Her arrow missed and the prey got away. Moira sulked back into the chair but didn't probe further. Spoil-sport. Moira thought about the answer to his question for a bit then listened to the others. And the question she was coming up with was lacking in scope but certainly not determination. She felt her's was small even compared to the Kobold. "Yeah, I'm just here to put hammer to anvil and discover the secret to crafting a magical sword without a wizard's help. Uppity snobs rarely respect the blacksmiths making the sword they are infusing with magic." Great, not only was that not profound, it was petty too. Moira sunk further into the chair.
Moira was more than happy to get out of that Inn and on the road. To start doing something. Her life had always been about doing. If she wasn't hunting she was smithing and visa versa. That had been her life for a long time and it was actually hard to just relax and do nothing. Her mother had some concerns about that. About burning out young. But until she made the most powerful artifact weapon in the world, she'd continue progressing. Then she'd rest.
Vetra was more then happy to be out on the road. The stay at the inn was rather uncomfortable as after the drinks and meals, she kept relatively to herself and quiet. The night's discussion of purpose seemed to have put a damper back on her overall mood. So being able to get moving and stretch her legs was more then excuse to jog from time to time along the cart. At rest, should just simply clamber up the back and hang out near the edge, watching the road disappear behind them.
When they pulled off to the side to set up camp, she was located in the wagon this time. Jumping down she would immediately go looking for some additional firewood if the campsite needed any. She’d been rather quiet the entire trip and an excuse to go and get a bit of space from the group was much appreciated.
Rose would watch as the clouds passed overhead, idly bantering back and forth with Lyra while she drove the cart. It was going to be a slow and uneventful journey so far, but that was no reason to be complacent. She would occasionally fiddle with her staff, that seemed like nothing more than a walking stick, but it would appear to mean much more than that to her with how much she liked it within her reach at all times.
When the wagon slowed to a stop and they got ready to set up camp, Rose helped Lyra with setting up their tent right away, before idly poking around the edge of the campsite for kindling to use for fire starter.
Once she found enough suitable, she would begin a small fire as evening was beginning to set. She would watch it and add more fuel that the others managed to find and bring back quickly.
Domitian enjoyed being outdoors once more, finding the journey to be pleasant enough even with the muddy roads. When they stop for the night, after helping to get things set up, he helps Rosasaria gather firewood.
Once the camp is well and settled, he goes out hunting for some dinner for everyone.
Lyra had hopped down from the wagon as the group began to settle in and looked around with a beaming smile. She had walked off a couple of hundred feet and raised her face to the sky. Without warning anyone she let loose with a eerie cry that echoed across the horizon. A split second later an echoing cry responded as a small figure streaked out of the sky on folded wings and terrific speed until flaring them out at the last second to land gracefully on Lyra's outstretched arm. She brought the small raptor close to her face and nuzzled the falcon's breast. The bird protested with a squawk and flared its wings, pushing her face away with a single beat.
Lyra laughed as she turned to walk back towards the camp, striding easily through the grass. Before she had walked twenty feet a large, sleek figure bounded out from the grass shadows and butted it's head against her stomach. That brought another burst of laughter as she pushed the small tiger's head away and resumed her trek. When the trio arrived at the camp the tiger hung back at a word from the woman as she moved to place the falcon on the edge of the wagon. Next she went to the horses and spoke to them in a low voice as the grey tiger slowly walked into the center of the camp, a bored expression on its face as its tail waved slowly behind it.
As the horses and tiger eyed each other, Lyra turned to look at the rest of the group. "Her name is Shirak and she's not the friendliest. Respect her space and she'll respect yours. On the wagon is Mylee and she is smart enough to understand what you say so be nice to her. They don't like cities so I leave them outside most of the time."
Shirak sat in the middle of the growing camp and began to clean her paw. For a tiger she was on the small side but anyone familiar with cats could see that her paws and legs were not in proportion with the rest of her body, traits typical of an immature animal. Her fur was a slate gray striped with black that continued all the way to the tip of her fluffy tail. She looked at the each of the other members of the group as he cleaned, her eyes the same gray color as her fur. After a minute of inspection she dismissed the group and moved to settle in the shadow of a stunted tree near the road and appeared to fall asleep.
