Lady Origena pondered the warrior's words on the matter of the kobolds and a dead human, possibly the wizard, Balthus Hunclay. The one named Connor mentioned a ring, "May I see the ring in question? I am versed in its appearance and can say whether or not it is Hunclay's. As to the kobolds, are you telling us a tribe has risen up against the town and plotted to take down the Witch Tower on their own, killing the wizard and some of their own kind? And that mayhap the kobolds were allied with the wizard for the purpose of the destruction of the tower and some other villainous plot, moving through a secret underground tunnel in the tower?"
Lady Origena pondered the warrior's words on the matter of the kobolds and a dead human, possibly the wizard, Balthus Hunclay. The one named Connor mentioned a ring, "May I see the ring in question? I am versed in its appearance and can say whether or not it is Hunclay's. As to the kobolds, are you telling us a tribe has risen up against the town and plotted to take down the Witch Tower on their own, killing the wizard and some of their own kind? And that mayhap the kobolds were allied with the wizard for the purpose of the destruction of the tower and some other villainous plot, moving through a secret underground tunnel in the tower?"
The home they find is impressive indeed - a second floor and made of stone besides! It was undoubtedly the largest they'd yet seen in Belhaim. Well, she suspected that the Witch Tower might've stood higher but seeing as it was in shambles now the estate was clearly uncontested.
They were led to the Baroness and her son what she assumed was the room in which they addressed any company they might have as they did now.
"I see you have withstood the Witch Tower, safely and soundly. Good. Now, tell me, what were you findings as to the nature of its collapse?" The baroness turns, her hazel-green eyes fix on the party; a small pleasant-like smile on her lips that never reaches her eyes. Both mother and son are well attired - neither in sleeping robes even as dusk has come and night grows thicker.
They had made mention of everyone speaking their peace, she recalled, and though Riley had suggested she speak the most, she was not entirely sure she desired to represent their group. She was a merchant's daughter, after all, with much to learn about guarding and adventuring and such.
”We have served you in good faith and trust to your generosity; but for now we are happy to return this symbol of your House to you and your kin,” he adds as he holds it up for her to examine.
[b]"Sir, this is not a symbol of our House, but that of the Canteclures. My late husband's ancestor, Sir Arkhold Devy, was awarded the Barony of Belhaim for aiding in taking down the seditious Canteclures. Still, it is a piece of history that serves as a true lesson for any future baron and thus we freely accept the offering. You have my gratitude, Connor son of Ceorl." She looks to her son and waves her hand and Arnholde summons a house servant, who upon instruction, promptly removes the plaque from the sitting room.
At this, Rhialtyra held back a wince, though she was relieved to see that the object, ill-fated though it was, was met with good will and the intent to educate future generations.
Once the bronze plaque was removed from the chamber, Lady Origena gestured for the adventurers to sit down on the chairs provided. "Please sit and tell me all you have discovered." The noblewoman's smile was small, but friendly - you could presume that the baroness rarely smiled large or chortled like a commoner. The melancholy you noted the night before still sits in her eyes.
"Thank you," Rhialtyra thanked the baroness before seating herself. She'd heard many rumors about nobles - some were and odd, stuffy sort, bent only on their station and the value it held. Although she knew that she was technically a member of the caste by blood, she hadn't really spent much time with any nobles beyond that of service in the shop, from learning, or from her time at the temples.
She decided to take it as a good sign that the Lady Origena was inviting them to sit. She also took it to mean that the Baroness expected them to stay for a certain amount of time, a thought that was confirmed by the lady's next statement.
Calling out to the manservant waiting outside the door, "Bring some tea for my guests", Lady Origena awaited the revelation of how the Witch Tower collapsed.
"You may begin."
Again, Rhialtyra looked about, but it did not seem anyone else was going to take the initiative to speak. She considered how to order her speech so as to keep it simple but thorough. The aasimar was spared the trouble, however, when Connor began his explanation.
She had not spent any time studying or considering the earth or that it might have been dug as he seemed to have, so she did not comment on it. She neither wanted to display her lack of acumen in nor make herself look a fool. He spoke on the body they'd found, as well as the kobolds, and seemed to have jumped to some conclusions regarding the potential need for a defense against them.
