Taklinn enters the tavern with a very excitable goblin, ordering him to sit down on his hands and not to move. He tells the goblin that he will be rewarded with food and drink and not to move, or he gets no food. Taklinn then walks to the bar and orders a meal and two ales. He scans the room for one of the mages, desperately needing information on the identity of the goblins who have applied for citizenship. Once the food is ready, Taklinn takes the tray to the table himself, and sets it before Grishal. "Now eat yer food quietly and soon I will be taking ye to the Sheriff fer us to talk about options" The dwarf averts his eyes from the sight of Grishal eating, desperately wishing that he had a better mannered and more civilized informant to work with; He also uses this time to try to locate the mages Astrum or Garith so that he can be done with this business as soon as possible and begin working on his other projects.
Glimmer enters the tavern and immediately notices the goblin, face smeared with food, and Taklinn standing across the tavern grumbling and bumbling as usual. She approaches Taklinn and says "My dearest Takki-Sacks I fear you've been away from us too long with this mining business. It appears we have a goblin in our tavern who is quite in need of a course or two in proper mannerisms. Is he a citizen? What say you on this? And do act like you've missed me as I have you." At that, Glimmer puts one hand on her hip and awaits Taklinn's response.
Taklinn's ears begin to take a blushed appearance as the fairy starts talking about Grishal. He looks at her for a moment and then blusters over to Grishal. "Ye can use yer hands ta eat ye dolt! And to drink as well" he adds wryly looking the goblin in the eye with a menacing look. Now try to act like ye have some sense Grishal! Stay in yer seat and eat yer meal, and no getting up. When ye have finished what is on yer plate, ye put yer hands under yer bum again and sit right there and be a good boy." He pats Grishal on the head, rolls his eyes and walks back over to Glimmer. "Well I have to admit that it is nice to have a conversation with someone other than a goblin. He seems to just be ignorant, but harmless. He is a contact i am using in my investigation. Plus he is a witness in what i am sure will be yet another missing persons case. If ye could help me out, I am gonna go make a report to the Sheriff, keep a watch on Grishal, and if ye see any more from the college come in, I would like ye to give us the names of all the Goblins who are currently citizens of Jastrey." The dwarf shakes his head and mumbles "One shaft dug and ye get two cave-ins fer yer efforts." He then walks back to Grishal and tells him to listen to exactly what Glimmer tells him, and that the dwarf expects Grishal to be well behaved and good for the fairy. "If not, then ye may lose some of yer options" he adds with a threatening scowl.
Glimmer's wings flit suddenly when Taklinn says there may be yet another missing person. "Who exactly is missing Taklinn? And are you sure? Why would this goblin Grishal have information on a disappearance?" Glimmer looks quizically at the dwarf and then says "Well, do what you need dearest, but do hurry back. Goblins sniff me and tell me I smell pretty. It's flattering yet distressing at the same time. Thank you for trsuting me, though. I do hope we can solve these matters quickly. Oh, and do be safe in your investigation." At that, Glimmer grabs Taklinn by the beard and plants a firm kiss on his lips. "Don't be gone so long this time. I do quite enjoy you."
Grall Bonekeeper enters the tavern, ducking under the doorway to avoid hitting it with his horns. He looks exasperated and ill-tempered. After surveying the tavern, he notices Glimmer watching over a Goblin with his face caked with what appears to once have been food.
Grall walks over to the Fairy, making great thudding sounds on the wooden floor as he approaches.
"What's this? Another Goblin come to steal food and ale from the citizens of Jastrey?," he asks sarcastically, towering over the disgusting creature. He then says cruelly to the cowering Goblin, "You know, the last time I killed your kind, I didn't even bother to collect any bones from their remains. Do you know why? It is because I am an Angori, a proud and powerful race whose very name makes other races tremble. And you, Goblin, are nothing but a slimy, green worm whose bones are not fit to adorn my trophy belt."
Grall presents his necklace, containing the several bone trophies he has earned since coming to Jastrey. "However," he continues in a deep, malicious voice, "just because I wont keep any of you after I kill you doesn't mean that I can't kill you for stealing from the tavern"
Grall draws his weapon, attempting to frighten the Goblin away, but not unwilling to keep to his promise.
From the bar, Erdan looks toward the commotion. He rises and steps beside the Angori.