Mylee the falcon was a typical example of the fast flying species with brown along her back and head with a white belly and underwing, both speckled with brown. Her eyes were an unusual amber color, the same color as Lyra's eyes, and tracked the movement of the party with pinpoint precision. When Lyra picked up a large pack from the wagon and carried it over to the tree near Shirak the bird took wing and settled into the branches overhead.
Electing to sleep under the stars Lyra pitched her blanket at the base of the tree next to Shirak. Once that was done she helped the rest of the group set up something defensible, helping mostly with settling the horses down.
Rose turned her attention to Domitian and Vetra, thanking them for the firewood they were able to procure in their cursory inspection of the area nearest where they made camp. She also waved Domitian off, as he headed deeper into the forest. "Don't get lost now, it wouldn't do us to have to come and rescue you." She teased, mostly in jest as he disappeared out of sight.
She jumped when her sister shrieked and rolled her eyes at her sister's reaction to her 'pets'. "Damn near gave me a start, warn me when you are going to summon your friends won't you? And keep Shirak away from my staff! It took me ages to fix the marks last time." She pouted and pulled her staff protectively to her chest, wrapping her arms and legs around it and sticking her tongue out at the small tiger. She new it was still fairly young, but it still upset her greatly to have to mend the 'playful antics' of Shirak. Her eyes drifted from the tiger over to where Mylee was perched, and found the bird's piercing gaze staring right back at her.
She visibly shivered and turned back away. It had always felt like that bird was staring into her soul, like she knew things about Rose that even Rose didn't. Preposterous, Superstitious... Still fairly creepy when any time she would look at Mylee, and always meet with those eyes that reminded her so much of Lyra's. Perhaps that's the reason she found it so jarring. It felt like Lyra always staring her back down when she saw Mylee.
She huffed and leaned heavily onto her staff, taking a loose branch and stoking the fire. She then set her makeshift poker down, grabbed a thicker branch and added it to the fire, watching the fire slowly engulf it. She always found fire to be so calming, and didn't mind playing fire watcher as long as most were still up. She could get lost in her thoughts as she stared in the smoldering embers and dancing flames licking over the slowly burning wood. It was enchanting to watch, and even though she burned herself many times with her alchemy. She knew it was always a possibility, and it wasn't always fire that burned her. The chemicals she toyed with, experimented with, tried to make new reactions with, they were highly unstable. Her scars were experience, she knew better than to do the same thing twice. Which is why her blemishes where so strange and oddly shaped. No two of them were from the same kind of accident. And explosion here, an acid there, bubbling over, catching fire... She smiled softly, still gazing at the fire. No regardless if she stayed home in her lab, or went with Lyra on her amazing adventure and helped her with her dream, it was just as dangerous for Rose.
Since Vetra and Domitian had volunteered to gather wood and hunt food, that left Moira to watch over the camp. Lyra, Rosa and Mehaila probably, maybe could take care of themselves, they wouldn't be out here if they couldn't handle it, but they didn't look intimidating. They would probably look rather appetizing to a passing bandit. But not if she had anything to say about it. And because she was on high alert, her bow was off her back and in her hand in a flash at the sound of the scream. She races off in the direction of the scream but stops short as Lyra returned with some rather tame carnivores. "Next time warn us would ya?" she says a little put off. She puts the weapon away and walks back to the fire to resume her watch.
Vetra reappeared with her bow drawn and arrow knocked, obviously any wood she had found was discarded when she heard the scream. Seeing what it was she paused and let out an audible huff. Moira said what was needed but she quickly put the arrow back and slung her bow over her shoulders again. Cursing under her breath she faded back into the coming night to return shortly with an armload of branches and sticks that could be used for the camp fire. Dumping the kindling near the center of the camp she would grumpily begin setting up the fire pit. Though she kept a very wary eye upon the tiger. It was never easy being small and easily looked at as prey when it came to big animals.
