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Of course Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight jumps at the chance to talk, gregarious goblin that he is!
"Hi! Me am Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. Me is a very good goblin, just you ask anyone. Especially Boss Coramus here! Oh, and this s Jorvik. You no worry, even though he looks mean, he not too bad. And Kuragin... me not so sure about him, but he seem ok. You must be Lady Argentea? We here to save you! We kill all bad guys upstairs. That, and we kill the ice meefit, and the skeletons, and the man who looked like a yeti but was really just wearing a really nice robe that made him look like a yeti but he wasn't a nice man because me made skeletons out of his friends and the skeletons attacked us and hurt my friends and the bad man also stab my friend Eefie so she get really hurt and then look a little green which look good on a goblin but not so much on a longshanks but me throw fire on the bad not-yeti and stab him with spear and make him dead and we meet half-orc cook that seem kind of scary but not fight so we no kill her and she help save Eefie she she ok and then we come down and save you!" He finally takes a breath, and smiles.
"Yes, I am she. You are here to save me? Oh, thank Desna you found me! And thank you!" the bedraggled noblewoman leans forwards and shakes the goblin's hand, hardly able to believe her luck, "I can't believe your band managed to fight off all those bandits. I'm not sure where a yeti came from in all of that, but who knows what creatures these folk have allied themselves with.
"Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight," she muses, "What a strange and wonderful name - it matches your skin beautifully. We will have to talk more of it on the road back to... where are you from? Heldren, I would assume. It must be dark outside, do you think it will be safe to stay here for the night and set out again in the morning? It gets... so... cold at night." Lady Argentea shudders at the thought of night and she begins to ascend the ladder.
"Yes, young woman. We ought to be able to secure this building quite nicely for tonight, then get you safely back to Heldren tomorrow." The wizard comes closer, a serious expression on his face.
"How is your...regularity, madame? I've heard that forced captivity and the shoddy diet it brings can mess with one's bowels, oh yes. But don't you worry, my dear. Coramus and Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight have just the thing to get your innards back on track, don't you doubt!" He grins at her as they make their way out of the basement, nodding his head along with his statements like a sideshow huckster.
"Well met my lady." Jorvik make a shallow bow, quickly straightening his hair to make sure his ears are covered. "I am Jorvik the Bloodspeaker. What physical needs can we assist you with? There is a cook here and we can have her make you a light broth, or some boiled vegetables. I will also be happy to escort you throughout the house so we may procure some better clothing for you."
While Jorvik moves through the house with her, he begins to ask her questions about her ordeal.
"My lady, if you please, the trek here was fought with challenges and evil creatures trying to kill us. If you could tell us about your kidnapping and journey here it might prove fortuitous for our return so we may be better prepared."
With Aoife recovering nicely and resting comfortably, Ishbaad moves to address the woman they have rescued, and see about food and provisions for the group. It made sense to rest for the night before heading back, and there was plenty of questions to ask before they got back to the town and were bombarded by everyone.
Lady Argentea looks quite taken aback at all this talk of the latter aspects of digestion, but seems to forgive the old man for the interest he has taken, "I'm sure I'll be back to... usual... once I have a bit more food in me. Can any of you cook? I'm afraid my handmaiden was killed as they captured me, and she was our trail-chef." The noblewoman grows quiet and melancholy at the mention of her dead servant.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Jorvik the Bloodspeaker," she says, snapping out of her reverie as the skald addresses her directly, "A cook, you say?" she looks around furtively, spies Ten-Penny and addresses her directly, "Oh, you're still here. I guess you were genuine about freeing me, then. Well, in that case: I'll have a hearty potato and lamb soup, with celery and carrots if you have any. Don't go light on the spices, either. I assure you, my palate is quite used to them. A glass of wine will do nicely for an accompaniment, but I'm so thirsty I'd likely drink ale. If you have something for pudding, we can call it even on the kidnapping. I'm famished.
"As for better clothing," the Lady turns back to Jorvik, "I'm sure even stained and soiled as it is, my current attire is infinitely more preferable to anything these ruffians were wearing. At least, until we step out into the cold."
While Ten-Penny does her best to accommodate the group's orders in the kitchen, Lady Argentea relates the tale of her ordeal. She has nothing to add that Juln didn't already cover (save for a recounting of her own discomfort) and she was unconscious - "blessedly so" she adds - for the journey to the lodge. For the last three days, she has been kept downstairs chained to a pillar and fed by Ten-Penny. In general, though, she has been left alone and in the dark. She has nothing she can tell the companions about why the bandits kidnapped her or what they intended to do with her. They didn't even ask her who would be likely to pay the biggest ransom.
The girl was resting comfortably now, though Ishbaad still wasn't sure how mad she remained at him. Dealing with one's own frailty, much like facing one's own mortality, had a decidedly maturing effect on a person, no matter how young or old.
