Richard
*The Goliath had enjoyed travelling aboard the ship they claimed from Kip. It was quiet, picturesque, calming. He enjoyed the water more than he would have expected and frequently dipped in its salty abyss when he could. His wounds from his last fight had all but fully healed, making him feel more comfortable with departing from the vessel. He had grabbed books, gold to carry on his own and his crude axe which he hoped to swap for one more suited to a man of his size. All in all, he was prepped.*

*From looking at the map, he would assume this was close to a place called Khisfire... He knew not of this place - the world being still a foreign plane to him and he still an infant to the world around him. He stood out like a sore thumb at their impromptu 'docking'. Draped in his furs and tunic and belt, he was fit for adventure. He was, however anxious. Anxious that the town of Willowdale would be too much for his anxious mind and soul. However, he knew the further from ~~'home'~~ the Pits he got, the better off he would be. Orcs here wouldn't recognise him as a champion of blood and sand... At least he hoped.*

*Looking down to his small companion, dressed and tightly packed to explore, he gave a solem nod and a grunt as his familiar flew down to sit upon her shoulder. Shrike had taken a liking to Ves, he was pleased for that much since he trusted the bird so implicitly... He had never steered him wrong before, he surely wouldn't now. Besides with Ves by his side, nothing could go wrong!...At least he hoped.*

*Rage bubbled under the surface - a dark urge to mutilate and glory himself in the bathing of blood. He suppressed his shaking hands and bit into the insides of his mouth for comfort. He knew he had to push on. He must, lest he be alone in the world and prey to Gods know what. He coukd handle an outnumbered fight, but could he handle isolation once more? He pushed the thought to the back of his mind as he gave Ves a small smile, speaking in his gruff voice that was

Still new to himself.* "Ready as I'll ever be."

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Vernon
Ves scratched Shrike's head affectionately as the bird landed on her shoulder. She liked the familiar. He brought her comfort and joy and she felt even more protected when he was around. With Björn and Shrike at her side she felt safe.

She was also worried however. She remembered how Björn had reacted to the crowds and noise of Broughton. And judging by the map, Willowdale appeared to be an even larger city. Would he be able to manage? Could he stay calm? She hoped so. She didn't know what would happen if he lost it. She wasn't confident in her abilities to draw him from an enraged state.

"Okay then... Let's go," She said with determination in her voice. She began leading the way up the beach and towards Willowdale. They walked for some time and the buildings began to get closer and closer together as they traveled deeper and deeper into the city. Ves wasn't really sure what they were after. She knew she wanted more clothes and a fresh hot meal. The Kobold wasn't sure what else they needed. Kip's ship had kept them well provided for.

The noise began to increase as they got closer to the marketplace. People surrounded them, though most gave them a decent amount of space. The Goliath and Kobold weren't exactly common folk here. They drew a fair number of stares, though nobody attempted to stop them. 

"I'd like to buy a few more outfits, so be on the lookout for any stalls with clothes that might fit me," Ves said idly as she looked around. She felt a certain excitement and anxiety being in a new place. What would this city bring? More trouble? Or perhaps something a little more positive. Ves didn't want to run into another Kip, but she was still open to meeting new people. 

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Richard
*Björn walked alongside her as they approached Willowdale. It was huge compared to their last few stops! The city was loud... But he was prepared this time. Infact, it seemed to not be as noisy as the first town they came across. Perhaps this time would be different. Perhaps this time, they find adventure and new friends instead of foes.*

*He nervously scanned the building walls for any sign of his visage - and was left wanting. There was no wanted posters here, no signs of the Orcs from the Pits, nothing but a myriad of people he had never seen before. Half-Elves of varying kinds, the rare reptilian, shapeshifters and small bearded men. He was suprised at the diversity, so many skin colours... It made him feel less naked for having such pale stone skin.*

*The Goliath kept a calm expression to not show aggression (or anything that could be mistook for it). He didn't want to catch the ire of guards or some bigot if he could. He clicked his tongue as Shrike bobbed his head and flew into the sky, getting a better view of the place from his avarian advantage.* "I'll keep my eye peeled." *He responded as he looked around.*

*He came across some stalls showcasing fabrics he had never seen before, in hues that he didn't know existed. He smelt mouthwatering treats - smoked sausage, tasty pastries and more delights. His ears heard a cacophony of sound from the idle hustle and bustle to the manic calls of marketeers drawing crowds to their wares. There was something about it that made him feel pleasant. What had changed since Broughton?*

"I think trying the local food is a good idea. Maybe... Maybe we can find a local guide or someone who knows this place. You know the words to look for but only I can read them. We, are alone here. We should seek allies sympathetic to our cause." 