"Why such big animal?" She'd finally speak, pointing a finger at the giant cat creature. "And a scream? Cant you use a whistle or something less... startling?" The kobolds nerves seemed to be a bit frayed now. Wasn't she a little pot of bubbling emotions?
Mehaila had a dagger in one hand and the other drawn back, ready to throw, until Lyra reappeared unharmed. She understood the attachement some had to animals, having had a few secretive druids in her chamber a few times. Never understood the appeal herself, but doesnt matter. At least the tiger looked feed, but she could not say the same of the group. She would look around, and after seeing no one else had started it, she went and drugged a large pot from among her pack, revealing that she broguht along what one would call an cooking kit, with a pot and bunch of other small bowls and wooden ware, and sets about making a basic stew. It wouldn't be anything fine or fancy, but it would provide some warmth and comfort.
After getting it going, she taste the stew, noting its nothing special, but would sustain them. Atleast for the night. Maybe we can pick up better supplies, maybe we will be close enough to some small town we can trade with them. We wouldn't wish to be alone without any help...
Domitian walks back into camp, hauling a slain deer back with him. As he comes back into camp, he calls out "Everything alright? I heard a cry, but was fairly far out - got back as soon as I..." he trails off, catching sight of the newly arrived tiger, and becoming acutely aware of having a fair bit of fresh raw meat with him. A quick swallow follows, as he glances around the camp. Everyone else is relatively calm, tiger not attacking anyone, no screams, no blood, probably alright, must keep calm... "...could..." he finishes softly.
Composing himself, he motions his head toward the tiger and asks "That one a friendly animal I take it?" he asks as he starts moving again, heading over to where Mehaila is preparing her meal. Softly to her he says "Can we add this to what you're cooking?" He'll help out with the cleaning and preparing any way he can.
Rose jerked out of her quiet introspection to see Mehaila throwing together something in a pot on the fire and getting out bowls. "Oh you really didn't have to do that. I am sure we can manage a couple days to the trading post right?" There was a slight tinge to her cheeks in the dim firelight and she gave kind of a nervous laugh as she looked over to where she saw Lyra last. "Couple days? Week at the most? I am not good with travel distances." She admitted sheepishly, turning back to see Mehaila paying her no mind as she continued cooking.
"Thank you." She gave a genuine smile and went back to gazing dreamily into the fire, until someone disturbed her from it.
Laughs softly at the pair, and points out when Domitian should add the deer to the cooking. After a bit she finally looks over Rosa and comments " Part of being the your spiritual guide includes keeping spirits high. My duties are not all sex you know. Pleasure is of anything, even if it is a warm meal after a day of travel. Calistria teaches to seek it. I am not just about revenge of past wrongs, nor am I just someone you pay coin to for a pleasant night. Sometimes... you just need a good meal." She shifts about, making sure the stew is good and ready to serve. She sets out enough bowls for all, and would allow them to serve themselves, and getting some herself. Wish I had some bread or something... maybe next stop I will pick some up.
Rose looks up and then averts her eyes, looking a little guilty from Mehaila's comment. "R-right, I didn't mean to make it seem like I assumed that at all. I guess I don't really know that much about your particular religion is all." She sets her staff gently aside and tentatively takes a bowl after others have dished, trying some of the warm food. "Mmmm, Lyra you have got to come try some of this." She smiles and savors the stew, having another and another bite of it.
Vetra took a bowel of soup herself, though she didn't taste it yet. She looked to the others, point a thumb back towards the way she came as she settled down, opposite of the tiger as the small kobold seemed to be aware that she might become a tigers toy if the fire light dazzled on her scales too much. "While searching for some wood, I found a perfect tree that had fallen. It's dried nicely. I think we should go and cut it up." She'd glance to Domitian. "I think it would last us for quite some time, and going into unexplored territory, having a good supply of wood will be good." She'd nod her head to the cart, "Can stake it evenly under any other supplies?"
