Venja seemed to have everything well in hand and Aneira did not want to get in her way after her initial examination of the Ulfen man. Aneira stood beside her and aided where she could.
At mention of taking the Ulfen to Tess, Aneira had a quiet word to Venya, "Would you like me to come along with you? I would aid you as best as I can but I do not want to get in the way once we are in Tess' store."
Aneira looked across to Variel with a perplexed look and wondered if this was a part of Old Mother Theodora's omens. She also wondered if any of the others in the caravan Xan spoke of had survived.
"I'd love it if you come, dear Anee... in fact maybe we should all go and hear what this man has to say when comes conscious. Aren't you all curious as to what he might tell us? I'm sure Tess has room for us all, her shop is rather spacious." She contemplates for a moment her own tiny little home and infirmary and shrugs to herself. It was a small town and really she didn't have need of more.
She heads out hoping the others will follow, bringing the patient along with them. Despite leading the pack so to speak, she stays as close as she can to the Ulfen man in Xan's arms.
"I would like to hear what he has to say, my friend. I will attend him, also."
In the past, if one of them had taken lead in a healing, the other provided aid and support where appropriate. And a harmonious and courteous working relationship existed to their mutual benefit.
Aneira looked to Variel once more before she moved behind Venja and exited The Silver Stoat.
"Venja, it is best you announce us to Tess upon arriving on her doorstep. We do not want to overwhelm her with all our faces and voices at once."
Venja was glad it was such a short way from the Stoat to Tess' shop, since Xan was shouldering the load of the large Ulfen man on his own. She knocked softly on the door, not wanting to surprise Tess, then a bit more loudly, as she called out. "Tess, it's Venja, Aneira and Xanxan.. we have a patient for you, sorely in need of healing. Help us, please."
As Xanxan lifts the man, Beck joins in to assist, lifting the fellow's torso without too much trouble, the gnoma able to make sure the fellow isn't dragged along. "Where do ya want us to set him down? this may be bad, there's no reason for it to be this cold, or for him to be frostbitten. Is it magic?" beck asks, clearly worried both about the man and even more about the weather.
As Xanxan lifts the man, Beck joins in to assist, lifting the fellow's torso without too much trouble, the gnome able to make sure the fellow isn't dragged along. "Where do ya want us to set him down? this may be bad, there's no reason for it to be this cold, or for him to be frostbitten. Is it magic?" beck asks, clearly worried both about the man and even more about the weather.
"I'll have to get my cold weather clothing. I haven't worn that in.. oh my, I don't know if I've ever worn it save for size."
While they wait, Xanxan states, "Ulfen in Taldor aren't unheard of, but their services as guardians don't come cheap. Amazing furs those people have, but they don't appreciate silks like they should. Trust me, those people would be a lot less warlike if they had a chance to sleep in silk night clothes."
Looking towards his wife, Variel nods he is coming along as well. I will stay by the doorway so I can hear what he may say if he awakes but I don't want to be in the way. If you need something or a runner I will go for either of you. Just let me know.
At Tess's house Variel does indeed try to stay out of the way and do what he is asked. Hopefully he can still hear what is going on if the man awakes.
Tessaraea opens the door quietly, in her usual manner. Looking at you all she silently gestures to the table in the side room. She is a quite beautiful half-elf and moves with the well known elven grace as she bustles about. Looking him over, she turns and begins to pound herbs into powder before pouring them into a small cauldron bubbling away. As she pours the various powders in, the concoction turns from a deep shade of purple through red before finally settling on a bright orange and turning into a jelly like consistency. She begins to smear the goop on his nose and hands before removing his boots and doing the same to his blackened feet.
Turning to you all, Tessa finally says in her soft and somber voice How did you come by him?
Aneira felt calmer after the acknowledgement from her husband. His strength and presence had that effect on her.
"I will advise you once we know more from Tess. Variel? Please keep watch in case another such as he, pointing to the frostbitten Ulfen, stray into the village proper. Thank you, beloved."
"He stumbled into The Silver Stoat at 6 bells, Tess."
Speaking aloud but to none in particular, "From my own examination, I determined he was in the advanced stage of frostbite. That would have meant he had been exposed to frigid temperatures, ice and snow for at least four hours." Aneira's voice trailed off softly as she was contemplating the timing and the weather conditions.
