Rutilux dismounts from his horse and swings his flail once more, knowing it does no good, but right now his shield seems to be needed to continue protecting Thorvald and to a lesser degree himself.
Knowledge Nature.
Can I remember if werewolves are vulnerable to fire though any of the stories I have heard or lore I have read?
Isham rapidly sheathes his rapier and draws a dagger in each hand. So armed, he charges the werewolf, wraps its head with his arms, and bears it to the ground, obviously intending to grapple the beast and allow the others to rapidly finish it off.
"Let's finish this one quickly - everyone gut it like a fish."
Isham moves forward and struggles to grab the werewolf, hoping to pin it long enough for the rest to finish it. Then Dagmar casts a spell and lets out a terrifying shriek that seems to tear the werewolf's skin. Not used to attacking opponents held by his allies Jediah holds back too much as misses, his glaive thankfully passing Isham harmlessly while julian moves up and prepares to finish off one of the werewolves next round.
". . . In the halls of Valhalla
Where the brave may live forever!"
And Thorvald brought the Alpha's axe down upon the last remaining werewolf
"So be it!" Rutilux challenges the last remaining werewolf "To the death!" He lets drop his shield, takes his flail in both hands, and swings it down.
Jediah rawrs and attacks the last werewolf with Rutilux.
With a sickening crunch the fatigued northman brings down the axe and executes the grappled werewolf before Rutilux can challenge the beast.
injured as you are you manage to finish of the helpless werewolves then move to finish of the last few soldiers not fleeing inside the compound. The door to the main house is still barred but there are several large holes in the wood where axe and sword have hacked through. Samuel and his remaining soldiers have split up to finish off the remaining soldiers and catch those fleeing.
"Isham, when you write this up or relate the story in some saga...do not neglect the part where you wrestled a were. That was... incredibly brave." Rutilux smiles as they get to work tending to the lesser threats and helping the town.
Thorvald plants his foot on the werewolf and tears the axe free then takes the beast's from its shoulders. Swaying he retrieves his sword, but maintains control of the axe. "Dagmar, if you will check to see if any of our allies or the villagers can be saved by your skills I will protect you."
Addressing the rest of the group "We should try to recover our horses, make sure the dead remain so, strip them of anything useful from them and be prepared to fend off another attack should one come. Whomever is in best with Samuel should treat with him to find out what he has learned from the struggle here. If any of you have healing skills I am sure we can help improve our image if we can provide aid or even a warm cup of tea."
Looking towards the village he pauses for a moment and swallows, ". . . And there may be orphans and widows to comfort and support . . . Ahem . . . Dagmar if you are coming I am going to walk over towards the hall for a little bit." Thorvald walks off tiredly without showing his face to the others.
Dagmar nods at Thorvald's request to help render aid to the villagers. "First we will have to convince them to let us in. It appears their door is still barred."
Dagmar head towards the building that the werewolves were previously assaulting.
"Let me call out first Thorvald, a woman's voice is less threatening."
Thorvald has his helmet off his head and is wiping his face and especially his eyes with a hand kerchief. "Sorry I um, had some blood on my face. I guess my aunt knew these things would come in handy."
After Dagmar cries out first Thorvald adds his own imploration,
"Isham, when you write this up or relate the story in some saga...do not neglect the part where you wrestled a were. That was... incredibly brave."
"Yes that was really impressive, Ish! Especially considering that this was no ordinary were - he seemed more beast than were."
Addressing the rest of the group "We should try to recover our horses, make sure the dead remain so, strip them of anything useful from them and be prepared to fend off another attack should one come. Whomever is in best with Samuel should treat with him to find out what he has learned from the struggle here. If any of you have healing skills I am sure we can help improve our image if we can provide aid or even a warm cup of tea."
Good at talking to Samuel? Hmm, thats definitely not me.
"I'll go help with the throat-slitting," Ana quickly offers.She takes out her dagger and walks off to check that all the fallen enemy weres are indeed dead (especially the wolf-weres).
Then she collects the horses and brings them closer to the village.
She tries to stay away from people and avoids talking to any of the locals, afraid that she might gravely insult somebody again by accident.
Holding the edges of a gaping leg wound together as he stands up from the mud and gory wreckage of the werewolf's corpse, "While I thank you for the compliment, I was just holding him in place while others," with a nod and an abortive wave of his hand to Thorvald, "actually dispatched the were-beast. Only by working together could we have bested these foes."
