That is true...I forgot about that.
"Could we stop for a few moments I beg? I need to pray for guidance from my ancestors. Perhaps they can shed more light upon our circumstances."
Gan dismounts Smoke and strokes his nose, "Stay boy. I will be right back."Gan then moves a few meters away from the group and kneels, pulling out his katana and lighting inscense utters a quiet prayer.
"Ancestors hear my prayers. I seek your wisdom and your guidance. I owe a debt of honor to a fallen commrad. A mysterious woodsman guided us to this path and told us we could find a temple to resurrect my commrad should we ride hard, but we would get there at night. The other choice would be to ride for 2 hours and make camp for the night. I seek your wisdom in what would help me to fulfill this debt of honor. Once I have restored my honor I vow to restore yours as well. Upon my sword I swear."
Darknesss shrouds fell things...
Yet what will dawn bring, you ask?Illumanation
You have a strange sense that night and day are filled with their own perils; yet under the morning sun creatures of darknes scurry from the light. It would be wise, then, to recall that for your choice on when to proceed.
The monring seems safer, somehow... if at the least, more wholesome.
Morning is always safer! One of you numskulls would fall into a hole or something if we went walking around in an old temple in the middle of the night. Sure we can have a torch or one those light spells you have but, that really does not give enough true light to be safe.
turning and speaking to Ry, "Sure the man in black was looking for a healer, but why did he need Dasha? I have been thinking the man needed her for some kind of dark ceremony. I think that was what that paper was talking about from the river fort.
Morning may be safer but may I remind you all that time is of the essence with these things. The sooner really is the better in this case. I understand wanting to be cautious but this is a long shot as it is and I would not make it worse by waiting. I will go with the groups decision but I just wanted to make it clear that the soonest we get there the greater the chance of success we will have.
I agree with you Alaric, but making sure we all live to make the request seems to have greater worth. Digging a deep water well is worthless if you die of heat exposure before the task is done.
Gan gets up from his prayer and goes and swiftly and deftly mounts Smoke.
"My ancestors tell me that both night and morning offer perils all their own, but it is safer to wait until the sun should rise, because the creatures of the night will scurry off."
Gan nods to Smendor, "Then we make camp for the night just before dusk."
Morning may be safer but may I remind you all that time is of the essence with these things. The sooner really is the better in this case. I understand wanting to be cautious but this is a long shot as it is and I would not make it worse by waiting. I will go with the groups decision but I just wanted to make it clear that the soonest we get there the greater the chance of success we will have.
Ariarh moves closer to Alaric and softly lays her hand on his arm,
"I understand what you are saying, my friend. I know I cannot ease this sense of duty you wish to uphold. I just have a concern that we do not know anything about this temple and if we enter its domain when it is dark, we may risk much more than we can imagine. I do not believe that would aid Hermia's or the fallen soldier's cause." Ariarh wished she knew the name of the soldier. She would ask the two outriders in their contingent once they camped for the night.
Looking over at the wrapped bodies of the deceased, atop the horses,
"If we do decide to make camp after dusk, we need to find a safe place (perhaps a tent) to store the two bodies for the night. We cannot leave them as they are, strapped atop the horses."
"They can have my tent Lady Ry. I shall sleep on the ground next to the fire."
"They can have my tent Lady Ry. I shall sleep on the ground next to the fire."
Alaric looks over and smiles at Gan, That is not necessary for you to sleep without shelter. My tent is plenty large enough for you if you wish to sleep in there as well.
Alaric looks over and smiles at Gan, That is not necessary for you to sleep without shelter. My tent is plenty large enough for you if you wish to sleep in there as well.
Ariarh acknowledges Gan's generosity in offering up his tent to the fallen comrades. "That is kind of you, Gan. Thank you. Perhaps, you can assist me in unstrapping and carrying Hermia and the soldier into the tent once we set up camp?"
While waiting for Gan to answer, Ariarh turns to Alaric,
"Alaric, I seem to ask this question frequently across our travels, but may I sleep inside your tent tonight, as well?"
Smendor goes about making a fire and walking the outer rim of the camp like he has done in the past.
Puck Sparrow spends the night beside his lady and her companion, preferring the quiet solitude and shelter of the corpse tent to study out of the elements. Rain may damage his book, or passing creatures tear or nibble at its pages if he is not diligent.
Of course. You are always welcome, you know that. Alaric sets his unseen servant to setting up his tent while he helps the others with the bodies.
The two men are preparing their camp at night fall.
