White Goblin Fishes ((Open))

[PurpleMonkeys]

After a rather loud ruckus in the tavern, a man and a woman burst out into the dull morning, dragging a battered figure between them. They drop him by the river, and converse quietly. After a while they give the body one last look and hurry off towards the gate. All is silent but for a man's giggling and farting by the pigs, when Borgate peeks out the door with a mop in hand and a scowl on his face. He surveys the scene, chewing his gums. The man's yellow robe had been stained with the blood that trailed behind him, and it was torn on the shoulder were something had went through an bitten a deep cut into the flesh. The man's face was clearly a mess even from that distance. His fake fur goatee was caked with crimson and pie, his nose was a ruin, and he had more bruises than skin. His arms were also slashed many times, and there was a particularly nasty gouge in his wrist. Borgate gave a grumble and advanced from the door frame long enough to mop up some of the blood on his stone walk. He noticed long red marks across his throat as well, but let it be as he hurried back inside and slammed the door, leaving the man for dead, as the others had.

[PurpleMonkeys]

In front of the Hospital sat Tony Baggins in his chair, humming a tune happily as he mixed together a new batch of dye to sell to his customers. He gave his arms a break from the stirring rod, and took in a deep breath of air. Something didn't smell right. He knew the smell of the pigs well enough and it wasn't that. He also knew the smell of the wounded people brought past him occasionally. It reminded him of that, but he knew nobody was inside. Recalling the noises he heard from the tavern's direction not too long ago, he frowned worriedly and hopped over to the chair nearest the hedges and peered over. He was shocked to see a man by the river, in a pool of his own blood, and unmoving at that. He hopped over the hedges, and looked to the simpleton that tended the pigs. He convinced him to drag the body into the hospital for him, explaining the blood was getting into the water and it would be no good for his.. 'family'. He had Gloarn run to the well to draw a bucket of water as he put his alchemy skills to use, concocting a healing paste to spread on the man's wounds. The simpleton returned rather quickly, and had spilled half of the water in his rush to return to the pigs, but there was enough to clean the wounds, Tony figured. He did just that, applied the paste, then fished out some linen bandages from the chest and wrapped them around the man. He sighed as he assessed the man from the atop the chair. "That's all I can do for the big fellow. I hope he's in good favor with the gods." Tony returned to his own chair outside with that, and resumed his work, making sure to tell any passerby about the man in the hospital with the fake goatee.

[Caynwyn]

Leaving her children at the Nanny's, Cay makes her usual rounds, first Eliza's to get more bandages and to give her a fish, then the hospital to check supplies and see if anyone needs help. Looking at Tony she stops before opening the door seeing him point inside then nods already prepared for some injury. Not recognizing the man, Cay proceeds to look at the bandages applied then places a hand on his forehead checking the temperature before mumbling to herself.

I wonder if any paste was used this time.

Sighing, Cay gently removes one bandage at a time making sure the wounds were closed, if not then suturing them or applying a paste to hold them closed. Occasionally looking at the face with more and more of a puzzled look, she whispers to herself figuring he probably wouldn't wake to answer.

Do I know you?

Adding a paste to prevent infection, Cay finally replaces the bandages with new ones then moves to the head of the bed shaking her head.

Whoever took care of you did a good job on these wounds but the face needs cleaning and hopefully there are no wounds there!

Getting some previously boiled water stored in the depot along with bandages, Cay begins to clean the man's face.

Maybe I can figure out who you are.

[TiaSarah]

An elfess hums softly as she strolls through the streets of Bane, watching the toddler ahead of her with a smile as he pauses to inspect different plants along the way. Golden eyes scan the streets carefully now and then, the faintest of frowns crossing her lips as she does. Finally reaching the press, she sets her bag down with a sigh.

Stay near Ma, Liam. Just a bit of work and we'll do something fun, I promise. Would you like to go see the wolves on Vanima today?

She grins as the boy nods excitedly, then rolls up her sleeves and begins to work. She watches Liam attack a few nearby plants with a chuckle, her eyes only leaving him to scan the area again. She tilts her head, frowning with concern as the boy suddenly goes still beneath the hospital window. His face lights up as he looks up and points excitedly at the building.

Ma! Maddi Ma in dere! Maddi pway?

