RP:Festival of Frost Giants, Part 1

From HollowWiki

Part of the Thy Kingdom Come Arc


Continued in Part 2.

Summary: Balgruuf and his son Balder lead a caravan of frost giants to Xalious village to set up a carnival. Things become tense when they pull out the piñata, a tasteless effigy of Hildegarde. When Balgruuf awards Harrison a sacred weapon for his thrashing of the piñata, Balder goes ballistic and punts a hobbit into the distance.

Entrance to the Park, Xalious Village

Word well outpaces the foot, and the buzz is already circulating through the town; there is a band of frost giants underway, riding on mammoths and hauling behind themselves great carts, brimming with wares. In days of late, Frostmaw's gates have been closed to all outsiders, and contact with the city has been impossibly sparce. With tales of harsh xenophobia (and even treachery) running rampant, none had dared suppose the secluded giants would dare venture down from their sealed mountaintop. Have they come to invade? Are they here to bring conflict from the bosom of City of War and into the wide world? The contrary. "Caravan!" Their hawkers cry, ringing bells and blowing great, rumbling horns. "Caravan!" On and on, the tradesmen come, bearing casks of ale, bushels of produce, trinkets and talismans, all the bounty and skilled craft of the north. At rear of the great trading band ride Balgruuf and Balder, come together to personally oversee the merchants' success. Finding a suitable clearing at the entrance to the park, Balgruuf calls to the front. "Hold! Hold! We'll set up here." With that, they grind to a halt and hop to it, soon setting up tents and shops. "Come one, come all!" The giants call.


Linn wore his usual armor and gear out to the rumored festival today. Unnecessary as it may have seemed in some circumstances it had become rather iconic to the enchanter between its unconventional build and (some might say excessive) shine. That, and the last celebration he was at made him more than thankful to have a form of armor, even if it wasn’t the usual bright metal. Or he was possibly keeping up the appearance in a purposefully abrasive way to see how these giants would handle the familiar ‘shiny guy’ coming as if nothing ever happened. He only had two words to recognize Balgruuf’s voice by, but it was enough to pick out given the adrenaline of the night he heard them. He skirted the edge of the crowd for now, looking in on the festivities with a small, anticipating smile at what all of this could mean.


Xersom did not care the reason; absent his children and wife, the man in the old and faded gray robes ambled down the path to lead to the Giants and their festival by means of aid by his old and gnarled cane. But there was something off; the darkness that usually emanated from the ancient was palpable, but right now, it was suffocating. It was as if any could instinctively and naturally spot that the former general was, as it were, angry.


Pilar had struck out at the Mage's Tower. No one there seemed interested in helping her, being too busy with their work to speak to someone not in the guild. Dejected, she wandered through the village streets, only to spot some sort of gathering in the distance. Curious, she followed the sounds of merriment and the scent of food until she came upon a... market? In the middle of the park? She ventured closer, curious, only to stop dead when she got a better look. Giants! Her undead heart was almost set to start beating again as fear crept in. She then chastised herself for judging the group by their race. She was no better than the Frostmawian bigots if she did that. She took shaky steps forward, aiming to at least look at their wares. She was inspecting a bottle of rum when she saw Linn. She hurried to the enchanter's side, touching him by the arm to signal her arrival. "Are you as nervous about this as I am?"


Lionel twists carefully from his lean against a nearby tree, blowing smoke from a traveler's pipe as he tilts his dark hood to cover his light features. Beside him and perched against the oak is Hellfire, sheathed in a real case for once, rather than its traditional phantom covering. This works to disguise the aura of red malice which pulses through the sword. Another puff from that pipe; Lionel cocks a brow, bends at the knee, and watches.


Xersom said to Caravan Guard, "Stop me and your name will forever be forgotten."


Kovl 's wings are a blur as the six inch tall pixie floats in to the park. His tiny hand cradles his head as it pounds from a night of flagrant and unapologetic drug use. The mage is sober now, but he questions his sobriety the moment he sees bands of frost giants and caravans enter the park. The fae rubs his eyes, "Huh?" Darting behind a stump, Kovl watches the visitors with curiosity, suspicion, and interest. The pixie is a friend of Frostmaw, but he knows, from all his travels, that anything can happen at anytime. Kovl moves out from behind the stump as the intentions of the frost giants appear friendly. He watches from the side of the road as the caravan stops and tents are set up.


Linn continued looking in on the wares with a distant curiosity, trying to piece together what this was meant to be. Could it be a genuine festival? Or was there some other purpose to it all? Pilar’s tap on his arm brought his eyes flickering over to the vampire with a slight nod in response to her statement, though that half-smile never left his face. “Maybe. It’s certainly… unexpected for something like this to happen.” Was all the analysis he was able to give at the moment. “Could mean anything.” He concluded with a light shrug before taking another look around for any other familiar figures around the area.


Lionel finishes with the pipe and curses his profound lack of foresight in -- well, in all things, really -- because he doesn't have a backup plan for appearing cliche-inconspicuous. It may be that the fallen hero will be ill-fated toward purchasing consumables from the very Frost Giants he'd intended to spy on from afar. Lionel flinches, bitterly. Life is woe punctuated by self-fulfilling idiocy.


Josleen , who navigates the treacherous swells of life from the wheel of a ship called Gossip, is among the first to learn of the incoming caravan from Frostmaw. She helps spread the news, coloring the rumors with the grays and dread and reds of warning,but her omen falls on mostly deaf ears. The villagers, native to this continent’s hub of trade, Xalious Village, are excited at the prospect to trade once more with Xalious’s traditional ally and main trading partner. Their feelings regarding the ousting of Steward Hildegarde notwithstanding. Enterprising merchants deftly juggle their loyalty to Hildegarde (a native of Xalious as well) and their need to fill their coffers. She finds Linn and Pilar in the crowd and gravitates towards them. “Hi Linn, Pilar,” she smiles reflexively, but her anxious gaze does not abandon the caravan, in particular follows one frost giantess trailing not far behind Balder. Unknown to Josleen, Hege is her name. Hege dismounts a mammoth with little grace and stomps over to help her mother unpack her fish stew. Hege glances furtively at Balder and looks thoroughly embarrassed. Once the fish stew has been unpacked, Hege finds an excuse to approach Balder. She’d rather be dead than be caught peddling fish. One reverent nod to Balgruuf, then her attention focuses back on Balder. “Where do you need me, boss?”


Xersom briefly, as if by some divine twist of fate, turned his near-luminous stare on Lionel. Briefly.


News indeed travels fast and far. Dominic had heard some whispered rumor of giants and decided to follow a crowd traveling into Xalious. With no further context for what is happening and an aversion to throwing himself into the midst of so many others, Dominic hangs back from the hubbub and perches himself on the ledge of some statue just outside the clearing.


Katherine hung back perched up in a nearby tree to avoid the growing crowd as she watched intently, observing the different sorts of patrons that were assembling around the exciting gathering. Her travels previously in the day had left her rather tired and preferred to stay away from the commotion until she felt it had settled enough for her to venture forward.


Xzavior wore a black shirt that covered most of his upper half and a very fine looking vambrace, but unlike at the ball in Frostmaw he wasn't bipedal. He found that he could roam around the lands of Hollow a little more freely since almost anyone who knew him at this point knew him to be pretty harmless. He brought along with him the little wyvern Leifa, this would be the first time she had ever been somewhere so public, all the sights, sounds and scents were kind of disorienting for the little one! Thankfully she had the hellhound that she laid upon to keep her safe. Of course that meant that Xzavior had came with Sabrina as well. He looked around with a smirk but he couldn't help but feel suspicious of such an event being held by the giants. Why act so nicely now when before they were so hostile. He even scanned the faces of the giants to see if he recognized any of them from the night he beat a few of them. "This should be fun huh?"


Sabrina arrived, Rohk in tow. The Healer ditched her standard method of dress; losing the leathers she dons herself in a swathing white sheer chiton,floor- length but no less risqué considering its elvish origin; her garb seems to only be held together by silver adornments about her neck and waist. She is clutching the arm of the Naga beside her; a bundle of nerves as she scans the many people here. Rohk, is in tow with Leifa riding upon his back and he pauses a moment to scratch at the damned white tie the Elf-bitch made him wear to distinguish himself apart from any wild beasties that may have shown up. He considers eating a small child if a parent is stupid enough to let a little snack-stick wander. She hoped their first real night out would prove somewhat eventless. Behind them a caravan noisily makes it down the path, she turns to look. She whispers to Xzavior over her view of the people "This is a mistake."


Kasyr isn't exactly the most subtle individual, something which has the Kensai still garbed in that distinctly 'Kasyresque' black-fur trimmed trenchcoat. But then, the individuals who'd most wish harm upon the man weren't apt to be fooled much by a change of clothes. Really, the only thing that could possibly serve to obfuscate the matter of his identity was the copious amount of scarves he was bundled up in at the moment- his more traditional dramatic and ever flowing black scarf currently entangled with a pair, one white and one red, wrapped about his face and spilling down his back. Vesper, the great black sword the man wielded, was nowhere in sight, the only indication Kasyr may be armed coming from a persistent distortion in the way his trenchcoat pressed against his hip. For the moment, the swordsman peered around, before he finally chooses to veer off from the path, hands moving up to his hair. Xersom's antics are noted, as is the abrupt manner his attention deviates, the Kensai following that line of sight. "Huh."


