Casimir slings his pack on to the donkey's pack saddel.
Oh, and while your manners are certainly flawless, personally I find formalities ill suited for the companionship of the open road. Since we are comrades in arms now, I'd like it if you would call me Casimir - as I hope I may call you Vaysh, Casimir says with a warm smile.
If I may, Mister Al’Dagon, if we are to bring civilization to these lands, we must be better than those we seek to remove from these lands. In the tales that have been related to me by Heart, our Mistress has always avoided unnecessary bloodshed. I do not propose granting unilateral amnesty to those who have assaulted the honest folk that have inhabited these lands, but I believe we would become little better than they are if we did not seek to redeem these men.
Since childhood I have heard the tale of the Charcoal Burner and the Fuller. My mother told me the tale, and I passed it on to my younger brothers. The short version is like this: A Charcoal-burner carried on his trade in his own house. One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened. The Fuller replied, “The arrangement is impossible as far as I am concerned, for whatever I should whiten, you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal.”
We must ask ourselves who we wish to attract to these unkempt lands. If we claim them with only the blood stained hand, that shall stay with these lands. Until now, the lands have been in the thrall of wicked and wild ways and those who act against them are treated roughly. We should separate ourselves from such actions.
At least, that is my belief Mister Al’Dagon. I hope that I have not been to forward in my statements, Vaysh says and suddenly a slight blush rushes to her cheek. I should speak so to a holy man! He knows well the lessons of Iomedae, having trained under her faith, while I am merely a farm girl in search of her lost father.
I do need to return, you are correct. I left in a rush from camp, I am uncertain who has been taking my watch shift, Vaysh says as she stands up and begins to turn towards camp. She turns back, and looks at Malthir once again.
Tell him, he has offered to listen!
I could not let you go without… Vaysh seems uncertain how to word what she says, but continues letting you know that there are those who care in your company. Speak with me again when you have need. Vaysh turns and walks towards camp, then stops once again, turns back towards Malthir but the words stop in her throat. Thank you for the conversation Mister Al’Dagon. Then Vaysh spins around and marches back towards camp.
I am not used to calling anyone but my brothers by their given names, it seems strange to me.
I must admit I am a bit out of my depth; I traveled to Restov seeking answers. The Lord Mayor told me that the answers that I sought were available in the Stolen Lands, and he offered me the final place in this company. Looking at the strong warriors that I now stand with, I worry that mayhaps it was a mistake for me to join this mission. I do not know what I can truly bring to our assembly that another of you will not do better.
This is the first time I am around so many others similar to my years. Visitors to the farm were always much older than me, the only company that I have been around that was similar to my years were my two younger brothers.
Edric leaps into the saddle with such grace that even a horse nomad would be envious. He spurs his mount, charging past the hunter and driving his lance at the beast. The creature was much faster than he had anticipated though, and leaps aside from the deadly charge.
Malthir, you get to the hunter, ready to defend him if necessary. He replies to you in a panicked tone;
Yes of course it is damn well after me, do you not see this blood? he gestures to his clothes, and the blood is certainly fresh.
Please, protect me; I have coin! he pleads.
As the conversation happens, Casimir charges across the grassland, and his strike is true, cutting a deep gouge into the creature's flesh. In response to the pain Casimir caused, the creature lashes out at him ferociously.
But the trained Aldori duelist skillfully ducks under the lunge and bats the creature away with the hilt of his sword.
While Edric did not hear the cries the idea of someone in danger spurs him into action. Wordlessly he slips his arm into the straps of his shield, which was hanging from Talia's saddle, and fastens it to his arm. Then in one quick motion he mounts the horse while pulling his lance free from where it was secured to the saddle.
Once the hunter and the creature appear Edric lowers his lance and charges at the beast, his family banner flying gallantly.
As soon as I can speak No need to be concerned, you are protected by Iomedae's light now. Stay back while we dispatch this beast, you are injured.
As the creature dodges the lance Edric and Talia, moving almost as one, stop sharply and turn to face the beast. Seeing Casimir charge in and the monster directing its attention to the fighter Edric moves Talia into position behind the beast.
From his new position Edric stabs at the creature with his lance
As the creature dodges the lance Edric and Talia, moving almost as one, stop sharply and turn to face the beast. Seeing Casimir charge in and the monster directing its attention to the fighter Edric moves Talia into position behind the beast.
