Sheoll rose early in the day, his night had been one of deep sleep, yet he was plagued by visions. In it he saw a great vast plain, barren and scarred as though it had been plowed, but there were no seeds. The air was acrid around him and he felt the iron tang of blood in his nostrils. He looked out over the plain, and as a great tide rose from the north, it crashed down, all blood and limbs and countless eyes. He felt a laugh come over him and a great howl that echoed from across the stars.
He woke in a sweat, staring at the early morning sky. Lingering there for some time, he moved to the table and poured some water on his face.
Seeing Rowena already awake, he brushed the wet hair from his face and watched her as she prayed. He concentrated hard on her shadow, her breathing, her sense of peace. Shaking off the disturbing visions of the night, he closed his eyes and slowed his breath, pushing the images further and further into the back of his mind.
When he saw the priestess stand, he approached her.
"Good morning to you, Rowena Hunter." he said, looking across the table.
Finding a mug he poured some of the wine that had been left there, and quickly swallowed it.
"I take it you rested well? Are you ready to get about this business we have ahead of us?" I'm sure the whole group will be glad to put this to rest to we can move on. You play not small part in that, and for that...and your ear to Deadeye...I am grateful." he said, offering her the bottle of wine.
"If you're amiable, we can talk some more as we explore these lands. Thank you for the company on watch, Tassira. Time to rest and then we conclude the situation with our captured bandits upon the morrow."
After a silence, Tassira nods and gives her a bright smile.
"I'd like that."
Among other things...
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Tassira sleeps like a log through the night, only awakening when she hears the sound of Sheoll rolling out of bed in the morning. After a few prestidigitation spells to freshen herself up, she wanders outside in time to catch Sheoll and Rowena in conversation.
"Morning..." She rubs her eyes, feeling the magic thrumming under her skin. She winces and straightens herself up. "I think it's about time we dealt with this bandit issue."
Alexander sits atop the wall as the rest of the group begins to rise and perform their morning rituals he greets each with a nod, smile or friendly gesture, keeping mostly quiet. Once everyone is awake and moving Alexander begins his own morning tasks to include sitting and poring over his magical tome becoming lost in the intricate patterns and symbols until a little over an hour had passed. Alexander was slow to come out of the state of meditative calm necessary to imprint the spells on his mind. Hesitant to begin thinking of the steps likely needed once the bandits where put to the test and their true willingness to reform was laid bare. Steeling himself to the task ahead Alexander joins the group ready to perform the grisly work of executing the bandits if they refuse to give a truthful oath.
"Good morning, Sheoll. Aye, I slept deeply. How did you rest?"
She shook her head at the offer of wine. "Thank you, no. I am not much of a drinker. A mug of water will suffice. Mayhap some tea after we are done." The priestess smiled gently at the warrior.
Before Sheoll had answered her question about his sleep, Tassira wandered over to them and bid them greeting.
"Good morning." The light morning breeze felt good upon Rowena's skin.
In lowered voice the young priestess continued, "I have prepared the necessary spell to use on the bandits. We shall find out one way or another what lies in their hearts."
Rowena waited for Alexander and Cadell to join them before moving toward the midden.
"This is no small thing we do this day. We have given them opportunity to speak and now is their final chance to prove to us that they can turn their lives around and make amends for their transgressions. I hope they will be willing."
Turning to the group, Rowena enquired quietly, "Are we taking them one by one for the oath swearing?"
Joining the rest of the group Alexander stays quiet nodding as Rowena's alludes to the seriousness of the moment until she asks how to approach the situation. I believe one at a time would be best so each man can come to terms with the choice without undue influence from the others. I believe that we should impress upon them the seriousness of this. We have not offered a united front thus far. Offering different promises or consequences at different times. Rowena You are performing the spell so you certainly are an integral part of this process. We should elect one other person to speak to the men and explain what is happening and the consequences. The rest of us should stand silent here only to bear witness to the proceedings and follow through on any sentences that are passed. So that any that pass the test see that we are now united and resolute in our decision.
Rowena's gaze stayed fixed on Alexander as he spoke, nodding in agreement with his plan.
"I will perform the spell upon each of the men. We shall take them one at a time into the stable. Tassira appeared to be getting through to the tall one - Hans - last night. She should speak to the men and explain what we mean to undertake this day."
Cadell had slept poorly that night. He had drawn blood and killed one man in the fight the day before but he had never been party to an execution before. The idea that in the morning he could be responsible for the death of another three men made him uneasy. So he slept badly and spent his turn at watch in brooding silence.
