** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Oleg scratches his head, looking a little uncomfortable at such deep thoughts...
Never really thought beyond running my own place with my sweet Vetty... Beyond that dear? I don't know really. I guess if the Swordlord's do allow a colonisation of this land i'd like to remain involved. I can always sell the trading post... And I have a good head for running things...
Vaysh looks over the priest, and makes her groups introductions, Good Mister Kavken, as Oleg has most likely told you, we are the Guardians of the Greenbelt. On behalf of my companions, I bid you welcome to the Stolen Lands. I believe that it is an excellent aid to the trading post to have someone of your skills and faith on site. You speak of business, what business is it that brings you to these lands?
Vaysh listens to his response, but two questions stay ever present on her mind, I have studied the religions of the world, with a focus on the Inheritor during my youth. Old Deadeye is known to me, though mayhaps not as well as he should be. You speak of the providence that we showed in our actions towards Red-Eyes’ Pack, are animals a primary concern of your divine patron?
My business in these lands... Is my redemption, child. Permit me to be of aid to your group and this small community and perhaps I shall speak further of it in time.
Old Deadeye favours strong communities of all kinds- and he has great respect for the deadly pack hunters that Wolves are. Even greater respect has he for a wise community that allies itself with another, to the benefit of both- animal or human. Many of Erastil's greatest messengers and assistants are sentient animals.
Indeed, I would welcome a walk beyond these walls for a while. I think that it would be excellent for us to see how Noleski is doing. I keep his thought near my heart always, and he is in my prayers at night to the Lady of Valor.
The boy is in surprisingly good spirits, and excitedly tells you that Bokken has told him all about your group and that the group will be able to help Bokken grow his arms back.
Will you promise to come and tell me about the Unicorn kind Sir and Madam? Noleski asks politely.
Bokken seems to be frantically muttering himself in some potion-brewing frenzy in the background, and you can frequently hear him curse.
Justice is a fickle thing, methinks.
Vaysh looks a bit shocked at being picked up so easily as well as not answering Malthir’s question, Do you feel alright? I am certain that I have answered any question that you have asked. Your request for company to Noleski’s was made in the company of Fenna, yet I do not see our gnomish companion in our midst. Are your eyes keener than mine and I have simply missed her? Mayhaps it is the future that you see, when the three of us will be together and you shall speak to us of matters. I am certain that in the future I will have already provided an answer to you.
I did not know if you had any beliefs in what you hoped to see here. If I have my way, you shall be involved with what comes after this spring cleaning of the Stolen Lands.
Vaysh nods, Assistance is something that we welcome with open arms. There is much to do in these lands, and many backs lighten the load. Redemption, I believe that there are those among our number who understand such motivations as well.
There are a few matters dealing with animals that mayhaps you can be of assistance to us on. First, the leader of the wolf pack is known as Red Eyes and is able to speak in halting common. He is a massive creature, longer than a man is tall by a good ways, and that is without considering his tail. He stands taller than any wolf or hound at the shoulder than I have ever seen, I would wager he is a bit further from the ground than I am. Have you any insight into what manner of creature he is, for certainly he is no ordinary wolf.
Red-Eyes spoke to us of a bear that seems to be bound to one particular sight. He told the bear lives in ruins with a pool of water within them. What interested us though was that this was something he specifically wished to warn us of, stating that the creature was not natural and never leaves the ruins. I did not know if you had any insight on this matter.
The last animal that we have heard of that I wished to speak with you on is a razorback known as Tuskgutter to the men of this land, but identified as Forest Lord by the wolves. Tuskgutter maimed a child, Noleski, and without very powerful magics the child is unlikely to recover from what happened to him during the course of his life. Tuskgutter took both of the childs arms from him, and last we knew the boy had not yet awoken. Red-Eyes told us that the Forest Lord is old and angry, attacking any who he finds in his territory.
I understand that protective instincts are common, I did not know if you had any advice that might be able to deal with this threat without killing the animal unnecessarily.
Indeed, I would welcome a walk beyond these walls for a while. I think that it would be excellent for us to see how Noleski is doing. I keep his thought near my heart always, and he is in my prayers at night to the Lady of Valor.The boy is in surprisingly good spirits, and excitedly tells you that Bokken has told him all about your group and that the group will be able to help Bokken grow his arms back.
