Shoe Thief

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Streets --> Peeping Kat --> Madam Marci's Honey Barn Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn sighed, their situation had made some progress but not a ton. "I think if we wait like stalkers outside we're risking public backlash and hostilities, and likely nothing at best. We should figure out our next step..." She said trying to sound confident, but she wasn't feeling as such. Kosara brought up the options of going to meet the rest of the party, and to also go to Madam Marci's. "We should probably meet up with the others first. Even if just to tell them where we are going, and to give them an update on the Silver Smith." Kathryn also found the inside of brothels left her feeling a bit... strange. So procrastination was appreciated. "Let's get going then. Find the others, and figure out our next step." Kathryn did love Kosara's enthusiasm. It really helped bring up moods when they were down. Kathryn reached up to her mouth, and spit out the silver ring into her steel clad hand. She debated a moment what to do with it. Apart of her knew she should return it, but it was clearly a piece to some puzzle. She made a mental note to return it the moment the job was done. And hopefully cleaned.

While she walked she pulled off her gauntlet and put the ring on her middle finger. If there was a reaction to Silver that Mr. Mallard was looking for, maybe it was something she could pick up? A good shake of the hand maybe with the silver ring on her finger? Maybe she'd spot something? Or maybe the man was crazy, and whatever he was going through had nothing to do with their current job. Last she knew, weird perfectly situational goblin attacks were never effected by silver. Though... weren't the goblins paid exclusively in silver? That could be her over thinking things again. The more she thought about it though, the more the goblins in this situation upset her. They were too perfect for their cover, and were well prepared for their mission.

As Kathryn walked she realized that it was nowhere near midday, and she had no idea where the rest of the party would be. They were at the public house to start, but unlikely they would still be there. That didn't stop Kathryn from giving a quick look in the door to confirm, and as well as poking her head into the hayloft and going "Hello?" But no one inside. TO Kathryn that left one option until midday. Madam Marci's Honey Barn. It's not that Kathryn had a problem with Brothel's themselves. Ser Lucas practically raised her in pubs an brothels. Some of those people were like siblings and parents to her. Many she returned to as an adult still treated her as such, and her to them as well. Ones she didn't spend growing up in? Were a whole different story. "_{I guess... to the Honey Barn...}" Kathryn said in a quiet shy voice. Kathryn made sure that her armor was well strapped, well setup, and was secure before walking over. She regained enough of her confidence on the walk to eventually speak back up to Kosara. "Remember Kosara. We're on a secrete mission. You can't be as forth coming as you have been. It spooks people. Don't bring up the constable. Be careful with how you bring up anyone that has gone missing. Remember, we're here for goblins. We don't want a repeat of the Silver Smith situation." Kathryn said, before realizing they were at the front door of the Honey barn. And all of her confidence drained. She would let Kosara make the first steps.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Silver Smith --> Streets Action: Persuasion! Ish! Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn tried to withstand a chuckle as Kosara confused herself with this "Tongue Ring" Situation. Though Kathryn was only a couple steps from that point herself. The chuckle had caused the ring to fall back a little further into her mouth than she would have liked, and stopping herself from choking on the ring she weirdly got a good taste of it, confirming infact, the ring from the silver smith was infact, Silver. Or at least Silver like. Likely not the most effective way to test what a metal is made of, but in this very specific case it panned out for Kathryn. Though it did bring up the question of where she learned the taste of silver.

Kathryn's heart sank and her pokerface dropped when Kosara started explaining their mission in detail. "...Kosara..." Kathryn said weakly. There was no subtly in this mission with their tiefling friend around. Kathryn figured any theories she put together so far she would have to keep from Kosara. As Kosara explained her theory to the Silver Smith it was clear he was not pleased with it. His face went from total relief after seeing the two put the rings in their mouths, to now.... some kind of fear? "No wait, please. Lives could be on the line if they haven't been lost already. You know something, please help us fix whatever is going on!" She spoke, though the ring was still in her mouth she had pushed it to the side enough so she could speak clearly. She wasn't intentionally trying to hide it, but once things started getting tense apart of her felt it would be weird to reach up to her mouth to take out the ring, or to spit it out. Mr. Jacques Mallard the Silver Smith had no intention on listening to the due as they spoke. Apart of her debated trying to intimidate the man to make him share what he knew. But what if he didn't know anything? Not only did her legal authority mean little here, she would be someone from a privileged life, using her advantages in life and stature to belittle someone who came from a more humble background into submission. Sure, she had the stature to pull it off, and likely the force to back it. But she didn't want to be that person. Even if he did know something, it wouldn't be worth it to cross those kinds of lines. "Okay, okay. We'll leave. Please reconsider though. We're here to help however we can." Kathryn said in a quiet and as non threatening tone as she could pull. "Come on, Let's get going Kosara."

