Pendar - Session 3

40 Merrysest, Windsday -
Still weary from the last fight, the party manages to reach Seskesa safely.

Valdya: "About time, I thought I'd never get back here!"
Valdya runs off somewhere toward the southeast, completely ignoring the city guards.
Sana tiredly walks into town, holding Fox in her arms.
Guard: "What happened that you're all in such bad shape? And... who was that, who just ran?"
Maximilian: "I... uhm."
Maximilian clears his throat, trying to process what just happened.
Sana: "...I believe she is the offspring of a rich man who lives here."
"We fought... well... a group of bandits, terrorising the place and trying to kidnap young girls."
Fox moves slightly in Sana's arms, hinting that he's awake and alive, just not willing to move.
Maximilian: "Indeed. We were here to escort her."
Sana: "...I... um, believe we were heading for a manor."
Guard: "You found Lady Valdya?"
Maximilian: "Yes, that was Lady Valdya!"
Sana: "I believe so, yes..."
Maximilian: "The fact that she bolted so soon is proof enough, I suppose."
Guard: "I was starting to think the stories about her were all nonsense."
"You need help finding your way to catch up to her?"
Sana: "Mm... yes. We're also... not faring too well."
Maximilian: "Yes, I think that's for the best."
"Well, I think we could ask her family for that favour at least."
A small child stares the party as they pass, but looks cowed by the sight of the guards.
Maximilian: "It's okay, little one. We're all here to keep people safe."

The guard leads them through town to a large manor, where they are waved inside and greeted. Remarkably few people can be seen in the city on the way there. Valdya seems to have disappeared entirely.
Maximilian: "I must say, the city is oddly quiet."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I am told you found my daughter. Something about being lucky and not kidnappers. Would you care to explain, in your own words, what exactly happened?"
Maximilian rubs his head.
Sana looks at Maximilian, expecting him to explain.
Maximilian: "We met her on the road yesterday, under attack from an organised group."
"They were hired by another man seeking to kidnap her, so we opted to escort her to town."
"It was necessary, since a group of about ten men were waiting for her!"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "So that was the case. I was threatened some time back, that's why I sent for her to return. If it's as bad as it sounds, I'm impressed any of you made it here."
Maximilian: "Well, as you can see, it wasn't an easy battle. The man who led them..."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Come, have a seat. You look tired."
Maximilian describes the appearance of their boss.
Maximilian nods, and follows.
Sana follows, limping slightly.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "That doesn't sound like anyone I can recall. Did they say why they wanted her?"
Maximilian: "No, they didn't. They were hiring random brutes and gave them a description of your daughter."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I suppose they wouldn't have bothered to say. Not as if she would understand."
"And still no leads to who hired them...?"
Maximilian: "I'm sorry. We weren't in a situation to talk with the boss."
"Just a few of their goons that we captured."
Sana puts Fox on her lap as she seats herself, breathing more heavily than usual.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "The guards can see to that, but I doubt they'll know anything."
Maximilian: "Ah, there is one other clue."
Maximilian digs through his back and pulls out a map, which he unravels.
Fox perks his head up, looking around the area.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "It's the correct route, but what use is that?"
Maximilian: "It has all these other areas marked. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but what if they have a larger plan in mind?"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "It's not impossible. Still... I suppose it is of no matter. Valdya will be kept safe here."
Maximilian: "It relieves me to hear that."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Regardless, I am in your debt now. May I have your names?"
Maximilian: "Maximilian, sir. Maximilian... Magnus."
Fox looks at Ulandal, tilting his head.
Maximilian seems content with his new embellishment.
Sana: "...my name is Sana. Sana Wil... this is my fox."
"He... doesn't have a name yet."
Maximilian: "That fox has been quite companion. We really should name him."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "A fox, eh? Reminds me of the creatures Valdya used to let inside. Well. What is it you would ask of me, youngsters?"
Maximilian: "I would kindly appreciate some good rest and a place to heal. That battle nearly killed the lot us."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I'll have quarters prepared for you for as long as you wish to stay here, or arrange lodging elsewhere in town, as you prefer. You would rather speak again after a night's rest?"
Sana: "...that would be optimal, Sir."
Maximilian: "Agreed."
Fox looks thoughtful... or at least as thoughtful as a fox can look.
Maximilian pets the fox.
Maximilian: "We should get him a reward tomorrow."
Sana: "...I have things planned for him, Maximilian. Really nice things that may or may not involve delicious foods."
Fox perks up a little bit.
Maximilian: "Well, I daresay I may get involved in that!"
"I can tell you my tummy will be roaring like a lion when I awaken!"
Sana: "....Stomachs can do that?!"
Maximilian: "Well, you'll find out tomorrow, won't you!"
Maximilian chuckles.