"Grail, dear friend. Although this goblin is a slimey little no-gooder, the least we can do is let him eat in peace. Besides, it'll be the last meal he'll be able to eat because I'll cut his jaw off myself, but outside of course. We need to keep the last of our food safe, especially from goblin blood."
The tavern keeper nods in a thanking manner.
"Now, let's go have a drink and follow this green monster outside when he's finished."
Erdan gives Taklinn a look with a raised eye brow, "I hope you know what you're doing, dwarf."
Grall's brow deepends and he regretfully puts away his weapon. Pushing past Erdan, he stomps over to the bar where he orders something foul on Erdan's tab.
"I gave those Goblins a chance when they first came bustling into the tavern, noisy and obnoxious as they were. But after we learned that they were theiving and destroying property... My patience has run out for the likes of them. They barely even fought back when I slaughtered them. A race that weak doesn't desearve to eat in peace."
Grall continues to grumble into his drink, but leaves the gritty creature alone.
Glimmer steps in front of Grishal and raises her voice loud enough for anyone in the tavern to hear and says "Dear Erdan, and dear Grall, much though I appreciate your anger it is misplaced. I am here to protect Grishal as he is a material witness. I am under Taklinn's order and I do so hope you choose to keep your weapons properly sheathed and walk away right now before something regrettable happens to either of you. You should be so lucky that Taklinn isn't in here right now to witness your behavior. Taklinn purchased Grishal's food and he WILL eat in peace." Glimmer's wings flit rapidly as her temper rises. "I may be a mere fae to you, but I am no child and I can look out for myself. Do be dears and mind your tempers. If you decide to disregard my warning, then you will both be brought in on charges for obstruction of justice I'm sure. Taklinn is a deputy in this town, and this town's laws we will follow. Grishal has information on yet ANOTHER diasappearance that is valid and much needed. Now. Do unfurl your horns Grall and step back to your table." At that, Glimmer turns to Grishal and says "Do NOT scratch your bum in public Grishal. It's quite unsightly and not at all appropriate in the presence of a lady. I shall show you how to eat with a fork and spoon. But first you must wash your face and hands. Do you know what that means Mr. Grishal? It means that you will learn to mind your manners as I show you. When you show proper behavior and mannerisms to the townspeople, I will be more than happy to share my candies with you. Now, Mr. Grishal, do come with me to wash your hands and face. I will order you another plate of food and drink. You will walk quietly and speak to no one. Only nod and say hello if you must. No more and no less. Understood, Mr. Grishal? Now take my arm and walk with me as a gentle goblin would."
Grishal cowers slightly as the Angori towers menacingly over him taking in every word he says. When he finishes, Grishal begins to stand but remembers Taklinn's order to remain seated and immediately sits down again. Craning his neck to look the Angori in the eye, he replies defiantly, "Grishal no STEAL! Grishal want BUY food. Grishal want BUY drink. Grishal gud snot sucker." Fumbling around with his few remaining belongings, Grishal produces a shiny gold coin to show to the Angori. "Grishal have money, you leave Grishal alone!"
Returning to his meal, Grishal mutters "big horn meanie" under his breath and shoves another large handful of food into his mouth, stopping briefly between bites to listen intently on what Glimmer had to say.
"Mine manners? Grishal only get rock from mine. Wut does manner look like? Is it shiny?" Grishal starts to stand again when the fairy asks him to go wash up, and again falters, confused by conflicting requests. "Boss Taki-Sacks says to sit here and be gud goblin, but you say go. Grishal not want lose options. Grishal sit right here, and be well behaved and gud for fairy."
Thinking quickly for a goblin, he turns around on his seat, looks directly at Glimmer, smiles a mischievous smile and nods plainly at her.
Glimmer, frustrated yet keeping her patience quietly reminds Grishal that Taklinn told him to listen to everything I said. "Now then, I will wipe your face and hands for you, so you won't be afraid to get up. Manners are not shiny, but they make you appear to be a shining good citizen. Manners are nice words and nice behaviors that will help Grishal to make new friends, like me. Do you understand Mr. Grishal? Do not worry about Grall. He's a lot of puff and horns but a very dear friend. And not mine Grishal, M-I-N-D. It means to remember your manners. Your nice behaviors and nice words. I will make you a bib so as not to get food all over yourself. Would you like me to put your name on it? That way people in town will know your name so as to speak to you properly. I can put Mr. Grishal on it if you'd like. Now, do be a dear and try using some nice words. And your fork. I shall help you along and if you do well with those things, I have some tasty candy for you Mr. Grishal and some sweet nectar tea. Let's get back to our learning Mr. Grishal. We don't want Mr. Takki Sacks upset with us, now do we?"
