"Then it seems we're in agreeance that he should not be trusted. I'm glad to here that, because it has sounded like some of you wished him to participate in us entering the Stag Lord's base. It also seems you are in agreeance that he should live. may I ask why blades are pushed to him then if your desire is for him to live?"
Duška shrugs;
"In the Wilds. Around the campfires. In the ruins, where bandits lurk... it is force and guile that earn respect... even fear yes?"
The ranger sighs, unwilling to continue, yet compelled to;
... old habits. Bluff and blunder and desperation to make him understand. To see who we are, what choices may be made, oaths that bind and their consequences. You know this yes?"
She flips a Harrow card and shows it with a hard look;
"The Uprising. The Stag Lord's fate perhaps? If needed I will walk into his den for us all and become what I once was... Duška of the Shallow Graven once again."
Ra'hl's eyes focus on Duska as he speaks, "Bluff and blunder, has has had in the past. Desperation, is all he seems to know. If you wish him to see who we are then truth and justice should be our cloak. If you wish him to see us as merciful, then show mercy. Showing harm, injury and threat, makes us no different than the Stag Lord." Ra'hl voice is constant, never chiding or raised. He speaks calmly trying to have his gentle discussion compel the others to keep a calm demeanor as well.
Natasha eyes the man with interest.
"I hear much idealism in your voice Rogarvia. But I had to learn the hard way, that idealism is seldom something one is allowed to keep in such situations. Threats and fear are but tools in war. You seem to forget that many might well prefer to live through an unpleasant exeprience like that instead of being culled from this world in the name of swift justice.
It is unpleasant to watch mayhap, but I do prefer such tactics to a fast ticket to the gallows. Watch the boy Ra'hl. He told us much of value in fear for his life and we could see he was nothing but a pup who lost his way. Could we have spared him what you call 'savage'? Yes. But he would most likely face the gods soon."
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For a moment, Anton considers attempting to explain to Cuddles the difference between arcane and divine magic; how shamanism was drastically different to power gained through years of studying dusty tomes. He decides against it. There was little to no chance of the orc understanding. "Yes, magic man. That's me," he chuckles weakly, turning a page and looking over the scrawled notes on the verso. What does that say?? he wonders, squinting at his own handwriting.
"If that were true," he points out to Mattrim, "The entire ecosystem would have collapsed with the death of the first predator. Nature sorts itself out in the end. Anything short of total devastation is self-repairing - it might not be immediate, but by measured increments, everything works out."
Aleria sighs, having followed the three over. She closes her eyes a moment and rubs her temples. Ai..., These people are going to give me grey hairs before my time. A bandit seeress, a monster woman, and a rage filled pretty boy noble. I'm being punished..., aren't I? This is a punishment for something either I have done, or will do...
Aleria looks between the three of them, and takes a deep breath before she finally speaks. "Rogarvia, do you know why I shot the arrow where I did?"
She gives him a firm and even stare, one that expects he should know the correct answer if he applies his mind to it.
Saber is clearly unsure about what this big Two-Legs is saying, it's noises seem harsh yet it stood there doing nothing. Wondering if he is being challenged or if the Two-Legs had never learned proper communication, Saber begins chuffing at Cuddles.
Tiger Chuffing, Ignore all the Dialogue.
Saber waits to see what the Two-Legs does.
Turning back to Anton from the stump, Mattrim ponders for a moment, thinking on Anton's words.
"That's a fair point. But you don't deny that everything is intertwined do you? Though, I did not mean to suggest that the break in the cycle is an end in itself for all. I agree that something far worse than the loss of a bear would be needed. The wheel of life keeps on turning as it was, as long as the gods themselves see it so. After time things will undoubtedly repair themselves.
My point was just that nature is not a hierarchy. Some see the predators at the top Mattrim grins and nods towards Saber but the sun and the tree's and even the insects are as important as anything else. It might not be a true end, but a collapse in the system is 'a' end."
Noticing Saber and Cuddles
"I don't think he knows what to make of you Cuddles, that's the sound Saber meets when he greets someone."
Cuddles smiles. His yellow, brick like teeth making the gesture unsettling. It probably isn't that bad for once though, he doesn't have Sabre's maw. Cuddles doesn't immediately rush the cat for a hug. After all, Lucy said that kitties don't like hugs.