At that, Rhialtyra had to hide a frown. She did not want their number to seem divided, but in this they most certainly were. Connor was right to correct himself - she, at least, did not think that there was any merit to attacking the kobolds.
Lady Origena pondered the warrior's words on the matter of the kobolds and a dead human, possibly the wizard, Balthus Hunclay. The one named Connor mentioned a ring, "May I see the ring in question? I am versed in its appearance and can say whether or not it is Hunclay's. As to the kobolds, are you telling us a tribe has risen up against the town and plotted to take down the Witch Tower on their own, killing the wizard and some of their own kind? And that mayhap the kobolds were allied with the wizard for the purpose of the destruction of the tower and some other villainous plot, moving through a secret underground tunnel in the tower?"
The aasimar woman shook her head at the Baroness' words. "I do not believe that to be the case," Rhialtyra said quietly. "As far as I can tell, they were contracted to help the wizard bring the tower down for treasure. It seemed that something went wrong, however, for the wizard and some of the kobolds lay dead beside each other. Any kobolds that remained likely would have returned to their homes since there was no way of obtaining payment."
Felix had followed along the conversation, waiting for the proper moment to...pounce...metaphorically speaking of course. When the Baroness speaks of the Canteclures, Felix searches his memory for any reference to them.
At the mention of the ring he produces it with a flourish, loosing his not insubstantial claws as he does so for a moment before retracting them just as quickly. The ring seems to appear from nowhere in his hands.
...though he fumbles a bit and you are able to catch that he had the ring palmed when he brought his hand out to begin.
He bows with another flourish of his cape and says My companions speak truly my Lady. The kobolds had a pact to bring down the tower, perhaps intending to double cross the wizard in order to take the treasure of the tower for themselves, who knows? Hopefully this ring will suffice in letting you know that, at the least, the dead mage we found was none other than Hunclay himself.
Anila listened as her companions relayed the information of their findings. She also addressed Baroness, "I have also concluded the same things my Lady. Given this information I am curious to hear your thoughts and ideas on this matter, if you would be so kind."
She awaits a response from the Baroness and to hear if her companions have anything further to add.
Connor looks to his comrades for a brief moment and then turns his gaze back to the Baroness. Perhaps because of their diplomatic skills he feels a bit emboldened and reaffirms his earlier thoughts.
”I do not contest the word of my Shield Brothers, but I say only this – you have had a snake at your doorstep and the consequences could have been much darker. With that in mind I do not think it would be bad to make sure that the enemy does not return to molest your people.”
”After all – in matters of life and death – it does not hurt to be sure,” he says with a polite nod of his head.
Then he leans back to hear what she may say next.
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There was a story recited once of a nobleman of the House Canteclure who had been given great title yet reputed to be a vicious master who imprisoned and tortured his people for the slightest infractions. A lord whose rebellious heart brought about his ultimate downfall. You know no more than this.
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A middle-aged woman silently entered and brought in the tea on a silver tray. She served the baroness and then her son and then each member of the party. She left the room as silently as she had entered. Arnolde lifted the cup to his mouth and gently sipped. Lady Origena left her tea untouched as she considered the group's findings. She had taken the ring from the feline-male and looked at the signet.
"The ring is indeed Hunclay's. So, he is dead, as are his kobold accomplices. Hunclay has long wanted the tower gone and with his dying breath, his wish has been granted. The gods shall judge him now. I shall keep the ring and it will be given to any relation who comes forward after the death notice has been posted. I am grateful you had the foresight to take the ring and bring it to me." Lady Origena hands the ring to her son who places it in a small, metal chest by the fireplace.
The baroness gestures to a small chest on the table before you. "There is the reward I promised you - five hundred gold pieces. You may take it for a pursuit well done."
Pausing to take a few breaths, her melancholy eyes suddenly grown anxious, she continues, "If you are in no rush to leave Belhaim, I would engage your services once more and you may earn a fair bit more than those coins." Her hazel-green eyes pass along each face.
