Rise of The Runelords - David Drake's Saga

by Raulfur

This is the Rise of the Runelords series as told by of David Drake, an American pagan who got tricked into the adventure. This series shows how he comes to understand the world and his journeys through it. The first three posts detail his companions, Faunra: a time displaced elven Magus, Dame Rebekah: a child of crusaders, and Jonathan: a skinwalker monk/kineticist. Still ongoing.

17. Day 13 or Back to Work

Day 13: Back to Work Moonday the 1st Lamashan, 4707

Well, I'll start off with writing about how things ended up going last night after I saved and shut down the tablet. I got out of my armor and most of the things that I had been wearing, down to my pants, a t-shirt, and my boots. Savah looked at me a bit odd, and asked if I was really wearing this to sleep in. I told her that I didn't have anything else, and she said with a smile that this was something that would have to be dealt with. I shrugged, but didn't let on that when I was back on my home-world I wore fairly high end (fake) pajama's as an affectation to myself. A way to show that I had done something with myself. I knew they were fake, but still, they felt close enough to being real. I was about to pass out at that point, having written myself to almost brain exhaustion, so I just grabbed my bedroll and blanket that I had from my bed that morning, and followed her down to the round room.

There were a few candles that were lit alone the way to make things easier. Likely either done by Jonathan or Savah while I was getting changed. I noticed that more work had been done on the Runelord statue when we passed. It no longer looked like the Runelord at all. It now looked a lot more like an elf. We got to the round room and the rope was drifting into the room, where I had left it. There were a little bit of crackling coming from the red electricity and there were a few candles lit at the entrance. Savah smiled at me as she indicated that I head in first. I did and I stumbled into the room. I barely got my bedroll and blanket ready and inside them before I fell asleep. I know I told Savah good night before I fell asleep.

I woke up with Savah next to me. I knew that I was fully clothed, thankfully, but we were both together in a larger bedroll, that I am guessing that she brought. My blanket was covering us, and my bedroll was being used as a kind of pillow for the both of us. Savah was nestled up next to me, smiling. I guess that she could sleep at least. I hope that this doesn't turn out to be like my waterbed. I loved that waterbed, but I'm pretty sure it was bad for me in the long run. I started to look around and noticed that there were five people standing in the hallway looking at us. They were all smiling. It was Dame Rebekah, Faunra, Jonathan, Ameiko, and Chelger. I was obviously a bit ashamed and embarrassed by this. I tried to politely pull away, and Savah sounded happy when she sleepily muttered asking me if I was ready to go again already. I whispered back to her loud enough for the people in the hallway to hear that we had an audience. She pretended to wake and acted a little embarrassed.

There were some giggles from the people in the hallway and Faunra casually mentioned that we weren't the first to use the room in that way. I noticed that she had a smile on her face and asked what was wrong. Ameiko answered for everyone that the supplies that we had ordered had arrived and that everyone was upstairs waiting for us. I thanked them for letting me know, and cursed that I had forgotten my phone in the charging room, along with my tablet. Everyone turned back around to head upstairs, and Dame Rebekah gave me a slightly disappointed look. When they were safely around the corner, I noticed that I couldn't see the collar or sleeves of Savah's shirt from the night before. I looked away and saw that her shirt was off in the distance, along with her pants. I slammed my eyes shut again apologized profusely to her that I didn't mean to take advantage of her, that I was sorry if I did anything that upset or offended her. She laughed and said that I didn't do anything to be sorry for.

She continued to tell me that for most of the night she slept a little distance away from me, that I wasn't even snoring that bad. Apparently when I was sleeping I was standing upright. She added that Jonathan had come down an hour ago to wake me up but only succeeded in waking her up. He told her that people would be coming soon, and that we should get ready. She told him that She wanted to play a joke on me, and she told him what the joke was. He laughed a bit, and said that he would get some of the people to come down here to make the joke work. She said that after she had told him to go get the people, she quickly arranged everything to look like we had spent quite the night. She claimed that she was still wearing clothes underneath the bedroll, but that she threw off her outer layer to make it look more real. She managed to get me into the bedroll and everything not too long before she heard the footfalls of everyone on their way. She smiled her devilish smile at me and I swore that I would never get into a joke battle with her for at least a month. If she was going to this level to play a trick on me for what happened before, I don't want to do anything with intent.

I kept my eyes closed while she got her clothing. She told me it was okay and I slowly opened my eyes, noting that she was standing in the hallway in her previous night's sleeping clothing. She told me that I should hurry up and get out of the round room so I can change and be ready to start the next day of work. She bounced off with a smile. She also said to just leave the bedrolls in here. I complied, because I wasn't desiring having to move them back and forth twice a day. I got out of the room, and gave myself a once over. I didn't think that I would exactly have bed-head, so that was a plus. I noted that I had managed to remove my shoes before going into the room, and that I must have undone my belt and multi-tool at the hallway as well, because they were both as I normally leave them when I do so.

I got everything that I had set up and went to get the rest of my clothing. I went up to the closet where we all store our stuff and opened the door to see a flash of Savah getting changed. I didn't actually see anything, but I averted my eyes quickly and shut the door. I heard her giggle a little through the door. She said that I didn't have to be that shy around her. I just sighed. She took a little while and when she was out of the room, I got my stuff and got ready. I grabbed a quick bite to eat from some things that Jonathan had set aside for us in the meeting room and headed to the ovens. All of the group from the first experiment was there, and a few extra people. That old fortune teller who predicted that we would fight a distant battle was there talking to the Mayor and Father Zantus. There was a young wizard who was talking to Ameiko and Faunra. Savah ran up to me as soon as I got in the room and whispered to me that everyone was waiting for me to do the final checks before starting the process.

I cut two sets of material as best I could to set up a set for Faunra and a set for myself. I made sure that there would be enough layers that it could be just as strong as Dame Rebekah's for both sets. Since a lot less material was needed for Faunra's than I accommodated for, I set the left over material to be a kind of shield shape, to see if I could update Dame Rebekah's. After I had all of the material set up and coated in the material, Ameiko came up to me with a proposition. She said that she had found a Wizard that had a spell to stop things from burning, like I had asked about the first time. I was enthusiastic to try the modification, and thanked her for tracking down something like this. She accepted my thanks and had the young wizard cast his spell on the full length of fabric that would be my future armor. We set both sets up to process, and watched as what happened developed. The difference was apparent fairly shortly after getting the iron process tanks into the oven. The temperature wasn't even hot enough to turn the iron cherry red before the cotton in the second container, the one with my armor, burst into flames. I'm guessing that the spell ran its course and protected the cotton for as long as it could, and then when it wore out, the cotton was above auto-ignition temperature. We got the fire down and took the process tank out of the fire. I apologized to Ameiko for the failure, and she noted that it was a long shot anyway.

I explained to everyone the spell had protected the material for a long time, but the protection had prevented the material from reacting. The word reacting had caught the attention of that new Wizard, and I made a note to myself to see if he wanted to talk later. It was a four-and-a-half-hour long process of getting the material up to temperature, and ensuring that the material inside didn't burst into flames like the second set did, but this batch was a success. Maybe making multiple sets at a time were not a feasibility at this point. I either need to do that or make sure that the tanks stay vacuum tight and full of argon. At the end of the four hours, we got the Vermilion colored tank out and let everything cool to room temperature. Faunra and that New Wizard helped with repeated application of Prestidigitation. I swear if I can ever afford to buy one magic item before getting home, it will be one that allows me to do that spell. We got the new cloth out and it was in good condition.

