Bjorn stirs himself from the stupor the drink put upon him. Shaking his head, he rises and sees that Skane has won the contest. 'Heilbrigður, minn vinur! Þú hafa út aftur þessir suður- lausaleiksbarn og sýning þá hvernig a sannur norður halda á sjálfur.'
Leaning down to accept Rianna's kiss, Bjorn appears greatly mollified.
As they walk away, Bjorn hears Skane's reply to Wesh, "Nei Prestur Wesh, unless you have a spell to heal wounded pride! Har-har!" He shoots out with his fist into Skane's upper arm to deaden it. 'He...he...he...'
Heilbrigður, minn vinur! Þú hafa út aftur þessir suður- lausaleiksbarn og sýning þá hvernig a sannur norður halda á sjálfur = Well done, my friend! You have won out against those southern bastards and shown them how a true northman holds himself.
Heilbrigður, minn vinur! Þú hafa út aftur þessir suður- lausaleiksbarn og sýning þá hvernig a sannur norður halda á sjálfur = Well finish my friend! You have win back away those southern illegitimate children and show them a true northman holding himself.
The group continues talking and walking and before long find themselves in the midst of a large bazaar. You would believe almost anything under the sun could be found here, if one looked hard enough.
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** spoiler omitted **
Rianna quickly finds a stall selling whips of every kind. She also finds a couple of stalls selling winter blankets and gear for Betony.
Alright, I'm good, and I think Betony found what she was looking for. Shall we get a bite to eat before finding out what the next offer is?
Still drunk on his triumph but less so on the liquor consumed during it Skane turns his attention to any purveyors of weapons, armours or furs as they trudge through the bazaar.
While not looking for anything particularly Skane is potentially keen for a MW Battle Axe, or MW Armoured Coat... likewise a MW Wooden Shield [if in the Northern style] although he's grown somewhat attached to his battered viking shield that's protected his hide to date.
Failing any of the above - perhaps a new fur cloak...
Dieredon tags along to watch the purchases...
Rianna, when everyone is done, I would love to join you in a bite to eat before our scheduled meeting.
Wesh chuckles at the northerners reply watching Skane shop seeing if there is anything he wants.
Betony pulls a boot off. Still balancing on Thistledown's back, she peels off a thin, worn sock and pulls on her new colorful purchase. She then repeats the process with the other foot. Her new blanket she has wrapped about her like a cloak.
"Oh food! Will they have pie" having seeming forgot her earlier statement to never eat pie again.
"They make socks for your toes?" Betony sits up tall in the saddle and cranes her neck back the way they came. Thistledown seems content to pad along between Rianna and Skane and ignores her. "Well maybe after the next caravan I can afford toe socks."
Skane scrutinises any stall or vendor that seems to offer weaponry, armour or furs that catch his eye
:
Shooting a look at Thistledown he grins:
"Har. No need to fear little úlfur... tis not your hide that I seek. Maybe I look good wearing bear nei?"
He shoots a wry smile towards his fellow Northman.
Curious about the chakram... can Skane tell if its MW?
As Skane handles the chakram, it seems to be finely balanced and with a fine edge. You could imagine it slicing the air delicately.
The old foot smelling socks just became old comfortable socks after careful application of Rianna's spell. Somehow looking at it reminds the gnome the joys of previously wearing it.
The food selling stalls have been set up where it looks like tables have been placed surrounded by stalls hawking their wares. Smells of seasoned grilled meats, pies, roasted potatoes accompanied by sounds of eaters talking give the atmosphere a settled tone. Food is given freely, courtesy of the Sect, encouraging eaters to have seconds and thirds..
Skane will find a weapons vendor and barter for a suitable MW Battle Axe
Skane will offer the vendor 300gp, his current battle axe [5gp trade worth] and a throwing axe [4gp trade worth]
"300 gold and these fine weapons... all battle tested and of good Northern quality... a good deal for us both nei?"
:
Swayed by the Northman's arguments, the seller relents. Done and done.
Skane smiles at the vendor and shakes his hand to seal their barter;
"A wise man... you must have some Northern blood in you! Har!"
He hands over 300 of his gold coins, one of his throwing axes and his old battle axe.