She still hadn't take a sip of the soup yet, as she kept her eyes glued on the tiger. "I think in campfire terms... it could last up around 17 days worth, 2 campfires a day." She'd would add, before settling in, looking to Mehaila for a moment. "Your religion sounds nice. Would like to learn it someday." She smiled then, "Chasing pleasure, what makes you feel good. I wonder if Apsu would like that of his kobolds." She smiled genuinely at Mehaila then, "If it aids us in becoming better able to serve in Apsu's fight against Dahak, I think it's something to think of."
Thinks for a moment, always glad to talk about religion. Not many knew that being a cleric meant more than just laying about on dais all day, it also meant teaching. " I would not say I am the best teacher, for Calistria has moods. I believe Apsu is a bit to into harmony than what would be called for. My religion does teach that a wrong must be avenged, and I am not sure that fits within Apsu's ideals. Not being a cleric of his however, I can not say that he would not smile upon such a pursuit." She puts a well manicured finger to her lips, clearly a thinking pose. She honestly had never thought about how anyone who was not into a humanoid deity would infer her teachings. She ate her stew, enjoying the flavors, plain as it was. She did mentioned to Domitian they should try to save some of that meat, they never knew when they would need more.
Once the stew is done, Domitian gratefully takes a bowl and begins eating with the others. The meat was deftly used, the flavors mixing well, just a little spicy, and quite warming. "The stew is quite good, Mehaila, thank you." When Vetra mentions the wood, Domitian nods. "That sounds perfect for our needs; before we head out in the morning, we definitely should go over and see what we can gather up. Good find!" he'll say with a smile.
After finishing his bowl, and talking briefly with Mehaila about the meat, Domitian will set to work cleaning and preserving the remaining meat the best he can.
"Guys, calm down," Moira says as the other two survivalists get worked up over the fire wood. Vetra was probably trying hard to ingratiate herself, and Moira felt a little bad undercutting that, but someone had to be the voice of reason. "It's not that cold and we don't need fire every night. Extra weight would just slow the horses down. We could certainly take a few logs for kindling but not 17 days of it." It was fine to be helpful but there was such a thing as too much help.
Moira shifts uncomfortably and avoids the topic of pleasure and gods. Pleasure was her own business and the only gods she really felt any connection to were Erastil and Cayden Cailean. Erastil for the simple life of living off the land and Cayden because of how he ascended through luck and determination. She'd need a little of both to realize her dream.
Rose turns to Moira and raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps not, but being prepared with extra wood is never really a bad thing is it? Each day we have the wood ahead of time is a day we aren't having to scavenge for wood. Never know if we set up camp with no forest in sight." She shrugs and then leans back again, looking up into the darkening sky as evening slowly approached twilight. "Either way I do think we will have our work cut out for us." She carefully places her bowl aside and draws her knees up to her chest, tilting her head. "Though you have been kind of quiet since we left the inn, is anything the matter?" She asked as she turned back to Moira again.
"Well we aren't in a rush are we? We have time to look for wood. And the geography suggests we aren't going to run out soon. But it's your wagon. Just don't think we need the whole thing." She shrugs as if she didn't mind one way or the other and keeps eating stew.
She shrugs again at Rosa's follow up question. "I've only ever traveled with my father. We didn't talk much. Didn't need to."
Rose smiled and shook her head. "True I don't believe we are in a rush. If you believe the area is better forested than me, you're probably right. My studies don't involve topography, more what's magic and what's natural." She ponders for a moment what Moira said after though. "Where is your father now? If you don't mind me asking that is." She moves and re-positions herself to face Moira better, not wanting to develop a crick in her neck from long side-glances while she spoke.
Moira thinks for a bit, trying to remember the date, the season, and his usual schedule. "Unless something comes up, deer hunting. There was an increase in wolf poaching last season and now the deer population is getting too big," she says as if that was explanation enough. Her father was a much more devout follower of Erastil and thought it was his duty to help keep the balance. She respected that, understood it and even helped. But it just wasn't in her to keep it going. She had her own dream.