Ishbaad walks into the room with the freed woman, standing at his full, imposing height. He has taken his armor off, not expecting another fight anytime soon, and needing the freedom of movement to treat Aoife properly. "It is good to see you in relative good health. I am glad we made it here when we did."
It is now that his companions can see more clearly the giant man's true nature. His skin is shiny almost, a darkened color that reminds one of polished granite. His joints are covered in nodules, like rocky outcroppings on a hill that shift and slide over each other as he moves. He looks humanoid, just like a very large, overly tall man who might have left his mountainous pattern camouflage on. Extremely detailed, incredibly life like, stone camouflage...
None of his movements are quick, but his steps are purposeful.
"We are, none of us, Heldren locals, if our motley crew has you wondering. Simply passing through for one reason or another. My niece and I are investigating the disappearance of her father. The last information we have about him has him investigating some unnatural weather, much like this. Now here we sit, in the middle of a frozen landscape to rival the stories I have heard of the tundra in the north. We have fought and killed evil fey, an ice demon, and a man wrapped in a yeti cloak that could only have come from the north. For some reason, these bandits thought you important enough to kidnap to aid their cause."
By the time Ishbaad has summarized what everyone already knows, he has crossed the room to sit down near to the woman.
"While you may not realize the importance of the details of who you are, where you were coming from and where you were going to, I would have you tell us, if you are willing. There must be something about all of this that will lead us to Aoife's father, and I mean to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible." Ishbaad's smile is disarming and kind, and he waits patiently for the woman to answer in the midst of her meal, and the questions from the others.
@Ishbaad: Just FYI, Aoife's father most definitely not go to Heldren. The weather appeared here only a 2 weeks ago and no-one has investigated the border wood as yet. He investigated a very similar unseasonable pocket of winter 1-2 months ago, but elsewhere (I can't remember exactly, perhaps Garund?). Just to be clear, he didn't come through Taldor or Heldren. The similarity of these two phenomena is what drew you here. Feel free to retcon any of that chat, but I'm happy to just work around the details. Will actually wait until tomorrow to post the lodge contents. GenCon stuff happening...
-Posted with Wayfinder
The child lays, her mind wandering yet never able to focus. The clouded images which pass before her minds eye are of her father, churning blizzards of white, and a half-human half-yeti; each fleeting effigy flipping into her conscious for a split second before reforming anew. The painful images are seamlessly interlaced at random causing her to squirm and twitch, obviously ill at ease, as her body fights to heal the poison.
Coramus gives the noblewoman a warm smile, grey and white beard moving upward a couple of inches to accommodate the movement. He then darts upstairs, shouting out, "When shall supper be done, Ten-Penny? We are all starved and cold, and need something warm in our bellies." He seems to think about it for a moment, adding, "Something tasty and warm. Maybe you could use these half-rotted onions here for some soup? The good half. I've eaten rotten onion before, during some hard times earlier in my life. Not the best meal choice."
The wizard starts to help with dinner, chopping vegetables and generally just trying to help in the kitchen. Partly because he didn't quite trust the half-orc, and wanted to be around her in case she tried to slip anything in their food. Also to make sure the food was up to his standards, as he and Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight had been subsisting on trail rations for quite some time, and Coramus thought they were entitled to something better, what with rescuing a noblewoman and all.
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Once things calm down, and the noble woman has her clothes, he turns to Coramus. "Boss, we staying over night? Me go check for supplies, no? Me find stuff good!"
He first runs over to Aoife, expecting to enlist her on his search. He sees the poor state that she is in, so lets her sleep. He then checks out everything in the lodge After that, he'll watch the stable fire burn down, and then search there as best as he can.
"She definitely is not a White Witch of Irrisen" Kuragin comments on the earlier remark, barely containing is laughter at the whole idea. "There would not be much left of the bandits if she was, and I doubt she'd be needing a rescue."
Kuragin bows humbly in front of their rescued noblewoman. "Well met, Lady Argentea. It is good to find you in good health. I am Kuragin, Kseniya line of the Jadwigas. But as out small goblin friend said: I am ...ok."
Have they really vanquished all the enemies? Can they rest, finally? Or is there another danger awaiting them just behind the corner? "I am not sure if this place is safe to rest. I suggest we escort the good lady back to Heldren. Once she is safe, we should come back and investigate the ... source of this cold weather."
"Greetings, master Ishbaad," replies Lady Argentea, [b]"Thank you for your concern. I'm not sure if I was specifically targeted, or if their raid was simply an attack borne by opportunity. It certainly seemed well coordinated, though. My family, the Malassene family, has a moderate amount of power in Oppara but we are not particularly high up on the hierarchy. My schedule had me staying for much longer in Zimar than I actually did, so I'm not sure who could possibly have expected that I would be on the road back to Oppara at the time we were acosted." The Lady does not elaborate as to her reasons for leaving Zimar so early.