Hefting his new axe, he runs his finger over the blades edge, nods and tests the weight with a swing... Proclaiming an oath as he does:
"Hún vilja gera ekkja af margir kvænast. klofna skjöldur og bit höfuðkúpa af huglaus og stríðsmaður mannskapur eins!"
Hún vilja gera ekkja af margir kvænast. klofna skjöldur og bit höfuðkúpa af huglaus og stríðsmaður eins! = She will make widows of many wives... cleave shields and bite skulls of craven and brave men alike!
Hún vilja gera ekkja af margir kvænast. klofna skjöldur og bit höfuðkúpa af huglaus og stríðsmaður mannskapur eins! = She wish do widow of wives. split shield and bite skull with white-livered and warrior men the same as!
Wesh after wandering around with his new gold decides to buy something. He says to skane around him "I want to buy a signal whistle." Wesh then looks for a stall with the whistle.
Skane looks down at the priest intently then nods;
"A canny idea Wesh. Sharp mind's are needed as much as sharp blades Prestur. I too shall buy a signal horn..."
Skane accompanies Wesh to a suitable vendor selling horns, whistles and such:
"Greetings trader. My friend here would like a signal whistle and I seek a signal horn... perhaps linnorm or gorgunn horn nei? We have coin... but we have our wits too, so show us your best wares..."
As Dieredon walks with the group in route to the abandonned temple for their meeting,
Is anyone concerned that we are walking into a situation where two different groups are competing for our services because of the two different notes? I would not mind it too much because it would simply drive up the price, but it could get a bit bloody tonight if that were the case. I just want us to be prepared for anything.
Bjorn nods sagely at the elf's words. 'Blóð er alltaf góð kaup hlutur.'
Blóð er alltaf góð kaup hlutur = Blood is always a good thing
Blóð er alltaf góð kaup hlutur = Blood is always good trade thing
Skane also nods at Dieredon's words, and responds to Bjorn's comment with a wry smile;
"Aye friend alfur. There could be two heads to this serpent right enough... And the best paymasters win our swordarms eh? Har!"
The scarred Ulfen turns to Bjorn and mutters in Skald:
"Fyrir hvar blóð er stofna , svo of er dýrð!"
Fyrir hvar blóð er stofna , svo of er dýrð! = For where blood is found, so too is glory!
Fyrir hvar blóð er stofna , svo of er dýrð! = Pay lip service to where blood is found , thus too is glory!
Bjorn looks to the little gypsy. 'Já, það er góð kaup tími til uppgötva örlagagyðjurnar norns hafa vefa.'
He motions to her to lead the way.
Já, það er góð kaup tími til uppgötva örlagagyðjurnar norns hafa vefa = Yes, it is a good time to discover the fates that the norns have woven.
Já, það er góð kaup tími til uppgötva örlagagyðjurnar norns hafa vefa = Yes , whenas góð kaup trade while to unearth Fates witch á brjósti weave
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Rianna leads Bjorn to an open table set up in the Bazaar where food and drinks can be had. Rianna clears a spot and sits down on one side of the table. Rianna signals to Bjorn to sit across from her at the end of the table. ”This will have to do.”
Rianna pulls her Harrowing deck out from somewhere within her scarf. ”I believe you still have one of my cards? I believe it is the bear. It represents someone with strength and one would be foolish to think that they can tame it.” After receiving the card back from Bjorn, Rianna shuffles the deck and places it on the table in front of her waiting for Bjorn to cut the deck. ”May Pharasma guide your hand.” Rianna picks the deck back up, closes her eyes, and speaks a prayer over the cards, ”Pharasma, Lady of Graves, Teller of Fates, guide my hand and grant me vision to answer the desires of Bjorn Helsingrson.”
Rianna takes a deep breath, opens her eyes, and begins to layout the cards face down in the standard formation for a harrowing. ”Past, Present, Future. Past, Present, Future. Past, Present, Future.” With a slight hesitation, Rianna looks up at Bjorn, gives him a smile and reaches out to flip the first column of cards, hand slightly shaking. ”This is your past.” Rianna flips the cards over beginning with the top card. They are as follows from top to bottom; The Dance, The Avalanche, The Unicorn. ”These cards represent your Past. They tell me how you followed the rules of the north, were given what you desired, adventure and freedom, but disaster struck and now you walk the land looking for new adventures.”