Pilar opted to stay by Linn's side. She felt safe next to him. When Josleen approached, she dipped her head in greeting. "Hello, Miss Josleen." Her gaze followed Josleen's. gaze to the important-looking giants, and her eyes widened. "I... I think I recognize one of those men," she murmured. "Bal... Bal..." Too bad both their names start with "Bal" and thus this does not help narrow down whether she'd seen the son or the father.


Kovl 's eyes dance over the wares the frost giants display as the traders unload, searching for anything that stands out apart from weapons and oversized clothing. He nods at one of the merchants as he buzzes by, curiously peeking into half open bags inconspicuously. "Just looking..." he would say if the frost giants return an interested stare. The mage's eyes catch a familiar face, and the pixie darts her way. "Josleen!"


Xersom said to Caravan Guard, "If you do not let me pass, your existence will be erased from time itself, do you understand me? My patience has worn very, very thin."


Lionel is unable to suppress the mildest of chortles at the sight of Xersom's demands. Still, what folly is a chortle when one is inhaling smoke; it turns to a cough and he kicks the tree in untold frustration. Lionel is never, ever going to be good at espionage.


Linn glances over to Josleen with a light nod as she approached. “Hey Josleen.” Was all he could really say for now as his attention was primarily directed at taking everything in. Briefly his gaze fixed itself on Xzavior with some mark of surprise, some mood flashing through his eyes that Josleen might just recognize as the need to talk about something important. Pilar’s stammering brought him back to more immediate matters though, his head turning to her before settling where hers pointed towards the back of the caravan. His voice dipped to prevent it from carrying too far, a bit of gossip of his own beginning. “Well, there was the Balder that got shot. I’ve never seen him though. The one guy who seems to be in charge though… I remember his voice.”


Xzavior gave Sabrina a comforting squeeze, "Hey, it's alright. You got me remember?" He gave her a reassuring smile before looking around at all the stands and people wondering where they should even start with this event here. Leifa though was keeping watch over Rohk to make sure he was on his best behavior. Which means no eating little kids!


Orikahn himself has caught wind, and he arrives not long after the giants have begun setting up shop. The cat has been vocal about his eagerness to return to the north, and the news of Frostmaw's natives arriving in Xalious has him genuinely intersted, perhaps even hopeful. Clad in his usual armor and wearing a hood to shade his eyes from view, the infamous sabertooth cat wanders in from the park, a bow and quiver at his back, a tomahawk at his hip. Some here may recognize him. He doesn't care. Kahn is curious. As the caravan begins to take root, a festive maze of bright tents springs up. A cheer raises as the the tap is knocked clean off a hogshead of ale, sprouting Frostmaw's signature brew and soon filling flagons for any with thirst. Some traders have brough jewels from the mountain's deep mines, others hawk strange beasts. Ponies clad in fine tapestry and singing chimes prance in merry circles, offering rides. Anvils sing! The legendary smithies have brought their tools, and they wow the growing crowd with mighty hammerblows, shaping iron with fascinating ease. In the midst of the animated panorama, Balgruuf has found space to climb atop a makeshift scaffold. He cups his hands to his mouth, shouting to the many villagers pouring out of Xalious. "The north shares its bounty with all who have coin!" A pause to let this echo over the fair. "Come and see! One and all! We come in peace, and we come with plenty. Our merchants. Our artisans. Our wonders! Frostmaw has not forgotten you. Your kindness willing, good people, we would not have you forget the land of the giants!"


Kasyr sidles towards the conspicuous coughing fit, tipping his head off to one side, before he gingerly poses a question to Lionel “...Something you ate?”


Ranok heard of strange tales in the sleepy town tucked against the mountain range. Monsters? People poisoned, was it? The information was cloudy, even for the well paid informants that trickled the going ons of the world to him. It seemed overly cautious, but little things tended to pile up quickly. The proximity to a country that seems to have drug itself into civil war after so much stability was also quite helpful in the threat factor department. The fact that there was a carnival around was just coincidence, the caravan of giants even more so. But, as it was, Ranok still arrived in a not so subtle fashion. A flash of something small falls to the ground as if thrown by the hand of god, a small shape in the distance that was airborne and moving fast. A blur and a twist of the body and Ranok lands from a massive bound, feet kicking up sparks on the stone as metal heels find purchase. A small crackle and the smell of ozone drifts as the man adjusts himself, closing the duster that had blown open and clawed at the air moments before, ensures his hat was still on, and casts his eyes at the motley scene before him.


Pilar narrowed her eyes at Balgruuf. "Balgruuf... I remember now... It is he who caused the unrest in Frostmaw... There is elvish blood on his hands..." If she was the courageous type, she would have called him out before all gathered. Unfortunately, she was a wuss, and merely gripped Linn's arm.


Emilia would find her way along toward the event in silence. The little woman was hidden in a hooded light blue cloak that kept the form of the ice woman well out of sight. All the people put a panic in the Genasi with no memories. Hurried steps carried her toward the main figure she knew, Sabrina. Em would trail her around like a tiny shadow.


Lionel blinks, folds his arms, and then smirks a full smirk. In the distance, Balgruuf roars his humble desires, but the Catalian is doing his best to drown out these falsehoods with Kasyr's unanticipated -- but far more pleasant -- question. "I don't think I'll be coughing up a wyrm, thankfully," he whispers. "All the better. I don't like this at all. Something's coming."


Sabrina‘s minted gems are still scanning for some familiar face. It was now she wished she took better note of those she tended to, else she wouldn’t have felt like bait in a barrel. Xzavior’s voice breaks through and her tension is lifted to some degree. She loosens her death grip about his arm to a more casual and workable manner.


Ranok spots Kasyr, and reaches into a pocket to depress a small button on a counter with an exhale of air that wasn't quite a sigh. The counter resets to zero.


Sabrina turns, sensing a cold draft up her backside and she reaches behind her to pull Emilia closer. She leans over with a grin on her face. “A wise man would suggest you chill out.” Like she had room to talk. Finding Emz was probably in perfect timing as it stowed her panic somewhere in the back of her mind.


Kasyr draws a cigarette out from his pocket, drawing it up to his lips in a gesture more habitual than needed- but fails to light it, instead proceeding to point it at Lionel, “I'm here, aren't I? ..So, what's been new, en fait?” The Kensai had a knack for trouble, whether it was finding it, or being predestined to put it into motion- before frantically trying to stop it. Ranok's flashy entrance is noted, the swordsman hissing out a quiet, “He stole that trick from me.” Doesn't stop the revenant from waving a couple times to try and get his attention, though.


Kovl 's keen sense of hearing picks up Pilar's shout of accusation against Balgruuf as he approaches Josleen. As a creature keen to gossip, he keeps his focus on her conversation. Pixies' ears are so complimentary to their propensity to gossip. His head turns back to the wares to act as if he's not heard Pilar but then snaps back to Josleen to see if she acknowledges him. The giant's shout reminds him of something he murmurs aloud. "I need a drink." He smiles.


Xzavior frowns when he hears Frostmaw be called the land of the giants. He'd like to let him know exactly who the land belonged to, but with a place so crowded he couldn't really do anything about it right now. He felt the cold shift behind them as well and turned with a smile, "Well hello there Lia. How are you this fine evening?"


Josleen mirrors Kovl’s cheer in her greeting to him. “Kovl, this is Linn and Pilar. Linn helped me look into the strange storms I told you about. Linn, Kovl is in the Guild and wants to help.” With necessary introductions out of the way she excuses herself to find a mage she knows who can help her send quick word to Hildegarde by way of magical owl. The message reads ‘Hilde, Balgruuf and his cronies in Xalious. Come quick. ~Jos’ Hege nods at Balder’s instruction to set up the…. Piñata. Hege unpacks from a wagon a life-size paper maché Hildegarde piñata and tethers it by a chain to a thick tree branch. The piñata is the perfect height for human and elf sized people, and even Xaliou’s hobbits if they stand on their tippy-toes, suggesting the piñata is a game for them. Hege grins rakishly to Balder. “You sure you don’t want to take a crack at that, boss?”


Kelovath casually strolls into view, not taking a real interest in anyone particular.


Emilia let out a breath at being caught by Sabrina and for a moment would in turn hug the other woman, if only to clam her own panic down. "I have not turn it into a winter wonderland...I am chill?" A whisper toward the other from the shorter one.


Emilia said to Xzavior, "Hello, I am here and you?"


Lionel has a habit for being both catalyst and executioner of all manner of trouble, himself, of course, and here is he now, hooded and cloaked alongside a man who matches his subconscious predilections. He notes the pointed cigarette, and then he notes Ranok, but mostly he's keeping his azure gaze upon the commencing festival. One particular lass -- redheaded and fair -- seems to draw his eye for the briefest of moments, but then, who is Lionel if not a man momentarily distracted by women? It's old hat. "This whole song-and-dance is old hat," he comments, a continuation of his thought and not a real answer to Kasyr's inquiry. "Blood will shed here tonight. Be ready."


Pilar glared daggers at the giants. How dare they? She looked around the crowd, wondering if any would dare step forward and take a swing at the effigy of Hildegarde.


