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A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Posted by The RaconteurFor group 0
The Raconteur
GM, 2120 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 8 Jun 2015
at 21:24
  • msg #1

A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“Excellent work, gentlemen.”  Kellan and Alergast were sitting in Sherriff Hemlock’s office, having just delivered a report to the laconic lawman on the status of Sandpoint’s militia.  The Sherriff had returned a few days after the goblins’ aborted attack with a squadron of Magnimarian lancers.  Those lancers were now out in the hinterlands, with Dav as a scout, running down any goblins that hadn’t high-tailed it back to their home territory.

The Sherriff sat back in his chair.  “Sounds like we’ve got everything under control.”  He glanced at Kellan.  “Oh, and I’ve approved your ‘battlefield promotion,’ Storval.  Deverin tells me she likes the idea of having her own liaison from the guard, and she’s been impressed with your work.  So you’re the guy.”  He leaned forward, looking down at some paperwork, then glanced up again.  “Try not to embarrass us.”

“Kellan?  Embarrass us?”  Alergast looked appalled.  “Never happen.  He’s too upstanding!  The only way he’d embarrass us is if those Magnimarians challenged us to a drinking contest.”  The lieutenant shook his head sadly.  “Boy can’t hold his liquor.”

The Sherriff actually cracked a small smile.  “Get out of here, the both of you, before I find you something to do.”  He looked at the documents on the desk.  “Like this paperwork . . . “

“Right you are, Sherriff!”  Agreed Alergast hastily, pulling Kellan out of his chair and pointing out the door with a meaningful look.  The two guardsmen escaped the Sherriff’s office unencumbered by bureaucratic duties.

“So, strongman,” said Alergast, slapping Kellan on the back as they walked out of the garrison.  “We’ve got the afternoon off.  Got big plans?”




Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1091 posts
Miniboss
Tue 9 Jun 2015
at 19:03
  • msg #2

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan was delighted to have been spared any further meetings or paperwork for the day and soaked up the sunshine on his face the moment he left the garrison. It had taken him days to catch up on sleep and for the last of the lingering ache to leave his body, souvenirs of the expedition that had left him a weary wreck the day after they had returned.

"Need to take another walk around the perimeter...with all that brush cleared from the base of the walls I'm hoping we can get a real assessment soon. Then over to the Vinders, if Venn is in a decent enough mood and nothing calls us back out here after sundown." He explained as they strolled down the street "What of yourself? I imagine Amele will be expecting you home sooner than later?"

He had considered talking with Amele, or perhaps the Mayor about the prospect of a little place of his own here in town. While the garrison served his needs and Amieko continued to be display her now renowned generosity Kellan had been wondering if a place of his own might some how help convince Venn that he was doing alright for himself. That and being able to sleep without the guards coming and going at all hours of the night would be a god send.

It would likely be between a new harness of armor or a little place of his own, and he had not quite decided between the two.
The Raconteur
GM, 2122 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Tue 9 Jun 2015
at 21:24
  • msg #3

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“It’s almost like you know the woman,” laughed Alergast.  “But yes, I’m heading home.  The last couple of weeks have been tough on everyone, and,” he looked off in the direction of his house, “I think that—as hard as they were—they really clarified what’s important.  Family.”  He looked back at Kellan, slapping him on the shoulder.  “Friends.  The people who care about you, and the people you care about.  Without them,” he shrugged his broad shoulders, “what are we fighting for?”

The lieutenant turned to face the younger man.  “You have fun with that perimeter walk, strongman.”  Alergast grasped Kellan’s wrist in farewell, in the manner of soldiers.  “Let me know if you find anything that needs work.”  He paused.  “But not today!  You should definitely go call on that girl of yours.”  He paused, grinning.  “Just don’t do anything that will make me have to scrape you off the floor.  You may be a hero, but,” he turned his palms up, empty-handed, “I don’t think that will go far with Ven if he thinks you’re taking advantage.”

With that, the larger man left, chuckling.  Now alone, Kellan headed up to Northgate to inspect the wall.  The townsfolk he met along the way greeted him with heartfelt goodwill.  The young man was an excellent story—a son of Sandpoint who rose to become a hero, defending the town in her darkest hour.  Even now, young boys fought each other to play the role of Kellan at Thistletop, and those same boys now looked on the young guardsman with something akin to awe, their hero-worshipping gazes following the living legend as he strode through town on what was no doubt Important Guard Business.

