"It is not a topic to discuss in the dark," Hermia informs Ry's companion. "I applaud your courage, friend, but what I have to speak on is nearly beyond my ability to maintain. I would prefer if it be spoken of again in the light, when all are rested.
"Please do, enjoy your evening, and trouble yourselves not on my account."
"As you will. Rest well, and we shall speak in the morning.
Typically we through up OOC threads here... however, if you have a direct question, feel free to email me, and I will do my best to answer it.
BTW I am online conducting interviews... I have been here, but am currently engaged in SKYPE chat with a possible player... more on that later... but feel free to ask a few questions, or, if you prefer (as it may be a long question) send me an email.
I try to discourage OOC posts, when possible, though... as it slows down the game a bit.
Hermia retreats from the din of travelers and her companions enjoying their evening, and steals away to the bunkhouse where she previously lay unconscious for the better part of a day, throws herself into one resigns herself to her grief.
Zon Kuthon, Lord of Shade and Madness, mutilation and torture, and I... Hermia thinks of the hideous scar bisecting her chest and belly. Marked by Him, tainted. And Puck as well...
Great Mother, Lord Father... Hermia attempts to pray, but finds no peace here, no peace at all.
"Is she always this..." looking off toward hermia as she leaves, and shrugs his shoulders. he's concerned, but is totally at a loss about what to do. He does not know any of these people at all, and while he feels very welcome, he knows he is still an outsider.
"Has something happened recently to you folk? I really don't know anyting about this place other than that there's good food and good company, and there's a few of you with the same charter as I've got. Care to fill me in a bit, lady Ariarh?" he asks taking his seat once again, beginning to sway to the music.
Ariarh is quiet for a moment as she watches Ka'etil ponder the sudden departure of Hermia. She can see he is disturbed.
"Our group has seen its fair share of conflicts and battles since meeting one other on a cold and wet night a little over a month ago. Hermia was late to join our party -- we found her, and the brownie, bound and imprisoned by some bandits on one of our exploration trips."
"Most recently, Hermia, in her efforts to heal a felled companion, who sadly has now left our company to pursue a different path, was attacked herself and killed by an evil, perverted creature. It was only recently we travelled to the Temple of the Elk and the good Erastil raised Hermia from the dead. But that is after we battled yet another perverted creature at the site of the temple. As you can see, we seem to draw trouble to us more readily than some. I suppose that is way out here in these lands ... I do believe our cleric lady still harbours the effects and feelings of her recent demise. This evening she seems ... more distressed than usual."
Reflecting on the upcoming morning conversation,
"There is much to tell you, friend. I suppose the meeting tomorrow will shed more light on what has been happening and what we are trying to accomplish."
Well gang, I am pleased with all the excellent RPing... I hope to see more of it... and I encourage you to keep going with social stuff if you would like. For myself, I need to sleep; I have two jobs to work at tomorrow, and the hour is late.
Talk to you all soon, though, and eager to see you tomorrow!
peace
Ka'etil's eyes mist over slightly with recollection. "Ah, she...died. I can't say i quite understand, but I have had some trying experiences recently, something awakened in me that I did not understand, something powerful, something dark. I thought thought I had descended into the depths of madness, but I awakened am much closer to fine now, and all the stronger for it."
He looks up and grins weakly at Ariarh, then to those who are singing, drifting ever so slightly with the music.
Ariarh listens to Ka'etil intently and empathises with his prior troubles and inner turmoil.
Ry thoughtfully and gently answers,
"We all seem to carry wounds of one kind or another. I am comforted in hearing you are doing better now than previously. Still, I hope this is not an ongoing predicament for you. We may have only met this evening, but I do not care for troubles which filter and pervade a person's heart and spirit. If talk such as this is awakening undesirable memories, we can simply enjoy this night and the music. It has been a long day and one full of taxing emotion. It would be nice to give way to the beauty of the music before I find my bed for the night. And enjoy this good company."
"And, Ka'etil, you may call me 'Ry' if you are so inclined? My friends call me by that name." Ariarh gives Ka'etil a tender smile.
Dior is now curled up on Ariarh's lap, his head tucked 'neath his wing.
"Ah, thank you, Ry. Let us all enjoy the evening, as it sounds as though there may be dark times to come, and much work to do."
Once the girls and halflings start up a more lively song, one that Ka'etil is more familiar with, he joins in with a rich baritone, clapping along with the others. He stands, reaching for Sarah and Alric, two close to him, and not across the table, he pulls them from their seats, and beckons for the others there to join him, and begins to dance.
He's clearly no bard, any can tell from his rough performance, but as he spins about, the dust and leaves he kicks up with his heavy foot-falls seem to float, spinning about with him, flowing through the air, joining in the dance.
