Zethyris adopts a sterner tone."Settle down there. It will more than likely take hours to catch up with them. We don't want to be exhausted when we get there. Tired people make mistakes. Those mistakes could cost lives."
Zethyris's mind flashes back to a pirate's ship, a sunny day after drinking all night, a half-orc's sword...
His voice softens. "Once I would have agreed with you, but you are not as invincible as you think. We will want every advantage we can get, including a few hours' rest."
"You, too, half-orc? Is everyone here a 神のろわれた 膣は涙で作られて尖る but me?"
Mind translating that into common? I want to make sure I am insulted before responding.
"Tell that to the citizens of this--I hesitate to call it a town--with these cannibals now. I am sure they will understand that some of us were slightly tired." Julian grunts. He picks up his voice "DO NOT BE AFRAID HAIRY NORTHERN PEOPLE! WE WILL RESCUE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! AFTER THESE それらのズボンに排尿臆病者 CATCH THEIR BREATH AFTER A DIFFICULT DAY OF SITTING. I AM SURE ONLY SOME OF YOUR LOVED ONES WILL BE RAPED AND EATEN BY THEN!"
"You, too, half-orc? Is everyone here a 神のろわれた 膣は涙で作られて尖る but me?"Mind translating that into common? I want to make sure I am insulted before responding.
"You seem a true, honorable warrior. If you think sitting by the campfire and relaxing is the best thing for the captives, you insult yourself."
Fine. Then let us both take point so that we can make sure neither is being cowardly.
Jediah gets up and gets ready to head out.
"That's more like it! Anyone else with 十分に大きい性器 to come with us?"
"SIT down and SHUT your mouth!" Anastasiya commands Julian with an unexpectedly fierce and evil glint in her eyes.
"Jediah, the same goes for you! Save your rage for those raiders. Both of you!"
She continues in a softer, more understanding tone: "I'm as eager to leave right now as you are. Unfortunately, the others are right: we are helping no one by starting right now. You might not feel exhausted right now. But trust me, you will be by the time we reach those cannibals. So in the name of whatever gods you pray to: be quiet now and try to get some rest."
Julian opens his mouth to answer, but then shuts it. 尼, he thinks. He wanders away from the group silently looking for tracks.
Andreas stands, having heard more than enough of Julian's ranting. "Do you think us blind to what happened here!? Lives were lost, homes destroyed, and family taken! No one here finds what transpired to be acceptable. But do not let the anger make you a fool in the heat of the moment."
The paladin points angrily at the charred remains of a long house. "There is no beauty here. Only a charred, sickening perversion of what these people accomplished. Such darkness stains a man's soul; your anger and outrage are symptoms of an illness, the lasting effect of the marauders that destroyed these people's lives. If you let it cloud your judgement you can help no one!"
Andreas pauses to calm himself, taking a few breathes before continuing. Despite this his fist shakes in barely controlled rage. "We have all been effected by what we have seen today. Spend the time as you will; rest, pray, make peace with yourself, but know that rushing into the night without a level head will only make the situation worse. We will catch the men who did this, and they will pay for their crimes. Now, if you actually have some of that tea you mentioned, I think I could use a cup. The Goddess only knows what keeps me standing after witnessing the destruction we have this day."
They squabble like children and that ignorant foreigner as much as called us all cowards. If I was a warrior I would have challenged him for such an insult. Looking disgusted with the arguing going on, Dagmar goes to collect her gear and to gather bandages and supplies for whatever wounded they find. Once done, she'll rejoin what members of the group she can find.
"It was a good speech, Andreas. I'm sure he would have learned his lesson had he not wandered off halfway through it. Now try to calm down and find some rest as well. He's just a boy and I'm sure he means well."
Rutilux had been tending to his horse, but by the time he heard some commotion, it was too late. "What was all that noise about?" he asked no one in particular.
"Thanks for calming that down, you two," Zethryis says to the mailed Taldane and Kellid woman. "My name is Zethyris. *sigh* I hope he doesn't go off and do something stupid."
"I think y'all better go find da wee firestarter afore he gets introduced to Ulfen steel. Also ifn ye wanna look for survivors give dis to Toopil an he'll get ya wot ya need." Turning aside he grabs a piece of parchment and a quill and jots down a quick note then folds it and hands it to Isham.
If they don't want to be insulted, they should do smarter things, Julian internally grumbles, trying to track the footprints.
Isham thanks Bron, says that if they're not back by sunset four days hence, would he please have a service said for them. Then Isham heads off to Toopil to execute whatever is in Bron's note, 'some riding horses for all, and a couple of day's rations would set well. Hard tack and hard marching probably won't help us find these raiders. I wonder which 'firestarter' he's on about? I think I missed something...'
Jediah breathes out and sits down after the sorceress rants at him and Julian. That man almost goaded me into heading off and almost getting killed no doubt. Hrumphh. Jediah pokes at the fire with a stick.
