"'Tis true I ride with them my liege asked that I find them and help where I could. How is it that you know of my companions?"
Then turning back to Captain N'Var, "I myself do not know of your liege please tell me of him."
"I met your companions several weeks ago... I had strayed into darkness... but they showed me the error of my ways. I am indebted to them for that,"the one called "Drake" says calmly.
"I serve the Kaid family; recently granted title by the lords of Brevoy. My lord is well known as a merchant and purveyor of furniture and lumber. Recently he took action to annex the nearby homestead of the family of my friend and brother in arms, Robert,"N'Var says, gesturing to the one called "Drake". "Through my lord's decisions and knowledge of business he broke the power of the Tyrell family; destroyed the Tyrell dynasty and brought ruin and hardship to a good man. Those are the facts; it is not my place to have an opinion on he who I am oathsworn to,"he says with a cold look. You cannot tell if he is pleased or upset by this situation, but he will say no more on it at this time.
Hermia Will Save, the Second 1d20 + 7
Edit
You stagger around the house, crawling on your hands and knees, vomit rank on your clothes, mud in your dress, and a sickness heavy on you. The masked man, seeing your weakened condition calls out "By the gods! What madness is this... help, HELP, I say... this lady; she hast contracted a madness I say..."even as your friends and the other rush over to you (those in earshot; those outside the camp cannot help you now).
Everyone from swordsmen to Puck himself is now hovering around you. They are trying to help you, to see what has happened. The black cloaked man is apologizing to all, saying you had what looked like a "falling sickness" in front of him; he moved for help, and doesn't know what to do.
You struggle to respond to this bold faced lie; but you cannot. Every moment you open your mouth to counter-man his claims, your tongue feels like it is swollen in your mouth... all that comes out is mumbling gibberish, and you twitch and spasm with a terrible sickness, as if feverish. As Ariarh gives you healing, to no avail, and Svetlana briskly prepares a tea for your sickness, and Oleg rings his hands in tension, and your friends crowd around, even as the military men begin to order people back so you have "breathing room" you are able to look up at the masked man who watches you intently as you struggle to speak.
You cannot, though... and as your tongue swells thick in your mouth; you see his eyes smile.
Having no ability to speak, Hermia struggles to rise, and break free of the scene, to approach the man with no face. Even if she is ill, she is going to point the monster out. She grasps her pendulum, and pulls it free from her neck and pushes it in his direction, praying furiously that the Great Mother grant that her will be channeled through the device to signal to the others that this man were the cause of her malady.
She looks desperately to the hostess, and his companions - the vile one, surely, he would have seen! Great Mother, help them to see! she prays.
Having no ability to speak, Hermia struggles to rise, and break free of the scene, to approach the man with no face. Even if she is ill, she is going to point the monster out. She grasps her pendulum, and pulls it free from her neck and pushes it in his direction, praying furiously that the Great Mother grant that her will be channeled through the device to signal to the others that this man were the cause of her malady.
She looks desperately to the hostess, and his companions - the vile one, surely, he would have seen! Great Mother, help them to see! she prays.
Actually, you cannot stand at this time... you are in a weakened condition for some reason (re: the second failed Will save). You will be able to move and do what you can, but now you are not weak for a half hour, but for longer. You can barely get up...
But if the social details didn't do the job, the man will look at you with a look that could chill water to ice.
I should add the bookish man didn't sneer at you, he looked at you with so much disinterest it was disquieting... Sneering implies he cared.
Hearing all the commotion going Gan looks and then turns back to the captain. "Now Captain how long is it that these men have been in your service, if I may be so bold?"
Sense Motive:
Diplomacy:
The bookish one sees you, and he says quietly...
"We are newly met... but I have some skill as a healer, in my own way. I can make a draught for her that will ease her in mind and body... it shall allow her to sleep for some time... and when she awakenes, she should feel better; rested, relaxed, at ease and at peace,"he says softly and politely.
Drake moves forward coldly.
"How do we evn know we can trust you?"he asks, his voice fierce, speaking the question no doubt everyone is thinking.
"I have no reason to lie; it is illogical. I do not believe in a world that functions beyond the rules of logic... I would not poison her, or harm her... there is no value in that. Moreoever, to do so would cause me to suffer, for I would have broken the law. I offer my aid, if it is refused... so be it; but look me in the eye and see that I mean my words. By my hand no harm shall befall this girl, and this is nothing but a sleeping draught to ease her pain, not to hurt or poison her. Trust me, or not,"he says cooly and emotionlessly.