Rianna smiles again at Bjorn, this time she begins to flip the second column of cards, ”This is your Present.” They are as follows from top to bottom; The Paladin, The Bear, and The Sickness. ”These cards represent your present. Your path is difficult, corruption strikes against you, but you are to stay the course.” Rianna chuckles lightly. ”You are strong and stubborn, stuck in the old traditions and thought.”
Rianna takes a deep breath, places her hand above the final column and slowly exhales. She then closes her eyes and begins to flip over the cards. ”This is your Future.” They are as follows from top to bottom; The Marriage, The Vision, and The Big Sky. Rianna opens her eyes a slight gasp emits from her mouth. She then looks slowly over the final column again, a bashful smile coming over her face. ”These cards represent your Future. It is the herald of a new life, where the shackles of the old ways are broken. And a marriage, both in body and the spirit.”
Having finished Bjorn’s Harrow reading, Rianna glances around the bazaar, ”MISS, MISS! A couple of drinks for us please.”
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Bjorn watches with keen interest as the harrower works her trade. He nods at her proclamation of his past, a broad smile upon his face as he remembers the good times sailing with his fellow northmen out 'aviking, ranging the coasts and raiding the villages of the weak southerners. At her telling of his present, he grunts. It is easy to say I am here when you are here with me. He thinks to himself. Still he smiles at his totem's further appearance.
When the final column is revealed, he scoffs at Rianna's telling of the old ways being broken. 'ÉG er alltaf sannur til hefð af minn fólk bak til byrjun!' At her confirmation that they are intended for one another, he spreads his arms, calling out to his friends and traveling companions, 'Hamingjuóskir ert í röð, minn vinátta! Minn kona hefur boða okkar hjónaband.' Rising and clapping Wesh on the shoulder, he tells the cleric, 'Venjulega, við vildi þörf góð kaup gotneska til blessa okkar verkalýðsfélag. Þú ert góð kaup maður og a sterkur prestur. ÉG vildi vera heiður til hafa þú blettur okkar heit.'
Bjorn suddenly stops. Pondering for several seconds, he turns back to Rianna with a dawn of realization writ across his face. Grabbing her up in his arms, he proclaims, 'Þú varúlfur réttur! ÉG hafa brotinn keðja af minn hefð. Þú ert a sannur sjáandi, minn ást.'
ÉG er alltaf sannur til hefð af minn fólk bak til byrjun = I am ever true to the traditions of my people back to the beginning.
Hamingjuóskir ert í röð, minn vinátta! Minn kona hefur boða okkar hjónaband = Congratulations are in order, my friends! My woman has foretold our marriage.
Venjulega, við vildi þörf góð kaup gotneska til blessa okkar verkalýðsfélag. Þú ert góð kaup maður og a sterkur prestur. ÉG vildi vera heiður til hafa þú blettur okkar heit = Normally, we would need a good gothi to bless our union. You are a good man and a strong priest. I would be honored to have you mark our vows.
Þú varúlfur réttur! ÉG hafa brotinn keðja af minn hefð. Þú ert a sannur sjáandi, minn ást. = You were right! I have broken the chains of my traditions. You are a true seer, my love.
ÉG er alltaf sannur til hefð af minn fólk bak til byrjun = Ever am I lip service paid people start traditions back.
Hamingjuóskir ert í röð, minn vinátta! Minn kona hefur boða okkar hjónaband = Happy tidings are ordered my friends! My woman hast foretold our oathbond.
Venjulega, við vildi þörf góð kaup gotneska til blessa okkar verkalýðsfélag. Þú ert góð kaup maður og a sterkur prestur. ÉG vildi vera heiður til hafa þú blettur okkar heit = Is normal to have good gothi which union to blessed be. You are a good man and strong priest. Honor follows to have you swear our mark.
Þú varúlfur réttur! ÉG hafa brotinn keðja af minn hefð. Þú ert a sannur sjáandi, minn ást. = You be right! I have broken chain of my traditions. You art a seer of truth, my love.
Skane grins and grips Bjorn's forearm;
"Minn blessun bróðir. Hún vilja gera a fínn eiginkona. Nú ÉG verða finna þú a hjónaband gjöf og undirbúa þinn hátíð! Har!"
