Dagmar gives a little shrug. "Sure, I've skinned and tanned my fair share of animals before. Are you thinking of lining a cloak with their fur?"
Dagmar goes off with Ana, though she is a bit unsure why it seemed so urgent to skin the animals right at this moment. Well, this should be a good time to talk to Ana alone anyway. I am so confused about her kissing Thorvald...
"I won't speculate on the appropriateness of such a match. This is not an appropriate time or place to make unneeded political calculations."
When possible, Julian sidles up to Isham. "Hey, buddy," he whispers, "be careful around here. I think all the round eyes are in heat. They're treating this politico-militarial party like a singles resort. When the half-orc is rejected by the horseboy, he might come hunting for us."
Isham responds to Julian, "What, jealous? I thought you and Dagmar had a thing." Isham pauses a moment, then grins at him teasingly. "It's not round-eyes, it's just men and women. Wait until someone a bit less pale and chilly comes along. You're a healthy and passionate young gentleman - I can't imagine you're immune to having your head turned."
"And no, I don't think I'm immune. Though I like my women-folk baked a little darker."
After much discussion about what to do next you finally decide to head back to Oakrun hold, at least for one night, to resupply and find Anastasiya's pet. Samuel is returning with almost his men as well so you choose to travel together, sharing the road as it were. Samuels men are all quite jovial and friendly towards all of you, sharing mead and laughs. They can't seem to get enough of the story of Isham 'Wolfsbane', the foreign sailor brave and foolhardy enough to wrestle a werewolf to its knees and strong enough to survive to tell the tale. Samuel seems rather subdued in comparison, watching you all with his men, a troubled expression upon his brow. Finally after a bit he rides up alongside Thorvald and chats for a while before slowing his horse down and riding along, deep in thought.
"Might I ride with you countryman for a bit?" he rides in silence for a bit before turning to you again, "I must confess, your companions are confusing to me. Would you tell me more about them? Where did Rutilux learn to ride as he does? He seems as if born upon a saddle, especially in the heat of battle. What about Isham? For a foreign soldier he is fervently loyal to the Kodiak. Where does this faith come from? The half-orc, Jediah I believe, he doesn't seem to trust Julian and Anastasiya but he fights along side them and defends them as if they were kin. For that matter why do any of you travel with Julian, he is unlike any Tien I have ever met, he is rude and arrogant and treats you all poorly. There seems to be no sense of honor in him at all, am i missing something? I can tell you all value Dagmar highly, her healing powers would be valuable anywhere but what's she like, what does she like? What about Anastasiya? What made you all give her a chance in the first place when most ulfen would have killed her outright. Zethyris seems a good lad, but what brought him so far north? I am sorry if this seems an interrogation friend, they're just so different that those I am used to that I cannot trust my own judgment regarding them."
You arrive back in Oakrun Hold a few hours before sundown and Samuel and his men excuse themselves to tend to business after pointing out a few decent inns, promising to buy a few rounds later if you're interested.
Dagmar casts a few glances at Samuel and Thorvald as they are riding together. I wonder what those two are discussing? At least Thorvald is less likely than some of the others to accidentally insult Samuel again. I really don't want to spend another night in a jail.
Dagmar suggests they stay in the good inn since it will be a while before they see a decent bed again.
After picking up an extra cloak, one lined with thick fur, and some alchemical silver bolts for her crossbow, Dagmar has a nice meal in the common room of the better inn. She'll chat with whoever decided to stay there as well.
Jediah buys a silver mace (32 gp)
I would be lying to you if I told you these outlanders didn't confuse me at time either, but I can tell you with utmost certainty that what you see here all comes back to Savol. Savol Kodiakborn has earned allies and respect everywhere he goes. He is attended by powerful warriors, casters and crafters. Each of these people here has had some kind of personal interaction with Savol which caused deep respect and devotion to the man, with myself the exception, but you have already heard my story so I won't bore you with it again. As for the others . . . . . . I myself have puzzled why he has chosen this group at times, but I think the answer falls in the strength generating from having a party of different temperaments, talents and convictions. I think we will need those things when Irrissen comes to us in open invasion.