"For the moment, minding our wounded, collecting our resources, and helping the remaining villagers is a sensible plan. If I can compose myself for a moment, I'll seek out Samuel and make sure we're secure."
20 long-swords made in the northern style
17 large wooden shields
4 sets of chainmail armour
1 +1 Great-axe
740 gold (in gold and silver coinage, much of it Varissian mint)
And because i'm sure at least one of you are wondering eight peltable wolves should you find or build drying racks.
It takes several minutes of coaxing to get them to opoen the door but finally the main house is opened and the survivors spill out into the night searching for family and looking to their rescuers, surprise is quite evident upon those faces as they realize that most of you are foreigners. Throughout the night you help tend wounded, put out fires and search for survivors along side them, sharing sorrow when someone dies from their wounds as well as joy when you find someone hidden amongst the out building or within the rubble alongside the priest that came with Samuel.
Tired almost to the point of exhaustion you watch the sun rise upon the idyllic fields that surround the compound and wonder who could have sent these men and why.
While you are given a wonderful breakfast Samuel and his men return in better spirits than when they left. "Those that fled have been dealt with. SOMe of my men are escorting a prisoner back." he pauses, what he says next appears to be very hard for him to say, "Thank you for your help last night. You all fought well and I am grateful for you being there." turning to look over the homestead before looking again to you all, "The elders will be told about your bravery last night and i will, suggest, that they consider pursuing closer relations to Savol. You should go back while you can, the weather is turning colder and the snow and ice will be upon us before you realise."
When he says closer relations his eyes seem to look directly at Dagmar before turning away.
Dagmar will use her healing hex upon any of the wounded villages and will also tend to any of Samuel's men in addition to her own comrades. When healing Isham, Dagmar remarks: "That was an incredibly brave thing to do, though I would advise against trying it again in the future. You might not be lucky enough to survive it again."
After Samuel's speech in the morning, Dagmar replies to him: "Thank you, we are grateful to you for giving us the chance to prove ourselves to you in battle."
Receiving healing from Dagmar, Isham declaims (loudly enough for Samuel to hear), "Dagmar 'Hand of Solace' indeed. Lady, you continue to demonstrate how you earned that handle." Somewhat more quietly, "Thank you for the concern - I will take every effort to avoid too much injury and mayhem. It is, however, something of an occupational hazard."
~~~
Later, speaking as a group with Samuel. "Samuel you and your men fought valorously. It was our honor to support your rescue mission. Any report you might make to the elders we would greatly appreciate - though if you could leave off reports of my horsemanship, that would be even more greatly appreciated."
"We would hope to hear from your prisoner. There is a broader pattern of attacks across the north lands, and our master Savol seeks to support all of the peoples in the north. If this attack is part of a larger strategy, we may find it important."
When healing Isham, Dagmar remarks: "That was an incredibly brave thing to do, though I would advise against trying it again in the future. You might not be lucky enough to survive it again."
As he waits for healing, Zethyris puts an arm around Isham's shoulder. "When we get back to town, I'll buy you a drink - or a dozen. That was crazy, reckless, foolhardy... I loved it! The Lucky Drunk himself would toast to that feat," Zethyris whispers conspiratorially. He then meanders off until his turn arrives.
"Thank you Dagmar, that feels much better." Zethyris rotates his shoulder as the pain from the ragged gash on his back vanishes.He then draws his rapier and stalks among the enemy corpses, methodically skewering each as he walks by to ensure they are dead.
"Thank you for your help last night. You all fought well and I am grateful for you being there." turning to look over the homestead before looking again to you all, "The elders will be told about your bravery last night and i will, suggest, that they consider pursuing closer relations to Savol. You should go back while you can, the weather is turning colder and the snow and ice will be upon us before you realise."
"Thank you for allowing us to prove ourselves to you. It was our pleasure to help."
Sense motive
Thorvald listens to Samuel speak his piece and then the others give their replies. "Samuel I am still sorry for the way things played out between us in your stronghold, but just like in the sagas of old, fate led us here to overcome this foe together. Neither would have triumphed without the other. And as fate would have it, things had to play out like they did to lead us here. May it be said we parted ways as alies if not friends? It honored me to share the field of battle with the men of your house, may none say that your hearts are not as strong as the oak of your sigils."
Hearing Samuel's warning, Isham takes a moment to assess the weather.
"Thank you. Here, can you hold that for a moment?"
She hands Thorvald a wooden stake and then tries to impale a severed werewolf head on it while she continues to talk to him.
