Nicholai Watches as Laithe checks Pharris' condition, and nods in agreement.
"Of course! I shall be delighted to stand guard over the maiden!" Nicholai responds with a grin, obviously feeling,... invigorated, at his latest discovery.
Having been distracted by his worry for Pahrris, Laithe had not been fully aware of Nicolai's self-discovery. Seeing the exuberance of the dandy, he now moves over to him and claps him on the back, matching his grin.
"It is a worthy power you have discovered, come to one worthy of it. I am happy for you, my friend."
Turning to the others, he says "I am going to head down to the stream, to see that whatever beset Pharris will offer no further danger to us while we sleep. Keildrithe, Kaj, Alton; will you join me?"
Keildrithe seems mildly annoyed that Nicolai gets to look after Pharris, but follows Laithe when asked to do so. He takes his beldach with him down to the stream. "If a water spirit makes this creek its home, then perhaps it will reveal itself at the sound of my music?"
The hedilye starts beating his drum very softly, singing a delicate poem above the gentle rythm...
Stay with me a while
Rise above the vile
Name my final rest
Poured into my chest
Pledge yourself to me
Never leave me be
Sweat breaks on my brow
Given time ends now
Spirit painted sin
Embers 'neath my skin
Veiled in pale embrace
Reached and touched my face
Keildrithe seems mildly annoyed that Nicolai gets to look after Pharris, but follows Laithe when asked to do so. He takes his beldach with him down to the stream. "If a water spirit makes this creek its home, then perhaps it will reveal itself at the sound of my music?"
The hedilye starts beating his drum very softly, singing a delicate poem above the gentle rythm...
Laithe throws Keildrithe an apologetic look and when they are out of earshot whispers "Don't worry; she's not likely to wake up for some time, and you can make sure you are nearby when she does".
As they near the river and the hedilye takes out his beldach, Laithe resists the impulse to lose himself in the tune and instead concentrates on the stream, looking for any sign of movement.
Kajetan follows the others, wrapped only in a blanket and shivering so hard he can hardly hold the wand. Through chattering teeth he relates what he saw, "It was a face I saw, like Pharris, but younger and with black pupils," he pauses before adding "I think,,,," he is clearly starting to doubt himself in the cold light of day.
Pharris opens one eye and looks around at the almost empty camp. Then the elf maiden yawns and frowns looking down inside her cloak.
"Nicolai, how did I-? I mean what happened to me?"
Straight faced, Nicholai waggles his eyebrows suggestively. Then grins a beaming smile, glad to see the elf maid awake.
"Fear not m'lady, your virtue remains unblemished. Although how you manage to resist my charms I'll never know!" The dandy says with a smirk, feigning a swoon as he clutches his heart. He sits down next to Pharris, offering her his spare half-cloak from his pack. His eyes still dance merrily, but his face is somber.
"As for what happened, We were hoping you could tell us! You left us to go bathe in the river, then we heard you cry, and a splash. When we ran to insure you were alright, we found you lying half in the water on the bank, unconscious. What do you remember?"
"I remember my eye is black now!" She grip the cloak tight and Nicolai's forearm with the other hand. "I'm ugly. Look like a one-eyed kobold."
Then she trembles and lifts that hand to her eye. Pharris begins to cry behind the fingers.
"No! Pharris! It's alright, honestly! Look!" Nicholai says, putting one arm comfortingly on her shoulder as he gently takes her hands in his.
"I don't know if it was the much-needed rest, or your bath that did it, but your eyes are clear now, Look,..." He says softly, gently pulling her hand down from her face.
"There. All I see are two pools of the most brilliant green I have ever had the pleasure to gaze into." He smiles charmingly. Then reaches into a pocket and produces a small mirror of polished steel.
"Here, see for yourself!" He grins, holding up the mirror,...
|
While Nicolai stays unchaperoned with the slumbering elf maiden, the rest of the group heads back down the hill in the deepening twilight, towards the pool and stream.
A thin, low mist hangs over the water and drifts slowly amongst the rushes and reeds that line the banks. The croaking of frogs competes with the chirping of crickets, and beside the two can be heard the occasional ~plop~ of fish or insects in the water, and the burbling of the stream.
At the group’s approach, several small animals scurry away into the bushes from where they had been drinking at the pool’s edge. An owl hoots loudly from a nearby tree.