Sigh. . . So you see Rutilux really is a southern lord which is how he became so trained in riding. Isham is a great man even though his tactical sense is for s#@* it seems he has the courage of our most feral warriors. Jediah is a follower of that new drinking god. I have tried to engage him in some conversations, but he remains mostly silent. Julian is like any teenage male his age, but as you saw when you were looking for him, he is skilled at stealth and infiltration. smirk and chuckle . . . Dagmar is the consummate Shield Maiden and she is a Wise Woman and a healer. She is as nice and honorable as she appears. She honors her brother by upholding his causes. I know she has caught your eye more than once friend, do you care to share your interest? I too was taken by her when I first saw her. She made it quite clear she isn't interested in any of the southerners, heh, or me for that matter, but I do know she wishes to remain in our lands and among her own people. grin . . . As for the princess . . . I too thought of slaying her, but she was wearing the pendant of Savols speaker . . . That has saved her more than once I would imagine and I know it stopped you from killing her . . . She is caught between two worlds, she is one half noble Keld (Kellid?) and one half monster . . . It is to be seen how that plays out in the end, but in the short term I know she is important to all of our survival. Again I won't bore you as you have already heard me speak on it. I am not sure i can trust my own judgement on her, but I must trust Savols.
Cleaned and rested Thorvald sets out with the others for Oakrun Hold. He is in good spirits and rides with his helm slung on his saddle pommel. He chats with Samuel's men and listens to their part in the battle and tries to learn more about the other happenings in the area. Interested in history and ancestry he takes this opportunity to hear theirs and share his own with them. After speaking with Samuel the first time he will try to engage him again in a discussion about wether or not his horse is suitable for combat training, advice on good weapons makers in town, and provisions needed for the trip back to Tweyd.
When Samuel offers to buy some drink Thorvald heartily accepts, "I would enjoy a chance to sample some of your local drink, but you must let me buy a round as well. I think I will buy one of the 16 gp rooms for myself as well. I never enjoyed hospitality such as I did in your house, I may have developed a taste for such a lifestyle heh heh."
Think man, think, you're a Cheliaxian and while the empire is now twisted, we can still use our brains now and then. I know it wasn't Julian, or Jed... so Isham, Zeth, or Thorvald.
Out of those three, it's not hard to guess when he's had prior suspicions
"Thorvald. Thorvald? I thought you said he had no interest in you?" He does look angry, but more at the northman than her "Well, at least I respect him, but that's not making this much easier a pill to swallow. To answer your question on what I'll do. I will know when I next see him. I'm torn between talking it out, or spilling my drink on his head and telling him next time to be straight instead of skulking around my back when he knows my interests. I desire you, Ana. I want you. I think I could grow to love you. But in the end, I could beat him in a duel, or he me, and it wouldn't change the fact that the choice is yours. Think of what YOU want, Ana. You worry you will hurt one of us... you will. But if there is one thing I've learned in war. If you must inflict a wound, make it quick, and make it clean. Only the cruel let the barb linger... and I know in my heart you are not cruel." He kisses her softly, "Make your choice. Think it over but do not take too long. The barb now sits in the hearts of three people, Thorvald, myself, and you. And it will hurt all the more the longer you take. And I cannot stand to see you in pain. I need to go and punch a tree or something." Another kiss, and he rises. Unless stopped, he'll leave.
Dagmar blinks a couple times as she tries to process what Ana just told her.
"May have kissed Thorvald?" Dagmar sighs.
Oh Ana, you really do seem to get yourself into messes, don't you? If they both do love you then it's already too late to avoid hurting someone. Whichever you don't choose is going to be hurt and you're going to need to pick one as soon as possible before they feel like they need to compete with each other and do something stupid and get hurt."
"Forget about both of them for a minute and think of what qualities you want in a future husband. Make a list of what you need and then figure out which one has those qualities. You may also want to think on if either of them have any future obligations that would interfere with being to stay with you. Will Rutilux ever need to go back south? Thorvald isn't even sworn to Savol like the rest of us. Does he have duties back in his home village he will need to get back too? CAn either of them help support you in your future plans?"
"Father arranged my introduction and instruction of the sexual arts years ago in one of the finest geisha houses in the land. It's a wonderful thing, but not part of our job here. I'm the teenager but they act like their hormones are their first priority. Perhaps there's a woman up here that could give me pause, but given the examples so far, I doubt it. And certainly she wouldn't interfere with my sworn duty. These thirsty fools will end up set against each other at this rate. Foolish Julian! Rude Julian! I'm just the one that doesn't get arrested, I'm just the one that doesn't offend our host, I'm just the one who DOES HIS JOB. Sorry. Hipocracy bothers me."
