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Billy tries to piece things together as everyone discusses the situation, trying to look at things from another angle. "So these Grugach elves pretty well stuck to themselves till this knight came along?" He sits up straighter in the chair he'd slumped into having mostly recovered from the traumatic encounter with the crowd "I wonder if maybe they're jumping to the same conclusion as we are, if the Knight's been hassling them too maybe they figure he's in cahoots with you all."
The young man nods at Alan's assessment that the knight seems to be the pressing matter "Yeah seems like we git rid o this knight things might go back ta normal... problem is how? Guy's a spook... or girl maybe I ain't get that good a look, either way I ain't think a knife inna back's gonna do much." He makes a stabbing motion with his dagger which somehow must have made it into his hand while he was talking.
"What do you have in mind, kind sirs? Our skills are at your disposal, but we know not the lay of the land. The Knight would seem to be the more pressing matter at the moment, no? It certainly seems to be the simpler one."
"As gracious as we are for the help your appearance is rather sudden." says Dyson. Any assistance we can get in the meantime really would be a help, though I don't have any specific tasks at the moment being put on the spot like this. If you plan to stick around a while I'd maybe suggest getting familiar with the village."
Elder Murdows cuts him off: "Hrm, yes, There is an old abandoned cottage in the middle of town that you could lodge in for the meantime. Our population has diminished so much that we have some extra space readily available."
Dyson continues: "If you are up for a more challenging task we could really use somebody to go out and explore the area further. My comrades and I are too preoccupied here to take on such endeavors, however I'd understand if you aren't up to the challenge. An encounter with The Knight or The Grugach is almost certain and I couldn't simply ask anybody to risk their life in that way."
"I feel comfortable speaking for all of us in that we are definitely willing to venture forth and see what can be found," Robinet says while looking to each of his friends for dissent. "Perhaps something yet unidentified may explain the Knight's appearance and these Grugach elves shift in attitude. If we encounter either party, it will also allow us to gain some insight. Since we are not from Ossington, we may have more luck when treating with them for information."
With a punch into her palm, Marianne agrees to Robinet's suggestion. "Aye you are obviously not so, maybe we can use it to our advantage?" she ponders.
"I feel comfortable speaking for all of us in that we are definitely willing to venture forth and see what can be found,
"Excellent!" Dyson exclaims. "If you require any additional assistance I could send my bodyguard Tully to accompany you. She has the strength of a warrior and the grace of a cat and could prove useful. She's not familiar with the area so I'm afraid she wouldn't serve as a very good guide though. She'd have no problem slicing a Grugach in 2."
"I believe, sir, we prefer not to slice anything in two for now, not until we find out what is going on in this village. Do you have any near neighbors who might be having similar problems?" Tuck inquires off-handedly, "I think we might need a look around here and see if there is something odd that might be drawing these attacks. Has anybody been around casting curses lately?"
In reference to Tucks first statement the little thrush tweets to Robinet; 'Wouldn't be to sure about Mari.'
"This Tully new to the town? Trifle unlucky that." the barbarian says trying to keep the suspicious tone from her voice.
She slides over to Billy and Alan; "When you're chatting up the village girls, it might be best to inquire if they know anything."
ELDER MURDOWS: "We havent received any word of our neighbors experiencing similar problems. Ossington is very isolated, the nearest settlement is days away. It would seem that whatever is happening is only happening here."
DYSON: "Tully is not new to us. She is infact one of my oldest friends. Our bond predates that of The Cucckoo or even Henwen."
"Good to hear, you have old friends around in this time of need." Marianne adds a trifle sadly, since despite her current companions - she misses her childhood raiders. "You go on adventures together?" she asks.
Dyson smirks and pauses for a second. He almost looks as if he is thinking a happy thought, then he answers Mariannes question: "Tully and I have been on a great many adventures. Together we have captured the dragons hoard! We have crossed dimensions! We have fought monsters that would haunt your nightmares for the rest of your days! We have made friends, and lost about as many if not more through death, coincidence and betrayal. Tully is the most loyal subject you've ever had the pleasure of being introduced to and my dearest friend. And now our path has brought us here, to redeem the people of Ossington. A challenge to say the least, but our perseverance will triumph, or kill us in the process!"