The Wizard was intrigued by this material, and asked if he could try something on it. I asked if this was a destructive or nondestructive test, and he looked like he recognized the talk even more. He told me that it would be destructive. I laughed a bit and I pulled out a leftover piece of the fabric that was in Faunra's tank. He looked at it for a minute and took it over to the side. He cast a spell at it, and a glob of acid hit it. It did nothing. He tried to burn it, it did nothing, he took out a dagger and tried to cut it, to no avail. He looked back at me with amazement. He asked if there were any other properties that I could tell him about this. I told him that if Ameiko vouched for him, that we could talk later.

This was the set that I had tailored for Faunra, so I started to get everything set up in the elf sized molds and was getting ready to set it up for the cement mixture to apply to the fabric. Everything had been premixed by the recipe that I had made for and written down. I had double checked everything, and the new wizard was quite intrigued by the exact combination that I had come upon. I told him that I would again explain everything if Ameiko vouched for him, and that I would be including a few other people on further explanation talks when we had the armor set to cure. I asked Faunra if there was any kind of icon or sigil that she would like in her armor, and she produced a brass and silver symbol of a hawk, a sun and a crescent moon. I asked her if she would like this surface mounted or inset, and she told me that surface mounted was fine. I got the mixture right, mixed the concrete, and applied it to the fabric pieces as appropriate.

The Mayor, who had brought her radio when she came down to watch the proceedings, handed me what she thought of as a discharged magic item, and asked if the item's charge could be refilled. I told her that it was a tricky bit of business, but that I would get to work on it. She pondered that for a minute, and changed subject, asking me how many of these suits could be made in a day. I told her that without stopping the fires, and keeping them at the appropriate temperature, which can be determined by the color of the flame, the color of the iron, and the melting of a copper piece, you could probably get away with two sets of fabric per oven per day, three if it was an emergency and you stretched the work day to over twelve hours. I added that you would likely need to have at least two people to work on each set of fabric, and it will take a wide array of skills. I added that these are the kinds of things that needed a really diverse skill set. The person needed to know alchemy, blacksmithing, tailoring, and masonry to really hone all of this in correctly. I added that I don't have all of the needed skills to teach someone, but that most of the skills were available from the people in this town.

Mayor Deverin accepted that answer and went back to talk with the fortune teller woman, Madame Mvashti. I couldn't hear the what the conversation was about but it looked fairly back and forth. The Wizard tried to come up but before he could talk, I told him that I would have to get Ameiko's opinion on him before speaking further about this. He nodded and went to go talk to Ameiko, who was having quite the discussion with Dame Rebekah, Jonathan, and Savah. Jonathan and Dame Rebekah broke off to discuss some things with Faunra, who was just standing there, staring at her forming armor. Savah sidled up to me and told me that she was letting Ameiko and Dame Rebekah know that she was just playing a trick on me, and that I had not gotten her drunk and took advantage of her, or broken my vows. I thanked her for explaining it to them and she nodded slightly before wrapping her arms around my left arm. She told me that Ameiko doesn't trust the Wizard fully yet, but that might change. She also asked how soon I could make more armor. I told her that since the experiment failed it would be at least another day. The process tank had to be cleaned and prepped. I added that as long as my process worked, and we had sufficient help, I could get two further sets done tomorrow. She asked if it was one for Jonathan and one for me. I told her, no one for me, paused, and then added one for her. She smiled and kissed me on the cheek.

I noted that due to the latent humidity in the air, it was going to take a few hours for this set to cure, and that we could go elsewhere while it did. Ameiko noted to the crowd that we could all reconvene in half an hour at the Rusty Dragon. Her new cook had said that he was making something called chicken paprikash, a dish from far to the east, and that it would be an interesting experience. I blurted out that if he made paprikash similar to how my world made paprikash, it would be great. Ameiko started looking at me a little oddly, and I said that I would talk to everyone later, at the Dragon. I don't know that she was amused by the shortening of her Inn's name, because she hit a little bit of a dig at me, that she was sure that some of us that remain had some pressing physical matters to attend to and that everyone else should head out. She then escorted everyone except the party, Savah, and Chelger to her Inn.

Chelger noted that he had to get back to the Cathedral, but that he'd be glad to come over later if Dame Rebekah wanted. She accepted that, and he left. Savah noted to me that she had to go and run her business, but that she sure had fun last night and that we should do it again some time. I sighed and hugged her goodbye, and she left with a spring in her step. I swear that she is going to take this too far eventually. I only hope that I have the strength to stop myself from joining her in taking it too far. The rest of the group were all snickering at me and I gave them the most disappointed look I could give them. I'd love to say that they stopped it right there, but apparently my most disappointed look is, on this world, the most humorous look in the world because even Dame Rebekah couldn't help herself from breaking out in full on laughter. They stopped after five minutes. I know. I timed them with my phone.

They finally gained their composure, Jonathan being the first, and stood back up. Dame Rebekah told me that they had all been told everything about this morning, first by Jonathan after Savah told him about her idea, and then by Savah herself, after the fact. The fact that Ameiko and Chelger were brought down was because it would be the softest hit. If they brought the Mayor or someone more serious it would have been even worse. I acknowledged that and told them that we should get ready to head out for the meeting. They all agreed and went to get their stuff. I decided that I could best use this time to get everything up to date.

I gave some final checks to make sure that everything was going the correctly, and got ready as well. We all headed out, with Jonathan chiding me by asking if I was going to go get Savah. I told him that she had a business to run, and that I wasn't going to monopolize her time like that. Dame Rebekah nodded and said that I was a very considerate boyfriend thinking like that. Faunra agreed and chimed in that it was a very noble quality. I inwardly fumed and decided that I would get them all back for this. Oh yes, I would. I could swear that at that moment, I get a flash of light in my eyes, reflected from the three dagger symbol that Jonathan had taken to wearing shortly after getting to town.

We got to The Rusty Dragon without much interference. We briefly stopped in to Ven's General Store and placed an order for more of the Borax, to be delivered to the Glassworks. Ven took me aside and confirmed everything that I had told him the night before, with the picture. I went over it again in brief while Jonathan was sneaking a kiss from Shayliss on the other side of the bar. I could swear that Ven had noticed, but said nothing. After the details were confirmed, he nodded and thanked me. He said that if this pans out, he will have a very decent source of revenue. I told him that if he can find a way to keep the fresh water safe, he could even add some flavors to it (like citrus) and I might be able to teach him another trick to create yet another product to sell. His eyes lit up and he wanted to know more about it then, but I told him that we had an important meeting with the Mayor. He said that he understood, and that he wouldn't keep us.