Keildrithe begins his ode, the soft, barely heard beat of his beldach accompanied by delicate but hauntingly powerful lyrics.
A perceptible hush falls over the pool – the babble of the stream is undisturbed, but the frogs and crickets in the immediate area seem to still, whether through the power of the bard’s song or simply the presence of a group of humans (and a halfling).
The surface of the pond under the mist stays still and dark. If some water sprite has come to listen to Keildrithe’s song, it does not show itself, and even Laithe’s sharp eyes cannot pierce the veil of the mist shrouded water reflecting the now almost completely black sky above.
There is a moment of stillness, and then the faint breeze (this vale being much sheltered from the stronger wind that lashes the peaks) carries the murmur of conversation from the camp above.
Kajetan shivers and hugs his blanket around him tighter, his thoughts drift to the naked elven woman and the warm fire and he finds himself feeling jealous of the dandy. As the voices drift in from the camp he speaks, "I think Pharris is awake, shall we see if she has more information?" before the others can answer, he is off, striding towards the warmth of the camp fire.
Keildrithe continues to sing and drum by the water, reciting the same words over and over. It is hard to determine whether his words are in fact meant for the water spirit, himself, or someone else. His head hangs low and his face seems sad, his body weak. The words and music begin to take on a hypnotic pattern...
Pharris looks in the mirror more than a little confused, "I'm sure I saw....oh thank you Nicolai, thank you so much."
The elf maiden gives him a big hug and squeezes for all she is worth. A black eye obviously would have hurt those gorgeous looks.
"No more tears. None. But I am so relieved. Now where are my clothes, can't go around in chain shirt with nothing under, can I?"
NIcholai returns Pharris' hug in kind. smiling at her relief and wondering what she thought she saw. He's obviously in no hurry for it to end, but releases her and raises an eyebrow at her statement. He manages to reply, straight-faced,
"Well. I suppose you could. But that's bound to chafe!"
"Come on, let's find your things!" He adds with a smile as he stands and offers her a hand to assist her up.
Keildrithe gets the sense that something or someone is listening to his song … or maybe it is just his wish … or just the local wildlife.
If some water spirit does listen, it does not show itself or give any other sign.
The rest of the band (or at least Kajetan) returns to camp, where Pharris is awake, well and seemingly much her old self ... and perhaps caught in Nicolai's embrace ...
Kajetan is first back to the camp and stops suddenly a little embarrassed he has caught the two of them cuddling. He wavers on the periphery unsure if he should turn back or go to in, but the warm embrace of the camp fire wins and he heads over, using a fake cough to let them know he is there. He nods at them, refusing to meet their eyes and settles down in front of the fire, arranging his wet clothes on sticks to help them dry. He rubs himself with the damp blanket wrapped around him to try and generate some warmth.
Unselfconscious, Pharris smiles at the cough, "Kaj, I need my clothes. All I have is this cloak. They were down by the river. How did you get so wet? Did you save me." Her eyes narrow.
Once clothed, she will relax and mention the water nixie, describing the way the spirit moved under the surface. A fey spirit probably playing tricks on the party. They do that.
Laithe throws Keildrithe an apologetic look and when they are out of earshot whispers "Don't worry; she's not likely to wake up for some time, and you can make sure you are nearby when she does".
Keildrithe eventually brings the melancholy song that he has repeated over and over in hypnotic pattern to a fade. The sounds of conversation return to camp, some paces behind. The bard tries to suppress a sigh, almost successfully. He looks over his shoulder at Laithe.
With an arched eyebrow and bittersweet smile, he says, "looks like I missed my chance. But it's nothing, brother. Why would Pharris ever choose a Karand of poor cloth over a handsome, charming, well-mannered, and witty Artonite of higher breeding? Let's face it, we Karands are considered the empire's dung heap. But no matter... if she would rather give her heart to Nicolai, then I will not stand in their way... though the knife twists deeper into my own heart everyday."
Keildrithe gently places his beldach on the ground, then sits on a flat rock beside the stream, out of site from camp. He then cups his face in his hands, leaving only his eyes uncovered. "If you don't mind, brother, I would like to spend some time alone... but say nothing to the others, and especially Pharris, if you know what I mean... And don't worry about me, I'll be fine..."
