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Taking a deep sip from his drought, Titian enjoyed the taste. To many days with just water recently, and it was getting stale at that.
"I might just do that, goodwife, I might just do it."
Taking a bite from the ham he continued.
"I do also need a bed for the night and a place for my horse in the stable. And better not that one of the stableboys touch him, Esprit is a trained warhorse, and he can have a mean spirit!"
Then a young handsome halfelf arrived and he did so very much do not fit in here. Just like himself.
Raising his mug he addressed him.
"Are you also one of the explorers. You do not look like a frontiersman, if you do not mind me saying!"
Elirious smiles looking Titian over in an obvious manner with a brow raised, "Don't mind a bit, Elirious, is me, you have the right of that, though I suppose being from the Riverlands and all I technically qualify. As for being an explorer, well, that depends how interesting it looks to be and, whether anybody is prepared to take me along. There tends to be an assumption that if your skin care regime does not look to be getting dragged through a briar, or you have not cultivated a face badger you can't be of much use."
"Now normally I would gladly join you for a drink, but I find myself woefully impoverished and needs must try to earn a few coin with a tale. If you have any of your own you think worth telling save them for me, I am always in need of stories."
So saying he moves to the center of the common rooms back wall flicks his sleeves and his outfit changes to an ostentatious military uniform all epillets and crisp edges. Chanting a spell a large drum appears in his hands and he sets in down giving himself a rumbling drum roll to gather the rooms attention. Another flick of his wrists and he is dressed in a suit of dark purple crushed velvet that glitters faintly in the dim light,
"Gather round those who would here a tale, of a village in the wilds where dark things assail... hard working folk making life harder, things in the dark passion and ardour!
Let's all take our minds to a place far a way, a long time ago, but not so different from here and today. A small start of a village, farms carved from the wild, where winters were harsh, and even summers weren't mild. A young wife fresh and fair, from child to woman daisies still braided in her hair. Her husband not her choice, older and harder, a brute of a man jealous and cruel."
Pausing he strikes the drum violently and it vanishes along with the stick in his hand.
"Now the girl had long loved a young man, he was softer and glibber, freer and fair, with a laugh on his lips and a gentle touch. But he was a wanderer, a peddlar by trade, and her parents thought little of his virtues displayed. When he returned and found his love had been taken, it tortured his soul his treasure had been taken. And though he was fearful of her hulking brute, he couldn't help but sneak in to continue his pursuit."
"But the farmer he caught them in a lovers embrace, blackened his heart as he darkened his face. He struck down the peddlar with a mighty blow of his axe, and dragged him still bleeding out to the fields where he'd been cutting down trees expanding his yields. There beneath the tangled roots of an old apple tree he buried the peddlar for no one to see."
Blood flowed forth mingling with the cold of the earth and as roots sought forth questing there was a terrible birth, all of resentment, anger and pride, fostered something terrible deep in the earth. Some say he mingled with a dryad who'd died, others says simply his soul could not abide, but whatever the matter that proves to be true The Longfingered Man rose to pursue."
But trees are slower, deeper, and twelve years passed before came the reaper. The farmer had children, the village had grown, the once girl a half dozen babes of her own. Then on the night of a terrible storm, amidst lighting and thunder a dark legend was born. In the flickering shadows beneath any door five twisted shadows roots would explore, and a hideous thing half tree and half man came for the farmer and brought him despair.
The found the farmer dead the next day, smelling of apples and old blood, so they say. His throat had been crumpled battered and twisted wrapped around with hard roots that still existed. Now whenever the harvest moon reaches its height something terrible moves in the night. The village years later believes in true love, for those who would take it, buy it or steal, find that monsters can be exceedingly real.
Even many a bully has been given a fright, by long reaching fingers, tapping in the depths of the night, or long twisting shadows, five, even ten, reaching from somewhere, seeking for them. Some hear the echoes from a gnarled apple tree, a piteous call lamenting lost love, lost life, and all that once could be.
So treasure the sweet times, and don't be a heel, or the touch of The Long Fingered Man could be the last thing you feel! An apple is sweeter when willing taken, when you make light of love dark things can awaken."