We were continuing on The Rusty Dragon, when I remembered something back from my times back in my home-world. I panicked and asked if anyone had thought to bring some kind of host gift? Dame Rebekah and the others tried to keep a straight face, but I actually managed to see through it. Jonathan relented and had Dame Rebekah pull out his creation from her pack. It was a fairly nicely wrapped box. He whispered to me that they were cheese blocks that were coated in chili and cinnamon spiced chocolate. I told him that his plans were worthy of a fine chef back home. He liked that. I hope that he can get to somewhere that appreciates his skill and his experimentation.

We showed up and entered The Rusty Dragon's tavern area, to see that the all of the tables had been repositioned so that it was one long table. There were four places set out for us with the other people, consisting of Ameiko, Mayor Deverin, Father Zantus, Madame Mvashti, and the New Wizard (who goes by the name Vaeren). There were also four people who were not at the Glassworks this morning, the school teacher Ilsoari Gandethus, a woman who we had never met named, Kaye Tesarani, and last two people were nobles, Ethram Valdemar, and Titus Scarnetti. Both Dame Rebekah and myself recognized the name, but couldn't mask it in time. He, of course, picked up on it, and asked if we had heard of him. Thinking fast, I remembered that there was the Scarnetti Mill in town, and that we had walked by it the first time we were being escorted around by Sheriff Belor Hemlock to deal with the mess left behind by the invasion. It wasn't a lie; we were first told about it when we passed. I just didn't make much of it. Dame Rebekah added that Sheriff Belor had taken us that way to keep suspicions down. He nodded, likely not entirely believing us, but not willing to make it a scene.

The Mayor asked us all to sit, and we did. There was some light discussion about different issues that the town was having, especially with Sheriff Belor Hemlock out of town. Titus said that the enforcement of rules had been lax since the Sheriff had left, and the Mayor told him that Sheriff Hemlock should be back any day now. I added that we had volunteered to be a presence to keep the town calm, and had let everyone who saw fit to come to the dinner that we arranged know that if there were any concerns or issues that anyone can come to any one of us and let us know. I added that I had given a rare item to Shalelu that allows us to communicate near instantly from possibly miles away, and that she was going to inform us if she saw any evidence of the goblin army that was threatened by the survivors of the raid.

Titus asked if we could be dumb enough to believe the lies of goblins. Dame Rebekah asked him if he thought that goblins were smart enough to all collaborate on a lie to try to trick humans when they were going to die anyway. He shut up after that. I added that there was some evidence that the Sczarni had a role to play in the goblins getting in anyway, and that we were going to have to investigate them after we dealt with the goblin army that was massing and preparing to attack. Indignantly (I think I struck a nerve there), he demanded to know what we were actually doing to stop this attack. Faunra told him that we had found the second of the three entry points that the goblins had used to get into the town, killed the goblins, and secured it so that they could not get in without us knowing. He scoffed, and said likely story. He said that we were likely just conning this town out of money, vagrants that we were. Dame Rebekah about crushed the goblet that she was holding, and I could feel the aetheric energy gathering around Jonathan. I also knew that I wouldn't be able to defuse the situation, as my hand had reflexively moved to my pistol.

I believe that Father Zantus knew what the situation would devolve into, and asked for some peace before we talk any further. Everyone got quiet and went off into different areas of the tavern to talk amongst themselves. Titus was quiet and sullen, listening to Ethram try to get him to calm down and get back to the table. Ameiko dipped into the bar and got some bottles of Turandarok Cider, with apologies that we were being forced to sit through this. I asked Faunra if she'd do me the solid of recreating what I had showed her the night in the round room. She looked a bit out of sorts before I pointed to the ciders a second time. She cast a Prestidigitation spell to change the taste, smell, texture, and temperature. I told Ameiko that she had left before she had a chance to try this.

Like a hawk swooping down on prey, the woman named Kaye came over and asked what it was Ameiko was trying. Faunra explained that she had used a prestidigitation spell to change the drink to something that I had showed them the night before. Kaye asked if she could try it, and I sacrificed mine so that she could. Ameiko just got me a regular cider, and Faunra quickly modified it to be like the others. We all drank at the same time, and both Ameiko and Kaye loved it. I should hope so, honestly. It was one of the best types of hot chocolate one could get back home. Kaye asked if it was possible to reproduce this non-magically. I told her that with a talented chef, like Jonathan, and the right ingredients, you could.

Titus still had not cooled down by this point, but since the rules were that you had to at least bring up everything that had been called to mention in the opening address, Mayor Deverin got through most of the issues with the expected low level acrimony of political rivals trying to pretend to be "working together". When the subject of the armor came up, I tried to table it almost immediately. Titus looked at me and asked if I wasn't confident in my product. I answered that I was confident, as it had passed every test that my group and an outside contractor put it to. Vaeren chimed in that he had subjected it to every form of damaging spell that he could and it was better than steel in most ways. He mentioned that it might have an issue with sonic attacks, being of mineral construction, but that he could not tell from what he had tried.

I corrected him that it was a metalloid, but that wasn't the point. I pointed out that it was as strong as steel, but much more flexible and lighter. Titus cynically stated that if he wanted, he could already get Mithril if he wanted lighter armor. He followed up with a question asking, why bother with this "metalloid". I didn't even bother to ask him, but I turned to Vaeren and asked him if Mithril armor could be produced in a day without high powered magic. Vaeren told me that he wasn't of such a level that he could product such Armor from the raw materials with magic. The head masters of his Twilight Academy might be able to, but there was a pretty hefty cost to get them to do anything. I thanked him for his input. I turned to Ilsoari and asked him if he knew of where one could get Mithril in this country. He told me that Janderhoff was the only place that he knew of, but that the dwarves kept all of the Mithril to themselves.

I didn't know that key aspect of Varisia, but it would be useful later, doubtlessly. I looked to everyone else, and posed it directly to them. What we have here is something stronger than steel, that seems to react to forces at least as well, if not better, than steel, and a suit of armor can be created in less than a day, from raw materials to finished product. Something that has the ability to be modified at creation to be however reinforced it needs to be, but also, something that no other town or city on this world has. I looked around to our resident scholars, with none of them countering my claims. Titus wasn't moved and the rest of the town council were a bit skittish about voting against them. Every one of the voting council members broke off with an opportunity to ask any of the people who might know anything questions. I hated this kind of thing. None of us is as stupid as all of us.

Ethram came up to me and quietly told me that the power dynamic confusion that had happened since Lonjiku had died would cause him to support Titus today, and vote no. He told me that he believed in what I had, having talked to Father Zantus and Vaeren about what they witnessed, but that no town funds would be expended at this time. I thanked him for being honest, and realized that this was about the town BUYING armors, not whether or not we could make them. I almost ran over to a wall and slammed my head into it. This is about upgrading their troops, not whether the business would be allowed to continue. Ameiko probably has some kind of priori exemption for being the family member of a founder. She can do whatever she wants with her property. Kaye came up to me and thanked me for the experience earlier. I remembered that she was talking about the cocoa, and told her that she should thank Faunra, as it was her magic that allowed it to happen. She thanked me anyway, and said that she would be voting against Scarnetti, but that she might be the only one. She whispered to me that yes, rumor was that the Scarnettis were in fact connected to the Sczarnis but that there wasn't any proof anywhere. I nodded, and thanked her for her support.