Keildrithe eventually brings the melancholy song that he has repeated over and over in hypnotic pattern to a fade. The sounds of conversation return to camp, some paces behind. The bard tries to suppress a sigh, almost successfully. He looks over his shoulder at Laithe.
Mothman and Keildrithe:
He walks in silence after listening to Keildrithe, but as they draw close to the camp he speaks. "Don't worry, I will not say anything to the others. But I would not be so quick to give up; Nicolai is perhaps more insistent, but I have not seen anything to suggest Pharris has chosen him. Just be yourself - he may be handsome and charming, but you are not so bad looking", he throws the hedilye a wry grin, "despite rising from a dung heap. Play to your strengths; I've heard that women, and elves in particular, are partial to the ways of music, and I have heard none that match your skill in that department.
As the Karands return to camp, Laithe smiles at Pharris to show he is happy to see her up and well. He then returns to making dinner for the group. Once the meal is complete, he calls all over to share the warm meal.
Keildrithe stays down by the creek for a while, even after Laithe calls out that the evening meal is ready. He also takes advantage of his time alone to take a bath of his own and to give his soiled clothes a quick rinse.
Alton settles down by the fire, ready for a hearty meal and some sleep. He smiles, and is content to simply watch his companions around the fire, and feel like the terrors of the tomb are truly behind them, and better times will be ahead.
Pharris eats and then straight away falls into a deep sleep. She makes little mewling sounds as the elf slumbers.
In the morning, the warrior girl will practice more with the greatsword of Tamiach, trying to find its balance and dance better. When no one is looking, she will recover and stow Kajetan's club for later.
After a good night’s rest - undisturbed by danger (or water spirits) and warm enough with Laithe’s fire and the group’s blankets and lean-tos - the group set out again, deeper into the hills. Some members of the band no doubt have aches and pains after the previous day’s hiking (or pains of other sorts), and the weather is not so fine this day - the wind has grown stronger, and clouds gather overhead. The air is chill, though the hiking warms you well enough.
Stonty’s map is roughly drawn, but surprisingly detailed, with the dwarf having noted various landmarks and any forks in the trail - the way is easy enough to find.
The day wears on. As the shadows grow long late in the afternoon, you reach a lightning-blasted tree by the trail, marked on Stonty’s map, and begin looking about for a narrow side trail leading up a wooded hill side. The trail is found, and after another hour or so walking through the darkening wood, it emerges into a clearing near the summit of the hill. The clearing once held worked fields, some hardy crop that could survive on the sloping ground, though it now lies fallow, scattered with rocks and overgrown with weeds and long grass.
Beyond the fields is a pile of fallen timbers that may once have been a barn, and, built partly into the hillside, a mud-brick walled cottage with a turf roof and a stone chimney. It appears unkept and run down but mostly intact.
Behind the cottage the hill rises to a rocky peak to the left, and falls away to a wooded gully to the right. A narrow, fast running stream flows down from the heights and drops down into the gully.
From the clearing, looking west, the spires and rising smoke of the village marked on Stonty’s map can be seen in the distance through the trees, nestled in a nearby valley.
The weathered front door of the cottage hangs limply on one leather hinge, the others rotted or broken away. Inside, the three roomed cottage is dark, dingy, dusty and dirty. Most of the furnishing and other items have been broken or looted, but some remain, including a large, sturdy table, and the fireplace seems intact and usable. A narrow back door leads outside to a half collapsed out-house.
As the daylight fades, the wind picks up, bringing with it a wintry chill.
Marc, holding his cloak closed to keep out the chill winds, raises an eyebrow and smirks at the dilapidated cottage.
"I suppose that room service is out of the question?" He remarks dryly. "Still, I must confess that no hostel has ever looked quite so inviting! Shall we see what shape the interior is in?" He asks brightly even as he steps forward, obviously eager to be out of the chill.
Once the inside has proven to be uninhabited, he helps prop the door up where it will keep out most of the wind, and makes liberal use of his minor cleaning magics to make the table, anything that can be used as a seat, and any surviving cookware clean and usable. He finishes by mystically sweeping the floor clear, one foot at a time, until the final pile of dust has been swept out the door.
