Warren approaches Tityanna with concern. "Before I rest, I will call on Gozreh for my carefully reserved healing."
Warren grabs his holy symbol to Gozreh and chants in the sylvan language to invoke a healing prayer over Tityanna's shoulder. A quick infusion of healing energy washes over the injury.
"I would like to make a toast: first, to the mortal and immortal hands that guided this precious cargo to this sanctuary, and second, to the continued safety and prosperity of those who are gathered here today."
Warren seems a little unused to drinking wine.
But it goes down so easy :-)
He then grabs some food in a basket and some drink to take to Kams and goes looking for him in a wobbly, unsteady track with his eagles above to help in the search.
Tityanna flushed and used the opportunity presented by Donal's embrace to shift closer, feeling either bold enough or at least secure enough to publicly demonstrate the preference she cultivated on the journey. she regards him with a smile through the fringe of her eyelashes and might have answered, but her attention is stolen by the inebriated druid. The healing energies of Gozreh suffuse her, and call her own power to rise in response. For the first time, she felt not the least bit awkward that her cat like eyes reflected light, or that she could identify with the exaggerated sense of the primitive burning beside her in the familiar form of the blacksmith, although at the edge of it... a warning?
Tityanna sighs as her health is restored to her, and takes the first easy breath since she received the wound.
"Thank you, Warren," she nearly purrs.
She turns to Donal when Warren has given his blessing and departed, leans up and whispers in his ear.
"You were suggesting staying abed all day?" she teases and kisses his cheek gently.
When Warren finds Kams he shows him the basket of hot food under cover and shows him the wine he managed to get in his waterskins. After tossing a skin to Kams he exclaims,
"With Zavac gone, you are about the only wild one left. Although I feel comfortable with our charges, it seems the wide open spaces around here are where I truly feel at home. Maybe those destined to wrest the land from the wild and make it safe are not those who can comfortably enjoy the closed spaces and the crowded throngs of the cities".
Warren looks a little reflective, "Kams, I also need someone to take care of my eagles if something bad happens to me. I would appreciate it if you agree to do it. They are not too much trouble once you get to know them."
With Warren and Kams scouting the area, Oleg walks over to Thad as the more obviously military and authoritative of the group. Shooting a glance at the shed holding the captured bandits he asks, "What's your plan regarding that bunch in there? I can't say I'd be sorry to see 'em hang."
As dinner winds down and the sun sets beyond the western horizon, Porter pulls out a worn set of playing cards. With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face he calls to Stephanus, Alaina and the two guardsmen, "Would any of you care to join in a friendly game of chance?"
Rolling his eyes Burdo says to his brother, "You still carrying that deck of bad luck around? You know you never win."
"Bah!" Porter replies, waving his hand at his stubborn brother. "It's not about winning, but sharing peoples company and having a good time." The sleeves of his robes slip down as he deftly shuffles the deck, the colorful top hat bobbing back and forth with each move the dwarf makes.
Shaking his head, Burdo walks toward the wagons, "Just don't loose your shirt, I'm going to check on the wagon and get some rest." Muttering something about one too many explosions muddling his a certain brother's mind, the miner disappears behind the wagons.
Easily ignoring Burdo, Porter turns back around and says, "So, who's in?"
With a quiet whisper he leans down to her ear and says, "Of course that still leaves us the night."
Sari Meyerson bounces up to Stephanus just after sunset and says in a bright cheerful voice, "So now can I have a serpent's tooth? I'm sure that since we're safely to Oleg's, father won't mind me having it." She offers a big, wide smile backed by fluttering eyes aimed directly at the bard.
"Or maybe you could paint my face the same way those men have theirs done up. It's funny and I think I'd look good in blue, don't you?" She strikes a pose only to get poked by her mother.
"That's the last thing I need is a blue daughter." says a smiling Andrea and she tickles her child's knee and sends Sari, scurrying and giggling toward the other end of the table to watch as Porter starts to shuffle the cards.
When Warren finds Kams...