Even his own companions seem to be surprised at his brisk manner and cool proficiency. Grudgingly, they turn about and look to you; you are sure he is being honest. By his hand she can sleep, and with a quick Healing check you know sleep would aid her recovery.
"Very well... but if you speak false, you shall feel the noose,"says captain N'Var.
Hearing all the commotion going Gan looks and then turns back to the captain. "Now Captain how long is it that these men have been in your service, if I may be so bold?"
Sense Motive: 1d20+2
Diplomacy: 1d20+7
The men quickly push past you... the woman covered in vomit and shaking convulsions seems to have drawn their attention more then this conversation. They rush over to see what the commotion is about.
Hermia clasps her hands over her mouth and shakes her head. No, no, no! her mind seethes. They'll leave!
As Hermia writhes and twists her head feebly from the potion, the man with glasses looks down his nose and holds her head firmly, but she tries to struggle away.
"Someone secure her, please. I cannot deal with this... this foolishness..."he says flatly.
Gaurds hold her gently but firmly and pry open her mouth as he pours the potion down her throat. In moments her struggles lesson and she drifts into sleep. Puck cheks her, and lets out a relieved sigh.
"Well, that's over... she seems safe and sound... I'm glad you reported what you did; else there could have been real trouble,"he says to the masked man.
"Yes...."he returns, his voice touched with sorrow. "It is indeed ironic, for the lady sought me, to offer her services to aid me. Would that I may have been as succesful with her... Yet she sleeps, and will rest, as thou have said, for at least a day... I pray that when she wakes up the memory of this hardship is, for her, like nothing more then a fading dream..."he adds with a bow.
Everyone hears him, and his words sound sincere... yet no one there really believes it. Yet... he has given no reason to doubt his truthfulness. So you carry Hermia to safety and let her rest in peace...
That is to say; she is resting peacefully...
Gan upon being pushed aside becomes rather perturbed...
How dare they lay their hands upon someone of my calibur after all I have a 4 head sword. He thinks to himself touching his katana almost to reassure himself that it still was there.
Then composing himself and straightening his topknot he walks over to see what all the fuss is about.
"Seems like an odd time to take ill...she was fine last night as well as this morning when we broke camp."
Perception:
Then looking around Gan tries to puzzle it all out.
Sense Motive:
Gan upon being pushed aside becomes rather perturbed...
How dare they lay their hands upon someone of my calibur after all I have a 4 head sword. He thinks to himself touching his katana almost to reassure himself that it still was there.
Then composing himself and straightening his topknot he walks over to see what all the fuss is about.
"Seems like an odd time to take ill...she was fine last night as well as this morning when we broke camp."
Perception:1d20+7
Then looking around Gan tries to puzzle it all out.
Sense Motive:1d20+2
"Indeed..."says the masked man looking over to you. "Then perhaps you would know her better... strange you did not introuduce us properly sooner... but this lady... she has many secrets, I should think... perhaps she has masked from thee an illness... Some illnesses can shame a person... well I know it,"he says with a sad shake of his head.
"But I thank thee for thy words... they have been quite... illuminating...and may give a clue to what needs be done in the morning with her sickness and her safe recovery... "he adds with another bow.
Edit:
Ariarh is perplexed with the entire scene and episode before her. Upon hearing Gan's disclosure of their affiliation with Hermia and the masked man's response, Ariarh directs a frustrated and intense look at her new companion. I can't believe Gan just gave away Hermia to the rest of these men!
The masked man's previous "concern" didn't sit well with her, didn't sit right. The words he uttered seemed too perfect. And, then the part about the information being "illuminating" ... That sent a shiver down her spine.
She watches Hermia as she is lifted and taken to one of the rooms. Once she is laid gently down on the bed, Ariarh decides to sit with her. She doesn't feel right leaving Hermia in such a vulnerable state on her own. Ry pulls forward a stool and sits beside the sleeping cleric. "I'm sorry my healing could not mend whatever ailment befell you, Hermia. I will stay by your side for a while. I won't let any of these strangers come near you, especially that masked one", Ry whispers to the sleeping young woman.
Turning to her griffon who just walked into the room, she speaks in celestial,
"Watch the entrance there, my friend. If any, other than those known to you, tries to enter, bar their way. I have a feeling there's something wrong, here. I just don't know what right now." Dior fixes a stare upon his mistress and then turns around and stands guard at the door, focused as commanded by Ariarh.