Come morning he joined the others in the courtyard. He didn't eat but made sure his blades were sharp and clean.
"I will perform the spell upon each of the men. We shall take them one at a time into the stable.
No. Not in the stable. He said speaking over Rowena. A stable is no place to swear an oath like this. No better to keep them in the stable and bring them out here to take their oath. They should be allowed to swear the oath out here in the sunshine with Erastil, and all the gods looking on. also better to die under the sun. I wouldn't want to die in a stable with the last thing I see the ass of a mule and the last thing I smell Horses**t. . . . I will do the killing if any needs doing. He then turns to Sheoll and Alex. Have the two of you decided which of you is incharge? Who ever is going to lead us should be the one to speak for us to these men. He should also be the one to pronounce the sentence on those that fail the test.
"I will speak to them." Tassira steps forward. "I've spoken to them already--they'll be more inclined to go with me."
"And if I have to pronounce the sentence..." She trails off, looking up into the sky. "...then so be it."
As you all approach the captives, you find them still asleep. The first one to stir is Gernon. As he looks up, he sees Tassira and a goofy grin crosses his face. "Come to get me away from these two? Kir snores and Hans keeps jerking around in his sleep. Barely get any rest with these two..."
Looking to Cadell, he nods.
"We had not spoken more of it, but I'm sure there will be time in the future. We have more pressing things at the moment."
Sheoll frown slightly.
"No disrespect, Tassira Vantyev, but I think I should be the second. Alexander Medvyed was correct before. If an execution is to happen...it should be done by the same person that pronounces their sentence."
]
Attempting to settle any dispute before it might start Alexander speaks up. Unfortunately I believe the stables are nearly filled to bursting with all the horses.
Alexander Shrugs his shoulders as if to say what can you do before as he continues his thought I would prefer a court or meeting hall to give an air of seriousness but we have what we have and the open air is likely the best place to perform this serious event. It is not much different from what would happen in a field court martial which seems appropriate.
In a flat more serious tone. At the end of the day I do not believe it matters who speaks and who performs the deed as long as we offer a united front. This is a difficult tasks to perform and no one person should be left to perform them with out respite. Once the verdict is known we should allow those found wanting to make peace as best they can and pass on what words they have for those that may mourn them if they wish it.
Rowena stopped her motions toward the midden.
Turning to look at the noblemen, her gaze was inscrutable. After a moment, the young priestess courteously inclined her head and then walked back to the middle of the courtyard. She stood silently with her hands clasped around her holy book.
"Come to get me away from these two? Kir snores and Hans keeps jerking around in his sleep. Barely get any rest with these two..."
"More or less. Come with me, please." Tassira helps the man to his feet.
"No disrespect, Tassira Vantyev, but I think I should be the second. Alexander Medvyed was correct before. If an execution is to happen...it should be done by the same person that pronounces their sentence."
"Your opinion has been noted, Sheoll." Is all that Tassira says as she leads Gerson out to the courtyard, where Rowena awaits.
"At the end of the day I do not believe it matters who speaks and who performs the deed as long as we offer a united front. This is a difficult tasks to perform and no one person should be left to perform them with out respite. Once the verdict is known we should allow those found wanting to make peace as best they can and pass on what words they have for those that may mourn them if they wish it."
The sorceress nods in agreement, but says nothing else.
Sheoll simply stands next to the two women and crosses his arms. He watches the prisoner carefully, making sure he doesn't try anything.
Kir, Hans, come along to the stables. You will wait there, until your turn to face your fate. Cadell says and leads the two remaining bandits to the stable. He ensures that both are securely bound and unable to escape or observe what is happening outside. That done he joins the others in the yard and takes up a position behind Gernon.
Tassira stands next to Rowena after casting a prestidigitation spell upon Gernon to clean him up a bit.
"Now, Gernon, we've come to a solution that we hope will satisfy all parties involved in this." She folds her arms behind her back.
"Sister Rowena has been praying this dawn to Erastil for guidance in this--and he has granted her the power to convince others to speak the truth." Her voice becomes stronger, as if she's settling into a role. "This is what we ask--for you to swear an oath."
She looks over at Rowena. "If you speak it truthfully and do not resist her magic, you will have nothing to fear--it will serve as proof of your willingness to turn your life around and become a better man."
