The tavern bustles with the usual cacophony of merriment and chatter. Valorie, Emara, and Zero settle in, each lost in their own thoughts. Unbeknownst to the elf and the cleric, Zero's sharp eyes catch a glimpse of something unsettling in a shadowy corner of the room. An old woman, hunched and muttering, discreetly tampers with the drinks of several unsuspecting patrons. Zero, though unsure of the specifics, senses something amiss and decides to keep a watchful eye on those who were targeted.
Valorie, with practiced stealth, moves towards the old woman, blending into the tavern's lively atmosphere. As she nears the woman's table, she observes her more closely, trying to discern what exactly she did to the drinks.
23:24
The old woman, seemingly oblivious to Valorie's presence, continues to mutter to herself, occasionally glancing around with a shifty look in her eyes. Valorie notices a faint, earthy odor clinging to the woman, and she catches a glimpse of a strange, gnarled pendant hidden beneath her shawl. She also notices that the woman's hands are unusually rough and gnarled, with long, yellowed fingernails.
23:24
While Valorie can't definitively identify what the woman did to the drinks, her instincts scream that something is amiss. The woman's odd behavior, the peculiar odor, and the unsettling appearance of her hands all point towards something sinister.
Valorie, driven by curiosity and a sense of urgency, attempts to delve deeper into the shadows, hoping to get a closer look at the old woman's activities. However, the hag, with a keen awareness of her surroundings, senses Valorie's prying eyes.
"Curious, are we?" the hag rasps, her voice a low, guttural growl that cuts through the tavern's din.
23:30
Before Valorie can react, the hag flicks her wrist, and a wave of unseen energy washes over the rogue. Valorie feels an inexplicable compulsion to obey, her body moving against her will. She finds herself inexplicably drawn towards the hag's table, her legs carrying her forward as if guided by an unseen force.
"Have a seat," the hag croaks, a sly grin spreading across her wrinkled face.
23:30
Valorie collapses into a chair, her body refusing to heed her commands. She struggles against the magical influence, but her efforts are futile. She's trapped, a prisoner in her own body, forced to sit helplessly as the hag's plan unfolds.
The hag leans forward, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "What's going on, you ask?" she cackles, her voice raspy and unsettling. "Why, we're just having a bit of fun, aren't we?"
23:37
She pauses, her grin widening. "I overheard your little chat about hags," she continues, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Perhaps you'd like to clarify what you meant?"
23:37
The hag's eyes twinkle with mischief, and her tone is laced with a subtle threat. It's clear she's not just curious about Valorie's words; she's enjoying the power she holds over the helpless rogue.
Well I wasn't aware you were here, Madam. And that Barbarian was confused when I mentioned The Moon Witch Selune. He thought I was talking about Hags. I was simply trying to clarify.
The hag throws her head back and cackles, a sound like dry leaves skittering across cobblestones. "The Moon Witch, indeed! A curious choice of words, my dear." Her eyes gleam with mischief, and she gestures with a gnarled finger towards a figure stumbling through the tavern. "You mean the one over there, meandering about like a drunken ox?"
Valorie's gaze follows the hag's gesture and lands on Zero, who is indeed wandering aimlessly, bumping into tables and patrons. A knot of worry tightens in her stomach.
"Oh, I'm not quite done with him yet," the hag purrs, her voice laced with a sinister undertone. "But for now, let's focus on you, shall we?" She leans closer, her gaze piercing Valorie's. "Why don't you tell me what you really think, deary? About hags, about me..."
Valorie feels a chill crawl down her spine. The hag's words are laced with a subtle threat, and her eyes hold a glint of malice. It's clear she's not just seeking clarification; she's toying with her prey, savoring the fear and anticipation.
The hag's grin widens, revealing a set of yellowed, crooked teeth. "Now, now, deary," she chides, her voice a low, menacing purr. "No need for shyness. After all, you had no qualms about sharing your opinions when you thought I wasn't listening, did you?"
23:46
Valorie shrinks back in her chair, feeling a wave of apprehension wash over her. The hag's words are a stark reminder of her vulnerability, and the playful façade has vanished, replaced by a chilling aura of menace.
23:46
The hag leans closer, her eyes boring into Valorie's. "It seems we have much to discuss," she whispers, her voice laced with a chilling promise. "And I have all the time in the world..."
The hag's cackle echoes through the tavern, a chilling sound that sends shivers down the spines of those within earshot. "Ah, you've finally come to your senses," she croaks, her voice dripping with amusement. "You don't really think I'm an ugly old witch, do you?"
