Lev examines the document closely for a moment and then reaches for the pouch he'd taken from the body, along with the pendant, doing his best to shove the paper into his own pouch as part of the motion. Then, still holding the pouch of coin in his hand, he steps away from the body and out into the open, displaying the pouch and pendant openly.
"If this is your friend, you'll want these. The body is still in the web. I imagine you'll want to see that he's buried."
He openly looks at the pendant dangling from his fist. "This is an interesting symbol. What's it stand for?"
Lev walks toward the dwarf, hands up and showing no sign of concern.
Alandra tries to stay very alert and keep an eye on all of them.
Sense Motive
Anya could not read the leader of the other travelling group in the slightest - not unusual for her, considering insight into others hadn't ever been her strong suit. Her social graces teachers had near dispaired over her endless naivite - but this time around she decided to not display that.
Maybe she erred to far on the side of caution, but she kept herself low, didn't risk exposing herself or worse, potentially ruining her shot.
Sense motive check:
Arianna will loosen her swords in their sheaths and prepare to tumble off the path into the woods when the arrows fly.
Seeing how her group mates are preparing themselves, Elsbeth starts to worry, a lot.
While never dropping the friendly smile she has been giving to the newcomers, she keeps thinking "Calistria, here i come"
Sense Motive
Mawj tenses, keeping her fingers on her bowstring. "Yes, dwarf. Please explain. We would love to hear. We would also love if your men would refrain from trying to move to cover while we are speaking. It doesn't exactly show good faith."
The dwarfs beard nearly bristles at the elf's words. "I don't like yer tone elf!" he states flatly. "Me boys 'aint ter be tryin' anythin' yet, and ye lot are the ones as are gettin' weapons ready. Now let's nae anyone be gettin' stupid here. We want's the boy back. More importantly we wants what he was carryin'. Nae need fer any more than that, but don't be makin' accusations like that or me lads'll be actin' ter defend their honour and such". It would seem he is pointedly ignoing questions about the amulet.
The men stop moving at the dwarfs word, but the tension has come back into the air.
Sense Motive DC12 (For the human bowmen)
Sense motive DC14 (for the dwarf)
It would seem that Elsbeth is much too worried now to mind what are others thoughts.
Then she shouts:
"Will everybody please start using his brain ? Besides as a calistrian prostitute i need my body healthy and all in one piece. I wouldn't like to see anyone here struck by all those venereal diseases that infected the last man who tried to brutalize me."
Sense Motive (26 vs humans)
Mawj keeps her bow string half-taut. "Your men are obviously looking to you for instructions, dwarf, but you seem torn in how you should act here. You must certainly have some reservations about the strength of the group because you haven't attacked yet, and it is quite clear that you are the type of folk who normally would if they thought they could win." Mawj smiles slowly, "So we now know that you desire this young man's possessions more so than any wish to recover his body. Your approach is aggressive, but you lack the strength to force a claim. We see you for what you are, bandits, and we do not cotton to your kind."
Sense motive (bowmen): ; Sense motive (Dwarf):
Upon hearing Mawj's words Arianna thinks to herself "Oh, this is NOT going to end well"
Lev frowns at the dwarf's comments. "Very well." He tosses the pouch of coin and the pendant to the ground in the general direction of the dwarf's feet. "Take them and your friend if you wish. Be wary of the spider's lair though. There's no telling what may remain in there."
He steps to the side and turns so that his profile is to the dwarf, waiting with an impassive expression, projecting casual confidence and assurance.
Anya didn't like the idea of effectively paying a ransom to random bandits who just "happened" to cross their way. But she knew this would be their hardest fight yet - without either surprise nor numbers to aid them, and with the most vulnerable member of their trope exposed to the enemy.
Despite the annoying tug of principle, practicality won out again inside her, as it had so many times before. If Lev's offer was enough, they'd be free to go. If not... they could still have their fight, and maybe - hopefully - she could add a little surprise from her position.
Mawj stays quiet, giving a sour sidelong glance towards Lev.
Alandra doesn't see any need to press for a fight, and so stays silent.
