After making it clear that he would be accompanying Zeladiel unconditionally, Arasmes did his best to gracefully not impose himself upon the others. He nodded politely and returned Linah's greeting but as far as he was concerned; he had not yet been told whether he would be permitted to accompany the group on their future endeavours and sought not to push the matter.
The warrior scholar showed little to no interest in Haleen. He assumed that she was the Gnoll's paramour and although he found their interaction intriguing, he did not want to give the beast another reason to swing his sword around.
Having made his intentions clear, Arasmes felt the need to let the group talk. He moved outside, having spotted the angry halfling warrior at the window. He moved over to her but kept at a respectful and wary distance of several feet, leaning against the building and attempting to engage her in conversation. Never quite as diplomatic or delicates as most other nobles, he said bluntly after taking a long draught from his waterskin-
I would like to apologise for provoking you within Almah's tent. Your words put me on the defensive, after a long journey and while facing hostility from those I sought to befriend. You don't seem to be fond of talking, Nuveril, so i'll leave it at that.
I recall something you said in Almah's tent. About judging men by words alone. There is some merit to it. If words will not please you, perhaps we might share a deed together? We can talk no more than is necessary to hunt. Perhaps we might find a stray Gnoll pack or a manticore together? I have no wish to be involved with the decision process about going to Katapesh, I will merely lend my arm to the cause. What say we hunt, you and I?
"If those are your wishes, Zeladiel, I understand, but others have business to attend to in Katapesh as well. For instance, Almah has suggested that I speak with your master about what we have recovered from the House of the Beast. So in not so many words, we will be travelling to Katapesh anyway."
Zeladiel smiles, a rare showing from him in recent times. "I certainly cannot stop you from going to Katapesh, and indeed would be glad of your company if you joined me. I fear I shall not make for the most pleasant of travel companions, however."
Cheerrr up Zeladiel, we shall talk to this "captain" togetherrr. Some may think to make me theirrr pawn, but like any dangerrrous animal, if you pull on it's collarrr too harrrd it will turrrrn and bite you!
He grins at the elf.
Having this thing on ourrr possession is dangerrrous, we should leav as soon as possible
After a short time he takes Zeladiel to the side.
Zeladiel, I wish to enlist yourrr help once we get to the grrreat city. I would like to see if we can find another blade like this one, he removes the two handed sowrd, but a Flachion such as mine. I would like to see if we can trrrade this one forrr that along with some gold. Will you help me?
I would like to apologise for provoking you within Almah's tent. Your words put me on the defensive, after a long journey and while facing hostility from those I sought to befriend. You don't seem to be fond of talking, Nuveril, so i'll leave it at that.
I recall something you said in Almah's tent. About judging men by words alone. There is some merit to it. If words will not please you, perhaps we might share a deed together? We can talk no more than is necessary to hunt. Perhaps we might find a stray Gnoll pack or a manticore together? I have no wish to be involved with the decision process about going to Katapesh, I will merely lend my arm to the cause. What say we hunt, you and I?
"There are no gnolls," she returns. "Sajan and I hunted them for more than a year after we retook the city; any that were left retreated to the Pale Mountain to serve the Carrion King. If they escaped the House of the Beast, they were certainly not fools enough to flee back toward Kelmarane and those who slew their champions. As for the manticore ... that is the flying lion thing? I have no skill in hunting creatures that I cannot reach, and if you think to taunt me by outdoing me in combat," she eyes his bow, "I have had enough of that from the gnoll. You have no need to win my good graces. They," she nods to the interior of the house, "neither ask my opinion nor seek my preferences; they merely inform me of what they have decided on my behalf."
Having this thing on ourrr possession is dangerrrous, we should leave as soon as possible.
"Agreed. I had inquired about accompanying a caravan. If they're not leaving soon, we should all probably depart on our own in the next few days. I am all too ready to leave. Khalid, will it take you long to prepare the others, and how may I help?"
"I shall help you Grall, but know this. If you draw your weapon or threaten the wrong person in Katapesh, you will die. And I will not be able to help you. In Katapesh, Gnolls are barely above dogs. Almah knows you and is prepared to overlook some unacceptable behaviour. Most other leaders would have called for your execution had you drawn a weapon in their presence. Had we been in Katapesh, Almah may have had to call for your execution anyway.