He does slowly approach, however, and keeps whispering greetings and praise in Orc.
"As I said - measured increments. It takes time, and sometimes, it changes drastically. Imagine a volcanic eruption, spewing tons of ash into the sky that took months to settle - what would happen to the ecosystem? Without light, the flora would die; without plants to feed on, grazing animals would die; and without a supply of prey, predators would follow. But perhaps some strange fungi might emerge from this devastation, better equipped to survive in this new environment. Maybe the trees we know would be replaced by, oh I don't know, enormous mushrooms, and strange toadstools would grow instead of grass. And maybe when the ash finally settled and the skies cleared, things would slowly change back to the way they were." Anton pauses. "Or not. I'm not a naturalist; this is a strictly hypothetical scenario. I doubt there's any volcanic activity in this region."
The rapid-fire way he talks, complete with several wild gesticulations of his bony hands, suggests that in his mind, this speech is a perfectly logical continuation of Mattrim's point.
"Also, Cuddles, it seems that feline friend of yours doesn't quite know what to make of you. Perhaps he finds your physique and relative altitude intimidating?" After a moment's pause, he sighs, adding, "Get down, smaller. Kitty not be scared then." He says the words with a grimace, as if the stilted grammar leaves a sour taste in his mouth.
Cuddles frowns at Anton when he first speaks. The wizard knows better. Then the statement is revised and Cuddles nods. He crouches down and tries not to make to much eye contact. He's not quite submissive, Cuddles probably couldn't look submissive if he knew how and tried, but he does look slightly less imposing.
"Your arrow in his lap was intended to strike fear into him. The second, to show the power your god has granted you." Ra'hl says, speaking quickly and putting little thought into his answer. He crosses his own arms meeting her stare.
Aleria sighs, more a sigh of frustration than anything. "I honestly don't know that anything that I say to you right now would get through, but Elk's Horns I am going to try."
Aleria starts to pace back and forth as she thinks. "The arrow had a specific purpose. To test his mettle. I wanted to see what was in his heart. You can't do that by simply bantying words and nice pleasantries."
She keeps pacing, looking over to the two men, one young and old, her eyes softening for a bit. "They are the simply the life pulse of what is going on. The older man, set in his ways, has weighed and measured all of the possibilities out here. And has come to the conclusion that the only way to make a living is to be one of these bandits. That the only means to survival is to be one of the fold. The younger one still understands. He still knows in his heart that banditry is wrong, because he has not lost hold of his ideals yet. Life and it's harsh realities have not yet broken his optimism. The other one..., he's no hard criminal. He's a man that has lost hope and lost faith in those that can bring a good life and good living. And so in order to make his way, he works for the only person he knows how to, and does whatever he can to make his way."
She sighs, her features now sad as she turns to Ra'hl. "My arrow struck its intended target. The problem is, Rogarvia, you don't yet understand what that target is. To put these two to the sword makes us nothing but executioners. And how can we blame him for being unrepentant, when the only way to truly make a living in these parts is to be a bandit. If anything, that arrow showed me just who we have to be, and what we need to do if we are to provide any sort of true justice and sense of a good life to these people. We cannot rely on the sword to solve our problems. Either what we believe to be right and good and true, is right and good and true for all men and women before the gods. Or..., we are just another robber tribe. Another bandit house waiting to steal and carve out our own little piece of the world."
She gives him a plaintive look as she considers him more. "It's not about having power, Rogarvia. To have power, and station to wield it, that is being an aristocrat. To understand that your power comes by being a servant and defender of the people you are lord of, that is what it means to be noble. Those of us who are able have to be willing to do the most to defend them. So..., are you willing to defend a helpless boy, and a hopeless man from a bloodthirsty and battle hungry bandit lord?"
Aleria sighs, more a sigh of frustration than anything. "I honestly don't know that anything that I say to you right now would get through, but Elk's Horns I am going to try."
Ra'hl nods listening intently, "Speak, I am very interested in what you have to say."
Aleria starts to pace back and forth as she thinks. "The arrow had a specific purpose. To test his mettle. I wanted to see what was in his heart. You can't do that by simply bantying words and nice pleasantries."