"Upon your findings of the kobolds and their secret tunnel, I admit to long being suspicious of a local kobold tribe, The Blood Vow tribe, living near the flooded quarry. We came to an understanding that they stay within their land and we would do the same. Until now, the kobolds have not caused trouble or harm, and the townsfolk let the kobolds be. Alas, it seems times have changed. I offer you the task of driving them out from this region. You may kill their chieftain, but I will leave it to you to determine the best way to uproot The Blood Vow tribe." Lady Origena looks to her son and a silent understanding passes between them before Arnholde speaks, "If you manage to drive these pests from our lands, we are prepared to offer you a dozen amethysts; each gemstone worth a hundred gold pieces. You may choose to give us answer this night or you have until the morrow to consider the offer and give us your reply. With Sheriff Benhovy and his finest deputies out of town, we must turn to you, if you would remain in town."
With that, Arnholde draws the fine cup to his lips and sips, having spoken the offer and having no more to say.
" I am grateful you had the foresight to take the ring and bring it to me." Lady Origena hands the ring to her son who places it in a small, metal chest by the fireplace.
Connor looks at his companions, then he looks at the Baroness, then back at his companions.
It is clear to anyone who has done business or battle with Connor for more than a few minutes that he is clearly doing his best to be diplomatic and not simply point out to the Baroness that the ring was not a gift, but it is now the property of he and his comrades.
Of course, his Herculian restraint in refusing to say something directly about the ring is obviously taxing his patience somewhat; though naturally no one would be able to deduce this, except the people who knew him better - such as his traveling companions.
Naturally he will wait for someone else to speak about the recovered treasure; however, if no one in his company shall speak regarding the ring, then duty clearly demands that someone say something about it on behalf of the entire company.
While it is true that if he made the efforts they may be less cordial then another - he will do his best to address it personally if no one else speaks about it.
For now, he will trust his companions to handle that issue.
The baroness gestures to a small chest on the table before you. "There is the reward I promised you - five hundred gold pieces. You may take it for a pursuit well done."
Connor's eyes flick to the chest, but for now he is unmoved by it. His mind is instead racing over possible things to say about the ring that the baroness has taken from him and Shield-Brothers - unless, of course, one of them should say something.
"Upon your findings of the kobolds and their secret tunnel, I admit to long being suspicious of a local kobold tribe, The Blood Vow tribe, living near the flooded quarry."
Connor says nothing at this point, but his eyes widen greatly at the mention of the flooded quarry, then narrow as he considers this.
You may kill their chieftain, but I will leave it to you to determine the best way to uproot The Blood Vow tribe." Lady Origena looks to her son and a silent understanding passes between them before Arnholde speaks, "If you manage to drive these pests from our lands, we are prepared to offer you a dozen amethysts; each gemstone worth a hundred gold pieces."
Connor looks at the Baroness for the briefest of moments.
"I have no trouble in killing my enemies, Jarl Origena."
"Those folk have already wounded me; therefore they are my enemies. I will help you in this task."
"As for the particulars," he says regarding the money "I believe that those details would be handled better by one of my Shield Brothers, at least, for now," he says with a calm smile.
Then he turns and studies his companions waiting for their response.
Rhialtyra remained silent, unhappy with the proceedings. While she did not mind that the ring had been claimed by the Lady for whatever relative of Hunclay's chose to keep it, she was bothered by the woman's request that they drive out the kobolds. She recalled the tribe as being the one that Sesserak was from. While they had promised to let Sesserak go safely and had not given any promises beyond that, they had already extracted a promise of compliance and non-harm from the female.
She did not find that the kobolds were at fault in this - they had been tasked with something and promised payment. Would not any man do this for the sake of treasure or survival?
"Must they be driven out?" she asked, her voice quiet. "If you have long remained peaceful, could there not be some sort of accord reached to ensure there are no troubles between your people and theirs?"
It pained her to think of doing such a thing and if they took up the task, she would have to endeavor to alter the course they took to reduce slaughter or to at least attempt to steer her companions towards a peaceful solution.
"I have no trouble in killing my enemies, Jarl Origena."
"Those folk have already wounded me; therefore they are my enemies. I will help you in this task."
The noblewoman briefly inclined her head and silently accepted the warrior's response to her ensuing offer.
