Xanxan nods to Aneira, and then chuckles at Beck's mention of less than effective potions.
"Thank you, Gabe."
"Indeed griffons are wondrous creatures, well except for horse breeders. I have never had a yearning to fly, but I can imagine what the air beneath wings could feel like, soaring in the sky."
”I like horses,” he says simply, his eyes turning away completely now, looking at the walls.
”I am a good rider… I enjoy riding,” he adds, thinking of the time when he would charge over the limitless plains that bordered northern Qadira and southern Taldor.
”I have never flown… I think flying would be liberating…”
"I am happy that your hunt was gainful. I am certain the butcher Perkin is grateful for your talent, as we all are."
He nods at Aneira's words.
”Thank you, ma’am.”
”Perkin likes fresh meat... Perkin says he prefers pork to deer… pork is a sweeter meat... But I did not see any boar in the highlands.”
He pauses, considering the butcher for a moment and remembers with some satisfaction the way Perkin was so generous with his foodstuffs… even to him.
His mind drifts a moment as he absently rubs the scars around his lower jaw.
His ears suddenly perk up at something, though.
"I will not stand for people secretly using love potions on each other in the village."
Shaking himself out of his musings he rolls his head a bit, easing the tension in the lower side of his neck; watching Aneira very carefully from the corner of his eye; certain she is not pleased at what happened.
A “love potion” is just another way to exert your will someone; that is disgusting. If you can’t earn someone’s love with your heart, then you don’t deserve it.
His ear hears clearly the concern in Aneira's voice and he nods to himself, understanding her concern.
Sliding an arrow from the quiver he lays it on the table by the cloth and stares at it for a moment.
He gingerly picks up the arrow and deftly begins to sharpen the head to a fine tip.
”Miss Whitestorm… if you want, I will take care of this problem for you… if you want it taken care of…” he says, concentrating on the arrow, not looking at her; but his voice is sincere.
A wise man remembers his friends and a good man will help them. If my friends need assistance, it is my duty to help them.
"In truth, Madame Theodora's potions work more out of positive thinking than actual efficacy. I wouldn't worry too much about them. She is far more wise in the ways of omens and signs. I DO worry that she says the birth and death of the two-headed cow is a sign, though she won't say of what. We should all be on our guard for the next few days for sure."
Coming from a self-proclaimed and openly practicing wielder of magic, such an admission that signs and omens might have merit could be worrisome indeed. However Venja doesn't seem overly troubled by said proclamation of doom. She just shrugs and smiles.
"I DO worry that she says the birth and death of the two-headed cow is a sign, though she won't say of what. We should all be on our guard for the next few days for sure."
As Gabryjel waits for Aneira to answer, he hears Venja’s words about omens.
I am no loremaster – but do not the Fey account moon cycles as potent?
Seven days from the death of this calf the moon shall be veiled; for on the seventh day of this month there will be no moon in the sky.
He considers things for some time, still waiting for Aneira’s request on how to deal with the potion-monger.
But now his mind is distracted by the beautiful Venja.
"A beast with two heads could be a blessing... two heads means it has twice the eyes to see... but this calf was born dead,” he says, pausing to cough somewhat then clears his throat a bit.
”A child born dead sees nothing… a dead child with two heads sees twice nothing...”
His eyes narrow a bit as he thinks what that sign could mean, if indeed it was a sign.
”Darkness is coming in the sky… Those who are born with gifts to see cannot see what comes... death has come for them…” he adds; his heart now agreeing with Venja's sentiments.
Death has come for this beast... it may come for others...
He shrugs at the thought then takes another arrow from his quiver and begins to sharpen the head.
"Gabe, she wasn't born dead, she died shortly after birth, but the omens would be bad either way, I'm sure. Two-headed births, either in cows, or kittens, are a bad sign, worse if it is a snake, as the snakes frequently survive in such cases." She shrugs and takes a sip of her cider, then shudders slightly at the thought of such signs. Could mean anything...
"And here I feared I might get bored."
"But the omens would be bad either way, I'm sure." She shrugs and takes a sip of her cider, then shudders slightly.
He nods at Venja.
She is wise in these matters… that is a good thing.
He considers her words for a moment.
”Either way it is dead,” he says with a grunt.
He picks up another arrow, and begins to sharpen the tip delicately.