Thanks for the food, it is appreciated. He takes a moment to wolf down a few bites; it is his first non-trail meal in weeks.
Nodding at the discussion of the open spaces, Aye, I was born in a city, and I see their uses, but I find that the more I am around "civilized" folk, the more "savage" life seems to be. In the wilds, beasts are up front about survival of the fittest. City folk, especially leaders, see their flocks as ripe to pluck and plunder. Wolves rarely eat their own; councils do it with relish.
He ladles up the last bit of his repast, regarding the inebriated druid as he does so. With caution he tastes of the proffered spirits.
Of your charges, of course I will see to them, as I'd hope you'd do for my horse. If they wish it, I will be their companion, or free them to the winds. It will be as they desire. We of honest, simple persuasion should be open to one another, not hide our desires and dealings behind the trappings of "civilized" behavior. He watches the birds overhead, seeking perhaps a lost stray mouse in the rising light of the moon.
Looking to the fort, and the flickering lights within, I fear that in leading civilization to these lands we also bring with it the yokes my family strove and died to be rid of. Nobility, divine right, civic rule, those are the shackles to bind the masses to serve the masters. Are we fit to lead, when so few of us are willing to speak truly, or act honestly, upon our true convictions? Would that men could lead together, without some seeking dominion over all others, or at least be wise enough to acknowledge that all have their strengths, and in those arenas should deference then be made. Of course, then we'd be a pack, or looking to the skies, Or perhaps a flock.
Momentarily reflective, fearing Warren's wine well the cause, Kams stretches, and shakes Warren's hand. Come, Master Kingeagle, we should return to the others, and I shall disclose what I have gathered, before the festivities leave them too addled to make sense or reason of it all.
Tityanna's cheeks blaze with heat. "Aye," she manages after a few tries. "A... w-we've already the blessing of the priest..."
Tityanna, clearly more than a little out of her depth in terms of romantic entanglements, slips her now healed arm around Donal's waist and rests her head against his shoulder. It is the first time she has been intimate with anyone since she was removed from Leila's home.
Although it's challenging, you spend the time to really study the tracks, and it looks like nobody has returned south since the bandits arrived earlier in the day.
The search to the west reveals little, but the usual deer trails, and a single trail used by Oleg and his hired men to gather wood, hunt, or whatever else might take them in that direction.
At the furthest distance of your westward foray, you do spot signs of the passing of a pair of giant centipedes. Judging from the tracks, they came through the area early the previous day, after the rains had stopped, and were wandering in a southwesterly direction. Likely they are miles from here by now.
There's no further signs of recent activity or threats that either of you are able to find unless you try and extend your search further away from the trading post.
When Kams and Warren make their way back to the fort, Kams takes a moment to see the slightly inebriated druid is settled comfortably. He then quickly stables his mount, and sees to her care before returning and addressing the others available. He reports that, from what he could judge, none of the bandits returned the way they came. Further, he could discover no signs to the south or west that watchers had spied upon them as they defeated the bandits, so they may yet remain undetected, though probably still expected.
So, the good news is Kressle and her remaining forces have not realized these men lost today. Which means they probably also do not realize the bridge bandits lost as well.
Looking over the weary group, he continues, The bad news is, we do not know how long it will be before she misses their return, or sends others to find out the state of her assault forces. I think we need more information. From my time in the River Kingdoms, most such groups, unless highly structured, will take a day or two for the assault, a day to recover from the looting and celebrating, then a slower march home, burdened with their gains. A momentary pause washes over Kams, an unforgotten image from his past, before he continues.
I'd say we have three or four days to locate this Kressle and deal with her, or fortify this post and explore locally, before we see her forces once more. If we explore hereabouts, or set an ambush for her next foray, I'd say we stray no more than a day's ride from our wards, returning each night if possible. Kams stretches his still sore and wounded form.
