"Well that went quick, I guess Oleg has been following along."
Torek tells the others, "Then we move out in 1 hour, if there is anything here left to do, take care of it now. Best we be going, for anything else we need to decide we can do so on the way." Torek makes sure he takes some feed and tops off supplies.
"Thank you Oleg." Autumn said with a small sigh. It wasn't where she wanted them to end up but an addition 150 gold added to the purse for the group wasn't a bad thing.
"Nothing left Torek." Autumn told her friend. "I made sure everything was ready for when you all got up." She smiled. "We've delayed enough, let us set out..." Autumn made her way to Solstice "We've a large task before us."
With his gear packed, and with Autumn having prepared everything else the group was likely to need, Larin hoisted his pack onto his shoulders. "I'm ready when you're ready," he says, pulling a bread roll from his pocket for a road snack.
Nodding Torek then says, "Okay then 5 minutes assemble at the gate. Then I'll be the leading scout as usual unless someone has other ideas, and Autumn stays close to the group as the other main scout. We're both really good in the wilderness. After that well, might be best if say where in order you wish to be."
Torek saddles Hope, checks the packing and supplies, while others make whatever last second actions they need, and goes to the exit, saying goodbye to any familiar faces. He leaves the disposition of our favorite friend Sasha to Drazen. When all of gathered and signaled ready he leads the party out.
Spot trouble before it spots us. Locate and observe eyes on us. (i.e.) the kobold scouts we know are watching and anyone else that might be. +2 if human
Get along in the wild, avoid hazards, make speed, adjust for weather conditions. +2 if human opposed.
A ways out, when he is sure that no one else is in earshot of the group he asks, "Okay what exact plan do we follow? Top job is to get to the Stag Lord but do we do anything else, on the way? Should be good to unexplored woods and then south toward the watchtower? Do go find the settlers first and check on them. Go straight and fast as possible through known territory. Some combination? Or something else entirely? Also I know the skills and talents of most here and I can figure out Augustina's fairly well from what she said, but I'm not sure about yours, Master Larin. I trust that the good constable has reasonable judgement, so you offer much I'm sure but what I'm less so. It would be good to know so we can know what to expect from each other. Though we can go over that at midday break or in the evening, mostlike." Torek maintains a ride while waiting the groups decision.
"We will return to the bandit camp, that we have cleared twice now, The river is low enough to go across there, and follow the tree line to the south west." Autumn said as she looked around. "I was actually thinking about that took Torek." Autumn spoke up when he spoke of wanting to know what Larin did. "With two new ones among us, and with how things went down at the bandit camp, I'd like for us to pair up while dinner cooks and spar. Trading pairs every evening as we go. It'd be a good way for both Augustina and Larin to get use to how we work and hopefully by doing that we'll be able to better help each other in combat." She gave a long pause, letting her words hang in the air. After the moment she continued, "The more comfortable we are fighting next to each other, the more likely, I hope, we'll be able to move when the worst battle comes."
Frostbite carried Larin upon her back, though she wasn't use to it for so long. However the halfling was light enough it didn't bother her... too much. If he squirmed too much though she growl a warning at him. Though it did slow her down so instead of being up in front of the group she walked next to Solstice and Autumn.
Augustina waits patiently at the set hour, mounted on her horse and with the flag ready to show everyone who they are.
It looks to be a fine spring day. The sky is blue, with drifting, puffy white clouds. Torek and Autumn do spot a trio of kobolds, hidden under a thick shrub on a knoll about five miles away from the trading post. They seem to be just watching.
Torek scans the area as he is always doing on the trail. He spots the cleverly hidden kobold scouts. After the briefest pause, he lets his eyes slide over them, giving nothing away, but does look backwards a bit to see how the group is doing, catching Autumn eyes pause for a second looking towards the knoll, and move on. He nods slightly, and drops slowly back. In a quiet conversational tone, he tells the group, "Don't stare, but Autumn and I spotted three kobold scouts well-hidden under the big shrub on the knoll. We know that the king kobold keeps tabs on this settlement, I'd do the same in his place. They shouldn't be any trouble but we'll keep a subtle watch for them. Just ride as normal." After any replies he slowly pulls a bit forward to continue holding point.
Carefully mounting Frostbite's saddle Larin settles into the middle of the group. He keeps his eyes peeled as they set off from Oleg's, but the concentration required to stay on Frostbite's good side is somewhat distracting. He tries to get as comfortable as he can, but the warning growls soon made sure he kept as still as he could.
