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"Hmmm... 'm always suspicious of people who seem too nice jus' seems like they must have sumthin goin on in the background and either they gotta make up for it by bein extra nice, or tryin ta cover it up."
Billy smiles at Tanasha-Lu, "Not that I suspect yer friends of anything of course, I jus prefer to be ready for anything. I also like ta have an idea of what that anythin might be. Speaking of which" He takes out a very ornate deck of cards, and begins shuffling. "Would you care for me to tell your fortune? I'd normally charge a pretty hefty price, but I wouldn't dream o' chargin you. Always good to have a glimpse of what's to come."
Chuckling softly to herself; "Like that time you said I should beware of the forest during the first moonlight. Or that I should keep a magpies feather of me?"
She retrieves a glistening blue feather from a thin chain around her neck, the soft vanes tickle across her skin.
Tanasha-Lu giggles and smiles at Billy's offer. "Why yes handsome stranger, I'd love to know my fortune."
Robinet glances at the doorway Tarbee passed through on his way out. He worries that his presence has upset their host. He thinks about where his followers are bedding down in the small stable with the horses. He accepts a bowl of food that Maneakira hands to him and notices that the tengu also has a large pot in hand. Robinet smiles and thanks his cohort for remembering their merry folk would be hungry as well. The beaked ninja silently exits out the front to deliver the delicious Marianne made food.
As he eats, some slight inconsistencies trouble his mind. Robinet turns to Brock with a small frown. He says quietly to the small individual, "Did you say that you did not know who lived here? These fine folks seem remarkably aware of the goings on in your town...do you know them after all?"
Robinet keeps his ear open towards Billy and Tanasha-Lu's flirting. Any minute he knows Billy's perpetual rival in love, Alan, will make his move.
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"Oh, I don't think she needs the Harrow to know what's to come," Alan says lightly, his tone carrying an air of faux amusement. The cards had not treated him terribly well in the past. By then he had already taken out his lute, making a show of adjusting its strings. Tarbee could be asleep, but he was sure that nice, soft song would not be much of a disturbance.
The song is wonderful. Perhaps excellent, even. But Alan frowns, knowing full well that he is capable of doing much better. His music had made maidens faint and swoon in times past, but Tanasha-Lu was a rare beauty that deserved something more. The strings just did not want to cooperate. Alas, perhaps Billy could give that something to her! he thinks melodramatically. And perhaps the Nine Hells will freeze over, while he is at it.
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Billy grins towards Mari "You joke m'dear, but I see that you're still wearing the feather to this day. It seems you may have more faith in me than ya'd like ta put on."
He wrinkles his nose a bit when Alan decides to start playing it's despite the fact that the song isn't too bad, and fairly soft he doesn't seem to appreciate the distraction. Either way he continues with his divination.
"Alright Tanasha-Lu le's see what's in store for ya." With that he draws the first card contemplating it for a moment, it's a picture of a giant man with a huge lizard slung over his shoulder. He's standing over what looks to be a farm house. "The Mountain Man, hmmm he represents an encounter with a physical power outside of your control, this could very well be our visit."
He continues drawing the next card, it's a rather nasty looking tornado personified with angry red eyes with a bit of a grimace he attempts to interpret it "The Cyclone... this is probably Alan" He says with a glance towards the man as he plays his song "Well not Alan himself, but consequences of getting too close to him." Billy leans in closer to be more discreet with Tanasha-Lu with the next part "Seriously watch out for that guy he's only got one thing on his mind, and 'm pretty sure yer dad'll flip his wig if he finds out."
He focuses again on the cards drawing one more, this one is an armoured man with angelic wings and a halo sounding a trumpet "Ah, the trumpet this signifies an archon diving in righteously to face the danger." He puts his hand up playfully to the side of his mouth as if it could block the sound of his voice from carrying over in the musician's direction "Obviously me swooping in to rescue you from a certain someone's vile, impure intentions" He makes a not too discreet sort of pointing motion towards Alan.
"Alright one more" He draws a final card turning it up for Tanasha-Lu to see. Upon the card are two men looking very similar but wearing opposite colours, and one seems to have a dagger behind his back. "The twin duality and indecision, it looks like you have a very difficult decision ahead of ya an unclear choice between good and evil perhaps... this could very well mean that depending on how you choose you could experience the bright light of the Archon the trumpet predicts, or the unmitigated disaster of the cyclone."