Domitian nods in approval at Moira's answer. "Sounds like a good man, your father. As for the wood, it wouldn't hurt to harvest some of it - I'd rather take wood from an already fallen tree than to have to cut more trees down needlessly later. However, there isn't any need to spend all day cutting into it either. Enough to give us a ready source of wood, but not so much that we overload the wagon." He calmly says all of this while simultaneously working on cleaning up and cutting up the deer meat for storage, glancing up from the bloody work every now and again as he talks. "Your father is a woodsman, is he?"
"He's certainly more than that but would never admit it," she says, slightly beaming with pride. She pauses as if remembering a fond memory. And then it hit her all of a sudden. She wasn't going to see him for a long time. Maybe never again. She'd said her goodbyes, sure. Knew she was leaving home to chase a dream. Leaving behind friends and family to accompany complete strangers into the unknown. She knew all that on an academic level. But now felt it and the weight of that loneliness bore down on her like a rock on her chest. Her breathing became laboring and her sight became slightly distorted. Before the first tear fell she sprang up and stumbled into the woods with a quick, "Excuse me."
It would be some minutes later before she returned and only after she was sure the water had dried and her eyes didn't look red and puffy from crying.
The evening passes without any encounters and eventually the chatter fades away as people begin to drift off to sleep. This close to the main road there was little threat of banditry as soldier's regularly patrolled it. The next day dawns with a clear sky filled with bright sunshine, the road now completely dry from the rain storms earlier in the week. The group makes excellent time over the next week and arrives in Oleg's Outpost in 6 days, a full day ahead of schedule. You pull into the small outpost mid morning and are met by an attractive human woman in her late 20's who greets the group with a beaming smile. "Welcome welcome, it's so good to finally see you! Please, sit down and have a warm meal, fresh from the pot!"
A second later there is hammering from the building to your right and anyone who looks will see a ladder against the wall and a human man working on the roof of the building. He glances down at the group once before returning to his work. A DC 15 Sense Motive reveals that his attitude towards you is Unfriendly from the start, completely opposite from the woman speaking to you.
As Rose slipped down from the wagon, she saw the friendly woman greeting them. The hammering drew her attention and turning to the source she felt the unwelcoming feeling he was giving off. She turned back to the woman and smiled all the more. "That sounds absolutely lovely, as my companions would love to have a meal and perhaps restock some provisions. My name is Rosasaria Stoneheart, but if you would like you could call me Rose. Here are my companions, but I will allow them to introduce themselves as how they please." She bowed and stood to one side away from the unfriendly man, letting the others be able to introduce themselves.
Domitian left the wagon, and smiles warmly back at the woman who greets them, giving her a courteous bow of the head. "My name is Domitian Albercoft, at your service, my lady. Thank you for the warm welcome." He glances over at the man on the roof. He doesn't seem too pleased to see us... Returning his gaze to the woman, he adds "A warm meal would be most welcome."
Vetra would give a smile to the women, accepting a bowel if she was handed one. Though her eyes looked up to the male up on the roof hammering away. She could tell he didn’t like them one bit, though she figured it best to get him a bit friendlier if they were going to get any information out of the lot about their troubles. Clearing her throat, she’d set her bowl down on a nearby bench and speak up to the man. ”Excuse me, did you need a hand sir?” it was surprising how smooth of a voice the kobold could generate or a smile that didn’t generate a row of terrifying fangs. ”Were here to assist you with any problems you may have, including a roof!”
Gracefully folds out of the cart, her scant leather clothing leaving a lot of uncovered skin, a touch reddened from the days spent under the sun. She dusted off her clothing, managing to look well put together despite the long time on the road. Her companion would know at this point much of her beauty, while natural, tended to be due to her picked out and styling her clothes, as a few times she had asked Rosa about certain dyes to be used on leathers. She would bow her head, her bright auburn hair braided against her head, and say " May you find pleasure in this day. I am Mehaila, Priestess of Calistria. How are you this far out? Any local troubles? We have some rumors from town if you are interested, of course that will cost you something" She grins suggestively, but anyone could figure out she was just itching to trade stories and gossip really.
As for the man, she paided him little mind, as while she enjoyed the male touch, she just wasnt in the mood for the last few years, and so was a bit deafened to how he felt.