Ten-Penny, in the meanwhile, shows Coramus a thing or two about cooking. She is an accomplished chef, and makes use of the old man's cutting skills - appreciating having some company in the kitchen for once. Ten-Penny even has some salted lamb in the cellar, and a pretty tasty soup is soon on the simmer.
Just before dinner is served, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight realizes that he does indeed have Lady Argentea's clothes and hands them to her. "Thank you ever so much, my dear master goblin," she says, delighted to have some new clothes, "Ten-Penny, heat me up a bath after dinner is served and we will not only be even, but I will be indebted to you." Ten-Penny seems to perk up at this, and nods.
"Master Kseniya, it is wonderful to meet you," Lady Argentea says over spoonfuls of the delicious soup, "I will not be heading back to Heldren at night. Even with the furs, we would still suffer terribly from the cold. Please do have a look over the lodge to see if it is indeed safe, but the bandits were never disturbed while here."
On Rohkar's corpse, the companions find:
- scroll of animate dead
- greenblood oil
- two oils of taggit
- mwk chain shirt
- +1 light crossbow
- +1 shortsword
- cloak of the yeti
- poison gum
- ring of protection +1
- masterwork thieves' tools
In addition to the potions the companions have already used, they also find:
- ten composite shortbows (12 str)
- 120 arrows
- ten shortswords
- ten suits of studded leather armor
- six potions of cure light wounds
A bearskin rug dominates the floor of this trophy room, and the heads of several deer have been mounted on the walls. Doors lead north and south, while two hallways go farther east.
The sentinels used this room to keep trophies of their kills, including the furs of the beasts they skinned. The observant members also spot a hidden cache containing some equipment to make hunting a little less fair for the animals:
- elixir of hiding
- potion of invisibility
- potion of pass without trace
- potion of spider climb
- tanglefoot bag
- mwk hand crossbow with 12 bolts
- silk rope (50 ft.)
- 2 x potions of cure light wounds
- potion of cure moderate wounds
Three doors open into this room. A sturdy bed heaped with blankets sits near the only window, and a large maple chest occupies the southwest corner.
In the chest, the companions find:
- a gold ingot engraved with the Taldan royal seal (worth 50 gp)
- a spyglass stolen from a captain out of Cassomir
- a silver lady’s ring (worth 25 gp)
- three shards of tiger’s eye gemstones taken from a Qadiran merchant (worth 10 gp each)
- a fine pair of leather riding boots of elven make (worth 15 gp)
- a silver dagger with a hidden compartment in the hilt (Perception DC 20 to find) containing 1 dose of small centipede poison
- a leather portfolio containing several pieces of parchment, including a scroll of endure elements, two scrolls of magic weapon, and a scroll of unseen servant
- a wand of cure light wounds with 32 charges remaining
- a wand of inflict light wounds with 12 charges remaining
Four beds, two large chests, and a single table with four chairs occupy this room. Three windows look out to the east, west, and south, providing a grand view of the snowy gorge outside the lodge.
As the companions search this room, Ten-Penny shouts out, "The men in there had some kinda disease. Chillbane shakes, they called it." When the adventurers don't stop searching, she calls out again, "Pretty contagious it was, not sure if ye'd want t'be rummaging around in there too much. Nothing in there anyway."
An L-shaped table with many chairs takes up most of the floor space in this loft. A second smaller table sits near the entrance, and several windows look over the snowy grounds of the lodge. In the southwest corner, a large map hangs on the wall, opposite another door in the northeast wall.
In here are several maps of Taldor and the following more valuable items:
- Jeweled letter opener worth 50gp
- Agile breastplate emblazoned with the symbol on the lodge, still on its display stand
Dozens of small boxes, bottles, and papers fill this musty storeroom. A small iron cage sits on the top shelf, emanating a flickering light like that of a candle.
Rohkar has hidden the following valuables here:
- three scrolls of lesser animate dead (2 HD)
- foure doses of greenblood oil
- a small lockbox containing 25 pp, 150 gp, 180sp, and a blue quartz ice diamond (Kuragin recognizes it as being from Irrisen) worth 100 gp
- three oils of magic weapon
- ten flasks of alchemist’s fire
- three masterwork crossbows and 40 bolts
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Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight thinks about the infirmary a bit, and then talks to Coramus. "Boss, we HAVE to check out that last room. I know, we can use that scroll of Unseen Servant and have the creature search the room. That me can do!!!"
Unless Coramus tells him not to (or better yet uses the scroll himself), he will try and activate the scroll.
He commands the servant to find any thing of interest in the infirmary.
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"Yes, yes, go have a looksie, that's a good goblin. Now where's that garlic? Garlic always makes everything better..." The wizard bumbles around in the kitchen, only paying half attention to what is going on around him. It's been so long since he's had a decent meal, he is focused and intent on making sure it's a good one.