These bandits may tell us more, both about Kressle, their real leaders, and the lands hereabouts, so that is one thing to consider. Another is, do we have any potential allies that may aid us against the bandits? Surely, this fort does not survive on its own. Hunters, trappers, rivermen must live in these lands. What might they share with us, knowing we come to make their lives safer, driving out these bastiches? Seeing the moon above, and the drooping eyes of his companions.
We can decide these things in the morning. Congratulations on your assault. The fort was saved, lives were spared. You work well together. These lands may well be left in good hands in the days to come. Gathering his gear, For my part I am going to get some rest. See you all with the dawn.
Kams will stake out, if possible, the north-eastern tower, and lay out his bedroll there for the night.
"What's your plan regarding that bunch in there? I can't say I'd be sorry to see 'em hang."
Thad sighs. Hanging them all would certainly be easier. "I'll give them the best sort of trial we can, first thing tomorrow. They can have their say; I think some of them'll hang and the rest we can put to work. Clearing land, building houses, getting seeds in the ground, first harvest... this year will be rough enough without digging graves and putting half a dozen able bodies in the ground.
"They lived by the laws of the wild, let them know the justice that the wilds reap," Tityanna declares, her cat like eyes reflecting the torchlight eerily . "Those who remain will inform all that we act in defense liberties and values of any who ally with us."
Warren awakes with the excitement of the previous days events fresh in his mind. After checking on his eagles and getting them ready to fly, Warren waits for his companions to assemble.
"I know we can sit and fortify, but it is best to keep the initiative and surprise this Kressle. Information is power, and our bounty of information and Kressle's lack of it are a temporary advantage we need to push right now. As the main near term threat to us, she needs to be neutralized now."
Aliana giggles softly at Porter's offer of a game and gives a roll of her shoulder. You may need to teach me the rules good sir, but I will attempt a round or two. She spends the evening laughing and swapping stories and small-talk with the settlers, the soldiers, and her companions.
When watches are discussed, she offers to do her part in taking a watch over the prisoners.
|
With Andrea's permission, Stephanus presents Sari with the clean and polished fang. He's bored a small hole in its base and run a leather cord through it to make a charm. When he gives it to her, he tells her its a reward for 'bravery and good cheer in the face of beast and brigand'.
Afterwards he takes part in the Dwarf's game, losing a modest amount of money to his companions with all the good humor he can muster. He drinks and eats what is offered, and puts his things wherever Oleg is able to house him.
After the celebration but before retiring, Stephanus makes his way to the top of the outpost palisade and surveys the surroundings. Tomorrow he will sketch what may be the first map of Oleg's outpost and its surroundings.
He lights a cigar stub and slowly savors its pungency as he ponders the long miles between him and his previous life. He wonders for perhaps the hundredth time how the lovers he left have adjusted their lives. He spent long enough swimming around in the undercurrents of Opparan high society to know that despite the anxiety that surrounded his goodbyes, the women left behind have no doubt already moved to new conquests. Maybe some of them even returned to their husbands beds.
The cool night breeze and the miles between here and there - they help lift the anxiety off his shoulders to fly off into the night sky like one of Warren's eagles. The present and the future is right here, palpable under the evening moon. He sits there pondering the moonlit landscape well into the evening.
Eventually the festivities wind down as folks retire for the evening. The card game ends in a friendly draw as no significant amounts are lost by any single person, but many a tall-tale and hearty laugh are shared among the group.
Later in the evening as the fire dwindles to a few red coals, Alexis and Gregor Meyerson team up with Gregor playing the lute, while Alexis sings to perform a couple of classic tales of Erastil and his wanderings. Both seem quite gifted with voice and talent and hold most of the settlers pleasantly enthralled by the performance.
The remainder of the night passes without incident and the morning dawns with the sky a clear bright blue and the promise of a warm day ahead. Even before the sun peaks above the horizon, the sounds of water being drawn from the well and firewood being cut break the early morning stillness of the outpost. Soon enough the smell of wood smoke and brewing tea and kaffe drift through the air as both Svetlana and the Meyerson's are busy preparing breakfast for everyone.
