking and turns back to his stew.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
"Graegar! Such speed in your clean up!" Esther enters the kitchen, keeping an eye on the tea, while attempting a chuckle to keep the mood light. With any luck, perhaps she can persuade Graegar to contain himself for the rest of the evening.
"Why the frenzy?" She crosses the room. "You had it under control when I stepped out." Coming closer, and consoling,"My apologies... I am here to help." It is clear, from the magic he used, and the poison in the tea pot, this is no time for conflict.
As her words are spoken, with as much sincerity as she can muster, Esther's internal dialogue is spinning about the poison and the tea pot, trying to surmise Graegar's plan. She doesn't know him well, but she wants to believe that Azura and Arnie would only allow good people in their lives; family or otherwise. She slows her breathing, and closes in enough to look into Graegar's eyes. Esther relies on her senses always. So much of her life was lessons learned from the invisible forces of nature. She always trusts her instincts, and they are usually right. Being new to Edgington, and civilization in general, Esther's social skills are evolving. She must depend on her intuition. It is time to find out more about this man, and size up her options for how to proceed.
Her spirit tells her that camaraderie is the only way, and the sooner she learns the truth about that tea pot, the better.
"Who are we poisoning tonight, my friend?" Esther smirks with a wink, and a sideways glance at the tea pot, all the while bracing for the possibility of danger.
I would like to roll on Esther's Insight and Perception. How much goodness can she perceive in Graegar's eyes, and how much Insight does she have about Nightshade, since she also has survival and medicine skills.
I feel like I'll be asking for this roll whenever Esther encounters someone new, who is possibly dangerous, but I don't want to hold up the flow.
With an exasperated face, "Lass! The night is still early, the orders are piling up, and I have no stew to feed the masses." Speaking to the new pot, "Why frenzy she asks? Why indeed!" He gives her another aghast look, "Controlled chaos, love, controlled mayhem. Looks are deceiving on a night like this!"
He takes a deep breath, calming down a bit, "Ay, no need to for apologies. Glad to have your help. How are you at making shepherds pie or at least following a recipe?"
He starts pointing out where all the ingredients and pans until he fully takes in her last question and renews his sense of audacity. "By what holy rope are ya going on about?! That's not a very nice thing to ask or even tease about. The Baron will be here any moment and yew want to kid around with a word like that?! Yew'll get me in the cell block with flappin' lips like that. What is wrong with yew tonight?"
See you're getting the hang of this!
Feel free to roll an insight check.
You already rolled a perception and a nature check. You succeed on perception, but didn't really do well with nature. This means you were able to recognize it, as it's a commonly known flower/plant/poison. However, you don't have many details about how it works.
You could try again with a medicine check, but as you aren't proficient in it (no black dot on the skill line), you'll roll with disadvantage.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Insight roll = 13
Okay, so Graegar is a good guy. Whew! You had me worried there. Good job keeping me on my toes. Haha.
"I guess I misread the situation... hmmm. I have always understood that we should fear NIGHTSHADE, and you just added it to that tea pot." Esther feels determined to find out more if Graegar is willing to share.
"As for the cooking skills, I know my way around a kitchen." Esther's Aunt Naomi was a great cook, and taught her well. "Let me follow your recipe though. I like learning new recipes." Esther slouches and shrugs. Still feeling slightly humbled by the previous chaos, and not having the slightest clue what is meant by "controlled mayhem", she has one more question... "Does your recipe call for bacon?"
Graegar looks at her with a face mixed with emotions. From disbelief to outrage to horror and back again, "What arr yew goin' on about?!"
He hesitantly looks in the pot and shrieks when he sees the evidence, "THOSE GAWDAMN BARDS!! NOT AGAIN!" He throws the entire pot out the window. It smashes against a tree, as the cook rails against all the unscrupulous, conviving rat bastards in the other room. "They tried this shite two years ago! I almost went to jail! The Baron almost died!" Graegar goes on like this for time, quiets down, rages again, then simmers down a bit.
Looking to Esther with pleading eyes, "I canna trust anyone around here. Dear Esther, please do my poor soul a favor and fetch me some blue-fringed dianthus from the florist? They're stayin' open late tonight to accommodate all the admirers in town. Azura will have my head and the Baron will have hers if he doesn't get his tea. Please, Lass?" He is on the verge of blubbering into his stew when he finishes his request.
Roll a Survival skill check to see how good your pie comes out.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
"HOLY MOTHER!!" Esther looks around the room, heart pounding, ready to attack.
Against the beasts of the forest she can survive, but human predators, with their conniving evil hearts, cause Esther immense pain, triggering her rage. Shocked by Graegar's discovery, Esther's passion rumbles. Memories of childhood enemies run through her like a stampeding herd. Grabbing for the nearest weapon, Esther's hand finds a rolling pin, and slams it on the butcher block.
"Who DARES to ruin this night, and put us in danger!!" Huffing, nostrils flaring, Esther grips the edges of the table. Closing her eyes, bending beneath the strain, she breaths deeply... slowly... dampening the rage. Once controlled, she looks at Graegar through sad, blood-stained eyes.
"Azura must be told." Gazing out the window at the broken pot. "I will fetch your flowers Graegar, but she must know of this before I leave."
Esther stands, stretching arms wide to release the tension, and groans, "By the way, how did my pie turn out?"
Survival roll = 22
(OOC: And we're back from holiday hiatus! Hope you are feeling better. <3)
Graeger through his emotional turmoil looks at your creation just about to head into the oven. "Looks alright. Once it's cooked, we'll see how it tastes. That's the most important part."