"If, however, you refuse to submit to her magic, or if you try to fight it, I'm sorry to say that we will be forced to consider it proof that you have no interest in becoming a better person, and you shall be punished accordingly." She glances meaningfully at Sheoll, Alexander and Cadell. "We have done all we can to help you move on from petty banditry, and we are bound by our charter to put an end to it however we must."
"So I ask you this--will you take the oath?" She motions to Rowena's hand.
"a solution that will satisfy all parties involved" Shyte she sounds like she is mediating a dispute between neighbors not about to pass down judgement on a criminal. . . . And she basically told him we are going to off him if he doesn't swear the oath. Just great, now if he can't swear he is going to fight tooth and nail to escape. Erastil's Antlers! These soft-headed women make me crazy! Cadell gives Sheoll and Alex a hard look from behind Gernon's back.
Rowena moved up to stand side by side with Tassira. The young priestess faced the brigand, Gernon, and reaching out her hand, touched his shoulder and began to reverently speak the words of the truthtelling spell. Her eyes grew to a brighter shade of green as she cast her divine spell.
As the others watch on, they begin to see an illuminated form start hovering over and across the brigand -- what appears to be an archon with large antlers -- the illumination glowing in green and brown hues. It encompasses the entire form of the brigand.
Holding her holy text out before her, the silver holy symbol of Old Deadeye seemingly glistening at her chest, Rowena began to recite the oath,
"Gernon, if your heart is willing, please repeat these words after me:
In the name of Erastil, I hereby swear to willingly renounce banditry and to seek and walk an honourable path from this day forward.
I shall atone for the wrongdoings I have perpetrated through honest labour with the sanctioned Explorers present. In true penitence, I shall follow orders and use my talents and skills to advance their honourable cause and goals and to protect these people until such time I have extinguished my debt and proven my contrition and can live as a free and honourable man.
If I break this oath, may the gods' rain their full and mighty retribution down upon me and mine."
Gernon takes on a serene appearance. He wasn't a good man, but he also knew that when the wind blows, the branch must bend. For a brief second, he appears resolute and serene.
"In the name of Erastil, I hereby swear to willingly renounce banditry and to seek and walk an honourable path from this day forward.
I shall atone for the wrongdoings I have perpetrated through honest labour with the sanctioned Explorers present. In true penitence, I shall follow orders and use my talents and skills to advance their honourable cause and goals and to protect these people until such time I have extinguished my debt and proven my contrition and can live as a free and honourable man.
If I break this oath, may the gods' rain their full and mighty retribution down upon me and mine."
After about a minute his look reverts back to his normal self. "That... That was different..."
Rowena stood and listened as Gernon made the oath willingly and then watched as his visage returned to normal.
She coaxingly smiled at the man, now ex-brigand.
"You have chosen a better course, Gernon."
Turning her attention to Tassira, the young priestess asked respectfully, "Can you please bring one of the others now, Tassira?"
To the males in her party, standing behind her, Rowena enquired quietly, "Where is Gernon to go now? Will he stay here while we speak in turn to the others or will he go inside the post and wait there?"
As Rowena recited her words, and Gernon, the "former", repeated them back. Sheoll stood still. His muscles had been tensed, for he had fully expected the man to try something, to run, or to deceive. He had even, in some dark deep part of himself, hoped for it.
But when Gernon went through with the party's terms, and seemingly in all sincerity, Sheoll was truly suprised. And impressed.
He looked to Rowena for a moment, and then to Tassira, raising an eyebrow. It seemed the stars had indeed led him to place where he could find not only balance, but perhaps a new life. More importantly, a new tribe...and perhaps...new friends.
"Well done Rowena Hunter, well done Tassira Vantyev. Your pronouncement, and words have given this man a second chance. It is more than some have been given."
Turning to Gernon,
"Take this to heart, you have been afforded a great mercy. You would do well to make yourself worthy of it."
Then, at the group as a whole,
"I would prefer that each man come and make his oath in separate. He should not have his past...his former comrades, or the notion of them, there to influence his decision."
Rowena humbly bowed her head at Sheoll's compliment and smiled toward Tassira. Now if only the other two can renounce their banditry.
Rowena nodded at Sheoll regarding his words to Gernon. May each of them be worthy of such clemency.
When the scarred warrior companion answered and addressed the group, the young priestess softly vocalised her approval, "I agree with Sheoll. Each man to stand and decide his fate on his own."
I agree Sheoll let us free him and allow the man to get some rest and something to eat. I am sure he had a hard night considering the accommodations. We are taking responsibility for these men now and that includes their care as well as the restitution they are expected to make. I have an idea of what we might do on that score but that can wait until later.
