Rose smiles and shakes her head. "I think they expect me to do it."
Then she put a knee down in the unconscious man's back, reached under his neck to tuck her fingers around his windpipe, and squeezed until she felt it crunch.
As she stepped out of the ring the body began to twitch and spasm as it unconsciously fought for air. By the time she finished putting her dress back on, the man was dead.
"Lets find a table."
The yelling, cheering and ‘support’ continues for some more moments. The dead man body, is carried away, with no ceremony. Mostly likely, no one remembers the man anymore. You arrange a table, drink is served, food is ordered.
Nahia and Kitara as still chatting with the woman responsible for cursing the others.
”Well, that’s quite a nice show, wasn’t?” she asks smiling but then answer Nahia’s question. ”Maybe, I don’t plan to stay long though, only while I can still profit in this place.”
So where to next? Do we need The Baron's help for anything specific?
Nahia turns to see Rose snapping the neck of a rather large gentleman. She blushes slightly as she watches the crowd get worked up.
Hmm, such a waste. I'd have demanded he give his life in servitude. After all, I'd rightfully won it at that point. Then again, there is something to be said to playing the crowd... and it's not like I'd have won a fight like that anyway.
With a slight giggle she turns back to Deanne. "Yes, my friends can be quite a handful."
Nahia glances the woman up and down for a moment, lost in thought.
Well isn't she quite full of herself... she's not really wrong though...
"Then why don't we meet tomorrow at lunch out amongst the Westhill farms? Near that lovely patch of witch's glove, which is just so rare in these wet lands? I'll bring wine and some food..."
- - - - -
Nahia looks at Hound and adds "Well, we could ask him to have that cog made for us. Also, Kit was wanting to meet him..."
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And I think we could find some recruits to help us repair our new...home. The orphans would make useful servants, and also could gives us our own spy network in town. I'm certain a quiet word from the Baron would give us access to them.
Mysty smiles as she thinks about it. She then has another thought.
Nahia is emotionally involved with that Elise. Best not make out I don't trust them
Not that the seventh wouldn't do their best to keep us informed but it doesn't hurt to have insurance.
Hound nods at Nahia's remark about the cog. As well as getting any craftspeople to fix the other areas as well. Hound is ready to escort the others to The Baron.
Rose was clearly enjoying herself. She had her boots up on the table and was drinking from a stein that looked particularly large in her small hands. As the others made ready to leave she sighed and downed the rest of her drink, waving to the bar. "See you later boys." she called sweetly, waving to the bar as they made their exit.
"I like that place." she said outside. "Who was your new friend, Nahia?"
Nahia nods at Rose, adding "That was quite a show... or it at least sounded like it. And it seems that you made several new admirers yourself in there."
Nahia smiles before continuing to walk. "Her name is Deanne Huyn Veneer, though apparently Kit knows more about her than I do." She cuts Kit a grin and continues. "Though I get the impression that I know some things about her that she doesn't know herself. She's a changeling, but either she is not aware of it or she couldn't tell that I am... She's a little old to have not had her calling yet, but given her trade she may have just stumbled upon ways to fill in that... yearning."
"I intend to fill her in on her heritage, if she doesn't already know, or to ask her about her experiences. I've only met one other hagborn, and the Cardinal fairly quickly swept her away somewhere else."
"Sounds like a possible recruit for the cause." Rose grinned.
"That seems a good idea." Deanne says smiling and biding you farewell.
Thinking it’s best to not attract attention, the group decides to use the secrete passage leading to the baron’s manor.
After some minutes of walking a dark, damp tunnel you arrive at the manor.
As you enter the place, one of the servants, afraid of your sudden arrival flees from you and some instants later, the manservant appears and greet you all.
There are guards around the place. A successful Knowledge (Nobility) skill check (DC 15) reveals that the livery is a variation on the heraldry of House Barca, the royal line deposed by the current Darian regime. A DC 20 result further reveals that the livery marks the guards as servants of the Baron of Westell and Mir, farming towns south of Farholde.
In some minutes you are attended by a small squadron of servants who offer them brandy and hors d’oeuvres. The brandy is sublime and the hors d’oeuvres are a selection of tasty little beef skewers and crunchy spicy crayfish puffs. It’s then, they offer to carry any possession to your rooms, as you talk with the manservant.