Kams will greet those around Morning comes, and the work anew with it, that is once he has roused himself, stretches, and wakens himself for the day ahead. Unless he runs into any of his charter companions, he heads to the stables to check over the horses, those wounded first, then the others, just gauging general conditions. Fearing the stables may well be too crowded, he considers if they might put the bridge bandits to work with himself and Warren later on cutting posts and saplings to build a small corral outside abutting the fort wall.
Once done, he will seek out the mistresses of the fort, either to aid in chores or enjoy breaking fast before the real issues of the day begin.
Greetings all, and thank you for the hospitality of your walls and table.
Entering the stables, Kams bumps into Yori Meyerson, already at work watering and brushing down the horses. He's getting some help from his youngest sister, four year old Kathryn, whose busy feeding the animals by scoping and portion of oats and grain from a large sack and adding it to a bucket set out for each animal. Like her brother, she seems to have a natural affinity for animals and is quite at ease around the much bigger creatures. Both Meyerson children greet Kams with warm, friendly smiles and Good Mornings.
Svetlana returns Kams' morning greeting with a friendly one of her own. At his offer to help she smiles and points to a nearly empty sack of flour. "It's been some time since I've had to prepare for this many people, if you could run to the supply shed, and grab another sack of flour I'd be very grateful. Oh! And a bit more water from the well if, you've the chance. I could also..." She rattles off a couple more items then smiles, a little embarrassed as she says, "Sorry, young sir, but Oleg would tell you, I'm not one to turn down an offer of assistance in the kitchen with so many mouths to feed."
Tityanna wakes beside Donal and spends several moments rigid with shock, then looks over the camp to whom might possibly have seen them together, anxious. Satisfied that they are indeed alone, and, strangely, that her arm no longer hurts, she leans down and kisses his cheek swiftly, feeling quite bold while he is asleep, and does her very best to scramble away before they are discovered.
Tityanna arrives just as Svetlana is speaking with Kam, and asking after assistance.
"Might I help?" she offers brightly. "Will not lie and call myself a cook, but I can skin vegetables well as any other hand. And sometimes I can keep from cutting myself, too," she jests lightly and smiles.
Hands deep in bread dough, Svetlana smiles at Tityanna's humor saying, "My, my. I've not run across such a helpful bunch of guests. I have to say you're all much more pleasant than the usual adventurers and ruffians who pass through."
She points out a crate about half full of large potatoes and hands Tityanna a small knife. "I could certainly use a little help getting a start on today's stew. A couple dozen of those potatoes should do the trick."
"And don't you worry, I've plenty of bandages should the need arise."[/b] She adds laughing lightly.
Aliana rises early, despite an inceasing desire to roll over and shut out the sun. Instead, she sits up, rubbing her eyes and yawning. I wonder what today shall bring us, she muses, sparing a guilty glance at the pack containg the journal book she has yet to begin. After splashing her face with cold water and brushing her hair, she makes her way to the kitchens. Seeing Tityanna and Svetlana busy at work, she grabs a knife and a potato, joining in. "Good morning. How did you two sleep?"
Tityanna sets to the potatoes with a somewhat skilled hand. She is not completely ignorant in the kitchen, but her mother's talents there far exceeded her own, and it was an activity that Leila enjoyed engaging in to benefit her daughter. Besides, cooking was creative whereas chores were tedious and dull, and far better for building a young girl's character than the temptation to snack upon sweets while ranging in the kitchen.
Tityanna blushes when Aliana asks after her evening, beet red and nearly cuts herself, cleaving a large piece of potato, too. She speaks a word in a language evoking flowers covered in dew, but it does not match her mottled face or quickened breath. "Quite well, thank you," she answers in a blur. "My arm is near completely healed!"