Moving to Gernon, Alexander releases his bonds and takes the man by the shoulder. Each of you must make your own choice without influence. Lets see about getting you something for the morning meal and make some time for real rest.
Alexander directs Gernon to the sleeping area. Before he can sit down directs him to stand still for a moment as Alexander uses the prestidigitation spell to clean the man of any lingering filth left from his previous lodgings and his time in the wilds before offering him a mat to rest on and a helping of the morning meal. I ask that you remain here for the time being Gernon we will call if you are needed. With the man squared away Alexander returns to the others.
When the matter of what to do with Gernon was taken care of by Alexander, Rowena mentally prepared herself for the next brigand. She opened her holy book and read one of the parables contained within. The familiar words instantly settled the young priestess -- No matter how many times she had read them, they still brought her peace.
Upon Alexander's return to the group, Rowena closed her holy book and nodded her head in his direction. "Thank you for taking care of Gernon."
And then she waited for Tassira and the next brigand. Will it be Kir or Hans?, Rowena mused to herself.
Cadell goes with Tassira to bring out the next prisoner. He lets her choose who to bring out next, and in truth just follows along to ensure there is no trouble.
Tassira beams as Gernon takes the oath. Yes! We did something right! She nods at Rowena when she asks her to bring out another one.
Tassira goes and fetches Kir next. "This way please, sir." She helps him to his feet and casts a quick prestidigitation spell on him to clean him up.
When she comes back with Kir, she takes her place next to Rowena. "I hope your stay wasn't too uncomfortable, Kir--in that time, we've decided how we're going to resolve this issue."
"Sister Rowena has prayed to Erastil for guidance in this, and He has seen fit to grant her a portion of his power--specifically, to help her learn the truth of a man's words." She looks between Rowena and Kir. "What we ask of you today is an oath."
"Sister Rowena will speak the oath and ask you to repeat it after her. If you do so with sincerity, I promise you that you will have nothing to fear--it will serve as proof of your wish to improve yourself and leave your days of banditry behind you." Tassira straightens herself up again.
She gestures to Rowena's hand. "Whenever you're ready, please take her hand, and we can begin."
And as before, Rowena reached out and touched Kir's hand and began casting the truthspell. The words flowed from her lips and once again, a green and brown illuminated likeness of an archon with large antlers appeared and encompassed the form of Kir.
"Kir, if your heart is willing, please repeat these words after me:
In the name of Erastil, I hereby swear to willingly renounce banditry and to seek and walk an honourable path from this day forward.
I shall atone for the wrongdoings I have perpetrated through honest labour with the sanctioned Explorers present. In true penitence, I shall follow orders and use my talents and skills to advance their honourable cause and goals and to protect these people until such time I have extinguished my debt and proven my contrition and can live as a free and honourable man.
If I break this oath, may the gods' rain their full and mighty retribution down upon me and mine."
Kir listens to Tassira and his eyes are a little large. He's shaking some, almost like a leaf in the autumn wind. He drops to his knees though. "I-I... I agree." As Rowena touches him, his countenance calms and he recites the oath with no complaint. As it ends, he looks up at the party, still a little worried. "I... I get to live, yes? I promise, I won't do those things again, just..."
Just what Kir? Cadell asks as he moves quietly into the man's line of sight. His hands nowhere near the hilts of his blades.
Since Cadell had asked the question, Rowena stood still, holy book in hand, and waited for the man to answer. Kir had seemed agreeable to giving the oath, yet the young priestess wondered what more he had to say.
She did, however, add in steady voice, "You may speak freely, Kir."
"I don't like spells... Don't tell the others, they'll make fun of it..."
It's obvious the man is not too keen on magic, probably one who would get swept up in a witch hunt if locals got magic-crazy.
"So, what now?"
Rowena smiled gently and nodded at Kir. "We will not speak of it to the others."
Looking to Alexander, the young priestess motioned to Kir and asked respectfully, "Alexander, can you please take Kir inside with Gernon, and then return to us."
Reaching her hand across to Tassira, she gently touched the noblewoman's arm and made her last request, "Tassira, please bring Hans out to us, so we may finish this."