Linn nodded towards Kovl at Josleen’s introductions. “Some help would always be appreciated with that topic. The potential end of the world is kind of a big deal.” And here he was joking about it. He mirrored back the name Pilar spoke of in a whisper, “Balgruuf… He’s supposed to be the big head all the giants went behind isn’t he?” He knew the same voice he heard booming back in the throne room was the same one here just from the authority it carried, but it seemed a bit of a jump to tag it to the instigator of all of the problems. Until the Piñata came out, prompting the enchanter to take in a tight breath before releasing it as a nervous laugh, “Ohhhhh boy…” was the only way he could really express himself as his left hand subconsciously set itself over one of the pouches on his belt.


Kovl nods to Josleen as she introduces him to her friends. "Hi, Linn and Pilar." The mage outstretches his hand as if he's completely unaware how unfeasible it is for someone of his stature to shake hands with those over two feet tall! Kovl reaches deep, deep into his memory banks to recall the story Josleen told. The mage was not quite sober when speaking with Josleen a few days ago, but after a few moments, the pixie has the major part of the story ready in his mind."I'm glad that someone was looking into those storms." He gives another friendly nod to the two before him.


Hildegarde is still in Gualon, hashing out the final details of her battle plan. She is far from Xalious and does not yet know what’s in store for her or the letter that Josleen is sending to her via magical owl. Fortunately, being so far away, Hildegarde has no idea the piñata in her likeness is being strung up to a tree! Balgruuf laughs heartily at the sight of piñata: this was a game to the would be King of Frostmaw! This was a political assassination, to reduce Hildegarde to a laughing stock. “Good people!” his voice booms, “Come forth, come forth! Join in on the fun and take a swing at the ferocious and hideous dragon!” Some giants boo and hiss, as if on cue, some only laugh at Balgruuf’s pantomime like voice. “To whomsoever breaks the ugly dragon, gets the dragon hoard! A special and rare prize in Frostmaw. So come forth, one and all, to take a swing at her!” The wealthy giant takes a step aside, one hand outstretched as if to welcome any who wish to step forward and take a swing at the piñata


Pilar remembered her manners and offered a finger for Kovl to shake. "Nice to meet you. I wish it was not... here."


Kovl said to Linn, "Well, the end of the world is only a big deal if you let it be." Kovl smiles at his own dry joke."


Ranok was hardly a thief of style. His range of motion was less 'flying', and more 'falling with style'. The bounds of gravity weren't quite severed, but they were quite finely abused. That said, he does see Kasyr's waving. Along side a man with a case that made his ears twitch. Or perhaps that was static from his armor. It tended to see things in bit of a different way. Left hand opens, palm down, to the ground beneath him in a small gesture and whatever had fallen darts back up into his grip. It seemed flat and somewhat triangular. Given a lack of a better target, Kasyr and Lionel were where he drifts, boots clicking on the stone with a jingle that seemed a bit too merry for the smith. Once arrived, a slight head tilt at the Kensai, "Kasyr. And...friend." A glance out at the carnival, then back, "You two look grim as hell. Know something I don't?"


Sabrina recognizes the hanging likeness and with distaste she speaks more loudly than necessary. “Someone cut that down.” She would reach for a blade from the nearest patron if she had to, she had no patience for the humiliation of good people.


Dominic doesn’t know much of anything about current events here in Lithrydel, and so he takes in the scene at more or less face value. The goods of one particular tent catch his eye, clothing of all eye-catching hues and novel patterns, and he warily approaches and begins gingerly leafing through the various fabrics. In the back of his mind, Brand whispered something about the Hildegarde effigy and something looking amiss; but again, Dominic has no context for these events and regards it with no particular suspicion.


Xzavior chuckled, "I'm doing well, thank you." He may have been talking to them but his eyes had shifted to the movements of the giants around them and just waiting for one of them to make a move to allow him that right to hit them. But instead he sees the effigy and not so subtly tenses up, leaning over he whispers to Sabrina "I'm sorry Sabs but I'm going to do something really quick." He slips away from her, not giving her much of a chance to let her respond and headed to the crowd near the thing.


Linn said to Kovl, "Maybe. I typically like living though. We can deal with that later though. I think today is going to have enough going on as-is."


Emilia whispered something to Sabrina.


Josleen clenches her jaw and scowls at the Hildegarde piñata. Linn and Pilar’s disapproval emboldens her to mutter and shake her head in commiseration, “Can you believe the nerve of these giants? Unbelievable. To come to our town” — Linn and Pilar are now unwittingly drafted as Xalious’s residents for the convenience of Josleen’s self-righteous crusade — “And ask us to beat on the likeness of Hildegarde, a friend of Xalious?” Her lips thin into a flat line and she continues to glare the giants, this time Balgruuf in particular. “This is an insult,” she says more to herself. Emboldened by the crowd’s disapproval she steps forward and overhears Sabrina. “I agree, miss.” Confusingly, her route diverts away from the caravan towards The Dancing Destrier.


Sabrina whispered something to Emilia.


Kovl holds out his hand to Pilar and shakes. "Nice to meet you." He turns to Balgruuf as he makes his announcement and his eyes catch the pinata. To Josleen, he says softly, "Is that Hildgarde? What is going on?" Like watching a nasty car accident, Kovl cannot turn his eyes away from the act of political undermining that is about to unfold. A pinata in the likeness of someone he considers an ally and a friend? In Xalious? A hand moves to the mage's chin, and an immediate suspicion of usurpation jumps to the forefront of his thoughts.


Kovl chuckles at Linn's words and nods.


Emilia whispered something to Sabrina.


Sabrina watches Josleen head off in what appeared to be the wrong direction, but clutches Emilia by the shoulders, pulling her in closer than normally comfortable. Rohk Stands near them both, sort of pushing the off to the side to keep the bulk of his form between the two tiny ladies and the crowd that had begun dividing sides. He didn't like this one bit.


Pilar closed her eyes and concentrated her magic. She had not the courage to raise her own voice, but the voice of another... She had been practicing auditory illusions, and she thought it was time to put it to the test. From somewhere in the crowd, a voice called out "Long live Hildegarde!" She hoped this might embolden others to do what she could not.


Linn could only tightly nod as Josleen started getting fired up over the likeness of Hildegarde getting beaten apart, her words directed towards Sabrina bringing his gaze in that direction for… another surprise. Quickly he paced over to the smaller group with a wave. “Hey there Xzavior and Emi.” A respectful dip towards the third he didn’t know: Sabrina. “And you too. I’m Linn. So, not a fan of what –that- is either?” he muttered lowly with a sharp tilt of his head over at the piñata.


Kasyr gives one good look to the Hildegarde pinata, and then shakes his head and glances over to Lionel, “They aren't publically burning her in effigy yet, so I'd say she's still doing fine popularity wise.” The revenant stops pointing around a bit, returns his cigarette to his lips, and stretches out- his coat briefly parting to reveal the twin Katana's sheathed at his hip. And then he's simply folding his hands up behind his head, Ranok shot a brief smirk, “Always. Did tu get the volunteer I sent you? Oh, et I think there es going to need to be some amendments to that expedition. But, I'm working on that. Still going to follow through with that possible dragon hunt lead.” The revenant seems poised to say something else, this time directed at Lionel, but can't quite seem to word it correctly, and so falls silently, leaning backwards. “Waiting is the worst part.”


Emilia stuck her place with Sabrina, not minding the closeness of the other. The two little ladies and Ro could make one fearsome trio if need be. Hidden gaze kept careful watch on the area. The little Genasi also mindful not to turn the ground to ice and chill Rohk.


Emilia said to Linn, "Who are you?"


Sabrina ’s eyes follow Linn’s gesture to the figure hanging. A flash of emerald staining her minted hues. It was not often the Elfess got angry, at least, not like this. Rohk did not allow Linn any closer than necessary, but he was not hostile toward him either. Yet. With Xzavior heading off to help handle this mess she agrees in smooth elvish tones. “It is disgraceful.”


Xersom said to Caravan Guard, "I have plenty of gold to spend here! I am -not- some wandering homeless! Let me pass, or I will cast upon you a suffering so great that you would wish you had died instead!" The ancient was nearly shouting at the the giant less than three paces from him.


Leifa clung a little lower to Rohk's back and looked around nervously. She could smell Emilia nearby but with what was going on she didn't feel like standing out anymore then she should. So much tension in the air was bad for this little one...


Orikahn cocks an ear, eager to catch the giant's message. So they're here to do trade. The cat would like to assume the giants are acting in honest faith. Not about to forego ale freely offered, he winds his way through the throng, soon squeezing his way up to the hogshead to accept a mug from the giant there attending. Ale in hand (he hasn't forgotten how much he'd enjoyed Frostmaw's brand before the city shut its gates) the cat meanders. What's this, a costest? There's a growing line already. He follows the queue with his eyes on up to the front of the line where, to his ever-increasing curiosity, an obvious depiction of Hildegarde hangs strung from a tree. Well, that's a funny custom, Kahn concludes. Still, a contest is a contest, and a spark of pride lights in the feline's heart. He cracks his knuckles, rolls his shoulders, and steps up in line.