"Come on," he says, "get up, join in!" looking around to invite others in the area, not just their table.
"Ay, little master, Puck, was it? Would you care to join in, provide some accompaniment? It'd be much appreciated, I'm sure."
After spinning and leaping about for a few songs, Ka'etil will likely collapse into his seat, already tired from past ordeals and an arduous journey. If nobody else takes up conversation with him, he will likely finish eating ask again as to Hermia's condition, and if she's alright, not quite daring to invade her space, but somewhat concerned.
Puck, not understanding the nature of his lady's malady, remains with the party. At Ka'etil's invitation, and inspired by the giant's enthusiasm for song and dancing, he will join in the revelry with his set of pipes.
Puck's Perform (Wind)
Pucks song is one that might inspire patrons to leave coin in his wake, or gifts, as is appropriate for fey. When he finishes, he hops up to the bench beside Ka'etil, also appearing quite fatigued.
"You must pardon my lady," he says when Ka'etil asks after her. "She has a goodly heart, and likes to smile, but, being blood of our blood," Puck arrests himself, and shakes his head. "Among our kind, one as beautiful and good would have many about her, wishing to make her smile. She has known no love, and struggles with her own darkness."
The expression on Puck's face is drawn, an somewhat pained at the mention of darkness. Ka'etil also recognizes that there is a large patch of white in his blue hair that he might fix with magic, but does not.
Seeing the revelry and merriment, Alaric adds his own little touch to the proceedings. He murmurs a few words and then the heavy footfalls of Ka'Etil's dance are accompanied by flashes of colored light, while the musical notes rolling off of Puck's pipes take on a form and life of their own. Spinning around the assembled group and flitting to and fro. In addition there appear several beautiful backup dancers to Ka'Etil, throwing skirts and twirling gracefully.
Ka'etil, at the addition of such excellent accompaniment and Alaric's magical flourishes, Ka'etil laughs, deep rolling laughter, and it seems to erupt from all over, welling up from the earth itself not frighteningly, but as an echo of Ka'etil's.
The voices of the song begin to become similarly echoed as his laughter fades. He looks to the caster, creating the illusions and flares "Master Alaric, such talents! You certainly do put on a good show man, but come to the center, take someone's hand and twirl 'em about yourself too." He leans down and takes the hand of the Ivy and starts her twirling in place, dancing around her in the opposite direction, creating a comically sized humanoid gyroscope.
Giving Ry a wink, Alaric whispers to her May I have this dance, my Lady? Without waiting for her response Alaric pulls Ry to her feet and begins a traditional dance of Nothern Brevoy with lots of spins and dips involved. Though he is not a trained dancer he has always had a natural affinity for it. As the music speeds up Alaric allows Ry's natural grace to come to the forefront, supporting her in the dance rather than taking the front himself. During the dance Alaric murmurs a few words again and adds a subtle trail as if the dancers were blurred, their forms and movements elongating gracefully, adding to the effect.
Once the dance is complete Alaric bows low to Ry and to Ka'Etil before saying, Hermia really shouldn't miss this. I'm going to go find her. Ka'etil would you be so kind as to take the next dance with Ry. I am sure you will find the experience exhilarating. I know I did. Alaric bows over her hand again and places a gentle kiss upon the back of it.
Alaric will then head towards the bunkhouse where Hermia went to see if he can draw her out.
Entering the bunkhouse and seeing her huddled upon one of the beds, Alaric walks over to the bed and sits down upon it. He waits a moment for the tension to build a bit before saying gently, Do you mind if I give you a bit of advice, Hermia? It is something that I learned while suffering under the merciless rule of my father and cruel brother through out my life. He pauses before saying, Never let an opportunity for joy or laughter pass you by, for those moments are the ones that carry you through dark times. How long has it been since you have danced? Alaric smiles at Hermia at this point and waits for her response.
It has been awhile since she had the opportunity to listen to such spirited music and dance. Alaric was a good dance partner and he could make her laugh more readily than other folk. It was kind of him to ask her to dance. Ariarh and her companions had been so invested in the business of exploring and removing the threat of banditry. Now, with another threat looming on the horizon, it seemed more important than ever that they all enjoyed such simple, happy moments. Such memories would buoy them in darker times. A balance was necessary. This thought made Ariarh remember Tyrene Aliento's words from earlier in the evening. Time for that when our group next convenes and shares information.
Ariarh smiles as Alaric kisses the back of her hand and goes in search of Hermia. If anyone could rouse the spirits of their lady cleric, it would be Alaric.
Ariarh turns to Ka'etil and awards him with a warm smile. "Put my name down on your dance card, my new friend." There is a twinkle in Ry's sapphire-hued eyes that has been rather muted over recent weeks. Their new friend, Ka'etil, would not realise this but Ariarh presently feels a sense of ease that has been missing from her life since coming to these lands. Ariarh finds herself speaking silently and unexpectedly to Erastil, Here, there is a sense of community, good Lord.