"There!" He says brightly, dabbing at his forehead with a kerchief from his sleeve. "It's not the Duchess' Summer cottage, but it's better than sleeping on the ground!"
Keildrithe peers in, nods and concurs. "This place will do just fine. May the old gods bless Stonty and keep him safe. Perhaps we should set up some defences both inside and out?"
Kajetan is relieved that the black veins and black eye are starting to fade by morning, but he is less enthused by the idea of another days hiking. He takes a broken old branch and uses it as a walking stick on some of the steeper slopes, combined with his creased cloths which only seem slightly cleaner despite the impromptu bath and his several days growth of beard he looks more and more like a beggar.
By the time they reach the old cottage he is beyond talking, his cheeks flushed red and his breath coming in ragged short gasps and his nose bright crimson and running freely. Once the all clear is given he stumbles into the interior shrugs his back pack off and slumps on the floor against the stone wall. He fumbles exhausted with the straps holding the bed roll to the bottom of the back pack. You can hear him muttering to himself, "next Artonite I meet I am turning my self in.."
He retrieves his blanket, but shrugs it to one side once he realises it is still damp, it gathers a nice layer of dust which clings to the damp surface from where he casts it away. He coughs into his handkerchief, now a dirty brown colour from the amount of dried blood staining its surface adding another layer of red and spittle to it.
Pharris looks down on the fields and buildings and smiles, "the land wins again." She finds the journey hard, but compared to their travails under the hill, the wilderness is energising her.
She looks around the poor home with distaste and sets about making the cottage more homely. "Can someone fix that door? Find food in the fields or go hunting and gathering for the night's meal? Come on you men make yourselves useful."
The elf girl hums as she takes the curtains and blankets down to the stream and sets to work with a will and a song.
Nicholai shrugs.
"I'm afraid that my hunting skills are relegated to hunting the Inn with the best menu and beer!" He says wryly. The rest I can help with however! And proceeds to use his minor magics to remove the majority of the dust, . He asks Wij'kan to accompany Laithe and help the druid to find some food.
He works his way slowly around the tiny cabin. When he reaches Kajetan, the dandy looks at the red-nosed bookworm with a, look. Then glances to his own bedraggled clothes. Wordlessly he plucks the stained handkerchief from the mage's hand and drops in the growing pile of dust on the floor with a look of disdain. He produces a (miraculously) still-white linen from one of his ruffled sleeves, and presents it to Kajetan with a small flourish.
"A gentleman can never have too many handkerchiefs!" He says cheerfully. The dandy continues his cleaning with enthusiasm despite looking like he could fall over any moment himself. Compared to the soul-sucking gloom of the ancient tomb, the challenge of a dirty cabin is a pleasant task. He does occasionally glance out the broken door, as if to reassure himself that he IS above ground.
When he finishes by magically sweeping the large dust-bunny of doom out the door, Nicholai collapses on the floor next to Kajetan. He gives the mage a wan half-smile.
"That pack looks to be as large as you! What do you have in there? Spellbooks? Or an entire alchemy lab?" He asks in an attempt at cheerful jest. His own weariness is evident when he merely props himself against his own pack, instead of unrolling the bedroll.
An evening’s (and possibly the better part of the next morning’s) hard work and several cantrips gets the cottage, though it will require more than some scrubbing and some prestidigitation to repair the doors and window shutters. You are able to unblock the chimney and get a fire going to warm the place and boil water. Food is found and consumed.
And good thing too. The temperature drops during the night and the wind picks up, bringing snow with it. In the morning the roof and ground are dusted with white, and water left outside freezes (though the stream flows still).
As the group break camp, Laithe looks around and offers those still carrying wounds from the previous day some healing:
An evening’s (and possibly the better part of the next morning’s) hard work and several cantrips gets the cottage, though it will require more than some scrubbing and some prestidigitation to repair the doors and window shutters. You are able to unblock the chimney and get a fire going to warm the place and boil water. Food is found and consumed.
And good thing too. The temperature drops during the night and the wind picks up, bringing snow with it. In the morning the roof and ground are dusted with white, and water left outside freezes (though the stream flows still).
Laithe helps with the clean up of the cottage and sleeps well through the night, awaking feeling much fresher than he has in days. As the group rise from slumber, he asks the question on how they wanted to spend their day.
