Porablum looks at the lady, doesn't understand a word the woman is saying, doesn't know what she is, and doesn't know what Nadya said in reply. So Porablum, in a rare moment of thinking ahead, said nothing. This whole "not knowing the language" thing might just come in handy. Maybe she would be mistaken for a child.
Easlis sees the hesitation with which she let the stranger join and when he hears the made up a story about them being relatives he knew it was time to act.
Five armed strangers with business involving the witches have not shaken Nadya up. How come this one makes her be so on edge?
Pulling the hood on Porablum which seemed the most conspicuous member of the party for such a role he switches to Skald and protests loudly:
"Ill-prepared?! You hear that girl?! Barging in here and calling us unfit for this weather."
Easlis then heads with sureness in his moves straight towards the stranger, pulling up the hood of his white cloak as he got near, his eyes fixed on hers.
"Call me that to my face. You think I'm afraid of a little snow? I'll let you know I can stay out through the whole storm. You think you can?"
Ignoring the tomfoolery . . .. "I am Grimgisli, son of Grimvuldr. My village is several days from here Simple good fortune brought us together with Nadya on this day. We were planning to celebrate that good fortune with a meal, but we haven't really started cooking, yet."
Watching the half elf puff out his chest in indignation. Hjorleaf laughs a bit more.
In Skald:...and he wonders why I suggested us...
Should I let her have her way with him or save him from himself....I could just flip a coin.
Hjorleaf watches the women thing with interest as he sits by the newly started fire. Hjorleaf addresses the women, nodding towards Easlis.
In Skald:It appears that he did not take kindly to your words. Did you intend to insult the thrall's ability to cope with our fair climate? Or...you only meant that you were happy to find yourself some company so far away from...anywhere hospitable. Your travels indeed took you very far and without the proper means to survive yourself. You surely have the means to survive such fair weather?...You do not seem to be that foolish to gamble on the generosity of strangers...in these parts?
Standing up to his full height.
Hjorleaf son of Asvidr. Who are you...that comes out of the cold alone?
Brominate, who had been sitting next to Nadya by the fire, leans into to her when she refers to them as relatives, giving her a bit of nuzzle/half-hug.
in Skald, "Sweet Cos, you never mentioned how beautiful the creatures here are. Oh, this will be a wonderful visit indeed!"
in Skald, to Easlis: "Brother, sit down!"
to the stranger, in Skald: "Sorry about him. He's already drunk. Please forgive his rudeness."
the newcomer is taken a bit aback by Easlis' aggressive approach. she replies to him in Skald
"My apologies, I did not mean to insult you in any way. I was simply observing your... lighter dress, and was surprised to see such Southern clothing so far north.
"It is good to meet all of you. I am familiar with Waldsby, but where did you say the rest of you were from? surely you're not all related she says that last sentence while glancing over at Porablum.
"in any case, my name is Mierul. I am a traveling bard, just passing through. I do not like to carry large amounts of equipment with me, and can often find someone hospitable enough to trade food and shelter for song and story. I grew up in this region and am quite used to the cold. I have slept in the snow more times than I can count, but I always prefer to avoid it when possible.
Having been noticed, Porablum smiled and waved. She didn't know what the lady said, but she supposed that she should be friendly. The lady hadn't done anything mean to them yet.
"My rudeness? She just did it again, hinting that I'm wearing a womanly dress."
After gazing a few more seconds into her eyes to get his point across apparently to no avail as the stranger's curiosity still prevailed, Easlis lowered his head and returned to the others partly because of requests from Brominate but mostly because he was put off guard by the openness with which the bard answered the questions.
Following the newcomer's gaze to Porablum and realizing that they have been at least partially discovered the magus switches to Common:
"You should speak in Common, she's still learning the language. You should have no problems speaking it. You're a bard, after all. Spreading songs and stories about what you hear far and wide."
After checking if the rabbits have been properly cooked he searches for something to drink.
Hjorleaf looks at Grim for a few moments and then back at the bard.
Still standing he offers the bard a seat by the fire and walks around to grab more fire wood. As he does so he give each of his companions a look of concern. He also lets his eyes fall on Nadya for the briefest of moments.
Nadya is concerned with this bard who seems to all too eager to ask questions. Personal questions.
Letting his ax lean against the fire wood pile and looks to the bard in hopes that he can understand Nadya's supsicions.
Traveling bards are non existent here and Skalds stay within their villages...so this is a bit refreshing to say the least. To hopefully put to rest all these questions so that we can get to the entertainment...Nadya is my cousin and we are traveling from the border town of Kizobran with my thralls. Whom I think I give too much leniency. We are headed toward Hoarwood after a small stopover in Waldsby.