Father Zantus was the next to approach me, and he had his head down. I told that that he should vote however he has to vote to preserve the peace. He looked at me oddly, and I told him that I wasn't all that concerned with the town buying the armor for their guard because if push came to shove, we could try again later. If he was still planning on using church funds to get it done, he'd have to talk to Savah about it. And, if push came to shove, we could try to find a way to make it at cost and ramp up production should an emergency happen and just have the Mayor purchase them all at that time. He nodded and said that there was a bit of the trickster in me, and I told him that I was just trying to do things how the All-Father would. He smiled and went on to talk to others.

Ilsoari came up to me next, and I could just tell that he was full of questions. He asked me where I had discovered this material, if he could know how it was made, and where more of it could be gotten. I told him that the recipe would reside in this town long after I leave, but that I had already given it jointly to two different people. They would both have to agree to me giving it to someone else. He smiled at that, and said that this was a good idea. He said that he liked the look of the armor, even though he himself could not wear it. I told him that if he had any exceptionally bright students that he thought could handle learning multiple trades, that I could try and get them up to speed. He asked what trades, and I told him that I would get with him later after the vote, depending on how the vote went. He smiled and left.

Ameiko came up to me after Father Zantus and had a sad look on her face. I asked her why she was upset. She told me that she hated to see that something that I had created, and that all of the people who had witnessed it had believed in it was not going to be supported. I guessed that she was going to vote no, and she confirmed, saying that she was too new to be rocking the vote from what her father would have voted. I asked her if she was going to ask us to vacate the Glassworks. She told me no. I asked her if she was going to stop us from using the Glassworks while we were there. She said of course not. Then I said that we can still make the armor. If the town doesn't buy it, I'm sure that someone else will. And if worst comes to worst, we can always let the town borrow it during emergencies. The main issue is that it won't be carefully tailored for each individual person. I finished by saying that as far as I understood, that this was just for funding the fabrication of the armor for the town guard. If we don't get that contract, we just continue on. She told me that even though Savah likes us, our credit will run out eventually. I told her then we will just have to find a way to make more money with a smile.

Titus of all people came up to me next. He told me that he'd vote yes if he could have the right to make his own suits of armor by himself. I told him that the formulas and recipes for this were owned by two natives of this town jointly, and that he should approach them. He asked if I would tell him who they were. I answered him that I would not. He didn't take kindly to that.

The Mayor was the last person to come up to me. She said that it was all but certain to fail, but that the vote would have to go through anyway. I looked her in the eye and said that if the only issue is the funding, that I'll find a way to fix that problem. It might take a while, but I had to look for money to get home anyway. Finding more shouldn't be too much of an issue. She smiled when she heard that, and mutter such is the way of adventurers. She called the meeting back to order for the final vote. Everyone sat down and the voting progressed.

The vote wasn't yes, by any means. For an expenditure that high, they would have needed at least five yes votes. Four for it to be tabled for reconsideration next meeting. We got three. Ilsoari, Kaye, and the Mayor. I nodded and thanked the council for their time. I bid them all good day and good luck in their lawful endeavors, with a sly grin towards Titus, and got the group up to leave. Ameiko got up and told me that Vaeren would be in town for a few more days, and would like to talk to me later if at all possible. I told her she and Savah would have to discuss how much information I would be allowed to tell him. She was puzzled, and I reminded her that I had given her and Savah joint ownership of the process for production purposes. I smiled when I told her that if I wasn't making armor for myself, my party, or for one of the joint owners specifically, we'd have to come to an agreement about how to recompense me for my time. She smiled at that and said that she was sure that Savah could think of something. I gasped in shock as she said it loud enough for Kaye to hear. She gave me a wink and said that a few of the more agreeable folks would be back to see the final product.

By the time we made our way back to the Glassworks, the shops were all closed and the market was empty. It had been over six hours since we left, and we were all a bit worn from seemingly high stakes political theater. There was a note on the door, that had to have been left by a messenger. Shame that we didn't have a mail box. Oh- next thing to suggest to people, maybe Jaspar would be willing to suggest the idea. Somehow I doubt that Titus would approve of anything that Jaspar suggested anyway. Mail slots might be a better suggestion. The note was from Cyrdak, asking us to drop by the Cracktooth later, since he wanted to discuss the next play that he was writing, and the suggestions that we had given to him after the first play. I relayed this to the rest of the group, and they asked if they needed to be in the formal attire that they were in for the first play. I remembered that there was no play tonight, so we didn't need to worry, just standard tavern attire should suffice. Jonathan asked if he should invite Shayliss, and I said that he might want to take that up with Ven, but if he balked, tell him that it might be good for him to have someone looking out for his interests when I talk to Cyrdak about things that he is making. Jonathan nodded, and looked to find something halfway decent in what he could wear. I told Dame Rebekah that if she wanted Chelger to join with us, that she should probably get a messenger to send for him. Dame Rebekah told me that she would go tell him herself, but that she wanted to make sure that Faunra's armor was sufficient before heading out. I thanked her for her level headedness, and went back to the oven area.

Faunra's armor was fully set, and I asked her to try on the base layer to see if she could cast her spells without issue. She started to right in front of us and me and Dame Rebekah turned around quickly. Faunra asked why we had a problem with her changing, and Dame Rebekah said that she didn't have to strip down all the way. I concurred, and said that I had not verified what this material does on direct prolonged skin contact. Faunra sighed, and put some close back on and put the base layer of armor on as well. She tried casting a simple cantrip a few times and didn't see any interaction. I added the arm components, and asked her to try again. Again, no issue with the casting. I tried for the breastplate, and there was still no issue. I tried to add on the Faulds and cutlet, but the armor interfered with her casting the first time. I had her take off the Faulds and Cutlet, and she had no problems. I couldn't figure it out, as it should not have been in any way influencing her spellcasting, but there it was. Faunra thanked me for the armor and said that she would just have to go without the extra parts for now. She added that maybe when her skill was better, she could offset the issue of the added armor. Her symbol was prominently mounted over her heart and she appreciated that. The black, silver and green marbling seemed to radiate from it like lines of power. She said that this was much more comfortable than her chain shirt, and said that we could probably give that Savah to help offset the cost of the materials.

"Did someone say my name?", Savah asked as she peeked around the corner. Jonathan had let her and a few others in and told them to head on back. He was apparently busy with something. Savah was here after finishing up her work day, and Ameiko, Vaeren, Ilsoari, and Kaye were all here to see the unveiling of the next armor. Savah rushed up to me and whispered just loud enough for everything to hear that she had something secret for me. I asked Savah how her day went, trying to change the subject, and she told me that it was a fairly profitable one. It seems that she has already sold Dame Rebekah's old armor for quite a hefty price. Apparently labelling it the armor of a goblin slayer seemed to make it a bit more valuable. It was then that I remembered the last bit of the armor that I had made today, and fished out the shield that I had tried to set up for Dame Rebekah. She strapped it on, over her armor and said that it felt really light. I told her that I didn't know if that would help or if it would just make things worse and she asked for a trial run of it. Faunra, quick as a whip, launched one of her obsidian tipped arrows at it, and the arrow shattered.