Moira waits her turn and simply introduces herself as, "Moira Renet." She doesn't offer much else unless specifically asked. She let's the others do the talking as that was not something she was good at. She could be polite to customers but was not one to let an uppity know-it-all tell her how to smelt of hammer ore. She got that from her teacher. She watches Vetra offer help to the man on the ladder and grows tense. That was probably not going to go well and she needed to be ready to act. That fact that she was going to act in defense of a kobold hadn't hit her just yet.
The half-elf jumped down from the wagon and smiled at Svetlana. The falcon sitting on the sideboard continued to preen her feathers and the young tiger was nowhere in site. Shortly before arriving Lyra had sent Shirak into the grasses south of the fort to go hunting. "She'll keep an eye on the area for us." she had explained.
Glancing over at the human on the roof Lyra quickly dismissed him as a stick in the mud and directed her attentions at Svetlana. "Mmmm, that smells wonderful! I'm Lyra Stoneheart and we've been traveling for quite some time. A few bowls should warm us right up!"
Any response Svetlana could make was drowned out by a loud slam as the human man hammered the roof so hard he drove a nail deep into the wood with a single strike. The intensity of his glare focused on the kobold as his forehead creased in anger. "Assistance? We coulda used yer bloody assistance weeks ago and the first thing you want is food!? Why should I give ye a damn thing when ye aren't doin' yer jobs!? Weeks we've waited for a response, weeks they've had to take anything they bloody well want, so explain how ye are useful at anything!!!"
Rose bit her lip thoughtfully and furrowed her brow as she glanced between the surprised and concerned wife, and her quite furious husband. Clearing her throat to try and get the poor man's attention, as she approached closer to him. She hope to try and diffuse the situation some so they could at least exchange information. "I on behalf of my companions apologize my good sir, we hadn't actually heard about the exact troubles that your family has had to endure. Could you please enlighten us to the exact nature of your trouble? For you see, we may not look like much, I assure you that each of us are quite capable and more than willing to help." She gave him a big smile and motioned to the rest of her companions to join her.
Looks up annoyed at the man now, for this was surely not the behavior of one who welcomed the sight of visitors. Or anyone. As Rosa explained to the man they knew nothing, she tries to remember if she had heard any rumors during her stay in the temple before leaving. Ife she remembers anything, she would share it quietly with her group, as the point is to not embarrass her companions for failing to mention anything on her part.
Instead of flinching, Moira goes rigid at the mans outburst. She barely contains the instinct to place a hand on her sword. The action would not have been subtle and would not have deescalated the situation. From his and Rose's words, it sounded like he had them mixed up with someone else. "I'm plenty useful if you got a forge," she says. She couldn't let that one slide. "And I can get you more food from the wild. What job is it you think we are supposed to do?"
Glancing back and forth between the wife and husband, Domitian's eyes grow concerned as well. This is clearly not normal... Bandits? Walking over to the man with Rosasaria, he will give a reassuring pat on Vetra's shoulder, but will also discretely step between her and the man, since she seems to be aggravating him. He speaks to the man with compassion. "Truly, sir, she speaks the truth - we knew not of your troubles, but I can tell that you have clearly been wronged. What has happened? Surely we can help in some way."
The kobold frowned and flinched lightly at the tirade that the human went into. She'd quickly redouble her efforts to try and calm the man with whatever words he needed to hear. Appreciating the help from Domitian she'd add, "I was only told of arriving here not too long ago sir, please, we are here to make things right. I apologize for the lack of information passed to us, but we are here now to help you with whatever you may need." She'd begin gesturing with her hands, trying everything in her power to help placate the enraged humans.
Humans are always so unruly with their emotions! she thought to herself as she hoped she wasn't making matters worse.
In a dramatic reversal Vetra speaks honeyed words and Oleg visibly restrains himself. Taking several deep breaths before climbing down from the roof he came to a stop before the group, specifically the kobold. Bowing slightly he says gruffly "My apologies. This has been a very trying time for us and your arrival, while late, is very welcome. The bandits are due any day now and some of the hunters have been unwilling to return as long as we have trouble. I'm glad our call for guards finally returned results."
