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 salutes 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.
To Gan...
The captain's stern eyes are now on all the men as they rush about the place, barring gates, shutting down entrences, and moving the gaurd to inside the wall from outside.
He turns to Gan and looks at him.
"Alright, boy; you were asking me something before all of that? Something about my position and the men under me? I will be blunt; this is not your business, the commings and goings of lords of foreign lands, but as you are oathsworn to the Duke Esserian, a man of honor, I shall hold you to be an honorable man as well and answer your questions. It seems I have plenty of time for them..."he says looking at Alaric.
"I have served my lord for seven years; being captian for three years. These men have served under me; for the House Kaid has fifty outriders. My duty was to travel south, set up an outpost, and leave a detachment behind to offer protection and gaurding for master Oleg. This will be done once the basic fortification is set up. I should think that will not take more then a month; yet we shall see... "he continues.
You can't help but noticing the man in black has been watching you casually as you talk.
"Yet you said questions... were there any others? I have much to do..."he adds.
To Hermia...
Brett and Smendor were out and about asking questions to the gaurds with the horses and such. They have each been hustled in to the main couryard and are standing about looking mighty unhappy... the suggestion of the plauge has riled them both, and when they found at what happened they stare at Alaric with a frosty glare, even as Alaric does his best to pretend nothing has happened and acts completely neutral and charming.
You are therefore free to question them at this time, as you may like.
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?"
"You are mistaken, sir... "N'Var says politely. "That man is newly arrived, according to master Oleg, but he did ride in recently with the company of those other four men there..."he says indicating to the bookish man's group.
"The four others have been here before, and made maps and attempted to claim land... that last man is here on personal business, as he says. As for what that is, I do not know... it his business, not mine,"he says, looking this man with suspicion.
"I see thank you Captain N'Var. Now should you require an extra pair of hands you have my sword until my companions and I leave once more.
Gan bows to Captain N'Var and awaits his answer should his services be required.
Puck steps between the two groups of men and attempts to diffuse the situation. "Beg pardon, sirs, but my lady Hermia, she lies in an awful state. And the lady Ariarh, she does request your audience. Brave, darling girl, sitting at my lady's side all alone in this mixed company. Why, she is practically beside herself with grief!"
To Gan...
"You are a polite lad, which I appreciate,"N'Var says with a brief smile.
"You seem fit... are you handy with fortifications, or siege works? If so, I would appreciate an extra pair of hands in the camp adjacent to us... my men are working on laying the foundation for a solid tower to offer protection to Oleg, then they shall build a small gaurd house and stable nearby. If all goes as planned we can have stationed propper outriders, and... hopefully... in a month's time we'll have couriers permanently stationed here and Brevoy... and that will be soon. Plus, once someone is formally stationed here, we can offer propper aid to whoever legally controls the southern land... and by the looks of these maps... I would say that your companions will have the upper hand in that matter. Just as well, for those other men are ill-kept and have manners bespeaking their low character. I'd see them on the gibbet for their insolence alone... but duty must prevail,"he adds finally.
Puck steps between the two groups of men and attempts to diffuse the situation. "Beg pardon, sirs, but my lady Hermia, she lies in an awful state. And the lady Ariarh, she does request your audience. Brave, darling girl, sitting at my lady's side all alone in this mixed company. Why, she is practically beside herself with grief!"
"Well... talking to that fine piece of lass be better then this bunch,"Brett says waving his hand at the other four men who stare needles at him.
He turns and hitches up his belt and wanders in to visit Ariarh and the doughty Dior.
Ariarh took turns looking at the door then looking back at Hermia and checking on her breathing etc. Ariarh knew she was being overly protective but she was not going to take any chances.
It was on the last inspection of the door, that Ariarh notices Brett standing there, Dior looking at him and stepping aside to allow the halfling to pass through unmolested.
"I'm so happy to see you, Brett. I have been sitting here with such unpleasant and worrisome thoughts. I did not want to leave Hermia's side in case more harm came to her."
"Were you by chance out in the courtyard just now? Do you know what's happening out there? I've been holed in here since Hermia's collapse."Nice going, Ariarh. Keep asking him questions and not give him the chance to answer. Slow ... down.
"Well... talking to that fine piece of lass be better then this bunch,"Brett says waving his hand at the other four men who stare needles at him.