Realizing what he said after it left his mouth, Gan drops his head and gives a half nod to the man in black.
Walking into the room where she was laid to rest Gan leans down,
"I am sorry my eagerness for information gave too much away. I have shamed myself in your eyes. I shall make it up to you this I swear upon my sword."
Then turning to Ry,"I pray you watch over her well Mistress Ry I have shamed myself and now must make amends by finding out what happened."
Then Gan leaves the room and returns to the courtyard area eager to gleen what information he can from those around.
Keeping his composure he returns to the captain and Drake,[b]"Now Captain I must ask for how long have these men been in your care?"
Then turning to Ry,"I pray you watch over her well Mistress Ry I have shamed myself and now must make amends by finding out what happened."
Then Gan leaves the room and returns to the courtyard area eager to glean what information he can from those around.
Before Gan leaves the room, Ry quietly reassures him,
"Gan, I know you did not mean to give Hermia away to those men outside. I am concerned for all our safety, as long as that masked man is permitted inside these walls. I apologise for my own intense reaction when I looked your way earlier. Please, be careful when gathering information out in the courtyard."
This bodes very ill. I was under the impression that each group had its own land to explore specifically so that these sorts of entanglements and squabbles. It seems bad for business and contrary to what Brevoy hopes to accomplish here. If we had failed in the task then I could see them sending another group but we have not. I have no wish to fight with another group of explorers but nor will I have these lands divided further. That is bad for the people and for the potential of a new nation. I am not sure what to do currently, do you all have any suggestions?
Alaric will be alarmed and immediately suspicious of what happened to Hermia. He goes to wherever Ry is and asks, What happened Ry?
Smenodr speaking to the workers, Where did you get all the lumber for this tower in the middle of this open area?
Smenodr speaking to the workers, Where did you get all the lumber for this tower in the middle of this open area?
Smenodr speaking to the workers, Where did you get all the lumber for this tower in the middle of this open area?
Very well if that be the vote than I will follow it, but I know if we persist in keeping money for ourselves in the face of what is right than we are going to have a really hard time controlling even a bucket of dirt let alone miles of open land. I openly gave Hermia a horse and I want no compensation for that coin it was simply done for the betterment of the group. We are here together not as individual filthy dogs fighting over some old bones. I think we need to revise the documents.Brett laughs and reaches up to slap you on the back.
"Fair enough, ye hairy bugger! Tell ye what, let's sit down, ye and I, and hash out them papers and such... fer now, I be trusting on yer good graces, as I reckon that ye trust on mine... Ye be doing better by the day, lad, and I'm warming up to ye sooner... we be fixing up some papers soon... fer now, ye want the coin fer yer horses... that be fine... put it all in the pile, including coin... But think ye; if ye keep the coin fer the lost of the horse; it means ye out the money fer the cost of the horse. Or the value of the horse be one that we split fer the whole o' the group. So either be "yer" horse that ye want full return on... or it be "our" horse split among the group... in which case ye don't NEED full coin on... But ye tell me now; ye want that horse as yers full, then keep the coin... or not. Say now what ye be wanting though..."
The concept of individualistic ownership has already been applied to the horses, but if we have plans of changing things into more of a communally owned system than I can eat the cost on the horse.
Smenodr speaking to the workers, Where did you get all the lumber for this tower in the middle of this open area?
The workers continue to work, none of them really paying much attention to you. Seeing your determination to continue to stare at them until you get a satisfactory answer, one of them finally speaks.
"There many pockets of trees and such around... though not thick as a forests... Less then five miles south of here is a large hill leading down into wetlands that are choked with trees. With master Tyrell's instruction, we borrowed the wagon from master Oleg, rode there, and began to fell logs and pile them into the wagon. The whole process took about a day... but as you can no doubt see; we've made a fair start. The basics of a gaurd tower have been started. Even as we speak outriders are making a long wide circle looking for other clusters of trees... When they find them, they will travel out for more... It may take a day, or more, perhaps... but we'll get it done in time; no fear on that account,"the man says, even as he continue to jerk on the rope and pulley's for the logs being raised to the top of the tower.
Very well if that be the vote than I will follow it, but I know if we persist in keeping money for ourselves in the face of what is right than we are going to have a really hard time controlling even a bucket of dirt let alone miles of open land. I openly gave Hermia a horse and I want no compensation for that coin it was simply done for the betterment of the group. We are here together not as individual filthy dogs fighting over some old bones. I think we need to revise the documents.Brett laughs and reaches up to slap you on the back.