"Must they be driven out?" she asked, her voice quiet. "If you have long remained peaceful, could there not be some sort of accord reached to ensure there are no troubles between your people and theirs?"
A line crossed the baroness' brow at the woman's words.
"Did you and your companions not relay to me the kobolds' part in the collapse of my tower? That they carved a tunnel from their land into mine for the purpose of crossing into my lands unheeded? An accord was struck when they first moved to these lands. I have kept my side of the accord, but it would seem the kobolds' honour can be bought with mere promise of treasure. Once news of this spreads throughout my town, then who can say with any assurance whether others, with corrupt longing in their hearts, will not seek this tribe out and offer them bounty to undertake another attack on my lands?" The noblewoman's voice never raised but remained steady and pointed in her response. "I cannot trust them, now. If you do not care to kill the chieftain or his kind, then they are to be driven out all the same. I cannot have such threats on my doorstep as Connor son of Ceorl has mentioned more than once." Lady Origena smiled at the warrior, but again the light never quite reached her bright hazel-green eyes.
"Aye, but perhaps those kobolds were but an errant few and can be punished alone?" Rhialtyra suggested. Maybe it was foolish of her, but she felt hopeful all the same. "Let us first speak with their leaders, to better understand what has happened. Though we have investigated the tower, we have only seen what was there. Maybe there is more to this story than we know -- might we not hold off on driving them from their homes until we have at least found whether it was but a troublesome few who can be punished or the tribe as a whole?"
She held her hands tightly in her lap to keep from fisting them or ruining the dress. Perhaps a bit ruefully, with some discernible embarrassment, she added, "I do not know much about kobolds, but it just -- I know you must do all that you can to keep your people safe, Lady Origena, but perhaps there is another way?"
She knew that her words may well fall on deaf ears - the woman had other, more important concerns, after all - but she couldn't find it in her to keep from trying. If she did not at least give the attempt, she did not think she would feel herself. If there were none who granted mercy in the world, she knew, then the world would fast become a sorrowful place indeed.
It was Lady Origena's son who responded first, setting his tea cup down with a refined grace and ease.
"Mistress Sunaki, the reward my mother and I offered was recompense for the kobolds being driven far from this land. If you mean to simply speak with them and learn more about this trespass and the few transgressors, then we will only offer you half the amethysts at this time."
The future baron's brown eyes remained transfixed on the beautiful oracle for a second longer before looking away.
The Lady Origena then added, "If, however, you discover that the whole tribe was in league with the wizard, then they must be driven out and if you accomplish this task, you will receive the remainder of the amethysts, for full payment for your services to Belhaim."
Rhialtyra's eyes widened in surprise. She had not thought that these fine folk would bother to humor her concerns, but it was far more than she'd expected.
She lowered her head in deference before raising it to resume conversation again.
"I thank you for your consideration," she said, a smile curving the edges of her mouth. "Such is a generous and fair amendment and I am honored that you would make allowances for my request."
It was Arnolde who spoke again, with a small smile upon his lips, "Good. We have an accord."
The Lady Origena pipes in, "Excellent! Now, I wish to retire for the evening. Report to me as soon as you have investigated the kobold tribe. Good night." And with that you feel your party has been formally dismissed and you may leave.
The door of the sitting room quietly opens and the male house servant who answered the front door waits to see you out.
"Good night," Arnolde adds to his mother's sendoff, his dark eyes keenly lingering on Rhialtyra one last time.
The smile on her face remained, almost as though she was too happy for it to leave.
She stood and curtsied a farewell, murmuring a quiet, "Good night," as they were led out.
"I cannot trust them, now. If you do not care to kill the chieftain or his kind, then they are to be driven out all the same. I cannot have such threats on my doorstep as Connor son of Ceorl has mentioned more than once." Lady Origena smiled at the warrior, but again the light never quite reached her bright hazel-green eyes.
Connor bows his head at the acknowledgement of the Baroness.
He turns and studies Rhia hard, his blue eyes as brittle as shattered ice as he regards her.
"I do not know much about kobolds, but it just -- I know you must do all that you can to keep your people safe, Lady Origena, but perhaps there is another way?"
Connor does not bother to look at the Baroness, his eyes hard on the Healer in the party.