She barely has time to wipe her hands on her trousers and grab her bag before the boy is running down the road.

Liam!

She sighs, sprinting to catch him. Scolding him lightly as she takes his hand, she moves towards the door. Pausing to greet Tony, she shushes the impatient toddler.

Hiho Era! How's the little golem today? Cay's in tendin to some big lug with a fake goatee. Found him near the tavern and had Gloarn drag him here for me. Pretty banged up he was.

Frowning, Era looks to the door. Liam babbles excitedly at Tony about Maddi and Ri as Era's eyes widen slightly.

Fake goatee? Near the tavern? Oh no... he should have left with Oxi... Liam, stay with Tony a minute, Maddi isn't here with her Ma.

Offering Tony a grateful smile and a few herbs she'd found along the way, Era pushes through the door with an apprehensive frown.

Cay? Is it Tirry?

[PurpleMonkeys]

As Cay cleans the man's face, and Era enters the building, the mystery man suddenly lets out a massive sneeze, sending the contents of his nose in a straight path to the woman's face.

The man also screams at this point, having done the foul action through a broken nose. "MY NOSE" Exclaims the man, slapping a hand onto his face. This only serves to worsen the pain, but strangely the man lets out a giggle instead of a cry.

He sprays a little blood as he mumbles to himself, giggle-screaming through his fingers at the same time. "Oh, oh, my secret, I still have it.. hehe.. Tirry is invincible, indestructible.. ugh.. in.." He trails off as he notices the two stunned women looming over him, and a bloody grin breaks behind his hand. "Don't worry, you're safe. I still have the secret. What's that on your face?"

[Caynwyn]

Briefly looking at the door hearing a familiar voice, Cay begins to answer only to hear the intake of a breath right before a sneeze yet managing to effectively duck out of the way. She doesn't look behind her to see how Era faired however, busily grabbing for a bandage in an attempt to staunch the flow of blood and assess for the nose being broken. With soft voice representing the calm of a healer, Cay mutters after his exclamation.

Relax Tirrend, you are fine, I am glad we are safe...

I am going to give you something to help with the pain, would you drink wine or smoke some sibinac? If not I have some tea. What would you like?

Hoping to calm him down to assess his nose and possibly straighten it if broken, Cay calls back over her shoulder..

You may want to make sure Tony keeps Liam outside Era!

[TiaSarah]

Era sighs gently, ignoring whatever may have sprayed on her blouse. She moves to the depot, surveying the contents.

Tony is an old pro at handling Liam, he'll be fine.

She looks Tirrend over with a frown before looking to Cay.

What can I do to help?

[Caynwyn]

Cay gazes toward Era giving her a warm smile as she holds the bandage on Tirrend's nose attempting to slow down the bleeding.

Tirrend should be alright for a little if you want to take Liam to the Nanny's..Maddi is there. I appreciate your offer of help though, you can probably keep him calmer then me knowing him better.

Appearing a little puzzled now, Cay turns back to Tirrend.

It has been a long time since I have seen Tirrend, at least the nose may be broken but appears still in place, hopefully anyway...so he just needs to be careful and not hit it while it is healing.

Sighing briefly as she frowns watching the man.

I wonder what happened to make him like this?

[TiaSarah]

Nodding a bit to Cay, Era closes the depot again.

Alright, I'll take Liam up there if you're sure the nanny won't mind... Young Master Drake has been missing his friend.

She chuckles lightly before gesturing to Tirrend with a frown.

As for that one, do you mean the wounds or his mind? I have a vague idea about both. I'll explain when I return.

She moves to the door looking back over her shoulder.

Tirrend, don't give Cay too much trouble please. And Cay, good luck on keeping him from hitting that nose. I'll try to hurry back.

Closing the door softly behind her, Era turns and fixes Liam with a bright smile.

Who wants to go see Maddi?

She pulls the boy onto her hip as he claps his hands. Offering Tony a nod of thanks, the splatter on her blouse finally catches her eye.

Hmm, and apparently Ma needs a change of clothes too.

Giving a small sigh, she starts down the path.

