Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

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Roaring Rapids:

"I forgive him, besides he's still recovering from the Cannon ball that flew through our building. It'll take more than a few rowdy pirates to run us out of business though. The Torno's are made of thicker stock, right da?" says Terra smiling over towards her father who grinned widely. "That's right sweety."

Terra nods before looking back to Arissa when she asked what was going on around town. "I could tell you but I've a feeling you know some of it already. The Hathoway and Blackburn feud might be back on, after last night. Then there is the new apothecary and the strange man running it. He's paying people with Blackburn's money so there are some that think the man must be some foul necromancer or something like that. I can tell you though when their ailments start kicking in they'll be in line like the rest of us," says Terra looking up to the ceiling and resting her back and arms against the counter looking out to the crowd of people. "I think the really juicy bits are that Annabelle was seen at the docks instead of the Ball. What's a girl like doing around the docks when there's a fancy noble party hmmm? Secret lover maybe? Then Bjorn seems to have bought back the forge he originally lost way before my time. Ain't that right da?"

"I believe it was Maria's parents who put up a competition and they ended up winning and driving him out of business," says Thackery as he took some returned plates. "He should be happy to have his old forge back I imagine. I can hardly remember him working at the forge when I was younger, as long as I remember he's been our butcher. The man is good with his blades though, I'll give him that."
 
Arissa could not help but smile seeing Terra and Thackery interact. “I am sorry to hear that you were injured during the attack. It is odd how quickly things move on in this town, ja? I hardly ever hear reference to Captain Yorgi’s attack.” Other than from the man himself, that is.

Arissa then listened in earnest to the news, giving brief responses to a few of them. “Bernard and James are still good friends, but the situation got the better of them both briefly. There is no feud. On the topic of the apothecary, the man you are referring to must be Ludwig, an outsider from a land neighboring my own. He is no necromancer, but a man of medicine. His methods may seem strange, but I can absolutely guarantee you of this. He gets results.” Arissa then fell silent as she listened to the rumor about Annabelle, and mentally filed it away to ask her about soon, although she was fairly certain it was about no lover.

Arissa raised an eyebrow hearing about this Bjorn before smiling to Terra and Thackery broadly. “I see I have come to the right place in order to hear all sorts of gossip. I trust if there was any about me, you would share, ja?” Arissa looked to Terra with a curious smile before shrugging and continuing. “Anyways, I was curious... could you tell me more about Bjorn? I have been in Blackburn’s Crossing for a few weeks now and have never encountered the man. Strange, as it sounds as if he is a fairly prominent figure. What is he like?”
 
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Yelcan stood his ground against Legba’s advance, for the moment at least. Once he begins to speak of his typical deals, Yelcan looks away, surprisingly conflicted. He came in here looking for information, just wanting to speak with this...thing. Try and get an idea of how he worked, not make any deals of his own, but he couldn’t help it: he was tempted. Finally he meets the gaze of Legba again, keeping a straight face. “Well I had hoped it wouldn’t need to come to deal making, but what are you offering me? And what are you taking in return?”
 
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Bernard frowned for a moment at the unpleasantness of the thought but found his smile once again as he reasoned through it."Honestly, I don't know. None of us know how long we'll really live. Ferrin was meant to live several more centuries, didn't stop him from loving my mother or fathering Peri and I." Bernard sat up a little on his barrel not leaning against the wall so much. "I think we all have a responsibility to follow out hearts and pursue love with the understanding that we must charish the moments we have because any moment could be our last. I didn't really understand that when Paulina died, how fragile we really are, and I didn't want to let go of what we had. But I understand now that there is room in my heart for her memory, but also room for more. Arissa is very different from your sister, and Paulina could never be replaced, but she makes me happy. She gives me strength and makes me a better man. If she passes before me, then I will mourn her loss and continue to live life as she would want. And in kind, should I die, which seems likely as a paladin, I would want her to go on with life and find someone new to fill her life with Light and memories. I've been surrounded by death and I think we cannot let it stop us from living - that is why I was mad at Derek."