The dark haired young man crosses his arms and leans back in his chair studying the cards all together. "Hmmm... I think this maybe doesn't help you very much." He doesn't seem all that pleased with the fortune "It seems you have a choice to make, and depending on your decisions things could go amazingly well, or very very badly." He looks at her and shrugs then smiles "But don't worry about it too much, I'm sure you'll make the right choice when the time comes."
Brock stammers and looks at the floor as he replies to Robinet: "No sir, that is the truth. I work the fields all day just I said I did earlier, or atleast I used to before all these horrible things started happening. Tarbee used to come to Ossington frequently to do trade but I have never officially met him even though I have seen him around once or twice. I didn't know this was his house on account of having never left the village before just as I mentioned. Please don't take me for a liar sir. Your trust and assistance mean a great deal to me the same as I'm sure it will mean the same to Ossington."
Tanasha-Lu is having far too much fun with Billy and Allan to pay attention to Robinet's questioning. The giggles and laughs and sings along as best she can with Allan and listens attentively to her fortune from billy. Tanasha-Lu is a very touchy, feely kind of person and alternates between the two men. She wraps her arms around Allan in an attempt to dance while he plays, bumps hips and touches his hair and lute. With billy she sits on his lap and screams with excitement everytime he draws a new card and when he describes it she smiles and giggles and claps. Its obvious this woman has not had this much fun in a long time.
Tarbee returns after a time and returns to his meal and seat at the head of the table. The actions of his daughter don't seem to phase him at all. Rather he goes on by telling Marianne and Tuck bland stories that trail off into nothing whether they're listening to him or not.
Rose lips quirk slightly, with a hint of lingering emotion at the tune composed by Alan's hands. The melody reminds her of nights around the fire amidst the cold climes, companionship and a distant ennui.
Whilst Billy amused barb strikes true and thus earning him a stare of her crystal blue eyes. But she does keep quiet, enrapt in the Harrowing and the mystical symbology that it holds. Breathing shallow at the strange interpretation, causing Robinet to get a decent eyeful of her full curves.
Later, whilst Tarbee returns to the table Marianne makes sure to keep everyone's plate full and ensures that no food would go to waste, culminating with her doing some washing up. However she keeps her attention upon the farmer and listens to his bland stories, nodding politely if not insistently.
Tarbee eventually tires of hearing himself talk and bids goodnight to everybody.
"If you need anything Tanasha-Lu will be sure to fetch it for you. You are all permitted to sleep in the main room around the fire or in the stable. You'll need to make your own bedding as we have none to spare."
"Thanks." Marianne says greatfully, going over to the fire and taking out a chunk of charcoal to use to wash the dishes. Knowing that the morrow may bring a long day she's happy just to listen to the soft melody that Alan is playing.
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Billy wasn't expecting Tanasha-Lu to be quite so touchy feely, but he's not really about to complain about a gorgeous girl sitting in his lap and squealing with joy about his fortune telling. Spotting Marianne he smiles a bit to himself the girl tries to pretend she's not interested, but her focus is almost entirely on the harrowing, and her excitement is pretty clear even though the telling isn't for her. He sneaks a wink towards her.
He completes the fortune telling, and sees Mari getting up to go do the dishes. With a few light pats on Tanasha-Lu's leg "I hate ta say it darlin, but ya better lemme up. If I don't help Mari wit da dishes she'll murda me." He smirks towards her "Course might be worth it ta spend da time wit ya." With a look towards the door he adds "I better check on Rudy too I ain't like him bein out there wit dem elves, and ghosts an all."
"Awwww, common Billy, We're having so much fun." Tanasha-Lu pouts.
She tugs of Billy's collar and pulls him in close. In a low voice that's not quite a whisper she says: "Why don't you forget all about Rudy for now. I have something I want to show you, but its in my bedroom. Want to see it?" She giggles.
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"I'm not planning on curing any diseases for you boys, so watch yourselves," Tuck warns the amorous pair, thinking that Tanasha-Lu is far too practiced to be a simple farm girl.
Marianne chuckles softly into the soapy bubbles of the kitchen sink. 'Farm girls tend to be all the same, especially around that pair.' she thinks ruefully to herself.
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Billy smiles warmly at Tanasha-Lu and appears to consider her offer " Something to show me in the bedroom huh? Sum secret jus fer me, without dat misanthrope?" He gives a little nod in Alan's direction, then chuckles softly.