Appearance is everything. The little kindness and acceptance shown here in Kelmarane will be rare indeed in Katapesh. There you will be treated as scum, and if you are anything other than submissive they will kill you. You will not even have the reputation of a master to protect you, since you are no longer a slave. I will stand for you against suspicion, just as I stood for Arasmes. And they will likely pay less attention to me than did you. Be broken, or they will break you. And warn Haleen."
He shrugs off the Gnoll and walks stiffly back to the others.
To Zeladiel, I underrrstand better than you know...I will follow Khalid's and yourrr lead.
To himself, I welcome it. I stood for their amusement, owned by the worst of them. I was one of the herd, going to slaughter. My people and many others died for their entertainment.
Yet Sarenrae saw fit to make me her tool, her champion and save me from the pits...save me from the arena.
I return now more than they will ever know...beyond them.
He looks at Haleen and smiles, knowing that should he die today his life would account for more than he could have ever wished.
"There are no gnolls," she returns. "Sajan and I hunted them for more than a year after we retook the city; any that were left retreated to the Pale Mountain to serve the Carrion King. If they escaped the House of the Beast, they were certainly not fools enough to flee back toward Kelmarane and those who slew their champions. As for the manticore ... that is the flying lion thing? I have no skill in hunting creatures that I cannot reach, and if you think to taunt me by outdoing me in combat," she eyes his bow, "I have had enough of that from the gnoll. You have no need to win my good graces. They," she nods to the interior of the house, "neither ask my opinion nor seek my preferences; they merely inform me of what they have decided on my behalf."
Arasmes raised an eyebrow. I do not seek to humble or best you, or elevate myself above you in any way. You have already earned names for yourselves, all of you. I am sure we could find a prey suitable to both of our liking, if we look hard enough? I could do with a walk and i'd like to see the plains, at any rate...
Arasmes seemed a little awkward on the second topic but spoke up.
I want no animosity between us. How is it that your opinion is so little valued, or that you feel it is so? Did you not fight valiantly beside them in this House of the Beast? Is your council reserved only for battle?
He shook his head a little wryly. Forgive the many questions; I had meant only to ask you to hunt with me, not inundate you with such queries.
She leaps down from the window, the prospect of getting out of the populated town never unwelcome. "In battle least of all," she laughs bitterly, then backtracks to be fair. "I am not 'educated,'" she pronounces the word with scorn. "I know nothing of jann or jinn and the evil spirits they conjure. I know the plants and animals, the weather and the seasons, the monsters and the vermin and the natural spirits of the land. But none of that is useful in the fights we have seen. Even the beasts we have fought are unnatural and twisted by magical corruption. I speak out of instinct, while Khalid and the elf speak from books and writings -- as do you. All those fine words you spoke in Almah's nest to impress us with your cleverness -- 'transmution' and 'polymoth.' Would you seek my counsel, o learned one, or simply assume that your years of study make you much wiser than a simple nomad from the savannah?"
"As for you," she shrugs as they walk, "no one ever asked me if I wanted a gnoll for a companion, or a witch, or an elf magician, or a Gnome who attacks and threatens me in front of my allies; I was told to fight alongside them. Why should my preference suddenly be sought in respect to you who are of such high birth? Better to take a viper into our bosom than to risk insult to a rich man and shame on our hostess. If you prove to be a Gnome or an evil spirit or a shapeshifting jinn, at least Almah dies with her honor intact as Kelmarane burns around her," she concludes derisively.
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"Agreed. I had inquired about accompanying a caravan. If they're not leaving soon, we should all probably depart on our own in the next few days. I am all too ready to leave. Khalid, will it take you long to prepare the others, and how may I help?"
"I can be ready to leave at a moment's notice, but this is not a situation where I can, nor will I attempt to command another to come along against their wishes. Do not take my words as wanting any of you to stay behind, in fact it is quite the opposite."
The inquisitor turns his attention to Nuveril...
"Nuveril, as bothersome as they can be, social graces are important in Katapesh. That being said, I would really like you to join us. Trust is not something that should be easily won, if you can hold back open hostilities in Katapesh, you would be a great benefit to have with us. You have been right not to trust a number of the individuals that we have met, and I would very much like to have your point of view with us. Besides, Katapesh is not known for being the safest of cities, having a warrior of you skill with us would certainly be welcome."
You've had the feelers out about a caravan for the last day or so. The next big one does not seem to be leaving for another week but small groups leave every few days and your waiting to hear about anything likely.