From his new position Edric stabs at the creature with his lance
Round 2 Action
Fenna clambers unsteadily off her mount, getting caught in the stirrups in her haste to dismount. Once she manages to get to the ground she moves over to stand behind the hunter and Malthir.
The hunter fearfully moves behind Malthir and Fenna, anxious to put as many people between him and the beast as possible. Vaysh begins casting her sleep spell.
Round 2
Ordered-
Sir Edric- 19
Malthir- 15
Casimir- 13
Beast- 12
Fenna- 12
Vaysh- 12
"Hunter"- 6
Situation
The party are all within 30 feet of the beast, with Casimir and Sir Edric flanking it. It has taken a nasty wound from Casimir's blade.
Sir Edric plunges his lance into the beasts hindquarters and it snarls in pain as the lance drives in.
Round 2 Action
Asks the hunter What type of beat is it?
Malthir calmly walks up to the beast and tries to put it out of its misery
Casimir adjusts his balance and strikes once again, taking advantage of the opening presented when the beast is struck by Sir Edric.
Sweet gods, look at those teeth! If they had found their mark, it would have meant my life for sure. Better end this quickly.
Round 2 Action:
Attack roll:
Damage:
Vaysh’s attention jerks back to the present, her wandering soul returning from gathering together enough magical essence to bring her wish into being. Heart, I hope you are right that this is powerful enough to do something out here, she thinks to herself as she scans the suddenly changed scene, searching at the last second for a place to deposit the magic.
They are all too close! she thinks as the sleep floats on the air towards its intended victim. Too late to stop this, I must hope that it does not go more wrong than this, she thinks as she directs the magical energies to land on the beast and only one of her comrades.
Blast and curses, girl! This is not the better that you promised Mister Al’Dagon last night! Blast and curse, Vaysh condemns herself silently as she takes quick and purposeful strides to make up for her errant magic. Apologies flow from her lips as she shakes her unintended victim awake, Oh, I am so sorry…I did not mean to… None of the words ushering forth seem to provide any comfort to Vaysh.
Vaysh circles round the creature, taking deliberately careful strides wide of the threat and stops when she has surrounded it with one of her allies. Perhaps this will make up some for my previous folly. I will show these men that I am willing to stand with them against this ferocious beast.
Will save vs sleep:
Edit: And clearly it wasn't hitting Casimir! That was obviously my intent...Damnable sleep spell...party not wanting to get big and fat...Up to the GM on who it is connecting with.
And you should not underestimate what you bring to our company. You have magic within you, that is plain to see for anyone who knows how to look. It flows from you, with a power and ease that amazes me. And I know the power of magic. A single spell can vanquish more enemies than a dozen trained swordsmen.
My uncle also practiced the arcane arts, but never with such a natural grace as you. He has tired to teach me as well, but so far I have not been able to call the magic forth. I think my training at the dueling school kept me from devoting enough to the exercises he taught me. I hope I will have more time to do so out here.
But make no mistake, Vaysh. You are not on the farm anymore. If we are be successful in our mission - aye, if we are to survive - there can be no room for doubts and hesitation. I'm sure you will find the strength to stand with the rest when the time comes.
The creature evades Malthir's strike, but as it dodges the Paladin's blow it ends up in the path of Casimir's sword, cutting it once more. Snarling in pain, the creature darts away from Malthir and Sir Edric and lunges for Casimir's throat with a vicious set of teeth!
This time, the creature is too quick for Casimir and it tears into his throat before he is able to wrest the creature off him. Staggering backward momentarily, Casimir regains his balance; but is clearly gravely wounded; blood flows freely down his clothes and stains the metal links of his chain shirt red...
At least Casimir you will be asleep and won't feel the pain from that viscious hit
Watching the creature's teeth bite deeply into the duelist's throat, Fenna winces and moves around the melee towards him.
"May His gaze soothe your pains," she whispers in azlanti, reaching out a hand to brush against Casimir's back.
Ahh..garl..grugl...grzzzz
Thump!
Beast's will save-
Both Casimir and the creature fall into a state of slumber. We're effectively out of initiative order now, although the beast could still be dangerous if woken or if it survives a coup de grace.
The hunter nocks an arrow and begins to move towards the beast, ready to put an arrow through its brain.
Zzzz...
The hunter nocks an arrow and begins to move towards the beast, ready to put an arrow through its brain.