She keeps pacing, looking over to the two men, one young and old, her eyes softening for a bit. "They are the simply the life pulse of what is going on. The older man, set in his ways, has weighed and measured all of the possibilities out here. And has come to the conclusion that the only way to make a living is to be one of these bandits. That the only means to survival is to be one of the fold. The younger one still understands. He still knows in his heart that banditry is wrong, because he has not lost hold of his ideals yet. Life and it's harsh realities have not yet broken his optimism. The other one..., he's no hard criminal. He's a man that has lost hope and lost faith in those that can bring a good life and good living. And so in order to make his way, he works for the only person he knows how to, and does whatever he can to make his way."
She sighs, her features now sad as she turns to Ra'hl. "My arrow struck its intended target. The problem is, Rogarvia, you don't yet understand what that target is. To put these two to the sword makes us nothing but executioners. And how can we blame him for being unrepentant, when the only way to truly make a living in these parts is to be a bandit. If anything, that arrow showed me just who we have to be, and what we need to do if we are to provide any sort of true justice and sense of a good life to these people. We cannot rely on the sword to solve our problems. Either what we believe to be right and good and true, is right and good and true for all men and women before the gods. Or..., we are just another robber tribe....
"I know you do not believe me, but I do understand. I am not blind to what we learned. I believe in judging a man by his actions. Their actions showed me exactly what you aid. A young man who feels he has no choice, and another lost to fear. These are judgement we could not have made based on their actions on the road alone."
Ra'hl sighs and lessens the harshness of his stance before continuing, "I have not since we got here wanted to put the men to death. There are other ways. I only made the offer, because based of the arrow in his lap, and two blades pressed to him; it seemed to be the will of the people. I will not condone torture. Striking fear into them in that way was torture, however you wish to justify it to yourself, had it been the Stag Lord putting arrows in your lap, and his men putting blades to you. You'd not be so quick to reason out how what happened was not torture."
Ra'hl rolls his head back deep in thought continuing, "I am green in this. Only a fool would plunder blind into the unknown rather than admit his own ignorance. So I can offer no better way. We likely would not have learned what we learned about these men without what was done to them. That still does not make it right.
Ra'hl's eyes return forward meeting hers, "When fighting a tyrant, you can weaken the enemies army by burning the fields and salting the earth, but what evil have you wrought the world in doing so. You rob the common people of hope. Especially the hope that a better life exists. You drive men who would see you as freedom from the tyranny they face away because they do not understand what kind of leader you will be. They can judge you by your actions alone. We must be better than our enemies."
Natasha has watched the discussion with interest, and a smile formed on her lips.
"I am glad to have you two at my side. One sees the big picture, the community, the people. What could be, what might be if not cut short. The other so full of ideals and noble thoughts, full of honor, wanting justice swift and clean. If alone, I might have followed cold logic learned on the battlefield. Cold logic that could be seen as heartless. That had more in common with our enemy than I would like to admit."
She stops and regards the two men whose fate would be decided soon, then returns her gaze to the group."I do not wish to kill them if possible. They could be valueable if persuaded, and I have enough blood on my hands already. Enough bandit heads rolled at my command."
Saber looks approvingly at Cuddles, seeing him as a worthy pack mate hunt well this two-legs will before walking over to the now crouched Cuddles to get a better view of his face. Growling in approval, Saber lays down beside the Orc.
"Mattrim watches Anton puzzled for a moment before responding with a small laugh, it felt good to laugh with everything. [b]"I don't think we are entirely arguing different points here. Regardless, I enjoyed the discussion."
Mattrim moves to help assist with chopping wood (or moving it barring only one axe).
"So what brought the two of you out to these parts?"
Cuddles starts grinning uncontrollably when Sabre lays down. He basks in the moment before mattrim's example sets him back to work. Looks once again start exploding apart.
I COME FOR LUCY. SHE BE HERE SOMEWHERE...
"Well, fresh air is better than sitting in a stuffy library reading dusty books all day," Anton sighs. "At least, that's what Father seems to think." He lets out a short laugh that quickly turns into a cough; he buries his mouth in his sleeve, shoulders quivering until the fit passes.
Saber scampers back several feet as the chucks of wood start to fly.