After a moment considering the tempting offer he slowly shakes his head which might be a bit unexpected "Sorry dear, but I think I'll get too nervous up in such a purdy girl's room." He lowers his voice "'sides, folks might get da wrong idea." He offers a grin to the pretty red haired woman "Of course you're more than welcome to come see Rudy wit me if ya want. I'm sure he'd like ya. Gotta help with dishes first though or Mari'll get mad." Unless Tanasha-Lu does or says something to stop him Billy will ease his way over to Mari, to help with the clean up.
Tanasha-Lu is disappointed at Billys decision but spends little time moving to Allan and making the same offer while Billy helps with dishes.
Alan strokes his clean-shaven chin, contemplating the good cleric's words. He could swear that his mother had said something similar to him way back when. Strange, considering that advice usually had a way of going through one of his ears and out the other. Hm. Maybe they're right. This doesn't seem very responsible. Maybe I should just...
That train of thought comes screeching to a halt when he hears Billy's words. A white flag? Just like that? The brunette man's eyes narrow dangerously, oozing with suspicion. Was the rogue privy to something that he was not? Was Tuck right about her after all? Of course, these thoughts too fall apart, especially when Tanasha-Lu comes around and extends her offer to him. He glances at Billy one last time, before an all-too-familiar grin settles on his face.
Ah, what the heck! What could possibly go wrong?
"You had my curiosity," he says, cocking his head ever so slightly, "But now you have my attention."
Marianne nods at Billy as he comes over to help with the dishes, glad for his thoughtfulness. Soon the dishes are cleaned and dried, piled upon the sideboard.
Doing a quick mental inventory of their own stock and the evening's preparations before sleep.
Tanasha-Lu smile with excitement as she grabs Alan by the hand and practically tugs his arm off while pulling him toward her room.
Once inside the room Tanasha-Lu spins you around, slams the door and pushes you against the wall and begins laying on a series of passionate kisses.
Tucker rolls his eyes as the pair ducks out of the room. "So if there's screaming, do we go to help or just stand out here and applaud?" he queries the group, picking up a threadbare cloth and helping to dry the dishes.
He keeps an eye on the farmer, wondering why the man seems to have no reaction to his daughter's hijinks.
Tarbee eventually tires of hearing himself talk and bids goodnight to everybody.
"Good thing I heavy sleeper, I let you men have it in hand." Marianne retorts wryly. Finishing up, she moves over to her pack and gets out a tightly rolled short fur rug, placing it down by the fireplace and getting out her sleeping bag.
Alan makes a halfhearted show of being surprised, and then wholeheartedly does other things.
Marianne finds a room and gets changed before she slips into her sleeping bag before the hearth. Whilst up in the rafters the little thrush sleeps, dreaming of worms and pecking cats.
Forwarding things to morning
The evening passes comfortably. Sleeping inside with a fire feels good compared to the outdoors even if it is in a cramped house on the floor.
Brock of all people is the first one up. If it wasnt for the squeaky front door you might not even notice him quietly moving about the house before heading outside. The smell of something delicious catches your nose suddenly and you realize breakfast is already made. Brock has a light meal cooked and prepared already, although it is made from your food stuffs. Once outside he grooms the horses and begins packing up the wagon. It is obvious Brock is eager to get back on the road.
"Thank you, Brock." Marianne says in her dour but grateful manner. 'For once not I making breakfast.' She still lays in her furs enjoying the last vestiges of sleep.
However, the insistent movement forces her to move into the land of the conscious. Waiting until the fellow's outside to look after the animals, the northern lady slides from her furs and slides on a shirt and britches. Then she puts the kettle on for some tea to wash down the morning repast.
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Billy stirs from where he'd set out his bed roll next to Mari's near the fireplace. It seems to take quite an effort to slowly force his eyes open, when he's able to see he finds Mari already up and dressing. The young black haired man lets out a yawn and a bit of a sleepy greeting "Mmm morning Mari" He pushes himself to a seated position and catches a whiff of the meal Brock prepared "Wow ya already started cookin? I love ya darlin, marry me."
After peeking out of the door, making sure that Tarbee is not around, Alan tiptoes out Tanasha-Lu's room, carrying his magical boots in one hand and his sword belt in the other.
"Ain't my cooking and I no make honest man out of you." she teases Billy, having had a good nights sleep her humour is in fine fettle. Then wryly looks to Alan and the circumspect manner of his arrival, she pushes a bowl of breakfast over so he can regain his strength.