Sana: "(What sort of magic is that...?)"
Fox looks up at Sana with an inquisitive face.
Sana: "..still, goodnight, Good knight."
Sana giggles at the wordplay.
Sana: "Mister knight, can you take me to a room, please?"
The guard nods, and leads the party to spare rooms upstairs, before leaving again.
Sana: "...I shall take this room, the... is there only one room..?"
Sana glances down the hall.
Sana: "Ah, there's another one down there, this is good."
Maximilian: "You have our gratitude, good sir."
Sana opens the door and promptly closes it, while letting Fox down onto the bed, and sitting on it herself.
Fox paws at the blankets, trying to get used to a soft sleeping surface.
Maximilian hastily crawls into the spare room and sheds his armour before slumping onto a bed.
Fox: "...I'm... not going to die?"
Sana: "You are not going to die, Fox...."
Fox: "I'm... scared."
Sana: "...so am I.."
Fox: "...What happens?"
"Is there... something after?"
Sana: "Yes, there is."
"There is a place called "heaven"."
Fox: "Heaven?"
Maximilian: "(Heaven...)"
Sana: "....after you die, if you have been good, you get to do nice things in this "heaven"."
Fox: "...Have I been good?"
Sana: "I think you have, Fox."
Fox: "I don't think I have."
"I've stolen pastries. I've taken away chickens. I've dug up vegetables."
"I've done a lot of not good things."
Sana: "...you did those out of your natural instinct, without knowing they were bad things."
"...Taelia would surely accept you into her heaven."
Fox: "...Do they let foxes in?"
Sana: "...no, but... I think you would be... because you can think like people, so... Taelia would judge you as a people."
Fox: "What if this Taelia doesn't notice me?"
"I'm kind of small for a people."
Sana: "She notices all, Fox."
"...Taelia is very good at seeing, she is my goddess."
Fox: "...Still."
"I don't think I've been a very good fox so far."
"I think... I should try to be a better fox."
Sana: "...it is always good to try."
Fox: "Do I have to meet this Taelia first?"
"I don't know what she looks like."
Creaking noises can be heard from Maximilian's room, as he climbs from his bed and opens his door.
Sana: "Many people do not know what she looks like, until they really do... um... die."
"But she would know who you are, if you would follow her teachings."
Fox: "...How do you know about her then?"
Maximilian taps gently at Sana's door.
Sana: "I follow her teachings-A-AH?!"
Fox crawls into a blanket, tail awkwardly poking out.
Sana turns around in surprise at the door."
Maximilian: "It's just me. I could hear another voice in there. Is everything okay?"
Sana: "U-um... I-it's not safe to come in!"
"W-what voices are you talking about?"
Maximilian: "There was a strange, deeper voice coming from your room."
Sana: "U-um..."
"(Fox... should I let him in... should I make him go away...?)"
Maximilian: "There's not anyone else in there, is there? Should I call the guard?"
Sana: "N-no reason to call the guards!"
Maximilian: "I-If you insist."
Sana: "(...maybe we should tell him about your... specialness... is this okay, mister fox?)"
"(May I... tell him?)"
Fox: "Whew, I think he left."
Maximilian: "I guess I'll try to sleep then. That noise is quite worrying."
Maximilian walks off, footsteps echoing through the hall.
Fox: "I guess I should get some sleep before we get into trouble..."
Fox begins to lick at his bloodied fur and wound remnants.
Sana: "...before you rest, Fox... would you mind if I gave you a name, please?"
Fox: "I don't understand how names work."
Sana: "Well...you are a fox. It is your species. Like I am a Half-elf and Maximilian is a human... I think..."
Maximilian curls up on the distant wall, hoping he won't hear anything this time.
Sana: "...names mean that you can have your own self, meaning you're distinguishable from other foxes."
Fox: "...that's right. Different..."
Fox's mind goes back to that strange druid.
Sana: "...and you are different from other Foxes... so I thought you should have a name... to make you special."
Fox: "If... that's what you want."
"I'm happy enough being here with you."
Sana pets the fox.
Sana: "...I was thinking of the name... Artemis."
"...it's the name of a great hero, in old tales, she worked together with the animals... thought it was fitting for one... such as yourself."
Fox: "A hero?"
Sana: "Someone who did great things to protect others... there are lots of stories about them."
Fox: "You talked about this hero like a girl."
"I'm not sure about being named after a girl."
Sana: "...Artemis is a name for both boys and girls."
Fox: "Only the one you're specifically naming me after is a girl."
Sana: "...how about Atremis, instead? That's a boy's name."
Fox: "Atremis?"
"Sounds... masculine."
"It's okay for foxes to be masculine, right?"
Sana: "It is okay for foxes to be like that, yes."
Fox: "Okay.
"Atremis..."
