"I thank you for your kindness, Master Merchant. It was wise of you to hire such a man as our friend with an axe over there. But now, we should try to find out if this man who tried to kill me had any friends. It is not wise to send a single blade against the Signifier of the Hellknights. There is a possibility of an ambush further down the road. I feel that you should warn the others and make necessary preparations." Alexius kneels besides the assassin's body and starts to exam it. "I wish I have an Inquisitor with me now..." he murmurs.
Bah he was just one man with a little knife. The praise is unecessary. Corwin seems a little uncomfortable but shuts his mouth when he realises how fortuity could work to his advantage.
Maybe he had friends but if so why not attack with them together? A distraction to draw me away and an attack with surprise would have been almost guaranteed to succeed. Why not poison your tea for that matter?
It smacks of something done on the spur of the moment to me. That or he was so confident as to ignore the flaws in his plan.
While Alexius searches the body, Corwin will go have a look at the horse and the man's other belongings.
"You're quite right - the problem, really, of starting a nation is that you need to try to cover all your bases at once. Normally, I'd wager, the natural flow of people and development would draw some 5000 or so people to this region over the course of a decade," Jemini muses. "We, in truth, need to accelerate this process - and that will be hard without farms, mining and industry to hold develop the region, and some form of martial control to keep it together and protected."
She looks within herself, contemplating lessons on rule and its burdens. "But we're not at that stage yet - it might be best to use a significant portion of the money on ourselves; right now we are this region's best bet. We'll need an advantage in equipment and preparation to be able to face the challenges to take this land, before we can muster the resources to develop it."
With Svetlana's meal finished, everyone at Oleg's Trading Post settles in for the night. With the Bishop and his acolytes in the guest house, plus limited room in the makeshift barracks, the expedition has to sleep on the battlements of the walls. Svetlana brings them out clean sheets and pillows, so it isn't entirely uncomfortable.
A few hours' ride towards Restov, a search of the assassin's body turns up absolutely nothing. His weapon and armor, while excellent quality, are totally free of any identifiers. He has no orders, no coin beyond some standard (and not newly-minted) spending coins from Restov. All he seems to have is a change of plain-looking clothes. The trip was obviously not going to be long-term. The man is a mystery. Debesti bundles him up to bring back to Restov, where he might find some answers. Corwin and Alexius both try to settle in for some rest, but it comes for neither.
Bishop Vinodragov and his entourage leave Oleg's at first light. Kesten Garess and his men see them off, but no one is sorry to see them go. As they awaken, the expedition finds Verik diligently laying out his plans for the temple of Abadar, as well as a master plan for a city's growth out of Oleg's. Captain Walthon is already awake, having sent mounted outriders eastward to escort the expected trade caravan in.
On the road between Oleg's and Restov, Debesti prepares the wagon for finishing the trip. He assures them that they will make it quickly to Oleg's, hopefully without further incident. Just as he does so, four mounted soldiers wearing the colors of House Lebeda show up in the distance. They salute their presence to Debesti, who looks outright giddy as tension leaves him.
Tandlara arises early, and goes outside the palisades to prepare her spells, naked on the dew covered grass at a safe distance from the Trading Post. She thinks on many things, time spent with Nikolas Jr., as well as the bishops money and worries over his intentions and what his ultimate price would be. Never trust a man like that not to have a price.
Riddleskin sits in the lull of the communion, as Tandlara both diligiently applies her mind to her magic, and communes with a great power through her familiar. But her tohughts are distracted as she completes the arcane rites, symbols and runes bursting in and out of existence arounf her wrists and eyes, energies flowling and taking shape in half-completed knots that await but one final tug to tighten and take form.
Staying up late Berrin sits in his makeshift bedding twiddling a piece of wood with Reggie by his side, he muses darkly on Bishop Vinodragov, his motives and intent. '...Nothing is free, especially money... Let alone sums of money, he'll want somthing in turn, he's blatantly layed his loyalties with the Surtova's, blasted thieves and murderers the lot of them, the dregs of humanity if you ask me...' when the blade dulls he sets it to the whetstone, scraping slowly and concistently till the dagger has a razor edge.
Holding up the piece of wood Berrin ponders briefly what it's suposed to be, peering hard and holding it up at an angle he can almost make out a horse. Or a dog? Shrugging he gives the piece of wood to Reggie to chew before lying down to sleep, locking his hands behind his head he stares up at the stars and drifts to sleep trying to churn out the political comlexities he has spent his entire life scoffing at or avoiding.