Bringing herself back to the present, Ry continues her conversation with Ka'etil,
"You are a fine dancer. Are your spirits improved by such grand music and dancing?"
Ka'etil bows to Alaric in thanks, and waves a s he leaves, glad that he one of her friends is off to see to Hermia, then extends a hand to Ariarh "they very much are. I'm afraid I know no formal dances as your friend there, but the music itself has always been enough of a guide in my experience."
He dances simply, Straight foreword movements characterize his steps, but seems to slide around as he dances, turning his partner about, guiding her in patterns along the floor. He makes the shape of the dance and moves around her as she moves. Dust and grass flow in spirals, swiling around the two either surrounding them, or forming vague shapes of other dancers, mirroring then and following along.
As they stop, Ka'etil averts his eyes shyly, "Thank you, Ry. That was fun. I hope you've enjoyed yourself even half as much as I." he sighs, "I suppose it would be silly to think that every night is like this..." smiling in spite of the melancholy sentiment. even if only one day in a moon is this wonderful, it would be worth any such dark trials as this dear Hermia worries upon/
Never let an opportunity for joy or laughter pass you by, for those moments are the ones that carry you through dark times. How long has it been since you have danced? Alaric smiles at Hermia at this point and waits for her response.
Hermia looks up at Alaric with an expression raw with profound grief. "I appreciate your effort, friend," Hermia says, her voice strained as well, "but it..." she swallows back a sob. "it would be best if none should ever touch me, especially you, Alaric. Puck and I, like our lands, have been... tainted."
"I have to admit that I had to fudge some of the more intricate steps in the dance with Alaric. I was a more than a little wary of stepping on his toes! I am not well versed in the dances of Northern Brevoy. Back home on the ranch we tend to practice simpler dances."
Twirling about in interesting patterns with Ka'etil and letting the music wash through her, Ariarh immerses herself in unabashed fashion. She closes her eyes and lets the motion carry her and she smiles, so completely unaware and naturally ... Ry opens them just before the music ends and her dance partner speaks.
"Aye, I thoroughly have. I thank you, Ka'etil. This is an unexpected respite and the gaiety is renewing. I must admit, regrettably, that this is the first of such evenings for my companions and I. We have been exploring and encountering enemies. Our lives to date have not had much balance..." Ry's eyes glaze over for a split second and her smile falters a little but she catches herself and tries to engage in it, again.
Never let an opportunity for joy or laughter pass you by, for those moments are the ones that carry you through dark times. How long has it been since you have danced? Alaric smiles at Hermia at this point and waits for her response.Hermia looks up at Alaric with an expression raw with profound grief. "I appreciate your effort, friend," Hermia says, her voice strained as well, "but it..." she swallows back a sob. "it would be best if none should ever touch me, especially you, Alaric. Puck and I, like our lands, have been... tainted."
Alaric smiles back gently and says I think I'll take my chances. He then gently but firmly grabs Hermia's hand and as long as she doesn't start resisting will gently pull her to her feet and embrace her. The evils of the world do not scare me. the pure of heart have no need to fear them as long as they have those around them that care for them as we do for you. Now,[b] He says with his signature grin, [b]You are going to dance with me if I have to use magic to coerce you to do so. He then begins to gently maneuver you towards the fire and the company of friends.
"Well there is clearly much to be discussed. I know near nothing about what's been going on here, the history or current status of this endeavor. As far as I was aware, this was a simple back-woods trading-post, yet there are so many people camped outside and Oleg is a Squire, and there are guards calling it a garrison, sent by some Lord Kade." Ka'etil is markedly confused by all this. "But I'm sure there will be time enough for full explanations, I'm sure."
Hermia does not resist, but she does not appear happy to be dragged out of the bunk house. Her right arm cleves to her side, and her hand rubs intently at her chest, and her breathing, wracked by sobs is labored. As Alaric pulls her to the fire she begins resisting.
"Alaric, please, no," Hermia begs. "He holds power in the shadows, they are his dominion! I have been marked, his eyes are upon me! I beg of you, noble prince, hear me! Desist from this course! Pray, see how the others enjoy themselves, do not allow my misery to infect their joy!"
"My apologies, Ka'etil, for not giving you detailed information in our earlier conversation. I thought it more prudent to wait until the revelry had been concluded and our group reunited before delving into such serious discussion. Many changes have occurred both at Oleg's and in the lands surrounding and beyond."