"Fair enough, ye hairy bugger! Tell ye what, let's sit down, ye and I, and hash out them papers and such... fer now, I be trusting on yer good graces, as I reckon that ye trust on mine... Ye be doing better by the day, lad, and I'm warming up to ye sooner... we be fixing up some papers soon... fer now, ye want the coin fer yer horses... that be fine... put it all in the pile, including coin... But think ye; if ye keep the coin fer the lost of the horse; it means ye out the money fer the cost of the horse. Or the value of the horse be one that we split fer the whole o' the group. So either be "yer" horse that ye want full return on... or it be "our" horse split among the group... in which case ye don't NEED full coin on... But ye tell me now; ye want that horse as yers full, then keep the coin... or not. Say now what ye be wanting though..."
The concept of individualistic ownership has already been applied to the horses, but if we have plans of changing things into more of a communally owned system than I can eat the cost on the horse.
Brett munches an apple as he eyes you...
"Lad, ye been getting me all confused; sure enough. Meantime, I don't be getting ye at all... if ye be saying we split the cost of the horses fair, then that be meaning ye got yer horses, and we got's ours at Olegs. Yet if ye mean the oppisite, that we share the horses EQUALLY fer one and all... that their worth be shared fer the group... then what makes ye think ye need be paid back fer anything all to yerself? If the horses be yers alone, then it be yer loss alone. If the horses be the groups, then it be the group who lost the coin for the one's that died... and the group who needs payment for the one's who died... not just YOU... but you can't have it both ways! They can't be "the group's" horses when we take them out and back... and YER horses when it be time to compensate ye fer their loss... Because if ye think that them four horses be yer cut of the party loot, fer ye alone, and then when the party gains loot ye keep it fer ye alone to pay back yerself fer ye own loss... Lad, I be telling ye... yet got no head fer numbers, then. Ye can't have it both ways. Either we split the treasure in the field that we find equal, or it be finders keepers and "sod off" to the rest of them who didn't find it. I tell ye now, if I found a treasure in the field, I'd split it fair with ye... But, if ye be keeping what ye find, that be yer call. It only be a few coins, but if ye argue this hard on a few coins; gods help us all when real cash be afoot!"
Hmm...
If you want a fur parka made out of a bear skin, that is fine. I can do that instead. I appreciate your determination to stick by good social RP concepts that are not as "effective" also. No worries, then.
It will be, as requested, warm weather gear with sleeves and a hood. However, it cannot be worn over armor; nor will it give you armor bonus or intimidate bonus (the Armor bonus was from the relatively tough, un-altered hide... All the cuts and seams have made it rather soft and flexible, therefore weakening any potential armor bonus. The Intimidate bonus was because the "head" of the outfit was in fact the "head" of the bear... your face would stare out from the bear's mouth... As of now you have a rather furry hood... So the Intimidate bonus is naturally negated on request).
Of course, this adjustment will effect the relative "value" of the parka. Though it has no armor bonus or Intimidate bonus; the warm weather gear is more stylish and fancy, and as such will remain at 75 GP, and was a gift to you.
Alaric will be alarmed and immediately suspicious of what happened to Hermia. He goes to wherever Ry is and asks, What happened Ry?
"After you left to inform the captain of the guard not to shoot down a griffon and his rider flying toward the Trading Post, I finished speaking with Oleg in the dining room and came into the courtyard. That's when I saw Hermia on the ground, in some kind of fit or episode. That ... that ... masked man was around her. I don't know what happened as I was in the dining room but it seems mighty peculiar that a hale woman would be seized by something like this with no outward sign or cause. Don't you think? What you make of that cloaked, masked man, Alaric?"
The man in black looks at Alaric for a moment, his eyes staring hungrily... Alaric, you feel a strange burning, prickling feeling... it is familiar, and you have felt it before... once upon a time, and it recalls to your mind a dream you had once... but the feeling fades quickly.
The man turns to Ariarh and stares at her intently.
"Lady... it is said that thou art also new to this area... And, if my ears are not mistaken... thou art also a healer?"he says softly, staring at Ariarh, even as she leaves.
Seeing that she has taken Hermia away, he looks displeased but says nothing, except to move over and speak to the bookish man who has gone back to his studdies; he now has a thin wire tool in which he seems to matching and coppying diagrams in a book, then coppying them to a seperate document on the table. He nods once, but otherwise ignores the man. Then, finishes wworking on his documents, rolls them up and places them in a thin scroll case, and that and his books in a heavy satchel.