Waking up at first light Berrin quietly makes his way to the stables, trying not to wake anyone as he goes. Patting Valnir of the flank to wake him he freshens his water through and brushes him down before saddling up for a ride. "There boy, can't have you stiffen up. Let alone fattening up from lack of movement." the last draws a snort from Valnir, freezing Berrin in his tracks, mid-stroke. "Huh! Don't grow sencitive on me now. You big beast, crying over your figure like a girl. Berrin let's out as Valnir stomps on his foot, triping Berrin over as he steps off it. Lying in the hey Berrin goes red in the face, ready to explode at the horse, tence silence prevails as mans eyes meet the horses, suddenly Berrin's face breaks out in a big grin and he falls back laughing at it all. "Oh, come on. Let's take a ride round the post."
Taking Valnir out for an houre Berrin arives back at the trading post in time for breakfast, settling the horse in Berrin sit's down to eat with a large content smile on his face.
The next morning, after following Bokken to the rising dawn to greet Sarenrae, Jemini apportions the small chest's content into six large piles, and one small one; packaging each into a separate pouch. Then she approaches Zander - who happens to be nearby.
"Here - I've thought about it overnight. I've come to the conclusion that each of us in this expedition is an integral part that contributed to the success we've had up to now; as such each of us should be able to decide how to spend a share of the money. I'm going out on a limb here," she smiles, "but I'm interpreting the content of the chest as a reward - for past and future efforts - by the Church of Abadar in recognition of our work here. If there is a problem with this in the future, I will carry that burden."
She hands Zander one of the bigger pouches, "There! That contains 1650 gold worth of coins; a bit less than an even cut from the chest." She lifts the smallest pouch, "In here are 10 platinum pieces, I intend for Oleg and Svetlana to receive these - for their efforts and help. I trust you're okay with that?" She also hands him a second big pouch, "This is Tandlara's share; I think you'll see her first, so give it to her and explain will you? Thanks." She beams at him, leaving little time for reply before she's off with a shouted: "Oi! Verik! Hold up!"
She goes over to Verik, handing him two pouches - one for Verik himself, and a second one for Taisper, explaining the situation to him as well. Finally, when Berrin returns from his ride-out, she duplicates the story one more time, handing him his pouch.
She takes a bit of time, waiting for a good opportunity both for some privacy as well as to have both Svetlana and Oleg together with her. She grins broadly as she approaches them, "And guess what I have for you two? His Eminence may not have been a particularly warm guest, but I intend for him to pay for his stay with this here," she hands the small pouch with 10 platinum to the couple, "I feel that you two have been doing so much to accommodate - and feed! - us here, and that kind of generosity and good will should be rewarded. Please accept it with my blessings and gratitude."
Finally she looks at the last pouch, still hanging from her belt. What will I do with you, I wonder...
Berrin peers at the bag of coins and Jemini between mouthfulls but otherwise says nothing as she explains herself, just nodding as she finishes. "I was thinking of getting a better saddle and some barding for Valnir, so the priest visit comes to some use at least." he says and continues his breakfast.
Tandlara returns to find Zander has a gift for her. She smiles as he tells her of Jemini's division of the money. Then leaves him to his own morning rituals, seeking out the young human woman. Spotting her taking to the Leveton's she smiles and approaches.
'I see that Jemini's much deserved gift has been delivered. I will have to make use of some of my own windfall to order in some scrolls and arcane reagants. I want to learn more magic that can help this place and our freinds.'
Turning to Jemini she smiles and queitly says 'That was a great idea, they more than deserve it. I'm sorry I have been very distracted for the last while, I see that you have everything well in hand though.'
Taisper, completely gobsmacked, looks at the giant pouch of money Jemini hands him. He has never seen this much money in his life; not being an accountant, he was never allowed into the financial heart of the church.
He has absolutely no idea what to do.
He stands, looking dumbly at the money pouch for a little while after Verik walks away, then eventually catches up with Jemini.
"Jemini, hey. Um. Thanks? I guess?" He looks at the pouch of money. He's holding it as if it were a bizarre artifact from some far-off land. "I don't...that is..." Taisper twists his mouth, looks at the ground, and mumbles something unintelligible. Suddenly he seems to remember something. "Say, what was the Bishop talking about with Surt...uh...Surtova? What does that mean? Politics isn't exactly my thing and I don't know why he'd be talking about that. It seemed a little weird to me."
With the support of the mounted soldiers leading the way, Debesti's wagon makes it to Oleg's Trading Post without further incident. The merchant extols House Lebeda's attention to security the whole way, trying to make the assassination attempt just a memory. With the chances of a bandit attack lowered, the remaining hours of the trip go by quickly. The small caravan arrives at the gates of Oleg's, met by the leader of the mounted patrol. He rides out just prior to their arrival, greeting them when he gets close. "Good to see you. I'm Captain Walthon, retainer of House Lebeda. You are expected."