As he continues to work, he deliberately ignores Aneira’s eyes; wondering if she will want him to take of things with this potion vendor, or not...
”But now that death has come, if it is an omen… we should be watchful,” he adds thoughtfully.
Variel listens to the conversation of omens but without much to comment on. If indeed it was an omen then there would be trouble and nothing they did would prevent it. Likewise if it I wasn't an omen then there was nothing to worry about. Until they knew either way Variel would just take each day as it came. Why would there be any trouble here of all places anyways. The worst they had was the occasional wolf or stray goblinoid that could be run off or defeated and that was hardly a problem.
When Aneira replied about crafting a set of items for her and Venja Variel nodded quietly. Perhaps a matching set for the two of you. I will start as soon as I know what your preference is or I can attempt to make something and surprise you once finished. It will take me a while to get it right so pardon any tardiness on it. With that Variel lapses into a bit of a silence as he starts contemplating what Venja would like. Aneira would be easy to figure out after all these years. Venja would be more difficult.
Aneira took omens rather seriously, and if Old Mother Theodora said that the birth and death of the two-headed calf had been a true sign, then she would heed the elder woman. Gabe's dire proclamation of Darkness is coming in the sky sent shivers along her skin. "We must be watchful and prepared." The serious turn of their conversation was unexpected but not without merit.
Upon Gabe's inquiry regarding the issue of the love potion, Aneira was swayed by Venja's and Beck's assurances that the potion would do naught much to its intended. "Nay, Gabe. For now, we simply watch and observe. Thank you for offering your services, however. I will defer to Venja's opinion on the matter. I am prone to easier misgivings some days. My apologies."
When Beck referenced her by Variel's private pet name for her, Aneira wondered what reaction it would garner from her husband. She subtly turned to look upon Variel's face and then answered Beck's question, "I have been running errands and speaking to a few of the head villagers. There was a dispute on one of the farms that required my softer touch, but that is all." Upon the question of needing more supplies/herbs from the woods, Aneira asked Venja, "Do we have enough to last us for a while or should we stock up?" Aneira thought about the omen again and wondered if they should indeed stock up on everything they required before they ran out of time.
A matching set? It seems apt for the two friends and workmates.
"I think a matching set is appropriate, husband. For my own weapon, I will leave the choice to you -- Surprise me." There was a twinkle in Aneira's eyes after speaking the last two words.
"I have some for now, and of course Tesseraea keeps a stock of herbs and other such supplies as well. Perhaps we should check with her before we run off into the woods to find more? But if we do need to go, mayhap Beck and Gabe would accompany us, one to help us find the herbs, and the other for protection?"
At the mention of Miss Willowbark and her apothecary shop, Venja began to wonder what the alchemist thought of all these omens and signs.
Variel heard the remark and familiar name that Beck used with his wife. While it grated on him something fierce Variel choked down his drink refraining from saying anything. Now was not the time nor the place. Perhaps he would talk to Beck later and let him know that it was ok if Variel used that name and Venja but no other male was to use it. Then again, it was not a surprise that he would as Variel himself uses it openly. Perhaps Variel would have to watch his words more carefully to avoid that. That was the best course, tell Beck not to use it and then not use it himself in front of the others.
Why certainly...wife. I shall find the right item for your use that complements your skills and personality.
She was impressed with Variel's control over his anger and words. She noted Variel's quick glance toward the tiefling followed by his silence.
"You always do, beloved", she sincerely returned to Variel.
Then to Venja, "Aye, we should check in with Mistress Tessaraea, possibly upon the morrow, and then organise a trip into the woods with Beck and Gabe, if they would be kind enough to join us." She smiled at the two men in question.
"Nay, Gabe. For now, we simply watch and observe. Thank you for offering your services, however. I will defer to Venja's opinion on the matter. I am prone to easier misgivings some days. My apologies."
He lifts the arrow from the table and his eyes narrow and he stares at it carefully.
”Alright,” he says with a nod and rubs the remaining grit away from the edge and slides it into the quiver.
"Do we have enough to last us for a while or should we stock up?"
He turns to look at the patrons for a moment.
”What herbs do we need? Tell me, I will get them,” he says, pausing a moment to reach for his drink.
His legs feel restless and he is eager to move.
The tavern is fine; but it reminded him of the perpetual paradox which plagued him.
When he had been in the wild he felt alone and longed for companionship. Yet when he returned he was constantly wanted to leave.