I hope this will but to rest anymore questions as I am cold and would love to have some songs to warm my bones.
Mierul watches with barely contained amusement at Hjorleaf awkwardly trying to get Nadya's attention and catches him trying to get a better look at her.
She declines the place by the fire, sitting a little further from the flames. she strums her harp lightly, and hums a tune. she adjusts the harp slightly, tuning it, then begins to sing.
Nodding to Easlis she starts singing in common. she sings a song about a woman who is cursed to take on the shape of a dire wolf and is chased out of her village. The woman remains close to her village, watching her children grow while remaining unseen. one day her son is old enough to hunt, and is tracking a massive stag. he is stalked in turn by a wolf. the woman in wolf form kills this other wolf, but is seen by the young man. he acts quickly and before she can run he kills her. as her life leaves her she is transformed back into her human form.
Mierul finishes the song and then helps Nadya distribute the food not seeming to even look for a reaction to her sad story.
Being next to the cooked rabbits the half-elf grabs a leg and after seasoning it with what he considered edible from his spell component bag he chews on it hungrily.
He listens carefully to the story song adapted in Common then puts the meat aside muttering to one of the rangers: "You can have it. I've just lost my appetite."
Before making his way towards one of the newly setup tents Easlis turns to the party: "I'll take the watch during the storm. Please wake me up before then."
Grimgisli tries to talk to some members of Nadya's team about the local hunting. Basically, idle chit-chat, trying to avoid any more revealing topics.
While the newcomer tunes her harp, Brominate tries to get a better grasp of why Nadya seemed so uneasy.
But once she starts playing her song, Brominate continues to play the part of happy-go-lucky visitor. He feigns a connection with the song, laughing at all the right times, seeming to cry at all the right times, and overall seems to be enjoying himself.
The night passes without any more event. it is cold, but Nadya provides very warm blankets, and helps any of you who are not as accustomed to the biting cold get yourselves set up. you rotate through watches as has become normal for your group. during the last watch before sunrise the storm is finally past and everything is very still. the person on watch spots Mierul quietly slipping out of camp before most are awake.
as everyone gets up, Nadya and her crew quickly break down the tents and load the equipment up into 3 dogsleds.
"we will be continuing on to Waldsby. you are welcome to join us if you wish, I would be happy to host you for a night or two while you resupply. I will do what I can to help you, but I cannot be seen to directly act against the witches. especially not now..
"Thank ya, kindly, lady Nadya. Hopefully your hospitality won't add to your troubles. Tell me, what do you know of that horned lass? Was she a witch's spy, or something?"
After waking up Easlis takes a stroll around the camp, groggily looking after the missing bard. He stops in front of Nadya and Brom "'Morning cousin, I see the storm has made no lasting damage. If Waldsby is not far off I guess it would not be bad to resupply before moving on. Speaking about provisions... You know, there's a food cache just on the other side of the portal. It would be a shame to just leave it there. "
The half-elf yawns and after looking around one more time he asks loudly:
"Has anyone seen our friend from last night? She seemed to have left quite in a hurry."
After helping tear down and stow the camping supplies, Grimgisli looks at the others. "Resupply and get better weather gear for most of you makes sense, but . . .. Which way is the tower we think we need to visit to close the portal? Which way is town? Can those Southerners survive an extra two or three days of the portal being open?"
She is gone to tell whomever about us. Bards do not travel around the frozen tundra in hopes of finding strangers to tell their stories. She or it or whatever that was asked way to many questions and was very curios about certain aspect of our group.
"Agreed. There is no surprise at this point. The question becomes how much preparation time do we provide our prey?"
"Our prey?!" Easlis raises his eyebrow and then bursts laughing. "We have outnumbered her spy, if she really was one, ten to one and none of you had challenged her on the issue of identity. Do you think the mistress of the tower would be so frightened by us?
But yes, if the town is not on the path to the tower we should make it our second priority."
Here, come look at my maps Nadya offers in common.
Waldsby is here, less than a day's journey to the East. The Pale Tower is the opposite direction, at least full two day's march from this point to the West. We actually were coming from the tower towards Waldsby when we ran into you, and this is where we made camp after one decent day of travel by sled.
As far as that woman last night... I can only assume she is a thrall of the witches. they control most if not all of the fey in this area. some process involving shoving ice into their bodies to make them compliant. her pale blue skin may have been natural, or it may have been the winter-touched effect. She certainly did seem interested in you. the witches have been looking for someone, this Mierul may have been another party looking for this rider they are so intent on finding.