”What a nice surprise.” the man says amiably ”How can I be of service?”
"I hope we aren't interrupting. We had hoped to meet with the Baron to update him on our work and introduce him to a new member of our company. We are in no hurry though. Please tell the Baron we are here at his convenience."
Tired of iron rations, Hound enjoys the skewers and crayfish.
Nahia also takes some of the offered food, trying to distract herself from thinking too much about the Baron. Though one thought does bring a bit of a smile to her face.
I wonder if her ever found that nail I had Andros place under the floorboards of his bedroom?
”I’ll inform our Lord of your arrival.” the man says bowing again, in meantime the call the servants once more ”See to the needs of our guests.”
After that, he bids you farewell and leave you alone.
The manor is richly decorated. There’s no shortage of niceties and interesting things to see. One interested in art could always visit the gallery, where the art pieces are stored. If one is amused by combat, there’s the reliquary which ornamental armor and weapons are stored. If literature is what you fancy, the manor has as well one of the finest libraries you’ve come across.
Kitara smiles, inclining her head to the man and draws herself up to her noble and regal demeanor. "If you would be so kind, I would fancy a chance to peruse the Baron's gallery."
Kitara would make her way to the gallery, and spend her time waiting for the Baron examining the syles of art, the various cultures, any heraldic references, and other such details of the artwork he has on display while waiting.
Hound checks out the reliquary, noting the various arms and armor.
Rose makes her way to the library, looking for books that might have any information of Vetra-Kali.
Purely ornamental for parades and festivals. Hound sniffs disdainfully. Utterly useless in real combat.
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Looking at a suit covered in spikes Mysty winces.
this one. Looks intimidating, but those spikes would get in the way. And what use are they, really. Are you going to bear hug them to death.
She moves on and looks at a large helm, surmounted with two bulls horns. Obviously a trophy, as it was too large for a human.
hmm. Sized for a giant...or ogre. Do you think Grumblejack would like this?. Or with a bit of adjustment and magic, you? Rose might like a horn'd beast.
Mysty gives a wicked giggle.
Grumblejack would no doubt.
The stay in the manor is quite pleasant, one might say, servants are abound and it's almost annoying the amount of times they approach you asking if there's anything you wanted or they could do for you.
While you wait, they prepare hot bath and fresh clothes. Cute and young maid help you with your cleaning, if you accept the offer for bath. You treatment is what you think a kid is fitting. There's always someone to do it for you.
The hours passes and the manservant approaches you again. "Distinguished Lords." he says with a bow "The Baron has is unavailable for dinner this night. He extends however his courtesy and invitation to join in tomorrow at lunch."
Nahia decides to follow Kit into the Gallery, glancing at the paintings but not really interested in them.
I hope that Seren and Big'Un are ok... Hell, I hope we'll be ok. Who knows what this slime is going to try...
- - - - -
Nahia accepts the offer of a hot bath and the help of a maid. In fact, she makes liberal use of the servants, not treating them badly, but definitely taking advantage of the moment.
- - - - -
At the announcement that the Baron is putting them off until lunch tomorrow, Nahia lets out a slightly annoyed sigh. "Well, I already have plans for lunch, but would the rest of you be able to meet with him?"
Hounds glares at any servant who attempts to pamper him and sends them off and is exasperated at another delay. So this there anything in town we can arrange to have done? Hiring some craftsmen?
Rose thoroughly enjoyed her bath, asking for sweets and wine to be brought to her and for her clothing to be cleaned while she bathed. She perused the small stack of books from the library, having the water reheated a number of times before she finally decided to get out of the tub.
After she finished she rejoined the others. She nodded to Nahia. "I'd be happy to. I can make Kit's introductions."
Rose shrugs. "We can't really stop him, and we don't really have anything to lose by letting him think he's in charge."
@Nahia
The girl answers without turning away from her work.
”Tis good, suppose.” she says with a shrug. ”Don’t be seeing much of the man, do as told. The food is good though.”
@Everyone
You are free to leave the manor if you so desire. There are some matters to be arranged at the town, crafters and such, some of you go oversee this business, others enjoy the baron’s hospitality.
The day goes by with no disturbance or strange events. Dinner is served, then you are offered drinks, and lastly, you retire to your rooms to sleep… or not.
Morning arrives and the servants once more gently awake you to help you to prepare for the day. Getting new clothes, breakfast.