Oh is that all. Can't say I care for magic that much either. Not precise enough. Cadell says giving Tassira a look. come with me Kir, since you don't care for magic we'll pull some water so you can wash up and get you some grub. Cadell takes off Kir's bindings and leads him away. you've taken an oath to us. If you hold true to that oath, after a time when we feel like you have made sufficient restitution for your past wrongs we will release you from your oath and you will be free to go your way. How long that time is, is really up to you. If you work hard and do your best to help us reach our goals then the time will be short, if you don't it will be longer. While you are under oath you will be fed and clothed decently or at least as well as we can. We aren't going to beat you or mistreat you. We will give you tasks and expect you to complete them. If you don't know something or don't understand something ask us and we will try to explain. If you can't do something on your own say so. there is nothing wrong with needing help, but if you are lazy and disobedient the time you have to serve will be longer. Cadell explains to kir what the oath means and what is expected of him while he is washing. Once he is cleaned up, Cadell gives him some food and puts him in the bunk house with Gernon. Eat up and get some rest. We have a lot to do this afternoon.
With Kir taken care of Cadell returns to the group to be there for the final prisoners judgement.
Alexander sighs hearing the man's confession. Erastil help the superstitious see the light. Kir I will keep your confession in confidence. I hope to help allay your fears of magic, But until then I will try to refrain from using it on you unless its of dire need. Having said his piece Alexander is about to lead Kir back to the bunk house until Cadell jumps in. Alexander simply shrugs his shoulders and waits silently even when Cadell makes the comment directed at Tassira.
Though Cadells hair might have caught fire with the looks Alexander gave to the back of his head had he stood still too long. He is trying to stir things up don't rise to the bait, don't rise to the bait. After using the calming exercises usually reserved for preparing his spells and when that doesn't help he resorts to summoning a light cool breeze in a almost petulant display to cool his temper. It leaves Alexander calmer by the time Cadell returns though his face is still slightly red with anger and he can't help but give Cadell a dour look. Before continuing his silent vigil of the oath taking.
As with the two men before, Rowena waited until the brigand was willing and Tassira had spoken to him.
She touched his hand, called upon Erastil and cast her truthspell, evoking the likeness of an antlered archon to appear one last time this day.
"Hans, if your heart is willing, please repeat these words after me..."
And once more she recited the oath words for the last man to repeat and turn his life around. The young priestess hoped he would, too, and then the group could decide what came next.
She held onto her holy book with one hand, her silver holy symbol glinting beneath the rising sun.
Tassira pointedly ignores Cadell's childish attempt at getting under her skin. At least Kir was upfront about his dislike of magic instead of stewing over it. The sorceress simply nods in acknowledgement of the bandit's words.
She moves to fetch Hans, getting him on his feet and casting a quick prestidigitation to clean him up as she leads him out.
Once again, she explains to Hans what they have decided on as a suitable solution: an oath of service as a start towards leaving behind their bandit ways.
Hans looks around, noting the absence of his fellow (former) bandits. He looks up and hears what the cleric and the sorceress has to say.
"If this be my fate..." He willingly allows the spell to be cast, reciting the words as given. As it ends, he looks up to the others. "You... Didn't kill them, did you?"
No Hans like yourself your friends have given the oath under Erastil's powerful gaze to give up banditry and serve us as we explore these lands. You will be able to join them in a moment to rest and eat. Alexander removes Han's bonds and leads him to his compatriots.
All three men are reunited and share a look of general 'you agreed as well?' but they say little and accept their fates as indentured servants for the moment.
After the three former bandit have had a chance to eat and rest Cadell goes to see them in the bunk house. Gernon, Kir, Hans. I am glad you all decide to join us, I would have hated to have had to hang you. Welcome to the family. Cadell gives the men a friendly smile. Now, there are some things we need to know. First, do any of you have any family. Now that you are sworn to us we are responsible for you. We are also responsible for your families. So, any wives, children, sweethearts, mothers, aunts, sisters, or other relations? Cadell gives the men time to think and respond to the question.
Now the second thing we need to know, what can you do? What skills do you have that could be of use. I don't mean wit a blade or a bow, we will test that later. I mean caring for horses, tracking, cooking, driving a cart, that kind of thing.Cadell again gives the men a chance to respond. He makes a mental note of their replies the asks
Do you all have any questions? You have just sworn your lives in our service, so you must have some questions. So lets hear them.
Tassira's relief at seeing all three men take the oath is palpable. She can't help but feel a little proud.
"Have faith in others, and they will have faith in you." Thank you, Father, for those words
She turns and watches Alex and Cadell get the men settled in. "That felt great. I have a good feeling about this."
Rowena had remained silent as Alexander answered Hans' question regarding his fellow, former-brigands. She watched as Alexander and the Cadell moved into the bunkhouse.