As you wish, dear.
Variel keeps an alert eye out for any other stragglers to come in but also listens in case he is called to run and grab something from eith their house or Venja's.
Standing up from the ground, Gabryjel looks at the ground critically.
Too much traffic on the streets… I can’t find the tracks worth a damn…
His bow is currently loose in his hands when he sees the folk leave the tavern to go find some healing for the man.
Gabryjel follows them a short distance back, watching the are for any signs of trouble.
He’s not sure if there’s any enemies around and damned the fact that he had no one to help him with the tracks.
Enough of your whining… it was your duty to find the tracks; you failed. So it was your failure, not anyone else’s.
Gripping his bow tighter, he waits until he gets outside the door of this herbalist, then stands post there.
Noticing Variel is standing next to him, he nods briefly at the elf; his eyes on the road, face expressionless.
As Variel stands at the door, Gabryjel turns to the house itself and eyes it critically, wondering if he can climb it to get a better view for any threats, but instantly dismisses the idea.
With nothing better to do, he stands watch.
Until Miss Tess is willing to do her job we have nothing to do but wait.
Rolling his head back and forth on his shoulders he knocks an arrow and keeps his eyes open.
Tess nods and says Summon Elder Safander. This man is going to need long term care to repair this damage. He is going to be bedridden for at least a few weeks. The man suddenly comes to blinking around with wild eyes he says in a voice that sounds like rocks banging together Where am I?! I have to get to Lady Argentea! You've got to help me. He begins struggling to get up but Tess holds him down easily. The man seems to have no strength left. Quiet down now sir or I will have to sedate you. He stops struggling and looks at you all standing around him.
Lady Aregentea? There are others in trouble.
Aneira did not want to push the wounded man but she had to ask before the remainder of his energy ebbed completely away. She gently enquired,
"You are in Heldren, in southern Taldor. Where is your lady?"
Variel hears the commotion but stays out until called for. It was better that the healers be inside with the man until he could calm down. Too many people and he could become more agitated. If they needed help he was just a few steps away.
"Tess, if he remains still, can he answer a few questions for us? Do you think that would tax him too much?"
She turns to the others... nods to the menfolk then turns her attention to Gabe standing just outside the door. "You seem anxious for something to do, Gabe. Perhaps you can summon the Elder for Tess?" She seems somewhat reluctant to ask, but someone has to go and Gabe always seems at the ready for some kind of action.
Where am I?! I have to get to Lady Argentea! You've got to help me. He begins struggling to get up but Tess holds him down easily. The man seems to have no strength left. Quiet down now sir or I will have to sedate you. He stops struggling and looks at you all standing around him.
"Lady Argenta, THAT was what the maid called her mistress." Xanxan snaps his fingers in memory. Then speaks, "Easy fellow, you won't be able to pass on the knowledge we need to save your lady if you pass out again."
The man looks at Aneira and says, "She was taken. We thought they were just bandits at first. Outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south."
"So you are Ulfen Guard?" The gnome asks intrigued
Cold Fey of the north? What in Erastil's name is he talking about?
As much as Variel wants to rush in and start asking questions he waits and lets those with the personality to extract information do so without his abrupt nature coming into play.
My name is Yuln Oerstag and I am Ulfen and I am a guard...but I am not Ulfen Guard. I do not nor have I ever, protected the bearer of the Primogen Crown.
"Nice to meet you, Yuln. I'm Xanxan, and don't feel bad.. I've never protected the bearer of the Primogen Crown either," He says in a supporting tone, "Now where were you exactly when everything went higgilty piggilty? Maybe we can start there and look for your lady from that spot."
Venja has questions as well, but waits for Yuln to answer Xanxan before asking them, so as not to overwhelm the man.
"Wait, that's what this cold is, the doing of a wintertouched fey?" Beck asks, as his shivers, less out of cold and more some deep-seated discomfort. "What kind of creature was it? can you describe it?"
Beck glances at Venja and Aneira, as wintertouched themselves in a way with worry, "It is wyrdly cold right now. Think that's the Fey, that it followed or is this chill left over or something? I don't like it. not natural"
Gabryjel straightens his back a bit, easing the muscles.