Will you promise to come and tell me about the Unicorn kind Sir and Madam? Noleski asks politely.
Bokken seems to be frantically muttering himself in some potion-brewing frenzy in the background, and you can frequently hear him curse.
I do ask the rest of the group about coming to see the boy as well to see if they are interested.
As we talk with him I ask him if he would like to go for a ride on a real warhorse? Hopefully Edric came along and we get the boy up on the horse and in Edrics arms so he can ride with him upon the great stallion, Talia. I make sure he has received the sword and let him know that we will be back, with the Unicorns hair as soon as we can.
I hope that Casimir can tell him a good story and Fenna and Vaysh can lift the boys spirits as well. I make sure he knows who Iomedae is and that when he wields this sword one day I want him to think about her and how she brought us to him.
Vaysh looks a bit shocked at being picked up so easily as well as not answering Malthir’s question, Do you feel alright? I am certain that I have answered any question that you have asked. Your request for company to Noleski’s was made in the company of Fenna, yet I do not see our gnomish companion in our midst. Are your eyes keener than mine and I have simply missed her? Mayhaps it is the future that you see, when the three of us will be together and you shall speak to us of matters. I am certain that in the future I will have already provided an answer to you.
Malthir reply is a bit hesitant and awkward, Yes, you certainly did, I was just confirming. Of course we will invite the others, the boy will need to know all of those who help him!
When you think back on it the invite did seem to be directed at you though...probably just an oversight on Malthir's part you sumise...
Malthir reply is a bit hesitant and awkward, Yes, you certainly did, I was just confirming. Of course we will invite the others, the boy will need to know all of those who help him!
When you think back on it the invite did seem to be directed at you though...probably just an oversight on Malthir's part you sumise...
Casimir can't help but smile at the Paladin's predicament. I'm hardly an expert in women, although I must admit, I did tumble a tavern wench or two during my time in Restov. Karina seems little different from them. A warrior often attracts the attention of such girls, and you have shown great valor in our recent adventures. I'd bet you clean and handsome looks don't hurt either. In my experience, if you do not encourage her advances, she will find another strong buck to persue. Perhaps Kesten or one of his men.
Smiling broadly at the pretty sorceress, Casimir sits and starts to wolf down the food. It is clear from his appetite that he finds the taste of the meal quite pleasing. Once his most pressing hunger has been sated, he leans back and smiles at Vaysh while he practices spinning a knife on its point using his prestidigation cantrip.
I guess I have been rather busy these past days. It's just that there's so much to learn. I always wanted to learn the ways of magic and the skills of a woodsman, but my training with the sword rarely left much time for these things. The head of my father's caravan guards tutored me in swordplay before I entered the dueling school, and he demanded strict attention to the use of weapons and armor, and did not have much patience for anything else. And in the dueling school, you had to keep up or fail.
I suppose I have not talked much about my family, but I guess that is because they seem a bit ordinary in relation to these adventures we are in the midst of.
I am a merchants son. My father has a well established trading house, and we did not want for anything growing up. He is not too pleased with me taking up the sword, but fortunatly, I have an older brother, Joseph, who shows much interest in running the family business. I suspect my father feels a bit annoyed that I always wanted to be like my uncle Stanislaw instead of him. You have heard me mention my uncle. He is my mother's brother, and is skilled with both blade and magic. He is a true bard, and is at the moment serving the Swordlords on a mission of his own. He may come to pay us a visit, if all goes well.
The same goes for my brother Joseph, by the way. I must remember to write to him. I can imagine his eyes gleaming with the sight of the furs and other goods the hunters bring in to trade. He will be most interested in establishing more permanent trade routes, if we succeed in taming these lands.
I also have two sisters, Melina and Brigitta, but they are still too young to be allowed out in the world. Melina has just passed her 14th summer and Brigitta is only 11. They stay at our family estate with my mother and the servants.
As Vaysh mentions the food, he leans forward and fills his plate again.
Your skills in the kitchen have certainly increased at least as much as your skills in magic. I look forward to the next meal already, he grins.