Aliana smiles knowingly as Tityana's color flushes rapidly to pink and to red. Traveling in such close company, it would be hard for her not to have noticed the way the other woman and the burly smith snuck glances at one another, or the time they've spent together. Aliana smoothly hides her smile behind scrubbing her cheek with the back of her hand,resisting for the moment the urge for a good-natured tease. Still, she can't resist a small jibe as she slices the peel off one potato. "So soon healed? That is wonderful! I think It helps the recovery process when one can be tended and watched over so attentively", she says with a bright, careless smile.
Tityanna's cat like eyes dart away from both women a moment, not in the direction of Donal's cart. "Warren's magics..." she starts and shakes her head. What ever had come over her the night before touched the heart of the rejection she felt on account of her sire, a source of pain so deep it stood opposed to every feeling she attributed to proximity to Donal.
"Yes, Ma'am, Mistress Ursula and Master Egillson have been very hospitable," she says finally and resumes peeling her potatoes. The flush is still evident on her face, but she appears more than a little uncomfortable with the subject.
Warren is curious about the upcoming trial this day and talks at breakfast.
"We can all attest these bandits attacked a group with women and children and fired an arrow and hit Tityanna."
Upon further reflection,
"Thad and Kams can get to the bottom of their motivations, I am sure."
Kams, finished with his earlier duties, and accomplishing as many of Mistress Leveton's as possible, comments, Motivations are of little importance to me. They intended banditry, and should be punished.
He stops a moment, wipes the sweat from his brow after setting fresh cordwood nearby for the Lady's use, and continues. Whether they did it out of greed, thuggishness, or were compelled by others I care not. What they plan now, when offered a chance to work towards reform is my only concern. I will gladly take up my blade, to either end their claim to our earthly realm by execution or by honorable combat. Should they truly seek to pay back to the communal good the damages they have wrought, well then my blade will stand to give them that right, much as it may gall me to do so. For Ali's sake I'll not resort to their level by seeking their deaths simply to see them die, least wise not if they honestly hope to make amends. Someday perhaps, they might save someone else's sister, and by that mine might rest a little easier, whereever she now resides.
With that, he returns to his helping around the fort, more to keep himself occupied than much else, least wise unless spoken to or the group is ready to confer on what lies ahead, both for the prisoners, the trial, and the other bandits still out there.
Aliana smiles and gives Tityana's arm a light pat before going back to finish up their task. "Well at any rate, I'm glad it and you are feeling better. Arrow wounds can be nasty."
Later, at Warren's reflections, she asks"Speaking of the bandits, when do we intend to have the trial? As unpleasant as the task may or may not be, I don't think it one we should put off much longer. Who is to pronounce judgment? How will the trial be arranged?"
Tityanna listened to Kams argument and schooled her features to the perfect impassivity that she held them in the court. The only kin that she could rely upon was her mother, and the pair had done quite well for themselves in their village, or rather Leila had as a ranger and defender. Tityanna was always afforded the title of odd, having so utterly failed at the training, and requiring a wizard from the city to succeed in anything. She struggled with his perspective, having known little violence before joining the expedition.
"The lord and ladies of the wilds have testified about the little bad men," Tityanna reminds the group. "I believe that we can agree that it is quite likely that their eyes are far more numerous and discerning than ours. Those men tread into their homes..." Tityanna trails.
"I cannot understand Kams position," she states, "but I also feel that if we should execute a man for having erred to maintain his security, we set a terrible precedent."
Tityanna pauses and looks each of the group assembled in the eye. "That said, those found guilty of violent and willful crimes like rape and murder should be put to the sword, for the good of all."
Warren looks for Thad.
"Thad, this trial should be your specialty. I think you can run this show with Kams' capable assistance. Kams has questioned them at length and he does know his way around."
Kams stops a moment, looking to Tityanna. My position is simple, really. A man is the sum whole of his parts, his life the sum value of ALL his years, all his deeds, those past, present, and future. If any man Ol' Deadeye flushes into my sights be worthy of redemption, judged so by better folk than me, well I'll not take the kill, and so defend them as I would any Erastil takes a shine to. Offering a rare smile, You yourself, taking a proper role with Goodman Donal, well I figure you and he stand a little taller in His eye today. Kams offers a slight wink, hopefully showing the young ranger offers no offense, but just some fun rustic banter. To my thinking, the truly repentent will only strengthen our stock. Standing serious once more, Those others, the likes of which you speak, I trust by the Parables they will show themselves true and be shorn of their false favors and my blade will be waiting to cull their ilk from our herd, so to speak.