Kathryn stepped out of the silver smith. They were finally making progress and hit a dead end that they were unable to peacefully pass. Once outside Kathryn letting her helmet hang on her belt grabbed her loosely trimmed hair with both hands trying to hold back a scream. With a deep sigh she finally let out her breath and some words. "fuck buckets." Kathryn let out softly as she let go of her hair. So far on the quest she felt like an anchor who was little more than drunken muscle. And now making progress all she had were the frightened words of a man who hadn't seen daylight in god knows how long. And the silver ring. The ring which seemed to be the source of all of Mr. Mallard's relief once two people who looked dangerous and were potentially dangerous were inside of his shelter. There wasn't nothing, but there could have been so much more.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Silver Smith Action: Helping! Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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To Kathryn's surprise the man's attempts to chase off the Duo using peer pressure had back fired as Kosara seemed to lack any ability to be socially pressured in the negative at all. Had Kathryn been alone she might have caved, With Kosara? Things turned out better. As well, Kathryn wouldn't have to debate breaking and entering. Though that was something she considered, she didn't think of that as an idea she could commit too. Maybe if she had some Solid justification and/or extremely drunk she might do it. Even then, she'd need to pretty close to seeing someone get dragged in, or hear a scream inside to consider something like that.

Kathryn took a step back to let the door open. The door sounded fortified the way it was being unlocked now. Something she'd hear as if unbarring a sally port to a castle. Kathryn entered first, should this turn into a fight she figured she could take a hit better than Kosara, and if things turned into a fight Kathryn wanted to be able to strike fast and hard. Than she heard it, the mention of a crossbow. She was familiar enough with them. They could hit hard though, and many times didn't give a shit what kind of armor you were wearing. She was semi confident she could take a bolt (With regrets and pain) and still fight, so she had that assurance should this strange man decide to pull something. Kathryn listened to the condition of their entry, a ring to place on their tongues. Seemed simple enough. A quick inspection showed it to be fine. But looking at the man? She wondered if he had all of his marbles in place, or if he knew something they didn't. Maybe it was the light, the short but sharp tones, but she couldn't get a read on the man. For all she knew he could be some high priest getting ready to give a sermon. With a cross bow and rings. Though she figured someone somewhere likely did practice their religion like this, and figured it was best not to mock things just in case. Kathryn wondered if being in a silver smith's if the ring itself was silver? She figured likely but wasn't sure from looking at it.

Kathryn took the briefest of moments to inspect the place, noticing the mix of weapons though none seemingly on display. Though in the dim light they do seem well made. The man appeared to have been staying here for some time as well. Was he planning on sleeping here the whole festival? Boarded up place, fortress door, assorted weapons, and locked up the busiest week of likely the whole year? If she had to take a guess, between the man's suspicious behaviors and the crossbow currently pointed at her chest she figured something had him spooked. She snapped back to reality when he spoke up again. "Okay okay, we're going. Let's keep the bloodshed to none please." Kathryn said in her most serious tone, dropping the act of increasing the pitch of her voice to sound smaller and friendlier.

Kathryn slowly reached for the ring before sticking out her tongue and putting the ring on it. She made sure to stand just out of the way enough so that Kosara could see what was going on, and to keep herself in front still so if action did kick off she would be in the best position to react. She then spoke with her tongue sticking out of her mouth. "'ee? ong 'ongue. Ahh ey?" She attempted to speak serious again, though looking down with her tongue sticking out was rather hard to pull that off. Kathryn hoped this man had some answers. Maybe something even relevant to their case. Maybe even a chance to kick things off int he right direction. Or at least she wouldn't leave here with an appendage made of wood, iron, and feathers.

Translation

See? On tongue. Happy?