"Gentlemen... this place is too crowded... It would be best if we left ..."he says to his companions.
They turn and look at him, the barbarian standing up to look down at him, his sword loose in his hands.
"Ye be giving too many orders sometimes, I thinks... watch yer tone..."
The man removes his spectacles and rubs his nose, sighing.
"Or what... you'll... kill me in front of all these people, half of whom are committed to serve and obey the law... even unto death... which includes the punishment of murderers, by the way. And if not killing, perhaps you'll do me some bodily harm. Is that what your threat attempts to convey? Don't be a fool. If you do this, then who will aid you when we leave here on the plains? No one. Therefore, you will control your temper and not question my words or actions, nor refer to anyone else about their "tone"... rather, you will keep your opinions to yourself and do what you are meant to; obey. You were not chosen on this expedition for your ability to reason... Instead, you will calm down, keep your temper, and ask yourself what harming a member of your own company will accomplish. Even if you kill me and all who surround you, then what? You will have no one to aid you who does not already see that you are capable of killing your riding companions. They will doubt you, and your chances of success will suffer for it. So get outside and get to work. Now,"he adds the last calmly, though forcefully, then gives the barbarian a smile that would chill a fire drake.
The barbaric figure seems to take a moment to digest this information, then grunts and turns, slamming the chair against the table and strides out of the door.
"Theeido, go with him... get our gear ready... We have work to do,"the bookish man adds, and the lad with the twin-scimitars slides after the barbarian, moving out into the grasses beyond. The other lad, with the heavy armor and intense look, hovers around the bookish man, almost like a bodygaurd. The bookish man tacks course to Oleg and speaks with him privately, offering him a small pouch, then waits for a moment as Oleg enters his chambers.
The captain, N'Var, has watched all of this cooly and in a detached manner. To him, it is nothing of note unless laws have been broken; and they have not been. Speculation has been raised, but no hard evidence offered. And N'Var's chief "suspect" has made no offer to depart,(presuming the man in black did in fact do anything to the recovering lady Hermia; it may yet be a simple illness) so N'Var is (seemingly) unconcerned as the four boorish men are now prepared to leave.
Besides, N'Var thinks, the man in black may indeed be correct... the "falling sickness" attributed to epillepsy has happened to many before... and sometimes without warning. It could be the case that this girl may have such an illness for many years, or even that this time is her first time with the falling sickness... But in either case, his full attention is divided now between the man in black and your own party. For N'var is now susppicious of your newly arrived group; and is considering everything; from your enterence to Hermia's latest reaction, which could all be a clever ruse of some sort.
Your group has attempted to decieve him outright, and were caught, and he does not care for proven liars.
"Or what... you'll... kill me in front of all these people, half of whom are committed to serve and obey the law... even unto death... which includes the punishment of murderers, by the way. And if not killing, perhaps you'll do me some bodily harm. Is that what your threat attempts to convey? Don't be a fool. If you do this, then who will aid you when we leave here on the plains? No one. Therefore, you will control your temper and not question my words or actions, nor refer to anyone else about their "tone"... rather, you will keep your opinions to yourself and do what you are meant to; obey. You were not chosen on this expedition for your...
I don't believe anyone should be going anywhere right now. This woman has had some affliction bestowed upon her. As it is right now everyone in here is a suspect until such time as they are cleared by Oleg. This is his land and domain and as such is his rule within it. This woman was fine when we split up an hours hence so that she could collect some herbs for healing. She arrived to the location well and was struck down by some malady while within the walls. If this is some sort of infection, no one should leave and risk spreading it to the populace at large. If it is something more devious and has been inflicted upon her intentionally by someone within then no one should leave until we figured out what happened. Either way, no one should leave until it is cleared up.
Alaric will move over to Oleg and Drake and the man that looks to be the captain to let them know what he thinks. Ultimately this is Oleg's land and as such is his decision but Alaric also wants to involve Drake and the Captain.
Theoretically you could a traditionsl "Bear Skin" style poncho... However, as no former provision was made for the skin before, there isn't enough "whole" skin left to make such a garment at this time.
Watching the brownie watching the sleeping Hermia, Ry starts a conversation with him.
"Master Puck, are you able to provide me with details of what happened in the courtyard before Hermia's collapse? When you and Dior last saw her, before she entered the Trading Post, how did Hermia seem? Was she sickly or as hale as ever?"