Grall storms back into the tavern, weapons drawn and eyes wild.
"Fairy, a silver dragon has just landed near by. I don't know if it saw the Tavern or if it intends us harm, but I don't trust the beast. Keep watching that little nose-picker of yours, but keep a keen ear out in case somebody needs a healer. Wounds from a dragon can be severe, and I've already died once by one of their bloody claws. We could use a scout to check things out. Have you seen Ras anywhere? The fool's probably off looting for treasure while we're all that's left to defend the town."
The Angori scowls and keeps watch by the door, keeping the stretch of woods in sight. While he waits, he strikes up a conversation with Glimmer, knowing that what Faries lack in strength they make up for in wit and intelect.
"Why did our furry-chinned friend bring a Goblin into town anyway? He hates them even more than I do."
Taklinn bounds up the steps and hears the last comment that Grail says from outside the door. He barges by the Angori and says "Because he is the last one who saw Wreynn alive and he is going to lead us to the other goblins, thats why ye big lummox!" Taklinn walks over to The faerie and Grishal and looks at the now clean goblin still sitting where he left him and grinning stupidly. The dwarf rolls his eyes and asks Glimmer if she had any problems with Grishal. When he gets a solid report back, he pats the goblin on the head and hands him a piece of jerky. He then turns to the Angori and says "He is a very important witness in this investigation, and I will thank ye to keep yer hands to yerself Grail. In fact, I would appreciate it if ye would make sure nobody else comes after him either. It's funny to me that ye would be so loving of the Urdek Rasiri but so quick of temper in regards to the goblin. it makes no mind to me though, by law I am required to leave this one alone, and I expect you to follow that same law my horned friend."
Glimmer's face turns red, wings flitting rappidly as she controls her urge to stomp her feet and shake Grall by the horns. "Dearest Grall, I have a name and it is Glimmer. I may not be strong in your eyes, but there are many things I am capable of. One is being a commanding presence as I AM a charismatic creature. Do mind your tounge and speak to me as an equal. I would greatly appreciate it in the future." At that, Glimmer hangs two fruit flavored candy canes on the Angori's horns and winks mischieviously.
Attempting to emulate Glimmer's behavior on how to be socially acceptable in town Grishal stands up and waves his arms wildly in the air attempting to imitate the motion of her wings. "Dearest Grail, I have name. It Grishal! You not want me for trophy, but you not hurt me neether. Grishal have options, and shiny manners." Hiding behind Glimmer, he sticks out his tongue and shows his bottom to the Angori. "Do my tongue and speak equal. Greatly ap....re....she... what she said." Not having any candy canes to hang on his horns, Grishal tries to balance a half full tankard of water on Grails head, spilling it all over him in the process.
Turning to Glimmer, he smiles sheepishly, "Grishal like nice words and shiny manners."
Erdan enters with his sword sharpened and in a way that is both full of concern and confusion as to the wet Angori and to a Grishal that stands in the center of the Tavern, obviously to blame.
"I see that Talkinn and Glimmer have lost control of you, Grishal. All you've done is eat our food and make all of us look like fools for having you become citizens. And if it weren't for that, I'd banish you myself because it was a mistake in the first place. Now I don't know why Talkinn needs you so badly, but I trust him. So sit down and keep your hands to yourself!
"Besides you're the least of my worries. I could care less if you live or die because there was a silver dragon spotted in the sky and landed in the forest. And a dragon is much more dangerous than a runt like you."
Erdan stands where Grishal had once been seated, pointing for him to sit and stands guard so that no trouble perspires.