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Silver Smith Action: Helping! Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kosara's pounded that door like there was no tomorrow. With such a rapid and and aggressive force that it seemed like she would get through the door just by creating her own little hole using her tiny fists. Kathryn found herself so stunned she forgot to knock with her! Thankfully Kosara got right to the point, enough so that whoever was inside couldn't deny they were hiding inside. When the figure inside did speak up the tone seems excessively loud. Almost as if he was trying to be louder than intended. "Please sir, we're just trying to help around and figure out what's going on." Kathryn tried to say in her least intimidating voice. Being as tall as she was her voice was rather deep for a woman, and she really had to throw her voice to sound smaller and more friendly. Trying to make her voice drop a couple octaves was rather hard though. It was moments like this she was thankful that she never took up singing.

Kathryn did an Awkward wave to the crowd, but fearing the kind of attention she got earlier she was ready to wrap this up. "Hey Kosara, I don't want to be on the spot like this much more. Let's wrap this up." She supposed watchful untrusting eyes were another good reason to not get into performing. She imagined she would be susceptible to stage fright rather badly.

Kathryn at this moment was both glad and terrified that Kosara didn't give a single shit about what others thought of her or her actions. The downside was all the watchful eyes of everyone on the street. The plus side? She was persistent as fuck, and maybe whoever was inside didn't want the attention either and was banking on Kathryn and Kosara blinking first. If Kathryn had been alone she might have, but with Kosara here? The poor bastard wouldn't know what hit him. "Please sir, we're just in town trying to help. At least hear out what my friend has to say? Maybe we can help each other out?" Kathryn wasn't confident in her situation, but she figured she could help Kosara take the lead and just be available to help where she could from here. She also wanted to keep ready though. If whoever was inside had less then good intentions than she wanted to not be taken off guard, but if she had to guess, words were the best weapon he had at his disposal. And thankfully no words or weird looks could stop Kosara.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Bed and Breakfast --> Silver Smith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The poor woman who managed the bed and breakfast seemed a little hesitant to let the due in. Kathryn wondered if it had something to do with the rumors from last night? Or if there was something else worrying the woman about letting in a fully armored half giant and an energetic tiefling? She wasn't sure but Kathryn was glad to be in the safety of the indoors. Kosara's description of the Constable took a while for others to catch on, but the point did get across. Though Kosora's direct questioning also helped speed things along rather well.

When "Cravenfish" is mentioned, there is a little confusion until the elder Mrs. L'Rose figures it out. "Oh, you mean the Constable! I haven't a reason why that should be suspicious. He is likely following up on the Goblin Incident you and your friends helped us with. Thank you for letting me know. I'm sure it will be fine." Her words are optimistic but tired.
When asked about any feelings of paranoia, Cecily lowered her voice and moved from the table, as if to keep her niece from easily overhearing, "Oh, it's nothing really." Her voice was quieter, mentioning, "I didn't want to alarm Lizbeth, but something did seem a little off last night. She didn't seem to notice anything, and I figured it was the heavy fog and ...and attack from earlier." She goes on to mention that she feels okay now, and they have decided to stick around for the festival. They both intend to do a little shopping later, maybe take in a performance later that evening, but will mostly keep around the B&B for the day. "Oh, but I have no intention of setting foot outside the Township's walls. No ma'am."

Throughout all this, Lizbeth is acting very bubbly and cramming her mouth full of scones and other breakfasty tidbits. She doesn't contribute to the conversation, but will respond pleasantly and appropriately if directly conversed with. She just seems very into her breakfast, like she hadn't eaten in a while and finally got an appetite.

Kathryn was glad to hear that the two would be keeping safe as they could for the time being. Kathryn walked up to the young girl, worried for Lizbeth. "Get enough? You're eating enough for the two of us." She tried to come across in a joking manner, but she was worried. The girl had gone through a lot in the last day and Kathryn wasn't sure how to make sure she was okay. "I'm okay! Just hungry." The girl looked beat, and out of it. And was only now beginning the process of bouncing back. Kathryn chuckled her reply to keep moods as high as she could. "Make sure to save room for greens Lizbeth. A balanced diet will help you get big and strong." Kathryn did a mock flex of her arm, which in her armor wasn't much but the point was fun to bring up anyways. Though she was also a bit of a hypocrite there. Though she did have her fair share of greens growing up, a large portion of her diet in the last year or so consisted of mostly meats, potatoes, and alcohols. With some bread to wash it down. So maybe she wasn't the best example and she had the benefit of favorable genetics on her side. That didn't mean she shouldn't try to steer this kid on the right path?