Balgruuf can only sneer at the likes of Pilar who would yell such pro-Hildegarde statements! “It’s all in good fun!” he countered. Some giants are busy plying their wares now, some offering a pony ride on one of the frostmares; some selling rare beasts of the tundra and some even showcasing the rare blue iron armour and talking about how the secret of forging such is so wrapped in mystery that only a few in Frostmaw know how to craft it.


Kovl 's chuckle to Linn's words is light at best. It becomes apparent that the pixie is mostly focused on the horrific, but wonderful-for-gossip scene. Every horrible thing can be wonderful for gossip. Kovl's thoughts aren't there right now. His fists are clenched, and he gives Josleen a decarative "Uh-huh," in agreement. "Who is this guy?" Kovl hears Pilar's illusionary voice and wonders where the sentiments of the crowd will lean.


Kasyr said to Ranok, "Would a sandwyrm? Like a sort of small town sized one that's possibly fueled by the darkness of long dead evils, per say - would that have that thing you were looking for? A gem heart?"


Kasyr is the epitome of subtlety.


Harrison wandered upon the area while riding atop a mature dire bear. The burly man was dressed in little more than patchwork clothing and a massive pelt covering his shoulders and back. A set of giants with a mix of others... One of the giants speaks of striking the hanging figure, and this seems to grab Harrison's attention. He wasn't sure what was going on, but smashing things was always fun. Ursa shuffles herself and her rider closer to the group, and Harrison waved over at the giant who seemed to be holding the event. "Allo! I know not what dragon is, but my muscle best!" Harrison calls over, oblivious to the foul looks some of the giants may have been throwing at him. The monstrous bear was dismounted once the chained piñata was neared. Harrison flung off the pelt, then began to stretch his upper body while eyeing the bizarre figure. Throwing it wasn't exactly striking it, and punching the piñata probably wouldn't do much... To the amazement of some of the spectators, Harrison took hold of both of his bear's hind legs under his arms, at first dragging the roaring creature around in a circle before bringing her up off of the ground. Occasional steps were made closer toward the piñata until Ursa's gigantic frame collided with the object. The bear bellowed and roared protest before, during, and after the entire process.


Linn respectfully kept his distance as Rohk interdicted his approach, reducing his further gesture to an understanding, submissive (for now) nod. Emilia’s question brought a surprised blink. “I’m Linn.” He returned matter-of-factly at the genasi who he believed to know him. “We’ve known each other for a while, or am I dealing with someone else who has lost their memories now?” It came off as an honest joke, given that he had just received news about someone else going through quite the bout of amnesia, little did he know how uncannily accurate it was. Sabrina’s statement brought another sigh. “I’d like to hit the giants with it instead. I might be able to piece together a couple tricks to make it actually hurt.” he mused.


Kelovath walked right by Kasyr as he spoke about the large beast. Curious eyes looked over Ranok, but they never lingered over Kas. It had been quite a long time since the paladin had even seen or talked to the vampire. The armored man continued on his way, should it be allowed, closer to the -big- activity going on. The piñata.


Lionel notes the arrival of Ranok with a nod just long enough to be customary. He lowers his gaze to the verdant dirt beneath booted feet in allowing Kasyr to answer for them both, simultaneously depositing his used-up pipe in an emerald pouch hanging over-hip. Kasyr carries forth in his not-so-subtle discussion; Lionel chooses now to remove his oversized, fooling-nobody get-up. He places the discarded cloak by his chosen tree and returns to the pair, sword fetched and held at his side as if it were more rapier than magical claymore. He’s clad in his finest blacks, a button-up number with matching slacks, and his hair is fresh-washed – a nice change to be sure – and he’s well-healed and healthy-looking. But there’s no cure for his dark tone of voice.“Walk with me,” he requests – to Kensai and stranger alike, or just Kensai? –and his face twists into ample disgust as the replica of Hildegarde is drawn forth and displayed. He leads the way, sparing no glances to see if any will follow. He steps into the crowd, perusing wares and keeping close, close track of every threat he sees. And Lionel sees plenty of threats here tonight.


Sabrina looks at Linn, arched brow in question over his mention of tricks but is soon distracted by a roaring tortured noise of a dire bear. Her hand comes to her mouth as she winces in the bear’s honor and Harrison is awarded a cold glare. She mouths the word ‘barbarian’ in elvish dialect.


Kovl 's attention is drawn to Josleen who starts toward the Dancing Destrier. The two exchange who appears to be intense, but then quieting whispers as the pixie's eyes remain on the contest to take a whack at Hildegarde's likeness. Finally the pixie nods to something Josleen says, fighting his own inclination to stay and watch the horrid-can't-help-but-stay-and-see-what-happens scene. The two disappear into the shop.


Xersom sneered to Caravan Guard, "My patience has worn out. I care not for your leader or his sons; even less that you think I am a coin-less beggar; let me through. This is your final opportunity."


Pilar's head turned in the direction of the shouting Xersom, and she made her way to the guards who were blocking his way. As she got closer, however, she could feel the aura of darkness about this man, and her steps slowed. Perhaps the guard was doing the right thing in keeping him out. Then again, if he could truly wreak such havoc as he was threatening, if probably didn't matter. If anything, his temper was not something to treat lightly. She tapped the giant on the arm. "Excuse me, please let this... nice old man in."


Emilia most like a child or sibling shifted herself closer to Sabrina, nearly pressing into her over the dire bear noises. There was some whispering to follow before she looked to Linn, "I fear, Sir, I have never met you before. My name is Lia, but you like everyone else I run into seem to think I am this Emi girl. I have memories, you are correct."


The Caravan Guard lets Xersom by, given that nobody was being denied entry in the first place. This guy just wanted to look tough. Oh well!


Emilia whispered something to Sabrina.


Sabrina whispered something to Emilia.


Kasyr might not have been the focal point of Kelovaths attention, but the paladin certainly earns a rather fixed stare. And then someone is winging a dire bear around like it was some sort of mythic hammer being wound up for a swing. Okay, this pinata deal might be disrespectful, but that was still pretty impressive. Lionel's request however, is enough to tear the revenants morbid fascination back to the man, a lazy shrug offered in reply, “I follow your lead, monsieur.” Ranok's given a smirk and a tilt of the head, a clear sign that he was invited to tag along as well. “ You know. I think we need some sort of agenda. There's a lot going on these days. I heard something went awry in Larket. I didn't get much in the way of details, but, ...well.” The revenant shakes his head, before abruptly adding, “Oh, I found a play you might be interested in. Next time we're in Cenril, and not caught up in business-as-usual, remind me.”


Linn may or may not be somewhat obvious in his use of magic by the build of his armor that held itself together without any signs of buckles or straps, but it might be inferred that magic was what he spoke of when he mentioned ‘tricks’. When the roaring of the dire bear kicked up he watched in awe as Harrison spun it around in circles until it went slamming into the piñata. “Damn.” When Emilia brought his attention back his mouth twisted in some expression of confusion and acceptance. It seemed genuine enough, as much as he knew the genasi liked to lead him on with other projects. New name, no memories, oh boy. “Well, I certainly remember someone who went by the name of Emi that looked uncannily similar to you. It’s good to meet you though… Lia.” He’d play with it for now, if just to forestall the argument for when it didn’t look like a political time-bomb was about to go off.


Ranok was in the process of producing his own smoke. Given his own blend was likely not that palpable to the kensai and the mystery man in Lionel, and vice versa for that matter, bumming one wasn't an option. A testament to the unease he was picking up from Kasyr. Rather his pipe, a cigarette was much more disposable and easier to be rid of when the excrement dropped down onto a simple display of centrifugal forces utilized to disurb air flow. "...a sandworm? The desert was devoid of them last I was. Or they were too small to be of any note." Gray eyes thin at the kensai, "Just what the hell did you do, Kasyr?" Lighting his smoke with a flame produced from a fingertip, the cherry glow appears sullen as the smith mulled the ramifacations, "If you are, in fact, truthful and this is a sandworm and not a wrym," The man stressed the middle of the word to differentiate between the two terminologies of worm and a dragon, "Then no. But their skin is more durable then even a dragon's. And insanely useful. And..." A hand goes to his chin to scratch idly, "I have not hunted one in some time." A flinch, at the bearing of Hellfire, not from Ranok, but his armor. At least, in its distinct way. Three blue lights, like will-o-the-wisps turned up too bright flare a moment before disappearing. The resonences produced by the magical weapon couldn't be ignored. Still, it quells, and Lionel is earned an eyebrow raised to the back. Still, he does follow, though whether for a lack of anything better to do or an interest in seeing how things played out, it was hard to tell.


After the giant’s speech, Dominic catches sight of the line forming before the piñata. Curiosity getting the better of him, he hastily pays for some trousers he’d liked the look of, shoves them into a recently acquired satchel, and joins the line. It’s only when his turn is up that he realizes he has nothing to swing at the thing with but his fists, and an uncomfortable number of eyes are on him, waiting expectantly. The man fidgets before the effigy, bouncing from one foot to the other and back in rapid succession. His eyes wander the crowd, fleetingly meeting a few gazes. It doesn’t help his swelling anxiety in the least. Brand, the gruff and impatient internal voice that’s long taken unwelcome residence in his body, whispers at last in the back of his mind, “You wouldn’t even know how to throw a decent punch if your life depended on it, kid. Allow me.” Dominic swallows visibly and thrusts a weak practice swing into the air, then steps forward and hurls his right fist at the piñata with a strength that doesn’t seem possible given his gaunt figure. The movement is almost so much of a blur that a brief shift of form to a more muscled arm is not visible; however, the particularly perceptive might pick up on the ephemeral change anyway.