He stands by Ten Penny through most of it, peering over her shoulder, "I think that needs a bit more stirring. Say, do you think we should bank the fire a bit? I don't want things in there to get seared, ya know. Let it simmer a bit more, I think, soften up the veggies and infuse the meat with the flavor. You can't rush a good thing, missie, no sirree! Just ask Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight what happens when you rush through things without thinking. When I found him he was bleeding out of his ass, the skin cracked and red, half charred from when he had swallowed liquid fire." The wizard shakes his head, rheumy eyes settled on the cook, hoping she has learned her lesson.
As Jorvik moves through the house with Kuragin, he turns to his companion.
"Что сделать вас из этих товарищей? Я, признаюсь, я не могу привыкнуть к пробираться в бой с ребенком и гоблина. Я привыкла к мужчинам охота mastadons, не маленькие девочки и гоблинов. И они прыгают в бой, даже не думая о том, кто или что они сталкиваются. В будущем, убедитесь, что иметь стратегию выхода. Я не боюсь соперника, но я буду плотины, если я умру из-за своей глупости."
The unseen servant tears up the room in its search for treasure. . Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight grows rapidly bored of it retrieving nothing of value save for the odd coin (15 copper in total) when finally it returns with a beautifully crafted, jeweled silver dagger stashed in a hidden compartment under one of the bandit's mattress. Clearly, this was acquired at some point and was being hidden by that bandit from Rohkar and his brothers.
Later, as Ten-Penny is serving up the soup, the doors to the lodge swing wide open and none other than the blonde haired and bearded brothers, Goren and Brandt, step through. Like the uncouth pigs they are, they throw their furs and weapons on the ground as they enter. Both men are shivering.
"Soup smells good," says Goren, approaching the table and reaching for a bowl, "These salesmen must've had some good 'erbs, eh?"
"Where was the fu-fu-fu-c-c-c-c-ckin' relief crew, anyway?" complains Brandt, looking like he's come down with more of a cold than Goren, "Got too c-c-c-c-old out th-th-there and we c-c-c-c-came back."
"Yeah!" chimes in Goren as he fills his bowl in front of the startled companions, "And would it'a killed ya t'have put a few torches out fer us? Damn near couldn't find th'lodge! It's black as pitch out there!"
"So, w-w-w-where's old Rohk-k-k-k-kar Cranky-pants anyway?" asks Brandt in a more hushed voice, "C-c-c-c-c-c-can't imagine he'd b-b-b-be missin' out on lamb."
"Hey, Ten-Penny," Goren looks up at Lady Argentea with a confused expression on his face after his fourth or fifth spoonful of soup, "What's she doin' eatin' at th' table? An' where's ev'ryone else?"
"Oh, sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-it!" The copper drops at last.
"Good herbs is one way to say it." Ishbaad flashes his threatening smile, standing up from his soup to his full height.
"What do you say you finish up that soup, then kindly allow me to tie you up proper. The way I see it, you have two choices. Face justice in Heldren, when we return tomorrow morning, or I can put you out of your miserable existence right now and toss your bodies out in the snow with the rest of your companions. The first one will be a lot warmer."
After they have had a chance to eat, the men are tied up and secured properly, then separated. Brandt is quarantined due to his oncoming, contagious illness.
"Now, now, no need to be rude, my friend. We have enough soup for everybody. You two look hungry. Oh...a bit sick, too. Maybe you should take a bowl in there, after all. You sure do look familiar. You members of the Lodge?"
Brandt gratefully accepts the rest of his soup and some bed rest - even if he is tied to it.
Goren, on the other hand, is taken aback by Ishbaad's threats, "Easy now! I got me no desire t'be headin' back out there in th' snow. Ya take it nice'n slow. We got nothin' t'hide if'n ye've killed Cindren. Figure it's all gone t'sh*t now anyhow."
Kuragin converses with Jorvik, his countryman, keeping his face blank, but casting brief glances on the other members of the group.
"Я подумал то же самое, друг Йорвик. Southlanders и пути их нечетные, и эта группа не является исключением. Тем не менее, я верю, что ребенок является ненормальным даже среди южан, судя по реакции других на нее. Гоблины, как правило, не следует доверять, но это, кажется, хотят, чтобы держаться подальше от злых путей его рода. Тем не менее, он имеет нездоровый любовь к огню, как и все остальные.
Старик, кажется, заслуживает доверия, и теперь выглядит часть я ожидал от южной народа. Но защитник Это другое, ребенок ... Я не видел его прежде, чем вид. Я верю, что он идет туда, где ребенок идет.
Но я ли им доверять? Я так думаю, по крайней мере, на данный момент. Тем не менее, я бы спать свет, и посмотреть, как они ведут себя, как только это время, чтобы разделить грабить."