To Warren he adds, By my word alone should no man go free. These others, we should all hear plain and true, making up our thoughts each ourselves. I think some have a chance, the rest, well, they made the choices a long time ago. It has just taken the arrow some time to find the mark. He then resumes his chores, nigh relishing the chance to truly labor for his supper.
With the smell of kaffe brewing, meat sizzling on the pan with flatcakes, and warming maple syrup drifting through the camp, it's not long before all of the settlers have gathered again around the tables. The conversation is light and full of good humor as the sun starts to take the morning chill off the air.
Fulton and a jovial Donal are busy discussing the possible layout of a couple of additional outbuildings including a small forge. Burdo and Porter are busy pouring over some old maps of the land further south. Each clearly with their own ideas of the best places to prospect for gold and iron.
Finally sitting down to eat Ursula, Duealla, Svetlana and Andrea have their heads together creating a list of plants and herbs that are needed to replenish both the healing supplies as well as some of the cooking needs.
As the rest of the party gathers from the kitchen and other areas around the compound the settlers turn their attention to other matters. Speaking for the group, Fulton turns to Thad and the others asking the key question of the day, "So my friends, what do you plan to do with those men locked up in the shed?"
--earlier--
Grueling as it could be, night found Thad almost missing the road. The journey from Rostov had required constant vigilance and he'd only allowed himself the bare minimum of rest and meditation required to ward off mental fatigue. Now, behind the safety of the walls, he could take the time to reflect deeply on the events of his long life; his reverie was troubled. Alysan, Durvon, Neil, Elmond, Jacob, Aiken... The torrent of names and faces from his prior life threatened to overwhelm him. Rivals, friends, victims, lovers, his mind wandered over events he was not proud of and people he'd rather forget. Sometimes, just remembering how much he used to enjoy the things he used to do would nearly upset his meditation. Eventually he thought back to his family... something about the simple, welcoming atmosphere at Oleg's had him reminiscing about parents and siblings and the memories of his old home. For the first time in years he remembered the sights and sounds (and smells!) of the tannery and the beautiful tooled leather crafts his parents made. Thad meets the dawn with a small smile on his serene face.
--presently--
Thad gives Fulton a straightforward answer, "It's time that they were called to answer for their actions. No good will come from putting it off... we'll let 'em speak their piece and see what they have to say for themselves, then decide their fate." Thad found it almost ironic that he of all people was to be among those passing judgment on the bandits, so soon after taking his oaths.
Fulton nods his head at Thad, "I'd agree, dealing with the matter sooner rather than later would be good for all those involved." He pauses for a second or two to gather his thoughts then continues, "I know there's been talk amongst yourselves that some of the bandits, might be kept on to work off their crimes. I think most of us believe everyone has a right to his or her mistakes and a chance to make good, so that isn't the issue."
He hesitates again and glances over at Donal then back to Thad, "I guess what I'm trying to say is that Master Donal and I have been talking, and it looks as if we could certainly use any extra hands and strong backs who we could trust to help build and plant over the next few months."
"We've agreed, that the wilds are still too dangerous to settle right now, especially with these bandits roaming the area. So the thought is to settle in here around Oleg's. At least while you folk complete the hard work put forth in the charters."
He looks over to Cal and the other two bandits you captured at the bridge, "So if you do think they can be trusted, we'd be willing to take them on as hired help and keep an eye on 'em for you. Perhaps with the assistance of Master Garess."
Tityanna allows her eyes to wander to Donal when Fulton mention his name, but not a moment before, blushes and quickly returns them to the headman, listening intently. Surely, it was not the Donal's place to sit at the hearth while she went forth to conquer the wilds, but very little about their relationship could be said to make sense. He could not very well strike a temporary forge every place the party went, nor she slip into his bed without drawing Erastil's wrath upon them for long...