There is a series of interlocking rivers and streams and the stream beds are swollen, but you have managed to pick your way up around them and found a small hill with a wide opening under the stars.
This is where the outriders are currenlty setting up there camp.
The hill is relatively flat, and they take out a series of spades and instanty beginin digging a deepish trench, about three feet deep and wide. Heeping the earth and mud inside the trench in short order they've constructed a trench that stretches roughly 50 x 50 feet.
This takes them roughly two hours, unless anyone helps them, but they don't ask for help either way. They begin at roughly 7 PM and won't finish until 9 PM. They DO ask any spellcasters to cast "light" to aid them, if you would....
They have made gaps in the trench in various places like "gates". There are two of them, one in west, one in the east. The horses are led inside the gap, and they set up their tent; a four man arrangement. There is enough room inside the makeshift "wall" for two other tents to be set up conviently, and two other horses.
If anyone else wants to situate the horses inside the wall, they can, but you will need to help. For every person who "helps" (provided they brought any tools for digging) they will extend the camp ten more feet in width. This will allow the rest of the horses to be in the camp at the same time.
When that is done, the younger one will go down the hill a little bit and come back with stacks of branches which he dumps at the crest of the hill. His older friend is currently hacking at them with a hatchet, and is making stakes and jutting them in the wall on an angle, facing outwards. He places one stake every "foot" of the wall, and each stake is about one foot long. This process takes them to about ten PM, unless someone else helps.
The men have identified themselves to Brett, as he was the only one who botheres to ask their names.
The younger is Tom Cooper; and the older one is Corpral Bill Tinker.
Brett has started to prepare a meal for the men at around 9:00 PM, and has also helped the men dig their walls. The meal he is cooking is a porridge of meal that he has seasoned with spices and some honey.
Finally, when things are done, the men eat their meal.
"Begging your pardon; but which of you will be taking first watch?"Corpral Tinker asks the party.
"Well, as I'm up, I'll suppose I'll give things a once over,"Brett volunteers.
Cooper snorts, and shakes his head even as Tinker looks over the rest of you.
"Am I missing something?"Brett asks, cocking an eye.
"No sir; but, begging your pardon sir, but under Captain N'Var we traditionally station more then one person on watch. If he fails in his duty, falls asleep, misses something... well, in that case we have an extra set of eyes at least."
"You know, ye people seem pretty disciplined to be working fer the squire we met; begging yer pardon, if I may be so bold. Ain't strike me as army regulars or militia folk. Why'd ye get such a keen force down here anyhow, eh?"Brett adds, watching Tinker carefully, gauging his response.
"I'm sure you know better then I do, sir,"Corpral Tinker says stiffly. "However, Captain N'Var is a stern men; bold and resolute. The House Kaid did well to choose him as a chief officer for the mounted forces, for he is grim and stern, and his dedication to his men is well received. But as for why our Captain was sent to the south? No doubt the good squire Kaid was suitably impresed by the presence of the Ustalavian priest and outriders and was perhaps eager to offer protection from an encroaching threat from the west; and less impressed with that then the presence of mere bandits,"he adds the last, stripping off his scale mail, wrapping himself in his heavy cloak and slinging his bow over his shoulder with the quiver.
In the meantime you see that Cooper has already removed the saddles for their horses, and given them a brief rub-down after slurping down his food swiftly. He is currently crouched by the fire, smoking a pipe, not unlike Brett, and watches the interplay neutrally.
Tinker looks at the silver sliver of moonlight low in the horizon.
"Cooper, I'll take first watch, and wake you at 2 AM, if none of the others will take watch with me. Finish your pipe and nod off quick. I want to be up at 6 AM to start breaking camp, so be sure to wake me before dawn,"the Corpral adds briskly and efficiently.
"If we break up the watch better, ye can sleep more then four hours, ye know...Brett says.
"Perhaps, sir,"Tinker responds somewhat stiffly, though not unkindly. "But that is up to your companions, sir. We have eight here, counting the Fey folk yonder,"he adds, gesturing to Puck. "If we divide watches fairly, then each of us can take double duty on watch, and standard two hour shifts, giving each man... each rider six hours of solid sleep time. But for I and my man we shall not rest easy if there is no appropraite watch. This is dangerous country, sir,"he concludes.