You are correct Easlis, the mistress has nothing to fear from a drunk southerner who wears a dress.
At this Hjorleaf laughs out loud at his words.
If she was working with the witch?...It was the safest option to placate her curious nature then to kill her... a female who may work for the female in power. Yes we most assuredly could have dispatched this traveling bard easily. What damage would that have done? What wrath would have been brought down on the innocents of the area?
He turns and speaks to everyone as a group
We need to get proper supplies before we do anything else. It does no one any good if we can not even survive the weather. We may be able to get some information as well.
He looks at the three southerners.
You three will be our released thralls from here on out. It will help to explain how you came to be here where very few of your kind come. Since I am not fond of ending up in a Thingmar...Your equipment can easily be explained as a reward for service rendered during your thralldom.
He looks to Grim.
Sound good?
"Not specially, no. But it sounds right."
Porablum listened to Hjorkeaf’s plan, then raised her hand and asked, ”What’s a thrall?”
Brominate scoffs and answers "Essentially a servant. A slave." The words taste vile in his mouth, and it's obvious. "At least, that's what the word means where I'm from. To be fair, he said 'released.'"
"But I suppose it's a better plan than none at all. Let's get movin' before Nadiya decides to leave us all behind."
He heads off with their new acquaintances towards Waldsby.
”Oh. Um...since I’m a gnome, whom tend to be given to wanderlust and seeking new experiences, and a devotee of the goddess of travel, wouldn’t it make more sense for me to just be a gnomish wanderer who’s traveling to see lots of Golarion and find new experiences? Especially since I don’t speak the language.”
Nadya helps the group load up on the sleds. the sleds are mostly empty other than the camping supplies. Nadya explains that they are returning from delivering supplies to the Pale Tower. this means there is plenty of room for any equipment you don't want to carry. three of Nadya's men hesitantly walk through the portal and collect the food supplies that Brominate informed them about, loading them onto one sled. there is room for a few of you to ride on sleds, taking turns walking or riding.
the trip to Waldsby is mostly uneventful. at one point, however, Nadya holds up a hand, stopping the small caravan of sleds.
with some hushed words between them, the group unfurls large blankets, covering their wagons, then taking cover under the blankets. Nadya motions for yout o quickly join them. it is a tight squeeze, but everyone can fit.
you can hear a large number of bird sounds from the other side of your cover.
the calls sound like Ravens in large numbers.
after the sounds let up, Nadya waits another few minutes before opening the blankets and setting things back in order.
"I apologize for the extra caution, but I think perhaps you want to avoid being seen by any more spies today"
Frowning at first upon hearing Hjorleaf's proposal, the half-elf offers his two cents:
"Presuming we don't kill ourselves by trying to implement it, this plan still suffers from some flaws.
I think it might be slightly conspicuous for the northerners to see some well groomed, pointy-eared, heavily-armed and, of course, magic-wielding thralls. If we have to explain ourselves we might as well say that we're being employed by one of the witches.
Anyway, it shouldn't matter all that much. We can assume the local witch will be notified by its spy that there are foreigners on her land."
"Yes, because being freed thralls in an area where most foreigners are thralls is more threatening and more likely to create conflict than announcing you are agents of someone who is to be feared, and is thus hated, even before those who actually are agents of the witches? And which witch are you to be an agent of? The wrong name at the wrong place will get you attacked, where a freed thrall will simply be overcharged." If the simple volume of speech doesn't throw you for a loop, given how little Grimgisli normally says, the open anger and frustration being expressed both in body language and tone while he says it, might. "You do not know where you are, nor how you will be treated, but you assume you are better to declare yourself the enemy of everyone you meet than to try to be no one."
----
"Your caution is appreciated. I hope they learn from it."
”Oh. Um...since I’m a gnome, whom tend to be given to wanderlust and seeking new experiences, and a devotee of the goddess of travel, wouldn’t it make more sense for me to just be a gnomish wanderer who’s traveling to see lots of Golarion and find new experiences? Especially since I don’t speak the language.”
Hjorleaf smiles slightly.
No...wanderlust does not bring anyone here. Desna is well respected but you are not of the north.His smile disappears as he explains in a gentle tone. Trying to reassure her as he kneels down.
We traditionally keep thralls, slaves who serve us for a set amount of time, after which they are set free. Thralls are generally captured in battle or condemned to their service after committing a crime by a special court known as a Thingmar. No one, not even chiefs or jarls, are immune from this punishment given a serious-enough crime such as killing a child, betraying fellow warriors, or breaking an oath. Children born to thralls are always free, and thralls may file complaints against cruel or unfair treatment by their masters.