"I'm not sure how best to describe my skills and talents," he replies to Torek. "I can do a little magic. As far as I can tell my powers are those of the storm - thunder, lightning, things of that ilk. I know a little about magic more broadly too. Does that tell you what you need to know?" he asks uncertainly.
Larin does his best not to look around for the hidden kobolds. With the prospect of danger on the horizon he feels his magic start to flow more strongly, his hair fluttering in a non-existent breeze, and sparks of static flashing between his fingers. "Will do," he says to Torek with more confidence than he feels, not wanting to let the group down at the first sign of trouble.
"I am not worried about those kobolds. I am sure they will do what they feel they must, but I think Autumn and I have their respect for the moment at least. What was it they called me Autumn?"
He asked her as they nonchelauntly rode by. He frowned a little at Larin's comments. That sounded like he was a wizard or something, but he wasnt sure why he just didnt say he was a wizar...instinctively he snarled for a moment.
"Larin, tell me know and true. You arent a witch from the north are you?"
Autumn acted as Torek did, and said, not paying them any attention. They could watch, there was no harm in that, but if they made a move upon the trading Post Autumn would make good on her promise.
A laugh left Autumn's lips when Herger asked his first question. "Mighty Golden Mane." She answered. "I found it rather fitting. That is why when I make your scarf it's going to have a golden lion head on it." Autumn shrugged, they already knew what they'd be getting since she spilled the beans when they were all with Kesten. She hoped to be settled months before so that she would have time to get her own loom and for the sheep to have grown full coats. However any sheep they had would have already been sheared by now.
"Witch from the north?" Autumn asked a little confused.
Augustina is surprised by Herger's question about Larin viewing a witch. She's always thought witches were women. "One learns something new every day."
Other than that and some other trivial thoughts, Augustina just rides, She ignores the kobolds, v since the rest of the group send confident about then and they talked about a deal last night, and likewise any other distraction until they reach their destination.
"A witch?" Larin repeats, somewhat taken aback. "I mean, I'm only from slightly north of here, I'm a Rostlander born and bred." He pauses and thinks carefully before addressing the rest of Herger's question. "I don't think anyone has ever called me a witch, or labelled my powers at all really. My grandma always said that witches had unnatural powers that they use for their own gain, and I'm certainly not like that. I can't say exactly where my magic came from - I got hit by lightning one day and suddenly I could do things I couldn't do before."
He looks over at Herger, trying to be as reassuring as possible. "I don't intend to use my powers for evil, and I've got control over my magic now. And I'm not really from the north," he adds with a smile.
He took a deep breath and shook his head, his mane of hair and his long beard swaying.
"Bah, not at you Larin, at myself. Been thinking too much. In the lands I grew up in, the lands are ruled by witches and their kin. A decade ago I fled south with my boy when my wife and daughter were killed by a witch after an arguement. I dont think I had ever met a halfling winter. Sorry Larin."
After a few more moments of awkward silence and chewing on his lip. He spoke again.
"What sort of things can you do? Can you make it rain? can you calm weather?"
Augustina smiles at the two last questions. Truly Herger knows what he wants, and certainly gifts like those he's asking about would be much welcome in the growing community these folks devise.
Herger's story made it clear that his questioning was well founded. "No worries friend, I think I'd be wary if I'd come through something as terrible as that."
"Someday, maybe," Larin replied to Herger's further questions, glad that he not longer seemed suspicious of Larin's powers. "I'm still figuring out what I can do, and what my magic is capable of. Right now I can produce a nasty shock, or a clap of thunder, or whisper words through the wind."
Torek's eyebrow shot up at Herger's comment then relaxed as it became clear it was about his past experiences. Torek sees that he needs not say anything and concentrates on leading the group to the old bandit camp/river ford area. They have a stop for a mid-day meal, and then stop again shortly before nightfall to make camp, unless something else happens.
"All useful skills against bandits or kobolds to be sure."
He responded to Larin's words gruffly. He reached up and tapped his holy symbol and then grinned down at Frostbite, making a few wierd half whines, chuff's and a bark of sorts.
He asked using the blessing from his god to chat with the amiable (for the most part) wolf.
It seems like Frostbite believes Larin is a child!
Though there was deer meat Autumn could have cooked, the huntress suggests only a simple lunch of bread, cheese, and dried meat. Save for Frostbite who got a chunck of deer meat to eat. She is more that eager to get into the trees before them.
