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Lathar looked up Sure thing friend. I will be mending fences for most of the day and salvageing materials from around the plot for the rest I'm sure. If ya need anything give a loud holler and I'll head that way. He returns to cutting down some smaller diameter trees to strip for possible roof thatching supports and cross supports in the fence. As he fells each tree he drags them to the makeshift trevois and lashes them to it.
Heading back to the barn, Modoc decides to travel light and gast on this scouting mission. He removes the unessential items from his backpack, and fills it with typical exploration/field kit items, as well as his two bear traps. Taking a hunk of cheese, bread an dried meat wrapped up in a cloth he hangs his signal whistle around his neck strings his bow and heads out the rear of the barn towards the rear of the property, thinking to himself...
"I'll range out just beyond the property to the surrounding hills and valleys to see if we have any close neighbors and to see if here any immediate threats that need to be purged so they don't infringe on our homestead."
Lathar -
Its late afternoon by the time you've cut down what you think will be enough wood for your work and gotten it tied to your travois. You havent seen any worthwhile herbs. Perhaps its too early for them to have bloomed yet. You have no problem finding your way back but you are completely soaked through and shivering by the time youre ready to return to your home.
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Modoc -
The brief spot of sunshine mustve been yoru imagination since you surely dont see any more of it as you make your trek across the country side. It doesnt take you long to cross over several hills and get to where the map showed your property line to the north. The rain has the double effect of obliterating most tracks but also causing enough mud to distinguish the more recent ones.
Modoc -
Your skill is unparalleled and the tracks are almost too easy to follow as you can tell that you are getting much closer. The deers tracks are getting more chaotic and almost desperate looking. Which is understood as you can now see that there are several wolves chasing it and criss crossing the spoor. Which is the way of wolves. You might begin to second guess the wisdom of continuing this hunt.
Withdrawing slowly and quietly Modoc tracks back over the next ridge find an area that looks appropriate and sets up his first bear trap at the base of an adult darkwood tree he wrapped the chain around the trunk and threads the spike through the chain link sinking it into the base of the tree roots with the back of his tomahawk. Placing a bit of dried meat on the plate he then covers the area with leaves and debris to hide the claws. Taking his hatchet he blazes the base of the tree to indicate the traps location, then urinates on the markings. Tracking back a little further, blazing as he travels, he tries to locate where the wolves first caught sent of the deer and places his second trap in a similar fashion. Once finished, he hustles back across the hills to the edge of the tree copse where he left Lathar gathering wood.
Satisfied with his production Lathar starts to head home. He lays out his fencing material as he walks the fence perimeter and a solid chill shiver runs up his spine.
this rain has me soaked through ill get started on this after i dry out some.
Taking his mule into the barn, he unloads the rest of the thatching material inside. He wipes down the beast and blankets him then heads into the house.
Inside he checks the chimney to make sure its clear of birds or varmints and starts a fire in the hearth. He sets up the iron skillet and breaks out his small alchemist pot. looking around lathar realizes that he needs to locate the well outside, if this place is going to ever be habitable.
Lathar spends the rest of the day waiting out the rain. While in the house he starts to bring all the gear and foods inside. starting in the kitchen and then throughout the house he begins a thorough cleaning and search of anything that may be of use that has been left behind
@ Modoc - in your excitment or mayb eeven in fear you make quite the racket while you back off of the wolves' hunt. Luck is with you as they are most likely too caught up in the deer to take up your spoor. You return to the homestead to find the fence prepped for repair and a lazy swirl of smoke coming from the chimney just as the sun drops behind the hills to the west.
@ Lathar - The well is effeciently located about halfway between the house and the barn. You fall right into making the place a home but beyond some mouse chewed blankets and small sundry items there isnt much of worth. You arent able to get much indoors before night begins to fall.
As Modoc approached the farm he noticed the trails of smoke spiraling from the stack. He intended to go back out to hunt the wolves, but thought better of it. As he made his way inside the fence he wrangled the animals and placed them in the barn, rubbed them down, gave them feed and placed blankets over them for the night...being sure to secure the doors so that the pack would be barred from attacking their livestock. Making his way to the house he walked in and searched all the rooms closely...
As the smoke and warmth from the hearth filled the living area Lathar laid out his gear near the hearth. He had a pot boiling over the fire and had stirred in some of the dried meat rations and some bread with the water.
It will be good to have a solid roof over my head and walls to keep out the wind.
The evening brought with it the comfort of being home and it was a good feeling. He pulled the small dugout pipe from his waist pocket and began taking short draw from the herb to get it smoldering well. He sees Modoc come throught the door
Good evening Modoc how faired the search. I have us some warm food this evening. A fitting start for our first night at this place we can call home.