The Trading Post is fairly abuzz with activity. A few dozen warriors and traders mill about, enjoying the late morning in the fine weather. A dwarf wanders by, carrying what looks to be enough explosive powder to destroy the entire fort. Debesti makes his way to a man who must be Oleg, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "I've got your shipment along with a traveler. Come, let's get it unloaded!" They pull a heavy wooden crate from the back of the wagon as woman comes to offer the horses some feed and water. With a crowbar, Oleg cracks open the crate to inspect the contents. The contents are packed in with straw, which falls out as Oleg pulls the items out.
"Berrin! Come get your armor!" He pulls out a magnificent-looking breastplate, crafted with a fearsome dragon motif. The dragon is bronze, both in color and in material, with terrible eyes made of some sort of subtle emerald and claws reaching down the sides of the breastplate. It looks as if its plate is designed for maximum mobility, a rare feat for a crafter.
He pulls out what looks like half a dozen scroll cases, reading a note that is with them. "Tandlara, looks like Mister Debesti here arranged for a few extra scrolls if you want to buy them. You'll have to take a look and figure what they are."
He pulls out a few other items that he seems to have ordered for himself, carrying them into the main trading area in his house. "Come on, Alder. Let's get settled up. Svetlana's made some good breakfast if you're hungry."
The woman from earlier, presumably Svetlana, comes up to Alexius and Corwin. She smiles at both of them, one of the few people in Brevoy who hasn't given deference to Alexius while practically ignoring Corwin. "Welcome to our trading post! I'm Svetlana Leventon, and that was my husband Oleg. Do you want anything to eat? You must be hungry after your trip!"
Tandlara peruses the the magical scrolls and elects to purchase them all, spending six hundred and fifty gold pieces on the scroll cases, more than most families spend over a few years. She sees it as an investment however and moves off to the guesthouse, now reclaimed after the bishop's stay, and decides to make the brews required to imbue Riddleskin with some of the spells.
She sits in the guesthouse for several hours, burning the scrolls in carefully proscribed ways, painting the rat with ochre dusts in swirling patterns, and grinding the ashes into a paste with various reagents from her pouch.
Jemini's quite oblivious to Taisper's hidden agenda, she sees no reason not to confide in him: "House Surtova have taken on themselves to rule Brevoy after House Rogarvia vanished ten years ago. They've held on to this power with every trick in the book, maintaining a precarious balance between the Great Houses of Brevoy. There is no proof, but I suspect that the escalating tensions between Rostland and Issia are in part engineered, or at least encouraged, by Surtova." Jemini's face is ringed with passive concern as she explains. "Surtova's agenda is both subtle in its use of propaganda and hidden agreements, as it is blunt in a greedy bid for power with little thought to sustenance, justice or reverence."
Jemini welcomes the arrival of Debesti with a warm smile, to Svetlana she adds, "This is more like it, unlike the unexpected arrivals yesterday." She includes a thanks to the Lebeda riders that aided their arrival, and takes a small initial briefing from Debesti himself, with a note to speak with him in-depth later on.
She notes the arrival of Alexius with relative disdain, her welcome to him is marred slightly with the faint glow in her eyes that intensely study him as she speaks. "A good morrow to you, follower of the Pitted One. I trust your arrival here serves a purpose?"
She also notes Corwin, who's confident presence is only marred slightly by his lack of direction as he finds himself in the middle of a bustle. Her welcome to him is warmer than for Alexius, "You're quite the warrior I've been told, Debesti has nothing but praise for your work. If you feel like putting that bravery to good use, consider joining us a while - we're planning to strike out against the Stag Lord - a self-style bandit king - and a solid warrior at our side will just make victory that much surer."
Taisper makes his way up to the new arrivals, curious about what's doing.
@Alexius and @Corwin:
Seeing Gemini talking with Corwin, Taisper gives the big man a nod. "Hi there! Hey, I'm Taisper. Nice to meet you. Hope you're sticking around, gosh! We could use someone as tough as you look to be." Taisper's smile is completely genuine.
Approaching Alexius, the blonde kid smiles and nods again, extending his hand. "Hi there, sir! Taisper Stozs, pleased to meet you. You staying around here? Or just passing through?"
Tall Chelaxian seems a bit surprised by all this people seeking his attention. He turns to Svetlana first. "Why, yes. Some food would be lovely. And wine, if you have it. For my friend here, as well." He nods at Corwin, and only then he turns to the woman that looked him with disdain. "And to you as well. My purpose is my own, whatever you trust." He started to say more on that matter, when a young golden-haired man interrupted him. "Ah... I am staying, methinks. I shall require a lodging, though. Can you recommend me some establishment that will serve?
Svetlana laughs at Alexius's last question to Taisper, a delightfully happy sound. "You can stay in the guest house, though it's getting a little tight. There aren't any other places to stay in the area, unless you fancy sleeping in the wild." She heads off to get something for him and Corwin to eat and drink.