He turns and hitches up his belt and wanders in to visit Ariarh and the doughty Dior.
After a moment's hesitance, Puck fairly skips to join Brett on his walk. He hasn't a particular like for the lad, but that ugliness between him and the lady Hermia seemed to have passed for the better. Something about puzzles... his lady did seem to be interested in the most boorish things, sometimes. Others... Puck grinned and bawdy grin and hummed as he pressed along.
"My lady mentioned to me that you have a taste for puzzles, Bran. How is this one for you? Why would a lady skilled in healing, who by all rights were quite ill, refuse the aide of another so vigorously that warlike men were dispatched to hold her down? My lady is... well endowed as befits a woman of her... heart, but can not be mistaken by any but the blind for a warrior."
Ariarh took turns looking at the door then looking back at Hermia and checking on her breathing etc. Ariarh knew she was being overly protective but she was not going to take any chances.
It was on the last inspection of the door, that Ariarh noticed Brett standing there, Dior looking at him and stepping aside to allow the halfling to pass through unmolested.
"I'm so happy to see you, Brett. I have been sitting here with such unpleasant and worrisome thoughts. I did not want to leave Hermia's side in case more harm came to her."
"Were you by chance out in the courtyard just now? Do you know what's happening out there? I've been holed in here since Hermia's collapse."
"Nay, lady, I was outside stabling the horses... Your horse and mine be set-too just right... but just as soon as I started rubbing down Stybba... him first, begging your pardon, I got's hustled in here... some hoo-haw over a "plague" nusiance... "he looks doubtfully at Hermia.
"You don't think she really got plauge do ye? We may have to burn her or something... but they says she got's probems with her head... Hmph! Not that I be disagreeing with them... but I prefer the diagnosing of her be on ME, not THEM... 'casue when they be doing it... it sounds all dodgy,"he adds.
To Gan...
"You are a polite lad, which I appreciate,"N'Var says with a brief smile.
"You seem fit... are you handy with fortifications, or siege works? If so, I would appreciate an extra pair of hands in the camp adjacent to us... my men are working on laying the foundation for a solid tower to offer protection to Oleg, then they shall build a small gaurd house and stable nearby. If all goes as planned we can have stationed propper outriders, and... hopefully... in a month's time we'll have couriers permanently stationed here and Brevoy... and that will be soon. Plus, once someone is formally stationed here, we can offer propper aid to whoever legally controls the southern land... and by the looks of these maps... I would say that your companions will have the upper hand in that matter. Just as well, for those other men are ill-kept and have manners bespeaking their low character. I'd see them on the gibbet for their insolence alone... but duty must prevail,"he adds finally.
"I have promised my blade and hands to you if you answered my question and you have so if you would allow me time with my companions I would be abbliged to help on your fortifications. I need time to sort out our affairs and then I shall do my share.
"Well... talking to that fine piece of lass be better then this bunch,"Brett says waving his hand at the other four men who stare needles at him.
He turns and hitches up his belt and wanders in to visit Ariarh and the doughty Dior.
After a moment's hesitance, Puck fairly skips to join Brett on his walk. He hasn't a particular like for the lad, but that ugliness between him and the lady Hermia seemed to have passed for the better. Something about puzzles... his lady did seem to be interested in the most boorish things, sometimes. Others... Puck grinned and bawdy grin and hummed as he pressed along.
"My lady mentioned to me that you have a taste for puzzles, Bran. How is this one for you? Why would a lady skilled in healing, who by all rights were quite ill, refuse the aide of another so vigorously that warlike men were dispatched to hold her down? My lady is... well endowed as befits a woman of her... heart, but can not be mistaken by any but the blind for a warrior."
"It's Brett... Brett,"Brett seethes, then considers the words.
"Well, I don't be knowing right... but maybe yer lady, who's a bit off since I be meeting her... maybe she be all touched in the head fer years... and that's why she been going to do this bit about being a healer. See, maybe she became a healer 'cause fer years she be having problems with her own suffering's... mental and such, and don't want to have other folk suffer that. That'd explain her falling sickness right and just... AND it explain why she keep it secret, 'cause it emberass her... AND it explain why it happened all o' sudden. Yes indeed,"Brett nods wisely, but then he thumps his hand on the table.