I put a hand on the hunter's bow, stay you hand for a moment man, again what is this creature? Vaysh, can you wake Casimir? I do a detect evil on the creature.
If evil I tell him to proceed and in fact I will try to time my attack at the same time as his to make sure it is dead , if not I ask him why this creature attacked him.
EDIT: That sucked, I added in my attack just after I posted and it changed my sense motive check from 19 to 0!
The hunter shrugs.Who cares? the man hawks and spits a gob of spit on the ground, and continues to reply to you.Its some kind of Thylacine... a particularly vicious breed. It's hide will be worth many coins. You have my thanks strangers...
The animal does not register up as being evil.
Why did it attack me? Well, I was just wandering the forest looking for an Elk when the beast came out of nowhere and bit me...
You don't think he's being entirely honest... It seems more likely the man bit off more than he could chew trying to hunt the creature, and fled when it fought back.
Btw, no need to roll attack for coup de grace
The hunter shrugs.Who cares? the man hawks and spits a gob of spit on the ground, and continues to reply to you.Its some kind of Thylacine... a particularly vicious breed. It's hide will be worth many coins. You have my thanks strangers...
The animal does not register up as being evil.
Why did it attack me? Well, I was just wandering the forest looking for an Elk when the beast came out of nowhere and bit me...
** spoiler omitted **
Makes sense with the detect evil,oh Paizo rules...anyways I would just help him dispatch the creature then per my attack.
After checking on Casimir I would ask the hunter, What is your name? I am Malthir and these are my companions Sir Edric, Casimir, Vaysh, and Fenna
Add some diplomacy for effect as I converse with him
Btw, no need to roll attack for coup de grace
** spoiler omitted **
Correct. I was basically disregarding any attack roll you might make, its basically an auto-crit. But as the animal hasn't showed up as evil, Malthir doesn't coup de grace it... at least not yet...
From her position next to Casimir, she leans down to give him a gentle shake, "now is not the time for a nap," she admonishes him, though her lack of expression now the sun is up makes it unclear whether the remark was meant in jest.
"Stealthy creatures, these Thylacines?" She asks offhandedly, looking over at the hunter and rising, "did it wound you severely?"
He is coming around Mister Al’Dagon, Vaysh calls out behind her. She shakes Casimir awake as her hair falls down in front of her face and she greets him with a saddened face, saying in a quieter tone, I am sorry Mis…Casimir. She smiles at him as she finishes saying this.
Vaysh looks to the hunter, her hair still hanging down the left side of her face, You hunt these creatures?
Even as she turns her attention to the new man, she assists Casimir up, trying to use her slight frame to help him regain his legs after being put to sleep. She whispers to him, I understand that it is disorienting. I have put myself to sleep in the past, and everything seemed foreign when I awoke. Do not worry, I will keep you safe. Vaysh holds onto Casimir, her eyes glancing between the man she converses with and him.
Vaysh seems confident in addressing the man as she holds onto Casimir protectively, her hair falling over his shoulder as well.
The hunter finishes off the wounded beast and begins to skin it. He seems to be struggling, and making a bit of a mess of it.
In response to Malthir's question, he grunts- Jerek.
When Fenna asks her question he briefly stops skinning the beast, and looks up at her. Stealthy in the forest, aye. It dealt me a pretty grievous wound, but i'm a stout fellow. Perhaps you could see to the wound nonetheless?
To Vaysh, the man responds- Erm, not these creatures specifically but yes, i'm a hunter by trade. I hunt many creatures. So what brings you to these lands, so armed and armoured?
Congratulations on vanquishing your first combat- 133XP each.
Magic is powerful, I have been raised to know and respect it. From early ages I have been taught some lessons of its practical use and have some understanding of its more arcane uses. I have been taught that it is not the single spell that can vanquish a dozen men that you refer to that must be cultivated. Instead I must learn to use my magic to avoid the need of such.
I know that it is a daunting task that is set before us, traveling into these wild lands with intent to tame their wild beauty. I hope that our company can do so with similar ideals close to their hearts.
Vaysh quiets again, listening to Casimir and clearly enjoying the conversation the two share. Tis a strange thing, for so long I have known little more than my family, but now I go out into the world with this company. Three men similar to my age and Fenna, I feel awkward next to their casual demeanor. I wish for them to like me, and hope that I can live up to what this mission entails for me. Inheritor, so many lessons have I studied in your name. I stand ready to fight the causes that your teachings have shown me to be right, but I am lost in relating to those who should be so like me.