After gathering up her gear, Dagmar looks around for the rest of the scouting party. Easily picking out Andreas amongst the rougher looking Ulfen, Dagmar makes her way over to where he is standing with a few of the others.
"Excuse me, I know Andreas, but I don't think I've had the chance to talk to the rest of you before. My name's Dagmar Ragnasdottir."
Jediah looks up as the slender woman introduces herself. Greetings. I have noticed you with the rest of the group but this is indeed our true first meeting. I am Jediah Mountainstrong
"Uhm, nice to meet you Jediah." Dagmar has difficulty meeting your eyes as she speaks with you and you get the feeling she is not entirely comfortable in your presence.
"Well met, Dagmar. My name is Zethyris." A small smile graces his features as their eyes meet, but he quickly looks away. By the Lucky Drunk, she's got the same eyes. Well, no time like the present, I suppose. His gaze returns to her face. "Ah... Do you..." Zethyris seems to be struggling for the correct words. "Did... Are... blast. This is going to be awkward regardless of how I put it. I knew a man named Valborg Ragnasson, who had a sister named Dagmar. Is that you?"
Taking the note to Toopil, Isham finds him deep in a bowl of warm stew hiding between two of the supply wagons.
"Huh, what do you want?" seeing the note offered to him, he wipes his hands and starts to read."Hmm, seven horses, food and drink for eight of you and... Wait a minute! Where do you plan on going with all this?"
He passes the note to one of his assistants who runs off to get everything prepared.
A look of grief passes across Dagmar's as Zethyris asks his question and it takes a moment for her to meet his eyes and answer him. "Yes, that would be me. Val had traveled south with Savol a number of years ago. Did you fight alongside him? I wonder how well he knew Val. I would like to hear more about his time away. I have no idea how he spent his last days, I hope they were happy ones at least. I also wonder if it is any sort of ill omen that the first two people to introduce themselves to me remind of the deaths of two loved ones?
"Why master Toopil, we're merely off hunting some snipe. Bron tells me there may be some up the north road - the Outriders may have left us a few," seeing the quartermaster has sent someone off to fetch the very useful items, Isham is feeling a bit more expansive - less tense than he has since very early that morning. Somehow Mr. Toopil gives him that comfortable competent non-com feeling. [b]"My thanks for the supplies Mr. Toopil, I'll treat them no harder than myself and my crew."
Retrieving the supplies and string of horses to the group's campsite, it occurs to Isham that he may have to come to a better understanding of horses if he's to remain ashore for much longer. They seem to be much less a simple conveyance than he'd imagined from the deck of a ship.
"So ladies and gentlemen, Captain Bron and Mr. Toopil have seen fit to trust us with some gear and supplies for our little snipe hunt. Let's be mindful of taking good care of them. If you have little experience with any of the horse or kit, as I do, please be sure to consult with someone who has managed to ride more than a day without killing mount or rider. For now I'm going to string the horses over here - Andreas, perhaps you can help my salty self? As we agreed, we'll ride out in two hours."
Counting noses, and finding one short... with a sinking feeling Isham begins to believe he now understands the prescient Captain Bron's 'firestarter' jibe. "Has anyone seen Julian?"
"So ladies and gentlemen, Captain Bron and Mr. Toopil have seen fit to trust us with some gear and supplies for our little snipe hunt. Let's be mindful of taking good care of them. If you have little experience with any of the horse or kit, as I do, please be sure to consult with someone who has managed to ride more than a day without killing mount or rider. For now I'm going to string the horses over here - Andreas, perhaps you can help my salty self? As we agreed, we'll ride out in two hours."
"Horses aren't so hard, Isham."Rutilux actually smiles. He likes horses, after all. He gives a glance to where his own horse, Sunfire, rests.
Counting noses, and finding one short... with a sinking feeling Isham begins to believe he now understands the prescient Captain Bron's 'firestarter' jibe. "Has anyone seen Julian?"
The young cavalier glances about, "As a matter of fact, I have not. I take it he was involved in whatever that yelling was earlier?"
7 horses
Enough food for eight people for a week
2 Healers kits
40 arrows
40 bolts
1 potion of neutralize poison
2 potions of lesser restoration
5 potions of cure light wounds
"Yes, that would be me. Val had traveled south with Savol a number of years ago. Did you fight alongside him?
"That I did. He was a mighty warrior, and my good friend. I am sorry for bringing it up, but I just had to know if you were the Dagmar he spoke of. While it has been years since his death, you only found out recently. The grief must still be fresh. My apologies."
As Isham and Rutilux return, Zethyris gives Dagmar a solemn nod and turns away to speak with them.
"Julian? Is that the young Tian fellow?" Zethyris sighs and pivots, facing the direction Julian ran off in. "He ran off angry that we wouldn't leave right away. I suppose he's had enough time to cool off - we should go find him. He went that way," as he points.
Jediah nods in agreement and stands. He seemed hot headed enough that he might very well try tracking down those raiders.