Rutilux rides in relative silence, even less talkative than usual. When they get to Oakrun, he goes off to seek out barding for his horse. Perhaps something meant to provide some warmth as well as armor.
Isham regards Julian more seriously, "Our perspectives and backgrounds always color our values and perceptions. The fish has no wings, and the bird has no gills. These can be advantages or disadvantages, depending on where you live. Is it of greater concern that the bird revels in its flight, or that the fish does not know it is wet?"
"We 'roundeyes' do not value your wings enough. We criticize because you will not join us on the reef, but fail to understand your explanation that the reef is underwater - for we fish do not know that we are wet."
"There is no intention to hypocrisy - though it can seem that way from high on the wing."
"And make no mistake - there is at least one of us that appreciates your talents, and has seen enough of the world to recognize talents where others see only chance. I also know that there is more in this world than I have seen. Someday, in a very alcoholic, very baudy place - or maybe alone with some cigars and a fire - you must tell me of this geisha training. I've heard rumors, but never talked with someone who has had the experience. And when you look on our friends here, remember that they are hormone-soaked young people with little or no experience. Beyond untutored, I'd lay long odds that your time on the wing may exceed the total experience of all of the fish in this pond."
"Honestly, the flopping and flailing about is endearing in a way. Given a few more weeks without some proper dockside tavern wenches, I may start drowning in my own hormones. Weeks at sea provides some discipline, but it sure doesn't include all of the female distraction that Oakrun or Tweyd does - even excluding Dagmar and Ana."
"It's not easy to be an outlander. Particularly a young outlander. Particularly an outlander without others from your home nearby. You're doing very well in a difficult situation - the only civilized Tien among all us barbarians." Isham grins at Julian. "And more galling, we barbarians don't even know we're wet. You've also done admirably in limiting the number of times you point out how wet all the barbarians are - that's tact, discretion, and empathy. They're useful, lest the barbarians consider you 'rude'.
"When we get back to Tweyd, let's share a bottle and practice being tactless, indiscreet, and rude with each other for an evening. Just so we'll remember what it is that can annoy the barbarians who don't know that they're all wet."
"Okay: I did kiss Thorvald. Definitely did." she admits.
"You are right. Usually I just stumble from one mishap to the next, without any plans. But this time ... this time I really owe them both to think this through. And to make the right decision. Thank you, Dagmar."
Listening to Dagmar seems to have calmed Ana. She still seems thoughtful, but much less distressed than before. After a deep breath, she changes the subject:
"So, do you really have experience in skinning and tanning? How does it work?"
On the way back to Oakrun hold, Ana is riding by herself most of the time.
At one point she is about to approach Thorvald, but then she sees him start a conversation with Jediah, so she steers her horse away from the group again.
When the group gets closer to Oakrun hold, Ana's heart gets lighter as the empathic link to her familiar gets reestablished and she feels that the animal is all right.
She rents a suite at the luxurious hotel and orders a bottle of fine wine to the room .
Then she goes to Samuel's house and knocks at the door.
"You're welcome Ana. I hope I helped some."
Dagmar will begin skinning one of the wolves, slowly though so that Ana can see how she is doing it.
"Of course I have some experience in it. The men don't always have time to do anything other than bleed and gut their kills before they bring things back for us to cook. So a lot of the time we just have to do it ourselves. Though of course we don't actually eat wolves, skinning one animal is much like skinning any other."
After a few minutes of skinning, Dagmar changes the conversation again for a minute. "If you don't mind me bringing up the topic of men. Have you spent anytime observing Samuel? Someone mentioned to me the possibility of him being 'interested' in me. He wasn't certain about it and I was wondering if anyone else noticed anything."
"Hmm, good point. Well, I'll certainly let him make any first moves if he is. Much better that me saying something and being wrong. He seems to be ok with our group at the moment and I wouldn't want to risk doing anything to change that."
Dagmar turns her attention back to the wolf. "Did you just want the skins or the teeth and claws as well? You could make a rather interesting necklace or belt with them."