Emilia said to Linn, "Maybe I a twin?"


Sabrina nudges Emilia’s shoulder, leaning to her ear she explains. “You are not a twin, you are both Lia and Emi.”


Linn said to Emilia, "I don't know." A light shrug, "You don't happen to know something about making stuff cold do you?"


Emilia turned gaze between Linn and Sabrina in silence. Looking to Linn finally, "...yes. Snow and healing if you must know. I know do both. Sabrina here is the most wonderful teacher of healing in the land."


Kasyr gets a look of concentration following Ranok's query, before inquiring, "You know, I'm pretty sure that was you asking if it was a y, or an o worm. Unless I was missing that emphasis. But er. J'en sais pas? It es durable." Gospel tainted. Immortal tainted? Durable. "But, uh. I don't know the difference, vraiment. Massive. Hungry. Unpleasant in the end, whether in it's bestial form, or when it's wearing the husk of a man."


A giant points at Kelovath, “You there, laddie!” his voice booms much like any other giant’s voice would, “D’ye want some o’ ma fine armourrrr?” He rolls his ‘r’s just a little bit. “Come o’er here, ma boy! I’ll gi’e ye some o’ ma wares jus’ for free, ye look like a fightin’ type so ye do!”


Ranok said to Kasyr, "Is it in the shape of a worm? That tunnels? Or is it draconian in nature, serpentine and scaled?"


Sabrina pulls Leifa from Rohk’s back, positioning the youngling under his belly so she could both see and still feel protected. She is given a loving pat and a promise that everything will be alright. Her attention from Emilia and Linn wavers as Xzavior comes up to bat, the idea he would do something about this atrocity weighing heavily on her. If his follow-through was led by his intention she suspected some upset among the crowd and she was sure the balance wore so thin that all hell was about to break loose. Regretfully she secretly hopes he just hits the effigy like all others and goes about his business.


Kasyr said to Ranok, "...Sort of both?"


Hege shouts from behind a stall. “Blue iron bracers! Get your blue iron bracers! Special friends of Frostmaw price! Bracers made by the legendary blue iron of the Frostmaw mines! Come and get it while supplies last!”


Linn cracked a half-smile as Emilia confirmed her snowy capabilities. He’d leave that topic for later. “It’s always good to have some more healers around. This part of the world is… a bit crazy.” Briefly his gaze flickered between the two women before he nodded once. “It’s actually been something I’ve been looking at getting the basics to. If just to have something to do once the dust has settled from whatever fights like to start up.” Usually he preferred to put them down or stop them before they start with a well-placed blow, but they always happened with some kind of aftermath.


Kelovath stopped in his tracks as the giant called out to him. Although his attention was clearly on the activity going on out in front of him, the paladin couldn't help but to make his way over to the massive Giant. "Armor, you say?" Now standing only a few feet from the large giant, Kelo gave a small smile. "You think you may have something of my size, eh?" The paladin laughed, like it was the funniest thing he had ever said. "Well, show me what you've got then."


Ranok furrows his brow, "It's one or the other, Kasyr. And rather important. If it's just a worm, then no gemheart. A dragon that eats the earth, maybe. A gemheart is formed by years of eating minerals and the collection of them in a gullet or gizzard of sorts. Compressed by time and the weight of the earth. A sandworm is equally difficult to kill, but carries much less of value. But its teeth and skin are insanely durable."


The Giant bobs his head eagerly at Kelovath, “I do, aye! It’s fitted me squire boy, no’ tha’ long ago an’ he seems aboot yer size!” Little giants were about human adult size, after all, so it would probably fit Kelovath well enough to function but presumably it would not be a perfect fit. “Seein’ as yer so witty an’ all, I’ll give ye it forrrr frrree! Ye remind me o’ me squire boy. Aw. Miss wee Bertie so I do,” he says with a fond sniff before ordering some of his lackeys to present Kelovath with a shining and relatively new set of blue iron armour. It had only been worn once or twice, that much was clear, perhaps only worn for show.


Lionel is moving swiftly by now, passing a number of merchants and plenty more intrigued consumers as the Kensai talks of plans and things gone awry and... plays in Cenril. Just so, Hellfire’s pulsing a deep and ugly red to the track of Ranok’s armor, and Lionel bites his lip to willfully ignore this curiosity. At present there is much to be learned concerning more immediate matters of Frostmaw and her web of lies. Somewhere nearby, a giant is teasing a paladin to participate in some angle or other, and Lionel observes the man Kelovath studiously. It is only now that he begins to speak – something about pushing agendas of Larket and elsewhere to the side for tonight in favor of a careful watch over Balgruuf – but the words never come, for something vengeful and angry suddenly flares in his mind at the sight of Dominic taking a swing at a plush centerpiece cut like Hildegarde. “What in the nine hells is another Catalian doing in that pit?” He mutters to himself, a dwarven seller of fine fruits surprisingly offering a matter-of-fact reply. “Trying to win,” the old hairy man explains, and then – utterly non sequitur – he waves a fat arm over apples and oranges. Lionel doesn’t so much as note the dwarf with a tilt of his head, but he does drop ten coppers and fetch a rather plump and juicy red plum from the table. He tosses it once, takes a huge bite, and balls his free fist. “I am going to find the maker of that piñata,” he threatens to the air around him, “and we will have words, Kasyr.”


Xzavior watched silently as the first two went up and laid their hits on the horrid excuse for fun and moved past the both of them without a word. They didn't have a clue what was going on so he didn't really blame them for it. Moving up to the thing he looked back to those waiting in line and hummed quietly. He looked over it and the spot it was held to the tree for a moment before conjuring an ice dagger and throwing it at the rope holding it up he made the toss look sloppy and off target but really the plan was to just weaken the rope so that the next strong hit would possibly bring it down. Couldn't ruin the "fun" everyone was having himself. When the hit supposedly missed he gave a dry, "Woops." and shrugged before walking off, glaring at the giants not so subtly.


Gilwen simply appeared within the throng of people gathered to watch the spectacle taking place. Whether by some form of old elvish magic, or because no one was paying attention to those coming and going, the Elven elder manifested near Kasyr and company, and proceeded to watch the shenanigans with a blatantly judgmental expression.


Sabrina looks Linn up and down. A prospect, it would seem. She speaks to him kindly but in an professorial tone hidden in smooth vocals. “I be interested in seeing what you -can- do, it will give me a definitive idea if there is something the Healer’s Guild can do to help you succeed. All healers are necessary, not just the higher ranking ones.”


Ayras had been wandering since his eviction from Frostmaw, a man with a broken mind and a penchant for murder. Suffice to say, a gathering of many bodies had a pull on the vampire; so much potential for chaos to mirror his mind. What was going on, he didn't know; it seemed an upbeat occasion, so contradictory from the events of Frostmaw of late. He said naught to anyone, merely wandered amidst the bodies with that cocky - albeit demented, now - smirk of his on his face. The fact that there were giants about bothered him not at all. They were a ways from Frostmaw, now.


Josleen returns to the clearing dragging a massive club behind her. Kovl sits atop her shoulder. The pair lift their chins and look defiant, which is a miracle on Josleen’s case given the size of the club. She should be double over in pain, or dislocating a shoulder. At the very least the club shouldn’t move, but by some sorcery it does. It drags in the trampled grass behind her. She joins the line and huffs impatiently until it is her turn. Shoulders squared she approaches the piñata, lifts the club, then pivots and quickly sets it against the tree. She scurries up the clubs side as if it were a ladder. Those who know Kovl is an illusionist should be able to guess how she manages that feat. Atop the club-ladder she pulls bolt cutters from the folds of her dress and quickly tries to cut the chain before the giants drag down the dissenter.


Kelovath was taken-back when the giant decided to just give away the armor. Though, not one to be rude, the paladin still accepted the armor from the lackeys who seemed to almost be swarming at this point. A few laughs escaped from the paladin as he spoke once again, "Well now. I was not expecting you to be so generous." Kelovath didn't pay much attention to the over-all quality of the armor, but he knew it wouldn't be the best stuff around. In all honesty, he thought he was wearing the best. "Again, thank you for this. Also, what happened to Bertie?" Obviously, he just had to know.


The generous giant waved his hand as Kelovath asked about Bertie. “Oh, the wee swine said he wanted that Hildegarde t’ be Queen, so I hud ‘im whipped ‘n’ dismissed from ma service,” he explained ever so casually as if this were quite a normal instance! Of course, it was a glimpse into the cruelty that had developed in Frostmaw since Hildegarde’s departure. "You enjoy yer armour noo! I've got customer t' serve!"


Leone is not immediately visible. The park's entrance is home to many trees, and the farrier has taken up a position beneath one of them. A cane is grasped in one hand, and a heavy cloak drapes her shoulders and the crown of her head in veiled respite, concealing her from the caravan of Giants and the public in general. Hunched forward, she tilts backwards, and presses her rump against the trunk of the tree as the giants hawking wares spread out over the myriad wagons and booths they've toted down from their frozen mountain home. One in particular is pinned with the priestess's phosphorescent, lime green stare, a sneer curling her lip at the sight of Balder, the sniveling baby of giant she's had a run in with before.