There are a few matters dealing with animals that mayhaps you can be of assistance to us on. First, the leader of the wolf pack is known as Red Eyes and is able to speak in halting common. He is a massive creature, longer than a man is tall by a good ways, and that is without considering his tail. He stands taller than any wolf or hound at the shoulder than I have ever seen, I would wager he is a bit further from the ground than I am. Have you any insight into what manner of creature he is, for certainly he is no ordinary wolf.
If he can speak Taldane, he is no true animal. From the size of the creature you are describing, I would attribute that size to a Dire Wolf- a rare and primal breed of Wolf, far stronger than an ordinary Wolf- but still an animal without the ability to learn the common tongue. It is possible that perhaps a Druid took this Red Eyes in and used the Ritual of Awakening? I have seen such things done before, but it seems unlikely- the Red Eyes hint of Worgish ancestry, and I believe this Red Eyes to be an augmented magical beast, rather than an animal...
Red-Eyes spoke to us of a bear that seems to be bound to one particular sight. He told the bear lives in ruins with a pool of water within them. What interested us though was that this was something he specifically wished to warn us of, stating that the creature was not natural and never leaves the ruins. I did not know if you had any insight on this matter.
Interesting... Well erm, as I said I am new to these lands- Best to steer clear of unnatural things if the locals warn you against them hmm?
The last animal that we have heard of that I wished to speak with you on is a razorback known as Tuskgutter to the men of this land, but identified as Forest Lord by the wolves. Tuskgutter maimed a child, Noleski, and without very powerful magics the child is unlikely to recover from what happened to him during the course of his life. Tuskgutter took both of the childs arms from him, and last we knew the boy had not yet awoken. Red-Eyes told us that the Forest Lord is old and angry, attacking any who he finds in his territory.I understand that protective instincts are common, I did not know if you had any advice that might be able to deal with this threat without killing the animal unnecessarily.
A difficult situation indeed. But if you intend to settle these lands, a wayward creature as vicious and dangerous as this razorback cannot be allowed to stand in the way of community. Even if we were to relocate the beast, it would likely harm someone else. Do what must be done for the good of your fellow man my child...
Now set to spend time within the walls of the trading post, Fenna has taken to wearing her elaborately fashioned holy vestments, rather than the layered travelling gear that while functional on the road, provides little benefit indoors. Similarly, with the increased frequency of contact with the local trappers, she has begun to offer spiritual advice to those who seem to be in need of it during the evening gatherings.
When in lessons with Vaysh, teaching her about the way in which the gnome’s inner magic is manifested, she found herself forced to search through her long forgotten memories of arcane theory, to the point that she learnt from as much as she taught the girl.
Of course, dear, The small woman reassures the nervous girl, turning to offer her a smile, you are always welcome to speak with me… it is not for solitude that I come here, just to be closer to the stars, I find that they bring me great comfort of late.
The priestess waits in patient silence, looking back up to the heavens while Vaysh chooses her words. The gnome meets the girl’s eyes when she stumbles over her mention of Aroden’s disappearance, an echo of pain in her silvery eyes, but the wound is an old one, and no fresh suffering seems forthcoming, It is alright my dear, you needn’t tread carefully around the subject. I have already spent countless hours reliving that day, and I have found… perhaps not peace, but at least enough acceptance that I can move on and focus my attention on what He left behind.
I would be happy to teach you of Aroden, and his relationship with the Lady of Valour. Thinking back on those times they stood together brings back many happy memories, my work within the Last Azlanti’s church was focused towards His aspects of destiny and prophecy, but I knew many devout warriors who followed His Herald… Fenna trails off for a while, a somewhat wistful look on her face as she recalls her now long dead friends. After another period of comfortable silence, she blinks several times and looks back up to Vaysh, was there anything in particular you where wondering about?
Not at all, girl, Fenna says as Vaysh begins to retreat, you do me proud. I have known since you started to practice with me that you possessed much potential that had yet to surface, and the speed that you have learnt this new talent just emphasises that. If you keep up your practice I am sure that you will quickly surpass what little innate magical ability I possess.
The gnome listens to Malthirs concerns, and then Vaysh’s reassurance before offering her own thoughts, Indeed, the sooner she can be reunited with her sister, for better or worse, the happier she will be. I think I will speak to her on the subject, to ensure that she knows that we are still keeping her in mind.