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Billy shrugs his shoulders when Robin looks to the others for signs of dissent. "Yeah, long as there ain't no bleedin parade or swarm o' admirers iffin we clean dis mess up..."
He listens carefully as the discussion goes on the mention of the woman that will be coming with them intrigues him. "Your bodyguard Tully?" He gets up out of the chair he'd claimed. "If she's been here that long she's bound to know her way around better'n we do. She sounds facinatin an' I do love a strong woman. Lookin forward ta meetin her." The roguish young man gives a wide grin that might be just a bit mischievous.
With a small chuckling at Billy's admiration, Marianne adds; "Good friends are a gift from t' spirits. Now I take it you never fought someone similar."
"Well have there been any legends of the Knight, he must come from somewhere? Any protectors of villages, errant cavaliers, young nobles unjustly killed?" She ponders.
Turning to Tuck; "We could also help with t' villages sick. If they have starving, they'll have some injured."
"Well have there been any legends of the Knight, he must come from somewhere? Any protectors of villages, errant cavaliers, young nobles unjustly killed?" She ponders.
DYSON: I am reminded of a local legend about a formidable warrior named Saithnar the Warlord. Details are scarce, but from what I can piece together he engaged in 2 epic battles centuries ago against invading forces. Though both battles were won, the second is said to have claimed his life. Some writings speak of 5 evil sorcerers who managed to slay Saithnar during the second battle and were then themselves turned to stone by the local Druid's as punishment, becoming the Monument known as The Silence Keepers. Saithnar's body was placed inside a crypt that Elder Murdows has referred to as The Great Barrow. It is my personal belief that The Knight is none other than Saithnar the Warlord roaming the forest in undeath. This is a difficult topic to speak of to most of the locals however since Saithnar was regarded as a hero." Dyson and Elder Murdows take a few seconds to exchange glances but Elder Murdows keeps silent about the subject.
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The young man rubs his chin considering Dyson's story about Saithnar "Well that's curious, if the monyaments 'r the wizards that killed him sorta makes sense the spirit might be keepin an eye on em." He speculates further "Could be in some twisted spirit sorta way he's still actin the hero. By killin these people maybe he's savin everyone else from sumthin worse, thinks they're gonna wake the evil spell tossers 'r sumthin."
He looks from Dyson to the Elder Murdow whom he's taking from the exchanged glances don't share the same opinion on this. "If it is this long dead hero first question I got is what's set 'im off? He's been fine for however long I ain't buyin that he just decided to get up for a stroll one day. Maybe that crypt has a clue, it open fer folks ta get in?"
"Maybe the grugach opened it by accident?" Marianne posits based on Billy suppositions, with an approving nod for his thoughts. "That could be a good place to start, what say you all?" she looks to the others.
"Elder, I presume you know your people's hearts. Will it benefit them for us to linger amongst them for a time and learn what they can tell us if you suspect anyone would have information to aid our search? Or should we depart immediately?" Robinet inquires gently.
"If there is a rising tide of hysteria, we will not have long before a well-meaning citizen mobilizes the most desperate to potential foolhardy action. We must either be a symbol of hope or quickly find that which is if our arrival does not provide it."
Dyson looks pleased at the thought of exploring the Crypt. "I think the Crypt would be an excellent place to begin looking. The sooner we can put an end to the Knight's madness, the sooner we can start planting our crops. Granted it may be a little late in the season, but we need to atleast try."
Elder Murdows replies to Robinet: "A symbol of hope is exactly what our people need. Your presence here makes us look like we are doing our jobs which is equally beneficial. A few of our villagers have already taken desperate actions out of hunger and each has ended up dead as a result. Getting out there and getting to know the villagers will put their minds at ease for at least a little while." he motions to Tuck: "This gentleman's gesture of supplying them with a beast to eat will already go a long way. They are sure to love you. I grant you unrestricted access to Ossington. Look around and get to know the place."
With a pearly smile, Marianne looks around to the others. "Showmanship and symbology, we can do that." She adds with some pride.