Ariarh looks thoughtful and then speaks,
"Hermia suggested we conduct talks after her meal or on the morrow and then she departed to the guest house, so I thought it best to simply enjoy this rare moment..." Ariarh looks somewhat embarrassed and concerned she may have inadvertently dismissed Ka'etil's need for information.
"Is there anything you may want to know at this time? I will try and answer your question/s as best as I am able."
Alaric will stop and turn and look at Hermia. Staring intently at her for a moment before saying. There is nothing he can do to you here. One more thing, which do you think would please him more, to have you sitting alone in your misery...or laughing and dancing and embracing joy in your life DESPITE him? I guarantee you that he, whomever he is, prefers the former. Now, nothing you do will bring these people harm right now because you are not alone. I will not let anything happen to you OR to them. Without another word he continues moving her towards the fire, gently but firmly. Once there, he will turn and pull Hermia close and begin a slow smooth dance, intending to draw the pain out in the sheer pleasure of the movement and closeness to another.
Zon Kuthon, the Lord of Shade and Madness, Hermia's mind races, and then her expression pacifies, and more tears come. Of course, it is as Auntie in hers. I...
"I gave them power over me," she whispers whilst in Alaric's arms.
Hermia gradually pacifies through the course of the dance, and as the pain in her chest recedes, lets her arm back down to its natural state. The book, buried upon hallowed ground, where her Lord father Erastil, in His divine grace, had resurrected her and Geofry, so that she might continue to serve. And she... she had invoked His name beside her lady Mother's and together they had delivered the rain that staunched the fire in the swamp that threatened to consume them all.
At the conclusion of the dance, Hermia will attempt the barest of smiles and incline her head in a bow to Alaric. "Thank you for persisting, my Prince," she says, and there is no intonation of mocking in her voice. "I... have lost my way. My magics... are confused, I thought it made me weaker, but my faith - Erastil's presence within me is strong, and I have only to call upon it to feel."
Hermia looks to the others and blushes. "I have made a great fool of myself this night, you have shown me that. I was frightened," she shakes her head. "Always frightened."
Hermia spares Alaric a smile. "Do you believe it will be comical for this fey lady to dance with our new hill giant friend?" she jests.
Ka'etil chuckles as she seems reticent as he. Noting her apparent self-consciousness, "Nothing to be embarrassed about, as I said heavy topics will keep, as the world isn't quite ending yes, right? But i am curious about the company here. Who are members of this company, and who are guests here? What does each contribute and what are they like? Are there any others I have yet to meet?"
Realizing he has unleashed a veritable torrent of questions, he pauses. composes his thoughts and continues, "My apologizes, i get carried away sometimes. I would just like a better picture of who I have found myself among and hope to be a companion to, and how I may best lend aid to them with my skills."
He sighs, relieved, feeling he has successfully communicated his current curiosities, keeping the mood, and getting away from broaching more businesslike topics.
"Every person has their deeper story in this place, but I shall try and place as many, known to me, as promptly as I can."
"The current companions (with charter or included) are Brett Rowan, Holbyt, who is ranger, rogue and jack o' all trades it would seem. Alaric Winter, who is of Fey bloodline and sorcerer, Hermia Robin, our resurrected cleric and en masse healer and her companion, the brownie Puck Sparrow. And then there is me, Ariarh Kane, Aasimar druid, assisting in healing amongst other things and my trusty griffon protector, Dior. There were more of us once, but paths cross and then diverge and they have gone their separate ways with our best wishes."
"Oleg and his wife Svetlana Leveton own and run this trading post, as you know. He is aided by Robert "The Drake" Tyrell, a reformed bandit of noble ancestry, and a mysterious slave girl, named Dasha, whom we rescued from slave traders come bandits. Squire Mykeal Kaid of the House of Stetven, was a nobleman we rescued from some bandits passing through these lands. In his gratitude and upon his return to his homeland, he sent a contingent of soldiers to assist Oleg in fortifying his place of business and residence from would-be bandits and such evil-minded creatures. The improvements and the small garrison of men stationed here are a direct result of the Squire Kaid keeping his promise. The others, in wagons and tents outside the walls, if I have it rightly, are travellers with their own purposes and dreams and have only recently arrived. I do not know much about them except what I have gathered this evening through conversation with some of the folk."
Pausing to draw breath after disclosing so much information at once, Ariarh inquires,
"If I may be so bold, what are your skills, Ka'etil?"
Ka'etil looks down to the ground, as if self-consciously examining the distance between it and his eyes, trying to suppress a joking smirk with a frown and succeeding only in looking rather goofy.
"[My dear lady, hill giant I am not]""[not any sort of giant for that matter]" he says to her, teasing, then pauses. "Well not as far as I'm aware, at least, but that doesn't mean much with me. Hah, I may very well be part titan, or some such creature, for all I know."