The dwarfs eyes widen a little at Elsbeths claim, and some of the men whince visibly as she mentions the pox. Combined with Lev's offer and thrown items, plus the general readiness of the group they are faced with, he obviously decides to take the deal today.
"Aye then, we'll go cut 'im out then, and you folk can be on yer way". He stands aside, obviously wating for teh group to depart the way they had come from. His men seem to breath out the tension they were holding in and step asiide as well, lowering their bows but not putting them away.
It is only now, that things have relaxed a little that some of teh group notice the wounds on some of the humans, obviously from their fight with the spider when it took their friend.
Still staying in control of herself, Elsbeth gives the dwarf and his men a slight courtesy.
"I knew you'ld have been so kind, thank you"
Then she turns to the others and.....
"Just a suggestion." Lev calls after the group as they move toward the nest. "You might want to burn out that egg sac so that there aren't future troubles with these beasts."
He nods to Anya and the others and carefully withdraws away from the spider's nest.
Lev slows, examines the area to see if there are any watchers and turns to the others.
"I don't like leaving these bastards alone anymore than you do, Mawj, but I thought we might be able to learn more if we leave them be for the moment. Maybe we can follow them from a distance and find out where they're based."
He glanced at Elsbeth without amusement. "Besides, it was pretty obvious that if arrows began to fly our pox ridden camp whore here would wet herself."
As the dwarf passes her by Arianna will say "That is an interesting necklace your "friend" has there. I've seen it before, what does it signify? Some sort of club or fraternity?" She flashes a smile at the men "Rest assured, gentlmen. We will meet again and our exchange then will be far less...pleasant"
Mawj does not take her fingers off her bowstring as she makes her way past the gauntlet of bandits. She seems twitchy and anxious as the group pauses out of earshot. "I don't see any reason to allow them to leave. Perhaps we should keep an eye on them and see where they go."
He glanced at Elsbeth without amusement. "Besides, it was pretty obvious that if arrows began to fly our pox ridden camp whore here would wet herself."
Elsbeth does not show the slight emotion in replying to Lev:"Apart from the fact that there is a great deal of difference between a -pox ridden camp whore- and a calistrian prostitute, may i remember you that arrows have not begun to fly because of my bluff ? And again because of that you can have your little moment of personal glory butchering already wounded, taken by surprise fella who didn't really harmed any of us ? Now that will really make me wet myself"
"But you are right on one thing, Lev.I don't like having to invent such stories of myself.I'm good as any of the others on giving them what they deserve, i just need warning if butchering is incoming"
Anya remained icily silent as they walked out of the cave mouth, pondering this encounter. Only when well out of earshot, she spoke up. "We got out of that situation unharmed, and that's good. Mawj is right, they might be trouble down the road - but for now I suggest we leave them. They'll be wary of an ambush, and of being tailed. We asked about the amulet, after all."
She looked between her half-brother and the Chelish woman. It was hard not siding with Lev, but Elsbeth needed some support as well - or she'd grow entirely antagonistic before long. "OF course you don't enjoy that. They had us all in a tough spot and you did what you do best." To herself she added that this was probably lying, cheating and twisting the truth... but saying that out loud would be counterproductive. "Ransoming ourselves to these men was a bitter pill to swallow for any of us, but we need to be smart with this. Everyone in this group has talents. We just need to find a way to maximize our strength while covering our weaknesses. Elsbeth, since you say you need time to prepare for any battle" A glance made clear she would accept no other term. "How about you keep to the middle of the group from now on? Away from both ambushes and frontline skirmishing."
Lev glances at Elsbeth with cold eyes. "If you hadn't noticed, girl, I was the one who supported your efforts to end the confrontation peacefully. If I'd desired a battle, you'd do well to believe that blood would have been spilt no matter how skilled you are at lying."
He nods at Anya's words. "Anya is right. Remember that we're in dangerous lands and an attack can come at any time from any quarter."
He took a deep breath and when he spoke again his tone was subtly warmer. "I still think we should follow them at a distance or at the very least track them. We need to know where they come from or at the very least, where they're going."