As it was time to leave, and time to wrap up their house call, Kathryn looked back over to Cecile, and worry came back over her. Kathryn walked up to the woman who was considerably smaller by comparison. "Hey Cecile?" Kathryn walked up to the woman, undoing a clamp on her belt. Hanging off the open belt was likely the best conditioned item on Kathryn's person, a newer looking hand axe in a used but still good conditioned leather sheath. Kathryn handed it to Cecile with a look of concern on her face. She then spoke quietly in a concerned tone. "Just in case. Things are getting... concerning." Cecile had a look on her face like the whole thing must of been a joke, but Kathryn's expression didn't change. She took the axe with little word. "It's a belted clamp so... it'll fit on most belts... And just... Be safe. It's just... in case." She wished she was better at comforting people. It was one of her weaker areas. "If ya need anything, you know where to find us." She spoke in a more cheerful tone. "Hoping to wrap this up quick so things can go back to normal soon." She was worried much more was at play than what met the eyes.

Kathryn left with Kosara to the Silver Smith's. Once there, the place was still boarded up, and sealed. From the inside may have been her biggest advantage. If she Had to force her way in, she was more confident in pushing in wood boards with the nails facing away from her than towards her. While looking into the cracks between the boards, she spotted... something. No, someone. A silhouette from some sort revealed by an orange glow from inside the room. "Someone's in there. I say we knock." Expecting the energetic tiefling would also want to participate. "Same time?" Kathryn said stepping to the side, but in a way where she could start pounding the door with her steel plated fist the moment Kosara started.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Bed and Breakfast Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kosara's reassurances were a bit reassuring, though it didn't make Kathryn feel confident in her situation. "Thanks Kosara, but I'm not a performer. Or a bard, or anyone who benefits from... This kind of attention." Though Kosara's words were correct, the stares wouldn't break her bones or pierce her skin, they could shatter hearts. They could crush your will depending who they were from. To her, they reminded her of when she had to plead for someone to care what happened to her family, and the best reactions she got were those stares. The stares of those looking upon her with disbelief, confusion, fear and concern. There were people who tried to do worse, but those looks hurt more than the words of those who had already decided she was in the wrong. Had Ser Lucas not been present she's not sure what she would have done, what she could have done. But those times were in the past, and those people were out of her life now. She did have to admit though, Kosara's positivity was contagious. "I'm sure once they get to know us better they'll all be fine and lovely people."

Kathryn was very surprised though at Kosara's directness of their mission. She eyed the other patrons checking them for reactions to Kosara's comments. On the plus side, things would be moving at a good pace. Though she worried that word may get back to the Constable about their true intentions here. Last thing they needed was Mr. Cravenfish on them. She paused her mental thoughts, realizing she was starting to do the same thing as Kosara was doing. Mr Cavendish. If she wasn't careful she'd find herself using that nickname on him next time they spoke. Between her distracted thoughts on the Name Kosara gave their constable, and the fact she had skipped breakfast and dinner last night in replacement for booze, she hadn't been able to pick up anything. Assuming there was something outside the casual interest of being the main conversation in the room. "What Kosara said, we wanted to make sure you're both doing okay. Things can get crazy nowadays and after the stuff that happened yesterday we wanted to be sure everything was fine. Is there anything you need from us?" Her thoughts went back to the goblins and their brand new weapons. Weapons of higher quality than what she possessed. Not that it was a hard bar to beat, but much of her gear was considered decent quality, just showing it's age rather harshly. They were all called up to deal with a non existent goblin problem, then not only does one show up, a well armed and clearly well paid problem showed up. She wondered if it was just a coincidence or if the goblins were related. But due to the attack yesterday, it did make a perfect cover. So perfect... She decided before the week was out, figuring out what the goblins were up too was on her priority list as well.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Hayloft --> Avonshire streets --> bed and breakfast Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The conversation between Robert and the constable concerned Kathryn. The man clearly didn't like the party, but him talking to the other man who seemed... indifferent to the side of untrusting was concerning. Though from what Marita explained they were still in the clear. Kathryn was glad she kept the focus on the goblins rather than getting into more details about the real investigation. "We'll make sure the two are safe. See what you can figure out from Rickard. Maybe he has a missing piece to our little puzzle." He was a fresh perspective, so maybe he could take some of what they knew and get something out of it. And maybe vice versa? Victoria was able to give herself and Kosara the location of the L'Roses so it wouldn't take long to find them. That would help a ton as the two of them went to check. Kathryn gave her a wave as she left. "Thank you Victoria!" The party would be split for a time, but they had two important goals to follow up on now, with a plan to meet up after some time passes. "If the other doesn't show up within a half hour of noon, the others should go looking for them under the assumption they need help." If that help was combat, or some kind of injury, having a backup plan was a good idea. "We may check out the Silver Smith and see what's up at that place once we make sure the L'Roses are safe." She figured adding their followup location wouldn't hurt. If things turned out fine then getting some more done while they were out wouldn't hurt.