The adults, of course, were less impressed.  It was always hard to be a hero to people who’d seen you grow up, and that rule was as applicable in Sandpoint as anyplace else.  People nodded to each other and talked about how proud Kenneth must be of his boy, but rather than awe they looked on him with a sort of derivative paternal pride.  Kellan was just proof of Sandpoint’s superiority—you wouldn’t find a boy of that quality raised in Magnimar, would you?  No sir, you would not.  He was a younger version of Alergast.  The Hero of Thistletop and the Hero on the Bridge.  What did Sandpoint need fear with those two on watch?

On second thought, maybe the adults weren’t as unaffected as they let on.

Kellan arrived at the gate to find it open with only Tal Harden on duty, leaning against his polearm and watching the approach with a desultory air.  He straightened up and saluted as Kellan approached, reminding the young man of his recent promotion.  His new rank was still hard to remember, sometimes.

Kellan took an hour to closely examine the Northgate and its wall, using his knowledge of engineering to note various places where he thought the Guard might need to shore it up.  The wall wasn’t in disrepair, exactly, but it had been many years since it had undergone any sort of a full-scale repair.  And Kellan had some ideas on how the wall could be fortified against any future attacks.

Tal wandered over as Kellan finished up his inspection.  “Whaddya think, Sarge?”  He inquired.  “The ol’ Northgate holdin’ up okay?”




Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1092 posts
Miniboss
Thu 11 Jun 2015
at 04:46
  • msg #4

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

"She'll stand for a time...but I'd hate to have only it between the bad guys and our families should they get a hold of somebody with an engineering experience." Kellan replied as he turned slightly and looked back along the length of the structure.

"It's one of those things that nobody really things much about, and nobody really wants to put money into until it's too late...like when goblins show up. Would have been real nice to be able to sit back and pepper goblins instead of relying on Alergast to run out and stove in Gugmuts skull." he mused as he tried to picture the battle, the tension...and what his town might look like to an invader.

"But...Thassilon wasn't built in a day" he shrugged and hefted his weapon "It's about dinner time for me...stay safe out here Tal" he gave the mans shoulder a hearty pat in passing and turned to make his way towards the Vinder residence with hopes that the families Patriarch had enjoyed a pleasant enough day to put him in a fair mood.
The Raconteur
GM, 2136 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Sat 13 Jun 2015
at 07:32
  • msg #5

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“Huh.”  Tal Harden looked at the Northgate wall in wonder, as if he was seeing it for the first time, picturing it bristling with archers or even platforms for war machines.  He pushed back his helmet and scratched the front of his scalp before letting his headgear fall back into place.  “Damn, Kellan, I never thought about anything like that.”  He allowed, still looking up at the wall.  “Guess that’s why you got the promotion.”

The two guardsmen exchanged a few further pleasantries before Kellan bid Tal goodbye and the guardsman resumed his regular duty at the gate.  Kellan, meanwhile, made his way back down Church Street all the way to Main Street, where he took a right.  In the distance Kellan could see Gorvi berating his small crew of Junkers, including Lunk, for some real or imagined defect in their work.  None of the junkers looked incredibly happy about Gorvi’s harangue but—to a man—they just stood there and took it.

Shaking his head, Kellan continued past the garrison, waving at Sergeant Tiller as the bald-headed man emerged from the imposing building.  Tiller returned just enough of a gesture so as not to be actively rude, but certainly not enough of one to signal an enjoyment of Kellan’s presence.  Torv Tiller had been the only person actively resistant to Kellan’s sudden promotion, and it didn’t look as if the man had overcome his reservations about the Sandpoint Guard’s youngest sergeant just quite yet.

But as Kellan approached the General Store thoughts of Torv Tiller’s displeasure were quickly displaced by thoughts of Ven Vinder’s.  As Kellan arrived at the Vinders’ place of business, he saw Katrine Vinder setting up a display out front, but no sign of her famously-tempestuous father.

Katrine shot Kellan a smile as he approached.  “Kellan!”  She greeted him, seeming genuinely glad to see him.  “I’m so glad you’re okay!  What an adventure you had!”  Her eyes flicked towards the store’s entrance.  “Shayliss was so worried about you.  But here you are, back and not a mark on you.  You’re quite the hero, everyone says so!”

Kellan was finding that it could be difficult to get a word in edgewise when the oldest Vinder sister was on a roll.  So he just stood there as she talked about all the events that had just happened to the small town, including Alergast’s bridge battle (“I heard he took the goblin’s head clean off in one blow!”), her work for Father Zantus setting up a field hospital at the cathedral (“we did a really good job, I think we could have helped a lot of people.”) and how the General Store had helped supply the war effort (“I don’t think I got an hour of sleep the night before, what with running items to the Garrison, helping out at the cathedral, and helping supply the guard posts!”).