Before he could speak, the son of the Baroness interrupted.
It was Lady Origena's son who responded first, setting his tea cup down with a refined grace and ease.
"Mistress Sunaki, the reward my mother and I offered was recompense for the kobolds being driven far from this land. If you mean to simply speak with them and learn more about this trespass and the few transgressors, then we will only offer you half the amethysts at this time." [/ooc]
The future baron's brown eyes remained transfixed on the beautiful oracle for a second longer before looking away.
Connor saw the naked lust in the man’s eyes and was not overly surprised for Sex was a weapon older than swords.
He turned his gaze back to Rhia and his brittle eyes narrowed.
He knew she would rather leave him in a bloody pile in a dungeon if his very words might gainsay her desires.
However, he did not suspect that she would negate the goodwill that he had worked on achieving with the Baroness by siding with kobolds and – even worse – haggling over coin so that they achieved only half of what they were initially promised
Yet before he could offer his thoughts on the arrangement and a possible counter-offer, it seemed that Rhialtyra Sunaki continued to speak.
"I thank you for your consideration," she said, a smile curving the edges of her mouth. "Such is a generous and fair amendment and I am honored that you would make allowances for my request."
Connor feels his heavy hands flex in tension at her words.
Yet he remains seated and takes no action, his mind racing as he tries to find a way out of this damnable situation.
It was Arnolde who spoke again, with a small smile upon his lips, "Good. We have an accord."
Connor glances at the two and then swings himself to his feet.
He keeps his eyes on the Baroness; not trusting himself to look at either Rhia or Arnolde at this time.
”Your pardon Jarl Origena,” he says with a grave voice.
”My contract is with you, and it is to you I speak.”
”You have asked us to do a thing and we accomplished this task.”
”Now you wish us to achieve a new thing and there are those among us who are willing to do so – I am one of those.”
”If folk threaten your town then they shall bleed for it.”
”If enemies are at your door, then they shall be removed – and Death is an argument than none shall stand against.”
He turns and watches Rhia – noting clearly the Sloegr expression on her lips, then he turns to look back at the Baroness.
”I say to you now, Jarl Origena: you shall not have cause to offer us only half of the coin.”
Then he bows before her.
The Lady Origena pipes in, "Excellent! Now, I wish to retire for the evening. Report to me as soon as you have investigated the kobold tribe. Good night." And with that you feel your party has been formally dismissed and you may leave.
Connor bows again to her, and then turns and leaves.
He moves quickly, not trusting his reactions when leaving this place.
"Perhaps you did not hear her," Rhialtyra said to Connor as they were led out of the estate. "Should there be reason to drive them away, then we have the potential to earn all of the amethysts. If there is no reason to force them out, however, I see no need to."
Connor's face is impassive as he walks and he notes Rhia speak to him.
"Perhaps you did not hear her," Rhialtyra said to Connor as they were led out of the estate. "Should there be reason to drive them away, then we have the potential to earn all of the amethysts. If there is no reason to force them out, however, I see no need to."
He keeps his eyes on the path ahead and does not turn his gaze.
"You are mistaken."
"I heard you very clearly, Rhialtyra Sunaki."
"We were offered coin to do another job for the Jarl, yet you did not argue for more than offered to aid us in our journey and accepted the price without debate; you allowed the Jarl to take the Wizard's ring without protest, though it was ours by right of conquest, for we bled to claim it; you told her that we would treat with her enemies rather than dispatching them directly and that did not seem to please her; and though you are right and we may claim the full promised price when we seek it, your arguments mean that we may be forced to take less than our due."
He turns and looks at her, his eyes hard.
"You were chosen to speak for the company and I think that your words did not aid us; instead, it seems that they hinder us, though perhaps I am wrong."
He turns and looks at the path ahead.
"That is... disappointing," he says with a flat voice.
Then he shakes his head and sighs.
"Still, perhaps I forget my own lessons."
"After all, it is better to learn the nature of a thing sooner than later, eh?"
He walks for a moment and thinks, and he forces himself to put aside his dark mood as he considers all the facts.
"The jarlson lusts for you - that is useful to know."
"The Jarl herself is tightfisted with her coin - that is useful to know."