Verik eyes Alexius from across the fort, clearly not pleased to have a follower of Asmodeus in his presence. He does not approach, simply staying focused on his work of planning out expansions of the guest house into a proper inn, the temple, further walls, and increased barracks.
Zander approaches the young Cheliaxan, intrigued by his presence. While he approves of neither Cheliaxan's focus on nobility and bloodlines nor the teachings of the Church of Asmodeus, he sees a certain intensity of purpose that he can appreciate. "You're coming at a bad time for strangers in this place. Like Jemini said, we're looking to strike out against the Stag Lord soon. A stranger like you is an unknown, and we don't like unknowns. You prepared to fight if the Stag Lord attacks here, or you just passing through?" He is not overly harsh, as Zander knows better than most about being judged simply for appearance.
As the caravan approaches the trading post, Corwin sits back in his saddle, evaluating the place.
Smaller than I expected. The place looks fair to bursting at the seams. The soliders look capable enough. Little sign of recent action though. They move as if they're safe here.
As Debesti does his greetings and he does his best to navigate the bustle, he feels an unusual and deeply uncomfortable sensation, uncertainty. How do I find my own place here?
He appreciates Svetlana's appearance. Thats a fine looking woman and its always a good idea to be friendly with the cook.
A meal would be very welcome, Mistress. He tries his best smile.
Which he exchanges for a near gape at the first sight of Jemini. Abadar's oath this is possibly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. This is the noble daughter?
"You're quite the warrior I've been told, Debesti has nothing but praise for your work. If you feel like putting that bravery to good use, consider joining us a while - we're planning to strike out against the Stag Lord - a self-style bandit king - and a solid warrior at our side will just make victory that much surer."
Truly the gods must love me. I'd be honoured. I heard about what your doing here, making a new nation. Well I want to be part of it. My only real skill is this. He taps his axe. But its yours against this Stag Lord. I guess the stories were right after all.
He smiles in return at Taisper. He's young. A squire maybe? No. Something else.
Tough? Just enough to get by! Corwin finds himself instinctively liking the boy's lack of guile. This is quite a place you have here. A fortified camp in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps you'd care to tell me about it over a jack of ale. My coin.
Jemini is pleased at Corwin's eagerness to participate. "The Stag Lord won't know what hit him." Though glancing at the size of the axe she adds, "Or maybe it will be the only thing he can see."
She addresses both Corwin and Alexius: "In truth we're quite the informal gathering here. Verik, our expedition's cleric over there - " she points " - makes sure my urges to lead heedless of council are curbed." She grins, "Everybody here is a valuable asset to the success of this undertaking, that means everybody gets to have his or her say. If you two are willing and able to join, then you can expect an even share of the spoils."
Hearing his name called Berrin's heart almost skips a beat, 'My armor! dropping the brush he was stroking Valnir with he hastens out of the stables to find Oleg, "It's here? By the gods! Let me see it!" Shouldering his way to the crates Berrin's eyes widen as he sees his breastplate emerge. "Wow... It's beutifull" Grabbing the armor he holds it up at arms length to admire it. Setting it down gingerly he hastily tears off his jacket and starts trying it on, fastening buckles and straps in a hurry to see if it fits. Finally managing to set it right his eyes drift to the new arrivals.
Approching the newcomers with a big grin on his face he extends his arm in greating to them, "Svetlana's cooking is the best, I'll attest to that. Berrin, Berrin Myrdal. Soldier by trade and fighter by virtue. Pleased to meet you and welcome to the frontier, the front lines of civilization if you'll ask Verik over there, but I'm good with just the frontier."
Alexius listens to all this talk about fighting the "Stag Lord" with a little frown on his face. "And who might this Stag Lord be? Whatever my reasons for coming here may be, uninformed killing is not one of them. I am bound by honor to protect those with whom I share bread and salt, but certainly not to just go and kill someone."
Noble than looks at Berrin, intrigued by his cheerful demeanour. "You seem to be a cheerful lot in these parts of the world. And judging by your stature, it seems that there is nothing wrong with resident cook's skills." Chelaxian manages to smile a bit, lessening the haughtiness of his words, and making them just a friendly banter between two man with deadly skill in arms.
Corwin clasps hands with Berrin although he can't resist testing his strength against the big warrior, just for a moment. He finds them easily matched.
Yes this ones a fighter. Good to know I won't be alone on the front line.
Nodding at Corwin as he tests his strength right back at him Berrin is pleased with what he finds, not many men could match him. Berrin throws another grin at the chelaxian as he comments about his girth, "Can't help the way I am, eh? Besides, her cooking helps fatten me up for our exchursions into the wilds. But tell me, what are your names?"