** spoiler omitted **
"That I can not say because I do not know. I have however not given up hope and neither should you. Your will is a powerful thing and it can be employed to more than your formidable focus in battle."
She leaps down from the window, the prospect of getting out of the populated town never unwelcome. "In battle least of all," she laughs bitterly, then backtracks to be fair. "I am not 'educated,'" she pronounces the word with scorn. "I know nothing of jann or jinn and the evil spirits they conjure. I know the plants and animals, the weather and the seasons, the monsters and the vermin and the natural spirits of the land. But none of that is useful in the fights we have seen. Even the beasts we have fought are unnatural and twisted by magical corruption. I speak out of instinct, while Khalid and the elf speak from books and writings -- as do you. All those fine words you spoke in Almah's nest to impress us with your cleverness -- 'transmution' and 'polymoth.' Would you seek my counsel, o learned one, or simply assume that your years of study make you much wiser than a simple nomad from the savannah?"
Arasmes smiled wryly once more at the aggressive counter-arguments, continuing to speak in a soft and frank manner as the pair walked out of the town.
It depends entirely upon what I would seek counsel on, Nuveril. I sought to assure competence, rather than impress. Your names are all spoken with awe and I am a humble warrior and scholar by comparison. I would certainly not dismiss your opinion on any subject, if you cared to offer it. I am sure there will be many battles to come, should you allow me to fight beside your band. What do you know of the route back to Katapesh? I travelled here with a rather large caravan and saw little of it. From where do you hail?
"As for you," she shrugs as they walk, "no one ever asked me if I wanted a gnoll for a companion, or a witch, or an elf magician, or a Gnome who attacks and threatens me in front of my allies; I was told to fight alongside them. Why should my preference suddenly be sought in respect to you who are of such high birth? Better to take a viper into our bosom than to risk insult to a rich man and shame on our hostess. If you prove to be a Gnome or an evil spirit or a shapeshifting jinn, at least Almah dies with her honor intact as Kelmarane burns around her," she concludes derisively.
A... a Gnome? he asked, a little confused. He decided to let the matter swiftly drop. It is important to me that you accept my presence alongside you, both as a matter of courtesy and a token of respect from one warrior to another. Grall mirrors Khalid and Linah's stance and Zeladiel is known to me. You are far more independent.
Arasmes walked silently for some time, chewing over Nuveril's words.
My birth is not so high nor am I so rich as you might think. I lacked many of the social graces expected of a lesser noble in Katapesh. I'm far more comfortable on the open road, or cooped up inside a library. I'm a man of action, not an overlord. The others seemed satisfied with Zeladiel's verification. I am still hoping to convince you that I am not this viper you speak of. I cast no magic and I am no shape-shifter, but I think only time and patience will assure you of this.
Besides- I have not been formally accepted into your band, so I am not in a position to give my advice to the others unless I am asked for it. Spending some time hunting today therefore suits me well. I shall accompany you back to Katapesh and support Zeladiel with his endeavour. If Khalid and Linah do not wish my services after that, I shall remain in the city.
Nuveril and Arasmes are still talking, the halfling not as yet responded to Khalid's request when there is a somewhat hesitant knocking on the front door.
Haleen goes to answer it and returns with a skinny Keleshite man of average height and just short of his middle years. Several long scars marr his right cheek.
His nervousness at seeing the group is poorly concealed as he bows, first to Linah and then generally.
Pardon, masters and mistresses. I seek Zeladiel Araxyll? About a guard hire?
Nuveril and Arasmes are still talking, the halfling not as yet responded to Khalid's request when there is a somewhat hesitant knocking on the front door. Haleen goes to answer it and returns with a skinny Keleshite man of average height and just short of his middle years. Several long scars marr his right cheek.
His nervousness at seeing the group is poorly concealed as he bows, first to Linah and then generally.
Pardon, masters and mistresses. I seek Zeladiel Araxyll? About a guard hire?
"Greetings. I am Master Guardsman Zeladiel Araxyll, seeking to leave for Katapesh as soon as possible."
Zeladiel glances at Khalid, then continues speaking. "My retinue now totals six. What news have you?"
"Nuveril, as bothersome as they can be, social graces are important in Katapesh. That being said, I would really like you to join us. Trust is not something that should be easily won, if you can hold back open hostilities in Katapesh, you would be a great benefit to have with us. You have been right not to trust a number of the individuals that we have met, and I would very much like to have your point of view with us. Besides, Katapesh is not known for being the safest of cities, having a warrior of you skill with us would certainly be welcome."