Looking out towards the reception area and then at her with both puppy dog and mad eyes, "Aye, she does need to know. But, I don't wanna do me self. I don't wanna see those bastards up close! Would ya mind, Esther?" Continuing, "I know this is a lot for me to ask of ya, but I'd owe you a solid anytime ya asked, if you agree." From his demeanor, he's obviously uncomfortable and a bit ashamed, but resolved to not leave his post at the stew pot.
Night is starting to fall in earnest outside and a new group has just taken the stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhSDMqF_zYQ
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Esther is happy that Graegar likes her creation so far. She can tell he is man committed to his work. As she stares in his sad eyes, the emotion on his face confirms her suspicion that the situation is dangerous, and that Azura could be in danger as well. With increased scrutiny for her surroundings, and heightened senses, she turns for the doorway to the reception area.
Looking back, "Graegar, you are a dedicated man. Do not worry. We can succeed. I will return with Dianthus as fast as I can."
Esther heads to the reception area to warn Azura of the danger they've discovered.
Walking into the reception area, the scene is the same as when she left it, tightly controlled chaos. However, Azura is not at the desk.
After looking around for a bit, Esther can see her back at the bar attending to some of the regulars. She's chit-chatting away, as Esther makes her way through the more abundant and lively crowd leading to the bar.
Taking her eyes off of Azura for a moment to step around a pair of jigging halflings, suddenly, a golden-haired man in studded leather is at her elbow, whispering into her ear.
Please roll a perception check (DC 10).
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Her senses heightened to full alert, Esther makes her way to the bar. Scanning the crowd, she expects to catch the eyes of the villain upon her. However, what she feels instead are the cheer behind the smiles, accompanied by loud playful tunes in the air. Smiles and music cast a veil of twinkling spirits across the darkness running through her mind.
She is suddenly startled by a whispering voice in her ear.
Perception roll = 17
(OOC: Rephrasing the last sentence to be clearer.)
Upon returning her gaze to Azura, after stepping around a pair of jigging halflings, Esther suddenly sees someone at the bar owner's elbow. A golden-haired man in studded leather is whispering in Azura's ear. She nods and slips him a note, along with a drink. Throwing it back with wink, he quickly makes his way passed Esther and out the nearby door. Even from this distance, she can sees Azura blush.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Esther is at the bar, facing Azura, "You are bluuuh... sheeeeng." Her sing-song voice is matched by sparkling eyes.
"Who is that handsome beast? And what the heck was that all about?"
Then remembering why she came, "Wait a minute." Esther places a firm grip on Azura's arm to make sure she's listening. "Someone tried to poison the Baron, and make it look like Graegar is the assassin. They slipped NIGHTSHADE into the Dianthus canister. Luckily I notice before we served it up in the Baron's tea!"
Esther could feel her heart speeding as she relived the tragic discovery, "Since we still need to provide the Baron's favorite tea, I offered to run out to the florist for more Dianthus, but first I wanted to make sure you agree."
"Also... I think for you safety, you should introduce me to your whispering William."
Azura's eyes darken and her smile weakens slightly at Esther's playful jesting. They grow even darker at the news of the nightshade incident.
She breaks free from Esther's hand with a hard turn to come around the bar, "Why, that's just terrible! How is Graegar?! Oh nevermind...I should go check on him myself." She waves you off, "Yes, yes! He must have his tea. You are so thoughtful and helpful to us. Please go and fetch the plant, but be most careful. Wouldn't want anything to happen along the way." She gives Esther a wink and heads off towards the kitchen.
If she decides to go, the florist shop is not far from the tavern, towards the center of town.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Esther watched Azura leave, pondering the blond man, the note, the blushing inn keeper, and finally the parting wink. Uneasiness rested in her belly, but she snapped herself back to the task at hand.
Heading towards the front door, Esther focused once again on the customers, trying to detect ill vibes or shifty eyes. A sense of dread lingered from the bellicose scene in the kitchen. As Esther reached the street, she stopped to breath the fresh air, taking a moment to gaze skyward and reminisce upon the stars. After some long, deep breathing, she headed down the road.
At the wagon, filled to overflowing with giant bouquets, Esther was relieved to see Blue-fringed Dianthus flowers.
Esther approaches the Floral Wagon, owned by one Shameus Gilroy, she notices there are more performers jamming, talking, and drink around the town's fountain square. They, perhaps, are of lesser means than their tavern colleagues, but one would not be able to tell them apart this evening. The town watch, who give you a solid nod as you enter the area, is doing their best to appear casual while keeping a close eye.
The Florist greets her warmly, "Grand evening, Miss Esther! Ye are not one for a plucked flawa. How can aye be of service?"
Pls roll a perception check.
Tamlynn [Pic] | Half-Elf | Ranger, Horizon Walker - Lvl 6 | Talaveroth (sub-campaign 3)
Hadar Ilkin [Pic] | Half-Orc | Ranger, Gloom Stalker - Lvl 4 | Bane of Kerakys
Mistress of Game | Death Inspectors
Mistress of Game | Into the Werewoods
Esther is briefly distracted by the activity at the town square. She nods her appreciation toward the town watch, adding a wink and a smile.
"Aye Shameus," Esther chuckles, "I suppose I am the last person you expected here tonight." She moves closer and enjoys the fragrant arrangements. Internally she notes the need to treat herself to flowers once in a while.
"If you please, Graegar needs some of your Blue-fringed Dianthus for the Baron's tea tonight."
Perception roll = 15