Ilsoari asked to take a look at it quickly, and Dame Rebekah took off the shield to allow him to do so. He made some preliminary observations about it. He said that this wasn't magical, that it wasn't constructed using any more magic than was the natural magic of the living steel, and that this was some kind of combination of materials that were alchemically mixed together to get the properties that were desired. I told him that these were really good guesses and asked him if he had ever heard of anything similar. He said that the only thing that he knew of that could make materials like this that fast was over in Numeria, where the Technic League were. I asked if he had any more information about them. He told me that he didn't but that Chask at the curious goblin might. I noted that I would have to look into this more. Hearing something once is an off handed remark, twice begins to strain credulity. If there is a third time that it is brought up, I want to know enough about it to not be in the dark.

Dame Rebekah snapped me out of my think-hole by noting that there was not a lot of mass associated with the shield, and that she might need a bit more strapping to make it stick in place better against the heavier attacks. I asked if it would be better to be strapped to her armor or just more straps. She said that she wasn't comfortable with her shield being connected directly to the armor just yet. I acknowledged her concerns and I grabbed another pair of straps and attached them to the shield with the alchemical glue that was left from Faunra's armor. Her shield would now have a handle, and three straps. We left the shield to set and said that she would try it again after it dried. Ilsoari, Vaeren, and Ameiko all spent some time looking at Faunra's armor and Dame Rebekah's shield up close, looking for defects or weaknesses.

I looked over to Savah and she came right over. I whispered to her that it looked like she would have a few more "Goblin Slayer" items to sell in a day or so. She smiled, and asked me if there was anything I wanted to ask her. I was a bit lost, until Dame Rebekah tried to subtly motion towards one of her teeth. I looked back at Savah and asked if she wanted to go to the Cracktooth tonight with us. She sighed and smiled. Of course, she said, but she asked if she would have to get dressed like she did for the date Fireday. Ameiko gave me a side-glace, and I told her no, that this is just a meeting with Cyrdak and Jesk, about things that we had discussed at the last meeting. She was kind of disheartened, but perked up when she said that I would owe her a real date later. I stammered for a minute and Faunra "came to my aid", saying of course. Dame Rebekah noted to both Ilsoari and Vaeren that I can be a bit scatter-minded when it doesn't come to "science" things. Vaeren shot me another look that was as if to say, we will need to talk later. I told the three observers that we would have to wrap things up today, but that we should be trying for two suits tomorrow. If Ilsoari wanted to bring some of his students for a field trip, they could watch how it was made, if they can promise to stay safe that is. Vaeren asked why I was willing to share the process with children but not with him.

I looked at him and said that they would get to see as much as he did, and that he was invited back tomorrow if he wanted and didn't upset Ameiko or me before then. I added that I didn't believe in hiding away the wonder of discovery from children. He gave me another one of "those looks" and apologized. He said that he would come back tomorrow and that he wanted to thank me for sharing discovery with him. Ilsoari said that he would think about it, and asked what time would be best. I started to say a time but Savah said that it might be best to get here an hour or so dawn, as we might be sleeping in, with a wink. I sheepishly agreed, Ameiko pulled me aside for a minute and quietly asked if I was sure that she was pretending. I quietly responded that I didn't know anymore, but that I didn't have a rabbit for her to kill and cook into dinner. She obviously wouldn't get that reference, so I added that the rest of my group were stronger and much more defensible than I, so if anyone was the weakest link for a stalker to attack, it would be me. Ameiko told me that she would look out for me if however, she could, because she felt that a part of it was on her. I thanked her, and said that I am sure I had my fair share of blame. Ameiko then left and escorted Ilsoari and Vaeren back out to her Inn. I decided to get everything updated in my before we headed out, so that I wouldn't have to remember as much.

I had politely requested that Faunra stay in her new armor, and Dame Rebekah stay in hers. I told them the reason was twofold, that we would be looking the part of being the town security, something that Titus had signaled was something that he had noticed, and we would be showing off the armor that any of the witnesses could say was made not by magic but by some other method, and it would be a further dent to Titus' claims. By the time we needed to head out for the Cracktooth, Dame Rebekah's new shield was ready, and she strapped it on as well. It was strong and self-repairing, and it had the holy symbol of her deity emblazoned on it, with a background of green, black, and silver. I normally tried to not work in other faith's holy symbols, but both Dame Rebekah and Faunra had said that I did a sufficient job as to not be dishonoring them. I was in my fine quality (but much less fine than the other two's) studded leather armor, with my weapons sheathed about me. I had my rifle handing from its sling, and my pistol on my hip. We certainly looked like we were going to a war. Savah was right on my hip, wearing her fine quality chain shirt, with her regular weapons on her a well. If anyone asked, we could say that she was volunteering as a temporary deputy. I doubted that anyone would ask though.

I made sure that all of the doors were locked and that the papers were all locked up before we left. Jonathan told me that he had even checked the skylights, which was something that I had not even thought of. Jonathan asked if we needed a host gift for this circumstance. I told him likely not, as we were being invited to someone else's tavern, not Cyrdak's house. As we made our way through town, several people noted the high quality and exotic looks of Faunra's and Dame Rebekah's defensive gear. We stopped to get Shayliss and Ven cautioned us about any funny business. I told him that she should be safe with us. He nodded and got back to work making his desalination plant. He was one profit focused man. It was shortly thereafter that Chelger caught up with us. He stood there slack-jawed staring at both Faunra and Dame Rebekah. I heard Dame Rebekah clear her throat and he came back to reality. He could only claim that as a priest of the goddess of beauty, that he shouldn't pass up an opportunity to gaze appreciatively at the beauty of the creations before him. I'm not sure if it was a slick recovery, but Faunra laughed it off and Dame Rebekah took him by the arm, dragging him along. By now our motley group was seven deep and we were heading towards a tavern in either full armor (for those of us who had any inkling of a life that might contain some hostility, ecclesial robes, or the shop wear of a General Store daughter (though perhaps slightly a little bit more risqué than normal). I don't think anyone would have wanted to mess with us at this point, and even the alleyways were a little bit brighter as we passed. That might have just been my flashlight illuminating them, but I can keep the dream, can't I?

Cracktooth's Tavern was already fairly full when the eponymously named bartender noticed us coming in and jerked his head in the same direction as last time. We all filed in and made our way to the fairly secure and private booth. We all made it there and there were some drinks coming in as soon as we sat down. I had made the forethought to get my fill of liquids with the water from my pack so that I would be less inclined to drink more. Didn't need a repeat of Fireday night. Savah was, as to be expected, right next to me, next was Jonathan and Shayliss, followed quickly thereafter with Dame Rebekah and Chelger, and finally Faunra. After Faunra, Cyrdak, Jaspar, and an empty chair, which was later filled by Cracktooth himself. We all got our drinks, and the attendant brought us out a covered bowl. They removed the lid and it was popped corn. I laughed at it in joy and asked everyone to try a bit. Everyone tried one piece and said that it was fairly bland. I nodded and said that most people, where I was from, drizzled it with a bit of butter and salt. I asked the attendant to bring a tiny bit of cooking oil out, as it would be cheaper to show it with magic. They were confused, but went and got it. Cracktooth came back with them and sat in the empty seat.