"So off to Ossington?" she looks around to check Brock is not around. "What you think of Brock? Strange things happening, something we not know." she wonders knowing that they'll have to actually get to the village to learn the truth of what's going on.
"Funny eyes, on that one," Alan answers, offering Marianne a grateful nod before taking the food. "Have you noticed? Slitted like a cat or lizard's, they are. I don't like them."
Tanasha-Lu is quick to chase Alan out of the room. She accepts Mariannes tea with a giddy smile. "Don't mind Brock's appearance, if you haven't met anybody from Ossington than they might appear a little quirky. It is something you get used to." She takes a sip of the tea and exclaims: "Wow! This is very good tea. Do you think you could spare some more? Once you guys leave it will be back to eating porridge all over again until we can solve the food crisis."
Brow furrowing slightly at Alan's observation, for she hadn't spotted anything of the sort - Mari is even more taken aback by Tanasha's statement that it's a shared heritage.
Although she responds to the farm girls query with a smile and a surreptitious checking of her eyes; "Of course, we see how much food we spare too. But we need to keep some for the folk in Ossington. And don't drink tea all at once, it's rather strong." she takes a sip of hers.
"Tucker, you're good with rations. We give some to these folk?" she asks.
Tucker slits open one eye from where he's sitting cross-legged in a corner, hands open palm-up on his knees. "Aye, and you should leave 'em that bonny woodchopper so they can defend themselves, lass. Or cut wood with it." He resumes his quiet meditation, a tiny smile bending his lips.
Robinet had spent the remainder of his evening trying to convince the halfling Brock he was not suspicious of him. The poor soul had been so anxious over the earlier perceived slight.
Otherwise, Robinet slept fitfully. He kept awaking and thinking on how Tarbee had reacted to his appearance and what it might bode for their arrival in Ossington. Plus the occasional gasps and creaking coming from Tanasha-Lu's room seemed to come at unexpected moments. Just when one thought they were done...
He had shared commiserating looks with Maneakira who seemed to be able to get much less sleep and still function, but Robinet knew it was just the tengu's training that allowed him to function reasonably well without full sleep. Robinet encouraged Maneakira to sleep, and eventually found it himself. Listening to Marianne's snores and Tucker's rumblings helped. Being in the company of his friends always made Robinet feel at ease.
That morning, Maneakira nudged Robinet gently as Brock "stole" their rations. Robinet waved it away and allowed the sleep to gradually fall away as the halfling quietly bustled around the small kitchen area of the cottage. Eventually he dressed as Brock and Maneakira take food out to the rest of their men in the stable. He stretched and armed himself.
Robinet hears Marianne rustling as he exits the cottage to do a sweep of the trees bordering the farmer's lands.
"Aye, that's good idea Tucker. You're full of 'em." Marianne gets one of her throwing axes from her bag.
"Chopper look bigger in Tanasha-Lu's hands." she places the small hand-axe upon a small bundle of food and scrawls a note on top of it.
Then from the rafters her little thrush flies down; "See, isn't Robinet good, checking the outside - you wouldn't think of that." he chirps, drawing a scowl from Marianne.
Tuck chuckles. "It's so easy to get your goat, Lady Marianne. I see you didn't leave the favorite of your axes." He rises, stretches and heads out the door. "Time to see what's stirring outside, if anything, and make sure nobody mistakes our fearless leader for a Grugach!"
He steps outside, closing the door behind him and taking in the view of the countryside and the state of the weather.
"Ho, Tuck! Fancy this weather, we're having." Robinet approaches Tuck as he returns from his rounds.
Robinet gestures to the sky as a follow up to his statement. The grumblings and good-natured complaining of the group's less experienced travelers can be heard as they get everyone's ride ready for departure.
Robinet smiles at Tuck as the taciturn Maneakira quietly joins them. Maneakira nods in greeting.
"Perfect day for our travels, no?"
"Aye, it's always lovely weather. Coincidence, that. I look forward to seeing yon village and its doubtless lovely inhabitants. Best keep your ears under your helmet, friend. You don't want to get shot for nothing." Tucker chuckles. "In a good cause, yes, but not for nothing."
Tucker was always a close third, behind both Robinet and the thrush for being able to tease her and Marianne replies with a shrug - although deep down she enjoys the attention.
Turning to Billy she says in a low voice; "I know why you were buttering me up." she stalks towards him in an animalistic manner. The rise and fall of her breathing apparent as she concentrates upon him, there's a tingling sensation as she takes his hand and touches the back of it to her forehead.