He stands up.
Here in the north this is common...and easily explained away thus making it easier for us to blend in. Being employed by one of the witches will get us all killed...for we have no witches among us nor do we have anyone that is winter-touched among us. Your are the only women in our group and no one will ever believe you are an agent of the witches. Ever...
He smiles again.
I hope this helps you to understand what we are trying to do. We can assume that we are known and sooner or later someone will come looking for us. I would rather them waste resources, energy and time looking for us. Giving us a chance to take out some of their numbers then to go walking around town with a huge sign saying look here. Then they came come at us with all their numbers together. That is flawed logic.
He turns as Grimgisli speaks up and walks over towards him and Easlis.
With those pointy ears I thought you would be better at hearing things but you seem to hear only what you want to hear.
He smiles again at the half elf and then his voice becomes serious and respectful.
Look we need you to be part of this...to help here in the north. We need to be a group...a pack. The confrontational lone wolf does not survive...The pack does. When I was in the south...I had no clue what to do or expect. I did not speak the language at first. I listen to those around me that knew the south and its ways. I swallowed my own pride and respected those that knew better than I. You have good advice but you dismiss all knowledge and experience of those that are from this land. What is the reason you dismiss us so readily.
Porablum listens to Hjorleaf's explanation, then says, "Well, you're from this area, so I guess if that's the best plan, we should go for it. I'm just not sure I'd be a particularly believable thrall since I don't speak Skald." She seems willing to go along with the plan, despite her reservations.
--------------------
"Thank you, Nadya, for the extra caution. The less we are seen, the better, I'm sure."
As the group discusses a plan and gets their story straight, Nadya brings the caravan closer to her town. as you approach, you see a small town with one main intersection, surrounded by small but sturdy buildings. Nadya stops in front of a house on the outskirts of the small village and starts unhooking dogs and unloading what little gear she had.
This is my home. you are welcome to spend the night here unless you find other accommodations. it is just me and my son here now. We would welcome the company. I would be happy to help you in any way I am able, and will tell you what I know if it is helpful to you.
This town is small and we do not get visitors very often. but you should be able to find any equipment you might need, and the vendors here would likely be able to buy any trade goods you have with you. try not to make a scene and things will go better for you
Looking around town you feel like it is vaguely familiar.
Look we need you to be part of this...to help here in the north. We need to be a group...a pack. The confrontational lone wolf does not survive...The pack does. When I was in the south...I had no clue what to do or expect. I did not speak the language at first. I listen to those around me that knew the south and its ways. I swallowed my own pride and respected those that knew better than I. You have good advice but you dismiss all knowledge and experience of those that are from this land. What is the reason you dismiss us so readily.
"I still believe that any Ulfen worth his salt could spot a foreigner. Yet, for the sake of the mission, I suppose you could tell others that I'm a thrall if asked."
After an intricate movement of the hand, a stack of near them bursts in flame.
"But no mistake, I am nobody's slave. If I get the feeling that you've crossed the line you'll learn that northerns burn just as well."
---------
The half-elf smiles at Nadya after hearing her invitation:
"Nadya, we thank you for your hospitality. We will try not to be too much of a bother or bring disgrace to your name. There's one thing that I've just remembered: I think I heard you mention that you were coming from the tower. Supposedly, we have to visit the Pale tower, what should we expect? It would give us a clue for what to prepare for."
Feeling the weight of his coin purse he asks the group:
"Who's up for buying a sled and some dogs to pull it?
We might need hex nails and frost ward gels in dealing with the witches."
Hjorleaf looks at Easlis laughing...
Seriously, more threats
and the laughter continues as he turn his back on the seemingly always combative half elf and walks away.
"Easlis, if those are things that help against witches, wouldn't things like hex nails be illegal or something like that?"
"Most likely. I would have banned them if I were in their stead. I think they have a secondary purpose, something like a good luck charm, as I don't think there are many people today using them as protection against witch magic."
Nadya hisses between her teeth and looks sharply at Easlis when he suggests finding hex nails.
"don't speak of those here! It is illegal to own or make those in Irrisen. you may be able to find them eventually, but asking around for them will certainly get the wrong type of attention long before it gets you a single cold iron nail. if you really feel that you need some, I can ask around quietly. I know a guy who might have some. but know that if you are ever found to be carrying them it will be considered a high crime."
"as far as sleds, you should be able to find those easily."
