Act 3 Scene 1: Arrivals and Leavetakings

[TristenC]

Meistersinger's Tower: (Interior) (Mira, Sir Karl, Jerry, Merrick)
The Sergeant allows them to look around a little at his level and below, but to continue upward and on into the Meistersinger's Keep he needs to check with the Captain in the morning. Jerry takes the opportunity to scan the area thoroughly. No signs of rats or other vermin... and the guards don't seem sickly or 'off' any more than usual... There are no indications that he is here. We should move on, it is drawing late and the memorial will be starting soon.


Meistersinger's Tower: (Exterior) (Esker, Iscind, Elsa, Cross)

The four bide their time outside, waiting on their allies as night draws ever nearer. The large raven circles high to the top of the tower. Cross concentrates, in constant communication with his familiar. No rats... although Fenrir is nervous about something... The white-haired elf seems confused at first, but then amusement quirks up the corner of his mouth. Cats, he chuckles. He has spotted a number of cats around the structure. That seems a good deterrent. I think perhaps this is not the place.

[TristenC]

[Ok, it has been over a week so moving this on a little]


Meistersinger's Tower: (Exterior) (Esker, Iscind, Elsa, Cross)
The door of the tower opens to return Mira, Jerry, Merrick and Sir Karl. The blonde half-elf speaks, We were only able to investigate the lower levels, but there were no signs of the creature's touch upon this place... I suspect he may be elsewhere.

Fenrir took a look up high as well, on the outside at least... lots of cats. I'm guessing that implies something similar. So now we just need to recover our roguish companions somehow. The memorial will be starting soon and we are almost out of daylight. He adds, scanning for any sign of Pyros and Gregor.

[Nocturno]

Pyros comes up to the group with a large grin. Clearly the cat caught the mouse.

"Well it seems Haldrake is an ally in all of this, and is incredibly interested in helping end this problem."

He will start to fidget with the chain.
" Anyone think they can help me change this out?"

[Jenara]

(life has a habit of kicking you in the ass doesn't it?)

Mira nods "Understood. Thank you for letting us look, and for listening.. I have a song to perform.." One she had been writing as they walked, the words coming to her mind. Now she just needed a melody, something sober, but somehow light.

"We are at the Inn, if you require us again." And with that she rises and prepares to leave.

Sir Karl bows formally, "We will help where we can. Tell your men to NOT take this creature on alone."

[TristenC]

[Yeah, life has it's little surprises for sure. Welcome back ^_^ ]

The Seargent nods and has them shown out. as they move outside beneath the pre-dusk sky they see Pyros and Gregor return to join the others, the Kender declaring Haldrake's alliance.

[TristenC]

[Since it has been a week]

The group heads back past the mansions and towards the Grand Hall. The area is bustling with locals in last moment preparations. The time must be near for many are gathered at the front of the structure on a broad lawn and a light shines in the balcony above the front of the structure. Mrs Tsamin can be seen passing into the building just as they arrive

[Nocturno]

Pyros will puzzle how to attach his new chain and mail sling to his hoopak.

He will then give it a couple test shots with random stones, if he is successful.
Stopping when they get to the destination.

[Revenant]

Esker Manyblades

Relieved they found no touch of the foul creature during their investigation, Esker follows along keeping an eye out as they move through the crowd of locals. Large crowds always made him nervous. Too many paths a knife could dart in by and too many wayward hands looking for coins. But he stayed close to Iscind as they made their way.

[TristenC]

The Grand Hall of Song and Dance (Exterior) (Mira, Sir Karl, Jerry, Merrick, Esker, Iscind, Elsa, Cross, Pyros and Gregor)
The party mixes into the crowd, Esker and Gregor staying wary and alert to the locals; though it seems many are giving the party a wider berth than others.

Mira moves off towards where Mrs Tsamin disappeared into the Grand Hall, warded closely by Sir Karl. The broad structure is draped with flowing curtains and adorned with evergreen boughs and berries and a few early-blooming spring flowers. It is clear that many hands have been busy since this morning in decoration and preparation for this evening. Nearby a gaggle of young ladies are handing out slender beeswax candles with paper rings at the base; though they remain unlit for now.