@Anton
"I see, well I would agree with your father on that point, I've never been a big book person myself, why
Mattrim brings the axe down cutting himself off momentarily.
"Why read about it, when you can experience it yourself.?"
Noticing the progress Cuddles is making, "By Gozreh Cuddles, how are there any tree's left, and who is this Lucy?"
Mattrim redoubles his efforts, not wanting to be completely outshone.
The second question eclipses the first. Cuddles smiles and shows Mattrim a scarf tied around his wrist. It's colorful and clearly well tended, but small a halfling child might have fit it and called it a scarf.
Lucy first and best friends. Lucy teach cuddles hugs. Lucy gone. Cuddles finds her.
Each statement rings with genuine feeling. Sweet memories, sadness, determination, all saying much more than Cuddles limited vocabulary can express.
Osk approaches Ra'hl, Duska, Natasha and Aleria and clears his throat, Don't mean to tell you your business but those men are worn thin and tired. Even being healed as they have it takes a lot out of a man not normally used to it. I'm sure you could all talk for hours about what you mean to do and how you mean to do it but there is a lot to do and I am wondering if now is not a good time to think on whats been said, take a step back, and move on to other items for a bit?
"If you knew my father, you'd understand what a hypocritical stance that was for him to take," Anton mutters darkly. "He spent twenty years teaching me mastery of the arcane, and suddenly I'm spending too much time reading. He has something planned, I'm sure of it. I just wish I knew what."
With a sigh, he adds, [b]"Cuddles hasn't found Lucy yet. Doesn't stop him hoping."
Natasha nods approvingly. "You are right Osk. We should put the take the two into custody for now and continue this discussion tomorrow after all have had a chance to cool down."
She walks towards Oleg. "Oleg, good man, do you have a room we could use as a temporary holding cell for our two guests, until we have sorted out this issue?"
Its actually Kesten who chimes in, Yes Lady Medvyd, we converted one of the small sheds to a holding cell of sorts. Seemed prudent after tales of the first bandit encounter. I'll move your prisoners and have my men keep a watch. See they are fed and given supplies while you sort your other business.
Osk nods at the resolution and wanders off to his own tasks. Anton, Cuddles and Mattrim finish up their task and within the next hour as the afternoon sun starts its trek towards dusk the group is reunited at the camp. Oleg and Jhod coordinate moving the lumber to various piles, some for wood, others for minor construction uses while Osk, Kesten and his men see about the prisoners, coordinate the next set of projects and leave the group to their own devices...
Aleria frowns at Ra'hl, something clearly stewing in her mind as she watches the entire scene. Her pondering is broken by Osk and Kesten offering to inter the men for now. She thinks for a few moments more, then looks at them both. "Gentlemen, a request if you could. It is difficult enough out here when everyone is working together to keep things going. If I may make a suggestion: Put them both to work. I suspect we are going to head back out on our field mission soon. When we get back, if you could let us know how they have handled themselves, perhaps that would give us a better measure of what to do with them?"
She looks thoughtfully a few moments more. She then abruptly turns on her heels, heading for the gate of the trading post, her bow in hand as she steps lightly.
Kesten offers a searching look to Osk who nods his head slowly, Put Erik on the young one, give me the old salt. Kesten nods and moves off as Osk looks after Aleria...
Seeing Aleria head off from the scene, Natasha nods once again towards Kesten and Osk, then follows the woman outside.
She rushes to catch up, then matches Aleria's speed, following quietly until they are out of hearing distance.
"Now that we have dealt with this matter for the time being, I had hoped that you could ... help me ease my mind. You said to talk to you later, to hold a proper funeral." her face turned grim once again at the thought.
"Today's events have uncovered parts of my nature I thought to have left behind. Seems I cannot escape my heritage so easily - hate and seething anger, talk of the stag king has awoken them again. I wish to go into battle with a clear head and not a heavy heart and burning rage."
Ra'hl gave thought to going after Aleria, but seeing Natasha go in her direction, Ra'hl instead goes to aid Kesten and the others in bringing the lumber from earlier inside.
Duška takes in the unfolding events as she stows her Harrow cards.
When the others disperse she continues to sit alone, quietly musing on the words and exchanges...