He laughs again, honestly, not taking his statement with any seriousness, although it may be revealing something that many not treat as so trite a thing. "As to the comedy of you and I dancing, how could it be anything BUT comical, for I would be one of the ones dancing." giving her a knowing look, using self-deprecation to put the nervous woman at ease around him, still a stranger, but hopefully one she's warming up to...
Hermia laughs softly, and spares a smile for Ry. "Apologies, Ry, but might I borrow your companion for a turn? We were not properly introduced last," she says, "and I would relish the opportunity to prove that I am not mad," she explains.
Hermia leads her new companion away a bit so they can speak a little more privately. "My behavior earlier was untoward. I saw you and Ry having quite pleasant discourse, and did not wish to distract from your joy with my melancholy. We have had so little cause for pleasantries of late, and..." Hermia draws in a breath as she dances. "It has been difficult for me.
"But," she continues after a moment, and dons a smile. "I have put my tongue before my manners yet again. I am Hermia, Hermia Robin, though in my former life I were called Mother. And you? I do not recall catching your name, friend."
"Every person has their deeper story in this place, but I shall try and place as many, known to me, as I can."
"The current companions (with charter or included) are ...
...not know much about them except what I have gathered this evening through conversation with some of the folk."
Pausing to draw breath after disclosing so much information at once, Ariarh inquires,
"If I may be so bold, what are your skills, Ka'etil?
"Ah, well I've made a name for myself as a man of the blade, or hammer as the case may be, a simple fighter. I've lived mostly on my own, fending for myself in the wilds mostly, so i have some skill in that area. As far as warriors go, I'm reasonably resilient, and recently, as I alluded to and you may have noticed, some level of magic has awakened flowing within me, though I do not fully understand it's nature or extent, I have learned a minor protective trick to make up for my ... less than refined ... style of combat.
He smiles weakly, hopefully, feeling a little put on the spot, Ka'etil wants Ry to be pleased by his answer.
Ry listens as Ka'etil talks of his skill and newly come magics. She also notices his reticent smile and is ashamed if she has made him uncomfortable with her way of speaking.
"Thank you for graciously answering my rather direct question. I hope I did not make you uncomfortable with my manner. I have a habit of asking such quick questions to ease my own curiosity amongst other things."
Ry fidgets slightly, nervously, before continuing,
"I do believe we could use someone of your skill, friend. I also believe it was fortuitous for our party to meet you at Oleg's this fine evening." Ry levels a friendly smile toward Ka'etil, pleased with his answer.
Ry listens as Ka'etil talks of his skill and newly come magics. She also notices ...
... friendly smile toward Ka'etil, pleased with his answer.
There is nothing to worry about, Ry. You have caused no discomfort. In fact I am very glad that you are wanting for what i have to offer, ant that i may be of service to company such as you and your friends." Ka'etil grins at Ry, then turns his attention to Alaric and Hermia as Hermia speaks.
He gives a smile and polite bow to Ry as he follows Hermia.
Hermia laughs softly, and spares a smile for Ry. "Apologies, Ry, but might I borrow ...
... former life I were called Mother. And you? I do not recall catching your name, friend."
Loosing himself slightly in response to Hermia's openness, having recently touched upon his past, Ka'etil laughs "Would only that you were mad, then I'd have some company." He quickly puts on a smile, and continues hardly skipping a beat, "But I kid. My name is Ka'etil, a warrior of the wild, I'd say, for much of my recent life."
He places a consoling hand upon Hermia's shoulder, and leans closer, to lessen the distance between them and says warmly "I am no stranger to melancholy, and I do apologize for my rudeness, showing up at your home, in want of revelry, while you were in such a state. I am glad of the gentleman Alaric, for having brought you out once again. I was concerned, but as I have only just arrived, and do not really know you, I was loath to be so presumptuous as to invade your personal space and attempt to draw you out."
Taking her for a turn with the music he spins her around saying "But I am glad you are here with us and hope good company can lighten your spirits."
Ka'etil smiles at her, and then looks to the others as well, then back to Hermia. He'll dance about with her for a while or till she seems finished for the moment, then move back to the rest.
Ariarh inclines her head in a bow to Ka'etil. "Thank you for your generosity in conversation and revelry. Mayhap our paths will cross again this evening." Ry smiles at the tall man.
Upon Hermia's approach, she nods and returns a smile,
"You have returned and it appears in better spirits. This is good. Enjoy your dance." Then Ariarh spies Alaric and moves to his side.
To Alaric, in soft spoken voice, but clear enough for Alaric to hear over the din of music and dancers,
"I had faith that you would bring Hermia out of her melancholy. She believes in your good heart, just like the rest of us." Ry reaches out her hand and gently squeezes Alaric's arm.
Dior is still slumbering on the bench by the fire, oblivious to all conversation.