It will be good to have another here at the trading post to attend to the spiritual needs of the people, especially one who shares the faith of the majority of the locals. I have been attempting to see to their needs, but I am not entirely familiar with the teachings of Erastil, perhaps we can work together in this and I can defer to your insight in matters of Old Deadeye’s faith?
On one of the nights that Fenna shares her stargazing with the girl, the gnome breaks their now customary silence, What was your sister like? she asks gently, back when you where together?
*It's almost like the prophecy is coming to fruition!
It will be good to have another here at the trading post to attend to the spiritual needs of the people, especially one who shares the faith of the majority of the locals. I have been attempting to see to their needs, but I am not entirely familiar with the teachings of Erastil, perhaps we can work together in this and I can defer to your insight in matters of Old Deadeye’s faith?
Jhod bows.
That sounds fair. It would be my pleasure to assist the community in any way I can.
On one of the nights that Fenna shares her stargazing with the girl, the gnome breaks their now customary silence, What was your sister like? she asks gently, back when you where together?
She was much like Vaysh in many ways, she was strong and capable- but she always had so much confidence... She was cheerful and good-hearted, and kind to everyone. People always said she was the sweetest young woman... I cannot believe that this part of her is truly gone forever. She's merely had to bury it to survive...
She was much like Vaysh in many ways, she was strong and capable- but she always had so much confidence... She was cheerful and good-hearted, and kind to everyone. People always said she was the sweetest young woman... I cannot believe that this part of her is truly gone forever. She's merely had to bury it to survive...
"I do not believe that anything can be so lost that it cannot be recovered," the gnome says with conviction, "but sometimes it can be difficult to bring that recovery about. Have you given any thought to what you will say to Kressle when you eventually meet again?"
"I do not believe that anything can be so lost that it cannot be recovered," the gnome says with conviction, "but sometimes it can be difficult to bring that recovery about. Have you given any thought to what you will say to Kressle when you eventually meet again?"She was much like Vaysh in many ways, she was strong and capable- but she always had so much confidence... She was cheerful and good-hearted, and kind to everyone. People always said she was the sweetest young woman... I cannot believe that this part of her is truly gone forever. She's merely had to bury it to survive...
I want to tell her I have guaranteed her safety if she surrenders and that I am still alive and have been searching for her... Beyond that I don't know... Do you have any suggestions? she asks hopefully.
I want to tell her I have guaranteed her safety if she surrenders and that I am still alive and have been searching for her... Beyond that I don't know... Do you have any suggestions? she asks hopefully.
I cannot tell you exactly what to say to her, it needs to come from your heart. If you truly believe that she can find her redemption, then that will show through your passion and belief more than your words, and then she might believe it too. If nothing else, perhaps you could remind her of better times, when you where both happy, and reassure her that they aren't just a thing of the past, but are a possibility for the future as well.
You get ready to set off a week after returning to Oleg's, making your farewells to the small community there and the friends you have made. Malthir has noticeably become quite popular with Kesten and his men after roughing it with them, while Karina seems very cold with him, but all the group have made acquaintances and are generally considered quite charming by the people at Oleg's. You have established a reputation for good, honest folk who are willing to do good in the region for the community.
As you are saddling up, you notice Jhod Kavken seems to be saddling his own horse in preparation for his own excursion...
After a while Vaysh says, I like your ceremonial garb, it is very fancy and beautiful. I have only seen people wear things like that when I was in Restov. For me it has always been simple clothes.
Do not take pleasure in someone else’s discomfort, the devil’s path comes from such.
Vaysh moves her horse over towards Karina, Do you mind if I ride next to you this day?
Vaysh takes note of the priest saddling his horse and asks Karina, Do you know where he is going?
As you are saddling up, you notice Jhod Kavken seems to be saddling his own horse in preparation for his own excursion...
Malthir rides over to Jhod before he leaves.
Jhod, be careful priest, although we have won some victories against the bandits in this area, it still remains dangerous. Do you want to ride with us for a ways? We are heading Southwest to track this Forest Lord and you are more tha welcome to ride with us for part of the way.Malthir is saddened by Karina's distancing from him, but expected it.