Aleria walks with purpose, looking to find some game or an animal that she can bring back for the mid day meal for roasting or other cooking. He speaks the right words, but in his heart burns only anger and rage. I do not believe that I can trust him, not for now.
She starts heading towards the treeline, looking for signs of tracks. She is snapped from her reverie by Natasha coming up alongside. She winces a little at her lack of hunter's step and presence of sound, but sighs gently, not expecting her to understand.
At the mention of the funeral and her thoughts, Aleria turns to Natasha and blinks. "I did, and we will. How many of your companions did you lose? What can you tell me about what happened?"
Natahsa and Aleria commiserate while Ra'hl aids the garrison with its tasks. Cuddles, Mattrim and Anton sort through their load and Osk coordinates the various activities as they relate to the trading post, checking in with Oleg to ensure that any action meets the mans needsand taking a fair amount of time moving about the buildings with the older bandit talking more than anything else.
The younger bandit for his part right away (under the watchful eye of the guards and now Ra'hl) moves to work diligently and without protest.
The day moves on quickly with the following agenda items being stated for the days to come (absent a conspicuous change by the group:
- A wall conversion and outbuilding expansion will be made by Kesten and his men to house his group, break down the tents and create an entrance into the camp proper from that building without needing to open the main gate.
- Jhod is planning a trip to the shrine of Erastil discovered weeks before. He indicates that he intends to take a few central pieces of lumber to bless them and return them to be incorporated into the expansion of the outpost.
- Osk indicates that he is willing to watch the bandits but notes that some formal determination should be made soon if "rule of law" is an important part of the group's process moving forward.
Mattrim will finish up chopping wood, his shoulders aching from overexerting himself from trying to out chop Cuddles (to little avail). Tis what I get. he thinks lightly to himself, his bad mood temporarily gone from the days exertion.
Later he heads to double check his horse,!inspecting the other horses in the process to make sure all seem ready for travel. Satisfied he hangs out waiting for dinner so that plans can be set in stone, making sure to keep his distance from the bandits.
It was a mistake not to scout the location out beforehand. Even though we managed a stealthy infiltration, in the end we were seen and the fort turned into a death trap. Lucius and Ako died by the Stag King's weapons, and I was struck down from behind, falling unconcious onto their bodies. Erastil must have watched over me, as they took me for dead and threw the bodies into a hole in their cellar - for what purpose I cannot fathom.
And while the others escaped with their lives, their morale was shattered so that they chose to break from my service afterwards.
I managed to steal a horse while the bandits celebrated the slaughter."
Natasha speaks fast, faster than usual - as she feared stopping the flow of words would make it impossible to continue.
"I never truly knew Ako, he joined our group out of hope to find acceptance. He was a thief before and followed me on my search for viable persons before we embarked into the Stolen Lands. He was a nondescript young man of Tian descent. But he was not human, I learned that once I awoke in that damned cellar.
Ako was a fox-man, hiding his true nature from all until death revealed it. I suppose it was fear that kept him from talking, and I still wonder if he would have ever shared this secret, had he lived long enough to give me trust." She seems lost in thought for a moment, then continues.
"Lucius was a hard man, following a path of death in the name of justice. I did not like how he so swiftly judged men unworthy to live, but it seemed the right path to peace. Now I think there may be other ways."
As a trip through the wilderness could well turn out quite dangerous, Natasha suggests that some should accompany Jhod to the shrine. She volunteers and also points out that Aleria could use the opportunity to commune with Erastil, to bless the group's expeditions in the near future.
Ra'hl returns to the camp tired for the days hard labor, and the long ride down here. He moves one of the dinner table chairs into the shade and relaxes into the seat. He takes generous swigs from his waterskin and lets his eyes fall shut, quietly indulging in the sounds of the people around him. The simpleness of everything around him gave him a strange peace.
When Jhod speaks of heading out into The Wild, Duška immediately perks up.
While the lithe ranger does not outright volunteer to accompany any on such a foray, her awkward and restless intent is clear that she would wish to be included.
The day fades almost suddenly, as basic tasks and prep for the journey ahead dominate the remaining hours. For and conversation is shared and sleep is had. Everyone rises in the morning and is ready to start their next steps...