There was freedom in the wild; freedom to hunt and do what made him feel alive.
He turned away from the others and considered again the thing that made him feel most alive.
Then he pondered the nature of paradoxes.
Aneira noted Gabe's enthusiasm to go back out into the open, into the woods. She did not begrudge him this.
"Venja made a good point that we should ask the apothecary first before venturing out. As soon as we have spoken to Tess, we will let you know, Gabe. Thank you for offering your services."
The gnome listens to the chatter of others with a smile on his face, his head bobbing back and forth between the conversational tides. "Ah, good company this."
"But if we do need to go, mayhap Beck and Gabe would accompany us, one to help us find the herbs, and the other for protection?"
Gabryjel feels the scar tissue tighten somewhat around his lip as he cannot avoid smiling a little at the angelic looking girl who spoke to him.
”I can help you find herbs… I will not let anything hurt you,” he says.
Hearing Aneira's words as well, he nods.
He pulls himself to his feet and slings his bow over his shoulder, his head cocking to the side.
”If you want, I can go find the herbalist and talk to her now… if you need herbs, I will get them from her for you,” he says, turning from Aneira to address Venja, waching her carefully.
"No need to rush out, Gabe. Tess will be there later. I don't think we're planning on venturing out today regardless. Let's just relax here and enjoy each other's company a bit. It's been too long since we've all gathered at the same time, what with you out hunting for a few days and Variel ever busy at the forge. Why don't you tell us about this trip you just took... I know you brought down a fine deer, but did you encounter anything else while out and about?"
Meanwhile, she starts putting together a list of herbs she needs for her healing business in her head, especially willow bark, cayenne, ginseng, feverfew and echinacea.
"No need to rush out, Gabe. Tess will be there later. I don't think we're planning on venturing out today regardless. Let's just relax here and enjoy each other's company a bit. It's been too long since we've all gathered at the same time, what with you out hunting for a few days and Variel ever busy at the forge. Why don't you tell us about this trip you just took... I know you brought down a fine deer, but did you encounter anything else while out and about?"
The energy that motivated him to his feet ebbs slightly, confusion marring his movements.
”I… yes; you are right, Miss Venja,” he says after a moment of hesitation.
Slowly taking his bow from his shoulder he props it gently against his chair and lowers himself into it, avoiding their collective gaze, feeling somewhat nervous at the sudden attention.
After a moment of silent reflection he masters his concerns and speaks.
”The trip was good... there was a fresh wind from the west…"
"I rode that way for perhaps twenty leagues into the low-lands and hills… I rode for nearly twelve hours without stopping.”
”There were other places to hunt, but I wanted to ride… I like to ride.”
He thinks of the craggy outcropping near some modest tree cover that he saw.
”I saw some signs of smoke, as if from a campfire."
"I rode to the smoke; I knew it had to be foreigners… the smoke rose too high."
He clears his throat a bit, the strain from the long talking causing him to rasp a bit.
"A native would not have let the fire smoke so high... that was not safe.”
”When I got there I found a small wagon. There were three men and one woman.”
”The men were dead already; but the woman was not yet dead.”
His head cocks to the side, thinking a bit.
”There were six goblins nearby; they were looting the wagon and I killed them.”
”The men were dead. I could not help the woman.”
His eyes raise to look at the beams above.
”I followed the goblin trail for maybe six leagues to a cave; there were seventeen males inside, and five females.”
”They were of the tribe who made the raid; so I killed them, too.”
He says nothing for time, as if considering something.
”I searched their remains… there was nothing useful.”
”I dragged the bodies from the cave and burned them.”
He pauses a bit, rubbing the side of his jaw absently.
"By then it was near nightfall... I rode two leagues south and made camp near an oak glade.”
"At dusk I saw the griffons… they flew near the oak glade and killed sheep... I did not want to kill them, so I did not.”
"Then they left to go back to the hills."
He looks up at Venja for a moment.
”When the moon rose I saw near my camp a Fey circle… I did not see it at dusk… at night it glittered like starlight.”
”It was very pretty… I think you would have liked it.”
He thinks of what he saw at the circle, and the rest of that night, but says nothing… reliving some memories, even beautiful ones, can be hard sometimes, for to see something beautiful that is no longer there, except in memory…
Shaking himself from his musings, he reaches absently for his knife to sharpen it. Then he remembers that he had already sharpened it and his hands fall to patting his clothing absently.