Hound trains some with his weapons before meeting with the others.If he tries to make us cool our heels again, we should just track him down.
Mysty goes out to buy the horse and dogs, in preparation for the ritual.
Hound swing his sword on the grounds, drawing some lustful stares from the female servants in the manor, not that he cares or notice anyway.
Rose continues her search about Vetra-Kali and strangely, there’s not much to find about the daemon itself. There are vague recounts of the Victor raid in the Briar.
According to the books, one week the Victor and his followers simply arrived at Farhold one day at night and, the next day morning they entered the cursed forest. No one knows what really happened, the Victor was gone for about a month, then he returned, his followers a number less than before they entered the place. After that, the king stayed in Farhold for about a week, before leaving again.
Nahia prepares herself to meet the other changeling, after making sure the others are capable of handling the baron.
"This doesn't seem right." Rose said to the others when they gathered for a meal. She had a number of books open to relevant passages and was pointing them out.
"This is about The Victor, as a new king, a hero, going into a cursed forest and confronting a Daemon Lord. He crushed the Sons of the Apocalypse, destroyed their fortress, and sealed away Vetra-Kali behind a holy altar. "
"This is the kind of stuff Mitrans can't shut up about. Every single detail should have been meticulously recorded, and then fluffed up as propaganda."
"Mitrans have never been shy about purging records that disagrees with their agenda, but it seems like there should at least be some fabrications about what happened. Some big description of the clash between the king and the daemon lord in silly poetry or something. Songs. Anything."
"Its like the whole event is just... missing."
Maybe he found some kin serving the daemon lord?
If he prefers to keep us waiting when we need aid then we should make note of it for later when debts are to be called due.
Nahia stares off into the distance as Rose and Mysty talk of the Horn and what happened there. Still unfocused, she adds "Yes, if they felt confident about it then they would have built a monument on it and advertised it for pilgrimages. No... it seems two things are probably true."
She comes back as she takes a sip of her drink and counts on her fingers. "First, that they were afraid of what they could not defeat. And secondly, that they felt that whatever was already guarding the place would be enough to keep it safe. Which, to be honest, we can't necessarily say is untrue. We still have quite a bit to deal with back there. And it may be that the seal is warded to warn other guardians if someone tries to break it. Before we start those rituals we need to make sure we are prepared for the worst."
@Nahia
You dress and prepare and go meet the other woman. Deanne is wearing a simple white dress and sandals, looking more like a commoner girl than a noble, as you heard Kitara saying before.
"Good afternoon." she says and you get the impression that she is curious about all of this, but somewhat concerned as well. "Were are you planning to take me?" she asks smiling.
@Others
The morning passes with no event whatsoever. There's a slightly more servant activities, but it's easy to notice they are working in the lunch. Once again, as you return from breakfast, when you return to your room, there are several cloths and servants ready to help you dress to occasion, if you want to.
Dressing or not, the servants lead you into the dining hall, the same one you met the baron for the first time. The huge table as been prepared with several delicious looking dishes and the baron sitting at the table head raises to receive you.
"What a nice surprise!" he said smiling pleasantly. "I hope you enjoy lunch." the man says "but sometimes is difficult to entertain unscheduled guests."
One thing you notice, there are four more seats at the table.
Hound sees that a hearty beef stew is made. Rich broth, roated vegetables and fine boar floats a distressingly fancy bowl.[/b]
Nahia lowers herself into the bath, smiles at the girl, and adds "I mean, you wouldn't be believing such a rumor yourself if he had taken advantage of you. And let me add, if I were in his situation, I can't say that I wouldn't be. And while it may be this fine wine getting to me, let me also say that you have such lovely skin..."
Holding out the glass she asks "Would you like some?"
She lays out a blanket and retrieves a small basket and some bottles of wine from her satchel, laying them out and starting to unpack the food. "I just wanted a chance to speak with you, that is all. To learn a little about my sister. Feel free to tell me if I move too fast though, as situations like this tend to get me over-excited.
She uncorks a bottle and pours each of them some red wine after laying out some bread, cheese, and recently grilled meat. "Let me guess: raised in a noble family, but they were always kind of distant. You found that people tended to flock to you, but you always felt disconnected from them... and these... natural arts, these forbidden arts, grabbed your attention like little else has been able to before..." She grins and raises an eyebrow. "Am I right?"