Sana: "...do you like your new name?"
Fox: "I might need to get used to it."
"But it... sounds nice."
Sana: "...from now on, I shall call you Atremis."
Fox burrows into the blankets, making a hole in them to sleep in.
Fox: "Good night, miss Sana."
Sana removes her armour, before getting into bed properly, and sleeping, readying for tomorrow.
Sana: "Goodnight, Atremis."

41 Merrysest, Earthsday -
In the morning the next day, the same guard can be noticed in the hallway, seemingly waiting for the party to wake up, and trying to ignore Valdya hiding behind him.

Maximilian: "Sir! I'm awake, I'm awake!"
Sana stirs, getting out of bed, and changing.
Atremis appears to be quite comfortable sleeping in the small blanket hollow he made for himself.
Sana shakes Atremis gently after changing.
Sana: "Atremis... Atremis... time to wake up."
Atremis: "Mmm..."
"Hungry..."
Guard: "Nothing to jump like that about. I'm just supposed to make sure you speak to my lord before you leave. Take your time waking up, as you want."
Atremis: "What a delicious pastry..."
Atremis doesn't appear to be fully awake.
Sana: "I have some food ready for you, Atremis."
Atremis: "Just let--ah! Miss Sana!"
Atremis bolts awake in surprise.
Sana waves a meat pastry in front of Atremis' face.
Sana: "Food~"
Maximilian emits a low rumbling noise from his belly.
Atremis tries to bite onto the pastry as it's waved in front of him.
Maximilian: "It's okay, I suppose you weren't the reason I was awake anyway."
Valdya: "Max!"
Maximilian: "Ah, milady Valdya!"
Sana gives the pastry to Atremis
Sana: "I think someone is calling us Atremis, we should get ready to go.
I'm also going to get you some protection today, and some new foods~"
Sana smiles happily.
Atremis eats a little of the pastry, then grabs the rest of it in his mouth, carrying it to eat later.
Valdya: "Everyone wants to talk important big things now... All this about traps and threats."
Maximilian: "I imagine you've heard more than your fair share by now."
Sana opens her door, already armoured, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
Sana: "Good morning.."
Guard: "Not your place to be saying that now, milady. Go back to your games and leave the important big things to others."
Atremis follows behind, half-eaten pastry in his mouth.
Maximilian: "Good morning, Sana."
Maximilian eyes the guard nervously.
Maximilian: "(Explains a lot...)"
Guard: "If you'll follow me to the hall? I'll make sure your fox gets fed too."
Maximilian: "Ah, wonderful!"
Sana: "He's already been fed..."
Valdya scampers away nervously to another room.
Atremis: "(Mmph mm mmmph.)"
The guard leads them downstairs, and waves in another servant to bring a hearty breakfast for all three, before Lord Seskesa enters the room.
Maximilian tucks in enthusiastically.
Atremis eats the breakfast given to him along with the meat pastry, while sitting on the table.
Sana eats the food gratefully, keeping an eye on Atremis.
Ulandal of Seskesa clears his throat, and looks at Maximilian, then Sana.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I trust your stay here has been acceptable so far? Are you well-rested enough to continue discussing this matter?"
Maximilian: "I am, thank you. It has been a long while since I stayed somewhere so splendid!"
Atremis ignores the man, continuing to enjoy breakfast.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "You still have asked nothing more in return for my daughter's safe return than a night's rest. I cannot offer you the grand fortunes you have rightly earned, but if you would ask a favor, there may be more I can do."
Sana: "(...some money would be nice, still...)"
Atremis: "(Mmm mmf mm)"
Maximilian: "Hm, there may be something."
"I've been... trying to get my name out in the area, so any good word would be appreciated."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Hm, if that's it... Maximilian Magnus, eh? And you're common born?"
Sana: "...I would greatly appreciate something, Mister noble."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Speak up, then."
Atremis looks up from his meal for a moment to add a yip to the conversation, even though it literally contributes nothing.
Maximilian takes this opportunity to remain silent and think up an answer if he's asked again.
Sana: "...may I have some armour made for my fox friend, Atremis? He needs protection but I feel as if custom made fox armour would be hard to come by... he's be good in some good quality leather armour."
"...I don't need anything, but I'd like him to be safer."
Maximilian idly rubs Atremis's nose for comfort.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Fox armor? Are you quite sure of that?"
Atremis tilts his head.
Maximilian: "He's a scrapper, that one!"
Sana: "..I'm very sure. He... he'll be travelling with me, so I'd like to make sure he's protected, please."
Maximilian: "Helped us fend off those thugs!"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I suppose if that's so... There's a blacksmith in town, I'll send word to him that I'll pay for whatever it is you want made."