"And all o' that'd be fine, if it were MY idea... becaue then I say it makes sense. But it ain't my idea, it be that idea of the other lads... they come up with it, so now I be suspicious of the whole thing! Next thing I know your lass be fine and dandy and wanted to heal to be nice and not because she's cracked... because if THEY say it, ye got to figure it be a lie... which is a damn shame, as I liked me theory up 'till now... but now I reckon I got's to start a new one..."he mutters.
"Hey lass... maybe ye don't do too many checks on her fer the plague just yet... if there be no plague right off, and we find her to be healthy... well, I think that Alaric fellow got a mind fer some sort of plan... let's wait to see what his move is, and just make sure the lass be comfy like in the meantime.
"I have promised my blade and hands to you if you answered my question and you have so if you would allow me time with my companions I would be abbliged to help on your fortifications. I need time to sort out our affairs and then I shall do my share.To Gan...
"You are a polite lad, which I appreciate,"N'Var says with a brief smile.
"You seem fit... are you handy with fortifications, or siege works? If so, I would appreciate an extra pair of hands in the camp adjacent to us... my men are working on laying the foundation for a solid tower to offer protection to Oleg, then they shall build a small gaurd house and stable nearby. If all goes as planned we can have stationed propper outriders, and... hopefully... in a month's time we'll have couriers permanently stationed here and Brevoy... and that will be soon. Plus, once someone is formally stationed here, we can offer propper aid to whoever legally controls the southern land... and by the looks of these maps... I would say that your companions will have the upper hand in that matter. Just as well, for those other men are ill-kept and have manners bespeaking their low character. I'd see them on the gibbet for their insolence alone... but duty must prevail,"he adds finally.
"A fine plan... I think you should do that; yes. I agree.. do whatever you can to assist your comrades first. I would see that their efforts are well-rewarded, in all their endevours,"he says looking at you as if to say Yeah, do what you can to help out your crew, and quick... time is running out for whatever plans you have.
"Hey lass... maybe ye don't do too many checks on her fer the plague just yet... if there be no plague right off, and we find her to be healthy... well, I think that Alaric fellow got a mind fer some sort of plan... let's wait to see what his move is, and just make sure the lass be comfy like in the meantime.
Ariarh nods in agreement with Brett.
"I have been keeping an eye on Hermia's condition and she is now clean, thanks to Master Puck!, and comfortable. I will await Alaric's next words before I undertake any further checks."
Turning to speak with the brownie,
"Master Puck, would you mind going back out to the courtyard and finding Alaric for me? His presence in this room is certainly necessary." Ariarh smiles at the helpful Puck Sparrow hoping he will continue aiding her in searching out the rest of their party.
Seeing Brett and Puck head into one room Gan bows to Captain N'Var and follows the group in.
"I haven't too much time for pleasantries in part due to my promising my blade to help the captain in return for some information. Seems that the man in black do be part of the company with the bookish man and the other two brutes. They while being here for but a few days seems they think they may have in their heads that this be their land. Seems they too have a map, but according to the captain it isn't as complete as ours. Now as for the purpose of the captain and his men seems they are here by charge of the nobles of Brevoy to provide an emissary for the rightful rules of this land and to also help to provide security for the budding nation we be setting up. The captain says he and his men will leave in a month or so when the fortification is done and only a few men and an emissary will remain."
Gan waits for a few moments for the information to sink in. Then he turns to Brett.
"As you know this be a wild land indeed and difficult to navigate indeed. If their map got 'lost' it may impede their progress a bit."
Puck climbs back up on the bed and sits atop his lady's stomach. He enjoys the rise and fall of her when she breathes, and of course, being the center of attention. He tucks his fist up under his chin and considers Brett's words.
"As for secrets..." he hums, "I do not suppose either of you be tracking her movements for the joy of it, but my lady has seem rather interested in the Alaric lad of late. Communing with him in his tents after dark, even. 'He's of a mind with us,' she said to me the other night, all flushed like a girl," Puck sports a bawdy grin and casts a lusty glance at his lady. "If she be of that mind..." he trails.
Brett pulls out his pipe and lights up, tasting the smoke.