After dinner, Ra'hl takes whatever bed is offered to him and beds down early. He is likely the first one in bed and the first one awake, arising an hour before dawn and quietly slipping out into the courtyard. Free of the eyes of any save the night guard Ra'hl lays down in the grass closing his eyes and enjoying the nights cool breeze. His eyes slowly open staring up into the night sky. He is still amazed by the difference in the sky compared to New Stetven. His mind is lost in the moon and stars for hours. When he hears the others begin to rise and move around, Ra'hl will get up cutting her personal time off early. He makes his way out the front gate and finds a clearing, hidden from the eyes of many, but still in sight of one of Kesten's posted guards just in case. Ra'hl draws his blade and begins to move through a cardio heavy training regime.
He returns back through the gate just in time to see Cuddles, Mattrim, and Anton packed up and preparing to leave. Ra'hl stops to wish each of them luck, giving them a wide berth to let their horses and cat pass through the gate.
Duška keeps mostly quiet as the eve ushers in. The former bandit is clearly troubled by memories of her past life brought to focus by Jarek's words.
The half elf sleeps fitfully and when morning comes she welcomes the light and opportunity to move into the Wilds.
Prepping her horse and equipment, she ensures all elements are at hand and bow strung and readied...
Duška as the other group sally forth, she watches silently from atop her own steed, patiently waiting for when their turn shall come.
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The other group leaves early on with Matt and Anton taking horses while Cuddles and Saber trot at an easy speed with them.
For the larger group the Erastilian cleric Jhod also mounts up and seems genuinely enthusiastic at the impromptu pilgrimage of sorts out to the temple. The large man seems a capable rider though a bit rusty as he jokes about being older and heavier than when he last rode in earnest. Middle age is clearly upon the cleric and though he radiates a certain ready well of power there is a reluctance to him as well.
As the group moves to make ready the cleric turns to his current companions, I know that there has been some...chaos...on the most direct path to the temple. Fey creatures that harry tresspasers and bandits and ask for peace. I know the original charter members learned their names and agreed to leave them be. Tyg Tigger-Tut and Pervilash if I recall. Would us taking the fastest route by them seem overly hostile? Do we ask for passage? Or avoid them all together?
Watching Ra'hl ride is like watching a toddler placed on a pony. He gets his feat in the saddle but he hesitates to push to horse in any way. At Jhod's question, Ra'hl will glance to Aleria and Duska as this is clearly their areas of expertise and defers to their expertise.
Aleria spends her evening preparing, gathering some stout smaller branches and such, preparing what look like small bows, about twice the width of a man or woman's handspan. She would spend the night thinking and in solitude for the most part, though also talking with Natasha during parts of it.
The following morning, she gathers her gear, packing down her horse, making certain she carries with her everything she might need. She goes to speak with Oleg to try and purchase a couple things, before coming to meet the rest of them. She wears a suit of what look like hunting leathers, with a well crafted and somewhat ornate looking chain shirt over top that could best be described as silver steel.
She has daggers at her side, a mace strapped to her left hip, and her longbow at her back with quiver.
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Aleria shrugs at the question. "Unless they strike out at us, I see no reason to disturb their home. Let us not stir up more than one hornet's nest at once. And the bandits seem problem enough."
As they ride, she looks over at Jhod. "What brings you out to this area? Is it just the shrine? Do you have a home that you tend to?"
Duška nods at Jhod's words as they ride along;
"The fey are indeed fickle creatures yes? We should make parley with them as they are the eyes and ears of The Wild in this world and their own..."
As Natasha weighs in she shrugs;
"If time is of the essence, we can meet with them on route back..."
"Agreed, there is no reason to make enemies where it can be avoided. If they pose no danger to us, I think we should stop on our return trip." Ra'hl speaks as his horse lags behind a bit. Happily the beast seems to want to keep up with his kin, unlike the trip to Oleg's where it stopped to graze half a dozen times an hour.
Jhod nods at the apparent building consensus of fey "after" the temple. As the group continues and Aleria asks her question the cleric becomes visibly flushed and he clearly struggles to keep his voice from breaking, A mission of faith Aleria. A mission of faith. I made mistakes in my time and I came here to know Erastil better. To find a closer connection to His will for me...
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