Life in the 'Blackfish' family estate

[davenutninja408]

Deep in the city of canals, not far from the Thayan enclave, excitement permeated the humble fishing home. "BAGAWK!" Thunk! An animated knife brought an end to the life of a fat hen before mysterious Maeg Kelton begun defeathering the still twitching bird. She hummed a jaunty sea shanty as she prepared the bird. A jovial sway to her hips as she danced around the family kitchen. "Sylus will be home soon, I wonder if he will be in purple." She moved past a peeking Theoden and pecked his cheek. "If hes anything like his grandfather he won't be, he enjoys the journey as much as the destination. " Theo rumbled before he slipped out of the kitchen and down the hallway with a wry smirk on his way he passed Davner's workshop hearing the gnome humming as he worked. The gnome sported no eyebrows today, results of a long night tampering with the Royal Ruffians new engine. Gnomes, Theo thought and chortled making his way further down the hall to the common room. Vingra'al and Vanya were lazing about the sofas near the fire place.


"I heard he helped save the Western reach from the wild magic and punched that chaos hound right in its snoot!" The elf snickered with his statement.  Vingra'al snorted. "My sources around the area say he helped, but as to how, they have no idea. Guess we'll find out when he gets home." The estates main entrance burst open and a dwarf, Patvik entered with a keg under one arm and a rucksack full of potatoes under the other. "He ain' here yat?!" The dwarf bellowed his gold capped teeth and beard beads glowing in the fire light. "Goodt, got time ta peel these taters still, Maeg! Got yer taters." The gold dwarf waddled off toward the kitchen and Theo laughed Sy always got the house riled when he'd come home to visit.

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Big Regi quietly sat in his study as Tammy Kelton fussed with her books. The snow bearded old man turned another page before sitting and watching his wife reorganize her book shelves, Shingo always frequented her bookshelves but seldom did he return books to the shelves he took them from. Old Tammy huffed finally satisfied, "How is Sylus supposed to learn anything if he can't find the book for it!" Tammy glared at the roof and Reginald gave a small laugh, she knew exactly where Shingo was and the old soldier would bet his boots that sword sage could feel the glare through the roofing. As if on que footsteps were heard across the estates second story.

Shingo mantled on the roof of the old dock home like a very large alabaster gargoyle watching toward the towns land bound entrance. He spotted the incoming caravan as it crested the hillside of the towns approach, calmly collecting his fishing spear he made his way down a ladder and into his room via his window, which he shuttered behind him. He turned and was greeted by the admonishing glare of the house matron. He raised his hands in defeat before uttering, "He's here." The glare faded instantly and old Tammy flew down the stairs in a bluster. "Sy's home!" She called to the rest of the home and a collective silence fell over the home as they waited, hiding behind the common room sofas preparing.

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Sylus exited the caravan and saluted the standing Purples outside the town gates. "Hail blademates!" The squire beamed a warm smile to his superiors and surprisingly the salute is returned. "Hail and welcome home squire." The trio of knights spoke together and the squire was briefly taken aback before he entered the town gates. He made his way along the walk paths of the town offering salutes to the patrolling Purples before he made his way to a nearby canal runner and hopped aboard giving the boatman a couple lions and they were on their way. The town was quiet as usual before the soft patter of rain began to fall. Sylus pulled up his hood and watched the Thayan enclave as they passed near even their docks seemed quiet. It was a cold winter so far and trade had slowed, it was normal. A soft bump shook the squire from his thoughts and when he looked away from the enclave his families own estate loomed before him.

"Huh, maybe everyones asleep already. Hopefully Ma got chickens." He fidgeted with his key before entering the common room which was lit by the dimly burning fireplace. "SURPRISE! HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY SYLUS!" His family shouted in a chorus and the squire stumbled caught off guard before he grinned at all the smiling faces. "Thanks everbody!" He gave hugs and handshakes all around pecking his grandmother and mother on their cheeks. "Something smells great!" The squires eyes darted around before settling on the hallway leading to the kitchen. Maeg piped up, "We got your chickens and..." Maeg paused for dramatic effect, "and I made shepherds pie since I heard it went over so well at the Highharvestide festival." Sylus' eyes grew big before the large but young uniformed man went for the kitchen. "He still thinks with his stomach." Shingo rumbled with a chuckle. Pat bellowed down the hall, "Don touch mah keg unless yer tellin us about what happened!" A muffled response came from the kitchen, everyone piled in laughing as the squire shoveled down a whole shepherds pie in moments.