"You need not apologize for want of comfort in a time of uncertainty, Ka'etil," Hermia answers. "I myself was very excited by the prospect of meeting a," Hermia pauses and blushes profusely, "meeting a friend when we returned, but received in his place a short missive informing me that he was not free to speak to me," Hermia's tone and expression betrays no small amount of disgust with the notion.
"It is true that we have each of us suffered much in these previous weeks, but, we have had innumerable blessings as well, whose nature I in my folly have withheld from the others so as not to cause them further anxiety," Hermia inhales sharply and exhales completely, as though centering herself, then raises her eyes to Ka'etil's. "You seem to me a gentle man, and goodly. I will place my faith in you. If you should suffer any affliction, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I am a healer not only by trade, but by calling. My magics, my gifts, they give me purpose. Without exercise, I become lost."
"Wherever I have been, I am back." - Mithrandir...
You notice out of the corner of your eye is young man wearing a long cloak and armed with a greatsword. He is leaving the gate and heading toward the tents nearby. Long black hair, strongly built features, and dark clothing frame his body, as he gives you a brief nod, then leaves.
After watching your antics from the table, you see the men turn from their business and regard you, watching your conversation. The dwarf is taking short gulps from a tall tankard, while the others are looking at you.
One of them is a tall human, with a stern look that is belied by a twinkle in his eye. You see he is wearing a gray cloak with heavy fur lined under it.
He walks toward you....
"Evening... name's Henry Ironhorse... Hank to my mates... Heard your names now, so I figured I'd introduce myself," he says reaching for Alaric's hand and shakes it warmly.
His eyes are dark blue, and his skin is pale white, and his hair is long and black, braided in a single braid that drapes down his back. You see a bandolier is over his chest with multiple throwing daggers, and he is wearing twin scimitars on his hips.
"Don't mind me... this be bad country... we've run into a heap of troubles on our own, even before we got here... Maybe you can give us a hand figuring things out?"
With that he leads you over to a map on the table, the same one you've been seeing these four eye all night, with Brett leaning there, smoking his pipe.
You can see that there is a generally "blank" map of the terrain... however, Brett has been coppying over the northern part of the map a rough sketch of what you have mapped out, including supplements on the eastern flank where your "friends' have mapped out as well.
The south west corner is what draws your attention, and you can see that there is a lot more details here then you had seen before.
"That be land they mapped out... Bad luck fer them that they ain't be on our charter... but they don't be minding much, as we be helping them... While ye've been dancing there, I be making some plans and all..."Brett adds with a sage grin and a wink.
She just needed someone to remind her that she wasn't alone and that there are those here that will stand beside her.
Alaric looks around at the merriment and festivities and breathes a sigh of relief. Tomorrow may bring darkness and despair but for now the sweet sound of laughter fills the night.
Alaric is going to get a cask of wine and a cask of mead from Oleg and make sure everyone has a drink. He will pay for it all out of his own money. Once everyone has a drink he will step up on a bench near the fire in a lull in the music and address the group.
Friends! For those of you whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Alaric Winter. I just wanted to say that my heart sings to see such a gathering of life and love as I see here today. This land has suffered for a long time. Strife and pain have been the norm. You all represent a new beginning. There will be times in the days to come when you lose heart but I hope that each and every one of you remember times like this when you begin to falter so that you know that there are those that care for you here. So...a toast to all of you! May you all have sweet dreams and easy laughter for all the days of your lives!
A pleasure to meet you Hank. What sort of plans have you been making Brett?
She just needed someone to remind her that she wasn't alone and that there are those here that will stand beside her.
Alaric looks around at the merriment and festivities and breathes a sigh of relief. Tomorrow may bring darkness and despair but for now the sweet sound of laughter fills the night.
Alaric is going to get a cask of wine and a cask of mead from Oleg and make sure everyone has a drink. He will pay for it all out of his own money. Once everyone has a drink he will step up on a bench near the fire in a lull in the music and address the group.
Friends! For those of you whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Alaric Winter. I just wanted to say that my heart sings to see such a gathering of life and love as I see here today. This land has suffered for a long time. Strife and pain have been the norm. You all represent a new beginning. There will be times in the days to come when you lose heart but I hope that each and every one of you remember times like this when you begin to falter so that you know that there are those that care for you here. So...a toast to all of you! May you all have sweet dreams and easy laughter for all the days of your lives!
Silently referencing his speech moments before, Alaric is good with his words and his intentions.
Ariarh smiles and nods to Hank Irondale upon his introduction. She walks, with Alaric, over to the table strewn with maps and awaits to hear Brett's plans.
A pleasure to meet you Hank. What sort of plans have you been making Brett?
"Well, first things first... "Brett says, warming up with slow relish.