She smiles a bit when she hears Frostbite and Herger speak. She was still surprised at the fact he could do that while she couldn't, even though her bond with Frostbite was much stronger.
"Torek, my friend." Autumn began as she looked to her old friend. "I've a question if you'd indulge me?" She began and after giving him a moment to answer she asked "After we kill the Stag Lord, should all go well, what do you plan to do? Your mother is still back in Bervoy is she not? Would you bring her out to this place or go to rejoin her?" she paused for a moment and chuckled. "Well, I guess I have questions, not just a question."
Torek rides along satisfied with Master Larin's explanation of his skills for now when Autumn moves up and requests to ask if she could question him. Torek, slightly puzzled but cooperative says, "Of course Autumn, what do you need?" Autumn explains, [b]"Well, what to do after, that has no easy answer. I intend to stay out here if possible, doing what I can to help. Exactly what will depend on how things are after we remove the bandits. There is more going on than we know so..." Torek pauses to think then continues, "As to Mom, I'd like to bring her out here if we can get settled in with some security. That may be a while." Torek then laughs, "I'd love a cooking contest between Svetlana and Mom. Mom's apple pie, yeah she lives the stereotype, it amuses her, versus Svetlana's wild blackberry. Maybe a pie eating contest?" Torek's smile fades a bit, "That ... that is the dream, I'm working toward it. But it's a long road to get there." After a few beats Torek asks Autumn, "How about you? You mentioned a few things a while ago but given what you know now, have you any further thoughts?"
Autumn smiles at the memory of Torek's mother's cooking. She did indeed make some of the best pies Autumn ever had and while apple was her fall back Autumn was much more a fan of the mixed berry pie she had made for them when they got luck one time and found several bushes of berries and brought them back. Yet in truth Autumn was likely more of a fan of the memory that came with that pie, and the friend she had shared it with.
When he asked about her plans, Autumn smile slowly fell away. "I... well I can't say anymore." She told him honestly. "Since I've no home to return to after this, I'd like to see about making this my home. People would need a barrier between them and the wilds rightfully that hold this place. I wouldn't mind being that for them. Kesten can protect the trading post and the people who will call it home, and I will hold the wilds as my fort. Ensuring those who are called to farm, ranch, and better things than I won't have to worry about their livestock being dragged off or their crops being devastated... Though one could say it is foolish to look so far ahead when you face down what could be your end, I can't do so without it... I like having something to hold onto. Something to say, this is my plan, and I'll see it through. While I don't have anything set firmly in my head anymore, I'll still hold onto the idea. To see the future, and make sure you all are there to see it as well." She glanced back at the rest of the group, and her smile returned. "Even if I don't make it out of this, I'm going to make sure the rest of you do. Herger has his son to think of, he needs to be there for Ulfger. Augustina has her cousin to bring up and her people to return to this land. Those who already have someone who depends upon them, I want to ensure they go home to them. I don't want them to have to wonder... like we did with father..." She looked back to Torek and gave a small shrug. "And, I'm doing it again aren't I?" Autumn asked, realizing the fact she was trying to take on too much once more. "I'm trying I promise!" She told him with a small chuckle. She let a moment pass before she told him something else that my help with her hope for the future. "One thing I know for sure, no matter what comes, I'd like to have you around my friend. I've missed you since you went away. I understood why your family left, and after everything that happened later I was glad you did. It kept you all safe for a time. And I'm glad to say I have one of my best friends back at my side again. It helps a great deal... What you said back at the bandit camp, to Jhod about me, looking back I am very thankful you did. Because I think you were right, and only someone who knew what I was like before everything happened would have been able to see that. So, thank you Torek." With that Autumn gave him and smile and fell back into place among the others, starting up a conversation to pass some of the time with them.
"Augustina, if I may, what did you do before you came here to held rid the land of these bandits? I mean you are of the faith of Cernunnos as you said, but did you have a craft outside of that?" Autumn asked curiously.
Augustina looks at Autumn, trying to find a proper answer. Now that she thinks about it, she doesn't have a craft, or something you could say she's an expert at. She can hunt, she talks in public, she can defend herself more or less... But all of it at a very basic level.
"I... there was... No, I have no expertise, really, there's nothing I really studied and that I can do very well. Back at my village, I was the Priest's pupil." She knows that makes her appear as someone who was living out of others' effort. What can she do? "I assisted him on ceremonies, and was actually in charge of blessing the Sacred Hunts."