Watching the brownie watching the sleeping Hermia, Ry starts a conversation with him.
"Master Puck, can you please provide me with details of what happened in the courtyard before Hermia's collapse? When you and Dior last saw her, before she entered the Trading Post, how did Hermia seem? Was she sickly or as hale as ever?"
"I don't right know, lady... Last I saw the lass, she went over to the man in black robes to chat, and looked like she was going to speak private-like to him on something... what I don't know... then he comes out and calls for help... says she be sick... it was all confusion after that.. but, well... you know the rest..."
You approached the captain while he was talking to Drake. When you interupted to make small talk, in his opinion, he answered your questions. When the woman had her "episode" he pushed past you instantly, trying to get to the commotion. Then, there was a massive crowd of people gathering around them. Your question about how many men were attached to him, and for how long, has been largely forgotten via the commotion. If you want to try to get information from him, or approach him again, and ask it again, you are free to. But now he seems concerned with a lot of things going on at once and is not comming back to you to answer a passing question.
I dig what you're saying, but just assume he's a boss under a lot of stress getting things done, and trying to make sure things are handled well. He can't be everywhere at once... So just talk to him again...
Seeing the Captain pacing ordering his men Gan walks over to him and bows.
"Much has transpired this day here Captain. Should you need the extra blade you have mine until we depart once more. But first if I may be so bold as to ask you a few questions?"
Gan keeps his eyes on the move particularly looking for the man in black.
Perception:
"I don't right know, lady... Last I saw the lass, she went over to the man in black robes to chat, and looked like she was going to speak private-like to him on something... what I don't know... then he comes out and calls for help... says she be sick... it was all confusion after that.. but, well... you know the rest..."
"The man in the black robes ... He did something here, though what? I cannot say. I don't want him near Hermia, again. I don't want him near me, again. I ignored his earlier questions, thankfully. I think we need to regroup, that is ALL of us, and discuss this in greater depth. Thank you for providing me with the information of the conversation between Hermia and the masked man, Puck."
Puck Sparrow sat astride his lady's soft stomach while the gruff men carried her into the rough outhouse and lay her down on a bunk, his emerald eyes, so like his lady's glittering with repugnance. He knew the lady would object, should she have been conscious, to being handled with so little care, and being carried indoors. She seemed most at peace beside him at night, beneath the open sky. He'd oft sat upon her knee and sang while she prayed in the evening, or danced and played upon his pipes, and she'd not once remanded him. He liked his lady, for she afforded him the freedom he'd lacked in Kressle's crude den.
And soft, the gorgeous angel attended the lady Hermia as well, her face taut with concern. Puck knew his lady favored the angel, and her beauty, how could she not! and eased his stony countenance. He slid off his mistress and walked along her side on the bunk to sit on her shoulder, and cast Prestidigitation to clear the mud and vomit from her ill fitting clothes, hands and face. Puck knew his lady to prefer cleanliness. After a thought, he reached out and stroked a tendril of copper curl, transmuting its color to a shocking pink. The color looked alien against her illness draining her skin of its life, but it did cheer him some.
Puck shakes his head. "This whole sickness, lady, pardon me, but I cannot as rightly place it. If my lady were to be ill, you would think I would have seen it fore else? I watched her lay aground for days in agony, and never once a twitch, 'cept when she chance to struggle with the bonds. I ask you, if one were to go ill, would not being treated ill like that more likely be a cause?"
Seeing the Captain pacing ordering his men Gan walks over to him and bows.
"Much has transpired this day here Captain. Should you need the extra blade you have mine until we depart once more. But first if I may be so bold as to ask you a few questions?"
Gan keeps his eyes on the move particularly looking for the man in black.
Perception:1d20+7
"Hold..."the captain says to Gan, somewhat confused, he is now watching an interplay between Alaric and the bookish man... he seems very intent on the converstation, as you will no doubt be, too, when you hear it.
"The man in the black robes ... He did something here, though what? I cannot say. I don't want him near Hermia, again. I don't want him near me, again. I ignored his earlier questions, thankfully. I think we need to regroup, that is ALL of us, and discuss this in greater depth. Thank you for providing me with the information of the conversation between Hermia and the masked man, Puck."
Puck hazards a smile, and sketches the lady Ariarh a sweeping bow. "Might I be at your service, Lady, to collect her dear Master Smendor and assorted company?"