"To fellowship!"he says, then drowns the tankard of mead in a quick gulp and a belch.
"Ah... nothing like a well earned pint, if I may be so bold... Now, where was I? Oh yes... See here, the southwesterly side of the map be all looked over, eh? Now, if ye be seeing, these fine folk have made there way up here a long way... all they done found is heavy forests and not much else... Of course, that be all over the westerly side of the map. Now, if ye follow this here,"Brett says, tracing his finger down the river you've already mapped out "ye'll notice that everything west o' the river be thick forests, nothing fancy... they saw an occiasional ruin or broken stone or two out there.. .but nothing worth a damn... but then... if ye go east to the bridges and the fjords here,"he adds, marking the parts of the map in which the river is crossed "ye'll see that the river bends its way south and further east... lot of wide open grasslands out that way, at least near the waters... so says Drake. But me point is this: the south east part o' this map be empty of exploration, eh? But not empty o' rumor..."
He rubs his chin, and blows a smoke ring to the slumbering Dior.
"What do we know about the south east, I mean... rumors and such, eh? Well, we know a few things... First; we know that the man in black be heading south and east when he got pinched at Bokkens. Second; we know that our mates... ye remember the lads who be looking to make their own kingship? They be heading south east, too... and not come back neither... Third: all the land on the other side o' the map be unknown, but fer all the bandit issues, they need a place to stay, and we ain't find it west. Forth; there may be things afoot to the east anyhow... like, didn't that one kobold we met in the swamps mention something on metallic kobolds to the east? No, don't answer, that be what they call a "rhetorical" question... Anyone can see that there be some real issues about... and I be thinking that we need to head south east at some point at be exploring 'em..."
"But the fun don't be stopping there, NO sir! Why, it's so obvious, no doubt... but consider also; with this time o' year bandits be laying low fer a bit, but they be comming sooner then later, if they need food and this place be rife with it, what the new folk that come in... Means they get desperate and head up here sooner then later, if I may say. And I ain't no spellslinger... but any o' ye folk got a notion on auspicious days of the month fer evil folk to do bad stuff? Mayhap, if there ARE bad folk comming, we be finding out more by studying signs and omens? Memory serves me, they done said that Hank's wife... she be sleeping as ye recall... they said when we were outside his wife be dweamor crafty... that is; she can read futures and signs and such. We may want to talk to her, too... And while I'm at it, is there someone here who may want to extend our protection to these good folk? They be a good lot of lads and lasses, if I may say, and as we got the law to back us, if we ever do get set up propper, I'd extend the invite fer them to settle with us sooner then later... They got good hearts, and good talents, if I may say, from me looking about... could be handy if we serious about getting a real kingdom started, eh?"
Brett looks around at you all, his eyes returning to Alaric's at last.
"Course, that be my thinking on things... I know I'm not the brains of this party by a long shot... but it be making some sense to me; how about ye all?"he asks, awaiting a reply to his simple plans and obvious observations.
Hermia waits to hear Ka'etil's answer.
...
When Alaric offers drinks, she politely accepts, but takes no more than a few sips. She feels weary from the amount grief she has experienced in a short amount of time, and lack of proper nutrition, and does not wish to strain herself unduly.
"I have only one objection, if I may," Hermia interrupts. "Brother Aliento and his companion Darshan have confirmed our suspicions that Dasha was the intended target of the man in black, and has informed me that the cult to which he belongs is quite eager to have her. I had hoped to speak of it at length in the morning, so as not to give the Lord of the Shades license to know our intent," Hermia glances about nervously, and licks her lower lip.
Hermia looks to Alaric as if for approval. "We are each of us aware of the evil perpetrated by the Man in Black in his brief and singular presence. Should a larger force aligned with him appear, the lives of all those here would be endangered. We are singularly capable of combating this enemy, and, I believe, it is our duty and our privilege to act in the defense of this community."
Hermia waits to hear Ka'etil's answer.
...
When Alaric offers drinks, she politely accepts, but takes no more than a few sips. She feels weary from the amount grief she has experienced in a short amount of time, and lack of proper nutrition, and does not wish to strain herself unduly.
"I have only one objection, if I may," Hermia interrupts. "Brother Aliento and his companion Darshan have confirmed our suspicions that Dasha was the intended target of the man in black, and has informed me that the cult to which he belongs is quite eager to have her. I had hoped to speak of it at length in the morning, so as not to give the Lord of the Shades license to know our intent," Hermia glances about nervously, and licks her lower lip.
Hermia looks to Alaric as if for approval. "We are each of us aware of the evil perpetrated by the Man in Black in his brief and singular presence. Should a larger force aligned with him appear, the lives of all those here would be endangered. We are singularly capable of combating this enemy, and, I believe, it is our duty and our privilege to act in the defense of this community."