Svetlana smiled in thanks at Vetra before placing her hand on her husband's arm. "Please, make yourself comfortable! We have plenty of food and drink and the stew is getting cold!"
When everyone has moved further into the compound and gotten comfortable at the tables near the cooking fire Svetlana would busy herself with getting several mugs of a simple ale and placing them on the table for everyone. Oleg would go to clean himself a bit before returning and helping with serving hearty stew and bread to everyone before sitting next to his wife. "The bandits have been robbing us blind and there is little I can do to stop them. I...." he trailed off and looked into his stew. A DC 10 sense motive reveals that shame has brought the gruff man to silence.
Svetlana places her hand over Oleg's hand and continues the tale. "It was several months ago, just after we rebuilt this fort enough to serve as a trading post. The bandits arrived in force and made us give them all of the profits we had trading with the local hunters. Every month since then they return at the same time and take all of our money. We sent a message for guards from Brevoy several weeks ago and you are the first to arrive. Can you help?"
Rose breathed a soft sigh of relief as the gentlemen's attitude softened a little towards them. She stiffened once again at the mention of bandits, as well as the man's speech trailing off.
She bit her lip softly and sympathize with the poor man's plight. It wasn't a wonder why he flew off at the handle as he did. It would be incredibly difficult to keep the trading post going if bandits robbed the place and deterred anyone from bringing goods in as well. "I am sure we can lend a hand. Have they attacked recently or are they due to attack soon?" She asked, her voice soft and lilting as she spoke. In her mind she was already trying to put all the various pieces together, glancing around at the state of the trading post.
"It is understandable, friend, such times are always trying" Domitian says to the man after he apologizes, nodding in a friendly way and patting his shoulder as they walk over to the food. As the man describes the activities of the bandits, Domitian's face shows his anger. "Despicable creatures, to waylay such a fine family establishment like this. Of course we'll help."
Moira lets a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and relaxed. Then she smirks and takes a confident stances. "Got some s&~& hunters then. Bandits that bad?" The answer she got said they were indeed. Smart enough not to drain them completely but bleed them periodically. Breaking them slowly over time. The bastards.
Moira mistook the shame for poorly contained sadness and felt a powerful anger fill her. It was hard to bring a man to tears, she knew, and hated seeing it. "Help?" she says looking at Domitian. "I'll make them rebuild the whole damn outpost. If their coming back we should set a trap and make them work their dept off."
Vetra made her way to the tables, sitting down she'd grab a bowel of the stew that the wife was cooking up. She'd let it sit before her though as she listened to the man. She frowned lightly as she could tell the man was ashamed of not being able to protect his wife and himself. 'Wounded pride always begets those who wish to be more powerful.' Shaking her head clear of those thoughts she'd listen closely in to the story.
Once it was finished she'd give a glance to Domitian and Moira. "What we do to them, I believe we can reach that when they arrive. Though cutting them down if they resist seems a fine way to quickly solve the matter. Though I could always speak with them, but I believe they will only be the beginning of the troubles." Leaning back, she 'd take a spoonful of the stew before her. "Whatever we do, I say we should be quick about it. I would love to interrogate one if possible."
Turning back to the man, she'd offer a smile, "We will give you any assistance needed. It sounds like you did the smart thing and give in to their demands. It sounds like your outnumbered, and weren't in a position to fight back. But, now you are." She'd try and encourage him with those words.
Rose smiles as she listens to the responses of Domitian, Moira, Vetra. My sister and I have definitely chosen the right companions for our venture. She thinks for a moment and then nudges her sister in the ribs. "Hey Ly, you have that charter right? Doesn't it say something about bandits?" She felt like there was a mention of something of that sort, but she couldn't quite remember the exact phrasing.