He watched Annabelle rapier in hand as he discussed life and death and moving forward. He knew it must be hard to hear, but he needed to say it out loud, not for her but for himself. As if putting it out into the universe as an idea communicated between two people could make it real. After a moment he smiled, hopping off the barrel and landing on his feet. "That's quite the useful trick there. I'm not surprised magic comes naturally to you. You're a bright girl and a quick study. I heard you even bested Jon more than once." He removed his spear from his side, placing the handle on the ground and a hand on top of it. He forced his hand down on the blade until they could see the tip coming out the other side. He groaned in pain, replacing the spear to his hip. "While I was gone, I was lost in the mist for three years. It felt like a few days to me. Ezra freed me and gifted me with some power." He held his hand out, it dripped blood on the ground between them. Then his other hand began to glow as he held it over the wound and healed himself. When he was done there was no evidence of the wound save the dried blood from the heat. "I only spent six months in Mordentshire before I began travelling. Vanquishing spirits and healing the sick and injured." He paused with a smile flexing his hand, sure she had questions.
 
Peri leans in to listen his breath tickling her ear as he whispered. Pulling back she smiled and shook her head, “I would ask you when the right time is, but I think Ill mknow.” Taking his hand she gives it a tight squeeze.

“I will come see you when we come back victorious against the snake. No goodbyes, just wish me luck and you fight this stupid whatever this is tooth and nail.” Leaning in she hugs him tight again. “Get some rest, I’ve given you enough of a hard time for one evening.”
 
Einhorn Haus:

Annabelle looked shocked for a moment when Bernard cut himself, before explaining exactly what he was doing and then she relaxed a bit. "That seems like a useful trick to have," says Annabelle taking a moment to admire the ability. She then sets the rapier across the barrel that Bernard had been sitting on since he regularly went places without a sheath. "Everyone reacts differently to grief. Some people go into themselves for awhile or pity themselves. I've seen a lot of different kinds over the years with all of the tragedies. Just one can break a person, and I can't fully imagine what it must be like for you Bernard. You seem to be holding it together so well. If Jonathan dies I'm not sure how I will come to accept it."

She looked like she was pondering something for a moment before she spoke again. "You were stuck in the mists for three years? How do you know it was three years? Did time seem to stretch on forever? Or did you pop out after three years had gone by? It still amazes me how there's still so much about the Land of Mists we don't know," says Annabelle.
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Jonathan squeezes Peri's hand back. "You'll know when," he said confidently as he listened to her parting words. "I guess I'll see you when you come back, and you'd better be wearing the snake as shoes alright?" Jonathan stood up and hugged Peri before she could have a chance to leave. "Be safe Perian. You're far too important to lose."
 
Swampland:

"The Deal from my end would be the knowledge of just what I am, and how I came to be here. This is no small part of me and so I would need something as equally personal from you. A trade most would not consider lightly. Tarragon, would fold into my service for one full year, after which he is free to return to you or go about his business. He would not be mistreated nor asked to do anything outside of his nature."

Papa Legba stopped his pacing turning his skull painted face to look over Yelcan's deliberations. There did not seem to be any urgency as he once again leaned against the curved wall of the dome. His eyes closed as he began to hum softly waiting for Yelcan's response.
 
The Roaring Rapids:

“Probably because you haven’t been in town in the places where the attack took place, quite a few buildings were marked, but we’ve managed to get most of it repaired. Mr. Blackburn was quiet generous in his rebuilding fund for the town,” says Thackery nodding a few times.

“He seems like a smart man, especially if he invited you to that Ball. Or was it Bernard who invited you?” asked Terra pointedly. “While I believe you would never lie to me about anything, there are those who just can’t trust the words of a stranger. Even worse are people that won’t trust words from a friend. I’m sure Ludwig is a fine gentleman.”

Terra when the subject is brought up about Arissa she shrugs. “I would if people seemed to know anything about you, all they know is you’re probably sleeping with Father Bernard which is probably a good thing considering the Hathoway’s thinning line. Means you’ll probably want to have a lot of children,” says Terra seemingly disappointed for some reason.

“He’s been around for a long while, used to sail the Sea of Sorrows as a captain for a long while. Those days of his are long past though, and he took to forging for the town, and I think he’s even helped build some of the buildings in town. You’d have to ask him if you want to know more, though he doesn’t really seem to like talking about the past too much,” says Thackery.
 
Bernard shook his head, "You'll just have to find something to fight for. For me it's my family, which even as it shrinks I strive to grow. Not just Peri and Merris, but Arissa who I love and you like another little sister and Thomas, the wise uncle. Family isn't blood, it's a connection, that's how I keep going." He smiled then began to explain his time in the mist.