Finally it seemed as if Katrine had run down.  “But anyway, it’s good to see you!”  She said, leaning against one of the supports holding up the veranda’s roof.  “How have you been?  And what,” she grinned, “could possibly bring you to our humble little store?” 



This message was last edited by the GM at 07:32, Sat 13 June 2015.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1095 posts
Miniboss
Sun 14 Jun 2015
at 02:50
  • msg #6

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Home.

There was nothing else quite like it. From the particular consistency of Sandpoint sand to the coastal weather, the sun blanched homes and cool breezes. Just walking down the street was all Kellan needed to assure him that the cause they had fought for was just and worthy. It had been worth the blood and sweat times over, and the lives...well, at least they had not been in vain.

The gesture of greetings to Sergeant Tiller reminded the young man that his new position had come with new responsibilities...political ones ironically. Kellan was not sure if it was some sort of simmering jealously, Tillers competitive nature or just the difference between the mans hard unyielding personality and Kellans more laid back ways. Whatever it was it was noticeable, and it worried the boy. He had always thought of the guard as one big family, and having this sort of trouble within the ranks irked him.

By the times he reached the Vinders general store his thoughts were turning to more positive affairs, namely the prospect of taking Shayliss out for an evening. He listened and chatted and attempted to focus the conversation more on what had been occurring in town than their own exploits, mostly because he doubted the girl really wanted the gory details, but also because it seemed polite.

When the reason for his visit was finally asked he smiled and glanced within the stores windows. "Well I was hoping Shayliss might be around. I was hoping to ask your dad about maybe taking her out for dinner at the Rusty Dragon tonight"
Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 2442 posts
The Gnome!
And Her Imagination
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 14:49
  • msg #7

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

"And surely enough," said Pisca Neep Freemish to someone who may have been herself, "the gnome found Kellan the Stomper Storval at the General Store, chatting with the sister of his dearest lady love."

"And, much to Pisca's surprise, there too was Cato Crispin, the renowned scholar of ancient Thassilonian mysteries.  The gnome raised her hand high over her head and waved with great enthusiasm," Pisca said, as she raised her hand high over her head and waved with great enthusiasm.

"Then she ran ... the rest ... of the way ... to the front of the ... General ... Store ... "  Arriving somewhat out of breath from her self-narration, the gnome took a moment to catch her breath before continuing on.

"'I thought I might find you here, Stomper,' said the gnome.'"  Pisca grinned up at the newly promoted Sergeant of the Guard even as she spoke of herself in the third person.  "'And how are you today, Katrine Vinder?' Pisca said, greeting the eldest daughter of the house.  'Has your father come to terms yet with your essential freedom?' asked the gnome with great concern on her face.'"  And, indeed, Pisca did turn a very concerned expression on the elder Vinder for a moment before whirling away and continuing on with her running narrative.

"Because, in the end, it is the right of children everywhere to follow their own paths so that they might all grow up to be fully realized gnomes with their own special interests to pursue for as long as the Bleach can be held at bay.  Pisca, of course, said none of this to the elder of the Vinder daughters.  Instead, she simply said, 'I'm with you, Katrine!  Whenever you're ready to declare your independence, I'll back your play.'"

"Um, hullo, Cato."

Pisca huffed a bit as though with exhaustion.  "Did you know that telling your own story even while its happening can be quite tiring?"  She paused for a moment of thought and then added, "And not nearly as entertaining as I thought it might be."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Tue 16 June 2015.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 1049 posts
Quarterstaff Expert
Tue 16 Jun 2015
at 17:35
  • msg #8

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Cato walked through town, mind busy with possibilities.  No doubt Cato would be able to delay publication of Brodert and his findings for a while, but the wizard wasn't sure he could live with the constant lies that would require.  At some point, he was going to have to face up to the coming storm.  Besides, the mage thought, that point might have already passed.  If someone was asking after me in town, it's possible the Hellknights have already tracked me to Sandpoint.  Or possibly my father...  Cato's thoughts trailed off, as if trying to decide which was worse.

The sight of Pisca broke Cato from his internal debate.  Cato returned Pisca's wave, and continued to the store, nodding everyone gathered in front.  After Pisca's last interaction with the Vinder family, Cato had to fight off the impulse to cringe.  The fact than Ven wasn't in sight helped somewhat.

"Afternoon, everyone.  Katrine, I hope your family is well.  Kellan, when you are finished here, I'd like a moment of your time.  Pisca, too, I think.  I have a problem with which I'd like to request your assistance."

