Turn 129
Arilyn is still upstairs, Wulfgar left the inn for who knows where, and
Kay is dripping from the wine dumped on her head.
The rest of you order your dinner, and eye the old drunkard seated at
the bar. As your food arrives, the door opens, and in enters a dark
haired priestess of a faith you dont recognize at first from her holy
symbol dangling from her neck. It looks vaguely familiar, and you
suddenly realize it's the symbol the Goddess in your dreams wore. That
of Quiom. The young looking priestess is cloaked, and features shadowed.
She enters the room and stares noticebly at Cole, and Barbaxle for
several moments as though in shock.
Seating herself at a table away from the party, the priestess speaks to the barkeep.
"Nathann some wine please." she asks aloud, before her voice drops and she whispers to him.
As she sits, she pulls her hood father down around her head causing you to be unable to see
her face, as she waits for her order.
Gareth looked up from discussion with the innkeeper at the new arrival.
"Thank you for your assistance, good 'keeper," the knight accompanied with a
silver piece. "Be welcome, priestess of Quiom. I do not know if all within
our company are at peace [Gareth glances at the stairs, the door, and Kay
dripping with alcohal], but the fare is good here and the fire warm.
Please, do join us. I am Sir Gareth Arr, a follower of Pikahl and knight to
King Arion of Dragonmeyr. Most timely is your visit; we have just responded
to a vision sent by Quiom, and are on return to Dragonmeyr city. Would you
share your tale?" Gareth listens attentively for a few moments and excuses
himself to go upstairs. A moment later, he returns and nods an "I have
business within the town; I will return within a couple hours." The paladin
leaves with a thoughtful look upon his face.
Upon spotting Aerial, Vincas gasps and shakes Keldar's shoulder. "Look
Keldar...she wears the symbol of that beautiful goddess. I've been thinking
of her ever since that night....I've got to find out more about her. 'Scuse
me a moment."
Vincas grabs his ale and walks slowly over beside Aerial. He cautiously sits
beside her and says "Hi, I'm Vincas. I couldn't help noticing the symbol you
wear. I've recently been, well, taken with the Goddess and I would love to
learn more about her and her teachings. Could you perhaps speak a bit with
me about her, and yourself...after you've had a chance to take refreshment
of course."
He smiles warmly and stands, not wanting to crowd her but not leaving unless
asked.
"In love with a goddess... Vincas, you set them goal high in the datin'
game. While yer there bein' friendly, ask 'er why she be
lookin' at those two that way. All these dieties messin' 'bout with us
is gettin' a bit unnervin' ta me. I guess that she's bin dreamin' wierd
stuff likes us."
With Vincas turning to the new arrival, Keldar turns his head and takes
in Barbaxl's welcome. "Why sure, I'd be lettin' ya buy me a drink.
Mead's what I'm havin' now. I'da remembered me share uv coins, but all
that magic back at that church bein' handed out sure distract'd me. Me
part'o'the gold went ta whatever charity the godsmen among us gave it
ta."
With a wink, Keldar move in closer to the druid. "'tween you an me, I
don't remember mucha that town. Just seem'd in a daze, then snapped
clear again when Vincas force'd me that healin' water. Best part is, got
me a wineskin uv the stuff still... and a spell that may make more'nmore
uv it. Less uv course the castin' turn me inta a toad or somethin' in
the process. I just have ta save a drop or two uv in fer the castin'"
The smug little gnome sits back, smiling to himself, with his complexion
slightly reddened from the first mead he pounded back. He then loudly
says, "Now this be like 'er. A tavern an' in. Drink, and good smellin'
food!." The gnome then says more quietly, "And Vincas 'bout ta entertain
us by flirtin' with a priestess". The gnome turns to watch Vincas
approach the newcomer.
Taking a sip of my wine I answer"Sir Gareth Arr and Vincas Pleased to meet
you I am Aerial Dracon. I would be glad to join you. My Goddess teaches of
the peace everlasting or just of keeping peace yes your company would be
delightful it is not every day I see others of my kind" Folding back my hood
just enough for Vincas.
"You say that the Goddess has sent you would you tell me about it?"Taking
another sip of my wine
"Ahhh, peace....I could use some peace in my life. What a great thing to
work for." Vincas smiles back.
"Now I'm not sure how I'd describe my first discovery of your faith. It just
fascinates me....the more I see and hear about the Goddess the more I see
the beauty in her and her ways. I don't think I can say that I was sent by
her exactly" slightly nervous glance around "but these are strange times and
the gods work in mysterious ways. These are violent times but my companions
and I are working for peace the best we can."
"May I sit? Or would you care to join my friends and myself for dinner?" he
says, indicating the table that Keldar and Barbaxel are at. "I'd love to
speak further with you if you would."
"I would like to join you if thee think it's okay with the others." Standing
up With the glass of wine"I will walk over with you."
"Nathan, would thee bring me something light to eat I will be joining these
fine people for Dinner."
"Now Vincas she not only loves peace but also nature and I can't get enough
of nature now tell me why thee have grown so fond of her.What gift did she
bestow upon thee?" Getting to the table "Where would you like me to sit?"
"No gift other than a warning and some encouragement." Vincas replies,
pulling out a chair for Aerial. "Keldar, Barbaxel...meet Aerial. Since she's
alone I gave her the offer of our company, and since she doesn't know us
that well she accepted." he laughs and sits beside her.
"Quiom warned us of dark times ahead and of a terrible force that plagues
the land. I'm just following along, Gareth can tell you all the fancy legal
responsibilites we have. I'm travelling for the sake of it, and helping out
where I can."
Waiting on Vincas she Smiles and almost comes to a giggle from the kind
gesture. She goes on to say"Umm I miss being out in the opens of the
wilderness Far from cities and many times people depending on who is
company."To Vincas She looks to be far away as if remebering some thing from
her past and then as quickly as she goes she comes back." I love going out
to pick the herbs that heal and it has been a very long time since I had the
oppitunity. My Friend Kendra D'Shane and I used to go do that together
sometimes making a outing of it where it would take days before we would
come back. Making those the best times I ever had I miss her and worry about
her" Starting to look sad from the rememberance of the friend.
Kay slowly, and for the most part, quietly eats her meal. When the priestess
enters, she only momentarily looks up before going back to her meal again.
The warrior manages to overhear Vincas' conversation with the stranger and
flashes an all-to-familiar grin, "Geez, that's got to be the worst pick up
line I've ever heard!", she silently quips to anyone who's still sitting
near her.
Gareth, beginning to move towards the stairs, instead paused and reversed
direction to step just behind and to the side of the priestess awaiting a
seat. "Lady Aerial, may I request your presence outside for a moment. I
have information of a personal nature," the paladin quietly mentioned.
Turn 130