Emilia tugged into place trying her best to keep it from falling and exposing those known curls of hers. Something told her the giants knew her, but she would not remember them. Best to stay hidden over being asked farm questions again...oh the memories that brought.


Kovl grins, an expression unbefitting to one who was protesting the effigy's likeness to Hildegarde. As he rides Josleen's shoulder, he prepares himself, despite a booming headache, to aid Josleen in the face of harm. An illusionist's arsenal is limited only by imagination. Watch out, those who dissent on Josleen's dissent!


Pilar glared at Xzavior as he stepped up to the plate. She should have expected such treachery from him. The glare is unseen, and his throw taken at face value. Speaking of, now Josleen was up a tree with a pair of bolt cutters! Oh, this would end well.


Sabrina watches, approvingly at Xzavior’s choice. Then Josleen tugging what might as well have been an ancient oak behind her comparably slight frame. That wasn’t natural. As she takes her swing Sabrina holds her breath, wide and knowing grin splaying across her features.


Kelovath narrowed his gaze as the giant explained. The thought of what happened was not a pleasant one and it didn't take very long for the paladin's attitude to change into something no-so-nice. A bit louder than what his laughter had been just a moment ago, he spoke. "Hey! I'm still a customer here! I do believe your attention should still be here with me!" The armored man stepped toward the giant now, leaving the free armor on the ground for now. "Now then...I'd like to know why you thought that would be an appropriate punishment for a child!" Kelovath was definitely yelling now.


Linn continued watching the scene of the piñata unfold, curious tilts of the head offered to those who actually took a swing and smiles given to the attempts to bring it down. It had a certain humor to it, though unfortunately he couldn’t indulge too much in it as he was busy gauging the reactions of the giants to the shenanigans, trying to discern the real purpose of this caravan. The ideas on what he might do with the piñata continued flickering through his mind in some sort of a distraction. How to make something so light capable of actually doing some damage? He seemed to drift off into some kind of idle thought as the wheels began turning. The implications of these thoughts were… interesting.


Kasyr gives an exasperated sigh to Ranok, his expression more or less a perfect match, “I'll be certain to throw myself into a puddle of it's blood the next time I have a scrap with it. Quand meme.” A pause, and the Kensai shakes his head, “Sorry. Just, I don't honestly know. This ...thing is a bit different from the typical thing, whatever the case. Let's be honest. Though, if it develops over time, there's not going to be anything. It might be massive, though..it's..also..new? May not be any good for a gem heart either way, then.” Setting down a few coins for an apple, the revenant sets his attention back to Lionel, “Should we start a countdown? I think we should.”


Harrison was kind enough to drag his animal companion to rest (or lie in a coma) away from the excitement. He sat down beside Ursa and leaned against her as the other contestants took their turns.


Harrison only had bread and no pickles, thus procured one loaf and devoured it instead. It didn't fill the emptiness in his heart that a pickle would, and the dissatisfaction and longing was evident upon the man's expression.


Balder wears his finest furs and a very sour expression. He's said little since he arrived, save for a few muttered instructions to Hege, and has done his best to keep his eyes to himself. Never straying far from Balgruuf, the young giant warrior is plainly yet to be swept up in the carnival atmosphere. Dryly, he glances up to the pinata, allowing himself the faintest smirk. It's not difficult to tell that he is only here because he is *expected* to be here. He wears a thin front of civility over layers of disdain. One by one, he watches the puny foreigners take their swings, and a sigh excapes him. It would have been better to see Hege pummel the effigy to dust, but he knew the rules he'd been given. "No giants." No doubt because it would have been an unfair contest, Balder had silently concluded. Well wait now! Here comes a little lady with promise; peculiar to see her carrying a club like that. In fact, several of the giants are giving Josleen queer looks, especially when she sets the club against a tree. "Foul play!" One calls, and the others take up the cry. Stepping in, Balder grabs Josleen himself, plucking her off the top of the ladder like an apple from the lower limbs of the tree, and he holds her (presumably wiggling) before his eyes, scowling straight across at her. For a second, Josleen might get the distinct vibe that he is considering dispensing of her in a less than savory fashion. In the end, he sets her down a few yards away from the tree. "Don't spoil the fun," he growls down at her. Meanwhile, Orikahn is up to bat, and he spits on his pawlike hands, briskly rubbing them together. Beside him is an overlarge herring, a real monster fished out of the depths of Lake Frysta, and one that'd he been able to snag from a fish hawker's table, for modest coin of course. Though he'd planned on smoking the fish, the sabertooth isn't above putting his dinner to other use. Gripping it firmly by the tail, the feline hefts the hefty fish onto his shoulder with a grunt. For a moment, he simply evaluates the plaster-and-paper figure before, with a roar of effort, swinging with all his might. The fish crests in a broad arc to slap noisily into the suspended figure, perchance to bust it open?


Xzavior sighed and moved past rough to meet back with the other two. Pilar went unnoticed, his attention focused more on the giants around him. "I wish I could do some more but I don't know how many would back me up."


Gilwen watched the antics of Josleen and Kovl, and slowly found herself grinning with admiration and slight entertainment. However, the elf's attention was quickly arrested by Kelovath's exchange with the giant hawking his wears, and she sidled closer to eavesdrop.


Xzavior frowns at all the animal swinging and brings his tail closer to him fearful that he'll be the next living club.


The Giant was now huffing and puffing at Kelovath. How dare he question him! “Listen, wee man, I’m no ‘ere to listen t’ yer complaints! Take t’ armour. It’s no’ ma fault that t’ dragon wench is a bawbag,” he huffs. The term sounds offensive. He turns his back on Kelovath, as if to say ‘good day to you sir!’


Kovl 's emerald eyes get wide as Josleen is plucked from her place on the ladder. Instinctively, the pixie, who was atop Josleen's shoulder, darts to the side, ready to cast his magic. The giant's savage look was not promising. However, as he places her to the side, Kovl sighs and meets Josleen at her shoulder once again. "Hildegarde isn't one to take a beating. You all deserve to be in that effigy's place instead of her. Traitors!"


The far less well-known giants man the caravan's counters and shop fronts as customers step up. Slowly, one by one, they become more and more disgruntled. Voices are raised in gradual succession, like the feverpitch of a symphony building toward the ultimate, crescendoing climax. The rumble and bluster of the massive peoples' voices are like rolling thunder, percolating just beneath the thrum of the crowd. "No," one giant shouts to the human warrior in front of him, the man in turn bristling back at the Frostmaw native. A bolt of lightning meanders through the sky, streaking like a crack in an azure-painted wall down from the starry heavens above to connect in a shower of sparks with one of the wagon train. The bolt is black, almost like a void of light, rather than a typical, brilliant white.


Lionel simply shrugs, devouring the last of his plum but for its pit, which he promptly places in a nearby wicker bin. Littering is bad, even here in the den of his enemies. It is here, from this angle not so far wayward of centerstage, that the fallen hero gets his first real look at the giants Balgruuf and Balder. He sizes them up, which is to say he looks skyward to note their faces. He folds his arms and taps his wrist. “A few more minutes, I’d wager,” he tells Kasyr. Out of the corner of his eye, something sparkles, tantalizing. It is cool metal in a sea of woods. He fetches it and puts it to his lips and blows. A most peculiar sound fills the immediate area. “Well now that’s odd,” Lionel determines, visibly distressed with the high-pitched whistling the item produces, although something even uglier catches his ear mid-whistle – that armor-offering giant with that paladin beside him. He taps his foot, winks at the Kensai, drops the party blower, and takes a casual man’s stance beside Kelovath.


Sabrina nods to Emilia and give an approving clap to Kovl's words.


Lionel said to Kelovath, "I don't like the tone of his voice. I don't like the words he's spewing. If you don't tell him true who the real Hildegarde is, I will."