"I already be saying I'll take first watch with ye... After digging ditches and cooking fer four" (Brett made enough for two grown men, and one grown halfling, though he would have happily doubled grain portions for anyone else who wanted a meal with no trouble) "I'd just assume sleep sooner then later. But I'll keep watch with ye until at least till 2 AM, unless any of me companions plan on volunteering..."at this point Brett turns and gives you all an eye, seeing the "work" you've been busy at.
For himself, the digging ditches, helping with cooking, prepping the fire, and hacking out stakes; not to mention the long ride and harrowing escape in the Fey Forest... He's somewhat tired.
But without much effort anyone can Sense Brett's TRUE Motive would be to make sure the soldiers of the Squire are not upstaged by a scion of the Duke. More then that, though, you aren't sure. Brett seemed unhappy with the night, and distrustful of the area.
Glancing to the sky, he frowns.
"No moon tomorrow... and meantime, I'd wager my pipe that we're gonna get rain again. Damnation!"
Cooper has already crawled into his bedroll and is instantly asleep, even as Tinker is now making a wide circle around the camp with his bow, checking the rise of the hill for any threats.
In lowered voice, Ariarh replies to Alaric,
"Thank you, Alaric." Ariarh is concerned about the sorcerer. Whether the strain of Hermia's demise or the responsibility he carries heavy in his heart, she feels her friend is more reserved and aloof than was his usual way. Ariarh nods and gives a small grateful smile as Alaric turns to help organise the camp. Then she, Gan and Alaric unstrap and respectfully settle the bodies of Hermia and the soldier inside Gan's tent.
Upon hearing the words exchanged between Brett, Tom Cooper and Corporal Tinker, Ariarh offers to keep watch during the night.
To Brett, she asks:
"I am willing to assist in the watch. Which shift would you like me to take?" Dior is beside Ariarh, astutely observant, as is his way.
In lowered voice, Ariarh replies to Alaric,
"Thank you, Alaric." Ariarh is concerned about the sorcerer. Whether the strain of Hermia's demise or the responsibility he carries heavy in his heart, she feels her friend is more reserved and aloof than was his usual way. Ariarh nods and gives a small grateful smile as Alaric turns to help organise the camp. Then she, Gan and Alaric unstrap and respectfully settle the bodies of Hermia and the soldier inside Gan's tent.
Upon hearing the words exchanged between Brett, Tom Cooper and Corporal Tinker, Ariarh offers to keep watch during the night.
To Brett, she asks:
"I am willing to assist in the watch. Which shift would you like me to take?" Dior is beside Ariarh, astutely observant, as is his way.
Brett glances at Corpral Tinker, who is walking the perimeter even now, then turns to answer Ariarh directly.
"Well, if ye're the only one watching with me, I'd reckon ye'd be best suited to take second watch with that Cooper fellow. Mind that he keeps his eyes on his work, and doesn't be doing nothing too forward. Without his boss around to keep an eye on things... well, if he on watch see that he be watching the turf, not yer backside, if ye be taking me meaning on it, no disrespect,"Brett adds, the stem of his pipe clutched between his teeth.
You can see that Brett's firearms are in front of them laid on a cloth rag. He is currently breaking down each weapon, cleaning it, then oiling it, then putting it back together.
Brett is in no hurry to "walk the perimeter" as long as Tinker is doing so. Instead, he seems content to keep his eyes open on the inside of the wall and looking about the hill. When his pistols and musket are cleaned of grime and properly oiled, he will then take out his blade and begin to polish and sharpen it lovingly, and then continues to do so with his knives, whistling a little tune to himself.
Then, moving to the fire, he puts a kettle over the flame, and lets it heat up, looking toward the othes.
"Hey, ye louts, anyone else willing to pitch in and give a hand with watch duty? Standard two man detail, as usual. I'm on first watch, Ariarh's got second, but anyone else prefer to help break things up a bit fer a change?"he asks, as if breaking up in watches, setting gaurds, preparing a well organized camp site and acting like there were dangerous things in the wild you would prefer to defend yourself against was all in a day's work for your group.
Dior sticks his beak out and stares at Brett, who is looking around at the rest of you, and deliberately yawns long and loudly, then snuggles back under his blanket. Apperently Dior seems to think that the presence of 8 people, ten horses, a palliside wall, and several fires, will probably dissuade anything in the wild, gaurd or NO gaurd... and that the whole thing is somewhat ridiculous.
But other then another loud yawn, from under the shelter of Ariarh's bedroll, the griffon doesn't seem to be interested in expressing any other specific views on Brett's plans.