I am no teacher, I have only stopped studying with my brothers and our instructor. My mother felt I was too young to journey out into the world, but I felt the clarion call of Iomedae, and so I have left. I may be ill equipped to teach you, but I am willing to try, she says the last part as she looks to her companion with a hopeful smile on her face.
As Casimir’s tone turns to harsher and more serious matters, Vaysh listens intently. As Casimir tells her that her life has moved on, past her childhood memories, she bows her head as if listening to a lecture. She bites her lip as he speaks of doubt and hesitation. As he finishes speaking of her finding strength, her eyes brighten. Oh…do you, she starts.
He just told me to find my strength, I cannot do that if at the first positive words I leap to the adulation as a barnyard cat leaps upon a free meal.
Vaysh starts again, a bit more calmly, Thank you for your kind words. I endeavor to be worthy of such thought, she finishes her more stoic statement as a smile begins to creep across her face.
He doesn’t think I’m useless!
"Let me see," Fenna speaks, walking over to the man skinning the beast, "have you had trouble with these creatures before?". Taking a closer look at the injuries he has sustained, , she struggles with the motions that where once so familiar to her, many years ago, and hesitates for a moment as though confused before calling upon divine energies to knit his flesh back together.
"How is your throat, Master Bodevski?" she turns to look at the other wounded member of the group, "are you in need of any further assistance?"
To your keen (or trained) eyes, it's clear this man has no idea how to skin an animal... He's either an extremely inept hunter or he's a liar...
Jerek grunts his thanks as your healing magic flows through him and continues his skinning effort.
Thank you, kind Gnome. As a local, I do wonder about the presence of an armed group with such powerful magic backing it up; are you here from Brevoy to resolve the bandit problems?
Fenna is about to voice a confirmation of the 'hunter's' speculation, but glances down to see his clumsy efforts on skinning the animal, causing her to hesitate briefly and decide to answer his question with some of her own, "Do you know much about the bandit problems? Do they give you any trouble?"
Fenna is about to voice a confirmation of the 'hunter's' speculation, but glances down to see his clumsy efforts on skinning the animal, causing her to hesitate briefly and decide to answer his question with another, "Do you know much about the bandit problems? Do they give you any trouble?"
Most of them are based further south, but there are a few in this area too, hoping to catch unwary traveller's and rob them of their valuables...
"Indeed?" the gnome asks, looking over the man's work speculatively, "valuables such as the hide of this beast? Perhaps we should escort you to the trading post... to ensure that you are not molested by these thieves."
"Indeed?" the gnome asks, looking over the man's work speculatively, "valuables such as the hide of this beast? Perhaps we should escort you to the trading post... to ensure that you are not molested by these thieves."
That won't be necessary my good lady, I'll bring this beast home, and take his hide along with a few Elk hides I hunted over the past week to Mandaville, a nearby town. Thank you all for your help, and may the blessings of Erastil be upon ye.
Vaysh keeps a firm grip on Casimir, somewhat unaware the she has done it. Her soft hair cascades down the side of his head and past his shoulder. Vaysh whispers a soft prayer to Pharsma, wishing the dead animal quick journey to its judgement.
Vaysh listens to Fenna speak with the man, interested in how the cryptic Gnome will relate to him. Vaysh cranes her neck to look at the dead animal, wishing to determine if the dead creature was male or female. When there is a break in the conversation, Vaysh speaks up, What of the thylacines meat?
When Fenna makes her kind offer to aid the hunter to the trading post, Vaysh brightens, We would be most willing to walk with you Jerek, mayhaps you can tell us of the land as we go.
Sense Motive
Survival
"Are you sure?" Fenna continues to the man, glancing back to Vaysh, "Miss Triesente here assures me that the proprietor of the local trading post offers very fair payments, and I would feel terrible if your hides were to fall into the hands of the bandits."
That won't be necessary my good lady, I'll bring this beast home, and take his hide along with a few Elk hides I hunted over the past week to Mandaville, a nearby town. Thank you all for your help, and may the blessings of Erastil be upon ye.