Tityanna's cheeks burn almost purple, and she casts her eyes down for a few brief moments, considering Fulton's proposal.
"It is good of you to volunteer such a program, Master Meyerson," she says when she has regained her breath. "Truth, with so few persons at our disposal to build upon this foundation, one must reasonably wonder where we are to recruit from in order to see our community thrive. I will lend my support to Master Meyerson's initiative.
"Now then," she says, the color having faded from her face. "I believe that I will excuse myself from these proceedings," Tityanna appears to surprise even herself when she speaks the words. "I have not the experience with violence to judge men and women that have come from it. I know only that it is my desire that we should come together as a community for the benefit of all. If I cannot look upon a man and say, 'this is my brother upon whose talents and heart my life depends' I will be make a poor facilitator to that end."
Tityanna takes a deep breath and rises. "Master Fulton, Donal, if there's any way I can lend my clumsy hands to your efforts this morning, please do engage me."
When Tityanna rises, Fulton and Donal do so as well. Fulton offers a polite bow of the head saying, "Your offer is most gracious."
He looks over at the blacksmith whose eyes and bright smile appear completely focused on the young lady and says with a small grin of his own, "I'm sure Master Donal would be happy to show you our ideas and have your help measuring the plots."
Realizing the intensity of his gaze, Donal blushes brightly and then offers a graceful bow. "Indeed it would be most welcome." He says smiling. "In fact, if I'm not needed here I'd be happy to walk you through what we've come up with right now."
He steps around the table offering his arm to Tityanna with a warm smile and a gesture with his other hand toward the nearby gate adding "Of course, that is if you don't have other plans for the moment?"
"We've agreed, that the wilds are still too dangerous to settle right now, especially with these bandits roaming the area. So the thought is to settle in here around Oleg's. At least while you folk complete the hard work put forth in the charters."
He looks over to Cal and the other two bandits you captured at the bridge, "So if you do think they can be trusted, we'd be willing to take them on as hired help and keep an eye on 'em for you. Perhaps with the assistance of Master Garess."
"Aye, I'm glad you're not too eager to claim a homestead out in the wilderness. There is enough work to be done here in the immediate area... though the horses we've captured should make the work of clearing the land go a lot quicker. Our most immediate worry is this 'Kessel' and her camp. We'll learn what we can from this lot and tonight we can make plans for how to best deal with the threat."
Thad smiles when Fulton speaks of keeping an eye of the newly reformed bandits. "I was hoping you would make such an offer; I'll speak with Kesten and see if he'd mind acting the gaoler. Unless I'm greatly mistaken, I don't imagine Cal's lot will be much trouble. We'll see about the others presently..."
He certainly can't blame Tityanna for not wanting to stand in judgment of those men. To hold someone's fate in your hands... to take it upon oneself to declare whether another deserved to live or die... it changed you. Thad remembered earlier times, worse times, when he and his gang had made such decisions casually. He was determined to do better this time, if the decision was made that some of those men had to hang then it would be because they were truly irredeemable- not because it was the most convenient choice.
Thad nods to Tityanna as she takes her leave and looks to the other charter bearers, "Does anyone else wish to excuse themselves, or shall we see to our guests?"
Tityanna, blushing fiercely looks between the assembled party and Donal for a time, lost. Finally, she clears her throat.
"No, no plans," she answers and takes Donal's offered arm.
Tityanna tried not to look at Donal's face too often as they made their way to the gate, so she let her hand slip into his, and their fingers twine. "Do you really believe there is enough wood available to build a full forge?" she asked him while they walked, looking out on the stretch of planes so far as the eye could see. "Would not the cost of transporting lumber from elsewhere make this a less than ideal spot?"
Donal walks along in quiet contemplation as he and Tityanna make their way out of the gate. At her question he turns to her with a smile.