"I have wondered the same, friend Jorvik. Southlanders and their ways are odd, and this group is no exception. However, I do believe the child is abnormal even among the southerners, judging from others' reactions on her. Goblins are usually not to be trusted, but this one seems eager to stay off the wicked ways of his kind. Still, he has the unhealthy love for fire like the rest of them.
The old man seems trustworthy, and looks now the part I expected from southern folk. But this other, the child's protector... I have not seen his kind before. I believe he goes where the child goes.
But whether I trust them? I think so, at least for the moment. Still, I would sleep light, and see how they behave once it's time to split to loot.
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From behind the true northerners, the small, fragile form of Aoife stirs and causes a single loose floorboard to squeak. The youth has clearly just risen from her rest, hair standing messily askew, and her face showing creases as if from a pillow.
She looks at the two for a moment, unable to understand their words and not wanting to interrupt.
"Unm, Mr. Jorvik," the youth begins, looking up to the skald with large green eyes set beneath messy bangs. "I don't know how you do it... but when you speak and sing... it can keep me from falling even if I am barely able to stand... it can keep me from passing out."
"I guess I just wanted to say, thank you..."
She begins to turn away, heading back to rest, but pauses once more, and voices one final thought. "I wouldn't hide your ears, if I were you. I think they are beautiful," she says before disappearing from view.
"Start with your plan, and what you know of it. Why did you kidnap the lady? Tell me what you know of why the snow and cold is here as well." Ishbaad starts, speaking to the men after they have had their fill of the food.
I don't expect they will be able to share any more than Limm did, but maybe he overheard something.
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Turning to the child, "I thank you Ee-fa for the kind words. We have fought and slayed together, we are brothers now. No 'Mr.' for me. I will continue to do what I do, as I am sure that you also will have to do that which needs doing. It is the measure of a man, or a young woman in your case, that when things are difficult, it is how we respond. Do we give up? Do we wait for others? No, we fight. We fight and will continue to fight. Come, let us help your mentor with these scum."
Ah the innocence of youth. If the world would see how she sees, it would be a different place.
"We don't know much about the snow - 'cept it appeared when the winter freaks did -" Goren begins, "But we ain't no sticklers for duty alike that fool Limm were. We heard Rohkar talkin' t'Izoze when I were lookin' fer his stash. He said we should oughta ransom her, but the Ice B*tch said Tebb (whoever 'e is) wanted 'er fer infiltratin' th'noble court. How 'e was gonna get 'er t'do it, Izoze didn' wanna tell Cindy-pants, but she said 'e sh'ld wait'n see." Goren shrugs, "S'all I heard. Found 'is pipe weed 'n' snuff af'er that."
As Ishbaad starts to question the prisoner, Coramus wanders over, giving him a knowing look as he strokes at his beard as if thinking clearly. In actually, the wizard is all but unfocused at the moment, thinking of the cold beyond and what could be causing it. He's found that the stares of the elderly, particularly aged wizards, tend to make men squirm at times, so it turns it on for full effect.
"Curious. Why would she want an infiltrator in Taldan court?" Kuragin wonders out loud, speaking to no one in particular.
He turns to the rescued noblewoman. "Lady Argentea, did you ever speak to Izoze or Rohkar?"
"Master Kseniya, I am afraid that I have never even seen this Izoze - but I am thankful for that," she says in response to the Irriseni witch, "My dealings with Rohkar were along the lines of him telling me to be quiet, or to mind my own business. He said his 'new friends' didn't need me healthy or even whole, so I'd better watch out. A strange thing to say if he was intending to use me as his in court.
"His plans, whatever they might have been, were doomed to failure though. Any halfway modern court uses regular scans for enchantments and other forms of magical coercion, and I would never have joined his cause willingly.
"As for what they would want out of an infiltrator - what does anyone want out of an infiltrator in their enemy's camp? Information and influence. This is most useful in the event that you are worried your enemy will attack you - or if you are preparing to attack your enemy. What enemies Taldor has among the wintery fey is anyone's guess!"
Kuragin may be able to guess better than any Taldan. Queen Elvanna must be planning something - some kind of attack on the South. The Winter Fey would do nothing on this scale without her approval.
After a good night's sleep, the companions set out from the High Sentinel Lodge for Heldren. They have Goren and Brandt bound and in tow, the latter continues to sneeze horribly and is being kept at the back of the column attached to a long rope. The journey back to Heldren seems somehow less cold than the journey there. Whether it is because they are looking forward to the summer weather beyond the borders of the forest, are flushed with their success or have simply gotten used to the snowy weather, the companions all feel warmer (except Kuragin, who wasn't bothered before and still isn't - despite his un-wintery attire).
Stopping briefly to pick up the abandoned chest of loot, the adventurers make good time. It is early to mid afternoon when the welcoming smoke chimneys of Heldren hove into view on the horizon.
Ishbaad inevitably trails back, finding it difficult to keep up with the group due to his slow gait. He uses the opportunity to perform the rear guard, though staying well away from the obviously sick prisoner.