"The tower itself will be a challenge. the tower itself is made completely from ice, and is surrounded by a high wall. you will need to either fight your way in or convince the guards to give you entrance.
Once inside, you will find human guards, along with other creatures that have allied with the Lady of the tower, Nazheena. there may be trolls, fey, or others. and some of her best soldiers.
Whatever else you find in there, please also look for a young girl. my daughter, Thora. she was taken by Lady Nazheena for an insult spoken in anger. I have been working for the past few months to try to work off my daughter's debt and win back her freedom. if you find her and save her I will be forever indebted to you. my poor girl doesn't deserve to be locked up in that tower. She was merely repeating what she heard me say about the witches behind closed doors. she is only 8, she doesn't have an adult's tact...
The hunter just shakes his head as the elf continues to work at creating enemies, but stops as Nadya provides a minor correction.
"We will watch for Thora." he tries to reassure their host.
Turning back to the group, he asks a simple question. "Which of you know how to care for the dogs, or how to drive the sled? Snowshoes are slower, but anyone can use them."
Porablum listens to Nadya's plea, then says, "Of course we will look out for her. It's the least we can do for you kindness and hospitality."
To Grimgisli's question, Porablum shakes her head. "My clan had dogs with them, but I never learned to care for them. I don't know how to drive a dog sled, either."
The rogue, having been silent for some time, takes Grim aside and whispers,
"Back at the witch's hut that had the psycho homicidal doll, there was an apparition of a small girl...how old would you say she looked? About seven or eight, right?"
The rogue, having been silent for some time, takes Grim aside and whispers,
"Back at the witch's hut that had the psycho homicidal doll, there was an apparition of a small girl...how old would you say she looked? About seven or eight, right?"
The rogue, having been silent for some time, takes Grim aside and whispers,
"Back at the witch's hut that had the psycho homicidal doll, there was an apparition of a small girl...how old would you say she looked? About seven or eight, right?"
"If no one knows how to care for the dogs or drive the sled, then getting both will create problems."
As Brominate asks his question, Grimgisli stops and thinks for a moment. "Maybe. She was a little small for an Ulfen girl of that age, though."
He looks back to Nadya. "He asks a fair question. How will we recognize Thora when we see her? It is one thing to watch for a girl, another to know when you've seen the right girl."
Hjorleaf listens as well as Nadya talks of her child and nods as Grimgisli answers
Agreed, we will keep an eye out for her.
He turns and looks at the half elf, waiting. Feeling that this high and mighty one will interject his opinion on how wrong Nadya is when it comes to his knowledge of all things in the north.
Do not say anything, she is correct. The witches have her daughter, think of someone else beside yourself...for once.
"Here, I have a picture of her. it is not an exact representation, but is something I can hold to remember my daughter's face. a merchant sketched a portrait of her when he passed through last year. her face hasn't changed so much in just a year i would say.
Nadya gently pulls out a sheet of paper, wrinkled and stained with tears that have been spilled over it. the edges are frayed from many times being handled.
You easily see that Brominate's guess is indeed correct. the face that looks up at you from the page, though not perfect, is a very close match to the face of the apparition that spoke to you in the ice block field.
"If no one knows how to care for the dogs or drive the sled, then getting both will create problems."
"
"Handling dogs is not my speciality. Actually quite the opposite I'm afraid, there are some who don't seem to like my presence near them. But unless we are prepared to face the long road ahead on foot one option would be to enlist the help of a local guide that owns a dog sled. Preferably one who also knows how to enter the tower unseen. "
Easlis nods affirmatively when the others promised to retrieve the girl and picks up the photo from Nadya. His eyes turn wide in recognition as he stares at the photo for a couple of seconds. He drops his head down, but says nothing and passes the photo to Brominate.
He looks at the rendering of Nadya's daughter, Thora. His fear becomes reality. And soon, Nadya's reality will be akin to a nightmare of anger, grief, and pain.
But not now; not in this moment. This woman had been so kind to him and his companions. Besides, at this moment Brominate became so overwhelmed by the thoughts of how his own daughter was stolen from him and is still out there...somewhere. The words that he ended up speaking, as he handed the image back to Nadya, were, "Oh, wow, Nadya. She's beautiful. Yes. Absolutely. We'll.. definitely keep our eyes peeled."
He finds a corner to set down his pack so that he might take stock of everything he's accumulated recently, so as make sure those items are available to anything in the party that might make good use of them.
Snow shoes would be something we should all have...even if you do not want to use them. There may come a time when you will need them. I have always felt that the dog teams brought to much attention when traveling. Like yipping snacks for the locals.