Mathir towering over the hunter as he is finishing up Actually it is more than that. As you said you had coin to pay us, we actually have no interest in your coin, but infomation yes. Let us say it is our payment for services rendered. I would like you to accompany us to the outpost just ahead and for but a hour of your time, it would be payment for saving your life. Such a small price to pay for such a large gift wouldn't you say? and
In response to Vaysh' question, Jerek responds-
The meat? It will feed my family for a week... Just look at the size of that creature!
Jerek listens to Fenna and Malthir wordlessly, then reluctantly nods his assent.
Aye, a small price indeed. Very well, let's go visit Olegs...
Malthir would have the following questions for Jerek:
Do live south of the fort?
What can you tell us about the area south of the fort?
Can you tell us more about any bandits in this area and where they might be located?
Do you know anything about a bandit named the Staglord or where he might be?
What about other dangerous creatures in the area, we have heard rumors of Kobalds and mites, do you know anything about them or where they might be?
Is there anything we can do for you to make your life easier in the area, we hope to help the good people of these parts?
Casimir, are you okay? I thought you might not be with us on the morrow after that vicious hit. You fought well though. I didn't do so well, I am not used to fighting beasts, just men. Hopefully Iomedae's blessing will be with me the next time we cross paths with some beast or monster.
Vaysh, I guess that was effective. I am glad you didn't drop that on the rest of us, that would be a lot of heads to cradle! he eyes her with a smirk.
Ah Fenna, I see your healing powers have already come in handy. I hope to have Iomedae's blessing soon, so that I may heal others as well.
Well Sir Edric, your lance hs already proved it worth in battle. Maybe soon you can show me how to ride better? We really didn't spend much time in the saddle over the last 4 years of training.
Okay I am done for a while.
Jerek, you speak of your family. Where do you live with them? Many of the frontiersmen that I have known during my life are solitary individuals, Vaysh says to the man, then looks confused at Malthir’s comment and suddenly becomes aware of her holding Casimir. Oh…I… she stammers as she blushes brightly. I’m sorry Casimir, I should know you are strong enough to stand on your own, Vaysh says as she begins to tentatively release her grip on him, making certain that he is strong enough to stand on his own.
I must apologize to you, Mister Al’Dagon, and all of you. The concentration that bringing out such magic requires is very demanding. I am used to practicing with my magic in the barn, not in the field. When I first called on the magic, the creature was alone, but that quickly changed, Vaysh finishes her apology and looks at her assembled teammates.
After listening to Malthir’s final question Vaysh speaks up, Yes, we are hoping to aid the frontiersmen that reside in the Greenbelt.
Awakened by Vaysh's shaking, Casimir sits up with a start, grasping at his wounded throat, and looks about with frantic concern.
The beast...did you...is it..?
As he spots the snoring Blood Cougar, he slumps back in Vaysh lap in relief. He looks the blond sorceress in the eyes and gives her a sheepish smile.
Well, there you see, Vaysh....here is the proof of the power of your magic. The foul beast snoring soundly, lulled to sleep by your soothing spell, while the mighty warrior lies defeated in a pool of his own blood.
Still disoriented from the spell, Casimir gladly accepts the support of Vaysh as he struggles to his feet.
When Fenna asks about his throat, he peals off the shredded remains of the scarf he wore around his neck. Some of the gashes torn by the beast have already healed into fine, almost invisible scars thanks to the healing magic, but from others, the blood still oozes bright and red.
I'll live, but this wound will certainly need further care to heal properly. I should be able to make it to the trading post.
Casimir stays silent as his companions question Jerek. When Vaysh releases him, he gives her a quick, reassuring smile and bends to retrieve his fallen weapon. He wipes it carefully clean of blood and sheathes it.
In response to the remarks about the fight made by Malthir and Vaysh
This was a good fight. Everyone stood their ground and fought with courage. But it is clear that we could learn to fight better as a team. My instructors at the school were always adamant that we learn more from our mistakes than our victories.
Vaysh, your spellcasting probably prevented that beast from harming more of our numbers. Your sleeping magic is a powerful tool, and we must use it wisely. This also means that we warriors must restrain ourselves, and not rush heedlessly into battle. I earned a painful lesson in that myself.
Malthir, no one doubts the strength of your sword arm. That beast was nimble as a demon, and I would have been hard pressed to hit it without Sir Edric to distract it.
Sir Edric, you are truly a force of fury upon your steed. As such, I would much prefer if you were to travel in the saddle whenever we move about the wilderness, so you are ready to charge in at the first sight of danger.