Yawns, and stretches a bit. The problem before them seemed easy enough. " Calistria teaches to take revenge against those who slighted you. Is their deaths going to be revenge? Or would say... a new 'group' of bandits been more frightening? If we could make it appear we have already robbed you, they can not take what you do not have, can they? Then, they would come looking for us, I would assume." Truly she had a much darker idea, one that involved making the wife disappear for a bit, and the husband trying to talk with the actual bandits about getting her back. Surely they would be interested in that, unless they raided for a different reason.
Vetra perked up to Mehaila's suggestion, "That is actually pretty brilliant, as if there is some bigger group behind these bandits that are pilfering your goods... there anger would be directed at us, and you would be spared from any... backlash that might happen...." She tap her chin in thought of the entire plan, "I mean. how hard would it be to think we are bandits, I mean... I AM a kobold here. Just seeing me with you would automatically label us as other then just a group of would be hero's." She grinned then, all of her pearly white sharp teeth would be on display. "That's a brilliant idea Mehaila!"
Lyra would pause in eating the stew to pull a rolled parchment from her bag and lay it flat on the table. Taking a bite of bread she scanned the parchment before nodding. "The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope." she would read. Taking her hand off the scroll and allowing it to roll up she would look at the rest of the group with a smirk on her face. "Those who turn to the life of terror and pillaging accept the risks that come with it. In this case we are the lawbringers of Brevoy and have a responsibility to remove the bandit menace, through peace or blade."
Rose would clap her hands. "Then we are in complete agreement? These bandits have to be stopped one way or another." She would smirk and turn to the others. "The exact nature of how we deal with them, is up to you all, but cures are more preferable to long-term treatment." She would gesture and nod at the two owners of the trading post as if to confirm her suspicions. She then would try and finish her stew before it got any colder, finally feeling her hunger win out over her passions and convictions to assure that the bandits would be dealt with as extreme prejudice as her allies could achieve. After finishing her meal, she thanked Oleg and Svetlana for their hospitality. She turned to her companions and listened, as well as offered her own opinions, on how they would help Oleg be rid of his bandit problem.
Moira looks at the two half-drow party members and the kobold. Then at the not quite human Domitian and her own six something self with a varied number of weapons. Sure, they could be bandits.
But why?
"But why? We pretend to steal their stuff and hide or run? They'll just ransack the place instead or take one of them," she says pointing at the outpost owners. "In fact they've been real lucky. I know what some bandits can do. Surprised none of them have run off with her already. And if we're hear caught red handed, then we fight. And unless we let one leave, what's the point? I've never acted before nor do I lie well. I'm pretty straightforward."
What is this insanity? Taking these poor people's things in order to 'protect' them? Pretending to be bandits? What have I gotten myself into? Ok, ok, deep breath, take your time, don't alienate these people like you did the last group. Remember them? You flew off the handle at them for wanting to not return the stolen money, and they booted you out. The best way to influence people is to take your time. Easy does it.
Domitian listens to the others talk, while internally monologuing, trying to figure out the best way to respond. The only indication of his thoughts is a slight frown on his face. Luckily, before he finishes ordering his own thoughts, Moira jumps in with a reasonable viewpoint. Thank goodness! He nods along with Moira's statement, giving her an encouraging smile. "Absolutely agree, Moira. No need for trickery or to inconvenience these fine people any more than they already have. They'll be back soon, I'm sure, and we can deal with them honestly and directly."
Rose cocks and eyebrow and turns to face Domitian. "So you propose we convince them and talk them out of banditry? An interesting proposition to be sure." She hums softly as she fiddles with her pouches and various ingredients that she kept on her person at all times. "Though what is your answer if they don't wish to listen? If they rather attempt to rob or kill us?" She leaned back some and then sighed, realizing her tone was taking an unconsciously condescending one.
"I'm sorry Domitian, I am sure you mean the well. Probably one of the most well meaning ones here by far." She would gently place her hands on the table and lean forward. "If they don't wish to listen though, I will not hold back in attempting to defend myself. I will not submit to such people." Her eyes flashed dangerously as she looked around to the others, before falling on her sister's face and then quickly softening and becoming easy-going once more. She had a smile, though a slightly nervous feeling to it.