[PurpleMonkeys]

Tirrend rocks side to side as he lies on the bed, helping Cay hold the cloth in place over his nose.
"Oh, what happened.. I'll tell you what happened!" He points an accusing finger at the wall, in the direction the Tavern would be.
"That good looking fellow and his cow wanted my secret. Oh ho ho, they wanted it bad, they thought they'd take my tongue to get it, but it's all in my head, little did they know. And that.. that blasphemous name-thief Gabby was there! How dare he, hehe, try to cook me like some crown stealing squirrel master."
The man's sentence starts to make less and less sense after this, basically trailing into gibberish mixed with a few giggles.
Looking sharply to Cay as she asks what the secret is, he scowls and wags a finger at her.
"You don't want to know. I took it from the White Goblin Fish when he saved me, hehe, but now he's after me. He'll come after you too."
He gasps suddenly then, and tries to scramble out of the bed. The frail, wounded man is pushed back onto the bed though, and he sobs.
"I need to get away! I need to check on my poor shrubbery!"

[Caynwyn]

Having hopefully gotten the nose to stop it's bleeding before the man's agitation increases Cay has no choice but to start the sibanac pipe. With a frown she allows the smoke to gradually permeate the air hoping it will calm him down before.... holding her stomach Cay repeats her mantra quietly to herself...

Don't get sick...don't get sick...don't get sick.

Finally the pipe has it's usual effect on her and unable to help herself.. only hoping Tirrend is calmer in the smoke filled hospital, Cay runs out the door as far away from the smoke as possible coughing steadily as her stomach threatens to heave all it's contents.

[PurpleMonkeys]

Tirrend grins widely as the sibanac penetrates his mind, waving his arms in the air like he just doesn't care.
Snickering, he waves one of them at Cay as she leaves to decorate the bushes outside.
All of a sudden he gasps and shrieks though, and points at an empty, smoke filled corner. "It's here! It's here! Muffins save me, I must away, ay-ay!"
The man rolls off the bed, hitting the floor with a painful thud. He only giggles like a madman, though, crawling and shuffling at a fair speed, passing Cay as she heaves away.
The man looses himself on the world, his giggles quickly subsiding.

[Kyre]

A bolt of lightning lands before a portal is seen as the witch steps out the same instant the man bolts from the hospital. Frowning she looks at Tirrend shaking her head as she crosses her arms.

You are pitiful. She said you wanted to forget?

Whispering words of ancient she freezes the man from moving as her previous words seem either completely ignored or he simply speaks non-sense. Making a portal in front of him she calls on a light wind to blow him into it then follows and again talks to the man though is unsure how much he understands.

I see why this Era speaks for you. Well, you can't get into trouble here and will stay until I can prepare the ritual.

Calling a raven, Kyre sends a parchment to Era before she leaves.

Tirrend's Keeper,
Have the blood ready.. better yet a live animal, I may need two for this man. He will need someone to watch him for a little even afterwards. Let me know when you are ready.
Kyre

[TiaSarah]

Era hurries back to the hospital, freshly bathed and smiling brightly. She clutches the note in her hand as she strides to the door. The smile fades as she takes in the scene.

Tony? What happened here? Where is Tirrend? And what happened to Cay?

Shaking her head a bit as Tony relays the events of the day to her, Era sighs.

Well at least Kyre has him now. I don't have to worry about him running off again. There is much work to be done. But first...

She turns, moving towards Cay.

Let's see about getting you to a bed... not inside though, still reeks of sib. I think I have a portal book, how about I get you home?

She attempts to help hold Cay's hair back out of her face, patiently waiting until the woman stops her heaving. She stays beside her a bit longer, to be sure she's done, then gently slips a hand around Cay's waist, trying to help her stand.

We should find a way to cover your nose and mouth for such things.... or make Tony do it next time.

[Kyre]

Kyre takes the payment from Era in the form of a drop of blood freely given with a promise of getting one from Tirrend at a later date before making a portal to the Farmer's Union where Tirrend was entertained by the scarecrow. An effort to find out his problem and "secret" proved a waste of time and the ritual was begun. Glad to see William quietly watching, Kyre finally turns to Era with a frown.

Nargun is likely to give him what he wants but also take something...I can't guarantee the outcome of this.


Her reticence was confirmed when after a long and exhausting ritual with continuous prayers, Tirrend disappeared only to reappear at a behest to Nargun yet not exactly as intended.