"I'm just trying to be helpful. I'm trying not to accidentally insult any more Ulfen. I'm not good at talking to locals ... as you might have noticed. There, that should do it. Now we only need to put the stake into the ground."
She looks at the impaled head proudly and then cleans her bloody hands in the snow.
"Samuel, you are ... more knowledgable in the ways of the Ulfen people than I am. Do you know who these attackers were? Could you recognize them ... maybe by the style of their clothing or the way they speak? We have to know whether they were the first sign of the war - or an unrelated threat."
After that she continues with a sigh:
"We are all quite exhausted from last night. Do you think we could rest here in this village for a couple of hours, before returning? Do you think the weather will keep up long enough to rest first?"
She looks at the sky in the distance.
Rutilux goes to talk to Ana, then sees Thorvald is already talking to her. He hangs back instead of intruding, but a troubled look crosses his brow for a moment, then he shakes the petty thought off and goes back to helping others.
Later though, once Thorvald is gone, he talks to her himself,
...
While you are given a wonderful breakfast Samuel and his men (which now number eighteen instead of forty) return in better spirits than when they left. "Those that fled have been dealt with. SOMe of my men are escorting a prisoner back." he pauses, what he says next appears to be very hard for him to say, "Thank you for your help last night. You all fought well and I am grateful for you being there." turning to look over the homestead before looking again to you all, "The elders will be told about your bravery last night and i will, suggest, that they consider pursuing closer relations to Savol. You should go back while you can, the weather is turning colder and the snow and ice will be upon us before you realise."
Rutilux sees the glance from Samual, but he pretends not to notice.
He later thanks Dagmar for her healing, "Dagmar, thank you for restoring our health, but... and this may sound selfish, if you have any healing magics left, could you spare one for Sunfire, my horse? He took a very bad wound as he fought for me, and I don't wish him to suffer in pain if he need not."
"Oh, it's not selfish at all. I've noticed you view Sunfire as friend and not just a mount. Let me take a look at him. Just keep him calm while I check his wound out."
Now having healed one horse, it finally occurs to Dagmar to check with everyone and make sure their mounts are all right as well. She'll check with her own group as well as Samuels.
Sunfire's wounds knit with amazing speed, and the horse nuzzles Dagmar in gratitude. Rutilux pats the stallion, "He is indeed a friend. Thank you." Thinking on it, he lowers his voice,
Dagmar giggle a little as Sunfire nuzzles her in gratitude. You are welcome Rutilux and you are welcome too Sunfire."
Rutilux nods,
After waiting for Ana to reply he shuffles his feet for a bit then says, "Well, I have difficulty speaking and being heard with just about anybody, but that doesn't stop me from trying. I ah, I ah didn't say anything bad about you Ana. I heard about what you put in your note. I am sorry you thought I would speak against you, but that's okay. I guess that is just how I come across. Anyway what I wanted to say to you is, um, I know you are fond of Rutilux and I can see why with his looks and his noble blood, but I was wondering what else it was that attracted you to him so. I mean he made no move to comfort you when we were imprisoned. I know he offered to fight a duel, but did he speak from his heart for you? Is it some sort of a sport for you? I saw you and him speaking on the trail. Look, I am making a wreck of this if your heart is sincere for him let me know. I just wanted to know from you if you were just trying to implement me as a part of a game, or maybe you were caught up in a jealous passion for someone that you were heart sore about."
Upon hearing Dagmar and Rutilux speak of Sunfire, Julian snickers loudly. "His horse is his friend! Awwww! Hahahahahaha! I heard you round-eyes tended that way, but I thought dad was just being racist."
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Jediah pimp-slaps Julian.
Speak like that of Rutilux again and it is time for a duel.
"Ow, Jediah! What the f@@$? If we can't laugh at ourselves, then the wolfmans have truly won. Besides. HE'S the one who said it!"
She listens to what else Thorvald has to say. From time to time she smiles, looks down on her feet, or shakes her head, but remains silent until he is done. Then she replies: "I ... I don't know what to say. Love is cruel, Thorvald. I don't know what makes me like Rutilux. I once fell off my horse. He saved my life. He caught me before I touched the ground. Maybe thats the reason. He - he doesn't even seem to notice me. He would pay more attention to me more if I was a horse. And then there's you. Thorvald. You look like such a fierce warrior - but much less ugly than you think you do - it is easy to forget what a pure heart is inside of you. You should hate me for what I did ... for the way I tried to abuse you for one of my schemes ... but yet here you are, pledging your love to me and telling me that you are only disappointed that I could ever think that you would speak against me. Why don't you hate me, Thorvald?"