As the group of explorers head out from the small dell and web filled lair, they are metwith barely concealed contempt from the humans they pass. Arianna's comment is met with a short bark of laughter from the dwarf, though his eyes glint with anger.
"Rest assured lassy, if we meet again, it'll be because I'm lookin' fer ye. Mebee then ye'll find out about the pendant aye?"
He and two of his men take up positions around the edge of the dell, keeping an eye on the group as they leave, while his last two men move in to burn the egg sack and cut down the corpse.
Within moments they are all out of sight as the hilly land changes the party's perspectives.
Lev glances at Elsbeth with cold eyes. "If you hadn't noticed, girl, I was the one who supported your efforts to end the confrontation peacefully. If I'd desired a battle, you'd do well to believe that blood would have been spilt no matter how skilled you are at lying."
"Am i supposed to thank you then ? Yes i noticed your efforts and i wanted to be grateful to you, but you have a weird way to appreciate my own job....i did well this time.And i know when to be grateful to others"
"And speaking of what everyone here does best,it is time for Lev and Mawj take the lead, if we want to follow them, but from what i heard when they was approaching, they are good at tracking and woodcraft"
The only sign of Lev's internal struggle was a half-raised eyebrow before he nodded curtly.
"You're welcome." he said and then turned away from Elsbeth.
"Anya, what do you think? Should we attempt to follow these bandits at a distance? Or would it be better to try and track them later given some of...our limitations." He glanced back in the direction where Bergan had been left with the horses. "Of course, we still have the wounded horse to contend with as well."
"I believe we should take care of the poisoned horse. We have precious few resources as it is and one fewer mount would not make our lives any easier."
Anya turned and looked back to the cave. "We really should go back to Oleg's. We're not at full strength, and they're warned. I want to at least have a horse for any wounded or prisoners. We'll get the bandits soon enough - there's a whole gang of them in the Greenbelt, it seems, and we haven't heard the last of them, of that I am sure."
She briefly looked for any dissenting opinions before turning back towards their 'camp'. "Let's go, we need to make good time."
Elsbeth face relaxed as she gave a slight, happy smile.
"Now you are talking my language Anya. I need to forget the last events "
Lev nods. "Very well. Let us make haste to return to Bergan then."
He strides off without waiting for the others.
Having decided to retreat fully back to Oleg's teh party quickly heads back to Bergan and the horses. Both Mawj and Lev note the point where the bandit group seemed to have crossed their path, some 5 minutes walking away from the spiders lair. They had cossed in from the south, and seemingly follwed their path and the spiders tracks from that point.
Bergan looks up from where he had been pacing the camp when the party returns. He quickly scans the group, looking to see that everyone had returned and nods his head once in satisfaction when he counts everyone as present. At the news of their impending return to the trading post, he merely arches an eyebrow and states "So soon? Well, I'd best prepare your mounts then Master Lev and Mistress Anya"
The journey back to Oleg's takes the remainder of the day, and it is somewhat disapointing to note that despite what seems and age to some of the folk in teh group, only a small amount of land has been explored. The wooden palisade appears before the group as light begins to fade in the western sky, great tracks of cumulus clouds dotting the sky with scarlet underlight and deep purple heads. The vista is quite stunning, and would be quite uplifting it weren't for the nature of their return.
Captain Garess stands waiting for the party as they arrive, the small shape of Trystan standing eagerly at his side while the heavy set wolf leans casually against the boy. The captain wears a smile on his face, which broadens when he sees Elsbeth, but Tristans joy seems to put his cavalier grin to shame. The boy nearly rushes out to the party but is stopped by the captains hand grabbing his shoulder, at which the great wolf snarls and stands suddenly. Kesten's response is to immediately lift his hand from the boy, though he does place himself between him and the incoming horses. The look on the Captains face speaks volumes about his apparent relationship with the wolf.