”I rose at dawn… I rode back to the village.”
”I did not push my horse that day; we rode slower.”
”Last night I saw a buck by a stream. I let it drink before I killed it.”
”I worked into the night and skinned and cleaned it… today I slept late… I was less then five leagues from home and I gathered my things and came back,” he adds.
He looks away, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye for a moment.
He starts to open his mouth to speak, but then closes it.
”I think you would have liked the Fey circle,” he eventually says again, his voice a bit more soft.
She gives Gabe an appraising look. The dour young human was not known for much exaggeration, but was he jesting with her or serious? "You were very lucky to have killed so many goblins. They can be fierce opponents in such numbers. I'm sorry you were unable to save the travelers though."
"I'm sure I would have loved to have seen your faerie circle, such a sight is a rare thing indeed. THough such circles can be menacing, it sounds like the one you found must have been benign. I'll bet it was lovely."
"It sounds like you had a much more exciting three days than it's been in town. Things here have mostly been very quiet, just business as usual, you could say." She doesn't actually sound disappointed that things were relatively quiet. "I'm glad those goblins didn't come to town in your absence. Though I'm sure Variel and the other town fighters would have done an excellent job protecting us, your presence would have been sorely missed."
Venja sighs and reaches down, idly scratching the scruff of Snow's neck. She whispers as much to herself as Gabe. "While excitement can be quite invigorating, I fear this town isn't suited to too much of it."
"You were very lucky to have killed so many goblins. They can be fierce opponents in such numbers. I'm sorry you were unable to save the travelers though."
Gabryjel shakes his head at he words.
”No; not luck. They were not were not good fighters… I killed first their chief… the others ran… it was easy to kill them when they ran… they did not have bows,” he adds with a frankness.
"I'm sure I would have loved to have seen your faerie circle, such a sight is a rare thing indeed. THough such circles can be menacing, it sounds like the one you found must have been benign. I'll bet it was lovely."
He nods after a moment.
”Yes… Fey folk can be very dangerous… they use magic to kill… but some are very good… I did not see any Fey, just the circle… I left an offering of bread… I had brandy in my pouch to sleep better with… I left that, too… Fey folk like offerings… food and wine are good… perhaps that pleased them.”
["It sounds like you had a much more exciting three days than it's been in town. Things here have mostly been very quiet, just business as usual, you could say."
"I'm glad those goblins didn't come to town in your absence. Though I'm sure Variel and the other town fighters would have done an excellent job protecting us, your presence would have been sorely missed."
He frowns a moment, thinking.
”I was nearly sixty leagues away… that is more than one-hundred and fifty miles… it is a long journey on foot… I do not believe they would come, even if I didn’t kill them… Sixty leagues is a long journey… I rode very long and fast… I like to ride…”
He thinks about her comment about the town and peace, and scratches his chin lightly.
”It is not bad that the town was quiet… peace is a good thing,” he says after a moment of thought, his voice sincere.
"While excitement can be quite invigorating, I fear this town isn't suited to too much of it."
Gabryjel nods.
”It could be better defended… a trench could be made around it; and a fence by the trench… And a well could be sunk in the armory… at least a cistern to hold water would be good… “
He looks at her for a moment, thinking a bit.
"Would you feel safer if there was a trench made and a wall... Or do you want other things to happen first?” he asks, not sure it the angelic girl really wished for more defenses, or if she was merely thinking aloud on possibilities.
Not sure on her intentions he will wait for an answer; certain that if she wants help, he will do whatever it is she needs.
As he waits he takes another sip of the cider.
"Once I killed Seven with one blow!" The gnome states, then adds, "Flies that is, not goblins. So good job, Gabryjel."
"As for our little town, Venja... maybe trouble is coming, maybe not. Gnomes love interesting times, but I notice human towns don't welcome them. If interesting times are coming, we're amazing folk, we'll find a way."
Garbryjel turns his gaze from Venja and regards Xanxan with a serious look.
”I do not like flies much, either… sometimes a creature does something and it should be killed… the same can be true with anything that lives,” he says after a moment.
He ponders Xanxan’s other sentiment about "interesting" verse "troubling" times.