"Humph! Looks like a long night in front of us, then,"Brett adds, waiting for anyone to respond. He begins to brew some strong tea, hoping the drink will keep him awake and alert until 2 AM, unless someone else volunteers to help with watch.
"Thank you Master Alaric that would be much appreciated."
Then turning to the the outriders Gan says humbly, but with authority,
"I myself trust my companions and while Captain N'Var may ask for two on watch, I, we do not. We trust our lives with each other and since Captain N'Var is not here we will have one on watch at a time. We have all had a long few days and the extra rest would do us all some good. Now gentlemen we have a camp to set up."
Gan turns on his heals and begins to set up his tent and help Lady Ry gently move the dead bodies into the tent.
"Brett, I shall take second watch."
Survival to set up tents, dig a firepit, find food.
Survival:
"Anyone who wishes should be welcomed to tea with me after we have supper would be most welcome."
I hope Lady Ry joins me and wishes to continue learning my language.
Seeing that the others where going to really build a true base Smendor would pull out his shovel, and get to work on helping.
Good I like a little more of a defensible camp.
Smendor will dress down until he only has a light tunic and pants, and really gets going with the work at hand.
I need to do stuff like this more often. All this riding on a horse is making my muscles weak.
The others can see Smendor is in very nice shape.
He will keep working until the work is finished, and everyone is done.
I can take watch more into the dark of night. It will take the evil a while to get here, and I want to be up, and around when it arrives.
"Well, if ye're the only one watching with me, I'd reckon ye'd be best suited to take second watch with that Cooper fellow. Mind that he keeps his eyes on his work, and doesn't be doing nothing too forward. Without his boss around to keep an eye on things... well, if he on watch see that he be watching the turf, not yer backside, if ye be taking me meaning on it, no disrespect,"Brett adds, the stem of his pipe clutched between his teeth.
Ariarh takes no offense at Brett's words.
"Don't worry, Brett. I will appropriately "supervise" our young Tom Cooper during the second shift." Ry chuckles under her breath. She earnestly hoped the young escort would do his duty and not be distracted.
Watching Brett prepare the tea, she walks over to the fire to stand beside him. "Is there enough tea for another?" She holds her tea mug before her.
"I hope some of the others will put their hand up for watch duty. If they do not, I'll head to bed soon so I can relieve you when you're done with your shift."
"I don't think we can count on Dior at present. He seems to think all is well and he is entitled to sleep. He certainly is an free spirit." Ariarh again laughs, softly and melodically. Then sobers up quickly.
Looking up the sky and at the tiny sliver of the moon, Ariarh's brow screws up with some concern.
"I hope the weather holds up, Brett." Ariarh didn't want to be up on watch with the plucky Tom Cooper and the rain.
Hermia watches her companions lay her body to rest, and it is a struggle to recall any connection to the earth. The peace she felt looking upon the light hidden beneath the figure's cloak was unlike any she had known in her life, save perhaps those fleeting moments of joy in the wood amongst the roots and trees at the invitation of the lords and ladies of the wilds.
Ephemeral, Hermia hums, much like her present state.
She looks to her solemn companion, Geofry and withholds a sigh. If she could communicate to the others how lonesome and difficult the situation was, she doubted they would have elected to break camp. Alaric, as comely a prince that had been ripped from the pages of her books, in particular she hoped would have compelled the others to continue, but... She understood their wariness as well. In their place, would she do any different? Hermia could not say. It were her way to place the needs of the many before herself, to prioritize those of them who were least likely to express their interests in any meaningful way first, truly. Had she not demonstrated a preference for Smendor's company effectively? She had introduced herself to the captain's men, all his men, and begged their forgiveness for her part in Geofry's murder...
'Patience, dear heart.'
Hermia thought of the last few weeks of Auntie Luda's life, when it seemed that no amount of comfort could reach her. Half blind, mad, and finally mute besides, Hermia often wondered what compelled the woman to remain. She demonstrated less than even passing fondness for their mutual companions, and less and less patience with Hermia and her romances in the years that preceded her illness. How many times had she warned me not to consort with Galen, the gentle soul that delivered unto us baskets of similar weeds when he visited? If only I had been allowed to -
Had she skin, Hermia might have colored. A curious sort of wonder filled her if her current form could reflect color at all, or light... Ioana certainly seemed quite colorful...
But nay, that was what had driven her. Knowledge, and her desire to share it, to inspire progress. Galen, gentle soul with broad, scarred hands. If he were able to recognize the ginger bulb from another similar root, if he were able to correctly identify any, his keen eyes would have served their scattered community well. His hopeful smile when she was allowed to speak with him in private warmed her heart.