Taking another slow draw from the dugout pipe. he dips out some of the steaming meat and broth and fills 2 of the metal buckets. He hands one of the buckets to him with a quick smile
Here ya go old man. I would hate to see ya catch cold and not be able to help me fix this place up. haha
@ Modoc - after supper your search of the house doesnt come to much fruition. Besides the basic furniture youd normally find there isnt much else in each room beyond the normal sundry items. Its apparent that the house has been picked over by looters. In the two sleeping chambers there's blankets on the beds but most have been chewed through by mice or some other small animal. There is a small hand mirror in the larger of the two rooms along with a brush and comb. Theres an assortment of plates, bowls and cups in the kitchen cupboards, some are shipped from use and a large iron pot.
In the attic however you come face to face with a very upset raccoon that has taken up residence with its two kits.
Modoc grunted as he reached out with both hands to grab the pail. Staring down into the bucket for a few heartbeats then looking up at Lathar he said...
"Peers we are n da huntin' grouns' of a den o' wolves. As much as I would enjoy nothin' more den to work masef raw. I dun think it would be wise ter get to comfy til we kin make sure da' region is safe."
Tipping the pail to his lips Modoc arched his back and drank deep of the hot broth, the juices ran from the sides of his mouth and ran to a single rivulet on his chin before dripping on to his furs... Lurching back forward he pulled the pail away from his face with a satisfied grin. Locking eyes with Lathar he spoke...affect disappearing...
"I would like to express my gratitue to you my fast friend. Your diligence is mammoth and in direct correspondance with you patience and skill at arms. These wolves can pose an ample curse to our livestock and therefore, our occupation and alimentation. I can not hope to realize a fortunate outcome to this arduous undertaking without your adjunct. What say you Lathar? Does your minds current flow within the channel that has been prepared or can it meander to carve a new rut?"
@ Modoc - the arrow misses and the raccoon mother screeches and rears up in defense of her young.
@ Lathar -
Lathar jumps at the sound of the screeching raccon and makes his way to the attic door. It sounds like you have made some new friends up there. If its a racoon and her little ones you are going to have a bit of a scrap on your hands.....I'll keep the food warm for ya, come on down when ya kill it and we can make racoon burgers. It might be easier too...uhh uhm...Nevermind. As Long as it isnt spittin foam have fun Haha.
Lathar returns too his seat.
I knew that something would have made its nest here. Unfortunately Great Nature dictates the strong move in and the weak move out. I guess that means the racoon will be leaving and it probably wont be walking out on its own.
"Son of a quick-wife!!!"
Modoc drew another arrow and nocked it quickly, drawing back to the corner of his mouth, he let loose his breath nice and slow and let loose another arrow...
Modoc - The second arrow thunks into a rafter and the mother coon screetches even as her kits squeal. All three scramble through a hole in the floor.
Lathar -
As Lathar returned to his seat he listened to the battle overhead in the attic. Hearing a screech from the back room he runs back to see what is going on.
Modoc curses under his breath, as he makes his way over to the rafters to extract his arrows. As he inspects them he suddenly slumps his shoulders and lets out a sigh...
"I hope this doesn't forshadow my future times here."
Lathar enters the backroom just in time to see the mother racoon disappear under the bed.
Modoc -
Modoc chuckled to himself...
"I guess that must be Lathar receiving our new house guests."
Modoc heads back downstairs to check on his nature loving companion to see how he deals with the new party members...
Lathar drops to the floor and looks for the Fiendish raccoon.
.
Hmm this beast im sure feels cornered. Its only ready for an attack. I will give it time to sort its thoughts then we will see if it is ready to come out quietly.
lathar turns and closes the door to the room and then sits down on the other side of the room. He keeps his eyes trained on the bed and begans to sing a soft tune he learned as a young apprentice.
After some time passes lathar lies down and peers under the bed and continues to sing to the raccon. as he sings he makes small movements toward the coon until it is within arms reach. He reaches out, palm up and slowly tries to pet the beast gently.
I have become the raccoon. I am now Natures beast. I am terrified. I am in danger in my own den.
Lathar will slowly nudge the beast forward from its hiding place. Gently stroking its fur until its tension is gone until the terror and agression are gone. As the song carries on he tries to gather up the beast in his arms.
He cradles it and holds it close. Ah Natures gift to Modoc and I...... You will taste good this evening.
With a quick twist in his powerful hands he wrenches the beasts neck round. Hearing and feeling the crack of its neck he continues to cradle the beast and walks out to the still warm stew pot.
Modoc my friend I have caught some dinner for this evening it does not seem to be ill. I have not cleaned or skinned animals before. I am assuming that you have only because you seem wise in these ways.