"Ahh lady, ye do me heart good... I wonder what ol' Alaric is about... he tends to speak fine, but rare... I hope he has a good idea, though... but any way ye slice it we got about sixteen hours until dawn tomorrow... Hope he comes up with something good between then and now..."he says with a sending of a smoke ring to dangle over Dior.
Seeing Brett and Puck head into one room Gan bows to Captain N'Var and follows the group in.
"I haven't too much time for pleasantries in part due to my promising my blade to help the captain in return for some information. Seems that the man in black do be part of the company with the bookish man and the other two brutes. They while being here for but a few days seems they think they may have in their heads that this be their land. Seems they too have a map, but according to the captain it isn't as complete as ours. Now as for the purpose of the captain and his men seems they are here by charge of the nobles of Brevoy to provide an emissary for the rightful rules of this land and to also help to provide security for the budding nation we be setting up. The captain says he and his men will leave in a month or so when the fortification is done and only a few men and an emissary will remain."
Gan waits for a few moments for the information to sink in. Then he turns to Brett.
"As you know this be a wild land indeed and difficult to navigate indeed. If their map got 'lost' it may impede their progress a bit."
Brett calls from deep inside the room even as gan makes the suggestion.
Thaattt beee aaa ffinnnee suggesstion laaddd..."he calls from inside the room that Hermia is resting in and which Puck brought them to.
Dior watches the smoke ring hovering above his head.
Play. Yes, play. Dior fluffs his feathers and turns his head trying to make the smoke evaporate or at least move on from his space.
Bite...Brett. No...smoke. I...guard. Dior turns back to his post, ignoring the now evaporating distraction.
"Now my suggestion be that each of us take up a conversation with one of the four, with the exception of the man in black, with whom we shall all have no contact. When we got here I noticed the man in black staring at me, so we should all stay clear of him. We need to get as much information from the others as we can."
Puck climbs back up on the bed and sits atop his lady's stomach. He enjoys the rise and fall of her when she breathes, and of course, being the center of attention. He tucks his fist up under his chin and considers Brett's words.
"As for secrets..." he hums, "I do not suppose either of you be tracking her movements for the joy of it, but my lady has seem rather interested in the Alaric lad of late. Communing with him in his tents after dark, even. 'He's of a mind with us,' she said to me the other night, all flushed like a girl," Puck sports a bawdy grin and casts a lusty glance at his lady. "If she be of that mind..." he trails.
"Blast and confusticate it! Me plan that she be cracked be near air-tight with stuff as that! Why that other group got to gum it up be just un-decent of them!"Brett says shaking his head.
"Now I lay it to ye straight... see that lad Alaric, he be filled with queer notions of things, as is, but he's got a lass out a ways back home. How ye think if she be hearing he taking doxies about, begging yer pardon? Now, me sir, I've bedded my share... human, halfling and even a curious ELF lass... let's just say I put the curl in HER hair... but, uh.. *ahem*... "he says hitching up his belt and continuing.
"Yer lass needs to get herself a straight lad, and soon. Tap that maiden-head o' hers like a dwarf at a gold mine, if I may be so bold, and someone big and burly. She needs someone with charm, grace, panache, handy in the sack, rugged good looks... Now, I know what ye be thinking... but I don't mix business with pleasure meself... that's bad policy! But I think she'd be better to try one of them lads here... that Drake lad be smitten with Dasha... hmm... which reminds me... where'd she go, eh?"
"Hmm... but we can talk on her bed habbits all day... I'd rather be thinking on other things now... like if the black robed man did yer thing... why did he do it? I mean, what purpose did he have? It be a hard thing... Too bad we can't ask yer lass till she wakes up; and I ain't no sawbones... but I overhear that draught keep her sleeping till late morning no matter WHAT be done to her... be it magic or otherwise..."he says staring deliberirately at something, though no one is sure where.
"But we needs to be thinking... what be that lad be after... and why? What do we know about him... and it ain't be much now... we can get more from him... and if so... what? How can we learn, what can we do... how can it help us... how can we use it... Damn! We need action, not all this jibber jabber, by gum!"he says slamming his fist on the table, making Dior start with surprise.
"Now my suggestion be that each of us take up a conversation with one of the four, with the exception of the man in black, with whom we shall all have no contact. When we got here I noticed the man in black staring at me, so we should all stay clear of him. We need to get as much information from the others as we can."