Community, progress, more than her selfish desire to belong, and to attain harmony and peace, Hermia recalled her duty. To Alaric, her concern for the lady Ariarh, to contribute to Master Smendor's sense of purpose. And she wished to know Brett and Gan better, too, and to hear Puck's songs and feel his weight on her knee when she communed.
Master Hendrick, if there are any that bear love for you, please, do remain. I am completely confident that my companions and yours will do right by us, she says. Please, try to hold on just a while longer.
"Thank you Master Alaric that would be much appreciated."
Then turning to the the outriders Gan says humbly, but with authority,
"I myself trust my companions and while Captain N'Var may ask for two on watch, I, we do not. We trust our lives with each other and since Captain N'Var is not here we will have one on watch at a time. We have all had a long few days and the extra rest would do us all some good. Now gentlemen we have a camp to set up."
Gan turns on his heals and begins to set up his tent and help Lady Ry gently move the dead bodies into the tent.
"Brett, I shall take second watch."
Survival to set up tents, dig a firepit, find food.
Survival: 1d20+8
"Anyone who wishes should be welcomed to tea with me after we have supper would be most welcome."
I hope Lady Ry joins me and wishes to continue learning my language.
Brett hitches up his britches, and adds some cloves to his tea pot. The smell is sweet and fragrant.
"C'mere, youngster,"he says to Gan with a jerk of his hand "Now, ye and I be scions of the Duke Essarian... these lads be attached to a minor squire, and we done met him, and that lad were a right fool. If ye want to sleep, sleep, but I ain't gonna let it be said that no scion the Duke Essarian be upstarted on by a low-lying corpral, connected to a poxin' squire. I don't reckon on the need fer so many eyes, but I ain't be outdown by the likes o' him. Matter of princeple, by gum! But ye sleep if ye want, that be yer choice. Fer ME, I got's the honor of the Duke to uphold, and I ain't be doing it sleeping. But,"he adds, leaning back, now that his commentary is made to Gan "If ye really want to help and only sleep a bit, split second watch with Ariarh, then ye each take two hours o' sleep. She better take the last watch, get the full sleep, and then be awake to do her prayers at dawn anyhow..."
Brett gets up and slings the series of holsters over his shoulders which house his pistols and knives over his chest, fastening them to his belt.
"As fer me... I got the honor of me Duke's house to look on, but ye sleep if ye will,"he adds.
Ariarh, forgive me for saying so and I know that you have good intentions for wanting to take a watch as well, but those of us who need to have their minds rested in order to keep to the rigors of spellcasting need our sleep. I am sure the others would not mind if we skipped our turns in order to be fully prepared for the morrow.
Seeing that the others where going to really build a true base Smendor would pull out his shovel, and get to work on helping.
Good I like a little more of a defensible camp.
Smendor will dress down until he only has a light tunic and pants, and really gets going with the work at hand.
I need to do stuff like this more often. All this riding on a horse is making my muscles weak.
The others can see Smendor is in very nice shape.
He will keep working until the work is finished, and everyone is done.
I can take watch more into the dark of night. It will take the evil a while to get here, and I want to be up, and around when it arrives.
Brett will nod at Smendor's words, and include Smendor with dinner, doubling up on the meal for the sturdy dwarf. Thanks to Smendor's help, the wall is dug faster and wide enough to include three tents (four if smendor prefers his own private tent) and the ten horses.
"If ye take the second watch with Gan, then we can let the other lad... this "Cooper" fellow... sleep until Ariarh and him get up fer early watch."
Brett nods sagely to himself.
"Meantime, I'm with ye. 'Bout time we treated this bleedin' exploring like a mission of 'portance 'stead of some kind some kind of walking expedition,"trying to ignore the comments from Alaric, recognizing their wisdom, but having his own agenda, seemingly.
Then, gripping his musket he casts a mournful, somewhat exagerated, aged look out of the fortification, as if the weight of the world is on his shoulders. And though you know Brett is trained in battle and a capable warrior, his attitude seems to be almost a melodramatic demonstration of the weather-weary "Grizzled Soldier".
Dior let's out another yawn, equally melodramatic, after Brett's pronouncement, causing the Halfling to frown, then steel his gaze at the grasses around him.
Turning to Brett, "I meant no disrespect Master Brett. I just don't think that outriders should order around people who have been given right to explore and settle this land. It would be my honor to take second watch with Lady Ry."