Cato instantly hated the way the request sounded so formal, but at the same time felt relieved.  At least he'd know soon how his friends felt about his past.
Katrine Vinder
NPC, 6 posts
Ven's Daughter
Illicit Lover
Thu 18 Jun 2015
at 19:20
  • msg #9

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“You’re here for Shayliss?”  Katrine struggled to sound surprised at Kellan’s statement, without much success.  “You’re in luck!  She’s inside.  So is my father.  I’m sure Shay’ll be happy to see you, especially if you tell her about the Rusty Dragon.  She loves that place.”  She paused, mouth twisting slightly.  “Of course, you’ll have to talk to my father first.”

At that very moment Pisca ran up, fully engaged in what seemed a stream-of-consciousness narrative.  Perhaps remembering her last experience with the gnome, Katrine looked none too pleased with the General Store’s newest arrival, and Pisca’s unconventional approach to conversation didn’t do much to change the eldest Vinder girl’s expression.

“Hello, Pisca,” Katrine greeting the gnome curtly, shooting Kellan her best get-this-one-out-of-here-before-she-sees-my-father look.  “No, not yet.”  She grabbed a broom that was leaning up against the wall and began sweeping the porch with short, quick motions.  “I don’t need your support, Pisca.  And I’d appreciate it,” the sweeping increased in speed, “if you wouldn’t provoke my father about it.  Again.”

Katrine seized Cato’s upon arrival like a drowning woman seizing a raft.  “Thank you, Cato.”  She nodded to him, then gave him the very same look she’d just given Kellan.  “Yes, Pisca should definitely assist you.”  She looked back toward the General Store with a slightly-panicked look.  “Pisca,” she said to the gnome, “Cato needs your help.  I think you should go help him.  Elsewhere.”




Pisca Neep Freemish
Gnome Archaeologist, 2447 posts
The Gnome!
And Her Imagination
Thu 18 Jun 2015
at 20:12
  • msg #10

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

The gnome turned from her friend of scholarly pursuit just as it occurred to her that the elder daughter of the General Store was actually speaking to her in reply.  As Pisca listened, her large violet eyes narrowed to slits of suspicion and her hands rose to her hips, both together building a look of very strong gnomish disapproval.

"You're trying to get rid of me, aren't you, Katrine Vinder," came the gnomish accusation, which came fully equipped with the Wagging Finger of Condemnation™.

Then, just as quickly as she'd turned on the elder Vinder, Pisca straightened, shrugged, and turned away.  "Alright," she called over her shoulder.  And, with a wave over afore mentioned shoulder she added, "Say hullo to your father for me," as though she hadn't punched the man in the thigh not a week ago after the town meeting.

"Come on, Cato."  Pisca took hold of her friend's hand and took him in tow, dragging him along behind her down Water street with the docks and the open water on their right.  "I think Stomper probably wants some time alone with Shayliss," the gnome said in her best whispering voice.  And then, in a more normal voice continued, "Why don't you tell Pisca-Too-I-Think what's troubling you.  Maybe together we can find a way to fix it."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Thu 18 June 2015.
Cato Crispin
Human Wizard, 1052 posts
Quarterstaff Expert
Fri 19 Jun 2015
at 18:32
  • msg #11

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Cato looked back over his shoulder, shrugging his shoulders as force-of-nature-Pisca pulled him away.  I'm sure Kellan will have more fun with Shayliss, even with Ven mixed in, than with me...
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1098 posts
Miniboss
Mon 22 Jun 2015
at 23:16
  • msg #12

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan watched as his two friends left as swiftly as they had come, an amused look on his face as he gave them a wave "I'll catch up soon guys, have fun" he chuckled as he turned back to Katrine.

"It sounds like I should go see your father then..." his tone coveying just how reticent he was to do just that "How's be been lately? With everything that's gone on?" He asked in a concerned sort of way. Not only would this hopefully buy him a few minutes, but perhaps he might glean some insight into the gruff man after all
Katrine Vinder
NPC, 7 posts
Ven's Daughter
Illicit Lover
Tue 23 Jun 2015
at 13:04
  • msg #13

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




Katrine sighed in relief as Pisca left, then turned back to Kellan.  “Father?  He seems to be doing well.  The recent . . . troubles were definitely good for business, and very few people actually ended up getting hurt, so I think things were a win-win all around, in his view.  He’s kind of in an expansive mood.  Although,” she gave him a commiserating sort of smile, “when it comes to Shay and me, I’m not sure gentlemen callers should ever be fully comfortable with him.”

“But I think he likes you,” the dark-haired woman grabbed the broom again and resumed sweeping the porch.  “As much as he won’t really admit it to everyone.  And,” she sighed, sending an offending pile of dust off of the porch and into the street, “he does have that temper.  So just because he likes you doesn’t mean you’re not going to see it, especially if he thinks you’re taking liberties with Shay.”