He hears of the words of this outsider and frowns.
If he had been attacked then it would be wise to send scouts.
I would take a horse and ride hard out on those who would stray so close to threaten this place.
But I fear that will not happen… at least, not tonight.
With little else to do he keeps his eyes on the dark houses near him, watching the streets and the shadows equally.
Aneira motions for Variel to draw closer to her inside the room.
Aneira's hears Becks question to Yuln Oerstag and listens intently (and for now quietly) for the description of the fey which attacked him and his caravan after the initial outlaws were defeated by the guards.
Gabryjel turns from the darkness and moves into the room.
He moves inside the light and looks at the man on the table.
Then he moves past to the man at the table.
”The streets are clean of enemy; I found no tracks.”
His eyes flick to the others briefly; but they linger on Venja for a moment.
”If he is able to speak we could ask him where he was attacked…”
”I could ride there now… if you like?” he says to her.
He looks to Beck.
”Beck could come; his tiger would smell the blood I cannot see,” he says with a nod at Beck.
”And any else who wished it,” he adds glancing around.
”If you would like to come.”
Sensing that Gabe did not hear Venja ask him to go find Elder Natharen Safander, Aneira moved closer to Venja and quietly informed her that she would go find the cleric and return with him forthwith to save time.
As Aneira moved to the door, she advised her husband where she was headed and who she was seeking in the village.
"I will go alert the cleric and ask him to join us at the apothecary. I will not be long, husband", standing on tiptoe and kissing Variel softly on the cheek.
Aneira casts light on her dagger and holds it before like torch. She swiftly crosses the town square and heads to the Safander's home. She knocks and gently calls, disclosing her identity.
"I am sorry for the evening interruption. This is Aneira Whitestorm. Elder Safander, your services are required at the apothecary for there is an injured Ulfen man suffering from severe frostbite. Mistress Tessaraea has bid me come and bring you to her."
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Yuln responds as best he can with eyes heavy with exhaustion, he seems to be holding unconsciousness at bay by sheer force of will. I know not what the cold comes from only that it came on suddenly. As for what attacked us, the wintertouched are tiny sprite like creatures that have sworn service to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. No taller than the length of a man's forearm, but don't be fooled by their small stature. They fight like devils, legends say that they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter itself.
He coughs a bit at this point before continuing. The attack began about six miles south of here on the road to Zimar. Once they took her I followed them as far as I could into the snow and ice before barely escaping myself and riding here for help. That is all I know however. Please you have to help her!
At this point he seems to have exhausted himself and he passes out. Tess looks at you all and says There's nothing more you will be able to get out of him this night. He needs to rest.
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Elder Safander opens the door with a smile, the man, looking more like a ranger than a priest, hustles out with you as soon as you mention that there is a wounded man.
Both of you arrive back to find Yuln has just passed out. Elder Safander moves over to the man with Tess and begins to minister to the mans wounds with care.
They both look at you all and say politely but firmly that Thank you all for your help but we can take care of him for now. Perhaps you should go and speak with Ionnia as this man's tale needs to be investigated.
"You're right, of course Elder." Venja moves to leave with the others and find IOnnia. She turns to her friends. "He said he followed them into the snow and ice... where would he find snow and ice six miles south of Heldren? After we speak with Ionnia, perhaps we should investigate this."
Gabryjel ponders the words about the Fey.
He knew that Fey existed in the deep mountains and wildlands – but the Fey he had met were kindly sorts; they were not dangerous, except to those who invaded their land and profaned their sacred places.
Fey are not evil; indeed – the word “Fey” means “Fell” – or “Deadly” – for if a mortal interferes much with a Fey they may die. But they are not evil unto themselves… at least, not the one’s I have met…
He looks at the man for a moment, wondering what really happened in the wild.
His woman has been assaulted and was in their power?