"I was just out of town, I'd stopped to make camp and the mist rolled in around me. I didn't think much of it, Ezra will provide. I made my dinner and rolled out my bedroll and tried to sleep. In the night I woke to a terrible howl. I stood to face a dark shadow in the mist. Scared, I ran. I ran for days until my legs could no longer carry me and I was weak with exhaustion. I tripped and fell, it caught up to me. I prayed to Ezra. I scrambled to my feet and stumbled forward into a clearing. The mist receeded and there was a tree, I was filled with a great strength and I took the tree and turned to face the beast. With a single swing it vanished in the mist and I woke in the swamp in my bedroll, the tree by my pack. I thought it was a dream, the tree a gift from Ezra. I was half right. When I finally reached the chapel in Mordentshire I was informed that I was three years late, they had thought me dead on the road to the city. I spent some time there, but felt my power was being squandered, stifled by study and prayer and ball room dancing lessons. So I gathered my things and left, and when I was ready I took the oath that father taught me." Bernard nodded to indicate the end of his story.
 
Einhorn Haus:

"Ah I see. So you disappeared for three years but it didn't feel like that to you, you could even be closer to my age from the sounds of it. I've heard the sailors sometimes talk about ships they met in their youth coming into port with the same crew from decades ago without having aged a single day! I suspect some people if they could would love to take advantage of that if they could," said Annabelle thinking on it and then crossed her arms against the chill of the night starting to come on. "We would have been related had things been different. I've a feeling dad feels similar to you in that regard. Well I'm going to go ahead and leave since it's getting so late. Have a good night Bernie."
 
"Have a good night Annie. Don't forget to ask if you need anything." He smiled, unsure if a hug was in order. Instead he took her rapier off the barrel and offered it to her. "Best not to leave this laying around. It was really good catching up. Don't be a stranger, ok?"
 
Arissa felt her senses begin to fade as she rested her chin on her hand and listened to Terra talk. She noticed an odd but familiar look in Terra’s eyes while she was talking about Bernard... although she was far more used to seeing it in the eyes of men. Curious... perhaps my charms are more potent than I had thought. Arissa stopped to think for a moment before shrugging to herself slightly and smiling to Terra. “Well, it is true that I am currently staying in the Marsh House, but I am afraid that your sources may be rather... lacking in regards to the rest of your claims. Rest assured, your Vader has not been up to anything of ill repute, and I doubt there will be any Hathoway children in the near future. At least, not from I, although I cannot speak for Bernard’s interests.”

Arissa looked between the two people with a mischievous smile. “Thank you both so much for everything. I believe you will be seeing more of me in the future... if that is agreeable to you that is at least. I rather enjoyed the opportunity to perform, as well as the conversations that followed.” She meets Terra’s eyes and winks. “You do have a quite the talent for picking up the latest gossip in town. I am afraid I will not be able to leave if you continue to enthrall me with these tales. Do keep an ear out for me in the future, ja? I best be getting back soon before I make a fool of myself in front of you fine people...” Arissa giggles before glancing down at her empty cup. “Though the taste may be questionable, I cannot fault you for your drink’s potency.”
 
The Roaring Rapids:

A hand sets down a platinum piece sliding it over to Thackery. He looks over to see the scrawny man and then back to the coin. "Let everyone here have a few rounds on me," says the man as he smiles towards Thackery who scoops the coin up quickly and places it in a drawer. "Will do Dice, are you looking to stay the night finally?"

The man apparently named Dice shakes his head. "You know me Thackery, I'm more of an vagabond. Just passing through," says Dice picking up the drink from the counter, and heading back to his seat gathering a cloak he left behind and after downing his drink heading for the door.

"I'll keep an ear out for you Arissa you can be sure of that, though I trust most of my sources well enough. If there really is nothing going on between you and Father Bernard I'd distance yourself from staying at his home, people talk about things for less than that," says Terra her eyes following Dice for a moment before turning back to Arissa. "Have a safe trip back to the Marsh House."

Terra picks up the drinks and starts delivering them to the tables letting them know they had been paid for by a wealthy patron already. The two knights shrug and down the drink before heading up stairs to the rooms of the tavern, while others begin to cheer louder at the sound of free alcohol.
 