"It may be a little difficult at first, but Oleg already has a deal with some woodcutters who have a camp just a bit to the south and west. He's sure they would be willing to increase their supply for minimal cost."
His eyes take on an excited gleam, and his energy seems to burst with enthusiasm and anticipation as he continues. "But more importantly, the Deepsilver brothers believe they know of a source of coal not far away. According to some of the tales they gathered before coming south, a former prospector, and distant relation, came upon a large seam. Being a dwarf, he marked it on his map, but kept up the search for more valuable elements. Unfortunately their great-great-whatever-he-was died and only a portion of his map and journal still exist. Both Porter and Burdo are more interested in the gold, silver and iron he potentially discovered, but they're more than willing to share what they know about the coal deposit. It shouldn't take much searching to find and with a few dozen cartloads, I'd be set here for quite some time."
"Eventually with a solid source of coal, and a better location along one of the streams or rivers where I could set up a waterwheel to power a large bellows, a good, efficient operation could be built that could supply much of the needs for metal goods in the nearby area."
Realizing he's rambled on for quite a while, he blushes and says, "Sorry. It's so easy for me to get carried away about such things."
He gives Tityanna's hand a slight squeeze and looks her in the eye, "I hope you'll forgive a man his passions. After all, not all my passion is dedicated to metal and forges."
He brushes her hair back with his hand and leans in gently kissing first her cheek, then forehead, and finally her lips.
At Thad's question, Ursula, Duella, and Andrea Meyerson all excuse themselves. Gathering up the younger children they each head off to their various duties and tasks.
Gregor Meyerson stays next to his father, a serious look on his face, but he remains quiet. He seems more interested in learning what the men have to say, and how Thad and group plan to handle the bandits than actually participating. Bashful Yori Meyerson, quietly slips away toward the stables while Alexis follows after her mother and the others.
Porter Deepsilver pushes back from the table saying to Thad, "I've other matters I'd like to see to. I'll leave this judgement in your capable hands."
His brother remains seated. In his gravely voice he says, "I'd like to stay on and hear what they have to say."
Finally, Oleg remains seated, a look of keen interest on his face. "I'll remain as well, I'd like to hear what these scoundrels have to say after they've plagued me and the other honest folk of these parts for weeks."
Once the commotion of people leaving and reorganizing their place settles down, Fulton turns to Thad with a serious look, "It seems the floor is yours. Please proceed good knight."
Tityanna listens quietly as Donal explains his plans for building and supplying his forge. She is pleasantly surprised to hear that someone has done some exploring of the area, if only to investigate its natural resources. That he intends to build his forge on a river, however, concerns her.
"Is not such a location... exposed?" she inquires. "We've no manner of knowing what can travel on the rivers, in terms of men or monsters, and wood and hills provide better protection from..." Tityanna trails, recognizing that she is likely being a nag.
Tityanna colors only faintly when Donal kisses her lips, as they are alone, and it just... seemed right. She slides her arms around him and allows him to be the anchor that she needs when so little else seems to be making sense. "There's so much to be done," she says softly.
Donal chuckles softly at Tityanna's worried tone. "Don't worry love, it doesn't need to be a big waterway, although that might be easier for shipping goods."
With a shrug of his shoulders and a deep breath his own voice reflects a bit of his own worry. "Either way, I plan to set up right here at Oleg's until you and your lot have cleared out this bandit lord and brought a little peace and order to the region. I've as much fun for the occasional barroom brawl as anyone might, but fighting giant serpents, and strange evil magics is out of my depth."
A shiver runs through his body as he remembers the bandit leader and Thad's encounter with the necromantic charm. "No, it's you and your friends I fear for the most in the coming days."
Upon hearing the words of the settlers, Warren speaks up.
"We need to explore and secure the surrounding countryside to make it safe to move outside these walls. Until then, I think your plans are the wise ones. Once we finish the judgement, we can directly deal with the bandits. I believe in the value of being on the offensive and holding the initiative."