I got the oil, and asked Faunra to make it taste like butter with fair amount of salt. She did, and I dipped a piece of popcorn in it. It tasted just like that Double Butter popped corn. I drizzled the oil over it all, and asked Faunra how long the flavor would last. She told me an hour, so I suggested that everyone dig in. They all tried it and Cracktooth asked why I didn't just use water or ale to change the taste. I told him that watery things caused the popped corn to shrink away, but that oily things like cooking oil and butter didn't. I told him that Jonathan could probably explain better than me, but that could be later. I asked them both if this was an indication of them trying to set up the things that I can talked to them about.

They said that they would need to think about it further, and that Cyrdak didn't have any room to have someone busking inside his theater during shows. Before I could even ask, Faunra had a sheet of paper out for me. She is at least as smart as me, if not smarter. I quickly drew up a standard three side sketch of a cheap and easy popcorn cart that could be wheeled over to the back of the Tavern to load it up, and then over to the Theater to sell. If there was extra, I told them that they might be able to sell it to the fishers for bait, carp apparently love it back where I am from. Jesk nodded in appreciation for the fact that I had already thought about making back for lost sales. Cyrdak stopped me there and asked where Faunra and Dame Rebekah had gotten their enchanted armor. Savah told him that I had designed and built it without magic. Dame Rebekah and Faunra confirmed this. Cyrdak couldn't believe this, and cast a spell that I had seen cast before. It was Detect Magic, and I was quite sure that he was amazed by the distinct lack of magical auras among us.

Jesk got us back on target saying that he could see that the wooden parts of the cart could be done with the carpenter's guild fairly easily, but that the glass would have to come from the Glassworks. I told them that they should talk to Ameiko about that, but that there were some panes that they could probably get from her for a good price that were not connected to any existing orders. He nodded and there was a knock at the door. An attendant had brought in their version of fondue with fried fish, fries, and bits of fried bits of bread. I congratulated him on his ingenuity in modifying what we had showed him. Jesk told us that he tried to get this off the ground, but that people just were not buying it. Jonathan offered that we could be seen eating it with some friends in a non-private booth, and enjoying it, because it certainly looked enjoyable, but that it might be a thing for tables rather than bar food, unless you shrunk it down for smaller groups.

Jesk acknowledged that and said that he might have to get smaller pots made. Jonathan told him that he could use a double boiler to make larger quantities, kept over a low heat to not cause it to burn or separate, and then dole out the amount needed for the amount of servings ordered. Jesk thoughtfully chewed it over while eating a bit of dipped drunkfish. He went to dip a second time with the same piece of food, and I told him that it wasn't really polite to dip a second time after having bit off a section. Jonathan told him that spoons might be good, or frying up smaller pieces and having more of them can work as well. He thought for a minute and realized that they would cook faster and he could use more meat from the fish or pieces of the potato.

Cyrdak chimed in about the armor again, and asked if Faunra had any problem casting in it. She said it was perfectly okay until she tried adding the Faulds and Cutlet. He thought about that and asked if we were selling it. I looked to Savah, and told him that he would have to go through her. She added that there was some tailoring that would need to be done, but that when it came time for his suit to be made, that it would only take about a day or two to make, from start to finish. His jaw dropped to the floor. He asked if there was a price associated with it yet. She said that she would be able to get back to him on that, but that it was definitely less than the for the same suit of armor made from Mithril. Both him and Jaspar were taken aback with that. I added that there were a few people who had placed orders before him. Savah continued that we would have to find out what their need time table was and get back to him on the timeframe that it would take to get his done.

All of this was a bit incredulous for both Jaspar and Cyrdak, and Jaspar asked to check out Dame Rebekah's shield. She gladly offered the paladin the shield to check out, and he was simply amazed at the weight and strength of the material. He commented that it looked like marbled stone, but appeared to be made of veins of metal and stone. I told him that the fabrication is a secret owned by two people in this town, but that I was sure that they would be willing to make the armor for others. He nodded, just mystified by the shield. He asked about the extra straps, and I noted that the shield was strong, but that the shield was a bit too light to have the mass behind it for heavier blows, as noted by Dame Rebekah. The extra straps helped reinforce it from twisting under load.

Jaspar nodded sagely to that, and said that this was a fine shield, and it was clearly suited for those who were wielding it. Jaspar asked if this was the only configuration that could be dome for the armor. I told him that it could be made into something resembling a set of full-plate for enough money. Dame Rebekah and Jaspar were both a bit shocked. I added that it would probably take about a week for something like that though, and a lot more planning. Savah added that I would likely have to work really in depth with an armorer to get something like that set up. A lot of time spent going over things and getting deep into the research of what needed to be looked into. I just smiled and hugged her closer. I hoped this was all for the benefit of passing along the rumors.

Shayliss cleared her throat, and I remembered why I had suggested that she come here with us. I told Jesk that Ven was working on some other things that might be able to be included in the theater cart, or that they might be able to get sea salt at a decent price from him, you know, for the buttered popcorn. Shayliss picked up from there, acting every bit like her father in the talking up of his goods, and getting proposed deals out of the way. Savah just nestled up next to me as she tried to feed me chees dipped fried fish. I took the hint and started to feed her the same. She giggled a bit when my aim wasn't as good as hers, but we both did fairly well. I was trying to split my attention between her and the ongoing conversation, but she was monopolizing it fairly well. The conversation about the refreshment stand finished up with both sides making little accommodations, but the deals turning out to be mutually beneficial anyway. Maybe my wedding gift to Shayliss could be a business suit. She could certainly use one for the way she negotiates.

With everything else done, Cyrdak brought up the issue of his upcoming play and my part in it. He told me that he had changed his mind about the play. I thanked him for letting me know and that I didn't feel bad about being cut from it. Oh no, it wasn't that. He wanted all of the group in it. He needed to get a feel for how each of us would best be used for it, so he'd need to do a brief interview to see our capabilities. Tomorrow would be best, if we could handle it. The theater would be showcasing some local talent for the next two nights, a comedy routine tomorrow night and a poetry reading the following night, Savah whispered ooh, let's go to the comedy one, and then on Fireday he would start up a reprise of "The Harpy's Curse". Apparently, people were so happy with it, and the cast loved the applause opening night so much that they asked to do a repeat performance the next Fireday.

I looked to the group and said that if we were in town, we'd try to make the final showing. Cyrdak nodded and thanked us for patronizing his establishment. Savah looked at me with the we'll be talking about this later, but didn't say anything. Cyrdak continued with telling us that it afforded him the opportunity to look through his available plays after giving us a review to find roles that we would fit perfectly. I thanked him for the group and said that we would likely be able to drop by tomorrow morning, or maybe afternoon. He accepted that and the group continued with light conversation for a little while.

Cyrdak and Jaspar decided that they were going to retire, and bid us all a good night, and Jesk asked if we could do him the solid of getting a table for at least a little while to try to drum up some business for the fondue sales. I was okay with it, as long as everyone else was. Faunra mentioned that she had some research to do back at the Glassworks, and I handed her the keys. I noted to myself that it might be good to get Ameiko's permission to make extra keys for the front door, just to make it easier to arrange people coming and going. Jesk left to go to the bar, and we all waited for a minute until an attendant came to get the dishes from us. I asked what the damage was. They didn't understand the colloquialism, so I asked how much it was for the food and everything. The attendant told us that Jesk had covered us for this and any other reasonable expenses for the night.