Grabbing one of the forthcoming drinks he shouts "SKÁL!" before draining the mug in one draught.
Minn blessun bróðir. Hún vilja gera a fínn eiginkona. Nú ÉG verða finna þú a hjónaband gjöf og undirbúa þinn hátíð! Har! = My blessings brother. She will make a fine wife. Now I must find you a marriage gift and prepare your feast! Har!
Minn blessun bróðir. Hún vilja gera a fínn eiginkona. Nú ÉG verða finna þú a hjónaband gjöf og undirbúa þinn hátíð! Har! = My blessing brother. She wish do a great eiginkona. Today I become find you a wedlock pass and set up thy gala! Har!
eiginkona = wife
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Rianna looks sternly at Bjorn and Skane. Spilin ekki segja að það væri mér. Þó vona ég persónulega það er. Rianna puts away her deck in her scarf. A hjónaband gæti þurft að bíða. Við höfum vinnu að bíða eftir okkur. Looking at Dieredon, Is it time to go? Remember we're supposed to be discreet.
Spilin ekki segja að það væri mér. Þó vona ég persónulega það er. = The cards did not say it would be me. Though I personally hope it is.
A hjónaband gæti þurft að bíða. Við höfum vinnu að bíða eftir okkur. = A marriage may have to wait. We have a job waiting for us.
Indeed, let's proceed, shall we? By the way, Rianna, how went the reading for the Northman?
At Dierdon's question, Bjorn turns with a huge grin and exclaims, 'Góður, alfur! Góður! Hey! Ef til vill þú öxl vera hana hirðmær. Þú ákveðið hafa tala fyrir það! HAHAHAHAHAHA'
Góður, alfur! Góður! Hey! Ef til vill þú öxl vera hana hirðmær. Þú ákveðið hafa tala fyrir það! = Good, elf! Good! Hey! Maybe you should be her maid of honour. You definitely have the figure for it!
Góður, alfur! Góður! Hey! Ef til vill þú öxl vera hana hirðmær. Þú ákveðið hafa tala fyrir það! = Good, elf! Good! Hey! Perchance her maid paid lip service honor you. Resolute have the add sum you for it.
Dieredon just rolls his eyes and chuckles as he asks Countless, What pearl of wisdom has your friend decided to share with me today in his harsh tongue, Countless?
Looking back at the initial festival brochure given, the temple is marked as a caption, indicating it as abandoned.
The way leads past the festivities to a quiet part of town.
A single storey wooden building sits at the marked position. Graffiti can be seen scrawled on its walls. The building's roof have partially collapsed. A cursory look seems to indicate the temple has been thoroughly looted and materials in its construction salvaged and reused.
A lone figure seems to be huddled up near its main entrance, standing vigil as if awaiting for someone.
As they approach, Dieredon scans the area for others who may be watching from concealed locations, and he takes a closer look at the individual waiting.
Perceptioon:
He cautiously leads the party to the abandonned temple and asks the northmen with his hand casually resting on the hilt of the Elven Curve Blade sheathed on his back.
He cautiously leads the party to the abandonned temple and asks the northmen with his hand casually resting on the hilt of the Elven Curve Blade sheathed on his back.
Wesh decides taking a closer look at this figure is also a good idea.
As the party approach the dilapidated building Skane warily looks around their surroundings trying to discern any hidden companions of the huddled gatekeeper:
:
Rianna leans close to Bjorn, You suppose we should pretend to be a couple looking for a temple to get married in? It would be discreet.
Bjorn looks at the 7 foot tall warscythe in his hand then looks to each of his companions before regarding Rianna. Nodding in agreement, he says, 'Viss, ÉG vilja vera a bóndi og þú geta vera a mjólk vinnukona. Skane vilja við minn harður vinnandi en einfaldur bróðir. Wesh okkar heimamaður óruddir skógar prestur. Dierdon vilja leika þinn systir, hár og renglulegur með a tala af a úr tré bjálki. Á meðan Merkja vilja leika okkar lausaleiksbarn ást barn klofvega hana hundur þessi eini líkjast a úlfur. Hvenær þeir spyrja hvers vegna við ert allur þreytandi brynja, fara með vopn og útlit réttlátur eins og a hópur af ævintýramaður þeir boða á sinn fund til hitta þá hér, myndað af we shall og we will vor okkar stór koma á óvart og svipa út a mjólkurbú kýr you've been felur á bak við þinn bak.'