Maximilian: "I guess we could fix up and improve our own armour while we're at it. It was a close shave."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Of course. I'll see it to it. However... young Maximilian, if you want to make a name for yourself, there is one matter I must bring to your attention."
Maximilian: "Ah, please, do tell!"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I don't know who you saw on the road, but Valdya was threatened because of my support for the prince, it would seem. Which means that likely, these same tactics are being used on others."
"You have, I trust, heard the usual arguments."
Atremis finishes eating breakfast, and turns his attention to cleaning up what he can of his fur.
Maximilian: "Ah!"
Ulandal of Seskesa sets an open envelope on the table, next to Atremis.
Maximilian: "A lasting peace is something we should all fight to defend, as ironic as it sounds."
"I championed myself in Ivanda's very name to preserve the right for the weak and disabled to live a full life."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I'm glad you understand. But it shouldn't surprise you that those who want warfare as a way of life would resort to treachery to convince others."
Maximilian: "All is fair in love and war, they say... I can't agree to that myself, but I see your point."
Maximilian slides the letter to his side of the table.
Maximilian: "You want us to see this?"
Atremis looks at the letter.
Sana looks at the letter.
Atremis attempts chewing at the corner of the letter.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "It's all I have to go on, and I have no more interest in the matter, now that Valdya is safe here."
"If you have no concern with it, I would appreciate the letter back, though."
Ulandal of Seskesa looks at the fox, then more sternly at Sana.
Sana: "Atremis, please don't do that."
Atremis stops.
Sana: "Thank you."
Sana pets Atremis while continuing to look at the letter.
Maximilian looks anxiously at the letter over Sana's shoulder.
Atremis just goes back to staring at the letter, though with time it becomes increasingly evident he's not exactly reading it.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Hm. A druid?"
Maximilian: "He's kept it quiet enough if that's the case!"
"Then again..."
Atremis tilts his head.
Maximilian eyes the pair with intent.
Atremis looks at Sana for help.
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I was thinking of the girl, not the fox. It looks quite loyal for a creature so poorly trained."
Sana: "A druid? No."
"I am able to speak to animals... it is a special gift of mine."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "That could explain it, yes."
Sana: "Maximilian, you already knew this when I talked to your horse."
"(If you wish I can talk to her again today.)"
Maximilian: "That doesn't explain... nevermind."
"Anyway, lord Seskesa, a man's deeds and good name will grant him far more allies and protection than his own strength. I daresay we've taught that villain a fair lesson in that matter today!"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Well, it's as good a time as any to earn a name for yourself, even if this isn't the cause that suits you."
Maximilian: "I do agree."
Ulandal of Seskesa: "I'll speak well of what you've done here today, lad. I imagine that checking the places marked on the map could lead to something more, if you've a mind to do more than chase raiders in the north."
Ulandal of Seskesa holds out a hand for the note to be returned.
Maximilian: "Yes, I may do just that."
Maximilian turns to Sana.
Sana hands the note to Maximilian.
Maximilian passes it back Ulandal.
Maximilian: "What do you say to this endeavour, Sana?"
Ulandal of Seskesa: "Thank you. Go see the blacksmith before you leave, you'll be well outfitted regardless. Even the fox, if you insist."
Atremis barks in approval.
Maximilian: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my lord."
Sana: "I will join you, and Atremis will, too."
"....um, also... Maximilian?"
Maximilian: "Yes, Sana?"
Sana: "Did you manage to get anything from the ruffians we defeated yesterday? I was... otherwise too occupied to loot anything."
Maximilian: "Yes. I was going to tally it up when I got to Marigold."
Atremis hops down from the table, prepared to follow the group.
Ulandal of Seskesa leaves, gesturing for the guard to lead them out as he does so.
Maximilian leaves the main hall, and begins to head out to find his horse.
The three are escorted rather abruptly back outside with no further explanation, and Max given a brief time to retrieve Marigold.
Sana: "So, Maximilian....what did we acquire?"
Maximilian unties several bundles.
Maximilian: "A number of weapons of good make, a suit of armour, some leather vests..."
"Oh, and I also got this spyglass and potion from them!"
Sana: "...armour?"
Maximilian: "Yes, taken from their leader. I think we can take it to the smith's to have it polished and refitted."
Sana: "...c-can I have it?"
"...please?"
Maximilian: "Uh, it's a little bit on the large side, no? We could just get a new set fitted for you when we're there."
Sana: "We could?!"
Maximilian: "Definitely. We both took a beating. I'm not going back into battle with this jacket, that's for sure."
Sana suddenly hugs Maximilian.
Sana: "Thank you~"
Maximilian: "Um... you're welcome?"
"I'd definitely check out the weapons, by the by. They're of good make."
Sana looks at the weapons on the ground before unsheathing her sword, putting it on the ground and taking the one of clearer better quality.