Handing the coon to Modoc. May I watch and learn the technique if you know it?
Your song has virtually no effect on the cornered coon and it growls right before biting at your hand when you go to grab it.
You get a firm grip on the small mammal but it still has some fight left and bites at you again.
The raccoon squeals one last time before you snap its neck and falls limp.
Lathar walks out with the dead coon
fortunately it doesnt have rabies. I have got some fresh dinner for the evening. I have notcleaned or skinned animals before friend. I am only assumingyou know how because you seem wise in these ways. handing the coon to modoc. May i watch and learn the technique if you know it?
Modoc shows practiced skill as he skins and cleans the animal, using the time to explain to Lathar how he used to subsist on a diet of rodent in Riddleport.
"N' dats how yer do it!" "Easy as a quickwife!"
That looks pretty straight forward. The next one is for me to skin to see if i remember.
When I was introduced to the monastary i was but a young child my father was elven my mother human. I never knew the man nor did I really know my mother. I have learned not to dwell on them since I will never see them again probably. Growing up in the temple has taught me to persevere in all things and be diligent till the task is done. Focus and training above all else will see you through. That is the way of Living Nature. All creatures live that way so shall I. Tomorrow if it is not to rainy i will hook up the mule and begin plowing a section of our land to the east of the fence with good luck it will take most of the next few days and be ready for seed at some point.
The rest of the night passes uneventful with just the steady patter of rain as a backdrop to your conversation. The morning dawns and the rains have ceased but the skies remain cloudy for the most part.
Modoc awoke on the floor next to the chair he last remembered sitting in. He rose and stretched his full length. Broke his fast on some leftover stew and laid out a piece of cloth with some nuts, seeds, crust of bread an some dried meat, which he roles up and stiffed inside his jacket. Gathering his weapons he rousted Lathar from his place of slumber next to the hearth.
"I go ta hunt wolves my friend. I set a few traps yesterday. Care to see if they will feed upon their own? Nature is cruel and does not show mercy."
Lathar wipes the sleep from his eyes as Modoc wakes him. He walks to the window and stares outside
Sure thing lets go see.
Lathar begins to pack his walking stick, some basic tools and some food rations for the day. As they travel he will be watching for useful herbs and roots.
You make your way through the sodden fields and into the woods proper following the same trail Modoc took before. Along the way Lathar spots a beehive that could possibly be harvested for honey.
At about midday you reach the spot where Modoc set his trap. The trap has been sprung with a large tree branch sticking up out of the traps teeth.
After reaching the area where he placed the first trap on the previous day, Modoc gazed at the tree branch in horror, mouth agape and skin palor turning pale...
"These are no average wolves we are dealing with or at least the leader of the pack is not. hes old this one and wise to human tricks such as this. We have to be careful with this Lathar. If we ignore this problem, it could cause us much larger headache later."
Lathar makes a mental note of the Hive. You know Modoc i find it odd that heavy smoke makes bees less aggresive. Of course the same can be said about the herb in my pipe as well.
Lathar walks along watching where the wooded Trail would round trees and run through gullies. The thought of bandits was not far from his mind so he always keeps a watch for shadows.
When they approach they trap What sort is this? A wolf that uses tools to disarm traps? Did you set other traps elsewhere? I would wonder if maybe another trapper may have done this just to prove a point.
Im going to circle the area and see if I find anything
Lathar gathers some green and starts a fire at the base of the tree where the nest is. when the fire is sufficiently smoldering, lathar grabs a fresh evergreen branch and gets it lit. Blowing out the fire on it he begins to wave the smoke around the hive until the bees settle.
he lashes his saw to the end of his staff and draws out an empty sack. He cuts the hive down and quickly stuffs it in the sack cinching it tight. Great find! We can cultivate these bees near our home and they will provide us with honey. As well they also will help our plants polinate more readily.
Modoc silent since first seeing the trap decides to check the other one as well...
Spooked by the incident, Modoc remains quiet as Lathar sets about his business of searching and scavaging. Modoc goes to the tree near the trap and attempts to climb it, using his rope from his pack...
@ Lathar - you find nothing on your search that you wouldnt normally find in a wooded area. You are able to get the bees in the sack with just a couple of stings and can hear them getting quite agitated once the smoke disperses.
@ Modoc - the rope is unecessary as there are plenty of branches on the tree. You are able to get up 30' before the tree thins considerably and threatens to sway to the point of breaking.
Modoc climbs into the center boughs and finds a good spot to perch. He suddenly realizes his bow is in his hand with an arrow nocked and at the ready. His sense of unease building inside him. Peering cautiously towards the surrounding ridge lines he expects to see something. Only because he can sense something watching him.