She wants to ask Autumn about her, but the idea that she has been living as a parasite - even more, that she and her cousin have been dining and sleeping due to these strangers' generosity - haunts her enough to make her keep her mouth closed. "Ahum." is all that she can finally add, feeling her throat dry and soar.
With a grin as he once more ran a hand through his beard he nodded down to the little halfling warrior atop the she wolf.
"Frostbite ah... would like for you to be a little less squirmy riding her. Dont be so nervous in other words she doesnt mind carrying you."
He answered with a slight chuckle. He would never dream of riding any sort of wolf even if they were sized for him.
"I'm trying," Larin said while sitting as still as he could, "I'm not a natural rider, and riding a wolf makes me slightly nervous," he added with an uncomfortable smile. "I'm sure we'll get used to each other over the coming days."
"How did you speak with her?" he asks Herger. "Is it magic?"
He started to answer no but then realized that in a way it was.
"One of the gifts that can be received from Erastil as a member of his clergy is the ability to speak with animals for a bit o' time each day. Its a way to get to the bottom of ailments of farm animals i've always thought. Just remember Larin, Frostbite is as nervous of you as you are of her. So there is no need to worry. She is a good one like her mistress."
He said nodding to himself.
"Oh, so you where still in training." Autumn commented when Augustina finished speaking. "That must make this all the more difficult." She said.
Seeing her pause, and clear her throat, Autumn raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong? Was it something I said?" She asked.
Larin nods as Herger explains. "That makes sense, I can see why Erastil would grant that sort of power." He smiles wryly before replying further. "I very much doubt she's as nervous as I am - I'm less than half her size, and even though I've got quite the appetite I think Frostbite'd find it easier to eat me than I her."
"Speaking of which..." He rummages around in the satchel at his side for a small wrap of wax paper. "Autumn!" Larin calls. "Does Frostbite like sausages?" he asks, showing her a cold sausage he'd saved from dinner last night, hoping that a meaty snack would endear the wolf to him further.
Autumn asking about Augustina's current thoughts and why she has tried to shoo them away doesn't really help her calm down. She doesn't know what to answer without feeling embarrassed.
Luckily, Larin asks about sausages and takes the other girl's attention. Augustina feels alleviated, though a bit silly.
"Where did you meet Frostbite, Autumn?" she asks, trying to rebuild her facade.
"Of course she does, really she'll eat any kind of meat. Though if you feed her she'll come to you for food, just so you know." Autumn said with a small smirk. "It would be thoughtful though."
Autumn turned her head to face Augustina when she finally asked a question. "I found her in the forest I use to live close to... you see when I was in my fourteenth year my father didn't return from a hunt so I became a huntress to help take care of my family. The hunter who was my father's good friend took me under his wing and taught me. It was actually on my first outing in those woods that I found Frostbite. She was so small when I found her. Karver, the hunter who was training me, said that she was still nursing as well. It was possibly she had somehow gotten away from her pack as wolves do not abandon their own. The whole pack cares for the young so finding her all alone was an oddity. Karver didn't like the look of it. He wanted to leave her there but... something in me said not to. So I took her back to the village in my arms. Karver was kind enough to help me introduce her to one of his hunting dogs who had just had a litter of puppies. It was with them that Frostbite was able to nurse till she was old enough to be away from them then she lived with me and my family. We've been together ever since. From that moment on it was always me and Frostbite." She shrugged with a smile. "She's apart of my family, and all I have left of the place I called home. While she may be a wolf, she's more human that people think. She's always had a love for kids, and rarely showed any sign of aggression towards people. So please feel free to get to know her."
"Okie doke," Larin replies cheerfully, keen to do anything he can to endear himself to Frostbite. "Here Frostbite," he says quietly to the wolf, leaning forward with the sausage in his open palm.
Augustina smiles warmly at Autumn when she replies. "So... Herger has his son, I have my cousin, and you have Frostbite." She looks happily at the wolf while she plays with Larin.
Frostbite sniffed the sausage for only a moment before it was gone from the Halfling's hand. The she-wolf licked her chops happily before licking Larin's hand in both thanks, and to get the last few tastes of the sausage.