"What good is my distrust when I am forbidden to speak it, or my hammer when I am forbidden to wield it, lest I offend my betters?" she responds angrily. "I cannot live in a place that is all Almah's sitting room, where I am expected to keep my eyes on the ground and have neither mind nor tongue. I have already told Linah: I will make no promise of deference. Unlike some, I have only one face." She makes no glance toward Grall when she speaks, but she has made a point of ignoring his presence whenever possible since Shirak's tomb.
What do you know of the route back to Katapesh? I travelled here with a rather large caravan and saw little of it. From where do you hail?
She shrugs carelessly. "I know nothing of Katapesh, save that it is a place I have no wish ever to see. I know people are bought and sold like horses, save that horses are accorded more value. I know that it is a place where people bow and scrape and conceal their true thoughts out of fear of the rich and the high-born. I know that it is a place where Grall and I are expected to act as slaves to the rest of you or bring great shame on your heads if it were known that you saw us as equals. I know I would be less than a camel but perhaps something more than a wild jackal in the streets, in the eyes of those who live there."
"I was raised on the savannah, south of here and toward the sunrise. A good land, not like these scrubby, rocky hills. I was raised as a Lion of the Savannah, with the Badawi, but I was born here in Kelmarane," she confesses hesitantly, raising her eyes to the hill overlooking the river where she found the bronze disk. "Somehow I was carried alive out of the town before it fell, but I don't know why or by whom. When my mother of the Lions found me, I was alone."
"As for Zeladiel's endeavor, I know no more of that than I do of Katapesh," she turns the subject. "He does not speak of it to me, only in whispers to Khalid over my head. It is one of those things in which my counsel is not sought. They think I am a dog, who will follow them wherever they go without questioning or seeking to understand, yet they are at least as worried that I will embarrass them and ruin their quest by speaking freely as they are eager to have me accompany them. 'We would like you to come ... but don't speak! We wish your company ... but don't offend!'" she mocks.
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"What good is my distrust when I am forbidden to speak it, or my hammer when I am forbidden to wield it, lest I offend my betters?" she responds angrily. "I cannot live in a place that is all Almah's sitting room, where I am expected to keep my eyes on the ground and have neither mind nor tongue. I have already told Linah: I will make no promise of deference. Unlike some, I have only one face." She makes no glance toward Grall when she speaks, but she has made a point of ignoring his presence whenever possible since Shirak's tomb.
"I certainly understand your view point on the matter, Nuveril. In this journey to Katapesh, I am not asking that you change who you are, I am simply asking a bit of restraint in certain situations. Perhaps we could work out a set of silent signals for those times? As far as your hammer goes, having lived in Katapesh for a time, I assure you that there are many instances in that city in which it will be quite useful to us. Not every location in Katapesh will be as Almah's chambers."
"If you still choose not to accompany us, I will understand, though I will certainly be saddened for the loss. For all of the differences our small coertie may have, I would like to think that we have some measure of fondness for one another. We have already lost Sajan, I would hate to lose you as well." the inquisitor says as Nuveril readies to leave through the window.
"What good is my distrust when I am forbidden to speak it, or my hammer when I am forbidden to wield it, lest I offend my betters?" she responds angrily. "I cannot live in a place that is all Almah's sitting room, where I am expected to keep my eyes on the ground and have neither mind nor tongue. I have already told Linah: I will make no promise of deference. Unlike some, I have only one face." She makes no glance toward Grall when she speaks, but she has made a point of ignoring his presence whenever possible since Shirak's tomb."I certainly understand your view point on the matter, Nuveril. In this journey to Katapesh, I am not asking that you change who you are, I am simply asking a bit of restraint in certain situations. Perhaps we could work out a set of silent signals for those times? As far as your hammer goes, having lived in Katapesh for a time, I assure you that there are many instances in that city in which it will be quite useful to us. Not every location in Katapesh will be as Almah's chambers."
"If you still choose not to accompany us, I will understand, though I will certainly be saddened for the loss. For all of the differences our small coertie may have, I would like to think that we have some measure of fondness for one another. We have already lost Sajan, I would hate to lose you as well." the inquisitor says as Nuveril readies to leave through the window.
With Nuveril and Arasmes gone, it is the four of you and Haleen left to speak to the apparent caravaner.
He nods his head to Zeladiel.