Merrick glances around the gathered crowd. It looks like a pretty good turnout. I recognize a few people from the shows Mira has put on in the past, though I'm not as familiar with the locals of Skald... He says, taking a candle for himself and handing one to Jerry as well.

Gregor and Elsa take candles as well, I hope Mira gets to do her song, I know it is important to her. The pretty Halfilng says. I don't see Azais or Airand around anywhere... maybe the people who will be speaking or singing later are inside? Cross scans the darkening sky, following the path of his familiar.

[Nocturno]

Pyros will hang back ignoring anything unless someone comes up to him directly.

He will be attempting to attach his mail sling. Thinking the encounter with Jerry's Dad may be coming up quickly.

[Darithe]

Iscind

Iscind too remains alert close by her shield-brother Esker, though her mood lightens at the decorations and candles being handed out. She too took one of the candles and waiting patiently for the possible song. She did love music and perhaps there would be an opportunity to dance, an activity that always gave her pleasure.

[TristenC]

Pyros fiddles with his hoopak, a long object rather like a staff-sling of sorts. He manages to undo the leather lashing without damaging it and finds some leather cordage in one of his many pouches to tie the chain sling on. It likely won't last heavy use with flaming ammunition, but it should work well enough temporarily until he can get the new chain-sling more permanantly affixed.

As dusk deepens almost to nightfall the doors of the balcony open and Mrs Tsamin steps out, dampening the expectant murmurs of the crowd by presence alone. Her voice carries, lilting and flowing in the musical local language. Merrick nearby translates quietly to the party.

Friends... thank you each for coming, and for those volunteers that made this gathering possible so swiftly tonight, a special thanks. It is no secret, the tragedies that have recently befallen our community, but we endure. She says firmly. We honor and remember the innocents taken from us, but just as importantly we must continue to nurture and carry our own light, and to shelter and care for the light of our families, our friends and our community. As she speaks a young lady emerges on the balcony beside her, lighting the matronly speaker's candle.

The magnificent double doors on the ground floor open to permit a half dozen young women to the front lawn. Each holds a lit beeswax candle and the six disperse amongst the assembled crowd, transferring the flame to those as yet unlit; silently encouraging others to do so as they are able. Within moments the field of small lights spreads a gentle golden glow as true night descends around them.

We must all take care, in such times, and care after one another. Abert and Fenne are likely only just now learning of their daughter's circumstances, being in Harmonia as they are. But they will need our support as well. Together we can protect each other. She lets her words sink in a moment. And now, Meistersinger Arnaus Marceau

Merrick blinks in surprise as the man is announced, and a murmur runs through the crowd. The Meistersinger himself! This is certainly unexpected.

A man with regal bearing in finely brocade velvet coat and vest steps forth onto the balcony. Stoically he regards the assembly and then in a rich baritone, clear and strong, his voice projects easily over the crowd. Fellow citizens, dare not entertain the thought that these recent tragedies will go unanswered. Whosoever is responsible will be brought to account for their heinous actions. The great City of Skald will never so easily give up her children. We must, as Madame Tsamin asserts, be steadfast in watching over one another. It would not do to crumple the flower of life from fear and press it into a hidden pocket to wither and die unseen. To do so would be to let such evils win! No, we must live on in defiance of such hatred and savagery! I bid you Live! Take comfort in one another, traveling in groups after dark for safety. And even now guardsmen are coming to escort those gathered here to their homes tonight, safely following the proceedings. We will not shrink from this filth. We will Hunt. It. Down. The words drop like hammerblows as his clenched fist thuds against the railing. And Skald will be safe once more! A wave of enthusiastic applause follows from the crowd.

If only they knew what was really out there. Elsa murmurs, earning a nearby grunt of assent from Jerry. We haven't located it's lair yet. Where do you think such a creature would roam tonight... Cross asks the others quietly.