Fenna, your healing magic is a boon to us. Hopefully, we will not need it too much.
Malthir would have the following questions for Jerek:
Do live south of the fort?
No, I live in a cabin to the north-east, just inside the borders of brevoy.
What can you tell us about the area south of the fort?
Very little i'm afraid my good man. South of Oleg's it immediately becomes very dangerous. I tend to keep myself here in the northern sections; hence my reluctance to trade at Oleg's.
Can you tell us more about any bandits in this area and where they might be located?
I believe they mostly frequent the lands south of oleg's, although they occasionally attack on the roads too. I don't know where they might abode, sorry. I believe there are dozens, maybe even hundreds of them operating in the Greenbelt.
Do you know anything about a bandit named the Staglord or where he might be?
I've only heard the rumours. It's said he's an ancient Warlord brought back to life by the powers in these lands; and that he was once a thorn in the side of the Taldor colony that attempted to settle the Stolen Lands. In his resurrection, people whisper that he is invincible.
What about other dangerous creatures in the area, we have heard rumors of Kobalds and mites, do you know anything about them or where they might be?
Not heard anything about them, my apologies. We tell my son stories of mites and kobolds gobbling him up to keep him in line sometimes.
Is there anything we can do for you to make your life easier in the area, we hope to help the good people of these parts?[/b]
So you are here on behalf of Brevoy after all? Jerek asks, raising an eyebrow and answering your question with his own query.
Jerek, you speak of your family. Where do you live with them? Many of the frontiersmen that I have known during my life are solitary individuals,
Many of the other frontiersmen are, but I have been blessed by Erastil with a good wife and two fine sons. You wish to help us? Well I suppose the bandits are a major threat to our livelihood, but there are so many of them I doubt your little band could make a dent...
As you are talking, Oleg's is coming into sight ahead of you. You can see it is a large stockade-like building with wooden walls and four small raised tower sections, each with what appears to be a catapult pointing away from the stockade. The walls are about 170 feet long on the north-facing side, and a little shorter on the east and west side, so you surmise there must be several buildings inside, although you can only see the roof of a single building near the north-east side. The walls are about ten feet high.
You realise there is no entrance on the north side, and Vaysh begins to lead you around the fort to the south entrance she knows is there. Just as you get to the south side of the trading post, the entrance comes into view; and you can see a small group enter the Trading Post with horses, maybe six or so of them.
Looks like Oleg is doing well... mutters Jerek. I hope they don't sell him too many hides; I'm keen to make a good bit of coin from this skin...
You haven't been here in quite a few months.
So you are here on behalf of Brevoy after all? Jerek asks, raising an eyebrow and answering your question with his own query.
I guess that is a matter of opinion. Did Brevoy send us? No they did not, did leaders within Brevoy grant us a charter to explore the region and help rid it of bandit activity? Yes. But we are not part of the Brevoy military or government. It might be easier to think of us as explorers or adventurers, who also plan to teach the bandit scum in this region a lesson once and for all. he turns to the rest of the group after asking about the names in the region like the Narlmarches and Kamelands Maybe that we should have a name for our company, so that the folk can identify with us easier within this region. What say you to a name like the Wardens of Kameland or maybe the Wardens of Narl?, I think it has a ring to it...
Malthir muses with himself, he seems to be quite pleased with himself and the idea.Just as you get to the south side of the trading post, the entrance comes into view; and you can see a small group enter the Trading Post with horses, maybe six or so of them.
Excellent, hopefully these will be more local folk that we can talk to to learn more about this region and not just travellers passing through.
As Casimir jerks awake, Vaysh softly shushes him, Shhh…The beast is gone, do not worry Casimir. It seemed to wound you greatly, are you all right? Vaysh thinks to herself as Casimir slumps back into her, Mayhaps we are not so different. He seems welcoming of the comfort of a friend after such an encounter. For a time, I worried that the creature would have a deathgrip on his throat. Mayhaps Iomedae has protected us this day against such an ignoble fate, then she looks over at Fenna, Or maybe Aroden has done so.
As Casimir recovers his wits and speaks to Vaysh, she looks upon him her red hair bridging the gap between their faces. You are not defeated Mist…Casimir, she continues to stumble over her own manners. It would take more than a ferocious thylacine to wound you such. She smiles as she speaks to Casimir, but her face grows more serious as another thought crosses her lips, But if I had better control over my magic, you would not have been a victim of it as well. I ask your forgiveness for my grievous error.