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The family laughed together a good while joking back and forth about the squires evergreens Vanya quipped, "forevergreens." And eveyone but Sylus laughed. "At least he has a lady unlike most of you ruffians." Old Tammy scolded and it brought back a cheerful smile to the squire, "That reminds me I have picture to put up if that's alright Gramma." Tammy pushed up her thick lensed spectacles and nodded with a smile as everyone gathered round watching Sylus unfurl the parchment displaying a cat in a squire uniform sitting upon boxes observing the sea. "The lone cat squire." Maeg read aloud looking to Sylus who hurriedly wiped something from his cheek. "We have a frame just right for it Sy we'll hang it here in the common room so it'll be the first thing you see when you come home." His grandfather said and Sylus nodded quietly a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I'll tell you all about my big adventure after we finish eating."

Maeg had snuck away briefly to the kitchen, the minor illusion hiding the cake was removed a burnt almond cookie cake Sylus had mentioned to her that it was his new favorite sweet, as she entered the common room she made eye contact with Theo who begun singing in his deep rumbling voice, "Happy birthday to you..." the song could be heard past the Thayan enclave well to the temple in the towns center.

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The tale took hours, which made sense considering the report had been about as long as an essay, he showed off his planarnaut badge and recounted details about the adventure that to most would be hard to believe. Sylus' family listened close on the edge of their seats as he went over the finale of the tale, "The Battle of Zorastryl Manor" He spoke about hordes of undead, hounds, shades, shadows, Dracoliches and ghosts, Davner and his constant curiosity piped up, "The suits... they air sealed? And could read the stability of the weave?! Impressive. Is there... any chance I could examine the suit?" Sylus gave a chuckle, "I was considering asking War Wizard Ambrose if once the power cores of the suit were removed I could have it sent here to hang up next to Grampa's retired Blade armor. I'm not sure he'll be to keen since you do have a bit of a reputation Master Fixit. He'll likely suspect you to tamper with the design and try and reactivate the suit." The gnome grinned his toothy mad grin and crowed a laugh, "He's right! I'd improve it... anything those War Wizards can do Gnome-tek can do better! Just look at the new engine I put on the Royal Ruffian. Steam powered and not only does it propel the vessel the exhaust is directed straight at the sails for even faster movement! Quickest duck in the water." The gnome gave a proud grin and Sylus simply shook his head and laughed. "I'll give the War Wizard an inquiry about it but I expect it to go over like a fart during a sermon." The whole room laughed at that one.

Sylus helped around with the chores about the estate, cleaning up dishes and folding clean laundry. He spied his Gramma asleep in the common room and brought a quilt for the matron resting it gently over her, he removed her glasses and set them to rest on the small drawers nearby, he gave a light peck to her cheek and murmured a quiet good night before he collected her teacup. Finally all the chores done and everyone calling it a night the squire spent some time with his grandfather, they never talked much but they were both happy to simply be in the others company. After a little while Sylus rose from the sofa and gave his grandfather a hug and a quiet nod. "Have a quiet patrol Squire, make sure you take a night to rest here at home." The old soldier moseyed down the hallway and up the stairs leaving Gran to rest downstairs. Sylus gave one last look to his gramma then to the picture now framed on the wall of the common area and smiled before he pulled up his hood and headed out into town for a patrol. The sun was setting so Sylus took a moment to glance out over the sea watching the vibrant colors blend overhead, "The lone cat squire," he said to himself with a chuckle personifying the image for a moment save the whole not being a cat part... or the sitting on the boxes part. He took a brief moment to glance over Master Fixit's new engine on the Royal Ruffian, it was impressive, looked a lot like a cauldron on its side, but what did he know he wasn't a gnome.

Before long he had hopped on a passing boat and begun patrolling the town properly.

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After a long breakfast with the family Sylus set out on one more patrol around town he offered salutes to those on patrol and those standing guard. Some were morning people others were still groggy, the squire spared a smile to Morningmist hall on his way to the front gates of town. One last salute and hail to the trio of knights guarding the town gates and the squire set off along the road on foot heading back toward Cormyr's capital. He'd be busy for his birthday but for now he was happy.