Taisper sort of addresses both newcomers at once. "Not too much to tell 'bout this place, really. Svetlana and Oleg -- her husband, you'll meet him soon enough -- run a good business here. We helped protect them from some bandits and are using this as kind of a home base. Verik's my cousin, actually, he's the one Jemini just pointed out over there, and he's overseeing expansion of this fort/trading post into something much grander. Got himself a copy of an Abadarian city-building book and everything. He's a cleric of Abadar, is why he's got it."
"Anyway until things expand more it's kinda just sleep where you can, carve out a space where you can. That sort of deal. Luckily there are still enough beds to go 'round now that the soldiers are outside the walls. Verik will take care of making barracks, you just wait and see. Mostly Svetlana feeds everyone and her cooking is the best! You'll love it!"
"Now, The Stag Lord -- it's his bandits that first attacked here, and we've dealt with other bandits of his, ones that abuse good people, break up families, and murder and steal. That's the kind of fella this Stag Lord is, so, we're gonna put a stop to him. I'm sure we'll focus on bringing him in to stand trial, see justice done for his crimes..." Taisper has been speaking generally all this time, addressing the group at large, but here he looks specifically at Alexius, even clapping his hand on the Asmodean's shoulder. "...but if it comes to it, and you ain't got the stomach or maybe just don't want it on your conscience, well, don't you worry. I'll handle the killin'. It's sort of why I'm here."
Taisper's smile never wavers. He may as well be talking about the weather.
Removing his hand from Alexius' shoulder, he continues, now addressing everyone again. "...but like I say, that's only if it comes to that. Law first. I mean, hey, we're trying to increase civilization around here not make things worse but just doin' what we want, amiright? Hey! I've been working on this joke about ducks. I think I've got it down. Wanna hear it?" He looks around hopefully.
Strange popping sounds and flashes of light come from the cabin over the course of the day. Near the windows a bit of fungus grows rapiidly into a spiral pattern, and from within can be heard an eerie fey laughter from time to time. Very occasionally a loud moaning sigh issues from the cabin, but it does not come from human or elven lips, rather it seems somehow rodentlike. Mixed faint auras of divination and some conjuration issue from the cabin to any who watches it with magic senses. Above it all a woman's voice, mournful and unceasing chants arcane rituals.
Jhod finds his way next to Verik, clearly not pleased to have a follower of Asmodeus in their midst. Whatever the differences between Abadar and Erastil, they are minor compared to the chasm between them and Asmodeus. The two clerics talk softly between themselves, seeming more at ease today than ever before.
Debesti emerges from Oleg's house, happily holding onto a small bag of coins. He approaches the expedition, clearly looking for more contracts. "Oh, Lady Jemini! I have a letter for you!" He pulls it out of his shirt, where he has been guarding it, and hands it to her.
Dearest Daughter of Lebeda,
I hope this letter finds you Safe. As you may have Heard by now, Lord Garess is ill. Please extend our Concern to Kesten Garess. We Expect that his health will Improve shortly, though other Houses are Preparing for the worst. Be safe in the Stolen Lands, and may your quest come to Fruition soon.
With Love,
Your Parents
After giving Jemini her letter, Debesti holds his hands out invitingly. "I will be returning to Restov soon, after returning to House Lebeda, if you wish to place any orders. I would be more than pleased to seek them out for you."
Alexius looks at the servant of Abadar and raises his eyebrow. "You do realize that you are talking to the signifier of the Hellknight, right? We are not exactly known for our... gentleness... Morai-Thrune than turns to Berrin. "I am Alexius of the Infernal House of Morai-Thrune, Signifier of the Order of Black Rose of the Hellknights, slayer of the devil Belphegorgor. I stand at your service. Than he grins. "A mouthful, right?"
Jemini's enjoyed a good quarter of an hour curiously watching on as Tandlara (all but oblivious) proceeds with her mystical research. Even Riddleskin is deeply engrossed with whatever is on his mistress' mind, leaving a scant minute after he arrived at Jemini for a small dose of ear scratching. Curious and curiouser, I wonder what it all does.
"Thank you Debesti - I've been hoping you'd have word. Unfortunately I cannot offer orders yet; though if you want, you can keep open your eyes for a scabbard of vigor. Verik mentioned its kind before, you could ask him what exactly it entails - I cannot afford such an item yet; but I'm hopeful that I'll be wealthy after the raid on the Stag Lord went well. Maybe you want to hedge your bets?" She smiles. As she scans the content of the letter, she nods once, then twice, then adds to Debesti: "Please wait at least until I've prepared a letter to return to my father, I'm sure he'll love to hear from me."