As the party finally begin entering the trading post, they note the sounds of merryment coming from the main building and see the heavy wagons of a merchant caravan pulled up to the side of the trading post. It would seem the place would indeed be crowded tonight, and perhaps the party would be sharing the food with ohters. Indeed, they may be camping out after all, since it's likely Oleg's rooms are already taken.
Perception DC 14 (During the trip back to Oleg's)
Elsbeth from time to time turns around her head, looking behind her.
At one point she declares :"Don't look now, but i think we have company following from afar"
As usual she greets the captain with a smile and a courtesy, then gives Tristan a hug.
It is now that she notices the commotion, so she asks captain Garess :
"New arrives captain ? who might they be ?"
"I saw him,"[b] Lev said quietly. [b]"I expect those bandits were as curious about us as I am about them."
Lev's expression sours as they move close enough to see the crowded conditions of the fort. "This is why I wanted to find our own place to set up as a permanent base camp. Just when I thought the day couldn't get any worse."
Perception:
Anya saw the gathering as they approached the trading post, and smiled despite their probable trouble finding the service they had grown accustomed to. She fished a two golden coins out of her bag, and nodded to Bergan "Color me impressed. Here's some coin for food and merriment. You certainly came through so far. Things look good."
She herself was busy deciding what to do with her evening. The horse needed to be taken care off, sure... but the trading posts stable boys probably would do as good a job as any. Maybe the caravan had brought jugglers and bards? Or maybe even a failed wizard still versed in minor illusions and fanciful tricks. Not to mention all the beautiful things the caravan might carry - new earrings maybe, or other simple jewelry.
She knew Lev wasn't likely to be nearly as enthusiastic about the evening as herself, and his words only confirmed it. "Lev, brighten up. We'll find shelter, I'm certain Oleg and Svetlana wouldn't forget us like that after saving them. I for one am going to enjoy the evening."
"Who are they gonna sell all that stuff to out here?" Alandra wonders aloud when she sees the Merchant wagons.
"Do they have anything good?" she asks Tristan.
Lev just shook his head. "Too many people," he muttered.
He took the reins of his horse and the sickened one and focused on finding them both stabling and hunting down someone who might know something about relieving the poison.
Elsbeth wouldn't mind a hot bath, she is eager to have one to tell the truth, but the situation doesn't look like she is going to have one soon.
it isn't like the market quarters i was used, but doesn't look bad either she thinks.
Why don't give it a look?
Captain Garess responds to Elsbeth's quesion with a nod Yes Mistress Volarius, it's a merchant caravan. Swung down from Restov to deliver an order that Oleg had sent for. Apparently the man heard about this little venture and the number of noble folk involved and he managed to bring some extra things as well. I'm sure you'll be impressed m'lady"
Tristan yells and runs around with his wolf as the party begin to dismount and unpack. The two of them manage to get underfoot and grab at peoples legs at the most inopportune moments, but it is hard to maintain any type of anger at it, since his sheer happiness at seeing the group is quite infectious.
Most of their extra gear is able to be stored in their big wagon, but they leave their tents ready for use as it is obvious they will need to camp in them this evening. Oleg comes out to assist with the preparations, an apppologetic look on his face when he explains the guest quarters are unavailable. "I'm sorry M'lady"he states to Anya "But we weern't expecting you back and Milos has paid for the rooms already. I cannot turn away his business I'm afraid. He's one of the few merchants to have made it through untouched by bandits in the past few months. We'll be serving a meal of Roast venison and wild potatos afore too long though. Yo can set your tents up along the back wall of the palisade, inside at least. I'll get Svetlana to organise a bath and make sure you are all given teh privacy you deserve"
The merchant Milos is a Varisian, of all types. His fark hair is well kept and a large mustache sits prodly above his mouth, seemingly twitching of its own volition as he talks. He came with two wagons, the second being driven by his daughter Viola. She was a strong and quiet girl, almost the opposite of her father in every way. Plain featured but certainly not ugly, she seemed to be the one doing most of teh handy work around their gathered wagons and supplies while Milos does the talking and haggling. Two armed men are also in the compound, guards hired by the merchant to protect him and his daughter for this trip. "Turns out I didn't need them in the end. The bndits seem to have abandoned this part of the world. Well done to you folk!"