Ariarh listens to Brett's words to Gan and cannot help but admire the halfling's way of speaking. She wondered if Gan would in turn be "motivated" to join in and split watch duty with her. Brett's idea of taking the 4am shift was sound, which meant she could do her duty and then upon dawn breaking meditate for an hour and refresh her spells. Ariarh believed she really needed this meditation as their journey to the temple might be harder than they initially envisioned. Ariarh didn't want to sound like a merchant of doom but if experience was anything to go by, their journey seemed to be fraught with challenges more often than not.
"Gan, I would certainly appreciate your assistance on the watch."
Upon hearing Alaric walk up and speak his piece, she turns to him and addresses his concerns,
"Aye, you are correct, my friend. Brett was explaining to Gan that perhaps I should take the 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. shift and then as soon as dawn is upon us, begin my meditations. If you still feel this will be strenuous and impact my spellcasting abilities, I shall defer to your wisdom on the matter and refrain from watch duty."
Smendor does the best he can to mimic Alaric's voice, "Now where is that man servant I requested I need my bed turned down so I can rest my weary bones."
Before going to sleep Semndor will go down to the water and have a quick wash.
He will tend to his horses (2).
He will be using his own tent which will be placed near to his horses.
Turning to Brett, "I meant no disrespect Master Brett. I just don't think that outriders should order around people who have been given right to explore and settle this land. It would be my honor to take second watch with Lady Ry."
"Heh, no harm, lad... But recall how p'lite they be? They didn't give orders, said they'd break up the watch in half; one of their lads on first watch, the other on second. Even when I volunteered to split it three ways, they said "no sir, we do it the captain's way; he's just lovely and special and such"... Buggers! Ye know it be because they want to show how good and true their captain be "Grim man, but true". Bah, bunch of tripe. But see here, ye be o' the Duke, too, sworn to him as I be. We can't be letting these buggers ride back to their boss and say "Well, maybe in the DUKE'S camp they just lounge about all day, but under our captain things be done right and propper." Why, it ain't regular! But see how clever they be? Nay, no orders or no such luck, then maybe we'd call them on it. But anyhow..."he adds, slapipng his hand on the young samurai's back "'Tween ye and I, we be showing him who's got the better boss; they can sing o' our deeds later, but I'll not let me Duke get upstaged. Glad to have ye aboard,"he says, handing Gan a hot cup of steaming tea that he has already brewed.
"As fer YE miss..."he says turning to Ariarh "No tea fer YE... ye need yer beauty sleep, just like the noble sorcerer lad, no doubt, AND yer griffon, who is no doubt extremely sleepy, he needs no tea what-so-ever! But maybe, if he be p'lite, I fix him some bacon in the morning,"Brett adds with a grumble.
Ariarh smiles and retires toward her bedroll under the tent and sees the blanket moving about, and suspects it is Dior wagging his little tail after the mention of "bacon".
Once camp is set up Gan will feed Smoke and tend to his needs prior to seeing to his own. Then he will go to the fire sit down and take his meal and his tea.
Looking at the captain's men, "I do apologize for being so abrupt. I spoke out of my place. I just don't take kindly to brashness in the face of my friends."
Gan bows deeply toward Brett.
"Some tea would be much welcomed and needed. Perhaps it be nerves getting the best of me. Much has happened in a little time and I have had little sleep."
The tea you taste is stronger, and more fragrant. Though Gan would probably not recognize it, you personally would taste the flavor of cloves and cinamon in the tea. It is more mellow then the standard green tea of your homeland, but somehow seems to fit this terrain better, and also reminds you of Brett's personality; earthy, robust, and sweet.
Though, of course, Brett would never agree publically with such comparison, if made by a man :)
"This tea is quite pungent my friend, but very welcomed. Tis much different than my homeland, but then again this is all different then the patties back home."
Since Brett refuses to give Ariarh some tea, she asks if she can partake in the meal he prepared earlier before she retires to her bed. She will simply drink some water in lieu of the strong, fragrant tea with her meal. No tea for ye, as Brett so eloquently said.
Ariarh, after spending a little time conversing with Brett and Gan (while she eats), bids them "good night" and leaves the fire.
Just before she does though, Ariarh turns to Gan with a smile,
"Gan, after we make our journey to the temple and hopefully resurrect Hermia and that soldier fellow, I would like to continue studying from your book. I am enjoying learning the different symbols and words."