The Angori stands in place, practically seething hate due to the Goblin's comic behavior. Turning furiously to Tackliin, Grall screams, "Does Rasiri ever do THAT!?! I may not give much credit to Uordeq, but Ras bested me in a test of manhood, so I must show him some respect. But HIS kind," he says gesturing angrily to Grishil, "have done nothing but steal, show their bottoms, and make shit soup since I've come to this God-forsaken town! I respect you as a warrior, Tacklin, and I respect the fact that you've offered me your help. But if you don't keep that nose-picking Goblin away from me, I may not be able to control myself. I find it far too annoying NOT to kill."
Grall removes the candy canes from his horns and crushes them in his hand. "And tell your mate to keep her sugar-food off of me!"
Grall returns his attention to the Tavern window.
Grishal looks at Erdan with confusion and goes about his business, after dealing with the Dwarf and a wet Angori, he feels no threat from the human with a sword. Turning to Glimmer, Grishal questions innocently, "Grishal do bad? Oh, Grishal know! Nod and say hello."
With renewed confidence, Grishal looks Grall directly in the eye, nods, and says "Hello!" From there, he walks over to Erdan and does the same. Confused as to why people still don't like him, Grishal reaches into his pocket and removes a piece of jerky that Taklinn gave to him and offers it to Erdan. "Grishal not eat all food. Grishal share. Human eat Grishal food, human put sword away? Grishal no danger, Grishal save hurt Uordeq. Why you no like Grishal?"
"Sit down Grishal!" Taklinn yells at the goblin before striding over to the new human in town. "And as fer you, I have it in control just fine lad, ye just mind yer own and come back when ye have grown some whiskers on that chin of yers! It is a matter that ye should take up with the council and Sheriff. Just because I don't like the green devils doesnt mean I will stand by and watch ye brutes beat on him! He is the only lead we have to find Wreynn, and ye will not stand in the way of the investigation. I didnt make it law fer him to be a citizen, but as such he is still under the same protections by law as all of us." He then looks to the proud Angori and gives him a reply as well. "Ye big lummox, laws are laws! Ye have traditions that ye were born into and adhere to! By being a citizen of Jastrey, ye have joined this clan! I'm not the one who made the goblins citizens, and I spoke against it harder than any of ye! But it happened and as a servant of the law, I must uphold it! Trust me my big friend, when the time to clear out the other green skins happens, my axe will be singing louder'n any other; but if it were you out there missing, I would be defending him just as much. So ye could be part of the problem and I will let Wreynn know that ye held up the search and he can deal with you as he will; or ye can be part of the solution lad. And as far as a mate, a companion who travels beside ye don't make a mate. Ye travel with that dark Rasiri, yet I don't contend that you are mated with him at all ye big dolt! The sooner me duties as Deputy are dealt with, the sooner me duties to my friends can be met, which includes you! Don't think fer one minute I have forgotten me oaths, and don't believe that you are the only one with honor that lives in this town." Red eared, the dwarf looks around the tavern for a new target to unload on, settling finally at Glimmer who is staring angrily at the dwarf. "Sandstone!" he exclaims before buying ale for Grall, Erdan, Glimmer, and taking one to Grishal who is once again sitting on his hands in his chair. "Ye can use yer hands to pick up the mug and drink it" he says as he put the mug down on the table, and takes a long draft on his own.