After settling in to your suite and relaxing a bit you manage to gather enough courage to head for Hod's house where you left your rat. After knocking at the door it is opened by a female guard, "Yes, what is it that brings you here so late?"
Jediah gets some good stew and ale.
@ARC I am interested in a silver spear head and silver arrows. But very interested in finding a str bonus composite longbow. Hopefully Samuel can direct me
Anastasiya -luxury suite 50gpwith wine 10gp
Dagmar - good suite 16gp, winter clothes and ten alchemical silver bolts
Thorvald - good suite 16gp
Jedaih - buying silver mace
Everyone else - sleeping outside or camping on outskirts 0gp
Did i miss anything?
** spoiler omitted **
Zethyris spends the night at a common inn , where the interesting people are. He sits in the corner of the common room with a mug of ale, simply watching the other tenants.
He will follow Thorvald to purchase some silver arrows if there are any available, and after a moment's thought will look for some cold iron ones as well.
Before leaving the settlement, Isham will help with the wolf pelts - after giving the ladies an opportunity to talk quietly together for several minutes. Isham will secure for himself one complete wolf pelt (including skull, teeth, and claws), and work with Dagmar to ensure the pelts will keep long enough to make it to a tannery without spoiling.
In addition to some work with the wolf pelts, Isham will speak with Samuel. Isham ensures that Samuel has an opportunity to present each of his surviving men with one of the captured longswords, as well as keeping one for Samuel. Isham retains one as a keepsake for himself (along with a pebble from the battlefield).
Isham takes some time during the ride into town to ride closely with Anastasiya, to talk of matters Arcane. He intentionally stays away from personal matters. Isham is intentionally light, companionable, distracting, and at the same time personally low-maintenance.
Once in town, Isham will take a common room at a common inn with Zethyris. He grumbles under his breath briefly about the inadvisability of splitting up in different inns, but declines to make an issue of it. Although Isham participates in the round of shopping, he is along primarily to sell the captured chain mail and shields. In the evening, while Zethyris people-watches, Isham will convey some of the news and stories from Samuel's defense of the settlement. Isham will also attemtp to collect some of the stories and news from around Oakrun territory.
Jediah decides to take a common room with Zethyris
"Don't apologize. Things have gotten more complicated. But don't feel sorry for that. I just wanted to tell you ... I don't know, I just wanted to talk to you I guess."
Another shy smile.
"I still need some time to think this through, but ... don't make any other plans for tonight, okay?"
Rat is excited. Ever since it started feeling Anastasiya's presence again a couple of hours ago, it's been watching the hallways for signs of her return.
When it hears the voice of its owner on the door, it scurries towards her, across the hallway, through between the legs of the guard, and out through the door.
Remembering the guard that is still standing in the door, she says:
"Oh, here it is! Thank you for your help!"
She turns around to leave, speaking to her rat.
"Look at you! You gained some weight. Seems like they've been feeding you well."
Now reunited with her rat, Ana starts looking for Thorvald and Rutilux.
"I have a suite at the luxurious hotel. Can you be there in an hour from now?"
"I have a suite at the luxurious hotel. Can you be there in an hour from now?"
Thorvald rides next to Ana on the way into town. He is interested in the places, customs, practices and peoples she has seen outside the northlands and is especially interested in the foods that are found in those exotic (to him) lands she has visited.
Thorvald shares about the wonders of the fey forests that he grew up in and around. The interesting plants and creatures that he has seen and the beautiful things there that he would one day like to share with people. "I can only imagine what your knight friend Anreas must be seeing and experiencing right now. In a lot of ways I envy him, but I am glad to be here now with you and the rest of the group of course.Smile "Did you by chance keep your acorn? May I see it?"If any join them in on the conversation the big northman is interested in learning about the places they have seen and extraordinary things they have done.
When the group begins shopping, Dagmar doesn't let Isham sell or buy anything else until he first buys himself a good set of cold weather gear. She'll remind him how frozen he was on the first trip here.
"It's my duty to keep all of you in good health and that includes ensuring you don't suffer from frostbite."
She kisses Rutilux and whispers in his ear:
"I have a suite at the luxurious hotel. Can you be there in an hour from now?"