Robinet had spent the remainder of his evening trying to convince the halfling Brock he was not suspicious of him. The poor soul had been so anxious over the earlier perceived slight.
Brock assures you that things are alright between the two of you but you still get the feeling that Brock holds some resentment toward you. There seems to be a lot of discrimination towards Elves in this area and you get the impression that he wants to trust you, yet he still treats you with the same distaste you have been getting from Tarbee and Tanasha-Lu, whom also shy away from you.
Tanasha-Lu accepts the axe in both hands and looks down at it with a puzzled expression. "I'm afraid I haven't any idea how to use..." she looks confused "one of these? I'll be sure to give it to my father. I'm sure he'll have some use for it. The food will help us out more than you can imagine though. We are blessed to have such good company as yourselves, thankyou."
Brock re-enters the house. "I have everything packed up already. I dont mean to rush everybody but its important I return to Ossington and deliver the news of my failure."
"Don't be too hard on yourself" Tanasha-Lu comments. "Dyson will understand. This was a large task placed before you. With the help of our new friends I'm sure we will find a way to get food to the village."
She gives a gruff nod at Tanasha-Lu, agreeing with the sentiment that Brock shouldn't be too hard on himself - that he only just escaped with his own life. Of course, it's just a simple nod.
With some alacrity, the North-woman put's on her fur coat and easily hoists her heavy pack across her broad, shapely shoulders. "Best see if Robinet has discovered anything outside and be on our way."
Thanking Tarbee on her way out, Marianne is glad that she walks everywhere. 'Much less preparation and messing around. I'm free to wander wherever I please.' The little thrush flits down and into the hood of her furred robe, which is left open at the front in the mild weather.
Looking up at the cloudy sky, the North-women grunts at Robinet; "Ready?"
Tuck holds the mule's nose while feeding its long ears through the bridle. "Sure you don't want to ride, Lady Marianne? Or perhaps our guide should ride so he can keep up more easily. Brock? Any interest? Mule's not nearly as tall as a nasty horse."
As the others follow Brock in preparation for their departure, Alan sidles over towards Tanasha-Lu and takes her hands in his own. He smiles down at her, his pearly whites sparkling as though they had been blasted with glitterdust.
"Alas my dear, it is time that I depart. I - or we, that is - shall return with news of our success!"
Nodding in response to Marianne's query, Robinet takes a quick count of everyone. Entering the cottage, Robinet thanks Tarbee and his daughter (who seems to be having final goodbyes with Alan) for their hospitality.
"I hope the next time we meet, we'll be bringing you news that all this has been sorted out. Until then, may the gods watch over you." A short bow accompanies this simple farewell.
Robinet waits for any response and then proceeds to gather the rest of his gear and depart ready for the day's journey.
"Nope dear Tucker, I trust my feet more than the hooves of another." she shrugs. "Too many years in the tundra and ice plains of my homeland, thank you for asking." She flicks her hair out from under her collar; "We need plan? Or just turn up in the village and see what's happening? Maybe find out why the Grugach are upset."
"Brock? Any interest? Mule's not nearly as tall as a nasty horse."
"I'd prefer to ride in the cart" says Brock. "I'd like to return to Dyson as soon as I get back to Ossington with the money before I bury my companions." Brock seems relatively indifferent to the two bodies in the cart.
"Alas my dear, it is time that I depart. I - or we, that is - shall return with news of our success!"
"Are you sure you must go?" Tanasha-Lu weeps. This is the first time she has had anything but a smile on her face since she lowered her crossbow upon your meeting. "Stay here and help us. You could help father tend to the farm and we'll get back on our feet. We'd live each day as if it was out last full of passion and excitement."
"I hope the next time we meet, we'll be bringing you news that all this has been sorted out. Until then, may the gods watch over you." A short bow accompanies this simple farewell.
Robinets words go virtually unheard by the simple farmers. Tanasha-Lu is too caught up pleading Allan to stay while Tarbee simply turns and walks back into the house muttering something about people mindin' their own business.
Tuck clambers onto the donkey's back and watches Tarbee's silent retreat and Tanasha-Lu's tearful farewell.
"Well, on average, they're quite a friendly family," he remarks quietly to Marianne and Robinet.
Robinet cocks an eyebrow in response to Tuck.
"If this is the friendliness we have to look forward to in Ossington, Alan and Billy are sure to be worn out, while the rest of us starve for conversation."