Letting silence linger for a moment after Elirious claps his hands and grins,
"And now for something a little bit lighter, a tale of a dragon, an arrogant blighter..."
Having just entered the hall, Drazen hears the bard's well-told tale. When Titian Stagson introduces himself, the half-elf bows gracefully then sits. "I am Drazen Prasec. Like you I assume, I am here, charter in hand, to execute the orders of the Swordlords of Restov. I was told by a guard at the gate to find Svetlana."
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Finishing his mug and ordering a fresh one from Svetlana Titian nods towards Drazen.
"Indeed! I am curious who else has one of those.
As we will in the future travel together, what can I expect from you? What abilities do you have?"
Pointing to his chest he adds.
"Well for me, I am a trained cavalerist. I am trained in lance and sword, Bow and sling. And I am used to wear decent armor.
And finally I have my own warhorse!"
Drazen raises an eyebrow. "I am happy to hear that I will be travelling with such able company," he answers simply with a polite smile. The half-elf's Aldori Dueling Sword identifies him as a warrior, yet his cuirass armour seems far too light to guarantee any real protection against strong blows...
He frowned at Autumn's observation about his son but nodded taking the reins of her horse and following after his boy. He hated moments like this. he thought he had done a good job raising the boy, but there were times he felt he was neglecting him as well. He had always told himself it was for the boy's own good...
He took Autumn's horse and spent the next few moments quietly working beside his son before he spoke brusquely.
"So... whats bothering you Ulfgar? I see there are a few new farming families about here.. no one your age amongst them?"
He asked politely... well for him anyway.
Autumn hands over the bag with a nod. "I won't blame you if they die, I took a chance on these to begin with so I know the risks." She told him. "How far is Bokken, you said? Could I get there and back before night fall?" She asked.
Elirious continues magically switching costumes frequently, and as darkness descends casting a light spell on table and creating shadow puppets to illustrate his tale of a bold Ulfen warrior stalking a mighty Linnorm to win the hand of his Lady Love.
Flagging valour risen anew, he lunged force his blade striking true, sinking deep into blood and sinew! Magga sent arrows forming a storm, while the great beast thrashed its wounded form. Mortally wounded, but vigor unspent hatred and ire on Ragni it vent, claws like scythes scales like armor, it saw the spark of love and knew to hurt Ragni it should harm her! Gathering the last of its vigor it struck toward Magga that valiant figure...
Ragni was desperate, reckless and bold, had time for one strike, and knew that he needed to halt the creatures strike. Its scales were a strong as the adamantine, but no creature can ignore being struck in between, with one plunge its offspring never more to be seen. Much at the Linnorm wanted to finish its task with hole in its pole it was too much to ask.
Returning triumphant with the mighty beasts head Ragni and Magga were hastily wed. They live happily still to this day, or at least that is what the unsceptical say. Magga a beautiful wise winter queen, Ragni a warrior bold as can be, less apt at ruling or issuing a decree. They have seven fine children, and live in the land where the Linnorm Kings are."
"Time for a quick break my friends, let me wet my whistle and I will tell you the tale of how Blim the Bold saved his halfling village from the Necromancer known as Calamitous Vile and his horde of undead ogres!"
Sweeping up the coins with his foot he fills his pockets, orders a tankard of cider if they have it, and moves over to Titian and Drazen smiling and raising his brows in question as he nods to an empty chair,
"Mind if I join you? I am a nosey person and I heard something about charters? Is it alright to pry?"
"Of course," Drazen greets the bard, "but my own purse is light and, unfortunately, I have little to offer in exchange for your delightful tales."
"I am Drazen Prasec," he introduces himself, extending his hand. "Indeed, as you overheard, we are here by order of the Swordlords. Are you as well? I was assured that there would be a fair number of explorers to ensure safe travels and defend against bandits."
"Well not so much, would you mind if I took a look at your charter? I have some association with the Swordlords so maybe I could get one of my own," or just forge it, "sounds like it could be potentially interesting, and a storyteller always needs new tales to tell."