[TiaSarah]

Era nods at Kyre's words, watching the ritual anxiously. She gasps lightly as Tirrend vanishes, only to bite back a yelp as he reappears. Vaguely hearing Kyre's warning about being sure she gets her payment from Tirrend, Era makes sure he is comfortable before scurrying into the portal.

I will be back for you soon.

Hurrying to the cottage, Era gathers a few blankets and some coin.

Liam will be fine with Oxiana for the night... He's too noisy anyway.

She waits quietly for the sun to set before sneaking into town to rent a mule. Loading the blankets into the mule's pack, she slips back out the northern gate and takes the long way around to the road that leads south. She stays in the shadows as much as possible, moving slowly to quiet any protests from the mule. Finally arriving at her destination, she approaches Tirrend cautiously.

Tirrend, It's Era... I've come to take you someplace more comfortable. Gods, when did you get so heavy?

Slowly she lifts him onto the mule, whispering calming words as the beast brays and tries to scamper away in fear. After a lot of effort, and several carrots, she finally sighs with relief. Glancing around to ensure the commotion didn't attract anyone, she pulls the blankets from the pack and begins to cover Tirrend with them.

Can't have anyone seeing you right now... I just pray this is temporary.

Satisfied that Tirrend is stable and completely covered, Era moves to a spot near the shore. She kneels and lays a flower on the grass.

Sere, if you're listening... I could use your help on this one. Nargun always seemed to favor you, could you ask him to show a bit of mercy? Oh, who am I kidding? You're laughing just as hard as he is right now, you numpty.

Chuckling softly, she kisses her palm and touches the earth before rising. Grabbing the reins of the mule, she begins the long journey to Northbridge, avoiding any sign of life she encounters. Glancing around cautiously as she nears home, she pulls a key from her pocket and slides it into the lock. Moving quickly, she pulls Tirrend from the mule's back and drags him inside.

I guess my bed will have to do for now...

She settles him on the mattress, covering him with the blankets and drawing the curtains tightly against the dawn. Grabbing a clean outfit, she steps out the back door for a quick bath in the stream. She washes her other outfit and lays it on the chair by the door before stepping back inside and casting a worried glance at the lump in her bed.

I have to return the mule and fetch Liam, I'll only be gone an hour or so. I hope you sleep that long.

Slipping out the door quietly, she locks it firmly behind her and grabs the reins of the mule. Forcing a smile, she attempts to look chipper as she moves towards the town.

[PurpleMonkeys]

Tirrend curls up on the bed, his breath coming out in soft hisses. He stares at the back door, which has been left open by Era. Even from inside, the sheep on the field could be clearly heard. Tirrend licks his lips, and slides his twisted form onto the floor. He manages to stand for a few seconds, but he wobbles on his thin legs and finally collapses back to the floor. He crawls out the door, over the hedge, and into the field of terrified animals. He tackles one, rips it open with his claws, and has himself a bloody feast. He trails blood behind him as he scurries into the treeline, lost in the night.

[TiaSarah]

Returning home much later than expected, Era hurries Liam in out of the rain. She laughs as the boy shakes the water from his hair before turning to lock the front door. Glancing around in confusion, she notices the floor appears to be soaked, as does the end of the bed... the empty bed. Her eyes widen in shock as they fall on the open back door.

Oh Gods! I forgot to latch it!

Shielding her eyes from the rain, Era steps into the yard and scans the land around her. She sighs in frustration as the fog thickens, preventing her from seeing much of anything. Hurrying back inside, she settles at the table and begins writing as the storm howls outside.

[Thargon]

A dwarf stands alone in the darkness outside the trollsbane workshop waiting for his friends to arrive. when a hissing noise startles him as the figure appears on all fours and rushes towards him the dwarf squints his eyes to see who or what it is.

"wh- Tirrend! wot are ye doing?"

[Kyre]

A parchment is placed in the dead of night at the workshop, Eliza's, and the east gate entrance to Trolls Bane.

There is something that wears a robe with hood covering most his face, he can barely stand and appears to hide under tables and in shadows. If you talk to him you will find out this is Tirrend and not a monster and was the result of a ritual and prayers to Nargun. There is no need to attack him as he is harmless and is under my protection for now. Hopefully Nargun will decide he has had his fill of the human and we will see him as he was only of sound mind.
Kyre