She then makes her way to Alaric's tent and nestles into her sleeping bag (Dior already snuggled in there) and proceeds to quickly fall asleep.
"Well Master Brett since I am taking my turn on second watch I should get a few hours of sleep while I can. I bid you good night young master."
Gan will go into Alaric's tent and crawls into his bedroll and pulls out his leather book.
Must study the art of war. I must not let my new friends down again lest I need to end my own life.
Gan creates a small light and proceeds to study about the art of war.
She is quite beautiful isn't she? Concentrate, focus you cannot fail again.
He spends about 30 minutes studying before falling asleep. He quickly falls asleep and dreams.
Gan, Focus! You must protect the left flank. You cannot let anyone out flank you. Comes an order from the Shogun.
The battle begins to rage and all seems quiet on the left flank.
I love to watch my father and the Shogun fight. They are so elegant and move so gracefully. They are more knowledgeable then....
While lost in thought Gan takes an arrow to the right shoulder.
"On your guard men we are under attack."
As soon as the last word left his lips a raiding party of ninja's come out of the bamboo completely out flanking him and taking him and his men by suprise. In a swift second Gan is gravely injured and knocked off his horse. Thinking him dead the ninjas move on and attack Gan's father from behind killing everyone. Then moving on they kill the Shogun and destroy the entire army.
Time flashes forward to when his clan throws down Gan's swords and tattoo the back of his neck with the words, "DISHONORED SAMURAI".
Time flashes forward again to the last battle with the man in black.
Gan is opened up with a nasty slash from the man's sword and drops to a knee.
"Perhaps I shall regain my honor dying in combat fighting for my new friends..."
Then seeing Hermia run into the cabin and seeing the wrath of the man in black completely to the young woman and seeing her die in a matter of seconds.
"NOOOOOO!!!! You shall pay for that you bastard!"
I have failed again! I have dishonored myself once more...
Gan is startled awake and sits up visibly shaken to any who see him.
"I must not, I cannot fail again, lest..." Gan mutters to himself as he sits us.
Then taking his caligraphy set out of his saddlebags and turning his quill into a needle he tattoos on his right forearm..."Duty and Honor above all else".
Then looking at his katana resting near his bedroll Gan kneels and says a solemn vow to his companions and his ancestors.
"I shall not fail you again. I will lead us to victory on the battlefield or die trying. Should I fail I beg of you to take my life."
The last line he mutters while looking at Lady Ry, hoping that his teachings of his language and ways would impress upon her his sense of honor and duty.
Tonight's Battle...
Okay, if you can be on Skype at roughly 9:00 PM Eastern Standars hours... that is roughly 11 hours from now.
For those of you who are new to MapTools and the Battle, if you want to be on a little earlier to get your feet wet, that works too. I'll be on Skype 8:30 PM, and start adding people as I see them.
I'm pretty excited, but we'll see how this plays out. This presumes, of course, that there is actually a battle. But all signs point to "Yes".
Tonight's Battle...
Okay, if you can be on Skype at roughly 9:00 PM Eastern Standars hours... that is roughly 11 hours from now.
For those of you who are new to MapTools and the Battle, if you want to be on a little earlier to get your feet wet, that works too. I'll be on Skype 8:30 PM, and start adding people as I see them.
I'm pretty excited, but we'll see how this plays out. This presumes, of course, that there is actually a battle. But all signs point to "Yes".
You awake shortly before dawn and begin to break camp. The men have taken the stakes from the campsite and toss them inside the palisade wall and soon Brett has a largish fire to cook breakfast on, even as they take their spades and begin to heap the dirt from the walls inside the trenches they dug in the night. Soon, the trenches are obliterated, except for a large muddy track.
The others are going about the business of breaking down and packing the tents, even as those who know who need to are preparing their spells for the day. Soon the whole camp is broke and they are riding off.
In due time you now have started on your way, and after a few miles of traveling the sky grows cloudy and a massive storm begins. The land is soon drenched with heavy rains and is now cold and wet. Brett peers from under the brim of his hat and stare out over the horizon.
”Well, if it be any comfort at all, at least this map is somewhat accurate in its designs. If I don’t miss me guess, we tack course that way for about a mile, then, start heading north west a piece.”
He pulls out his spyglass and glances at the horizon.
”Yeah, see, that there? That tall cliff? According to the map, the temple be down near the base of the cliff. That means the map is likely accurate, that means the rest of the map be accurate as well, I’d think… that means we done explored some new land quick,”he adds with a grim nod, shaking off the weather.