He wraps his free arm around her waist and roaring with laughter, trods into the ruined temple, heedless of any danger, real or imagined.
Viss , ÉG vilja vera a bóndi og þú geta vera a mjólk vinnukona. Skane vilja við minn harður vinnandi en einfaldur bróðir. Wesh okkar heimamaður óruddir skógar prestur. Dierdon vilja leika þinn systir , hár og renglulegur með a tala af a úr tré bjálki. Á meðan Merkja vilja leika okkar lausaleiksbarn ást barn klofvega hana hundur þessi eini líkjast a úlfur. Hvenær þeir spyrja hvers vegna við ert allur þreytandi brynja , fara með vopn og útlit réttlátur eins og a hópur af ævintýramaður þeir boða á sinn fund til hitta þá hér , myndað af we shall og we will vor okkar stór koma á óvart og svipa út a mjólkurbú kýr you've been felur á bak við þinn bak. = Sure, I will be a farmer and you can be a milk maid. Skane will by my hard working but simple brother. Wesh our local backwoods priest. Dierdon will play your sister, tall and gangly with a figure of a wooden beam. Meanwhile Betony will play our bastard love child astride her dog that only resembles a wolf. When they ask why we are all wearing armour, wielding weapons and look just like a group of adventurers they summoned to meet them here, we'll spring our big surprise and whip out a dairy cow you've been hiding behind your back.
Viss , ÉG vilja vera a bóndi og þú geta vera a mjólk vinnukona. Skane vilja við minn harður vinnandi en einfaldur bróðir. Wesh okkar heimamaður óruddir skógar prestur. Dierdon vilja leika þinn systir , hár og renglulegur með a tala af a úr tré bjálki. Á meðan Merkja vilja leika okkar lausaleiksbarn ást barn klofvega hana hundur þessi eini líkjast a úlfur. Hvenær þeir spyrja hvers vegna við ert allur þreytandi brynja , fara með vopn og útlit réttlátur eins og a hópur af ævintýramaður þeir boða á sinn fund til hitta þá hér , myndað af we shall og we will vor okkar stór koma á óvart og svipa út a mjólkurbú kýr you've been felur á bak við þinn bak. = Sure, I will be a farmer and you can be a milk maid. Skane will by my hard working but simple brother. Wesh our local backwoods priest. Dierdon will play your sister, tall and gangly with a figure of a wooden beam. Meanwhile Betony will play our bastard love child astride her dog that only resembles a wolf. When they ask why we are all wearing armour, wielding weapons and look just like a group of adventurers they summoned to meet them here, we'll spring our big surprise and whip out a dairy cow you've been hiding behind your back.
Hearing his fellow Northman's plot and outline of their roles, Skane scowls and returns Bjorn's earlier punch to his arm with a meaty dig into the Bear's massive shoulder;
"Harður vinnandi en einfaldur!?" he growls...
...then breaks into a chuckle "Þú fórna betri lykta og fleiri snotur þú uxi har har har!"
Harður vinnandi en einfaldur!? = Hard working but simple!?
Þú fórna betri lykta og fleiri snotur þú uxi har har har!
= You forgot better smelling and more comely you ox har-har-har!
Harður vinnandi en einfaldur!? = Stringent working while unworldly!?
Þú fórna betri lykta og fleiri snotur þú uxi har har har! = You sacrifice better whiff and further sightly you ox har har har!
Dieredon sort of waits in the wings while the others approach the figure at the entrance to the abandonned temple. No so much relieved at the incessant banter of the Northmen, but nonetheless confident that Rianna will appropriately handle the exchange. He is prepared to move quickly in the event of trouble.
Betony and Thistledown take up the other flank, letting the humans get in close and do the talking. "Keep yer ears up Thist," she whispers.
The lone figure looks up startled as the approaching party heads in. As you get closer his bushy eyebrows with a narrowed jaw becomes apparent.
Wait, wait. He cries softly. I'm Dorangus and you're expected. Allow me to lead you in. Without delay he moves ahead and brings the party in the squalid interior of the building. He seems eager to get on with his current task.