Perhaps he does not speak of those such as the Pixies or Sprites or Nyads and Dryads… perhaps he speaks of darker aspects of the Fey… but even so; why should they seek to harm men unless men came first to harm them? They are not some monster that seeks to eat men’s flesh for amusement…
Still… there are stories of dark Fey, or evil Fey… of creatures of cruel and wicked intent… Do you not remember that guide who healed your party? The gray-eyed man who was partial to Erastil? He seemed to have the Second Sight and warned of Dark Fey. Indeed, he warned of many things and was wise in the ways of lore... Aye; I think he may have had the Second Sight indeed, for did he not warn your captain to beware certain Fey? He spoke of it clearly… I remember; his words were – ‘Beware the Old Man Willow’ – he was right to offer his warning… the massacre happened at the very foot of that ancient Willow Grove… Fey did not do that, but his warning was good... and he warned also of Dark Fey as well... I should remember that lore and wisdom, and his warnings...
In any case, Gabryjel has no particular interest in saving a woman he never met and risking his life for people he did not know.
However; if there were indeed threats less than two leagues from their village, they must be dealt with – and soon.
Those threats could be moving even now north in the cover of darkness.
Still – to confront the Fey; at night?
In such a venture I would think there is small chance of success… certainty of death…
As he looks keenly at the others he hears Venja's words and nods at her wisdom.
To him, the matter was now decided.
”Well... what are we waiting for?” he asks, now eager to take action.
He coughs a bit at this point before continuing. The attack began about six miles south of here on the road to Zimar. Once they took her I followed them as far as I could into the snow and ice before barely escaping myself and riding here for help. That is all I know however. Please you have to help her!
Xanxan nods, "We will save her, ser if she can be saved. And her maids too...It's what tailors do when there are no proper knights for miles"
”Well... what are we waiting for?” he asks, now eager to take action.
"What is ALWAYS worth waiting for, Gabe. Proper attire!" the gnome will rush to his house without a word, but soon return wearing a cold weather outfit. Made of furs and odd skins, it makes the gnome look a bit like a fuzzy caterpillar with arms
Seeing Anee motion for him, Variel steps inside and waits just behind her. His hand resting on her shoulder in comfort and support. When she turns to tell him where she is going and gives him a kiss goodbye, he returns it gladly. Be careful. We don't know what else is out this evening.
He sighs a bit when she returns safe and resumes his place behind her to stay out of her way if she has other things she needs to do to help the man. He fills her in on what was said while she was gone.
When talk turns to inspecting this attack and possible snow, Variel looks at the sky. It would be dark soon. If we are to leave then we should hurry before the sun is down and we can't see any more. Let me go grab our traveling gear and then I will be ready to go. If what he says is true about such snow and cold conditions, Xanxan do you have any traveling gear for such as myself to purchase from you? Thinking of his money on hand and how short he may be to purchase a full outfit, Or at least some warmer blankets?
Seeing Anee motion for him, Variel steps inside and waits just behind her. His hand resting on her shoulder in comfort and support. When she turns to tell him where she is going and gives him a kiss goodbye, he returns it gladly. Be careful. We don't know what else is out this evening.
He sighs a bit when she returns safe and resumes his place behind her to stay out of her way if she has other things she needs to do to help the man. He fills her in on what was said while she was gone.
When talk turns to inspecting this attack and possible snow, Variel looks at the sky. It would be dark soon. If we are to leave then we should hurry before the sun is down and we can't see any more. Let me go grab our traveling gear and then I will be ready to go. If what he says is true about such snow and cold conditions, Xanxan do you have any traveling gear for such as myself to purchase from you? Thinking of his money on hand and how short he may be to purchase a full outfit, Or at least some warmer blankets?
"Mmm, let me check my inventory..." And the gnome seems to pull a list from nowhere.
"I know there was a Cold one a while back, so I ya don't got extre cold gear, there'll be some at the General store, I know. I got mine, but they don't look so pretty. An Var, I can spot you a coupe coins, been savin for a rainey day, figure a snowey one counts too, eh?"
There's 5 outfits in the store, and if we got coin we can upgrade. Can't see the map, bit iirc Ionnia runs the store? So we can gather there next and stock up?
"What is ALWAYS worth waiting for, Gabe. Proper attire!" the gnome will rush to his house without a word, but soon return wearing a cold weather outfit. Made of furs and odd skins, it makes the gnome look a bit like a fuzzy caterpillar with arms
"You think it will be very cold... not just magic?" he asks curiously, his eyes narrowing at the thought of this strange concern for freezing magic.