Gradually the applause subsides and the Meistersinger raises a hand in farewell, receding back into the building. The young woman who emerged begins singing a high and gently wavering song, which many in the crowd begin to sing along with

====
Mrs Tsamin

Meistersinger Arnaus Marceau

[TristenC]

After the song some of the locals step out on the balcony in ones and twos, speaking of Laisa and how they knew her; reminiscing of happier times and speaking words of encouragement.

As the short speeches go on, Cross seems to shift uncomfortably. Fenrir is uneasy... he was watching from the rooftop but... something is wrong. The raven circles low over the crowd, causing a stir among those nearby, before settling down on the white-haired elf's shoulder. Feathers of midnight flutter and twitch as he settles his wings and tilts his head to one side, pitch black eyes staring at Iscind for an uncomfortably long moment before looking elsewhere. A muffled, rhythmic thumping sound can be heard from the fog, and soon the crunch of boots approaches down the road from the direction of the Meistersinger's keep. Dozens of guards file out of the mist, quietly and respectfully encircling the throng of mourners.

Gregor's shoulders hunch as he slouches down, though the presence of the soldiers seems to ease Elsa's stance. At least whatever happens tonight, it probably won't happen here...

[Jenara]

Summoning all her energy and strength MIra steps forward, her Lute firmly held in her hands as she enters the stage, no one but her knew she had changed rapidly, using a little magic to freshen herself somewhat.

"Give me strength.." She whispers, summoning her voice, the magic extending its power.

"Laisa, was my friend, my Supporter.. She meant so much to so many people.. She will be missed, but never EVER forgotten. I echo the words of the Esteemed Meistersinger. This Darkness will be stopped." She pauses, taking up the Lute, "They say the best songs come from what you know.. and I know loss." She begins to play, a slow haunting tune, soft at first, then rising, she reaches into the deepest depths of her soul and plays for all she has.

"Oh, bitter winds that cut the soul,
And cold, dark night that takes its toll.
Thy sorrowed eyes, once full of light,
Now lost to shadows, out of sight.
I stood afar, and would not part,
Nor comfort thee with healing heart.
And now I mourn with deepest woe,
The chance to aid thee long ago.

Had I but known, had I but seen,
The storm within thy heart so keen,
I’d fain have borne thy heavy load,
And walked with thee down sorrow’s road.
But now thou art beyond my ken,
And wish I could have saved thee, then.

Thy whispered pleas upon the breeze,
Were naught to me, nor brought me ease.
In days of joy, I turned my gaze,
And left thee lost in darker days.
But oh! What silence haunts me now,
As I, too late, on bended brow,
Weep for the love I could not show,
And wish I’d been thy strength to know.

Had I but known, had I but seen,
The storm within thy heart so keen,
I’d fain have borne thy heavy load,
And walked with thee down sorrow’s road.
But now thou art beyond my ken,
And wish I could have saved thee, then.

Now as the world doth turn to grey,
Thy spirit haunts my steps each day.
What might have been, what could have been,
Lingers in whispers, soft and thin.
The time to mend has passed, alas,
Like fleeting clouds that never last.

Oh, sweet soul, now free from pain,
I’ll hold thee close in heart’s refrain.
Yet, if the winds could change their course,
I’d lend thee peace with gentle force.
For now I weep, and though I try,
I cannot bring thee back to life.
But know this truth, my dear, my friend,
In my heart, thou’lt never end.

Had I but known, had I but seen,
The storm within thy heart so keen,
I’d fain have borne thy heavy load,
And walked with thee down sorrow’s road.
But now thou art beyond my ken,
And wish I could have saved thee, then.

So rest thee now in heaven’s light,
Thy troubles done, thy soul in flight.
And I shall carry through the years,
The weight of love and endless tears."

-------------------------------------------------------------------

(Clean Cantrip: Cantrips [1d20]=10 Pass)
(Voice Cantrip: Simple [1d20]=7 Pass).
Singing / playing [1d20]=3

[Nocturno]

The song of loss and sorrow only remind Pyros of his own lost wife.

He will start to make his way further from the ground to hide his emotions, until the guards show up and make him do a quick 180, back to the group.

He will then dip his fingers in the lard, and try to coat a bullet with tar.