"I dunno lad... ye may be right, ye may not... the other's strike me as so much tripe, easily dealt with... the man in black, it be HIM I be feared of..."Brett adds with a shiver. "But I think him be the one we need to know the most on, if ye take my meaning."
"Now my suggestion be that each of us take up a conversation with one of the four, with the exception of the man in black, with whom we shall all have no contact. When we got here I noticed the man in black staring at me, so we should all stay clear of him. We need to get as much information from the others as we can."
Turning to Gan who entered the sleeping quarters behind Brett and Puck,
"Gan, do you truly believe that those men with the black masked one will divulge critical information and especially to any of us? I haven't spoken with any of the four, but they, from a few glances I have had of them, don't look particularly cordial or easy conversationalists."
"Plus, I want to stay with Hermia. I don't want anyone coming upon her, alone in this room, and she unable to defend or protect herself."
Outraged, Puck stands up on his mistress's chest.
"Now you, Brat! You have thoroughly enraged me, speaking thusly upon my lady's honor! My lady Hermia is a good and true lady, not once ever had a thought to be putting the hurt upon this lass of Alaric's, if she exists," he argues, puffing himself up. He wobbles slightly as Hermia's breath rises again. "She's a good lady, mine. I was disposed and had the honor of protecting her virtue from a vile assault by one of Kressle's men, weak though I were. That attack done harmed my lady's heart, soft be she towards the men folk, specially them of large hands like her Master Smendor."
Puck looks to the lady Ariarh. "What say you, lady, she whom mine doth call friend? You seem to me as close as girls on occasion, have you no insight into the lady's heart?"
Outraged, Puck stands up on his mistress's chest.
"Now you, Brat! You have thoroughly enraged me, speaking thusly upon my lady's honor! My lady Hermia is a good and true lady, not once ever had a thought to be putting the hurt upon this lass of Alaric's, if she exists," he argues, puffing himself up. He wobbles slightly as Hermia's breath rises again. "She's a good lady, mine. I was disposed and had the honor of protecting her virtue from a vile assault by one of Kressle's men, weak though I were. That attack done harmed my lady's heart, soft be she towards the men folk, specially them of large hands like her Master Smendor."
Puck looks to the lady Ariarh. "What say you, lady, she whom mine doth call friend? You seem to me as close as girls on occasion, have you no insight into the lady's heart?"
Brett laughs out loud.
"Ah lad, ye do me heart good.. Fair enough, I be nay speakin' harm on yer lady's virtue nay more... Nay harm in getting it tapped, but I be right and nice to her feelings on YOUR count... "but his face now grows grim, and he puffs on his pipe.
"Jests asides, what's to be done... this Gan fellow may have a point on interviewing the boorish lads, they may let something slip on account o' being stupid. The man with spec's... he's got too much brains fer his good; mark how he talked law to the captain then? And the black robed man... he ain't sharing more then be good fer him... but those other three fools... if we speak to 'em right, we may get a piece of learning from them... but mind yer step there... and don't tip hands on what we be doing, neither. So,"he says looking to Gan "As Alaric is out and about doing what he does... what are ye plans on who to approach first...Shame we couldn't just ask the Hermia lass... but she be out dozing fer quite a while..."Brett said with a mournful shake of his head.
"I was thinking that your griffon as well as Puck here could stay with Hermia. Besides I will be helping the Captain and that could mean me taking my turn on watch thus I would be able to keep an eye on her. Now I agree that the man in black is the one that perhaps be pulling their strings, but we can get information about who the others are and why they be here. With this information we could possibly ascertain some information indirectly about this man in black. It could be that they be unwittingly involved with him if you catch my drift."
Puck looks to the lady Ariarh. "What say you, lady, she whom mine doth call friend? You seem to me as close as girls on occasion, have you no insight into the lady's heart?"
Ariarh looks thoughtful for a moment before speaking,
"I have a feeling, your Mistress Hermia, has observed that Alaric has an open heart and is filled with good intention. She has witnessed my trust in him on a number of occasions and has probably decided to place her own trust with him, as well. In relation, to what they may have discussed between them, I have not been privy to the conversation nor taken into their confidence. I think, as a general rule, there is far too much idle chatter of a lewd nature when it comes to the females within this group. I believe Hermia is a virtuous young woman, perhaps a romantic dreamer, but nonetheless honourable, all the same."