Xersom had had quite enough; Pilar might have saved the life of the Caravan Guard that was attempting to assert his dominance in a fashion more combative than more by interjecting on behalf of the ancient, but the man took that into account only insofar as to not slaughter the male that was acting previously as an obstacle outright. Though, naming him old by appearance alone wasn't quite accurate, to be honest; he was a juxtaposition of age and youth. His face was flawless and lacked both blemish and line to the point of a haunting eeriness that only became more apparent when it was realized that the rest of his skin (sans his face) was covered in scars. Not normal scars, either, were the ones that marked the man, because these were the scars of carvings of lines upon lines of tiny script in some language that, although was relatively unknown, gave the distinct impression instinctively of a forsaken and downright evil context. They were an infernal litany scarred into the flesh of the man that surely was a contrast to his flawless (faux) face, almost-luminous green eyes, and rich, full blac hair. But they fit the more aged aspects of the magic-user; he wore an old, gray, weathered hermit's robe that was patched in faded colors, and even hobbled with the aid of a twisted, gnarled cane that was more familiar than anything truly practical. It was toward that decorative festival of pinata, Balder, and the thinly-veiled 'Anti-Hildegarde' campaign that the man moved, before his limping gait ebbed, waned, and finally ceased. Then, there was a shout; it was a distinct shout of that belonged to the voice of the creature and resonated as something sinister, soothing, and entirely authoritive, as if used to the command of some dark and undesired beings by the legion, "Enough." And the butt of his cane smacked the earth with a slight, swift rise and fall of both of those hands. The impact, however, was disproportionate to the antic completely; as the cane's end hit the ground, a massive pulse of some unseen force spread outward from that focal point -the pinata, lanterns, souvenirs, food -anything inanimate with a hollowed interior, like modern-day balloons or bags, literally would erupt into their own explosions as if simply 'popped' by the passing of these outward waves. "I..." the words were intoxicating and dangerous both, like poisoned wine, "I do not care what you are doing. I do not care what your intentions are. You all are here and alive solely because your 'former' Steward would not risk bargaining for my aid. So that is not why I am here. I am here to get my wife, and bring her home. And my patience has run out. Do not," his gaze snapped angrily toward the Frost Giant heir to Balgruuf's position, and one of his personal guard would die on the spot -his neck would snap violently as if it took only a flick of an index finger to brutally and blatantly push part of the severed vertebrae from his throat and out of the flesh to put his head at an unnatural and disgusting angle. "-Test me-..." And then the ancient addressed the crowd; "Emilia. I know you are here; why have you not returned?! Come home!"


Kasyr mutters something about how that wasn't him, Preemptively.


Josleen wiggles and kicks and screams. “Put me down!!” She expected to be detained. The bard volunteered as a war in two Frostmaw wars. She knows the frost giant’s temperament and her dissent was calculated and political, but the lethal look in Balder’s glare struck her dumb and still, the quintessential prey playing dead before the predator. The hatred in that look catches her off guard, and she’s shaking violently — that violence transmitted by touch from Balder to her. Heart pumping, adrenaline burning, she sprints to hide behind Linn and cowers behind him. Trusting in his heroics, she allows herself a moment to reflect on how foolish her actions were, and how badly she misjudged this new foe, this new hatred. Her face flushes tomato red and her eyes glisten with the unshed tears of one who escaped a brush with death and only realized after the fact.


Ranok allows the kensai's exasperation to roll off his shoulders, "Don't take the sass with me, Kasyr. You were the one that saw it before I. Either way, by the way it sounds, it needs to die." The man gave a sigh of his own, pulling out a thin pad with a charcoal pencil, "I'll just add it to the list, shall I?" The dry tone was undercut by the reality that it was, in fact, an actual list of 'things that needed to die'. Among the new addition were several names of dragons, a name or two of known but at large pirates, Vuryal, and underlined several times, 'bees'. Tucking it away he addresses the kensai, "The materials will be useful. And it gives me an idea. And I doubt you'll be broken up too much by having to punch two dragons rather then one." Eyes cast to the effigy, but the man was less then phased. "Tasteless, I suppose, but hardly the worst crime. I had a few of me. Some were burned. An interesting one was dunked into molten iron. That one got points for originality, if nothing else."A glance at the crowd. There were giants, sure, but they'd come down from Frostmaw, "I fail to see the point. The people of Xalious have little sway in the doings of a xenophobic Frostmaw. There's no real point to make mock unless it's an intentional attempt to stir trouble."


Sabrina approaches Josleen, careful minded not to frighten her in her already shaking state. “Are you alright, M’lady?” Her switch to common tongue made her sound somewhat inebriated, but this was not the case, her common just sucked.


Xzavior pats Leifa's head with a small smile, "Don't worry little one. You'll be fine with them." When the Xersom's cane hit the ground he quickly looked around for whoever caused the act, then turned to the booming voice to see Xersom standing there and sighed. "What does she see in him?" He couldn't help but laugh a bit at his own question but he wasn't too keen on getting close to him now.


Pilar hurried over to Josleen's side and wrapped an arm around her. "Are you hurt, Miss Josleen?" she asked.


Ayras has little regard for most of the giants present; the vampire viewed them as traitors, having turned on those that had settled and assisted the city. But as he was wandering, he heard the term 'dragon wench', and that stole the vampire's smirk from his face. He had half a mind to slaughter the fellow right then and there, to rip the man's tongue from his mouth or to rip his head from his shoulders. But it was too soon for such antics. He wanted to see if there were others present worth the trouble. But that remark couldn't be let to slide. And so Ayras shuffled his way towards the offensive bloke that had been conversing with Kelovath and 'tripped', a single hand, his left hand, snatching out to grasp at the giant's arm to regain his balance. With that grasp came a little jolt of electricity - nothing too harmful, just a quick zap. Without a word Ayras kept moving, heading towards a where some gathered around a pinata. It was there that he caught site of a giant that filled the vampire with such hatred. Balder was there, and he was holding aloft a woman. Fury flowed through the spellblade, though in truth it had nothing to do with what Balder was doing. Ayras hated that great inflated ego balloon of a giant. So there he stood, his eyes fixated on the son of Balgruuf, all others present pushed from his mind. He would shadow the noble brat, he decided then and there, and wait for the right time.


Josleen sniffles loud and leans into Pilar despite the fact the women are only acquaintances. A kind touch still goes a long way. “I’m alright,” she says to Pilar, then to Sabrina when she approaches, “Yes, yes, just shaken. He looked like he would mean to kill me. I don’t understand. I was a nurse in Frostmaw twice now. Many of those giants know me. This hatred is as bewildering as it is ugly.”


Kelovath grew very angry at the disrespect. He knew he wasn't about to have a good day. That much was obvious. Even though he was surrounded by giants, and now Lionel, apparently, the paladin wasn't going to let this conversation end. In a fit of anger, the man balled up his fist, stepped even closer to the giant, and called out. "Hey! We aren't done here!" His other armored hand had found the hilt of his sword, but with his balled up fist, the paladin slammed it into a display of armor near by. "Hildegarde is not a bawbag, whatever that may be! You obviously know nothing about her!"


Linn would have paid more attention to the arc of black lightning plummeting from the sky if the series of explosions from Xersom’s spell hadn’t taken it back away, or really, some unfortunate coupling to it that sent the enchanter stumbling backwards (Fortunately not exploding himself) right into Josleen with enough force to knock her over if she wasn’t prepared for such a sudden movement (Highly unfortunate for her). With the bump helping restore him to stability he took a deep, almost ragged breath at the sudden effect before realizing just where that bump came from, spinning around his eyes were wide, “Crap, sorry, I… don’t know what that was.” He immediately offered a hand to pull her back up (if she had fallen over). Briefly his mind raced through all of the reasons –not- to piss off this guy who calls himself X. They were quickly becoming validated.


Xzavior quickly followed after Sabrina as she left to comfort Josleen and when he did, looked to Pilar with an unknowing smile at her now rekindled anger to him. "Someone should have made a stronger hit. The rope should have been weak enough." He crossed his arms and looked over at the spectacle. "Wonder if this is just a ploy to toss slander or if something else is in mind..."


Kasyr gives Ranok a sideways look, his expression grimly amused, “Posturing et provocation. Not particularily new or original when it comes to politics. So, in essence, your comment is spot on, in a sense. Aramoth -is- their patron, after all. Hostilities are somewhat a propos, at the end of the day.” One of the Kensai's hands shift into his coat, coming to rest on the midst of his hilt as countless items spontaneously erupt, and something of a more malign and murderous intention is sent into play. “Lionel. More pressing matters.”


Pilar had a good grip on Josleen, so that when the earth shook and Linn stumbled backwards, the poor bard wasn't thrown into the dirt. Her eyes moved toward the disturbance. Ohhh boy.


Kovl keeps his glare on the frost giants before him, especially on Balgruff who seems particularly in charge of this political attempt to draw the people of Xalious against Hildegarde, an old local to those an Xalious. Kovl sees her as one who has worked to help the land and people that she loves. Kovl shoots to the air and continues his glare. He feels his blood boil and not-so-illusionary sparks burst in the air immediately surrounding him. A fire magic, steeped in anger, seemed to occur too naturally to the pixie. Little attention is given now to Josleen, who Kovl knows is safe.


Josleen is trampled by Linn, is surprisingly used to it. She takes his hand reflexively. Indeed this exact stumble between them has been well rehearsed.


Balgruuf flinches at the desecration of the piñata at the hands of Xersom. He had seen him speak to Hildegarde once or twice in private, but he would never have guessed the power of the man. Such a man did not need a weapon that was to be gifted. Instead, Balgruuf was rather taken by Harrison; who had used a beast to his will as did befit the gods! “The bear man wins the prize!” he roars gloriously, “I give unto him… Aramoth’s Toothpick!” He reveals the club sizes and shaped item. What would certainly be a toothpick to a giant seems like an ordinary club to any average sized human. “It is said that Aramoth himself used it to pick the remains of his of his foes from his teeth, before leaving it in Frostmaw after a succulent feast many centuries ago. A powerful weapon, said to be able to knock a giant off his feet with a mere swing. It goes to you, Man of the Bears!” Balgruuf bends slightly to pass the divine weapon off.