The Guardians of the Greenbelt stride forth, led by Edric and Malthir, the morning sun gleaming off Malthir's freshly polished breastplate. A new confidence and vigor exude from all of their persons as the Guardians go to face their next adversaries... :D
Vaysh shakes her head ‘no’ to Fenna’s final question. There is much that I was not taught of him. I know that She has taken over a great many of his duties, but it happened so long ago that it had never seemed important to learn of. Now, here with you, it seems like the past is come to the present. Vaysh sits down and pulls her legs under her chin and wraps the cloak around her form.
After a while Vaysh says, I like your ceremonial garb, it is very fancy and beautiful. I have only seen people wear things like that when I was in Restov. For me it has always been simple clothes.
Fenna happily reminisces about her past within the church of Aroden, describing the ways in which she would take part in large, complicated ceremonies, along with the less ritualistic way in which she was gifted with the insight of The Last Azlanti's prophecies.
When Vaysh mentions the ceremonial robes, Fenna beams, "I have not had reason to wear this in quite some time, the complexity of its design is in honour of the culture and civilization that Aroden brought with him to the ancient people of Taldor. If you like the designs they wear in Restov, maybe you could have Oleg order some dresses for you? I am sure that Svetlana will be able to take your measurements."
Vaysh moves her horse over towards Karina, Do you mind if I ride next to you this day?Vaysh takes note of the priest saddling his horse and asks Karina, Do you know where he is going?
I do not mind. I have no idea; we have not spoken, he and I...
Malthir rides over to Jhod before he leaves.
Jhod, be careful priest, although we have won some victories against the bandits in this area, it still remains dangerous. Do you want to ride with us for a ways?
Do not fear for my safety young warrior. I would gladly accompany you but we are heading in different directions you and I. Safe travels to you all, and i'll see you again sooon...
Did she decide not to continue with the lessons about Iomedae or could I tell that she was using it as a avenue for something else and not really into the teachings? Also did Kesten's or any of his men become interested in the learnings in the time I spent with them? I don't push them very hard though. You can lead a horse to water and all of that...
During the course of the week, Casimir has made an arrangement with Oleg to exchange his riding horse for a combat trained black stallion. He names the sleek mount Shadow.
As the groups rides out, Casimir seems to be full of confidence and good spirits.
Well, Guardians! Let's go see the Forest Lord and give him an end worthy of song.
Riding out into the Greenbelt once more, the group spend the day getting to the the area south of where they last explored. The Guardians enter unmapped territory just as the sun truly sets, and make camp for the evening.
The night passes without incident, and they find in the morning that they have crossed into the hilly terrain that seems to be the essence of this area of the Greenbelt. The terrain slows down the exploration throughout the day, but landmarks are easily found and mapped. The group smile as they spot an beautiful Elk and her young heading into the forest to the west.
Survival Rolls-
Edric- (if his is the assist, add +3 not +2)
Fenna- (+8 at night, +4 at day, +6 on daily survival checks)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
Karina-
Total= 21
The group struggle somewhat but Fenna and Casimir pick up the slack, their recent wilderness training and experiences showing through. The sun beats down on the group overhead as they explore throughout the day, and Karina complains bitterly about the heat all day.
Group perception rolls (Level 1)
Edric-
Fenna- (12 at night)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
Karina-
As Fenna and Casimir are passing over one of the larger hills together, they both spot a small crack in the ground. Upon investigation, the group discover a small cave with glittering walls- The group manage to recognise this as a vein of gold, which could be transformed into a mine with the time and resources.
Casimir Perception Roll
???
Fog rolls in during the night, and the night is bitter cold. Camping out in the wilderness as usual, the group are mostly sleeping round a large campfire, with Casimir currently on his watch shift.
You were caught unawares. As you are on your watch, a strong arm suddenly covers your mouth and a nasty looking hatchet rests against your throat. The familiar, husky voice of Kressle whispers into your ear-
Make no sudden moves- I don't want to have to hurt you again warrior, but I will if I must. If you co-operate you will come to no harm. I wish to speak to you away from your companions and ask you some questions. I'm a fair woman in my own way- and I don't want your entire group coming after me alone. Will you come with me?