"I was thinking that your griffon as well as Puck here could stay with Hermia. Besides I will be helping the Captain and that could mean me taking my turn on watch thus I would be able to keep an eye on her. Now I agree that the man in black is the one that perhaps be pulling their strings, but we can get information about who the others are and why they be here. With this information we could possibly ascertain some information indirectly about this man in black. It could be that they be unwittingly involved with him if you catch my drift."
"Actually, I don't... what you mean unwittingly involved with him... I thought they all came in together..."Brett looks somewhat confused, but then he was out with the horses and may have missed some details here.
"Yes they did come here together, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't have some kind of magic controlling them forcing them to do what he wants. But even if they are under his control they should be able to tell us about themselves. I only suggest it because the others didn't rub me wrong the way the man in black did."
"Now if you will excuse me I owe my hands to the captain, but shall return around supper time for a meal and an update."
With that Gan bows, turns on his heals and heads out of the room to meet up with the Captain.
"Gan Mondragone reporting for duty as promised Captain."
"I was thinking that your griffon as well as Puck here could stay with Hermia. Besides I will be helping the Captain and that could mean me taking my turn on watch thus I would be able to keep an eye on her. Now I agree that the man in black is the one that perhaps be pulling their strings, but we can get information about who the others are and why they be here. With this information we could possibly ascertain some information indirectly about this man in black. It could be that they be unwittingly involved with him if you catch my drift."
"I do understand what you're saying, Gan, and you may be right about them letting something slip that they shouldn't. I just think that a young woman going out to a group of men who have shown they like to treat females a certain way isn't the wisest thing to do. I heard from Drake on our last visit how they pestered and sought after Dasha and I do not want to be placed in such a position."
"In addition, though Dior and Puck are handy protectors, neither are healers. I do believe my services are best employed by Hermia's side at present. If you're agreeable to that, Sir ..." Ariarh looks Gan directly in the eye and waits on his answer, but having made up her own mind, already.
"I have a feeling, your Mistress Hermia, has observed that Alaric has an open heart and is filled with good intention. She has witnessed my trust in him on a number of occasions and has probably decided to place her own trust with him, as well. In relation, to what they may have discussed between them, I have not been privy to the conversation nor taken into their confidence. I think, as a general rule, there is far too much idle chatter of a lewd nature when it comes to the females within this group. I believe Hermia is a virtuous young woman, perhaps a romantic dreamer, but nonetheless honourable, all the same."
Feeling vindicated, Puck Sparrow draws his cape about him and dances off his lady's side, to rest his weary rump beside her, petting her hands softly. Many cuts upon them had turned to scars within her labors, it seemed, but her skin was soft and still quite dark though the sun no longer shone quite so long any longer. He loved to see more of it when she thought the others were not looking, when she washed herself before communing with her goddess nightly.
"She seems none ashamed of her beauty in the wood," he sighs, his voice reflecting its typical musical quality. "She rarely seems to trouble for me at all. Maylike... maylike she is more afraid of you lot. The way she talk on her Auntie and her books, 'Master' this, and 'Lady' that, like she never had a friend."
Looking back at Ry,"'Tis true that they are not versed in the healing arts, but they can keep her safe. Now the Captain is hoping we can prove these men did something to Hermia and broke a law and should we be able to do that he and his men will take care of them. So your talents would best be used to gather information and though information can we help Hermia. Besides the man in the glasses said she sleeps from a sleeping draught and I have reason to believe him because he has no reason to lie. Should it have been poison Hermia would have shown ill effects by now."
Looking back at Ry,"'Tis true that they are not versed in the healing arts, but they can keep her safe. Now the Captain is hoping we can prove these men did something to Hermia and broke a law and should we be able to do that he and his men will take care of them. So your talents would best be used to gather information and though information can we help Hermia. Besides the man in the glasses said she sleeps from a sleeping draught and I have reason to believe him because he has no reason to lie. Should it have been poison Hermia would have shown ill effects by now."