Vaysh looks to Casimir’s wound as he removes his scarf, and seeing the damage that has been done cringes. She moves her lips to his ear and whispers to Casimir, I may be able to help. My family has always known me to have the healing touch, though they have kept it secret. They did not wish for me to grow with frequent demands on me to use such. Through practice I have learned that it can cure what ails someone as long as they accept the goodness of the Inheritor into their heart.
Vaysh releases Casimir, her small slightly calloused hands slowly trailing along his chest as she ensures he is fine on his own. He seems alright now, though I must learn to be more careful with such magic. This is not play games with my brothers any longer, he could have died due to my mistake. You are recovered then?
Vaysh bows her head slightly while listening to Casimir’s slight admonishment. When he and Malthir finish, Vaysh looks around at her companions and says, I think that everyone did well, and I am thankful to Iomedae that none were more seriously injured, she finishes her thought to herself, Despite the mistakes of some.
Malthir’s musings of a group name bring a light to Vaysh’s face, Just like companies of heroes in storybooks! She quickly realizes that her excited reaction is disproportionate to the question that was asked. She flushes, clearly embarrassed by her own antics in front of such mature warriors, Perhaps a name that speaks to our mission, such as Advocates of Justice, or something that addresses the lands historic condition like Righteous Inheritors or Redeemers of the Abducted, Vaysh says somewhat emphatically as she counts off ideas on her fingers, then, as she becomes aware of herself and everyone looking at her, she quickly puts her hands behind her back and smiles sheepishly to her companions. She stutters slightly, Not that I have given this any thought. Her last utterance could be a statement, but the rising tone made it sound more like a question awaiting some sort of approval.
Mister Al’Dagon, Vaysh starts quietly to Malthir before the group sets off down the road, I wished to know if I could walk with Casimir. I am worried for the injuries he suffered at my hand and the beast's maw. I know the disorientation he felt when he first awoke, I too have been put under by this magic. At times, it has some minor lingering effects, I have felt as if I were in a waking dream for some time.
She looks to Jerek as he answers her question while they travel to Oleg’s, I am glad that we came upon you when we did. It would pain me to think of your family without you. During the journey she looks at each of her companions for a time, studying them with her green eyes, though she becomes more self conscious when she notices Malthir eyeing her from time to time.
I still know not what Malthir expects of me. He said little of it last night, I wish he had told me more. He acted honorably, seeing to the defense of Jerek above all else. It is good to see the nobility that resides in his heart. He has faith in common with me, and he spoke of Her mark on me last night. Is that what he sees in me, the mark of the Inheritor? Or is there more? Vaysh nibbles on her lower lip as she ponders this, then her gaze shifts to the smaller of her mounted companions.
Fenna, what she was able to do for Casimir was truly blessed. My own healing gift seems to pale next to hers. I should grow to know her, but find that I am unsure what to speak of with her. It is strange, in all my life I have never heard Iomedae referred to as the Herald outside of older tales. Mayhaps I should ask her of this.
Sir Orlavsky, he looks so strong and mighty on Talia’s back. They were a frightening and wonderful sight to behold this day. He is nearly as withdrawn as Fenna is from our group, perhaps with more time I will come to know him better. He fought very well against the thylacine, I feel comforted to know that he will be with us.
Casimir…I failed him most of all this day. I shall find a way to make this up to him, she smiles to Casimir as she looks upon him.
All three gentlemen that I travel with seem as if they are glorious heroes off the page of a story book. I cannot help but entertain thoughts that I am the damsel of each of their stories, but such thoughts have little place out here, Vaysh thinks as she surveys her surroundings. I find it hard not to think such thoughts with handsome men around me.
Jerek stands at odds with them, he is like the men that I have known for my life. Well, the men other than my family. They seem so rough, unkempt, and crude compared to those I travel with. Mayhaps that is why I have found myself so far from thoughts such as these until this time. None of my companions seem brutish, boorish, or bad-mannered as I have often seen of strange men during my life.
Sigh…I am not used to the presence of men my age. I must move past these childish fancies, we have serious work to be done.
Well, it looks like we are not the only visitors to the post this day. Mayhaps they will have more news of the south. Thank you for coming with us Jerek, your company has been appreciated. I hope that the skin that you have taken will fetch coin to make the trip worthwhile.