And soft, the gorgeous angel attended the lady Hermia as well, her face taut with concern. Puck knew his lady favored the angel, and her beauty, how could she not! and eased his stony countenance. He slid off his mistress and walked along her side on the bunk to sit on her shoulder, and cast Prestidigitation to clear the mud and vomit from her ill fitting clothes, hands and face. Puck knew his lady to prefer cleanliness. After a thought, he reached out and stroked a tendril of copper curl, transmuting its color to a shocking pink. The color looked alien against her illness draining her skin of its life, but it did cheer him some.
Puck shakes his head. "This whole sickness, lady, pardon me, but I cannot as rightly place it. If my lady were to be ill, you would think I would have seen it fore else? I watched her lay aground for days in agony, and never once a twitch, 'cept when she chance to struggle with the bonds. I ask you, if one were to go ill, would not being treated ill like that more likely be a cause?"
Ry watches how tenderly Puck Sparrow tends to his sleeping mistress. Ry sighs silently, affected by the scene. "You have honoured your mistress, Master Puck, in your care of her at such a time." Hermia was indeed blessed to have such a companion and friend.
"Hmm. Master Puck, I feel you have the right of it. There's something amiss in this place, in this predicament and situation. It has been affirmed by those men outside as some random seizure but how can such an assessment be made by those who are not healers nor possess the prowess and knowledge of a healer? I am deeply troubled, Puck."
Ariarh massages her throbbing temples. What IS really going on, here? Ariarh looks toward the door at her griffon guard. As if sensing her gaze, he turns his head and absorbs her in his dark golden stare before turning back to his post. Ariarh's face is etched in thought and her whirling emotions. What did we get ourselves into by coming back here ...
Puck hazards a smile, and sketches the lady Ariarh a sweeping bow. "Might I be at your service, Lady, to collect her dear Master Smendor and assorted company?"
"That would be kind of you, Master Puck. Yes, please do bring the others to these sleeping quarters. There is some semblance of privacy here", Ry lowers her voice at this stage. "I would certainly like to hear what they have to say and any ideas or plans on how we move forward from this point. I hope Hermia awakes sooner rather than later and has all her faculties returned to her upon waking." Ariarh gives the brownie a graceful nod/bow in response to his good and courteous manners.
The bookish man presses his glasses up the bridge of his nose and stares at Alaric coolly.
”While I appreciate your concern for your obvious companion… though why you attempted to conceal that fact from us I cannot pretend to know… I should add that there is no crime that has been committed. Nothing has happened; so there can be no suspect. If anything, the woman has suffered a dreadful accident, and this man here has taken it upon himself to assist her. For myself, I offered her my aid as well; namely, a sleeping draught so she can rest the evening and gain peace and healing. If you were worried about the draught, why didn’t you say anything then? Further, if she is your companion then it seems very illogical that no one in your party offered aid to this maiden. But while you stood by, we tried to help her. Very good, she has been aided.”
He glances up at the sky, as if gauging the sun for time.
”Now, as for your claim to what master Oleg decides to do with his property… While you are correct that this is his land, he has no jurisprudence to hold someone for a crime, unless a crime has been committed. For myself and my companions, we have committed no crime. The lady took ill, she is better. If you are suggesting that the lady took ill because of some sort of… criminal activity… you may be correct in assuming that there are possible suspects. But you have no evidence of any criminal activity happening. As for your claim that this may be an affliction… a quarantine may be useful, provided we have all contracted such an illness. I personally do not believe that there is any illness to contract. I believe that her illness… the shaking sickness… this is an illness that cannot be transmitted through contact. But if you have a surgeon with you, or one trained in the healing arts, perhaps you could diagnose the woman for any possible disease.”
He glances around and sees Oleg peeking from his door looking very nervous about the captain and the four outriders, not to mention your crew, and the man in black… all told, if things grow ugly, it could be a very bad situation that he has now been thrust into, namely making a “ruling” on a situation like this.
”Umm… well, it be quite complicated like… I don’t want no bandit folk running about doing mischief… but he did try to help… but I don’t know what be the thing… legal-like, I mean…”Oleg says, looking helplessly at you, an expression of Help me out here! on his weathered and rotund face.
The bookish man turns to the captain, and looks at him squarely.
”Captain N’Var, you’ve been charged at protecting master Oleg’s land by oath of law, correct?”
”Yes,”the captain says, staring at the man coldly.
”Have we committed a crime? Have we done anything illegal here? Is there any legal reason we cannot leave this place?the man continues.