In a low but resolute voice,
"Gan, you mistaken my words and intent. I will be staying by Hermia's bedside. I say this with due respect but as clear as I can. My presence among those men will be a waste of time. I'm a beautiful woman, they are crude and restless men. They have a proven track record of disrespecting women. They won't open up to me; they'll only be lewd and vulgar and I will be forced to teach them some manners. This will NOT help our cause. You endanger my virtue and perhaps my life and for what? There are enough males in our group to undertake the questioning. My involvement in the task of information gathering is unnecessary. Do not try to force me to go against my reason nor my will at this time." There is a deep fire in those sapphire eyes of hers and a "friendly" warning.
At the tone in Ariarh's voice, the griffon edges closer to his mistress, looking quite "unhappy" with their newest companion. He stares deeply at Gan but makes no other movement at this present time.
Brett puffs his pipe pleasently, as he watches the interplay.
"Hmm... yes... it seems you both have ideas on what to do... I would help you meself, yet I feel's that if I did something outward... well, let's just say I'd be better in here then there... wouldn't be propper, with my talents and all, to be asking questions... seem downright unfair somehow..."
He looks up that rafters, thinking a moment.
"But say, why don't why we think on THIS bit o' business, if I may... Gan be wanting to ask questions, and wanting information too, eh? Well, let him interogate the new group... but I be thinking this: what o' our dear Drake lad? He knowed the score, and no mistake... looks fine and well done up since we seed him last. And why? Because before he looked bad! I be wondering on that, and why he realy sent Dasha out, and what his thoughts on these folk be... I'd ask meself, but it seems like the lady Ariarh could slip that knowledge out better then I can... being that she be more diplomatic in the gathering of facts, and plus I think Drake be more friendly to lasses then grumpy ol' me!"
Brett nods sagely.
"And if, fer example, Ariarh be gathering from Drake and Gan and Alaric and Smendor be seeking facts from the other four lads (not to mention ol' Gideon) then we got's all sides well covered... And Ariarh, lass... mayhap you both hit the same nail on the head... because if those four other lads see ye about and act "disorderly" about ye... heh... wouldn't that be a damn shame, eh? As the captain might have to come in and take some "legal" action 'gainst them fer their treatment... hell, ye could even blame the whole thing on them men if ye too suffered an "dredful accident" or whatever hash the man in glasses done said... be a shame if they were mixed up in that type of affair twice again too... but I don't think it even be them four louts... I think our main trouble be that man in black... I think he had a problem with Hermia... but why her? And did I mistook something, or was he also asking ye if ye be a healer, too, lady Ariarh... maybe he be looking fer something...or someone."
He nods again.
"Aye, but I'm warming up to me own plan... Ask Drake a piece on what ye think, the others can bandy about with the new lads... all the while pushing them subtle like to do something "arrestable"... and move closer to figuring on why this man in black did his business... if he done anything; which I don't doubt! And also figuren on why he done it!"
Brett grins, and waits for an answer to his suggestions.
"Don't worry Ariarh lass, if ye talk to Drake, I sit here propper with Dior and Puck lad and watch the lady propper! But I think he tell ye more then ye know, if ye ask him right...and ye others can leave Drake to Ariarh... no doubt she'll get the answers from him by the end o' the night... and ye can spend yer afternoon asking the other louts something... then, by sundown, we all done stuff productive."
Puck were nodding his acquiescence to Brett's suggestion that the lady Ariarh should be productive. Seems to me, if any lass could use a smile being put on her face, it were that one, he muses. My lady doth smile as the sun breaks, and are just as warm to any she meets! He gives a start at the mention of Brett remaining with his unconscious lady, so far as she cannot rise to defend herself from his unsavory advances, and he scrambles to his feet, fingers poised as if to draw his daggers to accentuate the point that he will remain beside her.
"Have at thee! Villain!" he dares in a slightly mocking tone. "I will not have you slander my lady's reputation with... you mouth."
Puck pauses and grins, then pulls his blue hair back from his eyes. "That were what you meant, about the elven lass, with the curls? I have been thinking on the height difference. How very naughty of you. What other manner of bawdy tales might you to entertain to ease the passing of this droll watch?"