"It may be worthwhile paying a visit to the village below? We are far enough off the beaten track that it seems unlikely they will know we are wanted by the artonites. We could use the time to restock our supplies and get word on what to expect on the road ahead. And I think we could all use a break from the trail?"
Alton also gets stuck into cleaning the house, working alongside his companions well into the night. Wiping a dusty hand accross his sweaty brow, leaving a grey streak on his forehead, the halfling finally falls into his bedroll and quickly asleep.
The next morning he wakes slowely, remaining in his bedroll as the others start to rise, but listning to the conversation and adding his piece.
'I agree with Laithe, its worth stocking up on some food. The fare provided these last few days and nights has been great, but it can slow us down, and if we need to make haste any time soon it would be good to not have to stop and hunt. No doubt some of our other supplies are also running low.
Keildrithe does much like Alton, lingering in his bedroll for a while. He chimes in after making a big, loud stretch.
"Aye, it's a good idea to restock on supplies and maybe gather more information at the village concerning the area and local happenings... though I recommend entering from a direction other than the direct route from this cabin. But before we hit the road again, I would welcome a few days rest and relaxation. I'm still not sure I've fully recovered from our confrontation with Vorn's squad, our exploration of the tomb, and the journey from there to here.
"As a matter of fact, and Kajetan and Alton willing, I would welcome the down time to learn some of the tricks of their respective trades... I still have much to learn with respect to both the mysteries arcane and the art of war... if one can call it that..."
He produces a (miraculously) still-white linen from one of his ruffled sleeves, and presents it to Kajetan with a small flourish.
"A gentleman can never have too many handkerchiefs!" He says cheerfully.
Kajetan gives the dandy a half smile and accepts the offered hanky, he also stretches out and takes the dirt encrusted one back from the floor, "it reminds me of home," he mutters in explanation.
When he finishes by magically sweeping the large dust-bunny of doom out the door, Nicholai collapses on the floor next to Kajetan. He gives the mage a wan half-smile."That pack looks to be as large as you! What do you have in there? Spellbooks? Or an entire alchemy lab?" He asks in an attempt at cheerful jest. His own weariness is evident when he merely props himself against his own pack, instead of unrolling the bedroll.
"I think one of you keeps putting bricks in it," Kajetan replies dryly, but he gives the pack a look of hate and malice that does not belong on anyone's face when looking at an inanimate object.
Kajetan wakes up shivering and he staggers wearily to his feet, groaning in pain from his aching muscles. He looks out the window and curses at the snow.
"As a matter of fact, and Kajetan and Alton willing, I would welcome the down time to learn some of the tricks of their respective trades... I still have much to learn with respect to both the mysteries arcane and the art of war... if one can call it that..."
Kajetan is looks sullen and miserable, but brightens up at the thoughts of some down time, "I am more of a student than a teacher, but I can certainly try. I also want to try and learn some of the spells in those other spell books. So yes downtime would be a blessing."
Nicholai also lays in his bedroll, obviously in no hurry to escape the clutches of his light traveling blanket. When he gets up, and sees the light snow outside through the crack in the door, he hastily reclaims his sleeping spot.
He nods at the other's conversation.
"I agree, with all points. I think we have earned a little rest, what with miniature hellspawn and undead warriors and all. Although I suppose we shouldn't get TOO comfortable," He adds wryly, looking at the dilapidated cabin that still looks used and abused despite their best efforts.
"We probably all shouldn't enter the town together. Let's stick in groups of 3, or 2 at the least. But I, for one, am looking forward to a couple of days of sleeping in late. And for some fresh-baked bread, perhaps with a little cheese,..." He breaks off as his stomach makes a grumbling sound. He glares at his stomach as if it had betrayed him.
"I seem to be volunteering to be in the first group to enter the town." He says dryly.
Nicholai also lays in his bedroll, obviously in no hurry to escape the clutches of his light traveling blanket. When he gets up, and sees the light snow outside through the crack in the door, he hastily reclaims his sleeping spot.
He nods at the other's conversation.
"I agree, with all points. I think we have earned a little rest, what with miniature hellspawn and undead warriors and all. Although I suppose we shouldn't get TOO comfortable," He adds wryly, looking at the dilapidated cabin that still looks used and abused despite their best efforts.