It was a relief to hear that she didn't look as big as the drunk version of herself told her she was. Watching her put together the miscommunication was cute in a way as she pieced together piece by piece. "Yeah hate to say it Kosara. Bitch is used derogatorily pretty regularly if you're with the right crowd. Someone even called me a bitch once." Kathryn said in an amused tone. Most people didn't call her too many names to her face. Standing almost 7 foot tall and always wearing heavy armor while being very well armed seemed to let most drunkards realize that maybe this specific situation is not worth escalating. Kathryn walked with Kosara enjoying (nearly) every moment of their walk. "Take it easy on poor Rickard, he seems like a nice lad who is just be trying to do the right thing." Kathryn did pick up on some of the stares and comments from people as they walked. It reminded her of the justifications used against her and her family when they were wiped out. "Monsters" "Demons" "Devil spawns". They weren't happy memories. When she looked to her king to to avenge the massacre, not only were those responsible pardoned, they were praised and her own family name shunned. With the odd looks from the locals Kathryn pulled up the armor on her neck into position and put her helmet on. She noticed people didn't bat an eye nearly as harshly to a tall knight in shining armor, at least compared to the insanely tall woman. But even looking through her helmet she could see a chip where she was struck in the face, and rust where the light could reach. Her set didn't have a long life left to it. "Let's hurry up. I don't like this part of town." It was people like these her family used to interact with on a regular basis. And the same people who gave into the horrid rumors about her family once she had nothing.

Finding the place was tricky, she wondered if maybe there was an easier way to find it? She wondered if maybe half the town was designed by the same damn person who really loved their green roofs. Maybe using it as their way to stand out in the building designing community? Either way, it made finding the building hard until they arrived at a sign that said 'Bed and Breakfast'. "Looks good. Guess we could pound on the door until we get a response? Leave if it turns out to not be the place?" And if she suspected the L'Roses were in danger she was confident they could figure something out in the moment. Kathryn walked up covered in head to toe in her heavy worn and rusted armor and gave the door a solid three poundings with her fist to be answered by a short and stout woman who seemed determined to chase them off before the two could get a word in. Thankfully Cecily called out to let them in. Already the day was going well hearing her voice. Kathryn got a chance to see Lizbeth too, and returned her friendly wave. After being let in Kathryn bent over to fit into the doorway, only for her helmet to collide with the doorway, again. "Ow, son of a fuck bucket..." She stepped in taking off her helmet, then realizing her tone was likely not lady like, nor appropriate for children. "My apologizes." She said to the woman, likely the owner, and to the party of guests at the table.

Kathryn eyed the food on the table for a moment, remembering skipping dinner last night, and skipping breakfast this morning. Both under the assumption she had gained visible weight from beer and bacon. Knowing that wasn't the case now she was tempted to ask to have some of the breakfast, though held off attempting to show restraint after her failed attempt to do so just now. "Cecily, Lizbeth, how are you two doing? We wanted to stop in and check on you. Make sure you both were okay." She wanted to ask more detailed questions. If they felt they were being watched, followed, if anything weird happened. But after hearing about the Constable and Roberts from the morning she really didn't want to chance rumors spreading more then they already were.