Shingo watched the squire depart down the road before he heard Vanya's boat whistle, the crew of the Royal Ruffian assembled and weighed anchor. Master Fixit and Master Patvik warmed up the engine and the Blackfish fishing company set out for their next big catch.

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It had been a long voyage on the Dragonmere, Davner was furious a large portion of the Royal Ruffian's figurehead had been damaged by a sea dragon. They managed to keep their catch barely by the skin of their teeth, luckily the ships engine was quick to fire up once the fires were stoked. The Blackfish family was nearly caught by the gaping maw of the beast. The Ruffian though had refused defeat deftly skirting the breaching behemoth. Pat swore the beast buggered off because one of his throwing axes landed squarely in the beasts eye, Theo and Regi knew the truth though the beast couldn't keep up and made for the pirate vessel that had been trying to tail them. Sea breams, salmon, they had even caught a few fine crabs it was a good haul, repairs would take time but they had supplies and funds in case situations like this occurred. The fresh fish were counted and sent off for the crown to take their pick of the catch before the rest were sent off to the various fish mongers of the kingdom. As Davner himmed and hawwed about the boat Reginald was just glad to return home safely once again.

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The chartered messenger darted off to the nearest canal runner after handing the note to Reginald who was standing out on the dock looking over the Royal Ruffian, it had Sylus' seal. He opened and quickly read the note, the boy always sent them news, sometimes good sometimes-- The old salty warriors eyes grew wide and he blinked a couple times before looking as if he was frozen in time a moment, a wry smirk grew across his face and he scritched his snow white beard. "Wedding plans..." A goofy giggle escaped the normally stoic man before he quickly turned on his heel and made his way into the dock-home. After a brief silence from the dock, a bellow erupted, "The boys coming home and it sounds like he's getting married! He's bringing the future wife!" The bellow was heard clear to the center of town, some sea birds were even shaken from their nests squawking while they took wing into the horizon, after a short while the serenity of the dock returned.

Within though, the happy fishing home was all a bustle, it seems they had been prepared for such an occasion. Master Pat, Vin, Maeg and Tammy moved to and fro through the kitchen, feathers and scales flying, enchanted by mysterious Maeg and her keen skills, batter was stirred by unrelenting dwarven arms, sugar being carefully measured by the watchful eye of the orcan locksmith before being added to a mixture that would soon become icing, Masters Davner, Lee, and Vanya were hard at work tidying up, master Davner was of course using one his new inventions to help, the one of a kind "The Davner WhirlySuckDirt Five Thousand!!" No one was really hopeful for this one, the four thousand had exploded after trying to consume a carpet, the three thousand backfired and flew out a window and skipped off over the sea, the two thousand outright exploded, the one on the other hand worked perfectly but it was a tiny hand model only good for getting into nooks. *WOooooooOOoOOooOOOSH!* Went the contraption as Davner manipulated the hose connected to the base and to everyones surprise, it seemed to be working. Master Lee went about cleaning windows, while Master Vanya lazily swept the stairs often pausing to watch the bustle with a small smirk. "Leave it to Sy to get the house whipped into a frenzy, whenever that boy comes home I swear." The elf muttered with a chuckle before he caught a thrown cleaning rag with his face, a smirking master Lee chortled and went back to working a particularly challenging smudge on a window.

Upstairs Regi was doing his usual preparations: polishing the armor, sharpening the blade, organizing the books, and seeing if he had record of anything Sylus had asked about. Satisfied, he took a seat and looked over the letter from Sylus once more, the boy was only twenty springs old and already he was talking about marriage, he might have both Theo and himself beat on finding love at a young age. He practiced strategy but he was surprisingly lucky, Reginald chuckled, the rest of the family had long waited to finally meet the legendary Murrpaw, miss Aella Malein was finally coming home to meet the Ruffians of the Blackfish family.