"As for you, yourself, Rhialtyra Sunaki?" he says, then looks at her again, then stares at the sky for a moment as if thinking.
"I have learned more about you - and that information is also useful to know," he adds with an emotionless voice.
He pauses on the path with his companions and stops walking.
"Thank you for that education, Rhialtyra Sunaki," he says to her.
"As for myself - I have other business," he says and bows to the company and then turns and wanders off into the night.
She had expected some ire given his behavior, but she had hardly expected the poisonous vitriol that spilled from his lips.
"You are mistaken."
"I heard you very clearly, Rhialtyra Sunaki."
"We were offered coin to do another job for the Jarl, yet you did not argue for more than offered to aid us in our journey and accepted the price without debate; you allowed the Jarl to take the Wizard's ring without protest, though it was ours by right of conquest, for we bled to claim it; you told her that we would treat with her enemies rather than dispatching them directly and that did not seem to please her; and though you are right and we may claim the full promised price when we seek it, your arguments mean that we may be forced to take less than our due."
"The ring did not belong to us," she said bluntly. "Though it would have been a marvel to take along. It belonged to a man of this place and was thus returned to the Lady to whom he was a vassal. As you may recall, we did little more than loot self-made corpses to retrieve it."
Her voice grew a bit frostier when she addressed Connor's thoughts on the rewards they'd been offered.
"If money is all you should seek, then it would seem that you are not who I thought you were either," she said coolly. "I do not know whether killing a group of possibly innocent, unprepared people is considered honorable where you are from, but that is not the case in the places I've been.
"I am not sure of this journey you speak of, but perhaps that is because I'm not a member of the party you've invited, in which case it is none of my concern.
"In any case, I have no doubts that Lady Origena is a fair and honorable woman. If she says she will give us six amethysts for the determination and punishment of the few kobolds involved in mischief, then she will do so. If she says she will give us twelve for ensuring that they leave, then she will do so.
"If the treasure is all you'd like, you're welcome to my share of the amethysts, whatever that may be, and my share of the gold as well. Greed does not become a good or great man, Connor son of Coerl, but if that is what causes you to wag your tail, then so be it."
"You were chosen to speak for the company and I think that your words did not aid us; instead, it seems that they hinder us, though perhaps I am wrong."
He turns and looks at the path ahead.
"That is... disappointing," he says with a flat voice.
Then he shakes his head and sighs.
The aasimar oracle couldn't even find it in her to justify this with a response - there was no one, she thought, more disappointed than she. She had learned that a man that she'd originally thought to be a bit different and culturally awkward still held some sense of honor, no matter how different. That he looked upon bloodshed as a game and thought only of the coins that would enter into his purse disgusted her.
"Still, perhaps I forget my own lessons."
"After all, it is better to learn the nature of a thing sooner than later, eh?"
At this, she experienced a hitch in her steps, considering his words. She wanted to determine whether or not she was offended by them before committing to a feeling about them. Yes, she thought. She was. "I am no object for any person's perusal or ownership," she said quietly, her voice no less chilly. "Kindly do not refer to me as such again."
He walks for a moment and thinks, and he forces himself to put aside his dark mood as he considers all the facts.
"The jarlson lusts for you - that is useful to know."
"The Jarl herself is tightfisted with her coin - that is useful to know."
She felt herself growing even more - were it possible - cold at his comment regarding Arnolde and his mother. "I do not know how Arnolde may feel about me and you should not presume to do so either. Until he makes his intentions known, he is a noble and the Lady Origena's son. You should treat both the lady and her son with respect."
"As for you, yourself, Rhialtyra Sunaki?" he says, then looks at her again, then stares at the sky for a moment as if thinking.
"I have learned more about you - and that information is also useful to know," he adds with an emotionless voice.He pauses on the path with his companions and stops walking.
"Thank you for that education, Rhialtyra Sunaki," he says to her.
After a brief pause, Rhialtyra nodded in agreement: "I have also learned much today and that is of great value." No matter how she disagreed with him, in this he was correct - they had both learned a great deal about each other. He likely had found her morals to be just as repugnant as she found his. Working together would be... trying.