Upon Tassira's words, Rowena drew her holy book against her and nodded, with a small smile. "In Erastil's name, I hope they continue on this better path. I am relieved that we did not have to hang any of them, this day. Thank you for your assistance, Tassira."
Looking to Sheoll, who was still standing beside them, she enquired softly, "What now? Shall we inform Master Oleg and Mistress Svetlana of the outcome and then sit down and discuss what is to be done with the remainder of the bandits out there?", pointing to beyond the post's gates, out into the wilderness.
"Or should we follow the others into the bunkhouse and hear what is being said there?"
Sheoll looked back to Rowena, a bit of a blank stare on his face. It took him a moment. He was a bit shocked that all three men had taken the pledge. Something deep inside him still didn't feel right. He had seen the priestess' magic though, and decide to put a little faith in it. He had been a more practical sort, and trust was something he knew he was going to work on.
Looking at the two women, he commented,
"Again, you've both done well. I would not have expected things to go this way. Sometimes, though, surprises can be good."
Contemplating Rowena's question, he looked off towards where their new "recruits" were being spoken to by Alex and Cadell.
"Yes, as Alexander Medvyed had suggested, we should provide a show of unity." He laughed a little. "It's something I think we almost have...And yes, Rowena Hunter, we should figure out who will stay here at the outpost, and who will come with us on our explorations. Oleg had originally only wanted one to work here, but perhaps with the oath, he will reconsider."
With that he gestured for the women to walk with him over to the others.
The former bandits look at each other and Hans speaks up. "Well, I was getting along a little better than most with Kressel until Happs showed up about a year back or so. But well, she's nuts anyway."
Kir and Gernon shake their heads some. Gernon pipes up though. "Got a ma, but she kicked me out years ago after she caught me taking some poor bastards wallet. 'You wanna hang, do it yourself, thief. Well, he was rich, so what's a couple of coins right? I could have gotten us a meal a day for a month from that purse... But, well, that's the past, right?" He nervously chuckles at the group.
After a short while, the group tells Cadell that the bandits in the region had, for the most part, been rogue, hitting what they could where they could but only ever in small gangs at most. But, as said earlier, Kressel showed up and had gotten the go-ahead from some big bandit chief down south to have the north for a small tribute.
And about that time, Oleg steps out and sees the gang as it were chit-chatting, the bandits free of their binding. "What in Erastil's Holy Horns is going on?!"
Sheoll nods to Oleg, putting on a stern face, as if to say i recognize your concerns. He took a step towards the man and looked back at the newly freed prisoners.
"These men have renounced their past and pledged to live more honest lives. It was a bit surprising to me at first as well, but Deadeye watched over their pledge," he looks over to Rowena [b]"Through his chosen and her prayers. They intend to turn their lives around and be of use."
He looks back over at the three,
"You had said that you'd be willing to take one on as a worker, yes? Would you still be willing to honor that? I think you'll find that an extra hand will be useful, especially in the days to come."
"What say you, Kir, would you like to start on some honest work?"
Tassira looks over as Oleg steps out, confused as to why the bandits have been freed.
"It is as Sheoll says--they have taken oaths to start again as honest men. We have tested their sincerity, and have not been found wanting." She folds her hands before herself and speaks calmly.
"I believe it would be for the best if they were given a chance to prove their sincerity to you."
Alexander adds his voice to the rest of the party as they attempt to forestall a blow up from Oleg. Isn't one of Erastil's sayings honest work makes an honest man.
Rowena had walked with Tassira and Sheoll to the bunkhouse and had just happened upon Alexander and the others when she heard Oleg's exclamation.
With words from Sheoll, Tassira and Alexander, Rowena did not want to confound the proprietor with yet another voice. So she simply stood and nodded in acknowledgement of her companions' words; a gentle, reassuring smile on her face, hoping to calm Oleg so the others' words could filter through.
Oleg looked ready to gain a level or two in barbarian and start raging, but his sense of reason stops him from it. Listening closely, he looks at the men and the party.
Kir, at Sheoll's statement, stands up. "It would be a change of pace, sure. Never did much honest work, but if it's better than banditry..." He nods.
Oleg looks at the party and tries to speak a few times before slumping his shoulders. "Erastil better be watching over us. And I'll hold you lot responsible for them! If so much as a nail goes missing, heads will roll!" He walks over to Kir, circling the man a few times. "Any good with a hammer?"
Kir stiffens and shrugs. "I can learn."