** spoiler omitted **
Fog rolls in during the night, and the night is bitter cold. Camping out in the wilderness as usual, the group are mostly sleeping round a large campfire, with Casimir currently on his watch shift.
** spoiler omitted **
Correct we would camp and defintely push on!
Every muscle in Casimir's body springs taunt when he feels the cold steel on his throat. For a second, the roar of panic floods away every thought, but only for the span of a handful frantic heartbeats.
Easy....breathe....think....if she wanted to kill me, I would not have felt a thing. She must want something. Gods, grant me a silver tongue tonight.
Inhaling deeply, Casimir forces himself to relax, slowly raising his hands away from his weapons to signal surrender. He casts a few quick glances about him, looking for signs of the bandits that escaped with Kressle.
Trying his best to keep his voice casual, he answers his captor in a voice soft enough not to carry beyond the two of them.
Kressle. Didn't we already do this once before? Very well...I am not one to refuse a woman who requests the pleasure of my company...especially one with so persuasive arguments. Let's go for a moonlight stroll. Not too far, though...I'll not be led away so your bandits can slip in and murder my friends in their sleep.
** spoiler omitted **
You reach the top of the hill with her, and she gestures for you to sit down on the grass.
In a very controlled voice, she says softly and quietly-
What is the meaning of this... woman... travelling with your group? I will not fall for your tricks and illusions, warrior from Brevoy...
There is a seething rage and fury, barely contained behind her controlled words. You sensethis is an issue handled very carefully...
Casimir eases himself down into the grass. He stares intently at Kressle for a moment, weighing his words carefully before answering.
She's real enough, I assure you...and if there is a trick at play here, it is not done by my companions and I. She wandered into the camp at the Thorn River only hours after our last encounter. She claims her name is...Karina.
Casimir pauses for a few seconds, to gauge Kressles reaction.
She told us, she was looking for you and insisted on joining us on our exploration. We have shown her nothing but curtesey, and she rides with us freely. You may have noticed that she still carries her weapons.
Once again, Casimir is silent for a few seconds. Then he speaks again, a sense of urgency in his voice.
Kressle, I don't know if you chose to talk to me at random or by design. But it was a wise choice. My companions took great offence at the way you threatened my life at our last meeting. But I must admit i find myself curious about you. I am not bound by the same codes of idealism and morality as most of my companions. I have learned to take a more ...shall we say, nuanced...look at the actions of others. I will play no tricks on you. And if you are wish to talk, I am willing to listen to what you have to say.
** spoiler omitted **
To be honest, I do not trust her fully either. But there is a way to find out for sure. It will require that you permit me to cast a simple spell. I can then talk to her from here and ask her something only she would know. She will not know where we are, and only she can hear it. You will be able to hear all I say.
Diplomacy
Very well, but no tricks... she says, resting her handaxe upon your throat once more...Ask her father's favourite song...
I'm going to have to wake her up. The spell sends sound as a whisper, so it may take a bit. You can hear everything I tell her, but Only I can hear her replies. Don't worry, I know full well that my life depends on keeping my companions from waking.
Casimir makes a few arcane gestures and carefully pulls a short piece of copper wire out of his pouch. Pointing towards the camp, he mutters Covert Dispatch - Karina. A soft tingle spreads in his throat and ears. In a loud whisper, he calls out.
Karina...Karina...KARINA!
After several tries, Karina's voice, slurred by sleepiness and confusion echoes in his ears. What...who is....Casimir, is that you? Where are you?
Hush, Karina. Be very quiet. You must lie still and not wake the others. I can hear what you whisper to me, and it is of the utmost importance that you do exactly as I tell you. Do you understand?
There is a moment of silence, then Karina whispers a very soft No, but I'll do as you say. What do you want me to do?
Karina, there is something I have to ask you. You mentioned your father, and how he brought you here. What was his favorite song?
As you translate, Kressle grabs you roughly by the shoulders, fiercely.
My sister... is alive? she says, confused and hopeful. But... The Stag Lord told me she perished in the attack I survived... Kressle seems distant, her eyes in pain. She is still holding you by the shoulders in a loose embrace, as tears start to run down her face...
The sudden jolt of Kressle's rough hold breaks the connection with Karina. Casimir stands motionless, his breath held in.