Rutilux smiles at the kiss, and whispers back, "Of course. You seem in better spirits, and I'm glad. I know this has not been easy on you." he squeezes her hand and returns the kiss softly,
"I will see you there."
Isham fingers the heavy coat, woolen leggings, and fur-trimmed gloves of his cold weather outfit. "Thank you for your concern Dagmar - it is well placed. Unfortunately," and he shrugs ruefully, "I believe I may yet be a bit thin-blooded for the weather. I feel certain that eating hot porridge and riding horses are good Ulfen activities that will bring me up to local standards."
Ana tells Thorvald about her favorite restaurants in Caliphas and Absalom. She also tells him that yes, she still has the acorn, but its somewhere in her backpack. She'll show it to him some time.
When Isham brings up the topic of arcane magic, she is happy to talk about that as well. She really wants to know how he is coping with his own magic powers, but she doesn't know how to ask without accidentally giving away his secret to others who might be overhearing their conversation. So instead, she tells about her own experiences: how she refused to learn any magic while still in Whitethrone - but then, while travelling through Ustalav, how she suddenly started producing acid splashes from her hands.
Isham is not at all secretive about discussing his new-found arcane powers. Creating a large flash-burst when chargin the werewolf forces let that cat out of the bag. Isham's greater concern is that he did not control his reaction, and may have endangered his companions - a situation that he feels is better discussed openly than hidden away. But Isham is intentionally not dwelling on the battle, or the potential dangers of his less-than-perfect control of his magic - he's making a very conscious effort at engaging, light discussion.
[spoiler=Thorvald]
Samuel and his men suggest you look for them at the 'silver bell' inn later during the night. They'll be quite busy with their own business and duties until late. [/ooc]giving you time to meet with Ana.[/ooc]
With all of the requests for silver weapons I'm gonna put it as a 50/50 chance. Jediah had asked first so his is guaranteed.
Missed you Rutilux, you can find any light armour as barding as well as hide. You can get 'cold weather gear' for you mount just multiply the cost as if it was barding.
you can get the arrows but not the spear
After an evening of shopping, drinking, relaxing and thoroughly warming up many of you join Samuel and his men at the 'silver bell' where they keep their promise of buying a few rounds and regailing you all with their own stories. Samuel is right along drinking, cheering and laughing with you until someone asks about his stories. Although he becomes somewhat shy his men are more than happy to recount the exploits of Samuel 'the fair'.
It seems even from a very young age he was very competitive and participated in whatever game or tournaments were held in the area, most often losing quite spectacularly his men point out, be it riding, swordsmanship, hunting or even weaving, upon a dare, one time. He was always the tall gangly kid that looked much younger than he was and despite his eagerness, he was not match for the other young men. Until he finally grew up. By now Samuel is uncomfortably quiet and you are pretty sure that he's blushing and its not from the drink. It seems after disappearing for a year to help a relative on their farm he came back almost a different man. He left scrawny and weak but returned in great shape, his formerly short and unruly hair had grown out into a long tail and the pimples and blemishes of youth were gone. He won almost every competition that year, except for one where he got distracted by a pretty girl calling to him.
Afterwards when the drink is gone and most of the patrons have gone home Samuel makes sure that everyone gets back to their inns safely and bids you all good night.
-----
As the sun rises upon an new day you all awaken to the signs of a cold night. The windows are fully frosted over and the floors are quite cold upon your feet. There is nothing unnatural regarding the cold, its just a sure sign that fall has ended and winter is upon everyone. You all gather outside town and take one last check of your provisions before heading out on your trek back to Tweyd. Samuel is waiting for you all outside the gates with eight parcels bundled precariously upon his saddle. "My aunt wanted to send you off with something to help warm you on your way." As he bids you all a safe trip he hands each of you a small parcel, first the men then Anastasiya and Dagmar who he bows to slightly and rides off immediatley
when he hands Dagmar her bundle there is something else underneath that he tries to keep hidden from prying eyes. Underneath the parcel is a deep blue silk scarf with small delicate thorn-like embroidery. He seems to be riding away quickly to hide the flush on his face.
For the farewell:
Sense motive
Perception
"Thank you and farewell for now Samuel Oakrun, friend of Merroh, until we see each other again."
"Please give your aunt our thanks Samuel and perhaps you could give some thought to visiting Tweyd sometime?"