Katrine stopped working and turned to face Kellan again, both hands on top of the broom.  “And let me just say that I would be pretty put out myself if such liberties were taken.  Shay is my younger sister, and she has a good heart, but she can be—how can I say this—reckless.  And I think that recklessness might be more pronounced with you, Kellan, considering how much she likes you.  So you are going to need to be the one who ensures things don’t get . . . out of hand.”  She gave him an intent look.  “Do we understand each other?”




Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1099 posts
Miniboss
Fri 26 Jun 2015
at 22:17
  • msg #14

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

"Yeah, I hear you" Kellan nods holding up a hand as if to save her the trouble of expounding any further on her insinuations. "And don't worry, I'm in no rush...hopefully Shayliss will isn't either" The guardsman understood the girls desire to protect her sister, and even if it did rankle his pride a little to be spoken to in such an accusatory tone, he felt the best way to demonstrate his sincerity was to prove his intentions through action.

"As far as your dad is concerned, well, it may just take some time...but I'm hoping he will come around sooner than later of course" For the first time Kellan found himself suspecting that he just might be able to stand toe to toe with the Vinder patriarch, although he would never dream of doing such a thing, his recent experiences had made him reconsider what he was truly capable. It was very much a tactical appraisal, and not so much any desire to circumvent Venns fatherly instincts.

"And thanks for the advice...I'll be sure to keep it in mind" he added with a smile "I'll see you around Katrine, don't work too hard" And with that he moved deeper into the store to seek out Shayliss's protector himself with the hope that he might be persuaded to let his daughter out for an evening of chaste fun and relaxation.
Ven Vinder
NPC, 12 posts
Proprietor
Sandpoint General Store
Sat 27 Jun 2015
at 14:51
  • msg #15

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“I’m glad to hear it, Kellan.”  Younger-sister virtue-protection duties complete, Katrine gave the newly-minted sergeant a warm smile.  She nodded towards the inside of the store.  “Best of luck with my father.”  She sighed.  “You might need it.”

Kellan opened the door and entered the General Store as Katrine continued on with her porch-sweeping duties.  As always, Ven’s shop was immaculate and organized, with row upon row of small-town necessities neatly compartmentalized and identified by card stock inscribed with a flowing script most likely belonging to one of his daughters.

A board near the front of the store informed visitors of a sale on farm and field equipment, which made sense given the season.  The sign had crude-but-helpful pictures of the discounted items to better inform the shop’s less-literate customers of its special deals.

Ven was over near the farm implements, laughing and talking with a couple of men, Arin Karstow and Dak Bannin, both of whom Kellan knew farmed lands near Sandpoint.  He was particularly familiar with Dak, whom he’d had to pull out of Fatman’s more than once.  The man enjoyed his alcohol.

The good-natured conversation in the corner reminded Kellan of how popular Ven actually was in the community, even despite his quick temper.  The shopkeeper was respected for his fair prices and known to give down-on-their-luck townsfolk a deal when times were hard, just to help them get back on their feet.  Not only that, but Ven’s skill with his fists won him the respect of Sandpoint’s rougher crowd.  The man didn’t even enter boxing contests anymore--he had nothing left to prove.

Ven looked up as Kellan entered the store.  “Kellan!”  He roared in his gravelly voice, clearly in a jovial mood.  He spread his arms in welcome.  “It’s good to see you, boy!”  He turned back to Arin and Dak.  “Sergeant Storval is courting my Shay,” he informed them.  Both men looked impressed.  Stories of Kellan’s recent adventures had apparently made it out to the farmsteads.

"Good on ya, Kellan," ventured Arin.  He was one of Sandpoint's more well-to-do farmers, and had always treated the young man well.

“Shay!!”  Ven called in a booming voice towards the back of the shop.  “Kellan is here to see you!”  He turned back towards the guardsman.  “She’s been down doing inventory.”  He moved towards Kellan as light footfalls pounded up the stairs.  “You’re wanting to see her this evening, I take it?”  He asked mildly.  Well, mildly for Ven Vinder.  “What are your plans?”




Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1100 posts
Miniboss
Tue 30 Jun 2015
at 01:03
  • msg #16

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan could not help but be comforted by the sights and smells of the general store. Going to town and the general store in particular had been a real treat when he had been growing up and the various implements made him almost homesick. Things had been simple, getting up early, working hard, always something to be done. But he also remembered the fickle weather, uncertain crop prices and the frustrations of having to plan a year out for everything.

As he approached the men, his fine Magnimarian boots creaked against the well used floor boards he raised one hand in greeting before offering it to each of the men in turn. "Evening Mr. Vinder, gentlemen" he replied in a friendly tone, greatly relieved to find Venn in a good mood. It seemed he may have a shot at this after all!