The man walks, passing the first room which serves as the foyer.
From the smell and rags thrown around, you could guess it serves as some shelter of sorts for the unfortunates of the town. But nowhere are they to be seen at the moment. Candles light up occasionally, giving a dim ambiance. What is left of the furniture is either too damaged or worn to the brink.
The foyer crossing is brief and Dorangus leads to the back stopping at a doorway and gestures the group in. Beyond it you could see torches spread out illuminating the interior.
A group of people are clustered inside, some seated, some standing, wearing jovial festival masks and clothing. They seem relaxed and are casually chatting.
Dieredon casually walks to the front of the group and positions himself on the opposite side of Rianna from Bjorn. He strikes a casual pose, but takes in all of the 10 men, making sure that they are not surronded or flanked. If anyone moves to position himself at the groups side or back, then Dieredon will back-up and turn threateningly.
Rianna, I suggest you get down to business with our hosts.
Skane silently stands nearer Bethony and Wesh... his shield is readied and his battleaxe nonchalantly propped over his shoulder.
He takes the measure of those opposite him and allows Rianna to speak. Like Dieredon should any of their hosts move to our sides and back Skane will fall into fighting stance...
Wesh tries to sense if there are any hostilities planned by these men but making sure not to stare at them to offend any of them.
One of the men with a rhino's head mask hands Dorungus a small pouch which clinks on transfer. Dorungus nods and scurries off, leaving the building.
Another with a lion's mask nonchalantly approaches and offers a cup and wineskin to Bjorn.
The third with a raven's head mask clears his throat and in a even toned voice speaks.
The trade council of this fair town have heard of your exploits in bringing the group headed by an outlaw named Kurt to justice.
We believe your group have what it takes to carry out a job that would act in the best interests of the trade council and by extension the town itself.
He examines the group for a moment before continuing on.
We have information on a meeting involving a major bandit group and a third party that would take place in two days. The bandit's leader is called Lucien and we believe the meeting's purpose is to augment Lucien's forces via an alliance with an outside group. If this goes through it would not sit well with the town's safety. Simply, the job is to disrupt the meeting as to hinder the cementing of the alliance.
He pauses as to gauge your reaction.
The rest of the men nod their heads slightly throughout.
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Rianna looks at the gentleman who spoke, If my information is correct, and it usually is, this Lucien is a major bandit lord in this area and operates out of Deeptown. Among other things he has power and controls a large contingent of men. Seems like a pretty big job for even a group of our stature. Rianna glances at Bjorn as she speaks her words.
Choosing her words carefully, Rianna continues, What is it you wish us to do exactly? You say simply, yet I have seen that nothing is ever simple.
Rianna releases herself from Bjorn's grasp and steps forward. One hand on her hip next to her new whip, the other lightly placed at her chest, she leans over slightly, her loose top allowing imaginations to run wild without showing more than the milky skin of the tops of her breasts and their smooth curves. There are many things that must be known in order to properly achieve your goal gentlemen. How much can you tell us?
Rianna straightens back up and glances back at her companions. Then continuing, facing the people who have summoned them, The cost of something like this would be great. What are you willing to part with in order to accomplish it? Rianna leaves her last comment hanging in the air with thick anticipation.
Skane listens intently, keeping an air of nonchalant violence as he comments in rumbling Skald:
"Þrýsta þá harður fyrir okkar virði snigilbor. Við ert heilbrigður vel að sér í rauður hönd verk"
Þrýsta þá harður fyrir okkar virði snigilbor. Við ert heilbrigður vel að sér í rauður hönd verk = Press them hard for our worth auger. We are well versed in red handed deeds.
Þrýsta þá harður fyrir okkar virði snigilbor. Við ert heilbrigður vel að sér í rauður hönd verk = Squeeze then stringent pay lip service to our worth auger. Accustom art well knowledgeable into bloody hönd work.
Bjorn accepts the cup and wineskin in one hand, taking his arm from around Rianna to do so. He stands silent and still as the gypsy speaks with the masked men. When she moves forward and leans toward the strangers, Bjorn tilts his head to the right and takes the opportunity to her backside an appreciative glance as she bends over.