Arissa eyed the small man curiously before shifting her focus back to Terra. “I do not doubt the trustworthiness of your sources, nor am I bothered by these rumors. Bernard is a fine man, after all, so I suppose I could be suspected of being involved with worse. I just figured that as friends, you would wish to know the true story.”

Arissa smiles warmly to Terra before giggling and patting the sword at her side. “Please, do not worry about me. The sword I wear is hardly for the purposes of fashion alone. To be frank I would be more concerned for my attacker in the state I am in. Good night, Terra. And to you as well, Thackery. It was a pleasure to meet you both.” Arissa stood and gave the two a curtsy, staggering slightly as she did so and catching herself on the stool before turning and leaving the Roaring Rapids, headed back home to the Marsh House.
 
Yelcan froze in confusion as Legba announced his deal. This man, or thing, was clearly powerful enough to do incredible things, what could he possibly need Hyde for? He remembered the conversation Hyde shared with him, where as Tarragon all Legba wanted was a “children’s book.” And now, Peri’s mother was trapped inside that very same book, so as expected there was likely a malicious intent behind the deal. He remained silent as he weighed his options, but it wasn’t long before he remembered his many times of fun and laughter with Hyde. The time Hyde first caught a bird, the way he strutted around proudly showing off his prize making Yelcan laugh. Then the time where they were running from a group of bandits, and Hyde had broken into a different direction to draw their attention, ending up taking a few arrows while Yelcan ran to safety. And even more recently, the image of Hyde and Peri curled up together — no, as much as he thought knowing Legba might help them deal with the consequences he brings, Yelcan would not be able to bear the loss of his best friend.

Yelcan’s shoulders slump, and he doesn’t even meet legbas gaze as he speaks. “That price... it is indeed very high. I agree that I cannot make such a deal lightly, will you allow me time to think on it? Maybe I can come up with some kind of renegotiation that leaves up both a little better off than this one will?”
 
Peri doesn’t want to let go as she lingers in this hug a bit longer. The strength behind Jon’s squeeze she head butted his chest lightly for being an idiot. “Rest well I will see you again, and soon that snake is toast.” Giving him a kiss on the cheek this time she crinkles her nose and pulls away again turning for the door.

With a small smile and wave she slips out to the other side of the door closing it gently before seeking Bear out. “I’m ready to go.” Leaning hard into him she looked exhausted as she reached up to take his hand. “Thankyou for bringing me.”
 
Bernard hesitated as he put his arm around Peri. "Yeah, of course." He pat Peri on the head and began to lead her home. "Anything you want to talk about on the way home?" His steps stuttered as he grabbed his amulet and a zone of truth washed over them, he did not fight it as he asked, "You're... You... Right? The same Peri that Emilia helped deliver that spit up all over my nice shirt when you were a baby and got lost in the swamp? Or... Did you come back in her place when she wandered off?" Bernard seemed to be struggling with the thought. Maria had died and changed as a child, Peri had disappeared and came back different, Bernard just wanted her to be her.
 
Peri looked up at Bear her lip trembled a bit and her face set into a quivering frown. “Bear, of course I am me, I’ve always been me.” She felt compelled to tell the truth, but she wouldn’t lie to him regardless, Peri shook away the hurt feelings.

“I don’t remember a lot, I remember being sick after coming back, but now I know it was because of the cold and cannible food.” Placing both her hands over her heart, “why would I not be me? Why would you ask this?”
 
Bernard wrapped his arms around Peri and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry, I just needed to know. Arissa told me Maria was killed as a child and replaced by another Maria and I just worried that might have happened to you. I thought maybe if Maria could be replaced so could you and that would explain why you were different after and why you didn't remember everything." He began to cry, "I know I could have done this better, I just needed to know. I needed to be sure. With the Hathoways and father dead and mother missing, you and Arissa are all I have left. I keep trying to build the family up but without you... It's just me. I was so worried that you'd been replaced." He gasped slightly, trying to catch his breath as he let Peri go. "I've done a terrible thing to you, doubting you and using Ezra's gift to banish my doubts and fears." His eyes are red and slightly puffy, the rest of his face looks old from worry and work. His smile is gone, replaced by small frown which speaks volumes of his heavy heart. "I'm so sorry."
 
When he releases her she simply stares at his chest not raising her eyes, “Have I changed so much?” She could hear his pain, “I’m sorry if I’ve been a burden since you returned. I’ve tried so hard not to be.” Pausing as she wipes her eyes on her sleeve. “I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier, I was just so angry that people keep leaving us.”