I told the attendant to give him our thanks. Before the attendant could leave, I pressed a gold piece into their hands and thanked them for their already and continued service for the night. The attendant spared it a glance, smiled, and accepted our thanks. He came back and escorted us to a great table with a good view of the stage. Jesk saw that the attendant led us to our table, and announced that the heroes of Sandpoint would be given the honor of choosing the two tiles for the evening's performances. I asked him what we could choose from, and pointed to a stained wooden keg full of wooden chits. He told me that they had various words written on them. We were to pick two and anyone who wanted to perform would have to do acts based on those two chits. I asked the group if they wanted to pick, and they shrugged and told me to go ahead and pick. The first one I picked was Goblins. Go figure, a common enough thing that this area deals with. I prayed that it would not be adventurers or anything like that. I saw the first letter and started to panic, before noticing the rest. I yelled out Aristocrats. Jesk smiled and said that this might be an amusing combination.

The first couple of skits dealt with goblins harassing, attacking or otherwise being hateful towards aristocrats. Each was a bit more of the same. We were all feeding each other the fried potatoes and fish dipped in cheese. We were trying to ham up how much fun and enjoyable it was, and some people were starting to look in interest at it. It seemed like more couples were interested in it than singles, but I would think that this was to be expected. Jesk invited the group up onto the stage to perform after a string of all the sameish performances. I initially declined, but he and the group insisted. I think that they had all drank a bit too much that night, like that Fireday night. I told Jesk that we would, but that we needed to get idea for the performance hedged out between us before we started. Jesk accepted and said we had five minutes.

The crowd was thumping their tables a bit as the time went on, I asked the group what we should do to differentiate ourselves from the rest. Jonathan perked up that the way I drew the tiles was goblins Then Aristocrats. What if we did a shirt skit about goblin aristocrats. I said that we'd all have to be on our knees for the height difference, Savah said, ooh, that's an idea for later. I looked at her and said shush you with a smile. She winked back. We hashed out a quick plan in two minutes and started to head towards the stage. The three of us, Dame Rebekah, Jonathan, and I, would do the roles of the goblin nobles, while Chelger, Shayliss, and Savah would be playing the roles of the humans who encounter us. We got our best goblin voices ready and when the timer was up, we dropped to our knees and started performing. It was a mostly nonsensical musical number that we adapted from the way we had heard goblins sing the day of the raid. We talked about how I couldn't be the chief, because I wasn't as big as Big Gugmurt, but that if I kept eating I could be, how Jonathan was trying to steel food from another noble, and how Dame Rebekah was trying to get her family the best shineys. And how we all wanted to steal the yum-yum sauce from the tribe's Missing Fang food shed. It was mostly a comedy of errors with a lot of slapstick involved. We each ended up tripping over each other, with our overly elaborate, but at the same time crudely simplistic, plans until the adventurers, played by Shayliss, Savah, and Chelger showed up to stop our dastardly plans with a little slapstick combat.

It certainly wasn't my best performance. Comedy certainly wasn't my thing, storytelling is. Dame Rebekah and Jonathan both shined coming out of it. Our group didn't end up winning, as there are some very talented bards in this town, but we didn't do the worst either. We went back to our table and enjoyed a bit more expressive and amusing performances where people honed and bettered our idea. We also showed off the fun that we were having and a few individual couples looked to be talking to the servers after watching us for a bit. I even noticed some of them getting the fondue afterwards. It was a good night, and we enjoyed it all a fair amount. We ended the night by dropping by Jesk at the bar and thanking him for showing us such a good time. He said that it there was nothing to it. I told him that if he wanted to look at something really special, that might be REALLY costly, I could give him another idea, but it would be best to market it all together as a romantic night for couples.

Chelger said that the Winter Solstice was a good time for that, as it is also the Holiday of Crystalhue, a Shelynite holiday celebrating romantic courtships among other things. I joked that if I was still here at the Winter Solstice, that I would be out of a job back home. Everyone was a bit confused, and I said that I would explain it better when I wasn't drunk. They nodded and I told Jesk that I would talk to him again later. He smiled and said that he hoped we all had good nights. I told him that we all had, he winked and said no, from here on out. Savah grabbed my arm tighter.

We headed home, me the mostly sober one, and everyone else varying degrees of tipsy. There were not any problems, as the people saw some well-armed and armored individuals escorting a couple of other people home. Most of the people knew us as honorary, if not actual, town watch members, so we got asked to help with minor things, that we dealt with without much issue. Nothing involving combat in any event. One of the fellow watch men asked us if we knew when Sheriff Belor would be back. Dame Rebekah sobered up a bit and asked if there were issues that needed to be dealt with that needed us. The watchman told us no, but that the Scarnettis were putting pressure on him and other watchmen to denounce us. He told us that he remembered how we had worked to save the people, and that he had even been told by the mayor that we discovered how two of the three groups of goblins had gotten in. He informed us that the third looked to have gotten in concealed under a hay wagon's load without us even asking. We did inquire of him if he knew who was driving that wagon. He said that they didn't find out. I sighed, and hoped inwardly that it was Tsuto, even if in a disguise. I didn't need another coconspirator to add to my wall chart. Yes, I have a wall chart. It's in the room he was using as a bedroom. Don't judge me. It helps me keep things straight. The watch man thanked us and bid us good night. He asked if we were still staying at The Rusty Dragon. I told him that no, we were now renovating the Sandpoint Glassworks, and that he should take to Savah sometime in the future if he wanted to get a set of armor like Dame Rebekah's, who was showing off her armor and shield, at a deep discount. Savah smiled at the watch man and confirmed that she'd offer any of the watch discounts on these new armors, and that the watch members always got discounts at her store. The watch man smiled and bid us all good night again.

We got to the intersection of Main Street and Sand Street, and Jonathan dropped off Shayliss. She kissed him on the cheek, and rushed inside. We got to the Glassworks and knocked on the door. Faunra opened it up and waited for us all to come inside before locking up behind us and escorting us to the meeting room. We had all decided that this would be our new break room, since were looking at reconfiguring the break room to allow for more bedrooms. She told us that since she was fairly sneaky, she left the bar and tried to keep an eye out on the streets. She said that she heard word that unless Belor comes back in the next two days, Titus is going to push for an emergency election, because the Mayor isn't acting in the town's best interest by having us be deputized. I sighed, and said that I knew that he was going to be a problem. Dame Rebekah told her what the watch man had told us. I added what the Mill manager had told us the night me and Dame Rebekah encountered him at the mill.