Interesting times are best defined after the fact, not during the event. Only when the end is seen can the truth of a quality be best known. To a call a man “good” or “evil” is not fair, until he has the chance to conclude his business. Until that time how do we really know if he is good or bad, or merely pretending to be?
He sips his cider and considers Xanxan’s wisdom.
”I think things are interesting when we look behind… when we look ahead they can be exciting… but how we see the moment?” he adds, letting the sentence hang, thinking.
”I think the moment is not good or bad… In the moment we do not think, we only feel… After the task is done, we can name it "interesting" or "troubling"…. but those are only words…”
He opens his mouth a bit, stretching the muscles near his jaw.
”Killing is not bad… when it is a fly.”
”Killing is not good… when it is murder.”
”But a fly and murdered man will still be dead… why should the dead care what word his killer uses?”
He shrugs.
"Some of the questions you ask, I imagine only Pharasma knows," Xanxan replies
Variel listens but does not join in the talk about the killing of goblins and the strange things that may come to their home. Idle chatter and nothing productive about it. He does nod his appreciation towards venja when she mentions him helping out to defend the town though. Instead of joining the conversation Variel gets up and goes to get a couple bowls of the stew that has simmered over the fire. Bringing them back he sets one down by Anee and the other for himself. As is his custom, Variel closes his eyes and thanks the gods for the day and the good food and his wife. Once done with his reflectin and thanks he leans back and slowly eats the stew listening to the others for a while.
"... I imagine only Pharasma knows," Xanxan replies
Gabryjel looks at Xanxan, his head cocking slightly, turning his left side away from the gnome to fix him with the side of his face that his not scarred.
”Perhaps you are right… I have never asked her,” he says after a moment.
He watches Xanxan for a little while, his eyes roaming over the cheerful expanse of the gnome’s friendly smile, suddenly remembering why he liked him so much.
He has walked many journeys, but his eyes are as alive as a newborn babe. No care sits on his brow and no worry mars his face.
He says nothing for a moment, watching the gnome.
”You say your kind finds a way… that is a good thing,” he says after a long moment.
”It is good to survive challenges… to persevere… I admire that,” he says sincerely, doing his best to compliment Xanxan.
"Thank you, Gabe, kind of you to say. You humans do all right, with your empires and kingdoms everywhere and all." He winks.
Venja listens quietly, sipping her drink, not being a heavy drinker. Gabe's words about killing and murder had put her in a black humor and she had little to add to the current conversation. Such subjects seemed perhaps too dark to bring up at a friendly gathering. He was a good soul, she'd learned over time, but sometimes he spoke of things at odd times.
When Gabe brings up humans and their empires and kingdoms, she smiles. It WAS after all a common tendency to try to consolidate power, but not just among humans. She'd seen it many times before and heard tales of great empires of the past and present.
"Oh come, Xan, other races have their kingdoms too. Humans are not the only ones who try to gather power. I suspect gnomes are just more subtle about it." She winks at Xanxan to show that, while quite serious on the topic, she really is just throwing out light-hearted banter, trying to counter her own dark mood.
"Thank you, Gabe, kind of you to say. You humans do all right, with your empires and kingdoms everywhere and all." He winks.
Gabryjel nods in polite return at Xanxan’s words even as he waits to hear Venja’s thoughts on better preparing the town for possible troubles with these dark omens.
He glances at her slightly and studies her face carefully.
Gabe's words about killing and murder had put her in a black humor and she had little to add to the current conversation.
"Humans are not the only ones who try to gather power." She really is just throwing out light-hearted banter, trying to counter her own dark mood.
Seeing that her eyes have grown somewhat frosty, he frowns a bit, the scar tissue molded better to frowning than smiling, and he considers her look.
She is a child of angels; her forefathers were children of the Light. To speak of the darkness of the grave surely dampens her spirits.
He knows it was his words that had brought her such an expression to her face.
Hearing her words he feels it is best to change the subject and observing her cue, he speaks to other lighter matters.
”All things crave power… power gives strength... if you are strong, you feel safe… feeling safe is a good thing…” he says nodding somewhat encouragingly toward the aasimaar.
"I agree, Gabe. And perhaps there is merit to your ideas of some kind of fortification for the town, but to date, we haven't needed it, being far too remote and small to come to the attention of any who mean us any real harm. True, that might not always be the case, and there might be some thought to the idea of being prepared just in case. Still, taking such steps might make it seem like there is more to protect here than there had been in the past, making us more of a target. So there are both pros and cons for being prepared."