Kathryn took a moment to look around the establishment. It reminded her of home a bit. The room had a comparable feeling to that of her family's keep. At least on the inside. She had seen the inside of other castles and keeps, and most she saw were designed with military fortifications and political organization in mind while the family rooms were kept as far out of the way as possible. Which in a smaller keep was harder to pull off. Many times forcing family and government rooms to coexist. Her home did a good job of it, and even when her father worked it felt like a home environment just having company over for dinner. Today pulled a lot of memories for Kathryn already. In this case it was a nice reminder, and she got to enjoy the memories this time.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Hayloft Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita had woken up the party bit by bit after a long night of watches and mild paranoia. While getting up still wrapped in every single bit of sleeping equipment the tall woman owned she noticed Victoria going through some of Hugh's supplies. She offered to return them upon his return, but she wondered a bit about that. Kathryn also debated about picking up a bow so she had some kind of ranged option to herself, but decided against it for the moment. She had her hand axes which hit rather hard and could double in melee in a pinch. Though she may consider a longbow at some point in her time. Soon enough, the bard would be making her way to the public house for food, Kathryn stopping to grab her attention first. "Victoria? Can I get another one of those privacy screens? They're a little more effective than hay...." Thankfully, she was more then willing to help the poor sleeping bag covered woman. While wrapped she almost looked like a burrito wrap with legs and a head, but with Victoria's cover she was able to spend the morning cleaning up as best as she could while lacking supplies for it, and change into her rusting and worn armor. Once the job was done, she'd be able to replace her worn makeshift set for something in better condition. "Thank you!" She spoke to the bard before she left, she was glad to have such a helpful team member who didn't ask for anything in return for all of these favors.

Kathryn gave a morning wave to Kosara as the party got ready. Upon her question of how she slept? She gave a glance to Morty contemplating her answer. "I slept well enough." Not breaking eye contact with the walking bacon that almost scared her to death the night before. It seemed their tiefling friend was also going to head to the public house for a good morning meal, a meal Kathryn was debating skipping. Remembering how the night before went, and how she came to the conclusion Kosara assumed she was pregnant from just how big she had gotten, Kathryn decided maybe she could afford to miss breakfast. At that thought, her stomach reminded her that was a bad idea, and would make her suffer if she ever thought of such heresy ever again. As her stomach reminded her, there is no meal more important then breakfast. But she was still hesitant. "My watch had little of note. Just walked around in my beddings, checking the perimeter, Morty... keeping me company." The night before had she been armed, she would have been prepared to fight the undead pig. But while spooked the night before, she was at the bacon's mercy. "But uh... nothing of note otherwise." Ready to take on the day she grabbed the last of her gear, and made her way for the door.

When stopped by Kosara about the night before, Kathryn's mouth went agape. "So... you're saying... it was a miscommunication? Not that I was... Big? Fat?" The relief that came across Kathryn was massive, though she wasn't as worried as many about her own figure, she still didn't like negative attention. And being assumed pregnant when she wasn't kicked her self esteem pretty hard. "No no no... Not pregnant, just new friends is all there. Like... You and I would be mates, but not... mate mates. Friend mates. Not... putting babies in each other's bellies mates. I haven't had anyone even close to that since I was little, and those were just marriage talks." Kathryn said trying to contain her excited laughter as the whole situation caught up to her mind. "Go easy on the poor lad. He's just trying ta do the right thing." Kathryn gave Kosara a rub on her head before making her way out the doors.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Hayloft Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Victoria brought up a concerning point that Kathryn had overlooked, those who had returned. Though they lacked a proper list of those individuals. "We shouldn't need to find all of them, just a couple so we can get an idea of what's going on. Hell, maybe even ask them what happened and fact check them as best we can?" Sure it wasn't a detailed plan, but it was maybe something the party could spit ball with a little bit. Victoria had offered to do a share of the watch though, which seemed helpful until it seemed she meant her pet, the emergency snack. Though useful to have another set of eyes, Kathryn was hoping one who could talk, or reply to comments or questions. "Um... yeah... have a good rest..." Kathryn spoke as if trying to process everything still. Kosara taking first watch and Marita taking last watch meant Kathryn would still get a decent enough night of sleep taking second watch.

With a minor illusion cast from Victoria Kathryn was able to change into something to sleep in, though the illusion wasn't able to cover as much as she would have liked it did more then she likely could have done with hay bales. The casuals that sit under her armor, and wrapped up in her bedroll as if she was a walking burrito with nothing but her arm hanging out to carry her armor, all stacked together like a nice puzzle. From there, she went off to find a comfortable spot to sleep while Kosara kept watch. With that in mind, Kathryn once she found a spot to lay down did so with her armor to her back, and her shield over her body.