There was that subtle awkwardness there with Dak, not ill will by any measure, but there was just something about seeing a man at their worst, or having to throw a member of the community in a cell so that they could sleep it off that changed things between people. According to Alergast, given enough time it seemed most of the community would probably allow the guard sometimes painful or embarrassing glimpses into their private lives, all in the name of maintaining order or solving problems. It was up to them to treat such situations with respect and discretion, something Kellan had always tried to keep in mind.

"Thank you sir" he sipped his head to Arin before he turned to Venn "If you'd allow it, I was hoping to take her to the Rusty Dragon and back for dinner. I doubt we'd be out much past sundown"
Shayliss Vinder
NPC, 10 posts
Ven's Daughter
Kellan's Main Squeeze
Wed 1 Jul 2015
at 02:07
  • msg #17

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“Ameiko’s place?”  Ven said approvingly.  “I don’t have a problem with that.”

At that point the cellar door burst open to reveal a slightly-breathless Shay, who was dressed in some rather-drab work clothes—trousers and a long-sleeved buttoned work shirt that didn’t compliment her incredibly well.  She had dirt on her trousers and her sleeves, her mussed-up hair complimenting a charming smudge of dirt on her nose.

“Kellan!”  She said, excitedly but with some amount of tension.  “How are you doing?”  She quickly took in the situation amongst the men in the room and, apparently deciding that her father wasn’t about to lambaste her favorite suitor, relaxed slightly.  “What brings you here?”

“He wants to take you over to the Dragon, Shay,” Ven supplied.

Shayliss turned a warm smile on Kellan, but suddenly one of the red-haired woman’s hands flew to her mouth.  “Oh!”  She said, eyes wide as she suddenly realized what she had been doing and what she must look like.  The other hand moved to her stomach, as if she could keep Kellan from seeing her in her disheveled state.  “I look terrible!  I can’t go like this!”




Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1104 posts
Miniboss
Sat 4 Jul 2015
at 00:53
  • msg #18

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan turned on his heel to take in Shalyiss in all of her bucolic glory. While true she was looking a bit dirty and drab, there was something honest and wholesome about it that made him think her adorable. He smiled and gave a little wave, then chuckled when she realized the state of her dress.

"I'm in no rush, take your time and I'll be right here whenever you're ready" he tried to ease her apprehension as he shifted his weight "Provided you still want to go of course, I know you are all pretty busy this time of year" he joked with a grin.

It was easy to see why the Vinders were so protective of her, pretty as she was, and in such a small community. It helped him realize just how much trust Venn was putting in him, and Katrine too for that matter. Now it was just a matter of proving that trust well placed.
The Raconteur
GM, 2168 posts
Teller of Tales
Writer of Wrongs
Mon 20 Jul 2015
at 20:17
  • msg #19

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




Shayliss rushed off, cheeks flaming, to dress in a manner more befitting an evening on the town.  Kellan chatted with Ven, Arin, and Dak as he waited for her to return, acutely aware that Shayliss’ father was evaluating his every syllable and mannerism.

The pressure, needless to say, was intense.

It seemed like hours before Shayliss reappeared, clad in a relatively-demure yellow dress, adorned at the cuffs and its ankle-length hem with what looked like interlaced white roses; further up, a pattern of linked white ovals encircled the outfit’s high neckline.  The top of the dress, as with so much of Shayliss’ clothing, was form fitting, emphasizing her generous bust and making it very difficult for Kellan not to stare.  Shayliss draped an emerald shawl across her shoulders, setting off her green eyes quite spectacularly, in the young guardsman’s estimation.

“Don’t just stand there staring, son.”  Ven’s gravelly voice sparked Kellan into action.  He offered an elbow to Shayliss; she blushed again and interlaced her arm in his, smiling as she looked down at the floor.

“You two have a good time,” Ven offered as a sort of benediction.  “But Kellan,” he cautioned, a note of warning entering his voice.  “Make sure you have her back at a reasonable hour.  Understood?”




This message was last edited by the GM at 20:19, Mon 20 July 2015.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1111 posts
Miniboss
Tue 21 Jul 2015
at 19:08
  • msg #20

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan felt his heart swell with pride as he saw Shayliss emerge, and the knowledge that she was his girlfriend some how made everything seem better. While true his position could be difficult and frustrating at times, it was moments like this that helped remind him that life was a whole lot more than drills and patrols.

"Yes sir, understood" Kellan replied with a deep nod as he took the crook of Shayliss's arm in his own. His mind was trying to come up with a realistic approximation of what a "reasonable hour" would mean in the mind of Venn Vinder when he suddenly found himself outside in the fresh air once more.