N’Var strides up and stares down hard at the man in front of him. The look in his eyes is ice. You see the muscles in his jaw twitch, and the look on his face suggests that at any moment N’Var would draw his sword out and slice the man in half. Instead, he takes a breath and inhales deeply.
”There is no evidence of any crime being committed, or any law being broken. You have not committed a crime, and all evidence seems to suggest that you have tried to help the girl.”
The bookish man looks smugly up at N’Var, as if confident at his logic would not be counter-manned by this officer.
”However,”N’Var said coldy, staring down at the bookish man, his hand tightening on his sword hilt, ”it has been suggested that the woman may be plagued. If so, I need to discover the nature of that before I permit any of you to exit this area; for the safety of the general community – as afforded to the Codex of Law, in which all men of quality are obliged to swear. So being writ: “no man of quality under oath of honor, may by action, or inaction tolerate the infusion of suffering on the general populace.” Therefore, I would be remiss if I did not at least have the woman examined fully to any and all available powers before I allowed any of you the chance to infect others with a possible plague.”
The bookish man stares up at him with a shocked look, his mouth working spasmodically, though he says nothing. Oleg pumps his fist in the air, then has the grace to quickly disappear back inside his private offices and discreetly lock the door.
The captain calls out to his men on the walkway.
”Be advised, inform the men at the camp we may have the plague. Advise them to fly plague flags while a proper diagnosis is permitted. All men are confined to general quarters; unless on guard duty or continuing work on the fortifications. Meanwhile, call in both groups that arrived, the lads that travel with him”he says pointing at Alaric "As well as those that travel with him,"he adds stabbing a blunt finger at the bookish man.
"I want everyone in the walls until I find out what is going on here... now move, move, move!"he cries out even as his men rush to obey. His gaurds outside hurry out and call out and bring back the bookish men's companions, as well as any of your companions that have strayed outside and you all, as well as the other group, are now brought into the confines of the wall.
The bookish man says nothing, but his jaw twitches tensely as he watches.
Turning back to Alaric he looks at the youthful sorcerer.
”You have till sunup tomorrow to prove her plagued. At which point these men go about their business. My own soldiers are now detained from their full duties and I have been forced to readjust my entire work schedule on this business, so I will give you until then to prove your case.”
Without even trying, you sense the captain is nominally on your side, but there is a limit on how far he will go. He will not break the law, and no crime has been committed, at least none that anyone knows about. His hands are tied on that matter. However, he has allowed himself to be permitted to agreeing with this suggestion of yours that Hermia be examined for some sort of disease or plague. But you sense his patience is tested.
You look in his eyes, the expression turns from the usual cold aloofness to another one, and it seems to be that he is saying with his gaze…
Boy, if you have some rabbit to pull out of a hat, do it… but don’t waste my time. Get it done, and get down fast, and legal, because I’m rooting for you; but I won’t break the law for you, so step carefully.
Puck sweeps the lady Ariarh another bow, then turns to his lady and whispers the spell Prestidigitation again in Sylvan, sweeping a few more strands of vibrant color into her hair on a whim, then hops from the bed and strides out of the drab hut. He dsalutes his faithful mount along his way, though, possessed of a sense of duty, he does not dawdle long to pet him on his merry way.
The cluster of warlike men continued to canter about the scene of his lady Hermia's spell. Her "prince" Alaric seemed to shine, there, as he always seemed to do. Hermia seemed more than passing fond of the boy as well, and so did Puck. He felt the same familiarity to him as he did with his lady, and thought that Hermia may, too, for the times that she slipped from him to speak to the lad alone.
Another time, Puck reminds himself, shakes his head and continues on his errand. Last he saw, Master Smendor had slipped out the gate again. He thought it strange that his lady had gone to such pains to stay beside the man, but recognized her kind and gentle heart were attached to the one who so oft needed her particular attention. Puck strode up to the man now, and cleared his throat noisily so that he might be heard.
"Beg pardon, Master Smendor, but the lady Ariarh and my mistress require your attention, within," he looks about nervously. "And the Master Brett as well, I suppose, if ye be knowing where he be dallying."
Gan listens intently and nods his head at the ruling of Captain N'Var.
There must be a way to prove they acted maliciously to harm Hermia...I like the captain am bound by law however perhaps one of my companions is not.
Striding with confidence back up to Captain N'Var,"A fine ruling Captain...if you would allow I would like to be of service in anyway I can. However I do have one quick question for you sir. Oleg says the man in black came riding in with your men after they went out on patrol the other day. Is this man under your command? If so how well do you know him?"