Swallowing the knot in her throat she searches her brain for what could have changed about her that made him think this, she knew it was likely many small things . The news about Jon’s mother not penetrating. Reaching out she wraps her hand around his thumb the way she always has. Then looks up into his eyes unable to say it was fine instead she just pulls him towards their home.
 
Before they reach the edge of the Zone of Truth, Bernard stopped just inside. He puts a hand on each of Peri's shoulders and smiles at her. "My name is Bernard Sarsaparilla Marsh, and you are my sister, who I love very much. You have never been a burden to me. Father was right, you are strong and I understand now that we need to be here for each other while we can. I may not always be here to protect you Peri, but there is no force in this world that will stop me from doing my best so long as there is breath in my lungs and life in my body. I am sorry I doubted you." He smiled at her, hoping his honest confession would put her at ease. Life had not been easy nor kind to either of them recently, but what he'd done was unfair and she deserved to hear his truth. "Now, let's get home and figure out how to save mother." He stepped forward out of the spell's affect, taking Peri's hand and heading home with her.
 
Swamplands:

As Ludwig goes about his business collecting, there is suddenly the cold chill, it is familiar. The smell of sterile instruments and alcohol comes to him on his nose. The smell of the leathers a doctor wears when dealing with the diseased or unnatural. The surroundings around him had changed to solid stone with slabs, of open cadavers of unique creatures, some supposed magical creatures such as the famed Minotaur or bull man. The chest opened showing a still beating bull heart, and yet more figures stretching off further into the room. Over the walls were scrawling’s of different anatomy, and conversions of fluids and medicinal concoctions.

Papa Legba wore his usual dress up black business suit, and he was observing a plague doctor go about their business inside a creature that had claws replaced for hands, and snake head with large fangs protruding from the creatures palate. After the figure pulls out a large sack have cut it from the inside of the creature and setting it aside onto the counter they removed their mask.

“Ah Ludwig, It is a pleasure to see you again. I did not think we would meet again so soon, how long as it been in your world?” says the lady you met at the Ball last night.

Papa Legba actually grinned for a moment, seemingly just to have noticed Ludwig.

“Ah I was wondering when you would wander this way, Dr. Ludwig. Perhaps we can be of some assistance to each other.”
 
Papa Lebga lifted his hand conjuring up an old timer and it flipped as the sand started to pour with a flip of his fingers. He left it floating there before his hands went back to being crossed.

“I never offer the same deal twice Yelcan, if you do not take it then it shall be barred from everyone else that comes forth. As for negoshiating a better deal that entirely depends on what you are willing to sacrifice in its stead. If you have a better idea than please share but know what you ask is great and so much your cost be. Take your time... I've all the time in the world.”
 
Peri curls back up against Bear for the walk home, she is just as tired and broken down emotionally as he. His confession of faith in her helped ease her woes, but she still hurt from Jonothan, Merris, Legba, and Bernard. She felt herself understanding Jonothan a bit more, the extra comforting presence she found in Yelcan and she missed it already.

It was quiet, but she decided to break the silence she didn’t need a zone of truth to confess. “Bear, “ she looked up at him still tucked in the crook of his arm. “I, think I really like Yelcan, I kissed Jon today to check, but I decided I really like how I feel when I kiss Yelcan and I’m going to tell him.”

Seeing the Marsh house come into view she sighs a bit, it still feeling empty knowing Merris was not there.
 
Bernard opened the door letting Peri inside, "Well, relationships are more than just how you feel when you kiss someone, but I've seen that he cares for you and how you feel. I could never stand in the way of love." Bernard smiles, happy for her finding someone special. Then he looked at her, still happy but a bit more serious, "I'm glad you're figuring these things out, but if Yelcan ever does something that makes you uncomfortable or that you don't like, you tell him, ok? It's really important that he doesn't force you to do anything you don't want, ever." His face goes back to it's warm happy look and he gives Peri a hug. "This is really exciting. A real relationship. I'm happy for you, and I'm sure Yelcan will be happy too." Bernard let her go, heading into the kitchen to finally fix himself a proper meal.

"I'm making dinner, you want something Peri?!" He called, searching the larder. "Lina, I've got some berries if you'd like to join us!" He lit the stove and began some bacon and eggs.
 
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