Alaric enters the room suddenly. How is she? He goes over to Hermia's side and looks at the rest of you. I'm sorry about that, I don't honestly think she has been stricken with a plague but I had to try and buy time and prevent those fiends from leaving. I think the man in black only did that to her to slow us down. As it is right now we have a very limited time in which to either prove his guilt or counteract the sleeping draught. This malady was inflicted on her by that masked man, I have no doubt but now we need proof which I'm not sure how to get without finding a way to awaken Hermia. If we can figure out what spell he used to cause the sickness that will help. Also we need to figure out a way to wake her from this sleeping potion as soon as possible. He pauses for a moment, collecting himself. I did not like these men from the start...but now they have attacked one of us...they have made this personal. Alaric's eyes blaze with anger now and you can see he wants nothing more than to tear the other group apart with his bare hands. He calms after another moment and continues But we must be smart here. We need to split up in groups in order to more effectively work. I bought us a night with the talk about plague, we must not waste it. Any suggestions?
"Just one," answers Puck, looking to the distraught Alaric. "Brick there believes that the masked man has some inclination towards healers, but, and I do beg your pardon lady," he offers a flourish of a bow to Ariarh, "unless I do be mistaken, it seems to me that though the Lady Ariarh be versed in the healing arts, like my lady Hermia, their magic is not the same. My lady doth with her pretty trinket summon the very storm to heal several ills at oncce."
Puck peers at Alaric. "Tell me, lad, when last you met with my lady, did she seem to you at all ill?"
Smendor finally walks into the room, "What the hell has been done here we are in a safe place and she has got herself hurt?
You can see Smendor is upset that he let this happen.
Ok lets use go back over what happened.
She came into the gate, had a private chat with the dark one, and now she is sick.
So we have a few different things that could have taken place.
*She got sick for no reason.
*She was given a sleeping potion to allow her to recover.
*She was made sick for some reason.
*She was given a sleeping potion to keep her from telling use what was done.
We only have those two options, and with the odd looks I am getting from those crazy men out there I am thinking the second is a better reason.
Knowledge Arcana:
"The bookly looking fellow told me it was a sleeping draught...but I can't be too sure."
I definitely think it was more the second option Smendor. She has shown no signs of illness and it was awfully convenient that she happened to follow the masked man out of sight and THEN turned up with some strange malady. That is not proof but is certainly suspicious in my mind.
Puck, Hermia and I are friends, nothing more, nothing less at this point. Even if something were going on between us, which there isn't, forgive me but I know that you are friends with her but that would be business between her and I. As for whether she was ill or not, definitely not. There was nothing wrong with her that I could tell. I do not for one instant think that this was anything other than nefarious in design. Specifically by the masked man.
Speaking to the rest of the group inside, "Remember we are not wholly trusted by all parties outside this room, so we cannot stand before them and accuse anyone of a wrong deed unless we have proof. If we walk outside and say Ariarh, and Alaric are skilled in the art of magic and they said there really are flying horses. Then we will quickly lose any chance of ever getting support for our ideals. You need to use the truth, and back the truth with understandable laymen fact. Even if we need to use a little entrapment to get the job done."
I definitely think it was more the second option Smendor. She has shown no signs of illness and it was awfully convenient that she happened to follow the masked man out of sight and THEN turned up with some strange malady. That is not proof but is certainly suspicious in my mind.
Her mind has been effected... it has left her weak and sick; possibly causing her to lose conciousness.
There is no residual magic effects on her at this time.
You suspect the potion was a mundane potion.
That will be a close call... The captain gave you till dawn... So you'll have to finagle it pretty well to get him to change his mind.
On the other hand, he may be the kind of person who changes his mind, or breaks his word on a whim... Somehow, though, you doubt it.
Speaking to the rest of the group inside, "Remember we are not wholly trusted by all parties outside this room, so we cannot stand before them and accuse anyone of a wrong deed unless we have proof. If we walk outside and say Ariarh, and Alaric are skilled in the art of magic and they said there really are flying horses. Then we will quickly lose any chance of ever getting support for our ideals. You need to use the truth, and back the truth with understandable laymen fact. Even if we need to use a little entrapment to get the job done."
"I be agreeing with Smendor here... that lad with the spec's... He be right crafty in his speech... we need facts, or else we be loosing all manner of success with him. We say water's wet, why... he'll be provin' we're wrong, unless we stay on it like a hawk! So keep yer eyes open, and make no mistake... he's not pleased to stay here, and he's probably cooking up his own plans to spoil our'n even as we sit here thinking on what to do next!"