"We probably all shouldn't enter the town together. Let's stick in groups of 3, or 2 at the least. But I, for one, am looking forward to a couple of days of sleeping in late. And for some fresh-baked bread, perhaps with a little cheese,..." He breaks off as his stomach makes a grumbling sound. He glares at his stomach as if it had betrayed him.
"I seem to be volunteering to be in the first group to enter the town." He says dryly.
"Ok, let's aim for a few day's of rest here," he says when that seems to be the concensus of the group.
"I agree we should probably remain cautious. If we wait until nightfall before lighting the fire and ensure it is not giving off any smoke come daylight then we should be able to keep our exact location concealed."
"Perhaps Nicolai, Pharris and I can head into town initially? Pharris is obviously fluent in the Thuringian tongue, while I can pose as a guide under the employ of a wealth Atuscan traveller, Nicolai? Looks like Kaj and Keildrithe could use some time working together anyway, and I fear Alton might stand out a little. Though Keildrithe, if you would prefer to head into town in my place I am more than happy to swap? As you know I am generally more confortable in the wilderness anyway..."
"Perhaps Nicolai, Pharris and I can head into town initially? Pharris is obviously fluent in the Thuringian tongue, while I can pose as a guide under the employ of a wealth Atuscan traveller, Nicolai? Looks like Kaj and Keildrithe could use some time working together anyway, and I fear Alton might stand out a little. Though Keildrithe, if you would prefer to head into town in my place I am more than happy to swap? As you know I am generally more confortable in the wilderness anyway..."
Keildrithe shivers as he ponders his options. "While I would normally be the first to want to investigate a new town and get a chance to learn about its inhabitants and history, I think I'll be happy to stay here with Alton and Kajetan for the time being. I probably should head down there at some point to buy a pair of gloves, warm boots and winter clothes. I can't believe that the dead season is already upon us... And brother, could you bring me back some tea and mulled wine, if I give you a few coins?"
Keildrithe's response is not entirely convincing. You get the feeling that he's holding back on something. Like he would really like to go to town right now, yet does not want to all at the same time...
Nicholai looks at Keildrithe for a moment, but shakes his head slightly as he returns to rummaging through his backpack. He frowns as he digs through the pack. The pinched look on his face unlikely to be entirely due to whatever it is he is, or isn't, seeing.
Keildrithe shivers as he ponders his options. "While I would normally be the first to want to investigate a new town and get a chance to learn about its inhabitants and history, I think I'll be happy to stay here with Alton and Kajetan for the time being. I probably should head down there at some point to buy a pair of gloves, warm boots and winter clothes. I can't believe that the dead season is already upon us... And brother, could you bring me back some tea and mulled wine, if I give you a few coins?"
Laithe nods his head, clearly taking Keildrithe's reply at face value.
"If they have tea and wine I will bring some back for you, though keep your coins; I have more than I need and I prefer to travel light anyway".
Kajetan sense motive +1
Kajetan, who is sitting leaning against the wall studying his journal speaks suddenly in Thuringian:
"Now wonder their language is so harsh if they have to put up with this sort of weather all the time!"
He grins sheepishly at the others "While I appreciate the time to study these tombs, I need peace, quite and a level table to do so. I do think Pharris that you of all of us stand out the most, the people who hunt us are men and as men they will have noticed the tall, attractive woman travelling with us more than perhaps some of the others." He taps his quill against the page, "even if word has not got here yet, the red blooded men down there will remember you, making our trail easier to pick up." he looks at Pharris a little self concious over the indirect flattery he has given her, flustered a little he quickly adds "maybe a disguise?"
He struggles to his feet, having to use the wall to pull him self upright, his aching leg muscles protesting the whole way and walking somewhat like a cowboy he moves over to the centre of the room. He chants "niveus saeta" and touches his hair, turning it a shocking white. He raises his eyebrows at Pharris and looks at Nicolai as he adds with a wry smile, "You are not the only one who can do cantrips."
"I have spent many of your months in disguise, so I can help with that. How about as a pilgrim or beggar, Kajetan? I'd like to go and see what's happening in the village."
Pharris starts the laborious process of plaiting her thick red hair, piling it high on her head and round her ears.