"Perhaps this is something to take up with the town council and see what they would want to do and if they like your ideas, they will of course need to figure out how to fund such a project."
"I don't know about a trench or what that would do for the town, what with the type of fighting defense we have now, but a palisade wouldn't be a bad thing. I live on the edge of town and have never felt unsafe here, but if a threat came up, a palisade would definitely make me feel safer."
"Hee hee hee, a little gnomish empire would be a thing to see tho! I can imagine towering castle spreading out wider at the top then the base built that way just for the fun of making it. Flying machines and clockworks, a kingdom of artisans with hordes of treasure and junk everywhere! Some of the most gaudy fashions ever in those courts I'll bet. Ugh." He turns to Xanxan. "You have to admit, not all gnomes have your taste. Some look downright garish with no thought into colors, or too much thought but all bad ones. Like thinking more is better, so more color, patterns, styles, makes me dizzy thinking about it..."
Venja chuckles at Beck's fanciful imaginations of a gnomish kingdom. "Don't forget the fairly common explosions from all those failed inventions. I suspect there would be the occasional smoke and fire clouds rising from artisan shops all over the city."
She contemplates the crazy colors and designs such a city would sport and can't help but chuckle softly to herself. "Surely in the world such a place probably exists, or existed at some time. I think the world would be sadder and darker without such a kingdom in it."
Even if there is not a kingdom now, there may yet be one someday. Who knows, Xanxan might just start his own and rule it all. That way, Beck, he could enforce a dress code on everyone to make sure your cultural palate is sated. Variel interjects this between bites of food. Although in your presence he does finish chewing and swallows first before speaking. He does care what you think but maybe wouldn't worry about it so much in other company. That is one thing that Aneira has trained him on as well, to try and be polite around friends, on strangers though she hasn't quite gotten there yet with him.
"Oh certainly. It would be a wonderful place to visit, although sleep may take most some time to get used to," he adds, grinning at his talents for being able to sleep anywhere and through anything if he wanted to.
"Oh dear, if there was a gnome with my fashion sense poor Xanny would have palpatation every time he saw the fellow. can you imagine a gnomish passon for disheveled ragged-ness elevated to an art? smelling of at least fifty different treeses and flowers all at once? Perish the thought" he says with a chuckle, waving to refill his glass.
About the defenses, Beck comments, "I'd bet Ionnia'd be happy ta support something that'd make ya feel safer. Especially what with livin' on the far side of town. It's nice livin by the tower, idn't it Gaby, Mr. an' Missus Whitestorm? Although if there were an attack all the fighting would be at our doorstep what with the tower there, huh.." Beck considers for a minute then shrugging, "Then again I don't know much about how people fight. but if anyone did, oh, i'd give em a shellacking!" he adds, standing up as he quaffs the rest of his second drink and taking another swing! he nods at Variel with a nod. what beck lacks in skill and finesse, he makes up for in strength.
"Now now, first of all, I assure everyone there is no truth to the rumors that every human nation is under the secret control of the grand gnomish council." He assures them, "Secondly, yes, not all gnomes have my eye for fashion, but most of us DO have excellent taste in hats."
"Thirdly... if I ever ruled openly, it would require a lot more work than I care for." A wink
Gabryjel thinks about Venja’s words for a moment.
”The council may not wish walls…” he says slowly.
”But ramparts are nothing without men to defend them…”
He looks down at his boots for a moment, glancing at his spurs and his eyes light up.
”The council will not mind if we are watchful… I could ride to scout until the moon is gone.”
He points a blunt finger directly at Beck.
”He can come too, and his tiger.”
”She can smell blood in the air… and he knows the wild.”
”When they come they will help me very much,” he adds to Venja.
He feels pleased at the thought.
A man of action has an unsettled mood when he has no deed to do. Take up this task and the work shall give you direction and direction shall provide some peace for a time.
His eyes become unfocused and he stares somewhat ahead without really seeing.
”Miss Whitestorm asked if we should seek news from Miss Tess... that is good advice,” he said, coughing a bit, the long words causing him to rasp a bit.
He drinks some cider and feels a bit refreshed.
’If there are bad omens we should get a seer… we should divine their meaning… if trouble is coming, we should get ready,” he adds.