Once she was still the alcohol had caught up the now unarmored half giant, and she was out like a lantern that had run out of fuel. She was certain she dreamed, but not for long enough to remember anything. She was woken up by Kosara for her own watch in what seemed like moments, but she was rested. Once Kosara went off to her own bedroll Kathryn stood still wrapped in her own bedroll putting her helmet on, and leaving her shield wrapped against her back. Though she was sheltered, she felt unsafe outside of her armor, but she knew with some poor luck if she tried to get into it now she'd either wake up the rest of the party or be too tired to take it off once her watch was over. Kathryn sat by the brazier watching it as the flames reflected off her helmet. Though the night was quiet, this place was no fortress. Though she was among allies, she hardly knew these people. Though she trusted them to have her back in a fight, she had little understanding of their long term motives.

She shook her thoughts away from the direction they tried to steer her. She had no reason to suspect anyone here would ever turn on her. She had plenty of reason to suspect those who wronged her would. Tossing more fuel onto the fire the hayloft lit up briefly, illuminating a set of eyes and something metallic at hand. Kathryn fell back in surprise reaching for her hand axe, no longer present on her side. She calmed quickly once getting a focused look on Morty, and the bell sitting in his mouth. "...mother fucker..." Kathryn spoke under her breath. In her moment of tired laps of judgment, she had forgotten about her own watch partner. She stood up looking at the pig, dead still. Realizing she may not have been as aware of her surroundings as she needed to be, she took a moment to walk quietly around the lower floor of the hayloft. Shy of herself, nothing seemed to move. She got one more look at the undead pig. Though on her side, in her tired state the first thought that came to mind was a fun fact Ser Lucas told her growing up, how pigs will eat literally anything. She wondered briefly if the undead pig thought of the party the way she thinks of bacon like in some fucked up circle of life. It did remind her though that next time she takes watch, she should be armed. Had those eyes not belonged to Morty she would have nothing but her shield at hand to protect herself.

It wasn't long until Marita signaled that it was time for Kathryn to get some more rest. Kathryn took off her helmet and gave the holy woman a nod of acknowledgement, and a bit of thanks. She spooked herself early in her watch and it effected her mood the rest of her time awake. Though it took longer to get back to sleep, she was glad to be resting again. Nothing to help fix an uneasy mood like a nice comfortable sleep with a nice solid wooden an steel shield to act as a second blanket.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions:N/A N/A Location: Hayloft Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn listened as Victoria explained about her evening. The more the half talked the more Kathryn found herself concerned. Though the part of wine seemed nice, Kathryn was done drinking until the job was over. What got her attention was still no sign on Hugh, and then there was Victoria's feeling of being watched. Combined with Cecily and Lizbeth staying in a place near the suspicious silver smith. It was all too many coincidences. It made Kathryn uneasy. "Do you think Cecily and Lizbeth had that same feeling leaving?" Kathryn wondered if they could also be targets. "Between Victoria having the feeling and something being off about the Silver Smith's building it has to be something to consider. I think we need to check on the two as soon as possible, and figure out what's goin' on with that storefront. Something strange none the less."

Kosara brought up the idea that maybe the correlation isn't between those taken, but rather the one doing the kidnapping has a specific reason unrelated to those they take, but that idea got immediately pulled with the idea that the stalking feeling likely wouldn't have stuck as hard. "I haven't noticed any such strange person, but I can keep an eye out and see if I notice them from here." More weird things going on with no explanations. What a strange mission this is turning out to be. The municipal building is still something to keep note of but at this time, maybe not high on their priority list. She wondered if their good friend Constable Cavendish knew more then he was letting on. He seemed to actively work against the Sheriff, and it seemed like including him now could only hinder the party. Even if he didn't know something he was a liability. So was Robert from the public house too. Both people who may know more, but wont fork over the information easily.

Marita proposed setting watches, Kathryn figured that was as good idea as any. Between something odd going on in town, and Victoria concerned with being watched, and the fact that they weren't in the most secure of places, she figured a watch was perfect. "I'll take whichever. I'm not too tired, mostly just need a moment to sober up a bit. Then I pity the bastard who tries to break in here." Plus, Kathryn didn't do anything over exerting today, she could likely get away on a shorter night of sleep and still be fine by morning if need be. Marita held some good points on not going out tonight. Half the party was intoxicated, and the other half was struggle with sleep deprivation to some degree. "The cemetry seems like a good place to look at as well. I'd love to see if Audry's path home took her past there or the silver smith's. Same with the others who went missing." Plus, Kathryn couldn't see in the dark. Sure, it would take something pretty big to take her down, but she'd rather not risk that unless she had too.