Ah news, yes. I had sought Master Guardsman to engage your services. My caravan is not large but I planned to leave for Katapesh on the 'morrow and the word was that your timing was urgent. This will be my last journey for the season and I wanted to take no chances.
He scratches his head. I had not planned on hiring all of the mighty heroes of Kelmarane though, just one. I fear I would struggle to afford a fair price for six.
He scratches his head. I had not planned on hiring all of the mighty heroes of Kelmarane though, just one. I fear I would struggle to afford a fair price for six.
"The Gods are with you, for we wish to make for Katapesh with all haste. Perhaps you could pay us half?"
With Nuveril and Arasmes gone, it is the four of you and Haleen left to speak to the apparent caravaner.
He nods his head to Zeladiel.
Ah news, yes. I had sought Master Guardsman to engage your services. My caravan is not large but I planned to leave for Katapesh on the 'morrow and the word was that your timing was urgent. This will be my last journey for the season and I wanted to take no chances.
He scratches his head. I had not planned on hiring all of the mighty heroes of Kelmarane though, just one. I fear I would struggle to afford a fair price for six.
Linah smiles at the caravan keeper. "Let me ease your mind and say that I seek no compensation. My duties leads me towards Katapesh and I would rather make the trip among others than alone. A place in your caravan is sufficient for me."
Through little more than instinct and luck, Arasmes was able to spot some of the same tracks and signs as Nuveril herself did; although having made the conclusion that the Halfling was feeling generally frustrated he offered little in comment or conclusions, deferring to her entirely in this regard.
Having not asked of Katapesh directly, he nevertheless offered no argument or contradiction to the judgement she had made about the place.
A warrior woman born under an auspicious sign, perhaps he offered gently with the same wry smile as she explained her somewhat mysterious origin. I care little for the social structure in Katapesh and I have no great family name I need worry about. Perhaps I can show you a lighter side to the city, if you accompany us? I try to stay out of trouble within the city; but I follow my own codes and the morals that appeal to my honour, when I have any choice in the matter. Suffice to say, I will endeavour to see you are treated as an equal there.
A little later after some thought he said-
So in a sense, Kelmarane is your home, then?
She rolls a shoulder in an uncomfortable shrug. "I have no home, no family. I was born here, but I have no memory of it, and any who might have been my neighbors are long dead. All I know of this place is that it is where my mother was slaughtered, and so I bear it no affection. I was never truly home on the savannah, either. I was born a halfling, not a human. No matter how many I slay in battle, my blood can never be that of the ancestors, nor will the Lions of years to come be of my bone and flesh. I am a branch cut off and discarded, with neither root in the past nor seed for the future."
The merchant smiles when Linah says she will join for free and smiles wider when Zeladiel mentiones half, the elf not well concealing his own need for haste.
The skinny man rubs his hands together. I had planned to offer 250 gold. The most I could offer is 450 gold total, for you to share as you will. Half now, half when we get to Katapesh.
The man seems genuine enough to you here. He seems like a small time operator clearly very pleased at the thought at travelling with the heroes of Kelmarane.
Arasmes and Nuveril head north out of Kelmarane, into the foothills that eventually form the mountains that the group so recently forged through.
It is soon apparent to the halfing that the noble is no hunter. Her first instinct is perhaps to scoff but she notes him processing and copying her actions with incredible speed. She finds the first trail sign, the scat of a mountain goat. Fine eating if it can be approached unawares.
But aping her movements, the noble finds the second.
And both find the third. From the feel you are close now and seperate, Arasmes circling around high with his bow while Nuveril works in from the side, a javelin in hand.
The skinny man rubs his hands together. I had planned to offer 250 gold. The most I could offer is 450 gold total, for you to share as you will. Half now, half when we get to Katapesh.
Zeladiel glances around quickly at the others, giving them a moment to protest, then forges on.
"The gods are with you. This one time your offer shall be accepted. We shall be ready to leave on the morrow."After the man leaves, Zeladiel turns to the others. "I thank you all once more for your assistance. And likewise I shall assist you all in your endeavours... if you wish it. The dangers we face will not be obvious, so I ask you all to tread carefully and restrain... where's Nuveril?"
Zeladiel sighs wearily. "I pray to Nethys that this is some low-life con artist prank and that I am wasting your time and concern. I shall be about, preparing, if any of you need me. Thank you."