Autumn smiled at Augustine's words. "And I have those here." She told her. "A year later, Torek and his family stayed in our village for some time. He and I became the best of friends while I showed him and his father the hunting and trapping trails. However things got... Harder. They left for their own safety a couple of years after they got there. Then I find him out here." Autumn chuckled a bit. "Here I met Herger, and his son Ulfger who is rather gifted with the bow. Reminds me of a younger me honestly. Titian, who is a knight of the people which I greatly respect. Others who have come and gone, but I was glad to have known them for how little time we had. Now there is you and Larin, both of you I hope to get to know better."
Larin wipes his hand across Frostbite's flank, cleaning her spit off under the guise of giving her a friendly rub. "There are more where that came from," he whispers to her before settling back into the saddle.
"So how far are we going?" Larin asks no-one in particular. "Should we expect any trouble in these parts?"
"I... might consider staying around for a while. After all, my people left for good and I'm not sure where they went. And there's also Sergei's opinion, of course." Augustina turns her eyes back to the road, thinking it will all depend on how the hunt of the Stag Lord ends up.
Torek, smiles wryly, saying, "You're welcome, Autumn, I've seen how good people can fall, and I saw the struggle same as I had. But you have a great heart, I'm sure that what comes will be out of love, for everybody."
Torek rides forward but then, catching his name falls back. He listens for a bit with but a few comments. "As Sir Titian says, these are very wild lands, filled with predators, with two and four or more legs, some with wings. All the kobold parties were well armed; it didn't look to me like just for hunting, for protection too. And if I had the men, and the bandit chief might, I'd plan an ambush; I think it possible, likely at the ford, it seems to be the only one close to Oleg's. It will take about two days to reach the ford, after that maybe a week give or take to get to the watchtower. It may go faster now that we know the route better, but we need to be wary."
"We'd be glad to have you all. These land are wonderful in many ways, and settlers already trying to make homesteads here. But I fear overconfidence, that last attempt, better supported, ended disastrously. It's why we have trod lightly as possible here."
"Sounds like we need to be on our guard then," Larin says once Titian and Torek explain the potential dangers. "I hadn't fully realised how much ground we would need to cover," he adds. "I used to travel quite a lot with the family, but never with so few people. I can see how it might be dangerous for small groups of travellers in these parts, and I'm very glad to be taking this journey with all fo you," he finishes, looking around at the others with a genuine smile on his face.
"We have traveled a great deal yes. We've kinda focused mainly on the plains and hills... After we cleared the bandit camp the first time. We came across this, thing that was like a bear but it's upper arms and head of a owl! I think it was a barn owl... Herger! You called it something very interesting what was it? A browel? Bowl?" Autumn asked as she looked back to the Erastil Cleric for a moment.
"While there is a great deal of danger there is also great beauty in the wilds. So, you just have to take the good with the bad." Autumn told Larin. "But I think... Well that is just life... Now that I think about it..."
Quickly traveling the relatively open land south of Oleg's in good speed you arrive at the edge of the thick, dark forest. The Narlmarches.
As the sun swings across toward afternoon, some of you notice a pair of large, humanoid creatures. They slouch and shuffle, but with great speed and purpose; heading away toward the west, deeper into the forest. They either haven't noticed you, or are ignoring you. Whichever, they are moving away from your position. Even at a distance, and in the shade it can be seen that they have green skin and wild shocks of black hair growing from their lumpy heads. sharp fangs jut upwards, and down from large mouths, and formidable claws adorn their fingertips.
Everyone knows that horses aren't very good at sneakiness. Moving closer on horseback would likely draw notice.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Hold on." Autumn told the group. "What is that?" Autumn muttered as she shifted in her saddle to sit up a bit more to try and get a better look.
Torek is scanning the horizon as his spots something unusual in the distance. Autumn stops the group and asks about it as Torek raises his hand in a hold gesture. "I'm not sure yet, they look large and humanish, savage as well. Hmmmm ... maybe - " Torek pauses to think about what he sees.
"Trolls..." Autumn breathed out. "They're moving away from us... However knowing they're in the area we should keep out eyes open wide. I'll keep my head on a swivel tonight while on watch." She promised. "Yet... They're a bit too close to Oleg's for comfort... Then again I don't know if we can deal with them."
After a moment she looked to the group. "What do you think?"
He frowned. Trolls ... damn He thought to himself reaching up and sort of tugging on his beard. The ice trolls in Irisen were dumb, easily duped but increadibly hardy and dangerous...but sometimes social. he wasnt sure if regular trolls could be reasoned with but they were indeed far too close to the fort and moving forward with settlers well it was a bad omen for sure.
"I dont like that there are trolls about and settlers and woodcutters galavanting about. "