So it is true after all....what strange threads the gods weave for us...but can she be redeemed, or will this night turn bloody yet? I'd better tread with feather steps through this.
Kressle, does it truly surprise you that your Stag Lord deceived you? Every encounter we have had with his men have been wrought with lies and deceptions. Why, we saved the life of Jerek, only to have him stab Vaysh in the back first chance he got. The Stag Lord must have know that it would be much easier for him to keep you under his control if you believed that everything that bound you to your old life was gone.
Casimir looks the weeping woman in the eyes, carefully keeping up his non-threatening posture not to startle her.
All is not lost, Kressle. I believe i can persuade my companions to negotiate with you. If you wish it, there may be redemption for you...and a way out of this lawless life you have been thrust into. A life where you and Karina may be together again. But you heard the oaths that the others swore against you. There will be a price to pay for what you have done in the service of the Stag Lord. But it may very well be worth it. And I swear, I will do what I can to have this night end without bloodshed. What do you say?
I... I can't believe he lied to me... That bastard is a father to me... You must believe me- I did everything for him. He saved me from the brigands that attacked me, nursed me back to health, trained me as a warrior... Promoted me, and treated me with respect... With my sister and father dead, no land to my name and no possessions- What choice did I have?
I... Will submit.
I understand. Now, I will alert the others that we are coming back to camp. We will not move in before I have confirmation that none of them will attack. And I will stay by your side through this.
Casimir once again casts his message spell, telling Karina to wake up the rest of the group. Once she has done so, he casts another message, this time to Fenna.
In the middle of the night, during Casimir's watch, everyone are suddenly awakened by a visibly agitated and nervous Karina. Once everyone are awake, she mutters "They are up.", seemingly to no-one.
A few seconds later, Casimir's voice echoes in Fenna's ear.
Sorry to wake you all, little mother. But I need your help to keep some tempers in check. I'm just outside the camp - and Kressle is with me. We're comming into the camp to talk. I've given my word that she will not be attacked. It seems Karina was telling the truth. Kressle is willing to negotiate. Tell the others what I have said, and let me know when it is safe to come in.
And Fenna...please make sure no one does anything rash.
Fenna frowns for a moment, not entirely sure if she was still half asleep and dreaming, but quietly whispers into the air in gnomish, "Very well, I will inform the others. It might be best if you wait until they have had a chance to react and then calm down before you bring her to see us."
"It seems we are about to receive a...guest," the gnome then says more loudly to the group, a cautious expression showing on her sleepy face, "Casimir is about to bring Kressle into the camp, she wants to negotiate with us... and speak to her sister."
Expecting some form of outburst from Malthir and Edric, she holds out her hands to them soothingly, "I feel that we should give her chance to speak her piece, I understand that you are angry for the way she treated Casimir at her camp, but he was unharmed and it appeared to be a desperate act of self preservation—I don't expect you to forgive her, but we should at least hear her out."
Definitely a message spell, that Casimir used to contact you.
Casimir walks into the camp, his arm around a tearful Kressle, her axes strapped to her belt and not in her hands.
Casimir explains to the group- Kressle has surrendered to us in the hope of redemption and being re-united with her sister- A sister the Stag Lord had her believe was killed.
Kressle seems a broken woman as she enters the camp, looking extremely troubled and weeping occasionally. Karina runs towards her with a cry of joy, embracing her sister.
Kar... Is it... Really you? Kressle whispers, her eyes glazed over and not focusing on the Guardians.
Malthir is standing in his studded leather with his hand on his sword but makes no move to draw it.
Casimir, Fenna, it seems you have been discussing terms of surrender with Kressle, but you have forgot one important detail, remove her weapons before I am forced too, this is not an optional request Kressle...
If she refuses, Malthir will draw his sword and roll for initiative, if she follows Mathir's "request", he relaxes and removes his hand from his sword.
Assuming the later, "Sit Kressle, come and speak with your sister. You can tell us your story after you have had a chance to get re-aquainted with Karina."
As long as the events went as expected, Malthir sits and watches the sisters interact, looking for details into Kressle's interactions and motives. He seems to have little emotion to Kressle other than cold observation, like a judge at a murder trial.