"You look lovely Shay" Kellan complimented as they walked, thinking back to the terror and suprise of the first night she had invited him down into the basement of her fathers shop. Katrins words came back to him all too clearly, and he reminded himself that it might be necessary to be the one to reign things in should Shayliss prove a little too enthusiastic. It was a hard thing to ask of any young man of course, given the circumstances.

"So...I tried to give you this before I left on that mission, but in all the chaos of the day it had to wait unfortunately" Kellan fished out the hair ribbon that he had purchased before the groups excursion and held it out for her. It matched her shawl, he thought to himself, which made him hope that he had made the right choice.
Shayliss Vinder
NPC, 11 posts
Ven's Daughter
Kellan's Main Squeeze
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 03:02
  • msg #21

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“Thanks, Kellan,” Shayliss blushed as he complimented her beauty, performing a little twirl to show off the entirety of the dress, hem flaring out as she did so.  This allowed Kellan to see she was wearing well-made brown moccasins, decorated with some sort of complex beadwork.  She looked down at her outfit, then back up at him, holding on to each end of her shawl.  “You’re looking very handsome yourself.”

A couple of Sczarni toughs walked by, noticeably abstaining from the leers and catcalls they might have bestowed upon a different young woman dressed up for the evening in Southmarket.  Even Sandpoint’s rougher elements treated the Vinder girls with respect.  No one wanted to incur Ven’s wrath, and now that Shayliss was courting Kellan she seemed even more untouchable.  The two men simply nodded to Kellan and continued on whatever business Jubrayl Vhiski had sent them.

“Oh!”  Shayliss said as Kellan presented her with his gift.  She examined the dark-green hair ribbon and its golden trim as if it were a great treasure.  “It’s beautiful!”  She gave Kellan the broadest smile could ever recall seeing from her.  “And it goes perfectly with my dress and shawl!  How did you know?”  She studied the ribbon thoughtfully, then looked around, grinning as she spotted a slightly younger girl with brownish hair—Jinna Kesk, the jeweler’s daughter.  Shayliss held up a finger to Kellan.  “Wait here.”

“Jinna!”  The red-headed Vinder daughter called to her friend, looking quickly over to Kellan as she did so.  “I’ll be right back!”  Jinna stopped and Shayliss nearly ran over to her.  They put their heads together, laughing and looking back at the Sandpoint Guard’s newest sergeant.  Then they ducked behind one of the square's remaining pavilions.

Kellan waited there for what seemed like an eternity.  A few townsfolk wandered by in the interim, calling out greetings and probably wondering what the guardsman was doing standing at the entrance to Southmarket Square.

That question was answered when Shayliss reappeared from behind the pavilion, Jinna trailing behind her like an attendant.  Her long red hair was now piled atop her head, bound up in an incredibly enticing manner by Kellan’s gift cord.  She was the most ravishing woman Kellan had ever seen in his life.

“So,” Shayliss asked Kellan as Jinna looked on from a short distance, hanging on the pair’s every word like she was watching one of the great romances performed at the Sandpoint Theater.  Kellan’s date motioned to her hair.  “What do you think?”




This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Sat 25 July 2015.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1112 posts
Miniboss
Sat 25 Jul 2015
at 17:03
  • msg #22

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan took a step back and looked on happily as Shayliss noted that the ribbon matched her shawl, luck it seemed was still on his side, and her smile made all that business with her father and Pisca seem to fade away into a distant past. He did not expect Jinna however and as he followed Shayliss's eyes over to the girl he was left wondering what the two had planned.

Shayliss ran off before Kellan could do much of anything and the newly promoted Sergeant was left standing with a puzzled look on his face. He stood there for a time, then paced a little before finally making a short circuit of the buildings around the south end of the Market Square. He encountered a few friendly faces and exchanged small talk, all the while glancing over now and then for the return of his date.

The old adage that good things come to those who wait could not have been more true for Kellan than the moment Shayliss returned from his secret errand bedecked in a style that would undoubtedly have turned heads at the most extravagant balls in Magnimar. The poor guy was practically dumbstruck as he looked her over, and he was struck with the suspicion that perhaps the gods were really looking out for him after all.