Another person seems to have appeared while the party were absent. A tall and broadshouldered man sits quietly at the far table. His garb is that of a woodsman and he carries a hand axe at his side. The man seems absorbed in his own thoghts at the moment, sitting and merely observing the goings on around him. As Alandra walks in, he seems to take note and sit up a little straighter, but he still doesn't move from his seat.
Captain Garess throws the man a dark look but continues chatting to Elsbeth while the group get their gear stowed and the hirses stabled. "Lady Elsbeth, if you must stay in a tent this evening, I insist you use mine. It is far larger than the little hutchies you and your friends are using. I of course shall find alternative accomodation, as is only proper"
Although some initial indecision,Elsbeth is accustomed to receive offers from noblemen and high ranking officers...or rather she was when she lived in Westcrown. Captain Garess is just "another one drooling idiot" to her, and seemingly one that knows his place;her selfish nature in the end surfaces "That....that is really nice Captain, i'ld have never hope in such treatment,i'll gladly accept"
Elsbeth thanks the officer before going to see what the caravan has to offer, she also plans to have some fun and relax this evening. And a bath of course.
Anya playfully nudged her older half-brother's shoulder, and replied. "I understsnd. You might just have a little too much fun, right?" She kept her teasing playful, though - Lev certainly had his own ideas about fun and how it was to be had.
Oleg's bad news did not quite shatter her good mood, but cooled it considerably. "Oleg, is there really no way to fix something up? Maybe some fresh hay in the stables?" Some sliver of hope remained yet... so close to civilization, she really did not want another night standing watch and getting damp.
After the evening arrangements were finalized (for better or worse) she went to scour the merchant's wares for anything interesting. If there was not much entertainment to be had (Viola, after all, seemed hardly the type to dance and sing), maybe there at least was a bargain.
Elsbeth
"I will just grab my weapons m'lady, then leave you to your privacy" he states, following his words by entering and gathering the stated equipment.
As he moves past, he brushes quite close to he, his hand momentarily resting on hers
Anya
Quietly, so none of the others can hear, he also whispers "Something came for you in the delivery I recieved too M'lady. It was cealed with your family crest and Milos was told to let know one else know it had come." He reached inside his vest and handed over a sroll of velum, the black wax seal very apparent. "I'll leave you to read it in private Lady Anya."
He moves away, seeming very uncomfortable with the act of duplicity he feels he'sinvolved in by handling the scroll.
After visiting "her" new accomodation, Elsbeth give the Captain a courtesy and thanks him again, then she leaves for the caravans.
"Maybe i'm being too much gentle with him? What should i do? Why in the nine hells i came here ? "
She looks like she is worried, but soon dismiss the thoughts.
In the end she just decides to look at the clothing and have a bath, before retiring.
After Lev has taken care of the horses, he comes out of the stables and seeks out Alandra.
"I don't know if any of the newcomers here are practiced in providing cures for poisons, but do you think perhaps there might be an item for sale that you'd be able to take advantage of? I'm assuming, of course, that you are skilled in such matters."
Seeing the Captain fawning over Elsbeth, Lev momentarily considers warning the poor man off but rejects the idea. It was none of his business.
He moved about the merchants and looked over their items, considering what he might need and looking over the gold he has on hand, not making any immediate decisions.
Mawj stiffens slightly at the sight of new faces in Oleg's Trading Post. She mutters, "Mae'n mynd yn orlawn i mewn yma. Fel morgrug mewn potel."
After caring for her mount, she climbs the palisade and keeps an eye on the forest. Her ears occasionally twitch as she listens to the conversations in the courtyard.
Alandra notices the woodsman looking at her when she enters the compound, which makes her nervous. Do I know him?
"I don't know if any of the newcomers here are practiced in providing cures for poisons, but do you think perhaps there might be an item for sale that you'd be able to take advantage of? I'm assuming, of course, that you are skilled in such matters."
"I'll see what he's got. I could use a couple of scrolls I guess."