"Well, if that be the problem, then it means they be unhappy about Dasha... "Brett says slowly.
"So, what are ye suggesting be the plan, then? Should we be leaving her here, taking her with us, or what? I mean, ye be saying she be a right problem; fair enough... and ye don't want to speak on dark things this time o' night... twice the fair, if I may be so bold... but if ye got a notion on what to do with the lass, on how to act with her... well; what be yer plan? I laid out mine, I be fer hearing new plans, as ye might got some to suggest?"he adds, looking at Hermia, curious to see what her plans are in regards to Dasha.
"From what I've heard you say, Brett, it is important to secure the protection of these good folk now camped here, and I agree wholeheartedly. Alas, we have no idea when the bandits will arrive in desperation at Oleg's.
"Sounds like the best plan we can make at present is to speak with Commander Tinker as a group and work out a plan for his soldiers to make wider patrols of the area on a regular basis and bring these people in under the garrison's protection. The soldiers have proven to be resourceful and productive since their arrival with Captain N'Var."
"Our group of companions can then proceed to ride south east and investigate the "rumours" and the factual, such as the metallic kobolds. I believe by everyone working together, we will be a stronger, united force and community. This is just my opinion on what is being discussed at present and I am happy to hear the others' suggestions."
Alaric looks at the maps intently, Here are my recommendations. We cannot be everywhere at once and as such we may need to see if it is possible for us to complete several activities at the same time. For instance, as you said Dasha needs to be protected but we cannot stay here guarding her the whole time. We need to be out in the field taking the fight to these cultists and bandits alike. I do not want to give them time to hoard resources and build up their strength. I wish to hit them hard and fast. In order to do that we need to find where they are hiding themselves. It seems obvious that they are in the south eastern quadrant of the greenbelt. It also seems obvious that that is where we need to go then. If we take Dasha with us that provides several advantages. One we will be able to guard her. Two, we are taking her away from these people here so the cultists have no reason to attack here if they want her. They would need to find us. Third, her skills may be able to give us the edge we need in the field to be able to drive these villains out. Alaric breathes for a moment before finishing with, So...we need to go south east, Dasha needs to come with us.
"I asked Brother Aliento to assist in interviewing her, as he and Sir Darshan are far more familiar with the entities in question," Hermia answers carefully. "There was some mention of... a ritual that may take place very soon, for which she is needed. As it has already been some weeks since their first two outriders have failed to return with their prize, I cannot help but reason that there is likely at least one, if not more already dispatched to take their place.
"For myself," she continues, "I have no desire to remove her from this community. If she has found some tenuous peace here, it is not our place to remove her. And with so many persons in residence of late, I am grateful that she is present to assist with healing... in Bokken's absence."
Hermia pauses and looks to the group. "I am aware of our pressing need to secure this area, and I believe that eliminating the bandit should be our first priority, but how much reliable information do we have about their whereabouts? We know of two camps of varying size, but have not a word about their chief. Kressle's justice suggested that bandits are at their heart miserly creatures with no discipline. If we were to remove their chief, it is likely that they will scatter. Whether or not this effect is advantageous, I leave for you to decide, but I believe that a precise strike at the heart of the operation will do more damage to morale and as a message of our intent to claim these lands than hunting each of them to a man. After all, these are lawless lands."
Hermia answers Alaric's suggestion. "It appears to me Mister Ironhorse is more than equipped to assist you in that endeavor. If we mean to make these people as our own, perhaps we might ask them to assist us in this cause?"
Ariarh nods as Alaric speaks.
"Alaric, I agree with you, I believe it is wiser to bring Dasha with us if we ride south east. But, we should talk with her first and it would be easier if she came willingly."
"That be a good plan..."Brett says with a nod of his head.
"One thought, though... If we getting the authority to take the lands as our'n to do with as we please... and we take claim to it... mayhap we get the right to take folk under our protection and such. I ain't be one fer much law dogs, as is... but I think Tinker's men be forced to guard Oleg's land, and no farther then that... even though his land be covering twelve square miles. But nothing says we can't get a few lads hustled up to help us, too... eh? Mayhap we can be "deputizing" some of these folk, if they be willing to swear oaths or what have ye, and then have a bit o' a posse to move on south to lands there? Could be useful, and then that'd be good... as there may be more then we count on. Wait, can we do that... that is... deputize folk to serve us under our land... Hmm... why the hell not? And anyhow, if we do do that, then the next thing we be doing is that we give them folk that help us more then a bit o' protection, if ye take me meaning, eh?"Brett offers as a possible suggestion.
"Oh yeah... and what's the plan on that Dasha girl? Ye got a notion on how to proceed, with her, lass?"Brett says looking at Hermia.