Wary of the bard's intention, Drazen keeps his charter hidden while remaining assuredly pleasant. "Is that Svetlana?" he says, changing the subject and pointing to a woman who seems to have some authority.
"I am afraid I have no idea, just got here a few hours ago. Who is Svetlana?" Elirious asks taking a swig of his cider and rolling it around in his mouth.
"Yes, we have a bunkhouse for guests." The innkeeper's brow furrows. "Ulfgar tends the horses, but if yours is fierce, you'd best tend him yourself." She shakes her spoon at Titian. "And tell the lad, we don't need no accidents around here!"
The innkeeper watches as Elirious puts on his show. An older, thin woman with brown hair, shot with gray comes out of the kitchen to watch, until the younger woman sniffs the air. "Dinner's a'burnen Elbreth!" The two women hustle back into the kitchen.
The buckskin clad fellow in the corner flicks a notched copper toward the performing bard. "You got a good way with words.' He complements.
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* Autumn.
Curley scratches his head. "I'm not actually sure how far. I've never actually gone from here to there. Time I went there, we came up from the river." He shrugs. Maybe... If you knew where his hut is."
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*Back at the common room.
The blonde woman who bears an air of authority hears her name mentioned.
"Yes, I'm Svetlana. Svetlana Leveton. Myself and Oleg, my husband run this outpost." Her eyes look out the open front door briefly then back to Drazen. "Kesten Garess is in charge of security. He may be the one you want. he'll be in for supper, I expect."
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Smiling at the spoonish threat Titian replies.
"No worries, goodwive, I will take care of him myself. And Esprit just does not like strangers much. Other horses are just fine."
With a shuckle he adds."As long as they are not in heat."
Paying he nods to the others."I have to take care of my friend, I should be back in 20 minutes or so."
Taking his leave he returns to the fresh air and looks around.
To see how many people are now here, what they do, how they are armed and armored.
Walking to Esprit he asks for direction for the stable, leads his horse there and carefully rubs it down and removes the barding.
With a few friendly words to the stableboy, to prevent any accidents he returns to the common room with his gear.
Asking for a room he carries his items up and cleans himelf from the dirt of the road before returning to the common room, now just with Breastplate and longsword, without shield and all extra weapons.
Ordering a fresh mug he nods to Drazen and points to a table.
"I have a map and maybe you want to check it with me."
He had spent all his years pretty much preparing for this one moment... and now that it was here he found himself at a loss for words. He wasnt ready for his boy to grow up, though looking at him, there he was almost a man. He still was lanky, at least compared to his father but he had his mother in him as well.
He was about to speak to his son when the stable opened and one of the new faces walked in with a spirited looking horse. After a moment he watched the man begin to remove the horse's barding and rub him down. Suddenly Herger made a few whinnying noises and a neigh.
He asked the noble creature simply merely nodding at its response one way or the other. He smiled simply as the man spoke a few words with his son, Herger merely nodded at the warrior as he strode past for the common room. He still wasnt entirely sure what to say to his boy.
Once the man left glanced at his son and sighed.
He said for a moment moving up to his son and putting a fatherly hand on the boys shoulder. The desire to hug him close and take everything back was strong, but his Will was for now stronger.
"But First, finish up your work here, A man's worth is weighed by his work ethic, how he treats animals, and how he treats his family.
He finished with the old parable from the book again. He gave the young man a nod again and stepped outside.
He carried his saddlebags torwards the common room, though he was lost in thought, It took him several long moments to find his pipe in the bags... even longer the tabacco pouch. By the time he finally sat down to light the thing, he noticed that swindly fellow whom said he was a bard was sitting with a few other folk he didnt know chatting it up. He mostly ignored them instead he waved to Svetlana and waited for her to bring him a cup of ale... and when she did he bought those three fellows a round. (that would be Drazen, Titian, and Elirious)
"Pleasure to meet you M'am, can I ask about getting a bed? I confess I am far from flush with coin at the moment, so cheaper options would appeal. If you would be prepared to help a performer out I would be glad to entertainment your guests, though I will be doing so tonight in any case unless you object?" Elirious says rising and offering Svetlana a respectful bow, its hard not to be respectful to someone who decides whether you sleep outside or not.