Dearest Mother and Father
Our explorations - though blessed with unexpected Sunshine - have caused quite a Stir, with a variety of new Faces to add to the growing cadre that is Oleg's Trading Post. In the light of good Tidings here, allow me to add that the blessings of Abadar have visited upon us - impressing the Need for control from Above.
I most anxiously await the coming Festival, it will showcase just how much Progress has been made in these Stolen Lands. If the ill-winds keep away, then there will be little stopping the push to clear this Land of the Stag Lord; I do hope next I write there will be Certainty of it.
In Deepest Affection
Jemini
Jemini keeps her parents abreast of local developments, including the find of a gold vein during exploration. She notes the visit of the Bishop and his not-so-subtle hints of a controlling interest for House Surtova.
She confirms that news of Lord Garess' diminishing prospects has reached Oleg's and that efforts are under way to fortify the position here. She re-confirms the delivery of the prisoner Kressle. Also, she expects that with the taking of the Stag Lord, that no more challengers to the lands are present, allowing the expedition to take on a more nation-building role.
As Tandlara meditates and learns spells, an unquiet presence seems to fill the guest house. It is more than just Riddleskin, unlike anything she has felt before while learning new spells. It is not a cruel or malicious presence, though it is unbelievably powerful. The presence gives her a sense of alien curiosity, even whimsy, under such overwhelming power. Whatever the presence is, Tandlara continues her arcane preparations without abatement. It takes more than that to surprise an elf nearly three centuries old.
After it "watches" her for a number of hours, the presence prods her. It is subtle at first, hardly more than a vague pressure in the back of her mind. As time goes on, the presence takes form into a thought, then words: 'Taaaandlaaaaraaaa. Yooooou aaaaaaare strooooooong, poooooowerful. Yoooooou weeeeeeere caaaaaaaalled heeeeeere, suuuuuuuuummoned byyyyy meeeeee. Theeeeeeere iiiiiiis aaaaa threaaaaaat tooooo booooooooth ouuuuuur wooooooorlds. Yooooooou muuuuuuuust beeeeeeeeeee reaaaaaady.' With a rush, arcane knowledge pours into her mind, unlocking secrets and spells alike.
Tandlara closes her eyes and breaths a deep breath once the ordeal is over. She could feel all of the new knowledge being granted to her through Riddleskin. She felt the weight of her patron's presence. And mighty it was. I play in the footsteps of gods. Will I be crushed? Will my dear ones?
She carefully clears up her various bits of appuratus and arcana, face not betraying much, though her mind is awash with possibilities. She packs much of it back into her pouch, recasing the scrolls she hadn't used and takes the mortar and pestle outside to clean it with water splashed from a barrel of rainwater.
She spots Verik and Jhod and on the way back to the guesthouse mentions to Verik. 'I have gained the power to hear thoughts. Lovely day isn't it, dear one?' She smiles her slight smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes and moves into the guesthouse to finish tidying away her belongings.
Afterwards she comes back into the sunlight, wearing the white dress Svetlana gave her and no shoes. she the others chatting to some newcomers she stalks on the balls of her feet over to them, and stops beside Berrin with another veiled smile.
'Hello. We have not been introduced. My name is Tandlara Essirien. What are yours?' Riddleskin climbs up Tandlara's shoulder and hisses at Alexius, before turning to look from Corwin to Berrin, and back again, a confused expression on his rodents face. The elf shows no reaction to the rats antics, and looks patiently at both men in turn.
Nodding at Corwin as he tests his strength right back at him Berrin is pleased with what he finds, not many men could match him. Berrin throws another grin at the chelaxian as he comments about his girth, "Can't help the way I am, eh? Besides, her cooking helps fatten me up for our exchursions into the wilds. But tell me, what are your names?"
Corwin. Just Corwin. He's got a sense of humour as well.
"Now, The Stag Lord -- it's his bandits that first attacked here, and we've dealt with other bandits of his, ones that abuse good people, break up families, and murder and steal. That's the kind of fella this Stag Lord is, so, we're gonna put a stop to him. I'm sure we'll focus on bringing him in to stand trial, see justice done for his crimes..." Taisper has been speaking generally all this time, addressing the group at large, but here he looks specifically at Alexius, even clapping his hand on the Asmodean's shoulder. "...but if it comes to it, and you ain't got the stomach or maybe just don't want it on your conscience, well, don't you worry. I'll handle the killin'. It's sort of why I'm here."
Taisper's smile never wavers. He may as well be talking about the weather.
Removing his hand from Alexius' shoulder, he continues, now addressing everyone again. "...but like I say, that's only if it comes to that. Law first. I mean, hey, we're trying to increase civilization around here not make things worse but just doin' what we want, amiright? Hey! I've been working on this joke about ducks. I think I've got it down. Wanna hear it?" He looks around hopefully.