You push down, and by roughly nine o’clock you reach a thick covey of tall trees and brambles. You can’t even see anything through the trees at this time, but force forward in any event until you can see an opening in the woods like a glade. There, in the middle of the glade is a large man-made pond and a tallish series of broken stone statues.
You can see that the pillars are marked with profane graffiti of some sort; specifically it looks like various foul tongues and evil markings. It looks like the rocks have been profaned with evil writing, and dark phrases.
There are ruined bodies on the ground. Some humans, and some other creatures as well. It looks like there may have been a battle here at one point, though you are sure. What is clear is that there are dead humans in mismatched clothes and gear, as well as a few humans wearing the dark covering of the “wyvern riders”… and other more odd creatures. What looks like a group of slaughtered Kobolds that may have clustered themselves about a rock; many of them. They are butchered badly… and you can also see that someone has taken the liberty of hoisting the largest and most fearsome of the Kobolds and impaled them on spears, letting their bodies rot in the elements.
The place seems very nasty; if there was anything of value here, it is likely to have been taken, but you still have hopes.
To the far end of the site is a tall cliff with a cave mouth. There, under the awning of the cave mouth you see what looks like a possible altar or podium. Behind it is a stone chair for a possible priest to sit in… at least, so it looks like it from here. So far, you have just moved into the stony overhang and are now looking at the area. Your horses seem fairly unmoved by what you observe, though you are all somewhat on edge. There is a palatable feeling of tension in the air.
What now, do you do?
Acting slightly on impulse, overwhelmed with joy and the sense of peace in being a part of restoring this temple to its rightful god, Erastil, a god of community and nature, she rises on her toes and swiftly kisses Geofry's cheek.
"Thank you for protecting me," she tells him, "And for staying beside me elsewise. I feel as though... Your presence was a great comfort to me. You helped me to recall my duty to my companions, and this land and these people that I love. If ever you've need of me, leave message for me at Oleg's and I will see that I respond to you as swiftly as I am able."
I do thank you for the aid of your outriders. As they will no doubt will tell you and as you noticed we were able to resurrect your man and my friend. I do look forward to when we can share a cup of tea and share stories when you are less occupied.
Humbly,
Gan Mondragone
Gan quickly prepares tea and warms sake and lays out mats for each person so they can kneel.
"Please my friends come kneel by the fire and share some warm tea and sake. I feel we have much to discuss."
Feeling as though she may forget all that took place in the period of time that elapsed between her death and her resurrection, Hermia spends the bulk of the afternoon transcribing them that she remembers into her journal. Shortly before sunset, having taken very little food or water, Hermia rises and goes to Alaric and kisses his cheek softly, and spares a smile for Master Brett and Lady Ry.
"I will commune with Her in this holy place," she says, her voice clear and determined. She affords Gan a cheery salute before exiting the cave.
Not one to profane the gods in their own temples, Hermia pulls herself atop the wall surrounding the reflecting pool, and sits with her legs crossed, listening to the rain hit the surface of the pool. It beats down upon her as well, as it beats down upon the rocks and the wood alike, as it had before man had constructed this place, and would continue far after they left it, washing away the taint of evils perpetrated here.
Were she free, she might have done this in a much different way. As it was... Hermia was hesitant to examine her body. A brief glimpse of Geofry's flashed through her mind, bringing color to her cheeks. Did I truly kiss both of them? she muses. How scandalous! Hermia giggles and inhales sharply, and exhales completely, feeling the rain roll down her face like tears, washing her clean of her sins as well, and clears her mind of all thought...
It is a curious feeling... this peace, compared to the other...
...
Having completed her meditation, Hermia returns to the cave. After looking about for any who might be watching, she slips her blanket around herself, and with some amount of struggle, removes her soaked clothing underneath it, and examines the extent of the damage to her person. Between her breasts, crossing her heart, there is a large and ugly scar that mars the natural beauty of her rounded belly. Hermia swallows hard, wraps the blanket firmly around her and joins the group at the communal fire. Being exceedingly careful of her condition, she lays her clothing out in an empty space as near it as she dare for it to dry.
Hermia smiles warmly at Gan's suggestion. "Tea sounds lovely, Master Gan. Thank you." she replies. "I... I feel as though I have been asleep for a very long time, and," Hermia blushes and pulls the blanket tighter around herself, "my eyes have only recently been opened." she tells the group shyly.