He mulls over the thoughts and implications of the kidnapping, the appearance of the wintry weather, and the bigger picture that seems to be developing here. This wasn't going to end, and farmer dansby certainly wasn't going to be the last, innocent victim.
His duties, and his purpose remained clear, and he would stay steadfast in carrying those out, he resolves to himself as he watches the young girl bounce along beside the goblin.
She may have changed back there, but at least she can still hold on to some of that innocence, when the storm isn't raging around her. he thinks to himself, smiling when the merry sound of her laughter carries across the ever-warming breeze.
Since we have nothing else to go on, and it this source of snow and cold is not random, but possibly the harbinger of some imminent attack, then continuing to look into this seems likely to lead to her father. Its not the lead I had hoped for, but far better than anything we have had yet.
"I suggest we meet with Tessaraea first. We can inform her of our success, and the sad news about Farmer Dansby, as well as reunite the lady with her surviving guard. From there, we can discuss what to do next. Whoever is willing to continue the investigation that is." Ishbaad offers as they approach the town.
"The lovely alchemist? Oh yes, I'd love to visit her. Might be Ice Melts Quietly in Fire and I can teach her a few things. You know...about alchemy." The wizard grins and gives the goblin a fist bump for seemingly no reason.
Ishbaad grunts involuntarily at the old man's comment.
Now I think I know what you meant when you would talk about creepy old men Jewel... Ahhh, if only you were still here. Aoife could use a mother figure in her life. Iomedae knows I can't come close to helping with that...
Ishbaad stares ahead as they walk, suddenly lost in thought and memories.
As the party returns to Heldren, a few sleepy farmers look up from their chores. When they realize who it is that has returned, their eyes open wide. Stableboys and farmer's children rush into town ahead of the returning heroes. By the time the companions enter the town proper, not a single window of one single building is devoid of an onlooker's face. More than one cheer accompanies the gawking looks. Two members of the town guard come to take Goren and Brandt with them to be "dealt with later", and Ten-Penny tells everyone she'll be at the Silver Stoat if they want to speak with her again.
"Oh, well done and greetings!" the beautiful Tessaraea Willowbark cries out from her garden. Argus Goldtooth, the resident dwarven barber surgeon is also present, pulling weeds from the front of the yard, "Please, travellers, do come inside and away from these gossip mongers. Yuln will be glad to see your face, your Ladyship! I would ask that you put in a kind word for your comrades before he gets a word in. I'm afraid they didn't leave on the best of terms - and I don't think he's yet forgiven me for drugging him."
Lady Argentea raises an eyebrow at this, but nods her assent, "Certainly, mistress Willowbark. It is the least I can do for the care and attention you have shown my last surviving guardsman. I hear he pursued me quite bravely - and at great cost to his own health. I do hope Elder Safander has been able to restore him. I must remember to donate generously to Erastil once my affairs are in order."
The Lady begs some time alone with Yuln while the companions wait in the main room. Tessaraea goes to prepare some tea, "You will have to fill me in on the details! An adventure into the Winter Wood, and a successful one at that? It must be quite the exciting tale."
"Yes, quite excitin'" echoes Argus, coming inside, "Mayor Teppen's arrived. Reckon she'll be wantin' t'hear it, too!"
"Indeed I will, good Argus!" comes the voice of Ionna Teppen from just outside, "Please, be a dear and see to it that we aren't disturbed. Everyone in the town looks fit to climb Tess's fence just to sneak a peek."
Mayor Teppen settles herself down on a chair at the companions' table, and nods her thanks at the delicious-smelling tea that Tessaraea provides. "Now, please do tell me," she says, her tone being at once kind and firm, "Exactly what kind of threat is it that we are facing here? I don't imagine the two morons we now have in custody would be capable of bringing a hundred square miles of winter to our Border Wood."
Coramus smiles in a wizened old man sort of way, alternating between waving to the small crowd and stroking his beard thoughtfully. It feels good to be cheered once in a while. Usually when people are gathered like this, they are shouting angrily with torches and pitchforks, and he and Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight are running for their lives.
As the Mayor arrives and starts asking about the threat, the wizard waves at her again, stroking his beard, before he gets a look of surprise on his face. "Hmmm?! Oh yes, the Border Wood. Hmmm...the Lady Argentea was indeed kidnapped by these bandits, yes ma'am, but there were fell creatures of the Northlands in league with them. Terribly evil sprites, and an Elk, of all things! A terrible creature, eight feet tall at the shoulder, with a rack of antlers wider than my stony companion here is tall! It fought with a ferocity only found in the Nine Hells and Irrisen! We found nothing to indicate the abduction of this noblewoman was in any way related to the unnatural cold, but we can only guess they meant to sacrifice her in a rite most foul!" The wizard's bushy white eyebrows rise up, his voice getting louder as he finishes in a flourish.