Zeladiel spends the rest of the day unpacking, repacking and double checking everything is ready to leave. He constantly emerges every hour or two, looking for Nuveril, and Arasmes when he realises the scholar is also gone.
He sleeps fitfully throughout the night and is first at the departure point, arriving even before the caravan master. He stares down the familiar road towards Katapesh, absentmindedly cleaning the dirt from the exotic wood of his bow, then uproots himself every ten minutes to look nonchalantly for his companions before returning to stare down the road.
Arasmes and Nuveril make their way carefully along to the point where they spot their prey, a healthy male casually feeding on a clump of vegetation nestled in the cragy rocks.
Each is about 90' away, an easy enough shot from Arasmes's bow although a harder one for Nuveril's javelins. A miss or mere wound risks the animal's escape though, you could never hope to match it in the rough terrain.
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Radi seems extremely pleased, bowing in thanks and telling you to meet him two hours after dawn by the lower market.
It seems Arasmes and Nuveril will be some hours yet.
Nuveril looks expectantly at Arasmes.
Per
Init
Keeping to cover but not making her most stealthy approach ever, Nuveril only makes it a little way and is still thinking about what final movements to make when the animal seems to sense or smell her presence and immediately turns to bolt (away from both hunters).
Linah bids Radi farewell then heads to the Battle Market in hopes to find somebody who can help her plant a tree on the site Nuveril showed her earlier. If she can find what she's looking for Linah waits for Nuveril to retun asks the halfling if she would like to attent when the seed is planted.
If Linah is unable to find what she's looking for in time she will tell Kadisa about the site and ask him to see to it that a tree is planted. However the tree gets planted she will ask Kadisa to look after it.
@ Khalid, Should I go find the two of them? Although they might be bonding...hopefully she hasn't killed him by now... he says sarcastically...
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@ Khalid, Should I go find the two of them? Although they might be bonding...hopefully she hasn't killed him by now... he says sarcastically...
The inquisitor ponders Grall's question for a moment before responding, "Nuveril is a capable hunter, and she may become offended if she feels that she is being spied upon. On the other hand we do not know much about this Arasmes, so it may be prudent to check in on them. Please do so as subtly as possible, unless there is a need to be more overt, my friend."
Grall turns to his mate, Love of my life, please keep an eye on Khalid, I must check on ourrr newest watch...
Grall sniff's out their tracks...
Luckily they are not trying to hide their tracks...
(bullseye shot, deadly aim, range, partial cover)
(deadly aim)
The goat bolts sidewise, running like Asmodeus himself is at it heels and incidentally finding some part cover amongst the bushes and rocks.
Arasmes tracks it smoothly with his longbow though and his careful shot is a good one, the arrow ripping into the goat's lung. The animal takes another ten steps or so before collapsing with a feeble bleat.
Nuveril is on it soon after and swiftly dresses the kill. The goat will make a fine dinner.
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Linah is able to find what she is searching for without much fuss although she can feel the eyes of many of the townspeople on her. She has many allies though and after the events at the market noone is brave enough to accost her about the marvellous treasure.
The rest of you make preparations for your departure, Khalid sending word to Almah of your plans while Grall easily finds the hunter's trail.
Grall doesn't interrupt them or interact with them. As soon as he spots them he watches for a few minutes then heads back to camp.
Perhaps mindful that Nuveril is unlikely to be pleased at his concern, Grall verifies nothing untoward is happening from quite some distance before returning the way he came.
He finds Haleen preparing for the journey, the woman apparently not fully convinced that he isn't going to try and sneak off without her despite his request.
Used to changing his weapons more often than his garments, Grall finds, with some dismay perhaps, that his companion has procured him a new wardrobe and worse yet she expects him to take it with him.
Nuveril sizes up Arasmes' fine clothing before swinging the goat over her own shoulder by its legs, unworried about the addition of blood and hair to her leather armor and rough apparel. "You will have a fine feast to share tonight," she remarks, "if you can find someone to prepare it for you. The bird-woman in the old tannery is a good cook, if you don't fear her kind."
Linah gathers what she needs and holds a small cermony for the tree commemorating the selfless act of the unknown woman. When she is done the cleric visits the temple for what she thinks is the last time for a long while.
She tries to help Kadisa to the best of her ability set things in order before her departure. "I can feel that I leave the temple in capable hands. The town of Kelmare is lucky to have you", Linah tells the priest. "Please make sure that the tree we planted is tended for, and the memory it represents stays alive", she asks before leaving.