The girl is less bothered by how she looks around the farm and her party, so that she stretches out her long coltish legs and rubs them occasionally where the bruises are fading. The one at the top of her thigh is still yellow and green. "Perhaps I should dress differently to cover up my fighting marks. Kaj, how would you like to be my servant? I have a lovely dress somewhere in this pack."
"I do speak more than one language, you know since Lichford it seems an age. I wonder if the men will still fall at my least request like they did before. Hmmm."
Pharris gets out the chiffon layered dress that reveals much and protects little. Then she stares at everyone else in the cottage, "now I know you all saw me by the river in the flesh but this isn't a peep show. Maybe the rest of you can fix up suitable quarters for me while we are gone."
Pharris gets out the chiffon layered dress that reveals much and protects little. Then she stares at everyone else in the cottage, "now I know you all saw me by the river in the flesh but this isn't a peep show. Maybe the rest of you can fix up suitable quarters for me while we are gone."
Laithe nods and heads outside into the chill of dawn. He busies himself gathering some wood for the fire that night before heading down to the stream to clean himself up for their trip to town. The water is icy cold but invigorating, and he quickly scrubs himself clean.
Kajetan is very open about not wanting to go out in the snow, so he will stay in the cabin and rest for a day.
Kajetan, who is sitting leaning against the wall studying his journal speaks suddenly in Thuringian:
** spoiler omitted **
Nicholai Barks out loud in laughter at the wizard's wry comment. He grins at the mage.
He grins sheepishly at the others "While I appreciate the time to study these tombs, I need peace, quite and a level table to do so. I do think Pharris that you of all of us stand out the most, the people who hunt us are men and as men they will have noticed the tall, attractive woman travelling with us more than perhaps some of the others." He taps his quill against the page, "even if word has not got here yet, the red blooded men down there will remember you, making our trail easier to pick up." he looks at Pharris a little self concious over the indirect flattery he has given her, flustered a little he quickly adds "maybe a disguise?"He struggles to his feet, having to use the wall to pull himself upright, his aching leg muscles protesting the whole way and walking somewhat like a cowboy he moves over to the center of the room. He chants "niveus saeta" and touches his hair, turning it a shocking white. He raises his eyebrows at Pharris and looks at Nicolai as he adds with a wry smile, "You are not the only one who can do cantrips."
Nicholai nods with a wry grin of his own.
"Yes, After having to hide my powers for so long, I may have been, showing off. A little." He admits reluctantly."But compared to you Kaj', I'm a one-trick pony! My powers are my, heritage, I guess you could say. But they just are what they are. To have the ability to learn more, to be able to choose whether to shoot flames, or stunning rainbows, or, whatever,... that must be, amazing." He muses softly. Slowly he raises his head, and realizes that he is standing in the middle of the small cottage, and the center of attention. He coughs self-consciously, mutters something about still being tired due to a dream, and looks to Pharris.
"I agree with Kaj', you should certainly go in disguise. You will never be forgettable, I fear," He says with a rakish smile. "But as long as you don't look like the same armored warrior-woman that ran pell-mell out of Lichford, we should be alright."
"I have spent many of your months in disguise, so I can help with that. How about as a pilgrim or beggar, Kajetan? I'd like to go and see what's happening in the village."
Pharris starts the laborious process of plaiting her thick red hair, piling it high on her head and round her ears.
The girl is less bothered by how she looks around the farm and her party, so that she stretches out her long coltish legs and rubs them occasionally where the bruises are fading. The one at the top of her thigh is still yellow and green. "Perhaps I should dress differently to cover up my fighting marks. Kaj, how would you like to be my servant? I have a lovely dress somewhere in this pack."
"I do speak more than one language, you know since Lichford it seems an age. I wonder if the men will still fall at my least request like they did before. Hmmm."
Pharris gets out the chiffon layered dress that reveals much and protects little. Then she stares at everyone else in the cottage, "now I know you all saw me by the river in the flesh but this isn't a peep show. Maybe the rest of you can fix up suitable quarters for me while we are gone."
Nicholai watches Pharris plait her hair, and grins at her display of leg.
"I hardly see how they can fail to do otherwise Pharris." He says cheerfully as he begins to rummage in his own bedraggled pack. He raises an eyebrow as Pharris displays her dress.
"Yes. No problem at all from the boys." He says.
"Now the Mothers and girls, THAT might be a different story!" He adds wryly.