The little thrush chirps, in a little voice; 'Show-off'
Ignoring the interruption, she continues. "Checking out this tomb does seem like a good idea, once we reassure the populace and put on a show. I'll see if I can persuade the spirits to provide a suitable splendid exhibit, I know you'll be able to show-off Robinet." she adds with a wink.
"Oh, I'll put on a show all right," Alan says with a cheeky grin, raising an eyebrow, "Ah, by I, I mean we, of course. And I can't believe I am saying this, but let's not take too long. The real cheer can be had once the phantom is gone."
With a barely concealed roll of her eyes; "Just make it suitable for the family." her tone exasperated.
Tuck sighs. "There is wisdom in the elder's words. Often the collective knowledge of a people are greater than any individual's, though they do not realize it. The answer to the puzzle may indeed be within the village, but the pieces have not yet been assembled."
"Much as it pains me, I will go talk to the gentlefolk who are digesting my poor mule. I suggest you all do the same. Listen to the ramblings of the smallest child to the most demented ancient and see if we can glean a few grains from this chaff."
Leaving the hut, Marianne moves over to where there's a small group of the townsfolk discussing the events. With a almighty clap of her hands, she goes about attempting to orate to the starving villagers.
"Gentletowns folk, we've travelled from the North. Through the dangerous woods and dark nights, have heard of your plight and the terrible times that have befallen you. Your leader Dyson," she pauses with a nodding smile of approval, as if agreeing with the intelligence of the townsfolk for deciding upon him. "has spoken to us, we'll stop the threat to the village. I'd ask you open you mouths as well as your hearts and we'll burn the scourge that afflicts you."
She wills her flaming magical armour into existence, it climbs up her body covering her with a soft protective glow - whilst in her other hand she hefts the great-axe to the sky as a symbol of their power. Around her flits the charming beautiful thrush.
She looks sternly to the rest of the group; "Get cracking, are you a bunch of layabouts? Go and ask the people of the village if they have heard of the folk-lore. Alan, Billy - I know you're good with the maidens and wives. Tucks talking to the kids, Robinet - you can have a natter with the old geezers and see if they've heard anything." she gives him a wink, knowing his ability to talk the birds down from the trees.
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Billy lets out a lengthy sigh, and with great reluctance moves to follow the others outside "Fine, but if they start crowdin me I ain't gonna be responsible if sumone ends up stabbed..."
The young man sets out trying to keep away from any large groups as Marianne suggested he sets out to talk with some of the village ladies generally village wives love to gossip so maybe they could tell him something interesting, if not it could be interesting anyway.
Picking out a small group of women he decides to try his luck."Hello my dears, hopin ya lovely ladies can help a guy out. I'd like ta talk to ya bout what's been happ'nen know any stories about this spirit guy, or them elves that have been such a pain?"
Knowing that he will probably the least likely to gain information based on the townsfolk's reactions to him upon their arrival, Robinet simply chooses to go amongst the people and offer kind words. If any are willing to let him, he helps them in whatever daily task they may be performing all the while encouraging them that their suffering will be lifted soon. If anyone is hostile he apologizes for bothering them and moves on.
Robinet's true purpose is to study the layout of the town and try to grasp who is suffering the most.
In a most unexpected turn of events, the dashing swordsman's advances do not garner as positive a reaction as he is accustomed to. Indeed, even his eternal rival in love outshines him, much to his discontent. The ladies seem far too distracted by the rogue to pay him any mind, and the men speak to him warily, perhaps worried that he is only there to steal away their wives and daughters. Which was not at all true; woo too many women in one community, and there was bound to be trouble. Unsatisfied with this pang of mediocrity, Alan skulks about, idly kicking pebbles. Next time, perhaps.
Clapping Alan softly, for her, on the shoulder - Marianne responds to his dejected visage; "Don't be so glum. There's plenty of folk around, maybe a song would raise their spirits?"
Whilst she gives a little smile to Robinet, to cheer his spirits in the wary crowd. In fact she goes as far as to talk to some of the people about the Grugach, their new-found attacks and how that relates to tales of elves.
Tucker wanders about the village greeting people and exploring the vacant cottages.
He spends some time at Cottage 4, trying to engage the inhabitants in conversation, particularly if they refuse to come out.