"Or, at least, that's my take on things." The wizard calms back down, looking into the corner with a thoughtful expression. Or is he asleep?
Ishbaad waves and offers a polite smile occasionally as the group makes their way through town, heralded like heros. As they sit down at the table, Mayor Teppan's worry bleeds through her stern, but kind request.
"Good Mayor, I believe this threat is not yet over. We have merely destroyed the forward scouts in a much larger force. It is with deep regrets that I bring the news of Farmer Dansby, who appeared to have been killed by some of the fey we encountered. The group of bandits were using his crops for food, and it seems when he went to investigate, he was ill-prepared for what he faced." Ishbaad readjusts his seat, and continues.
"The Lady Argentea was kidnapped for reasons of infiltrating the noble court. While we do not fully understand why, the most logical reason, as suggested by the lady herself, is that someone seeks information, or weaknesses as the precursor to an assault. It would appear that some group from the northlands are intent on making a move against the southlands. Again, their motivations are unclear at this time. I cannot say if Heldren is simply the unlucky village to be situated near the portal that is bringing the cold in, or if there is some greater purpose as to its location."
Finding the portal may not lead us directly to Tighearnán, but it is the closest thing to a lead we have. We must go, and I must find a way to convince the other four to come with us. I do not know if we will make it far without them. Making it seem as if it is their choice to come, and not our begging and pleading though...
"I am willing to travel again into the heart of this cold to seek more answers. I owe no allegiance to Heldren, but Iomedae would not see me walk away from this injustice. Aoife, despite your misgivings about a child on such a dangerous journey, will not be kept from my side. Please trust me when I say that is not because I force her to stay there, but it is because you could not force her away."
He sits back, waiting for the others to offer their take, and to hear what Tessarea and the Mayor have to say.
"Ice... no, you keep taking everything. Coramus wasn't kidding was he? Hey, hands off!" Ishbaad lets his frustration finally show through, which is a true rarity for the man who hides all of his emotions beneath his stony facade.
"The ring of protection. Yes it is valuable. It should be worn by someone who spends their time fighting on the front line. Aoife? Yes, she would be a good choice. I will take it for now. Thank you. Yes, you are a good goblin. The best I've ever met." Ishbaad's sigh this time is more relaxed, instead of exasperated. The little blue bugger wasn't lying. He was not only useful, but amazingly, a pretty good goblin.
"And I know you are great with potions, remedies, and gods know how much you love liquid fire. Tell you what. You take the lion's share of liquid fire. Let us all hang on to a few of the curing potions. You know you would rather run around throwing bombs than have to administer potions next time we get in a fight, right? Yes, lots of liquid fire for you."
Ishbaad puts the jeweled breastplate on, and sheaths the magnificent longsword, Iomedae's weapon of choice.
The child starts suddenly, her brilliant green eyes opening wide upon realizing her guardian has put his foot down while speaking to the mayor and made it clear that she was going to come with him in his search.
Piping up in excited agreement to her guardian, the youth enthusiastically agrees. "We want to keep searching deeper within the wood," she begins letting her excitement get the better of her and shortly thereafter realizing she has accidentally spoken for everyone. Taking a moment to regain her composure, Aoife points back and forth between herself and Ishbaad, over and over, while she reiterates. "... would like to search deeper within the frozen border woods to find out where this cold is coming from... and I hope the others will come too..." She finishes her sentence smiling at the little blue goblin while her hand inadvertently plays with the bracelet Ice Melts Quickly in Sunlight had given her.
Turning slowly back to the mayor, a puzzled looks washes over the child's face. "The creature we saw in your woods, they came from far north..." she trails off for a moment, lost in thought. "Actually, I think they came from very, very far north. Even farther north than our borders... but... if we don't control that far north, why would they want to hide a spy in with us?" she questions to no one in particular, but hoping someone will freely voice the answer.
Clangity-clang! rings the bell shrilly from its position just above the entryway door.
"Excuse me, Mr. Isker Euphram," she calls, trying to pull his attention to her inconspicuous frame. "I think you are making a special kind of weapon for my uncle... made from some kind of iron that is really, really cold. Do you think you could make me another sword, just like the one you made me before, only with that cold iron? I would want the inscription to be identical-" Aoife says, drawing her own blade and holding it aloft with giant, gauntlet-clad hands.
In honor of Nadezhda, the man's own beautiful inscription shows back to him.
"Also, I wondered if you could take my chainy-shirt and patch it up?" she asks. "I want it to look like Uncle Ishy's fancy new armor." The youth pauses, looking around the shop, recalling a few perilous times in the woods when she could not reach her enemies and the helpless feeling in the pit of her stomach by letting others down. "Do you know anyone how has a bow that could fit someone my size?"
Aoife is grinning at the prospect.