He takes another gulp of the cider and stares at the table.
”Miss Venja… I can stand to watch your house… if it would help.”
”If it will make you safer, I will do it,” he adds sincerely.
Venja smiles warmly at Gabe. "I'm sure my house is safe enough.. I'm not without defenses of my own, you know." She looks at him knowingly, fully aware of her own capabilities. "Besides if anything does threaten the town in the future, be sure that I will probably join most of the townsfolk in the town hall or the Stoat for communal protection. Besides, who or what might threaten us here in the hinterland? I fear no animal attacks of any kind, and bandits would find little to draw them here unless they seek fair trade from our shops."
"As for seeing Tess about the herbs, I'm in no rush. I'm sure we can approach her on the morrow and determine what, if anything, the town lacks. Once we know, we can arrange an outing to collect what we need. Tess may even want to accompany us. For today, I am content to enjoy the company in the tavern before retiring for the night."
"If you insist on prowling the outskirts of town tonight to protect us, you are of course welcome to do so, but you should get some rest. You are just returned from a three day trip and if we are to gather herbs tomorrow, you might want to be fresh and rested up."
Gabryjel frowns again, his eyes troubled.
”I don’t know what could threaten the town… I heard talk of dark omens… I would rather be cautious than dead…” he says slowly, worried about the town and its people for a moment.
When he hears Venja talking about seeking solace in the tavern or the meeting hall, his brow furrows a bit.
”Do not go to the tavern or meeting hall… not if the town is attacked.”
”Go to the armory.”
He indicates slightly behind him with a slow nod of his head, in the westerly direction of the town.
”It is on a high hill… It has tall and strong walls… It has space for all to gather…. If the town is attacked, it is safest there.”
He hears her last words.
”I did not insist on anything,” he says with a somewhat confused tone.
”I just wanted to help,” he adds.
Then he shrugs.
”But you are right… it was a long journey… It is better to rest now,” he says with a slow nod.
He turns his head slightly, his eyes flicking to her for a moment.
”I am glad to be home.”
”I am glad to see my friends again,” his face twisting into the awkward smile, his eyes lingering on Venja for a moment before he devotes his attention to his drink.
The night progresses uneventfully until 6 bells, just as Orillus begins ringing the bell, the door bursts open and a gust of unseasonably cold air rushes in, fluttering the drapes and making the candles and lanterns flicker, sending shadows across the walls. A figure stands in the doorway for a moment...before toppling over onto the ground. Rushing forward, you all are the first to reach him. You can see by his hair and dress that he is a very large Ulfen male with pale blonde hair and long full beard, all tied in thick braids. Turning him over you immediately are taken back by his visage. He has multiple cuts and bruises all over but the worst things are that his hands and nose are almost completely black.
Venja rushes to the man's side, and with help from the burly men of the group, turns him over. "Oh my! He's suffering from frostbite. How can this be.. it's not that cold out yet. Where could he have come from? She examines him quickly to determine if he still lives.
If he's still alive, she casts her one cure spell on him, hoping to bring him to consciousness.
Then she suggests getting him closer to the fire for warmth and tucks her shawl about him to preserve what little body heat he still has of his own.
[b]"We need a warm bath for him to bring his body temperature back up, quickly please," she calls to the innkeepers, as this is the best treatment for frostbite that she knows.
The night progresses uneventfully until 6 bells, just as Orillus begins ringing the bell, the door bursts open and a gust of unseasonably cold air rushes in, fluttering the drapes and making the candles and lanterns flicker, sending shadows across the walls.
Xanxan shivers at the intense breeze, "MY, that's colder than a witch's..." He realizes Venja's in the room, "A witch's very ice that she keeps in the basement like anyone else."
A figure stands in the doorway for a moment...before toppling over onto the ground. Rushing forward, you all are the first to reach him. You can see by his hair and dress that he is a very large Ulfen male with pale blonde hair and long full beard, all tied in thick braids. Turning him over you immediately are taken back by his visage. He has multiple cuts and bruises all over but the worst things are that his hands and nose are almost completely black.
Venja rushes to the man's side, and with help from the burly men of the group, turns him over. "Oh my! He's suffering from frostbite. How can this be.. it's not that cold out yet. Where could he have come from? She examines him quickly to determine if he still lives.
"Frostbite? In Taldor? My word."