Glimmer, wings flitting rapidly and face turning different shades of red and pink suddenly yells out "STOP IT! ALL FOUR OF YOU! Grishal, you sit in that chair and drink your ale and don't say another word to the big horned oaf. Grall, you mind your tounge when you speak to me you horned beast of a creature. Whilst your kind may have no respect for the female gender, I have done NOTHING but help you along in battle. ALL OF YOU! Who heals your wounds when you are hurt? Who can take away pain with one touch? I CAN. Grall you aren't among your kind here, as I am not, and as that god forsaken bearded bufoon is not (eyeing Taklinn wildly at this point for calling her a mere companion). We all left our homes and tribes for our own purposes. And we are all here. Citizens together in a town that took us in and accepted us. I am no child and no less than any of you and I will NOT be spoken to as such anymore." Glimmer takes Grall's face into herhand and holds steadily as he tries to fight her away. "Grall I don't know what pains you, or what you seek here, but my niece is gone and Wreynn has disappeared as well. As close as Ripper was to Wreynn, we need all the information Mr. Grishal can give us. That's two people in my "family" that are gone from me. So quit taking your savage ways and words out on me and Mr. Grishal. I need your friendship and your strength as a much larger creature than I. Whilst your horns and words will NEVER intimidate me, they do intimidate our foes. I ask of you one last time. Put your hatreds aside and be a dear. I've made my peace and the rest lies in your hands. And don't ever crush my candy again. You could have just politely handed them back Mr. Horn Head." Glimmer winks at Grall and hopes for the best. Turning her attentions to Erdan now Glimmer says "AND YOU! You are new in this town. (oop unless this is the character you played at the last game...I'm confused as I am new as well). Never cross the healing faerie. You may need me in battle. OOF!" Glimmer sucks in a deep breath and turns on her heels to face Taklinn down. "Good thing you are already sitting down you furry faced bumble head! You agree to help me look for niece. You approach me before anyone else to aid you with Grishal and watch over him. I bide my time sitting here day in and day out and try to teach Mr. Grishal manners and properness. And you dismiss me as a mere companion. Well that is just fine Taklinn Forgesplitter. I've lost two members of my family to random disappearances in one week and I thought you of all creatures could relate to that. I reached out to you over anyone else in this town because I thought you would understand. For comfort and out of respect for your race's history with family. And you essentially brush me off as a bothersome imp. About that kiss the other day. That's right everyone. I kissed him right on the lips and tugged that STUPID ball of fuzz he has so much pride in. I will be keeping those to myself from now on. You anger me so I can't even concentrate on the task YOU gave me. NO MORE! I'm no slave thing and playtime is over." Tears glistening in her eyes and unable to calm herself, Glimmer pours her ale on Taklinn's head and flits angrily to a table by herself, calling Grishal to come and continue his lessons. Mad as she may be, she will still do what Taklinn expects of her to protect Grishal. It may mean life and death for more than just Grishal.
Erdan reluctantly sits down next to Grishal, Talkinn, Glimmer, and the Angori accepting the ale Talkinn has provided.
"Thanks, Talkinn. I just hate seeing people being disrespected, especially from a goblin. But if it's for a good cause, I'll put my trust in you."
Erdan looks to Grishal, "Keep your jerky. I don't eat much meat anyway. And you'd actually be hilarious if you knew how to be humorous. Maybe our sense of humor don't quite match up. But if you're the only one who can lead us to Wreynn, then it's the best chance we have. Just watch your back."
(OOP: Erdan is technically a new character, just respent, changed classes, and renamed from last time.)
Grishal sits down immediately on the floor where he was standing on Taklinn's order to do so. Expecting a beating or an axe to the head, he's learned to follow orders on demand, and without falter. Catching an irate glance from the dwarf, he moves to the nearest chair and sits down on his hands again attempting to follow the spirit of his new boss' order, and not so much the letter of it.
Curiously Grishal takes a sip of the ale. The taste was foreign to him, bitter, but not nearly as bad as some of the medicines he had been forced to swallow before. Turned off by the taste, but not wanting to upset his new boss further, Grishal finishes the mug of ale quickly and sets it back on the table, sitting on his hands again as quickly as possible.
"Grishal confused, who Wreynn?" Grishal asks, in the middle of all the commotion and hollering. "Is Wreynn dark man? Grishal do bad saving hurt Uordeq?"
Looking back and forth between the dwarf, the fairy, and the Angori all shouting at each other, Grishal begins to feel dizzy and light headed. He starts to giggle as Glimmer calls his new boss a "fur faced bumblehead" and falls out of his chair laughing when she admits to kissing a dwarf.
"Glimmer-lady kiss Boss Takki-Sacks?" Grishal laughs. "Why anyone kiss dwarf lips? They cracked and hard. Gobbo lips much softer." Getting up off the floor, Grishal puckers his lips and kisses the air in front of him. "Grishal get kiss too if use shiny manners?"
Laughing to himself, he sits back in his chair and replies to Erdan, "What hugh-more-us mean? Dat gud thing like shiny manners? Make people like Grishal?"
As Glimmer leaves, Grishal begins to stand up as she beckons him, pausing briefly to look at Taklinn as if to ask permission, confused about which order he's supposed to be following.
Grall stands for several minutes with a look a pure shock on his face, too surprised to much other than gawk at Glimmer's powerful words. After a while he grins, showing a row of sharp teeth, and begins laughing loudly and deeply. Once he is able to overcome his fit of humor, he approaches the Fairy once more.