Waiting to see if the common room fills he is content to linger over his drink and when the gruff Ulfen offers a drink he accepts with a smile,
"Thank you Sir, I never say no to a drink, forgive me but I did not catch your name before?"
"I shall see if maybe Svetlana or Oleg know." Autumn told Culrey before she thanked him for trying with the radishes and headed off to the common area. When she stepped in however she took notice of the new faces, well two new faces, and it occurred to her... these didn't look like farmers or ranchers, or anything else that had seemed to move down this way. One even looked more akin to Kesten's guards though better stocked.
She made a note of it before calling out to Svetlana. "Svetlana, do you know where a man named Bokken lives?" She asked as she moved further into the area. Frostbite also seemed to look to the new comers with a bit of curiosity in her eyes. Though she remained by her mistress's side. Autumn did however give a small wave to Herger as she moved, indicating to the others some form of connection between the two.
Seeing Autumn Elirious waves, nodding to the wolf he waves his sleeves and is suddenly sitting in a full wolf costume, that reveals his grinning face inside a quite friendly looking canine maw.
"Arooooooooh!" He howls, though he keeps it quite low, not wishing to cause much of a disturbance, as he inclines his head to the wolf.
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He was about to speak to his son when the stable opened and one of the new faces walked in with a spirited looking horse. After a moment he watched the man begin to remove the horse's barding and rub him down. Suddenly Herger made a few whinnying noises and a neigh.
He asked the noble creature simply merely nodding at its response one way or the other. He smiled simply as the man spoke a few words with his son, Herger merely nodded at the warrior as he strode past for the common room. He still wasnt entirely sure what to say to his boy.
** spoiler omitted **...
The man had raised an eyebrow at the whining man, but just shrugged and nodded when he left.
Later in the common room, Titian saw the elder man enter and offer him a drink. Turning around he nodded to the man and smiled.
"Many thanks for the drink, goodfellow. If someone offers you a drink, it is impolite to accept it without introducing oneself.
My name is Sir Titian Stagson."
With a bow he thanked the noble donor and lifted his mug to toast.
"May our hunt be successful and our community be strong!"
Drazen is more than interested in studying Titian's map of the region, however incomplete it may be. While looking at the map, he keeps an eye out for Kesten Garess...
Autumn raised an eyebrow at the comment made by Sir Titian Stagson. Even a small village like her old home knew the title of Sir was for a knight or Lord... But the comment he made of thanks was closer to that of an Erastian. A Knight... of Erastil? Could that be such a thing? She knew of paladins of Erastil but they never used the title of Sir.
"If I maybe so bold, the saying you used just know, does it hail from your faith?" Autumn asked.
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With a bow Titian turned to Autumn and smiled.
"And you are Mylady? I am a follower of Old Deadeye.
My family ordered me to take the vows of a knight, and you have to obey your matriarch."
With a shuckle Titian took another sip.
"But that doesn´t mean that she can lay claim to my soul... or my faith."
"My apologies. I was intrigued by this map," Drazen speaks, looking up at the young lady and setting aside the map. "I am Drazen Prasec."
Then, he turns to his new companion, Titian. "I did not know that we were in such illustrious company!" he teases the knight, his humour tinged with cynicism.
"Autumn, Autumn Moon." She answered with a polite nod. "And at my side," She gesture towards her trusted wolf, "is Frostbite." Autumn smiled as the wolf looked very pleased at being introduced. "I do understand taking a burden on for ones family. I myself am a follower of Erastil as well, and you will find no shortage of fellow believes." She told him. "If I might ask, what brings you all out this way?"
Changing to more normal attire Elirious, pouting slightly, takes a long pull from his drink content for the moment to listen and try to comprehend the situation. Mind wandering he contemplates Titian as a potential hero, need to change than name, its a bastard to rhyme; Stagson is not bad though, could even imply its literal, The Mighty son of Erastil!
His gaze rolling over to the wolf he wonders is he, she? Called Frostbite because she bites off extremities? I like my toes...
"We're here with charters from the Swordlords," Drazen explains. "I was led to understand that others came this way before us?"