Xersom's display overhead. Behind him, Kasyr is noted with a simple wave of the black-gloved hand. "Relax, I think this guy's got it handled. I'm happy to see at least someone else here is confused as to what that word means -- oh, and that they're willing to defend Hilde's honor, too." He pauses, turns around. "Oh, you mean ol 'X'-man up there?" A gesture to the impossibly old former follower of Arrecation. "He'll be fine. He's just letting off steam." The briefest of meaningful glances is issued to the Kensai, one hand now at Hellfire's hilt.


Emilia between the festive crazy of piniata killing, giant yelling, and now a strange man of darkness yelling the little woman of ice found herself unable to breath properly. Her heart races and there was a numb yet sharp pain in her chest of panic. It was with this fleeting panic and Sabrina having left her side that the cloaked woman took off from the event. She had to get away from the crowd, now. And with that Lia, formerly known as Emilia, was gone from the crazy fun of the night.


Pilar glanced at Xzavior. So... he'd been meaning to knock the effigy down? She was still miffed by his betrayal, and this wasn't quite enough to warm her to him again. She instead glared at the 'winner'. "I hope he enjoys his reward." She then spat on the ground.


Dominic seemed surprised by the strength of his own body… or, well, half-his. He’d stepped back from the effigy and from the crowd soon after throwing his punch and gone back to eyeing the crowd from the outskirts. That was more than enough attention drawn to himself for one day. After a time he spots some familiar faces amongst those walking around the clearing -- Kasyr, who he’d had but a brief encounter with the other night, and Lionel. Ah, curses. A surge of embarrassment courses through him. He doesn’t particularly want to be seen by someone who’d seen the full manifestation of Brand’s fury. (Little does he know, Lionel has already seen him here anyway.) But he doesn’t have time to much process the thought, as the tone of the area shifts, dark lightning flashes through the sky, so on, so forth. He ducks back behind the statue he’d perched on earlier. It feels … safer there, somehow. Or at least that’s what he tells himself.


Josleen senses the magic Sabrina impresses upon her and is powerless to resist it. At first this invasion of an unknown spell alarms the bard, but its calming effects quickly thaw any resistance she may have had to being administered a spell without her consent. She smiles placidly to Sabrina despite the quickly mounting chaos. That spell’s some gooooood stuff, man. She grins at Linn as if he made a joke, her eyes peaceful and doe-like. Sabrina had no way of knowing this, but Josleen is especially weak to charm and emotional magic. She’s looking a little high.


Xzavior paused for a second and looked around. "Sabrina? Where is Emilia?" He had nearly forgotten about the small woman after having his small part in the effigy. Pilar's comment earned her a nod. He didn't expect to earn her forgiveness just yet but he still hoped to earn it back. "Damn..."


Harrison shot upright in panic and hid on the side of the dire beast opposite of the negative bolt of lightning that struck from the heavens. An impossibly high-pitch squeel was uttered during the next bizarre occurrence, as the piñata (among other various objects) seemed to burst on their own. "Wh-what the..?" Harrison stammers to himself, peeking out from behind Ursa... only to be met with congratulations! Swept up in the happier thoughts and moment, he bounds over to graciously accept the holy prize. "Many thanks, sir. It was honor to test might! I will cherish!" Harrison bowed when taking the glorious 'toothpick' before running back over to present it to a (still) sleeping Ursa.


Sabrina spins around to find Xzavior, looking over his shoulder, or at least around it given her slight vertical situation. "I think she's gone home, she is timid in places like this." As if the Elfess had room to talk.


Kasyr's ears are twitching, the distinct sense that something is amiss tickling at the back of his mind. For better or worse, however, the swordsman simply holds his ground, his attention flickering across the various people present and waiting to see where the trouble starts. That, and noisily crunching on an apple. “So, react. Not act?”


Ranok draws aside the duster, revealing his own armament. Nothing was drawn, yet, but the air seems to crackle. Kasyr would probably be indignant at another 'trick' stolen, but by the smith's surmise, Ranok just did it better. Again the lights flare to life, arranging themselves randomly as they drift by Ranok's shoulder. Each one was a bit painful to look at, flared as they were. "Quite honestly, we're about one or two more punches away from a full scale riot, if that overly dramatic dark man over there," a gesture at Xersom, "Doesn't simply toss it into the fire before that." A side glance at Kasyr, then Lionel (who he guessed knew his business), then back at Xersom, "We should stop this before it gets worse. There's a lot of civilians here."


Linn looked relieved that his unfortunate bump on Josleen hadn’t resulted in any permanent damage, and that everyone here looked to be in the same boat of getting her back on her feet with him. Whatever Sabrina seemed to be doing was… working. A lot. He better be careful around that kind of stuff as well. Another cursory glance back into the unfolding scene led him to take another deep, nervous breath. “This isn’t going to end well at all…” he muttered before reaching his left hand into the pouch at his side before returning in a fist closed around whatever he retrieved. His other hand hadn’t come to rest on the hilt of the blade at his waist, but rather remained open and ready to grab something from one of the many pouches on his belt, or around to the other blade kept sideways behind his back.


Xersom 's words, as sinister and soothing as they were, were clear as they traveled impossibly despite the volume at which he spoke; others dared not to come near him, especially considering his wordless, gesture-less dispatch of one of Balder's guards. But aforementioned tone was growing more insistent -he would not be able to be ignored for long, be it by civilian or festival-officials, "Emilia! Where is she? Bring me to my wife!" He shouted, every syllable a thunderclap that tested the heavens' fury as well as goaded that of the mortal kind; yet, despite his apparent and overwhelming power, despite his ability to walk right into an event and disrupt it, the ancient seemed rather... desperate. Panicked. "Now! Or I swear by the Nameless King himself, I will find her and only bodies and blazes shall be left in my wake!"


Kovl takes a breath. The sparks surrounding the tiny pixie quickly cease to erupt around him as he calms his anger. The pixie dives to Josleen and says under his breath, "Perhaps now isn't the time and the place, but be sure that these bastards will experience my wrath." Such words would be laughable if others didn't know the magical affinity the Arcane Steward held, the many years of practice he has in his craft, and the knowledge he holds from the Guild. Kovl sighs and stays at Josleen's side.


Josleen giggles at Kovl’s threats directed at the giants. “Hildegarde will eat them one day.”


Xzavior was still frowning. "I hope. I really don't want her getting hurt again because of me..." He still didn't feel great about that. He looked back at Josleen with a raised brow at her sudden sereneness and smiled himself. At least she could be calmer at a time like this. "I'll be back in a moment." Hearing the man's plea's he quickly weaved through the crowd and came up to meet up with Xersom. "Calm down, I know where she is."


Pilar's hand went to the dagger sheathed at her side, the tension in the air palpable. She glanced at Kovl. She didn't know the pixie's abilities, but she appreciated the sentiment. She raised an eyebrow at Josleen. "Are... are you sure you're alright?" She looked at Sabrina. "What did you do?"


Leone steps out from beneath her tree. The farrier's cane-abled strides are wide for her diminutive stature. Her free hand moves to pull the hood from her head, revealing the slick of a black crown littered with shards of sterling. The woman is resolute in her trajector, and in a matter of moments, is standing beside the distressed Xersom. From beneath the encompassing, wool cloak strewn about her shoulders, a hand emerges and gently comes to rest on the abomination's arm. "X," she says softly through strains of a sandy, silken timber while ignoring the murderous glares from the Frost Giants nearby, "We will find her, but not this way."


Josleen smiles beatifically at Pilar. Hopefully the spell will wear off soon. Alternatively, it could be dispeled. For now, she watches Xersom scream about his wife and says to herself, “Whoa.”


Kovl , in an instant, is able to laugh at Josleen's comment. Such is the pixie's affinity - switching from serious threats to sincere laughter. "And I hope she does."


Sabrina looks at Pilar, her glare laden with judgement. “You don’t get to speak to me in such tones, little girl.” The blade did not scare the Elfess and she would be damned if she were to be condemned for helping Josleen obtain a more relaxed state. In softer notes she adds “She will be fine.”


Balder's eyes light up in shock, then narrow as his jaw falls open in indignant disbelief. He knows that weapon. Aramoth's Toothpick, a divine relic and treasure of his people's tradition. Dubious, unbelieving, he watches the sacred wood pass from Balgruuf's hands into Harrison's. Balder blanches. One hand instinctively moves to his gut; it feels like the base has fallen out of his stomach. Looking around, he tries to find some inkling of support in the eyes of his fellows. He is not alone. Many frost giants watch in unnerved silence as the fateful Toothpick falls into human hands. A little speech, and it is over. This is an act of gross irreverance, no matter how low Harrison may bow. The hoists the relic high. It is too much. "No!" Balder shouts in pained fury, and he steps forward. The presence of his nemesis, Ayras, is for now neglected; perhaps he is too distracted to realize the vampire is even there. Balder draws his axe. "This is gross sacrilege!" He points the weapon at Harrison. "How dare you," the weapon and the giant's hate-filled eyes swing over to Balgruuf, "how dare YOU!" Father or no, Balgruuf has crossed an uncrossable line in the warrior's eyes. A moment of hesitation and then, without any chance for explanations or reasoning, he walks right into the crowd of villagers, rears back a leg, and swings a giant-sized kick at a pint sized hobbit. His boot connect, and the halfling fairgoer, who had been minding his own business with his pipe, now squeals in shock and horror as he is punted yards into the air, sailing well beyond the edge of the carnival.