"Hmm?" Kellan replied to Shayliss's inquiry a second too late, blinking a few times as he seemed to come back to his senses and putting his hands on his hips. "Oh, well...I think the Kesks are going to be taking a lot more of my coin in the future"  he shot a smile and an appreciative look to Jinna. "You look...amazing, really amazing" his words were simple, but obviously heartfelt as he leaned in to take her hand once more and bring her closer.
Shayliss Vinder
NPC, 12 posts
Ven's Daughter
Kellan's Main Squeeze
Sun 26 Jul 2015
at 02:55
  • msg #23

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




“You really like it?”  Almost unconsciously, Shayliss reached up to touch the end of the ribbon.  She smiled, leaning against Kellan and snuggling into his side.  “I know I’m amazingly happy to be with you,” she murmured, before turning back to Jinna, who was still standing there, a huge smile on her face, watching the pair of them.  “Thank you, Jin,” she said.  “I’ll see you back at the General Store later.  Later.”  She emphasized the word.  “All right?”

Jinna started, as if she’d been awoken from a particularly happy dream.  She blushed.  “Of course, Shay,” she replied, beginning to walk away, but not before calling back over her shoulder, “have fun with your man.”  She trilled and drew out the last word in what seemed like a teasing manner.  Shay rolled her eyes, grinning, and used her free hand to shoo her friend away.

“So,” the ravishing redhead said, grabbing Kellan’s arm possessively as they resumed walking towards The Rusty Dragon.  “What are our plans for tonight?  A romantic, candlelit dinner for the two of us?”  She looked up at him, eyes shining.  “Or do you have something else in mind?”




This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Sun 26 July 2015.
Kellan Storval
Human Fighter, 1113 posts
Miniboss
Mon 27 Jul 2015
at 17:25
  • msg #24

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)

Kellan nodded slowly, still coming back to his senses as it were. In retrospect asking Ameiko to set up something special for the two of them would have been a good idea, but without even knowing if Venn was going to let Shay out of the house it seemed a bit presumptive and a little imposing upon Ameiko in general. He was confident that they could still make it work regardless.

"A little dinner for two sounds like a great place to start" he agreed, putting his arm around her and relishing the feeling of her snuggling up to him. Something about her softness after a day full of metal, drill and wariness seemed perfect, although he only let his guard down so much these days. Thistletop had changed him, and he seemed more observant that he had before that day.

As they walked Kellan stood a bit straighter and walked a bit slower, taking the time to enjoy their little stroll. As he passed the little stalls and storefronts he marveled at how quickly things had returned to normal, although if you looked closely you could still see some signs of the attack and the defenses. "Your father seemed downright friendly tonight...how's he been doing with Kat and all that?"
Shayliss Vinder
NPC, 13 posts
Ven's Daughter
Kellan's Main Squeeze
Tue 4 Aug 2015
at 01:47
  • msg #25

Re: A Sergeant's Intermission (Kellan)




Shayliss leaned into Kellan as they walked and talked about their plans for the evening, enjoying each other’s company.  The guardsman felt her stiffen a little when he asked about her sister.  She was silent for a moment, then seemed to relax slightly.  “He was friendly tonight, wasn’t he?”  Her voice took on a note of amusement.  “I think you must be growing on him.  A suitor from a family he respects, and who is now the Sandpoint Guard’s youngest sergeant?”  She elbowed him in the side, grinning up at him.  “I think he might actually be impressed.  And I didn’t think any boy could ever impress him!”

Her face fell as she considered the situation with her sister.  “Father and Kat are doing just about as well as ever,” she said, blowing out her breath in what could have been frustration, though exactly towards whom it was directed remained unclear.  “Kat’s sure she’s found the love of her life, and she seems really happy with him, but she doesn’t think Father will approve.  And given how prickly he was, even with you, I can see her point.”  Her voice sounded sad.  “Makes family dinners difficult.  And of course,” she stuck out her tongue in disgust, “I’m in the middle.”

She paused again, then continued.  “A lot of times we just try and ignore it, but whenever it comes up there’s a lot of yelling and crying.”  She snuggled closer to him.  “I know Father loves Kat, and she loves him, but this is creating a big thing between them.”  She looked at the ground as they walked.  “You lived out in the country, so you might not remember how they used to be.  They were so close.  I know it’s hard to believe," she laughed, "but I always used to accuse her of being the favorite daughter.”

Her voice got very small.  “I’m afraid things might never be the same again.”

They looked up to find they had arrived at The Rusty Dragon.  The redhead shook her head, then looked up at Kellan, smiling.  “But I don’t want to think about sad things tonight.  I want to enjoy my time with Sandpoint’s most-eligible young man.”  She winked at him.  “And if a lot of people see us together?  Well, that’s fine by me.”

She waited for Kellan to open the door for her, then walked inside the inn like a princess.  As Kellan followed her inside, he saw Ameiko Kaijitsu standing near the door, hugging a clearly-distraught Liseth . . . .

KELLAN, you can continue in this thread or join Liseth’s thread, your choice.




This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Tue 04 Aug 2015.
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