Torag's balls, the boys a bit plane touched. Well. Your no model of sanity yourself. Best watch him carefully though.
Well sleeping anywhere is just fine with me. Its a talent I have, sleeping like a babe through a battle fought during a thunderstorm.
I wouldn't mind hearing more about this Stag Lord though. Do we know where he is? How many men does he have?
Alexius looks at the servant of Abadar and raises his eyebrow.
@Alexius:
"Hellknight? Hmmm..." Taisper looks thoughtful, arching an eyebrow and looking up. "No, sorry, no offense Mr. Signifier but I can't say as I've heard of Hellknights. Sure sounds scary though! I bet folks are right intimidated by someone calling himself that." He smiles at Alexius again, then looks around with a slightly crestfallen expression as conversations split and carry on around him. "So...so no one wants to hear the duck joke. *sigh* Okay, I need to quit askin' and just start tellin' jokes more like I used to. Gosh." Taisper shakes his head and turns to walk away.
Ilyana, who has been quietly listening to the conversations going through the camp, smiles at Taisper. "I want to hear it?" She seems stronger and happier than before. Being at Oleg's must be doing well for her and Nicholas Jr.
Berrin's brow furrows at the chelaxians claim of tiltles. "Huh. Those are quite a few titles there. Mine run along the lines of Horse Lord, Protector of Ale and Grappler of Bears." he says with a smirk, "But you can call me Berrin and I'll just call you Alexius."
"Come on. Let me show you where we bunk." Berrin says clappin Corwin and Alexius on the shoulder and steering them toward the guest house. "The Stag Lord is a drunk with a mean streak that has managed to cow the bandits of the area into following his lead. We aim to either remove him or integrate him into our little enterprise in these parts. Our charter tells us to put any unrepentive bantid to the sword or noose. So he'll either repent or we'll let him choose." Berrin explains on the way to the lodge, giving a grim smile as he describes the Stag Lord's potential fate. "But here we are, home sweet home."
Letting them into the bunk house he points out various bunks and lays claim to them for various members. "Here's me, Taisper, the teenager, bunks over there, Tandlara, the elf with the rat in her pouch, has that one, Jemini, the noble in the flimsy chain.. he adds a wink to Corwin at that one, "..and Verik, our resident Adabarian cleric, bunk in those two near each other." he says meaningfully. "Zander, the archer of the band, likes to bunk out on the battlements. Don't ask me why, he just does. So plant your gear where you like, grab an bunk if it's free, otherwise your on the floor. I'm sure Svetlana will be cooking up a storm for you by now, so I'll see you out by the benches when your ready." Says the big warrior, rubbing his hands together with a farawy look as he dreams of Svetlanas cooking. Leaving the two off them to argue over places he makes his way out and aproches the group.
"So what you think? Godssend or Hellssend?"
Alexius looks at the servant of Abadar and raises his eyebrow.@Alexius:
Jemini, fresh from delivering the return letter to Debesti, joins up with the crowd as it disperses. "Ah well, I wouldn't mind hearing that joke too, Taisper. Though I always found your jokes best with Verik around, his reactions are half the fun in them, ey?"
'Its likely that their a bit of both. Though the Hellknight could be more of the later. Hellknights aren't always evil, but they are almost always something worse. Self-righteous and unflinching, uncompromising. Alexius seems an okay sort, we should just be wary of his motives. Corwin seems a straightforward man, but no men truly are. I like them both, but we should be wary until we know them a little better,' she says it to Berrin, but the thought of the neccisity of caution seems to sadden her a little bit.
Alexius looks at the servant of Abadar and raises his eyebrow.@Alexius:
"They both seem the alright sort, I rekon they can both take care of themselves so they'r welcome to come with by me I guess." says Berrin, hoping he's not mis-judging their characters.
Hiding his key in his pack and leaving it at the table with the rest of his things, Taisper gets up slowly, now with no visible signs on his person that he is any way affiliated with the church...
Taisper smiles at Jemini, and the arrival of the frontierswoman. "Ilyana! Hi! Hey how are you. Okay, the duck joke. Verik! You should get in on this, you'll like this one. I promise this time you'll like it."
"A farmer is entering a city in his wagon, you know, team of horses, big storage bed in the back, the usual. And the gatesmen, you know, the guards notice he has a huge amount of ducks in the back along with his usual load of produce. So they ask him 'Hey, what are all the ducks for?' And the farmer he looks kind of exasperated and he says 'I don't know what to do with them anymore.' The guards exchange looks and then one says 'You know, the mayor is holding a dinner tonight, you should bring them there if you don't know what to do with them.' The farmer beams and says 'That's a great idea, thanks!'"