@ Modoc - you bear witness to a beautiful landscape ripe with heavy forest and mountains to the north and northwest and rolling hills and plains to the east and south east. You spot a hawk diving after prey but otherwise nothing stands out.
"Rest the traps Lathar...Take the bees and head back. Call on me here in the morning."
Modoc checks his gear and ties it to the branch below him, taking another length of rope he he ties one end around the tree and the other around his midsection, knotting it at his belly, leaving a short length for slack.
Rest carefully and keep your eyes and ears open friend.
Lathar turns to walk and looks back.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather me stay nearby? A pack of wolves vs one man could be a tough spot to be in. Ah, yes but someone has to barn the animals and watch the house. I will be back out here at dawn's break then.
Pulling his hood up around his head Lathar begins the trek home watching the shadows for wolves and bandits.
As he travels lathar gougemarks trees and makes waypoints in the dirt to help with a speedy return in the morning.
@ Lathar - you make good time getting home and are reasonably assured you can find your way back with little trouble. The house and yard are quiet except for an uncomfortable cow who is mooing and stomping her hooves as the bees buzz with quite a bit of aggression in the bag.
@ Modoc - not long after Lathar leaves the forest returns to its natural sounds of squirrels running through the trees and birds chirping and singing. Your secure in the tree and settle in for the afternoon.
When lathar reaches the house he takes the bag of bees and hangs it from the lower branches of a tree on the outer edge of the farm.
I hope we havent had any unwanted visitors while we have been gone.
Lathar makes a quick circle of the property and the house checking for anything that seems out of place then gathers some green limbs and starts a smokey fire near the bag. When it has begun pluming nicely across the bag he heads over to the cow.
Darn you udders are very full. i must pay better attention to you in the future He grabs a steel pail and set to milking keeping an eye on the smoke and ticking the minutes off in his head. You are a great asset to us I believe you deserve a name. I will call you Sue and I promise to relieve you daily if you promise to continue producing milk.
When the pail (or pails) are full he takes them inside and returns to the hive hung in the tree. im pretty sure these bees need a pace to hive
Lathar gathers some of the broken scrap wood from the barn and fashions a quik bee-box with a movable front panel. he sets the box near the fire and then places the bag in it. Preparing for inevitable slight swarm he opens the sack and puts the front panel on as quickly as he can leaving the sack inside the box.
Lathar secures the animals in the barn and roosts the chikens then retires for the evening into the house. He warms himself at the fire and prepares for a worrisome slumber for his friend Modoc. Be safe Modoc. I want to find you in the same grumpy way as I left you.
@ Lathar - Sue grumbles and moos a bit until you get going and start filling a pail then she calms down quite a bit and even nudges yo with her head when you go to wakl away. You do indeed get two pails out of her. A quick look around the yard and everything looks exactly like you left it. Crafting the temporary bee box takes up the rest of your day and you can tell it will need more work. You fall alseep in the chair once again...
@ Modoc - The afternoon and evening roll on and nothing happens beyond maybe an appreciation for how quiet it is out here. The weather stays pleasant and night falls. You finally succumb to sleep strapped securely in the tree.
The new day dawns sunny and somewhat warmer than it has been with a slight breeze. A good sign indeed.
@ Lathar - all is quiet on the homestead.
@ Modoc - you wake a bit cramped from the unusual sleeping position. The trap you reset the night before is gone and there appears to be some discolored dirt scattered about where it was. You'll have to climb down and get closer to determine more.
when you do -
As the sun rises Lathar rousts the animals and pastures the cow. He grabs his staff and loads his gear then sets off back to see if Modoc had seen anything. As he passes the hive he takes into account how poorly the box was made and decides to give it another shot today when he returned. The morning air was refreshing and so he broke into an easy run to reach Modoc sooner
This land is truly wonderful and wild. As he jogs lathar practices some breathing techniques to keep himself from becoming winded. As always he keeps his eyes and mind sharp for possible signs of trouble.
Moving somewhat clumsily from the stiffness Modoc unties the rope and descends from the boughs of the tree. Moving over to the trap he investigates its condition, scratching his head.
"Most peculiar."
Lathar arrives in the small clearing just a few minutes after Modoc makes his discovery.
Modoc welcomes his companion as he enters the small clearing with a confused look upon his face. Squating with his bow across his lap, he extends his hands out to Lathar as he rises to reveal the brown stain of iron dust of his palms and fingers...
"What do you make of this?"
"Someone or thing does not want us trapping in these woods. Could it be some rival trappers with a magical knack or maybe some follower of the "green way" that frowns upon the practice? Have you ever heard of such things?"
"Lathar, help me look for some sign or trace of whom or what may have been responsible."