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Entering the home you are greeted by the smells of freshly cooking food, there is even the sweet smell of fresh baked breads and sweets mixed in. As Sylus closes the door behind them the warmth of the twin fireplaces welcome you before everyone rushes into the den and together booms a happy, "Welcome home!" to the duo.
Sy smirks and leads Aella forward with one hand on the small of her back, "Well everyone this is Aella." the young squire does showcase hands to the monk, and everyone chuckles. "Aella, That's Ma and father." He gestures to the two, burly Theo wraps his arms around Maeg and they both offer warm smiles to the duo. "That's Gramma and Grandad" He nods to the greycapped older folks, Reginald with his snow white beard cleanly trimmed along with his salt and pepper military cut hair, Tammy has a long single braid of platinum white hair and think lensed spectacles, they both regard the duo with warm smiles and nod. "An these are the ruffians, thas Master Lee, Master Davner, Master Vanya, Master Vin, and..." he glances around, "Where's master Pat?" Everyone curiously looks around for a few moments, even Moshi.
A brief confused few moments pass before the door behind them busts open! "ARE THEY HERE YE-- Oh crap! They're here!" The gold dwarf darts in to stand with everyone holding his keg on his shoulder.
"An that's Master Pat." The squire finishes with a warm chuckle, looking around the den there are a couple couches by the fire, two tables with comfy looking chairs behind the couches, a bar that looks to connect with the kitchen, which is currently covered in freshly made food, pictures that decorate the den include a picture of Maeg and what one would guess is her mother sitting back to back looking devious, it hangs over the fire place. On its right is a familiar picture Aella would recognize but now it's framed and home, the lone cat squire. To the left of the picture of Sy's mother is a purple dragon shield.
Aella smiles at each of the people introduced to her and takes in the sight and smell of the home. Her hazel eyes glide over the details of the den and softly chuckled as well when Master Pat can barging in.

"It is a pleasure to meet all of you." She said while giving a monastic styled bow. Whether she realized that she did this is hard to guess. But stood straight up again and looked as calm as ever. Though that didn't last very long as her stomach loudly growled and demanded to be feed.

Everyone gives a chuckle at the stomach noise and everyone shuffles over to the bar, the view of the kitchen is nice and it seems rather large, Moshi is seen off on the side already dining on his salmon, Sylus begins fixing plates for everyone serving Aella and the ladies of the house first, there's Maeg's 'almost' famous shepherds pie complete with mashed potato topping and melted cheese, roasted potatoes and mixed roasted veggies, several fish platters which Sylus keeps far away from his own plate, two cakes a pound cake covered in caramelised fruits, and a roasted almond cookie cake covered in chocolate frosting. Sy takes special care in fixing Aella a couple plates, one of dinner and one of dessert, after they have their plates a fair few of the ruffians mosey over to the couches and tables to relax and eat leaving Sy, Aella, Maeg, Reginald and Moshi at the bar.
"Sooooo... Wedding plans?" Maeg asked with a curious smirk, "It's good to know you two are taking what you have seriously. Decided where to have it yet?" Maeg's unnaturally violet eyes studied Aella up and down.
"Aye Ma, we're gonna have it close by maybe just outside the town gates. We even got an idea for a theme! Spooky! Everyone gets to dress up as monsters!" The squire grinned laying out some of the plans, even Reginald chuckled before speaking up,
"Keeping away from the suits and dresses of the usual hm? Maybe I will have a chance to use that old werewolf costume from my last Highharvestide costume ball."
Maeg squeeked excitedly, "I want fairy wings!"
Sylus laughed, "We're still deciding our costumes, I suggested being dinosaurs. But there is still lots of time to decide." The squire shoveled down little bits between talking to give Aella time to feast. Somehow while she ate and the others talked, old Tammy had snuck up behind her before poking one of Aella's arms testing,
"She's tough." the old lady said with a smile.
"Gramma she's eating." Sylus smirked and looked to Aella with a 'I warned you' look. The sweet old lady then proceeds to ruffle the ponytail, poke her side and then her cheek one time, "I think she'll make an excellent mother." Satisfied the matron of the home shuffled back off to one of the cozy chairs by the fire, after taking her seat she'd offer Aella a playful smirk and a wink before cracking open the book on the stand next to her to read.
Sylus let out a laugh, "I told you she'd poke ya."
Aella softly chuckled as she swallowed the bit of food she had in mouth. "That you did hon." She smiled. "I'm sure this won't be the last time either." When Aella finished her first plate of dinner, she got herself a second plate, though this time it was mostly fish. It should be noted that despite her thin somewhat athletic frame, Aella could pack away food while retaining some elegance. She didn't scarf things down but she didn't peck at it either.

As lat afternoon wore on the squire would have dragged Aella over to one of the comfy couches by the fire to relax.