She looks at him, as if she really is looking for an answer to that question, before she continues:
"We can't explain our hearts rationally. I certainly can't explain mine. Rutilux told me that he wants me too, and I really wanted it to be true. But I am afraid that he might confuse chivalry with desire. I don't want to hurt you - and I try not to play any more games with you. Listen to what your heart tells you - and then go for it. Don't ask for permission. Don't be timid. Make a leap of faith. But if you want to be sure that I don't just use you to overcome Rutilux, then wait for a few days."
Ana is murmuring magic formulas while rummaging through the loot when Rutilux approaches her.
She points to something in sticking out of the snow a bit away. Upon closer inspection that something turns out to be the severed heads and hands of the werewolves, impaled on wooden stakes.
"Thats going to protect the village from future attacks. Its a warning sign to all of its enemies." she explains proudly.
"We can't explain our hearts rationally. I certainly can't explain mine. Rutilux told me that he wants me too, and I really wanted it to be true. But I am afraid that he might confuse chivalry with desire. I don't want to hurt you - and I try not to play any more games with you. Listen to what your heart tells you - and then go for it. Don't ask for permission. Don't be timid. Make a leap of faith. But if you want to be sure that I don't just use you to overcome Rutilux, then wait for a few days."
With his eyes searching and and his voice filled with earnest he speaks
"By Sheyln, what are my feelings! Your lips and skin are softer than the rose's leaf, I imagine you back in my arms for the memory of it is as sweet as honey, and the thought of seeing you in someone elses arms inflicts on me more pain than any of these wounds I bear. I have felt for other maidens, but never have I known aught like this. My pulse beats fast, my heart throbs, it is as if I were about to suffocate any time you are near,yet, nevertheless, I have been too afraid to speak these words to you.
You reached out in your chambers to touch me, but snatched your hand back. I thought that it was because you thought me too terrible to touch, but also that you might have wanted to touch me, but I had missed some signal of sorts. I have tortured myself for not asking your intent that night so harshly I am surprised I have not died of it! I hope that I do not misunderstand you in what you are saying now for I will not be timid and this is what my heart, body and soul tells me to do now.
And with that Thorvald drew her too him firmly yet gently and he kissed her.
A long, long kiss, a kiss of youth, and love,
And beauty, all concentrating like rays
Into one focus, kindled from above;
Such a kiss as belongs to early days of youth.
Where heart, and soul, and sense, in concert move,
With his blood like lava, and his pulse a blaze,
Each kiss a heart-quake, -- for a kiss's strength,
Must be reckon'd by its length. And Thorvald kissed her
As though he might never have a chance to kiss her again
And tried to express himself through his lips.
Eyes flashing with anger at yet another rude and inappropriate comment from Julian, Dagmar points at him and begins to cast a Hex upon him. However her concentration is interrupted by the surprise of Jediah slapping Julian before she can finish casting.
Deciding that that punishment was sufficent, Dagmar decides against attempting to cast upon him again and simply turns her back on him and she goes about seeing to the rest of the horses.
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My dear me does that northern witch want me. It's getting embarrassing. Julian looks away and then shouts, "HOLY S@!+! NEW GUY IS EATING BIG MOUTH PRINCESS'S FACE!"
My dear me does that northern witch want me. It's getting embarrassing. Julian looks away and then shouts, "HOLY S&$+! NEW GUY IS EATING BIG MOUTH PRINCESS'S FACE!"
Upon hearing Dagmar and Rutilux speak of Sunfire, Julian snickers loudly. "His horse is his friend! Awwww! Hahahahahaha! I heard you round-eyes tended that way, but I thought dad was just being racist."
Rutilux is tempted to teach the lout some manners but then...
Jediah pimp-slaps Julian.
Speak like that of Rutilux again and it is time for a duel.
"Ow, Jediah! What the f&*&? If we can't laugh at ourselves, then the wolfmans have truly won. Besides. HE'S the one who said it!"
"Julian, you have fought well, proven clever, so I feel you are due some advice so you might continue to prosper: grow up. One day you will 'joke' yourself into more trouble than you can handle and it will not go well for you because you will have driven away all true friends you might otherwise have had."
He inclines his head to Jediah, "Jediah, thank you. I will not lie, sometimes his attitude DOES get on my nerves."
With that, he rides off. He will speak to Ana later.
...........
Later...