"We need a warm bath for him to bring his body temperature back up, quickly please," she calls to the innkeepers, as this is the best treatment for frostbite that she knows.
"Can I do anything to assist?" The gnome asks
Venja spares a chuckle for Xan's almost-faux-pas at her expense, but keeps her attention on the patient for the most part. She does look at him and nods in agreement to his surprise that a man with frostbite should appear in Taldor. Especially an Ulfen man... they were from the far north... what was one doing here in Taldor?
Assuming the man is still unconscious, she replies, "Perhaps while we wait for the warm bath, you can go through his pockets and pouches to see if he has anything that might identify him and explain why a man from the extreme north should be here in Taldor."
to determine just how abnormal this weather is so I can properly freak out.
"Here, we'll use this too," Beck says, pulling off his tattered over-coat, shivering sightly. He then picks up the big Ullfan man and carries him to the hearth, "till they draw and heat the water"
"Maybe he's one of the Ulfen Guard, charged with protecting the Grand Prince himself? but even that would be rare in this little town." The gnome does as she suggests, searching the man's pockets and goods. Some might be surprised at how natural he makes it look.
Garbyjel looks at the man for a minute dispassionately.
His companions have things well in hand, as per expected.
Without a word he grabs his bow and charges outside, looking on the ground, searching the area to find where the man came from.
Pausing, he crouches near the earth and looks for any signs of tracks or evidence of his movements.
Given the relative size and weight of that man, I would venture he is roughly two-hundred and twenty to two-hundred and fifty pounds, perhaps... His gear is not local; so his boot prints should be heavy treads with unusual cut to them…
Stooping to the ground his eyes search it coldly.
He was badly wounded, there may be fresh blood. And the wounds semed strange. The others said it was from cold weather, but it is barely Arodus.... It may be that he was attacked by sorcery...
Saying nothing, his eyes raise slowly to look about him, searching the dimly lit streets.
Find his trail and you can back-track it to where he was assaulted. He may have other allies who lived, and there may be other enemies nearby…
Variel jumps up from the table when the doors crash open.rushing over Variel makes sure the is no one pursuing the man while he lets the healers do their thing. Not seeing anyone threatening Variel listens to hear what he can do to help. Not seeing much to do as Anee and Venja have it well it hand, all he does is cast prestidigitation to clean the blood off so the healers can see the wounds a bit clearer.
Venja, as you lay your spell upon the man, he begins to breathe easier but does not awaken. Your first thought is to take him to the Apothecary. Tessaraea is the best person in the town for healing injuries such as these.
Beck, there is no logical reason why this man would have frostbite like this at this time of year. The weather, at least in town, has been normal midsummer weather, even a little bit hot but nothing out of the ordinary.
Xanxan, you think you actually might recognize the man as being part of a Lady's caravan guard that passed through town from Oppara down to Zimar two weeks ago. They only stopped very briefly to water their horses before moving on. You only recognize him because one of the Lady's maids came in to buy pins and a bolt of cloth and you noted where she came from.
Gabe, you are unable to determine where the man came from due to the firmness of the ground, the multitude of tracks from all the people who walk around town, as well as the dim light of the moon.
"Instead of waiting for the warm bath, we should take him to Tess. Perhaps she can do something for him. If he still needs the warm bath, we can have it made up quickly when we get back."
Venja turns to the innkeeper and says, "Keep water boiling just in case but don't make up that bath just yet. Tess may be able to heal him without it."
"Can someone carry him please? He's far too heavy for me to handle alone."
Venja rises and heads for the door, hoping one or two of the men will pick up the fellow and bring him along to see Tess with her.
Xanxan pauses, "Wait, I think I recognize this fellow. There was a lady from Oppara, her caravan was on its way to Zimar, she had some guards, this fellow looks like one of them. One of her maids, lovely woman, bought a bolt of cloth from me." He gives the man another stare, "I'm almost sure of it."[/B]
If no one else takes up the task, he'll move to help lift the fellow, though the ulfen won't have much space between himself and the ground.
Wonder what an Ulfen was doing so far from home, but no time to speculate on that, let's get him to Tess and she what she can do for him. And even more puzzling is how he got in this state so far from the cold regions."
"Perhaps if Tess can help him and bring him 'round, we can ask him these things ourselves - what attacked him and how he ended up with frostbite and where his party is... and whatever else we can think of."