Savah noted that we didn't have enough to actually make a move against a Noble, even if the town disliked him and it was common knowledge that he supported the criminal Sczarni gang. I asked her and Chelger if they thought that there was any chance that one of the Sczarni would provide evidence against him if they were caught and due to be punished. They both shook their heads no. I asked if Faunra had tried to get in contact with Shalelu yet to update her on this development. She told me that she couldn't raise her on the radio, but that she was willing to try to head up to the top of the wall or The Old Light to get in contact with her. I asked if everyone thought it was a good idea. Jonathan and Dame Rebekah were okay with it, so I told her to just be careful. She nodded and said that she would. I got her a fresh radio and a spare battery. I told her that I would have one on in here, and that she could probably expect us to hear it if she was within two miles, that the buildings might obstruct it. Jonathan said that he would listen to it after he got his rest. Dame Rebekah volunteered to stay up until he got his sleep, but I told her to go ahead and get some rest. Savah and I would stay up and keep an ear out for the radio. I told them that I would try to think of a way that we can get the range to be better on the radios. I said that I had an idea but that that we might end up losing two radios to do it. They nodded and thanked me for thinking about it. I wished everyone a good night and that we would get them up if anything happened.

Savah and I were in the new break room, waiting for any radio calls to come in, and drinking a little since we were back safe. I pulled out my tablet and started writing down my notes into the file that I had been keeping, updating today's results of the council meeting and everything there-after. Savah pushed her way onto my lap and sat down while I was writing everything out. She would occasionally give me pointers when I would ask her if I got stuck on a point. It was about two and a half hours before I got finished putting everything in, with Savah getting up to get us drink every now and then. Jonathan was just getting up when I saved the file and locked my tablet.

Jonathan had gotten fully equipped out for anything that might come up by the time I was done closing out my tablet, and I asked him to get me up if anything happened. Savah noted to Jonathan, get us up, and I just sighed. It was going to be another one of those nights. I went to go change in the equipment storage room and noticed that there was a package with my name on it. I opened it up and it was a fine set of satiny clothes, somewhat similar to a monk's outfit in a light gray color. I had a rough idea of how much this might cost and I was a bit upset that Savah had spent this much on me. The set was complete with a set of sandals.

I put everything on, because I knew that like in most everything else, she just wouldn't take no for an answer, and because the set was really fuckin' comfortable. Again, don't judge me. Screw it, Judge me. I don't care with this. I love a good set of pajama's. I got out of the storage room and was face to face with Savah. She smiled and asked me how I liked them. I told her the truth. I told her that I loved them. I told her that I wished that she had not spent that much on me though. She told me that it was a good way to keep the ruse going, that she had to head to Rynshinn anyway to get more cotton for the sets of armor tomorrow, and Rynshinn already had my measurements on hand and had something that would fit. I had thought to myself that I was glad to know that Rynshinn kept such detailed records. It makes things easier later, if I ever need a replacement of clothes. I thanked her again for these great clothes. Savah smiled and said it wasn't an issue, and that she was sure that I would figure out a way to make it up to her, later.

Savah made her way into the equipment storage room, maybe I'll abbreviate it as ESR, and said that she might be a little while. that if I wanted I could head on down to the round room and wait for her. I told her that I could wait if she wanted, but she just sent me ahead and asked me to please bring down a bottle or two of Turandarok Cider. I conceded and went to the pantry, filling up a pair of bottles from a keg and started heading through the break room to get down stairs. Jonathan was there and he noted what I was wearing. He gave me a questioning eye, and went to ask the question. I told him that it was a gift from Savah, and that I think he knew how Savah was. He nodded and gave me a knowing smile. I asked him if he could hold off on telling Dame Rebekah before I had a chance to ask her a couple of questions. He said that he'd consider it, but that he likely would keep it between us for now.

I made my way down into the round room, my flashlight in one hand and the two bottles of cider in the other, my way forward lit with the flashlight. I stopped for a minute to notice the changes to the Runelord statue when I got to it. Whoever had been working on it was really making good progress. It was still likely a very slow endeavor, but there were definitive steps made and it still looked like the shavings of the statue were nowhere to be found. I would guess that prestidigitation could take care of that easily enough. I silently commended the progress and how the clothing was starting to change into a set of what looked to be studded leather armor. I shrugged and continued on to the round room.

The room had been set up with the big bedroll already opened and Savah already in it. I guess that she had snuck down here while I was talking with Jonathan and getting the cider. She wasn't wearing the night clothes that she had worn the first night she was in this room with me. She was wearing something that a lot like mine, but tailored much more for her figure. She beckoned me to the bed and I sighed and jumped off into the room towards the bed. She smiled as she saw me glide through the air towards her. I would have to say that an onlooker might say that it looked fairly dashing. Like something out of a harlequin novel or something similar, pity that whoever might have been looking on at that time would be let down by the lack of action later.

As far as I recall, we spent the little time that we stayed up laughing and joking about how everyone reacted to the skit that we did, and how no one had even thought to do that bit until we did it. She laughed when I told her how much we pissed off Titus, and how he knew that he couldn't make any overt threats against us because we were currently the town watch. She smiled when she heard how Ameiko loved the taste of the drink that I had shown all of them before, but got a bit concerned when she found out that Kaye was there. She didn't tell me why and I didn't bring it up, other than to point out that she told me that she was voting for Savah to get the guard contract just to spite Scarnetti. I left Kaye out of the conversation after that, and we talked about how if this armor hit it big that she would have quite the thing on her hands. I told her that I was proud for her, and that I was glad that things were a lot simpler on this world. Then she laid the bomb on me. She asked if I would be willing to consider staying with her if I couldn't make it back.

I sighed, and tried to be completely honest with her, without exaggeration or holding anything back. I told her that if I couldn't make it home, for one reason or another, that I would be torn inside. That I did want to get back to my family, even if it took a while. That if I found that I really could not make it home, be it that it was an impossibility, or that the trip was one-way, or that I would end up bringing destruction back with me in some way, or some disease, or whatever reason, I would be crushed. I told her that it would be at that point that I would need people the most of all here. I hoped that she could be the one that I would turn to, along with the people that I am working with. I told her that I didn't want her sacrificing herself for me, because if I did end up making it back, I didn't want her to have wasting her life waiting for something that might not happen.

I think she might have been moved by that, because she nodded and just hugged me for a while. We laid there in silence for a long time before she asked if I thought that she wasn't good enough for me. I lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eyes. She had been crying. I told her that what she said is the farthest thing from the truth. I told her that she deserved better than me, and that was why I didn't want to tie her down with something that might not go anywhere. I told her that I would be glad to be in her life if that ended up being the case, after I dealt with the hang-ups that I would have, and that I was glad to be in her life in whatever way we were now, but that I didn't want to hurt her in any way. She hugged me and stopped crying and asked me if the reason why I wasn't pursuing anything physical with her was because I was being loyal to my wife. I told her yes, that some of the things that had been done had made me uncomfortable, but that I didn't think they were that bad, just really borderline.

She asked me if I wanted her to leave. I told her that no, that I didn't want her to leave, that I really was enjoying my time with her. If she felt that she needed to stop, or push me away, then I wouldn't hold it against her. I told her that it was really fun being her friends and being like this, but that if she needed me to move to a further level, I didn't think that I would be able to. She told me that she would have to think about this for a long time. I apologized for dropping all of this on her, and that I'd get my bedroll and find another place. She grabbed me as I went to go, and stopped me, saying, no, stay. She rested her head on my chest and I asked if she would like me to hold her. She nodded and I placed my arm around her, holding her tight to me. She snuggled in tighter and it felt so good. I fell asleep very quickly.