*It was clear Björn had been secretly reading books in his downtime aboard the ship - since he used more vocabulary than before... An odd look for such a brutish form. It brought one to wonder if he

Knew what he was saying.*

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Vernon
Ves hadn't noticed Björn's change in vocabulary, mostly because it had been a gradual thing and she was accustomed to hearing him speak. Anyone else may have been shocked to hear it. Ves did note that he seemed to be taking to the city quite well. He didn't seem skittish or overwhelmed like before. *Good,* She thought to herself, feeling proud of the Goliath. He had already come a long way from where he had started.

"Food, yes," She agreed wholeheartedly. She enjoyed eating and she enjoyed trying new things. It would be a wonderful combination. But before she got her fingers greasy, she wanted to find something new to wear. She was drawn to a market stall that boasted various types and colors of fabrics. There appeared to be a section of clothing designed to fit the smaller races. Or perhaps they were simply children's clothes. Either way, it would suit Ves' needs perfectly.

Nearby a small band of bards on a small stage began to play a jaunty tune. Some people in the crowd cheered as others began to dance. Ves found herself enchanted by the music and the movements of the people. Everyone seemed happy here. There was laughter and smiling everywhere. No one was glaring or sneering at them. It felt... Safe.

"I'm going to find a few new outfits," She said as she lifted her eyes to Björn. "Did you want to get anything? I think blue would look very good on you." She smiled warmly, reaching out to place a swatch of deep blue silk fabric against his pale arm. "We could buy something befitting a sailor, since that's what we are now. Though I don't exactly know what that would be..."

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Richard
*Björn was entranced. He watched the smaller humanoid races dancing and clapping along to the music. He had heard tunes from Kip but not at this level. No one seemed creepy or as a schemer... Just happy living beings. He watched them dance with a yearning. How did they know to swing their arms like that? To jump and hop in circles and clap on time. He felt the swatch against his arm but was more focused on the festivities.*

*It started with his foot... He haphazardly tapped a rhythm under the beat of the melody, out of time... Misplaced. Then he slowly tuned in. The Goliath felt a connection to the rhythms he felt... As if he was feeling the very stones beneath his feet encourage him. It rose up his leg, as he began to lift and plant his foot in time to the beat of the drums. The drums were pounding, almost overwhelming. He knew they were not like the drums of battle. They were different... He liked the drums.*

*Soon enough, the thump thump thumping of his heart was in tune with the music. A calming mix of relief and joy spread across his face like a child watching a magic show. It filled him with childlike wonder and youth that he hadn't seen in years... In that very moment, Björn felt a fragment of his forgotten past in those drums and in the movement of the people. Before Ves knew it, Björn had already wandered off into the crowd, his large stoney head visible above the gathering groups.*

*He watched as the groups danced and began to clap his hands slowly, before picking up speed to match the drums. Soon a few others, who had looked at him funny a moment prior, began to clap along to the dancing and the music too. He wanted to join in their movement, he wanted to hop and spin too!*

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Vernon
"Björn?" She asked, but he wasn't paying attention to her. He was enthralled by the music. Ves watched as he drifted away into the crowd. She couldn't help but smile as he began to clap his hands in rhythm. She felt her heart swell with joy for her lover. She was pleased by his happiness. She wanted him to dance and laugh and smile. She wanted him to be filled with life. That's what freedom was all about.

She was too shy to join in the dancing however, so Ves moved further into the stall to have a better look at the clothing for sale. Some of the smaller outfits were definitely for children, but with some small alterations they would be suitable. On occasion Ves would glance out at Björn, making sure he was still enjoying himself. 

The Kobold really wasn't sure what she wanted to buy. She at least wanted an extra set of clean clothes to change into after bathing. A bath... Now *That* Sounded nice. They would have to find a bathhouse. Surely a city of this size would have one. And maybe this time they wouldn't be interrupted by rude Dwarves. Her tail flicked as she finally decided on the clothes she wanted. The merchant wrapped the fabrics up and she tucked them safely away into her satchel. After paying the man (still having no real clue what anything was worth), she turned back to check on Björn. 

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Richard
*Björn was fully engrossed with the crowd and enjoying himself thoroughly! He wanted to join in with everyone else but was too nervous, not knowing how to dance. Just as he was satisfied with the experience, people begin to pool into the dancing - sweeping Björn in with them!*

*He was shit scared of what was to come. He didn't know how to do what they did. But then... As he was stood there in fear, he noticed others were just moving their bodies randomly. What he believed to be just fully orchestrated movement was just people having fun and dancing with each other. A small girl began to dance around him randomly, skipping to and fro. Something in that child reminded him of someone...*

*And then he began to dance. It started with just tapping his feet as he watched the girl dance around him like he was a large humanoid maypole, but then he began to dance with her. Taking his large hands in hers and bending down to dance around however she saw fit.*

*She practically dragged him around the square in a bundle of energy as people cheered and laughed... They didn't laugh at him though, this was different. Instead people looked at him with joy and familiarity. Perhaps this was what people meant all along - perhaps this was how he enjoyed freedom. Dancing in squares with strangers.*

*He began to laugh quietly, then heartily, whooping and hollering with the other dancers as he began to lose himself in the moment. For that brief period of time, dancing with that fearless yet small child, the rage subsided.*

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Vernon
From her vantage point, the commotion was concerning. Ves couldn't see Björn very well anymore. There was too much movement, too much swaying of the crowds. The stomping of feet and clapping of hands became overwhelming and she froze up. She felt a brief moment of panic, like a jolt of electricity up her spine. Then she got control of herself again. She reminded herself that this was just a party of some sort and Björn wasn't in any danger. It was all in good fun. No one meant them any harm here.