"My, my, Glimmer," Grall begins, using Glimmer's name for the first time, although he has known it for some time. "That was SOME rant! Here I am, thinking what I have to worry about in this town is Dragons and Zombies and the like, but all along the one with the most fire in her belly is you! Now I understand why Tacklin enjoys your company so much. You are right, dear fairy. You are the one who heals the wounds of savages like myself, and you're also right that I havn't been in the best of moods today. I simply miss my clan, especially my Chieftain and older brother, may he rest in peace. However, that display of anger back there was as good as any Test of Manhood I've ever seen. As far as I'm concerned, Glimmer, you have my respect from this day on. Fairy or no Fairy, small or large, strong or subtle, I think I'd rather face one of the Tribe elders right now than go head-to-horns in a fight with yourself."
Grall raises his chin, baring his throat to the Fairy. (This is a sign of great respect in his tribe, as lowering the chin presents the horns, showing aggression. Baring the throat shows that the bearer is offering his weakest point.) You have my sword and my friendship from this day forth, my dear Fairy. And as for YOU," Grall says, turning to Grishil, "If Glimmer says to leave you alone, I'll leave you alone. I may not like your kind, Grishil, but if you can help Jastrey then I suppose I will have to learn how to put up with you. But I'll have no more pouring ale all over me. It's wasteful and disrespectful. Agreed?" Grall offers a handshake to the little Goblin, with a hand large enough to crush Grishil's skull and claws sharp enough to gore him. The Angori waits patiently, showing the Goblin that he means no harm.
"Well my dearest Grall, my friendship and my healing you will forever have. And my candy anytime you would like should you decide not to break it. Terrible waste I'm afraid. I do understand that Grishal can get under all of our skin, but I think he is rather fun and brings a lighter mood to us all in a time that we all need. I do fear that Taklinn and I must take leave of you all for a bit. It seems we have business to attend to at the Academy. We shall return quickly and well I hope. Do listen for any information on Ripper and Wreynn if you will for me. I'd greatly appreciate it. And pray to what ever Angori elder you do such to that I don't rip Taklinn's beard off on our journey. He does fluster me so. I think it's love. He'll see." With a wink, Glimmer grabs Grall into a great big faerie hug (her hands and arms barely reaching around his big Angori belly) and says "Goodbye dear firend. Take care! I shall see you soon and pester you more!" At that, Glimmer walks out of the tavern with Taklinn on the way to the Academy.
Grishal follows Taklinn and Glimmer out of the tavern, hesitating for a second, and then returns to the Angori. He looks at him, giggies, and jumps up to give him a giant goblin hug, wrapping both his arms and legs around the stout beast of a man. "Goodbye dear friend. Take care! See you soon, pester more!"
Confident in his manners, Grishal bounces out of the tavern with the dwarf and the fairy.
Erdan looks up from his ale, realizing that everyone left. "And just as fast as everyone got here, everyone is gone..."
He turns to the Angori and says, "Are you up for a small adventure? Perhaps we may stumble upon something like a cave or an abandoned house. Also, it's apple season and the apples are ripe out there."
Grall considers this for a moment.
"As long as we stay away from where that Dragon landed, and close enough to town to rush back if we're needed. I'm not much for fruit, but perhaps I can snag a tasty bear...." The Angori licks his lips, savoring the idea of killing and consuming such a worthy beast.
Grishal sits down at the table confused and alarmed at the bit of commotion going on about the tavern. Cowering at some of the strange glances and looks that he gets from the patrons, he obediently places his hands under his bottom without question and replies, "Grishal be guuud. Grishal be-have."
While waiting for the dwarf to return, Grishal bounces slightly in his seat, nodding at some patrons, and sticking his tongue out at others, all the while mumbling happily about having options. When the food is presented before him, Grishal looks at it quizzically, and then proceeds face first into the plate, hands still pressed firmly under his bottom. Coming up only to breathe, Grishal looks to Taklinn, his face covered in his meal and offers a toothy grin. "This food better than slop last master gave Grishal. But much harder to eat with no hands."
Continuing to eat, Grishal stops once more as Taklinn walks away disgusted. "You know Grishal name, you bring Grishal back to town, you feed Grishal. What Grishal call new boss man?"