You are no magi; you do not know the true powers of these spells. If the others feel this gear is best; then it would be wise to take your gear as well. The better you are equipped, the safer you will be.
He thinks a moment and decides.
I can have my full kit backed in less than twenty minutes, as well as saddle a horse, if they'll lend us one. When they ride, I will be ready.
"If we are to do this, let us not waste time."
"Let us act now."
"Will we take horses?" he asks the others, knowing that time is short.
Pausing he recalls that first his companions needed to meet with the local citizenry for some matter.
Grunting a bit to himself at these niceties, he at least takes one piece of comfort in knowing that while they talk tonight it means that he and his companions will be able to rest easy until dawn and have the time to pack whatever gear they feel is best for this mission.
As for searching for this northman's woman?
Her fate is in the hands of the gods - sometimes they were merciful, other times they were not...
He would find soon enough.
"Well I'll head to Ionnia's palace now, and you can get your things. I keep my stuff packed already anyway." Beck says as his contribution to the group. Then he Sprints on his twisted legs, over to Ionnia's.
He tells her of the Ulfen and Fey winter spirits and asks "Can we afford to wait or will we loose the spirits and bandits? And could we even beat em if we tried? I dunno 'bout em but I don't like what they done to the weather..." he'll work with her to try to get information about the threat, I guess
Xanxan, since it's the middle of summer you only have one set of human size cold weather gear in the shop although you do have two in the works for winter when it comes but those are probably at least a week or so before they would be finished to your satisfaction.
Vivallia Steranus is the proprietor of the General store. She definitely has several sets of cold weather gear in the general store and you might convince her to part with them at a discount for a worthy cause like this. That said you know Vivallia and she definitely will not give them away for free.
-------------------------------------
Ionnia opens the door and says Come in all of you. I was expecting you. Zaarida came by and mentioned that an Ulfen guard stumbled into town with severe frostbite. It corroborates a few reports I've gotten today that I had dismissed but now perhaps were true. Old Man Dansby claimed that half his crops were destroyed by a sudden frost. I thought perhaps he was just angling to get a stipend from the council, you all know how he can be. Then Dryden Kepp, you know him Gabe right? I have seen you two go hunting together on occasion. Well he came into town not two hours ago claiming that he saw a giant Weasel up on the High Ridge in the Border Forest to the south. Well when no one believed him he went right back out looking to trap the supposed beast. As you know Beck, Giant Weasels like that aren't known in these parts and tend to remain up north. Now as for Lady Argentea, we need to see that she is rescued. We can't have noblewomen being kidnapped near our town. The Taldoran nobility would not look kindly on it and we depend upon them in Oppara and Zimar to buy our crops and game. They are a fickle lot and could start buying their goods other places and our town would suffer something fierce. You know we are a small community and I have no one else to turn to. Would you help your town by going out and figuring where this weather is coming from and if you can, rescue Lady Argentea?
"Obviously I can't go alone, but if the others will go, so will I. I'm sure Gabe will, as he seems anxious for some action." Venja turns to the others, awaiting their answers as well.
Aneira looked up at her husband and then back to Ionnia, "I am willing to travel. We need to discover the source of this unseasonable weather and if it is as cold as I suspect out there, Lady Argentea will not withstand its bite for too long."
Getting the nod from his wife, Variel hastens to agree, Indeed, Count me in. Let me just stop and purchase some warmer clothing before we head out. For we should head out soon. I doubt the Lady had adequate gear along.
With the money lent to Variel from his wife, he goes and gets a cold weather outfit should he need it. He also stops by their house and picks up both his and Anee's packs and gear to take along the way.
"Of course I'll go! Perhaps this lady we rescue has a weakness for handsome and dashing gnomes. It could happen!" He grins. "And yes, let's go talk to Vivallia, she wont' give anything for free, but we might get a fair discount if she can be swayed on the need."
"I have no need of additional clothing or gear at this time, but I do have things at home I would need to collect before we leave, and some of you want to go to the general store. Perhaps we should wait and leave in the morning when all will be able to see."