She thanked the shopkeeper and began moving around the edge of the crowd. She muttered excuses and apologies as she maneuvered herself through the people. It was relatively easy, given her small size and stealthiness. She was quick and light on her feet, somehow always managing to keep her tail from hitting someone's legs as she ran past. She glimpsed Björn through the crowd and grinned. He was dancing! 

Satisfied that he was still safe and having fun, Ves slipped to the back of the crowds, where it thinned out to the stragglers and wallflowers. The Kobold found a nearby wall to lean against, resting in the shade of the building. She took a drink from her waterskin and wiggled her toes. It was a good day. She wasn't entirely sure what they were celebrating, but she liked it all the same. If it made Björn feel like *That*, she liked it very much. 

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Jamison
*He walked through the roads of Willowdale, seeing the festivities all around him. It was calming, seeing the people happy and joyful, to not cower in fear at the Dasvaz threat in the west. He was here in the city, due to a sighting of a goliath and a kobold in the city, he wanted to check it out and see if they were a threat.*

*He was openly walking around in his armor, his helmet currently off as he was walking around trying to find the two that were here. There was a chance that they were Dasvaz spies to gather information on the city. The people walking opposite of him moved away from the armored orc, his rather intimidating and grim appearance contrasting with the vibrant atmosphere.*

*After a couple minutes of walking, he was finally able to find the two aforementioned individuals. A large goliath with a smaller kobold, the two seemed close, and they looked happy at everything around them. A trick it maybe, but he wouldn't benefit in being hot-headed, he was in an Alynthian City, the law was powerful, and he knew what would happen if he were to try and do something here.*

*He began slowly making his way towards them, wanting to know their intentions within the city. He didn't have much trust of anything that comes out of Dasvaz, but even if he wanted to do something, he wouldn't be able to with the law protecting them right now.*
Richard
*The song finished as the crowd applauded the bards, and thus applauded the dancing civilians. The little girl curtsied to Björn and, not knowing what to do in return did a shaky mimic of the movement, a smile plastered on his scarred face. The parents of the young girl came over and began to converse with Björn too, asking questions about him and his intentions in the city. He politely responded with the story that Ves and He made for such a situation which they seemed to take as gospel. The people here were trusting... He liked that a lot.*

*As the young girl waved farewell to the brute and the crowd dispersed, he noticed Ves and went over to her, leaning in the shade and taking a swig of her waterskin. He didn't ask to do so, simply because all they had they would share.* "Ves, you should have seen it! The music, the moving, they spun in circles and didn't get dizzy! It was-was amazing!" *He was smiling and pleased before realising he left her alone - unprotected. He cleared his throat and steeled himself.* "I forgot about your safety Ves. Forgive me." *He bowed his head solemly.*

*Björn's oath to protect Ves was bound by his honor as a Goliath. He knew he was strong enough, but he had to be perceptive and that was hard enough with both eyes let alone one! He looked around the crowded square for a moment, settling his eyes on food, but also danger.* "Ves." *He muttered.* "I see an Orc in armor." *His words were stern and rough. He didn't trust Orcs. He hated Orcs. Orcs made his blood boil. Orcs killed Solaire.*

"We should move to a crowded area where we will be safe... A food stall or a store of some kind. Maybe we can avoid being apprehended there." *He grunted as Shrike flew down to his arm and perched himself once more before hopping over to Ves, maintaining his everlasting vigil.*

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Vernon
Ves laughed along with Björn, her eyes crinkling in delight. "I did!" She giggled happily. "I saw it all! But you, Björn, you *Experienced* It! You were far braver than me!"

At his change in demeanor, Ves shook her head a little. "No, Björn..." She began, but he was solemn and serious once more. Ves ached to see that smile again. She reached out for him, but paused at his words. They sent a shiver of terror down her spine. She tried not to turn around and give themselves away. 

Björn was ahead of her already, planning routes of escape and avoidance. Ves tried to think fast, but her fear of the Orcs made her slow to react. The most basic of Ves' instincts took hold: fight or flight. And she was Kobold. She should run away. That was what her kind were famous for: being cowards. Did that include Ves?

She gritted her teeth together and exhaled slowly, her ears flattening against her skull. She turned to face the approaching Orc, speaking quietly to Björn. "No. Look, he's alone. He isn't leading anyone. We'll be okay. Just remember what we discussed on the boat." And even though she spoke boldly, her tail quivered ever-so-slightly... A signal of fear that only Björn would recognize. 

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