"Yes, my companions speak the truth. While the bandits did kidnap the lady, they were acting under commands of far more sinister powers." Kuragin supplements the story with best of his ability.
"Like the others, I do believe the cold creeps in from magical portals between here and Irrisen. I do not yet know the ultimate purpose of these portals, nor the supposed plan to infiltrate Taldan court, but they must be linked. And I have my reasons to believe, that the one behind this is none other than Queen Elvanna herself. But what could be her goal? Her reign is supposed to be nearly over..." The last bit fades away into mumbling, as the Jadwiga is mostly thinking out loud.
The young girl leisurely examines the shelves of assorted bottles, potions, and random, bizarre ingredients. When at last, the alchemist clearly has a few spare moments, Aoife awkwardly sparks up a conversations. "Umm... Miss Tassaraea... I was wondering if you could help make a special kind of potion-thingy..." she says, not once making eye contact and nonchalantly swaying her torso while kicking the wooden floorboards in sporadic half-hearted motions. "It's not for healing or nothin', and wouldn't be used dangerous-like toward no-one... I mean, it wouldn't a weapon neither..."
The youth seems to struggle getting to the point, "It's just that I don't see anything like what I want on the shelves and I want to kind of be a surprise, you know? So it'd need to be made special and secret-like."
The youth finally looks up with her big green eyes and asks, "Could you make me some bright blue paint? Like a big jar of it?"
"Wow, you folk certainly are a font of information," Mayor Teppen nods along admiringly, "What luck that you should be in town during this occurrence."
"Yuln, no... your wounds..." everyone hears Lady Argentea's voice from the back of her shop.
"Out of my way woman!" comes a burly Ulfen voice straight after. Seconds later, Yuln appears in the doorway, his prized cold iron longsword grasped firmly, but non-threateningly, in his fist, "Luck has nothing to do with it! These jadwiga and their pet goblin may have saved the Lady Argentea from those bandits, but that doesn't mean they did it fer the right reasons. Vying for position, perhaps? Foiling one of your fellow witch's plans to further your own, no doubt!"
"Yuln!" Lady Argentea raises her voice to a near scream for the first time any present can recall - including, it seems, Yuln. The Ulfen turns beet red at the scolding. "You will show these folk the proper respect, or you will leave my employ. As I have just explained to you, they saved me and have shown me and others the utmost kindness and respect. You will afford them the same." Yuln seems about to object, but the Lady's gaze brooks no argument. He seems to shrink back and hovers around the doorway.
"Thank you, My Lady," Ionna Teppen inclines her head in gratitude, "Now, back to matters at hand. That is troubling news regarding the queen of Irrisen. If she is directly involved, it can mean no good for Taldor. I appreciate your offer to go back into the woods and investigate this portal. I believe I will take you up on it. You need to rest up, and equip first. No point going in half-cocked. A diviner will be in town two days hence and I would have her view of things before I send you out again. Do you believe the wintry region will get much larger in the meantime, or can we afford to wait a little longer?"
"Oh yes, my dear, blue paint is absolutely something I can do for you," Tessaraea regards Aoife kindly, "Have a look at some of these hues, and tell me which you like. I'm sure I could have it mixed up for you by tonight. Tell me, does it need to be permanent, or is it more of a face paint?"
"How did your chain shirt get so damaged, little one?" asks the smith, quite concerned, "But of course I can fix it for you. I certainly have enough cold iron to make the sword you are requesting. I would ask why you want such a weapon in your size and not an adult's, but I am worried at what your answer might be. Best if I remain ignorant. The trade envoys from Zimar should have the other items you are looking for, including the small bow. I will have them set it aside."
Aoife's eye alight when the apothecary offers to help and does not downplay or patronize her request. "Not permanent!" she exclaims, not meaning to project such a sudden outburst. "Exactly, face paint! To paint my face!"
"And the color..." Aoife trails off for a moment, lost in thought and not wanting to admit she does not know the meaning of the word hue. "Could you... maybe... umm... make the paint... say the color of a winter goblin, from the north?"
"Could you help me, Miss Tassaraea?" she asks, turning back to face the apothecary. "I don't know how to get the color just right and I want it to be perfect."
"Ooohh! And one more thing," Aoife says, chancing her luck. "Do you know how to make fake ears out of plaster... That could look... say... pointy like a half elf's ears?" Aoife is now grinning fully, another brilliant idea bouncing around inside her head.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! she exclaims in a rapid barrage of words. "I want it be just like Uncle Ishy's" After a short time spent pondering what some of the blacksmith's questions actually mean, she concludes. "I want one my size because I had a hard time killing some of those bad creatures... And I want to be able to kill time better so I can protect me friends.."
"See?" she asks, hoping he understands.
"Oh, and all the damage to my chainy-shirt was because I got stabbed by a yeti... Or a man pretending to be one..." she says nonchalantly, as if that is a run of the mill, everyday sentence for a child to mutter.