Etta: "Compassion? Sure you're talking about me? But seriously: I appreciate you not browbeating me like that old windbag. And yes...it's time to guzzle some ale!"
She turns away and heads down the village's main path, trying to keep her expression neutral.
If he knew what I truly felt and thought... and I still haven't told him the truth about that glimmer-vision. Ah, fuck it...drink and merriment will whisk my troubles away, at least for tonight....
Etta awakens with the rooster's crow...reluctantly. Groaning, she rolls around in her bed, wishing the sun would go away for a few more minutes.
The previous night had been as celebratory as expected. Etta had reunited with her parents (Keegan and Lyla) briefly, then headed out for drink.
The longhouse was filled, and there were plenty of villagers who opened their doors to let the festivities trickle in. Many a toast was given to Etta and Gevin, and several people gave them gifts of food and trinkets...but as before, Etta noticed whispers and hard stares, clearly directed at Malkath's Vestige.
She overheard one comment that particularly riled her up: "Caldus let her keep it? The old man's losin' his wits...."
But the night was so glorious that the normally combative Etta went with the flow...more or less. The drink made her giddy and witty...but not lustful.
And she certainly could've found a lover. Either an old flame, or some new man, someone who looked at her differently now that she was a returning heroine. But she went home alone around one in the morning, and wasn't filled with regret.
Well, maybe a little regret.
Would've been nice to wake up beside some strapping lad...but my head still ain't right. Guess drink alone ain't gonna clear it. Need time as well.
Finally, she gets up. The Vestige is right where she left it, leaning against the nightstand. The gemstone barely gleams, as if it's also groggy. Etta starts fixing a breakfast of eggs and bread.
Her "home" is little more than a shack on her parents' property. She was still too young to have her own space...or that's the excuse she usually gave. In reality, she could've parlayed her skills into better accommodations, but she'd never taken that step.
Now's the time, I guess. If I'm an Ironsworn, I can't keep acting like a child.
After her breakfast is finished, she dresses, packs her gear, and tidies up the shack. Last night's fun still weighs her down; she hopes Gevin will agree to a moderate travel pace, if they are setting out today. If they aren't, Etta has no qualms with sticking around the Bluff for a few days.
Rolls
Sojourn, +heart, +bond - (1d6+2+1)
(6) + 3 = 9
Challenge 1 - (1d10)
(10) = 10
Challenge 2 - (1d10)
(7) = 7