"Thanks for calming that down, you two," Zethryis says to the mailed Taldane and Kellid woman. "My name is Zethyris. *sigh* I hope he doesn't go off and do something stupid."
Andreas runs a hand through his hair, clearly still frustrated by the argument. "He must prepare in his own way, as must we all. I am Andreas, originally from Magnimar."
"So ladies and gentlemen, Captain Bron and Mr. Toopil have seen fit to trust us with some gear and supplies for our little snipe hunt. Let's be mindful of taking good care of them. If you have little experience with any of the horse or kit, as I do, please be sure to consult with someone who has managed to ride more than a day without killing mount or rider. For now I'm going to string the horses over here - Andreas, perhaps you can help my salty self? As we agreed, we'll ride out in two hours."
Counting noses, and finding one short... with a sinking feeling Isham begins to believe he now understands the prescient Captain Bron's 'firestarter' jibe. "Has anyone seen Julian?"
"Of course I will help. Zethyris is correct, though; we should share out plans with Julian, if he has not set out on his own already."
"Zethyris, Jediah, can you and your night eyes take a quick walk with your night eyes and see if you can find Julian? I'm sure the prospect of all of us mounted would help persuade him to be a bit less rash. If you can find him but he won't return, then come back and we'll catch him up on the way. Meanwhile, I'm going to finish tying off the horses, and sack for until the moon is high. I suggest everyone else get as much rest as you can." So saying, Isham proceeds to do exactly that - tying the horses on a line, with help from Andreas and Rutilux, then bedding down for a couple hours of sleep.
Of course. Jediah heads out with Zethyris to look for the wayward ninja.
It is true! The Ninja can vanish into thin air, I can't find him anywhere!
It is true! The Ninja can vanish into thin air, I can't find him anywhere!
Zethyris smiles, and examines the nearby area.
After your long journey and furious exercise pulling people out of wreckage the two hours you give yourselves for rest seems to pass in the blink of an eye. For many of you it seems like your head has only just hit the pillow but for a few it feels like a refreshing nap.
You all quietly gather your belongings and ready your horses careful not to disturb the rest of the camp that still sleeps.
The guards allow you to pass without comment, only a nod as you carefully make your way through the remnants of the gates out into the open countryside beyond. A vibrant crescent moon and a sea of stars untouched by clouds light your way.
"Perhaps one of those so inclined can seek some divine inspiration for a direction to pursue?" He looks around at reactions, "To paraphrase a wise man, 'There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt in the philosophies of my kings'. Just as I recognize divine competence, I also recognize the competence of men - perhaps some one of you with broader experience of horsemanship than myself can set our pace?"
"Did you all know that 'rides like a sailor' is not considered a compliment?" and he chuckles quietly.
Jediah also takes a look around to see if he can find the missing member of their group
Julian tries to follow these tracks he's found.
As they look for Julian while preparing to leave, Dagmar asks some of the sentries and other people walking about if they've seen the little Tian fellow around. If she does get pointed to any certain area, she'll go there quickly and holler out: "Come on Julian. We are preparing to leave." There, I've tried. Now if he still wants to wander off without us it's on his own head.
After tending the horses, Rutilux took a short nap, and then prepared himself, only to find Julian was still missing, "We may have to leave him behind. He's one man, the captives are many and in more immediate need."
Jediah shakes his head at the foolishness of Julian and begins focusing his attention on the other groups
After several minutes searching for Julien you find him slowly following another set of tracks heading directly south. He is heavily slowed by the lack of a torch and the unfamiliar terrain.
After several minutes searching for Julien you find him slowly following another set of tracks heading directly south. He is heavily slowed by the lack of a torch and the unfamiliar terrain.
"Julian! Hold up a moment!" Zethyris calls out as the team draws near to Julian. "We have a horse for you, as well as supplies." Zethyris takes in the tracks below him. "So... what have we here?"
Dagmar jumps nearly a foot off the ground as she is so startled by the sudden yell from the half-orc. With a quick glare in his direction, she then turns to head over to their requisitioned horses and mounts up.
The tracks he was trying to follow lead directly south of the town and don't intersect with either bloody trails. The tracks are too old to tell for certain wether the tracks are heading towards the town or away but many of them are deep which could mean that they belong to larger people or someone under a heavy load. There are no horse tracks nearby so you can be certain that none of the outriders have followed this path.
"South, the way the old woman was looking in fear," Rutilux says from the back of his steed.
"these may be uniquely interesting. Mind you night sight while I make some light. Well seen Julian, and i'm glad to see you whole." so saying, is ham dismounts, lights a torch, and inspects the tracks closely for age And type.
"Well rested?" Julian says with a smile--a smirk, really.
"well rested, provisioned, mounted, and about to outpace a youth that Cpt. Bron derisively called 'firestarter'. I'm glad of your eyes and your arm. Should I regret your attitude? Please do saddle up and try to keep up. You can ride in the center and get what rest you can in the saddle."
Julian nods and gets on the horse. "Just don't lose my tracks, Tabouri-san."