23:56
She raises a skeptical eyebrow, her expression a mixture of mockery and amusement. "Charm? Is that what you call it?" she purrs, her voice laced with a subtle threat.
23:56
A sly grin spreads across her face as she gestures towards the tainted drinks. "Why don't you prove your sincerity by delivering these to the remaining patrons?" she suggests, her voice laced with a subtle threat. "And be quick about it. I don't have all night."
23:56
As Valorie moves through the tavern, the hag turns her attention back to Zero, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Now, where were we?" she purrs, her voice laced with a chilling amusement. "Ah yes, you were about to apologize for your rude remarks."
23:56
Valorie's hand trembles as she lifts the tray, her mind rebelling against the hag's command. Yet, her body moves independently of her will, her steps measured and precise as she navigates the tavern. With a forced smile plastered on her face, she offers the tainted drinks to the unsuspecting patrons, her heart pounding with a mix of dread and revulsion.
Me super sorry for me said about witches. Zero has had bad run in's with your kind so zero assume worst of you and zero is very very very sorry.
*He seems terrified and sincere*
00:03
*He gets on his knees beside the Hag and says* please don't kill me or anything. I have a family to go home to eventually.
The hag's cackle echoes through the tavern, a chilling sound that sends shivers down the spines of those within earshot. "Kill you?" she scoffs, her voice dripping with disdain. "I wouldn't dream of it. Far more fun to keep you alive... where I can find a use for you."
00:08
Her gaze sweeps across the room, a predatory glint in her eyes. "Looks like my work here is done... for now," she declares, her voice laced with a sinister promise. "But we'll be seeing each other again soon."
00:08
She turns her attention back to Zero, her expression a mixture of amusement and malice. "And as for you..." she begins, her voice dropping to a menacing whisper, "who says this isn't another 'bad one'?"
00:08
With a snap of her fingers, the hag vanishes into thin air, leaving behind a lingering sense of dread and a tavern full of unsuspecting patrons who have just been poisoned.
I didn't do anything. All I did was try and investigate the strange woman. You just had to mention a hag. If anything it's your fault your family is in danger
*walks in and sees what's going down* Woah!!! *runs towards Zero* I don't know what happened between u 2. But can u at least lossen ur grip a bit? Don't u see u gonna kill her?
*A sigh of relief bigger than what should fit in his body escapes Orimesh’s mouth. Some strands of his black hair billowing out of his face.* “My goodness I’m so glad that’s over…”
*Makes a confused face.* “What do you mean? I didn’t kick him— I whacked him with my staff.” *Jumping at her appearance, he looks to Valorie.* “Yes, probably.”
*Bites lip to stop himself from laughing.* “Ahem, yes, well—“ *His hands disappear into and retrieve his coin purse from his robes. He tosses it up and down a couple times.* “I have an idea to make it go a bit faster; I’ll buy and take him a drink. As an apology. Give you two time to think of something too.”
*Glances around for her presence.* “Oh— blast!” *With haste he approaches the bar.* “Excuse me, Roddrick? I need a bottle of… something— anything that makes a good apology gift. What do you suggest?”
"Well now, young master Orimesh, seems you've got yourself in a bit of a pickle, eh? A drink to apologize to that half-giant fella, you say? Hmm..." Roddrick strokes his chin thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling. "Tell ya what, for a situation like this, you need somethin' strong and smooth. Something to calm the nerves and soothe the savage beast, so to speak." He reaches below the counter and pulls out a dusty bottle. "This here's Dwarven Firewhisky. Guaranteed to warm the cockles and melt away any grudge. 'Course, it might also melt a hole in yer gullet if you ain't careful, but that's just part o' the charm." He winks. "How's that sound?"
*Eying the bottle with reverence.* “Woah… Uh, how much is it? I still haven’t found a source of income here yet…” *Ori fidgets with his coin purse’s strings nervously.*
"Whoa there, lad! I see that look in your eye. Don't you worry yer pretty little head about the cost. A generous soul like you, tryin' to mend fences after a brawl like that... well, that deserves a bit of kindness in return." He winks and slides the bottle across the bartop. "Consider it on the house. A peace offering from Roddrick's to those tryin' to keep the peace, eh?" He leans in conspiratorially. "Besides, that half-giant fella looks like he could use a stiff drink, and if this keeps him from tearin' down the rest of my tavern, it's worth its weight in gold!"
*Speechless, he takes the bottle gingerly.* “I-I… thank you, Roddrick.” *The kind words tint his cheeks pink. He doesn’t get compliments often. After securing the whisky in his robes, along with his purse, the human waves and hurries to catch up with the others.*
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