"Oh really?" Autumn asked with a bit of shock on her face. "I didn't know the planned to send more. Herger and myself also are here under a charter, so Drazen those who came before you... or well two at least, are right here." She smiled.
"Doubly pleased to meet you, then!" Drazen bows and smiles. "How long ago did you arrive? Have you made any progress in exploring the region?"
"We got here the first of this month." Autumn said. "As for how much we've explored well... we've been busy." She told them as she motioned for them to sit back down. "There is a large group of bandits in the area and they had been terrorizing Oleg's trading post. The couple asked if we could do something about it and that we did. Though we soon found our the group here was working for an even larger bandit Lord. We've yet to meet him though. We had been trying to find a ring they had stolen from Svetlana. Turns out this area has, or well had, mites as well. They had stolen the ring from the bandits." Autumn explained as she took a seat of her own among them. "Then we find out that they are fighting... warring... something against Kobolds! Who stole the ring because, and this is my guess mind you, the mites stole the kobold's statue of a 'god'. We find a kobold tied up in their... torture room I guess is the best word, after we found the statue. He lead us back to their den and it turns out, this statue was brought to them by a different kobold. The Chief asked us to help fight him, and in return we could take the kobold's treasure. Though it was mostly items... finally we returned here."
"It is a lot of land, a week isn't going to be enough unless we're flying... and even then I don't think it would work." Autumn said with a small shake of her head. "Mites are these small... evil fey. Nasty little buggers. The Kobolds are, passified but not dead. Their chief owes us and says he will remember that. Maybe we can broker a full peace between them and us. But that is something for another time." Autumn said as she waved her hand.
"Mmmm, makes a better story that way, hard to see slaughter with most audiences, plus peaceful cooperation tends to pay dividends, there must be some way to expl.. to make use of the kobolds, they probably have things they want and they must have something of value to trade." Elirious says thoughtfully.
Titian finds that his room is also a common room; specifically a bunkhouse just inside the palisade wall of the outpost. The beds are stacked two high with a sturdy locker at each end of the bed. One for the top bunk, one for the bottom. There is a shed with a tub for bathing. Svetlana's kitchen can provide hot water, but the bucket toting is self serve. The very hot water from the kitchen must be tempered with water drawn from the well, also self serve. The Leveton's charge 5 cp a night for the beds, but they are clean, and bug free.
We have a bunkhouse with beds for rent. It's five bits a night. You can carry hot water from the kitchen, if you want a bath." Svetlana smiles at Elirious. "You have a way with your stories, you're quite welcome to tell them here." Her face takes on a shrewd expression. "If your performances draw enough custom here, I think it would be only fair to cut you in on some of the profits." Elirious should know that there aren't near enough people at the out post for him to expect this. Perhaps the place will grow?
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Svetlana greets Autumn with a hug.
"Bokken?" Svetlana asks. Then answers Autumn's question. "I've heard of him... Don't know where he lives."/b] Her face shows worry. [b]"They say he's a lunatic. You should be careful."
Finished with the animals, Herger led the way towards the common room of the trading post, His son in tow. In truth he was still a little troubled, but did his best to not show that. Spotting Autumn he moved torwards her taking a seat and leaving space for his son.
He was a familiar sight to some here at least, Herger is a tall (6'6"), imposing (234 pounds) man with a full beard (well groomed) that reaches his chest. His long not quite wild blond hair is pulled back behind his shoulders almost to his mid back Streaks of lighter grey hairs ar just barely visible in hair and beard his peircing blue eyes are almost always calm.
"Madam Svetlana."
He began with a nod as the seat slightly creeked underneath him. He paused waiting for her to finish speaking with Autumn, he didnt want to interupt of course. But when she was done he added.
"Whatever meal you have ready for me and the boy, and two Ales to go with it...
He paused and awkwardly leaned forward his whisper far too loud.
Ulfgar and I had a talk, Dont water his ale anymore, he believes he's a man now."
He informed Svetlana... and no doubt the table and the surrounding tables as well.