Earlier:
Kitara spent the evening in quiet contemplation, smiling and inviting the serving girl to spend some time with her if she liked but not insisting. She cleans herself in the bath and slips into her bed resting very carefully.
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On the morning, she listens to the others, though she does not speak to their frustrations. Dominance games? *sigh* None of them truly understand how to properly act in court. I should hope that perhaps I can smooth things over, though I do not know that will be possible.
She comes into the dining hall after breakfast and redressing and makes her way over to the Baron, walking with a calm poise as she makes her way there and curtsies deeply to him. She offers her hand with the house Darius signet ring to him as if to offer her hand for a kiss. "Terribly sorry to impose upon your hospitality my Lord. Thank you for taking the time to receive us. Ilyena Silva." She waits for him to act and show her which place is proper to sit in.
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My lord Baron, good you could see us, and such a lovely spread.
Mysty collects a plate, and puts a selection of foods on it, Stuffed fey peppers (somewhat illegal), fried potatoes covered in cheese, fried onions, mushrooms and garlic and roasted beef with rich wine gravy. And some bread rolls. A cup of wine finishes it.
At the others looks she says A halfling has to eat
Over the meal Mysty says Our work proceeds apace, and with success, but we require some support. Primarily strong backs and cunning thinkers. We were hoping to recruit some in town, but security is important.
She pauses to sip her wine and continues
We can't just search the streets, as I am sure a man with your discerning nature can see. So we were thinking...we might impose on you. We would like to recruit from the orphanage you maintain. This would allow us to continue our work, and not be more of an inconvenience.
She finishes with the wave of a fork, impaling a fey pepper
My compliments to the chef, by the way.
Hound enjoys his beef and bread, he left the negotiating to those best suited for it.Access to building materials as well. Wood and metal for repairs and carpenters and smiths.
”Thanks ma’am.” the woman says bowing when you offer her drinks. ”But no thanks.”
After that, she keeps to herself, saying very little, but still answering questions if asked. You feel as if the woman wanted to say something else, but were reluctant to say it.
The woman stares away, as if remembering something, whips of smile touches her lips before she says ”Close enough. Been spying on me dear?” she teases and something strange appears in her eyes, something dangerous.
@Kitara
”Pleased to make your acquaintance.” the man says taking your hand and kissing it lightly, in some ways, while the man isn’t being disrespectful, you feel he is amused, for he is almost sure you are using some kind of alias. ”I Baron Arkov Vandermir, welcome you into my humble house.” he says leading you to sit to near him in the table.
@Mysty
The Baron smiles and is genuinely amused at your commends over food, the ‘a Halfling has to eat’ brings a smile to his lips.
@Others
”There’s no problem; my house is always open to you.” the half-elf says receiving the party and in response to Kitara apologies. ”I had, however a lunch with your associates this day. Elise and her group. I hope you don’t mind I choose to entertain you at the same time. With the Lord regent off to wage war,” the man raises a glass of wine ”Blessed be Sakkarot” he smiles before continuing ”I’m making my move to assert my dominance over this region, and that is taking almost all of my time.”
Not much time after the man says his piece, the manservant announces the others guest.
The seventh knot is dressed in noble clothes, not much unlike the ones Tiadora made you dress when you first met the baron. The twins, Trik and Trak looking exactly the same, the barbarian Dostan clearly uncomfortable in the amount of clothes he is wearing.
Elise smiles as he enters, and she is surprised and slightly annoyed with your presence. Clearly she didn’t knew what the change of plans. Her eyes darts around the room, searching for someone, and then she shoot some unspoken questions at Rose, but says nothing.
”What a surprise.” the woman says ”If you had informed my other friend would be here as well, I would have brought gifts for them!” she says walking to the Baron, which raises to receive her as well. ”Here is a token of my gratitude.” she says giving the half-elf a small decorated box.
”I apologize for changing plans with no warning.” the man says taking her gift. ”Your associates arrived yesterday and I thought it we could use this opportunity.”
He leads Elise to sit at his other side, facing kitara.
Rose, smiled sweetly, playing with the small key on her bracelet, clearly entertained at this turn of events. She delicately ate from a small plate of berries.
"Nahia sends her best regards. She's a little tied up at the moment."