"Hey Sy still in your forevergreens I see." Vanya quipped with a laconic smirk. Vanya, Pat and Shingo snickered,
"Hey Vanya, still ugly I see." Shingo, Vin and Sy laughed, Vanya threw a cherry and everyone snickered.
Pat pipped up rumbling, "So where's ye from missus? 'Eard a bit about it being in the east? They got dwarves out there?"
Aella smiles then looked to Master Pat. "Oh I'm from the Dalelands. Well to be exact I'm from Highmoon in Deepingdale. Honestly I've not see any dwarf living there but I know dwarven adventuers pass through on their way to other places."

Later in the evening as folks start to filter to their rooms for bed, Reginald comes back downstairs with a small book that looks very much like Sylus' own journal. "Looking through my old notes doesn't show much about the fighting ring, just that no one was captured, it was unlicensed so the 'winnings' were confiscated. No one was arrested as someone used a darkness spell and everyone fled." Old Regi rumbled as he showed Sylus the notes in his journal, who in turn showed them to Aella. "There was only one body found and when they tried to raise him, the spirit refused and moved on."

Sylus rubbed his chin as he studied the page. "Says that he was young?"
Regi nods, "Couldn't have been more than fourteen summers old, beaten to death, bludgeoned specifically. No known next of kin, nothing, likely a slave forced to fight." Sylus glanced over to Aella letting her look over the page. Moshi chirruped and stretched before changing his placement between the duo.
As Aella read the report she felt a sense of dejavu. She knew what it was like to be forced to fight. Balf fhe time she didn't realize she had been in a fight until after she had beaten her opponent.
"There weren't any stange markings on the boy?" Aella asked.
"There were some odd markings on the boy aside from the obvious physical damage, strange tattoos, on his back and arms." Reginald gave the white beard a rub, "The markings weren't written down in excessive detail on the report I was able to review, just red tattoos."
Sylus handed back the book to his grandfather after reviewing the report. "Sounds pretty strange, and the kidnappings?" Sylus lifted an eyebrow resting one of his hands on Aella's leg as he listened close.
"The kidnappings go back for some time actually, some forty or so years, but they still remain a mystery to this day."
Sylus considered and nodded to Regi, "Thanks grandad, I dunno if it helps. But it makes things more curious for sure. Lots more investigation to do!" The squire gave a wry grin and Reginald nodded with a small smile and closed the book. "Stay for the night, make less leftovers, don't wake up your grandmother. It was good to meet you Aella, you're welcome to our home if ever you want." Reginald gave a stretch and stifled a yawn. "Time for me to turn into a pumpkin you two. Goodnight." The old soldier strolled down the hallway and then up the stairs with his old book of reports in hand.
Sylus glances to Aella, "Pretty interesting stuff, doesn't really give us any leads, but it wouldn't surprise me if it's connected to everything somehow." He slipped an arm around her waist and settled back against the couch looking thoughtful.
She softly nods. "Indeed and the strange red tattoos sounds fsmiliar as well. Though mine has changed to being purple now. Maybe we'll know more as we look into things."
"I guess that leaves the underdark as the next lead in the investigation. Hope you can find time to pick your auntie's brain before we end up going down blind." He snuck a kiss on Aella's cheek as he slowly rose up from the couch, he stooped down and banked the fires to keep them safe for the night before he offered her a hand, "Suppose we should get some rest and get back on our hunt soon, I'll show you to mah room and we can tuck in." Aella nodded and walked with Sylus to his room for the night.

[Raven Credale]

A large framed portrait arrives at fhe Keltons home one morning. Along with it is a small letter.

"Dear Sylus,

As requested here is the portrait you wanted. Don't worry I didn't leave anyone out.

~ The Sassy Scratch Artist, Aella."

The portrait consists of Sylus's family mingled in with Aellas, then scattered through it are the people the two call Brothers and Sisters. Everyone seems happy, or broody in their respective corners, as they gather around the two. Each persons personality has also been captuered in their expression.

Once more, the artsy half elven monk has created a very life-like portait.

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The Blackfish family has been very quiet as of recent, Swordcaptain Sylus included, word spreads among the purple and blue dragons that a quiet ceremony was held and someone buried at sea, let it be known that on this day 15th Mirtul 1385 DR the patriarch of house Blackfish Reginald C Kelton, passed away from heart issues and was buried at sea in the Dragonmere. Theoden Kelton has accepted the mantle of the head of the house and the fishing company. Sylus could be seen leaving Marsember back toward the capital later that afternoon.