The young man for what it was worth managed to not look as embaresssed as he could have. Though still much slimmer, it was easy to see the family resemblance between Herger and his son.
Autumn gladly returns the hug Svetlana gave her. While the group had only been there about twelve days, she already felt welcomed and at home around this place.
"We'll have to go from what Curley gave us then." Autumn said with a sigh. "He says the moon rasdishes might need a bit of magic to help them grow, and Bokken would possibly know what to do." She explained as she turned a bit more to the group before her. "I am thinking about setting out tomorrow morning to try and find him. Since we have a charter to explore this place I feel it would be a given that you all would accompany me, but I should ask as one should never assume. Do you all wish to come along?" She asked.
At the mention of moonradishes, Svetlana perks up. "Oleg loves moonradish soup. If you can get me some, to make it for him, I'd be most grateful."
Autumn grins at Svetlana's request, almost as if she feels more vindicated now for her choice in trying to see if they could be farmed. "I brought some back for Curley to try and keep alive till they seed in summer, but the patch in which they grew isn't too far. The Kobolds did a fair number on it as they themselves like moon radishes, but I bet I could make it there and back before night fall, if not by morning, with a basket full if you've a basket to spare?" Autumn asked.
"I will go with you," Drazen offers Autumn. "It will allow me to discover the region, and perhaps you can tell me more about these kobolds? As the bard suggests, an alliance – or at least formal peace – would assuredly help to ensure the safety of this settlement."
"What about these bandits? Do you have any leads?" he continues, keeping an eye on the so-called locals to see if anyone is paying more than usual attention
Autumn can make it back to the radish patch, but when she thinks it through, realizes that it will be after dark, by the time she arrives there. That would be on horseback; which would mean pushing her horse beyond it's limits.
"I would like to come along, assuming I would not be unwelcome? It sounds like it has story potential, and I have never met a kobold before. But I need to procure a horse, I don't suppose any of you know if anyone has one they would hire out? Would it be worth asking Madam Svetlana?" Elirious says frowning, glancing around for Svetlana as he considers what he might offer up for collateral.
"I could offer up my Any Tool for collateral perhaps?"
Autumn softly gasped as she remembered. "I forgot I would need Solstice to get there and we rode quiet a ways. I would hate to push her too far... I'm still rather new to having a horse of my own. The village I grew up in only had a handful or so and they where used sparingly. Most to pull the plows and wagons when needed. The couple who owned them did teach me a few things about horses but nothing special. Though they did comment I had a way with them, yet I honestly believe that is just because I have a way with animals in general." Autumn said as she gave Frostbite a gentle scratch behind her ear. "Setting out with the dawn then." She agreed as she gave a nod. "Hopefully you'll all be up and awake in time. Oh and don't expect to sleep too long... the soldiers use a horn to get themselves up in the morning." Autumn grinned.
"I too am on foot," Drazen chimes in. "And truth be told, I don't have the means to purchase a horse if even there are horses here for sale..."
He seems embarrassed to be so ill-prepared for exploration. A city dweller, undoubtedly.
"Hmmm, there where a few horses with the bandits we first fought with here. We did take a few of them, but the rest might still be here." Autumn looked to Herger before leaning over and whispering something to him.
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Hearing that Autumn might need some help with her horse he adds.
"Well if you need some aid with your horse I might be able to aid you.
I spent many moons learning how to train and ride them."
Sighing he adds.
"I will be ready at dawn. And no worries Drazen, you can just walk next to us. Riding a horse is not an easy feat, especially if the horse does not know and trust you!"
"I thank you for your offer and I may take you up on that. While I know enough about how to act around them, I know little about proper care. So I wouldn't mind a few instructions on that." Autumn said with a smile. She was happy to see that others where so willing to jump right in as a group.
"I am so glad that you are here, Sir Stagson, else I never would have guessed that I could walk at your side," Drazen says with a mix of humour and derision.
"My husband, Oleg tends to the horse trading, hon." Svetlana tells Elirious. "He's out overseeing the new stable construction." Elirious knows that the new building is happening just outside the palisade walls, around to the northwest.
Svetlana notes the sun's position in the sky. He should be in for supper soon."