She points to something in sticking out of the snow a bit away. Upon closer inspection that something turns out to be the severed heads and hands of the werewolves, impaled on wooden stakes.
"Thats going to protect the village from future attacks. Its a warning sign to all of its enemies." she explains proudly.
Despite the grisly nature of the work, Rutilux almost laughs, "THAT should be a message even the dimmest can understand. Well thought out. You understand the importance of symbols and gestures."
He looks away for a moment, then says, "So do I. I thought I might have died today, and I cannot speak for other men, but I did not wish to die with regret."
The Cavalier takes Ana into his arms, and he dips her low into a kiss. He feels the press of her lips against his, and his mouth heats in response. The press of his hand against the small of her back as he supports her as they float against each other in the embrace. The normally calm cavalier burns for her, and lets the fire show.
"I should have done that ages ago,"He confesses when they part.
"Eating her face?! Was he infected by one of the werewolves??" Dagmar quickly turns and begins to head towards Ana and Thorvald, then realizes that Ana is not actually in any danger.
Oh dear ancestors, when will that stupid foreigner learn to keep his damn mouth shut??
Still a bit embarrassed by her outburst over the 'eating face' incident, Dagmar goes about packing her things back up and getting her horse ready for the trip back to Tweyd. I really hope we do a better job on our next diplomatic mission. This one wasn't exactly a rousing success, though at least Samuel said he will speak to his elders about us on his return. Speaking of Samuel, I wonder if he does have an interest in me or if it was just a coincidence he looked at me during that part of his little speech. Dagmar will glance over in Samuels direction if he's anywhere around, if not she glances of in the direction he and his men went.
Yeah, I'll be taking advice on "friendship" from the horsebuddy. I'm the rude loudmouth when the sorceress lands them all in jail. Typical. Julian smirks to himself.
I just hope you also understood the warning that came with it.
She looks thoughtful for a moment, but then shakes her head, smiles and says "... but enough of talking."
She removes his helmet, gently draws his face closer to hers, and continues kissing him feverishly.
Then she snaps to attention, as if her own words suddenly made her remember something important.
Or at least a few hours earlier. Crap. What have I done? What am I doing? I hope Thorvald isn't watching us right now.
She pushes away from Rutilux' embrace and scans the surroundings, somewhat anxiously. Then, after a moment, she lets herself fall on the ground and looks at Rutilux thoughtfully and with a sad smile on her face.
"I really wish you had done that earlier ... I really wish ... I really wish I could live my life without regrets."
Later, Ana is sneaking around the camp where everyone is packing things and getting ready to leave, trying to get Dagmar's attention without being noticed by anyone else - especially not by Rutilux or Thorvald.
She calls out to her friend from behind a bush "Psst, Dagmar! We need to talk."
but she gravely misjudges the volume of her voice.
Feeling that everyone is now looking at her, she looks befuddled for a moment, then says something like "Oh, hello friends! I just need Dagmar here ... to come with me ... for a moment ... to help me ... skin those wolves. Now. Please." while she starts to drag Dagmar away.
Ana hopes that kiss will never end. And even after it is over, she lies in Rutilux' arms motionless for a while, with a broad smile on her face. Finally she whispers softly, her eyes still half closed: "Yes, yes you should have done that ages ago."
He enjoys the feel of her in his arms, and whispers into her ear, "Trust me, I could kick myself for it. But at least we're together now, and they say better late than never." He starts to plant a kiss on the back of her neck but before he can...
she snaps to attention, as if her own words suddenly made her remember something important.
Or at least a few hours earlier. Crap. What have I done? What am I doing? I hope Thorvald isn't watching us right now.She pushes away from Rutilux' embrace and scans the surroundings, somewhat anxiously. Then, after a moment, she lets herself fall on the ground and looks at Rutilux thoughtfully and with a sad smile on her face.
"I really wish you had done that earlier ... I really wish ... I really wish I could live my life without regrets."
She pulls away from him, and he looks confused, wondering what he's done wrong, as he tries to figure out why she seems so sad now.
"What regret gnaws at you to spoil such a happy time now?" He asks, he dares to take a finger and run it along her hair.
She starts to reply, but then hesitates, unsure what to say. "I .. I don't know. Nothing yet. But I fear I will regret the next thing I do, no matter what I do. Either I break your heart, or Th... the heart of somebody else I care about. And I will regret it either way. And I fear I will regret having made the wrong choice afterwards."
"Somebody else?" He feels a new wave of confusion, "May I ask who?"