"Well, the rest of the day passes, and then the night, and then the next morning those same guards are on duty when the same farmer is leaving the city, now with no produce, but still with a wagon full of ducks! Only thing different is now all the ducks have little towels under their wings. 'Hey!' Says a guard, 'cos he's real confused. 'I thought you were going to bring all those ducks to the mayor's dinner!' The farmer, he shrugs and says 'I did. They were the life of the party! Now they want to go swimming.'"
*crickets chirp*
After the initial pause of comic expectation, Jemini bursts out laughing. Something about the way Taisper approaches humor, so by-the-book, just throws off his delivery. But his persistence is so endearing. "Taisper, Taisper, there are some things that are problematic now and then, where we don't see eye-to-eye - but this, this, I hope never changes about you." Jemini strolls off, still giggling at some internal quip or two.
Afterwards she comes back into the sunlight, wearing the white dress Svetlana gave her and no shoes. she the others chatting to some newcomers she stalks on the balls of her feet over to them, and stops beside Berrin with another veiled smile.
'Hello. We have not been introduced. My name is Tandlara Essirien. What are yours?' Riddleskin climbs up Tandlara's shoulder and hisses at Alexius, before turning to look from Corwin to Berrin, and back again, a confused expression on his rodents face. The elf shows no reaction to the rats antics, and looks patiently at both men in turn.
Corwin gets his second pleasant shock of the day with his first sight of the barefooted elven woman with the rat. He seems a nervous as she introduces herself.
Um.. my name is Corwin mistress... milady... mistress. I'm sorry its just I've never met a pointy ea... I mean an elf before. I'm not sure how to address you. He seems much more deferential before the elven woman than any of the nobles in the group.
Smoothly done, idiot! I wonder how old she is. She could be a thousand!
His questions about the Stag Lord seem forgotten for now and he follows Berrin to the guesthouse to stow his gear.
With the two newest additions to the expedition beginning to interact with them, the day passes into evening. The trading post is fairly buzzing with activity, as Kesten's troops set off in the morning to collect enough lumber to lay the groundwork for most of Verik's plans. He seems busy directing them and overseeing their efforts, while continually sketching and erasing and writings notes in a pad. This will be a proper outpost up to Abadarian standards by the time he is done with it.
Svetlana and Ilyana come out with a large pot of stew for everyone, along with fresh bread. They serve it, though the nearly three dozen people in the camp make pretty fast work of it. The camp is in good spirits with the promise of an exciting party in just two days. Debesti and Oleg seem to be getting along grandly, with Oleg seeming more animated and laughing harder than the expedition has ever seen him.
A late rain sends everyone packing into the cover of the guest house and the barracks. The members of the expedition sit together in the guest house, though there are only six beds for the eight of them. Verik looks particularly taken aback by this turn of events, as if he cannot process the idea that there are more bodies than beds. Zander merely shrugs and makes his way outside to sleep on the battlements in the rain, leaving only a single person without a proper bed to sleep in for the night.
Tandlara merely smiles a small smile at Corwin and says 'There are not many who have Corwin. You can just call me Tandlara. I'm rather comfortable with my name after all my time havign it.'
Tandlara had smiled at the others, and wished them good sleep before going out to sleep in a dry stack of hay in the stables. She rather enjoyed the smell of rain and horses. The guest house was comfortable, but left one isolated from the scents and sounds of life. Even the stable was cheating, she had thought as she drifted off, she had grown soft.
Tandlara rises early and sets to learning another spell , before readying her spells for the day and returning to the camp, the sun now risen far above its dawn elevation.
Berrin stops for a minute when the rain comes pouring down enjouying the refreshing coolness of it before making his way un-hurriedly to the house. Going to his bunk he peels of his clothing down to his small clothes and, sitting down on his bunk, dryes himself off. "Never thought I'd be glad to see rain." he mutters to noone in particular.
Corwin heads out to the stable to see to his horse before finding his bed. As unfond of the animal as he is, he dislikes the idea of anyone having to do his tasks. He rubs it down, cuffing it lightly after it again tries to bite him and stops to listen to the soothing sound of the rain falling on the thatch roof.
He sleeps and all his dreams are pleasant.
Alexius takes his horse to the stables and makes sure that stallion has everything he may need. After that he slowly goes to find a bed, ignoring the rain.
Taisper watches Jemini walk away, an odd expression on his face. "Yeah." he says under his breath. "I guess it's good we got somethin', huh." He looks around helplessly as everyone else shakes their heads and strolls off. "Okay, so, but was it delivery, or the gag itself? 'Cos I can brush it up!"
The inquisitor twists his mouth and laughs at himself, shaking his head. He returns to the table where his things were, sits, and reads until the rain starts. "Good a time as any to retire for the night I suppose." he says, and does just that.