"As for myself - I have other business," he says and bows to the company and then turns and wanders off into the night.
They reached the edge of the estate and the man broke off from their company. She hoped he would temper himself and learn, but she expected he was far more likely to find someone to be intimately violent with instead. It was his business - she left that to him.
She turned to the manservant that had led them out and smiled, though it was perhaps a bit weak. "Thank you for your guidance," she murmured before turning to the others. "I apologize if you disagree with my decision, but neither Lady Origena nor Arnolde said that we were limited to the six amethysts. If we find that The Blood Vow tribe is indeed malevolent or mischievous then I can have no complaints about requiring they leave."
After another pause, she sighed, the ice leaving her and making her feel tired and sad. "I'm sorry for the unseemly display."
The party travel along the long road leading into and out of the baroness' estate and also the Undertaker's residence and town's cemetery.
Connor, torch in hand, veers off to the right of the fork and the others turn left to get back onto the main road leading them into town and to the inn.
The roads are still quiet with no sign of trouble and the majority of the group make it back to Talia's less than an hour after they had left for the meeting.
As the first person opens and enters through the door, Delfi calls out, "They're back!" and rushes to greet the party. "Mistress Rhia, your packages arrived and are on the cot in your room", she announces to the oracle; pleased to have done her duty by the woman.
Jax was at his usual place behind the bar and Jorje was checking/adjusting the strings of his fiddle in the chair by the fire. No other patron remains in the dining hall, having come and gone before the group's return. Talia steps out from the kitchen, adjusting her braid and pulling off her apron before tucking it neatly into alcove by the kitchen door. She walks into the hall and smiles, enquiring quietly,
"How was your audience with Lady Origena and Lord Arnholde?" Talia furtively wondered if the group would be leaving town, now, yet she refrained from asking the question immediately, giving them the chance to answer her question.
"The ring did not belong to us," she said bluntly. "Though it would have been a marvel to take along. It belonged to a man of this place and was thus returned to the Lady to whom he was a vassal. As you may recall, we did little more than loot self-made corpses to retrieve it."
Connor rolls his eyes at the same, tired argument he had heard before.
”You are wrong. The ring did belong to us, for we took it.”
”And perhaps my recollection is better than your own in this case. For I recall wading through filth in the tunnels – nearly breaking my body more than once over treacherous terrain – fighting demons and evading traps and outthinking creatures and searching through darkened halls.”
”We may as well have left the ring in the tunnel –and if anyone would lay claim to it, then they could go fetch it themselves.”
”But you miss my point entirely.”
”Having taken it from all of those dangers I was not as ready to surrender it without even asking for some token for the effort we made, for we were not contracted to fetch the possessions of the dead – if that was an arrangement she wished for then she should have included that in her earlier statement to us.”
”Do you not understand? We stood together as allies and when the time came to fight for what we achieved – to fight to defend the company – you chose not to fight for the needs of the company; nay, to even consider or ask the rest of us what we thought of this decision, or to confer with us – instead you made the choice to bend to the desires of an outsider.”
”My point is that it seems that you continue to support the needs of folk who you do not travel with. As for ourselves? We stood together with you, and our considerations in this matter did not seem to matter much.”
”So when I say that you might fought for our needs harder, or have at least asked the others what we thought on such a heady matter, instead of just ignoring the people who risked their lives to help you…”
He shakes his head, realizing that he had already said too much on the same point and was now simply repeating himself.
He was ready to fight and die for the Tribe, for that was the duty he had been taught – fight to defend your people.
That she would worry about the opinions of outsiders; putting their whims and considerations over the people that fought besides her not only surprised him – but it disappointed him.
"If money is all you should seek, then it would seem that you are not who I thought you were either," she said coolly. "I do not know whether killing a group of possibly innocent, unprepared people is considered honorable where you are from, but that is not the case in the places I've been."
He rolls his eyes at her insult and shook his head in frustration.
”Your opinions for my honor – or lack of it – are your own.”
”If you judge me as some honorless basterd simply becaue I am disappointed that you uphold the needs of a wealthy noble instead of trying to fight for your friends, then that is how you see me.”
”But I feel that I should remind you that in my homeland folk do not simply murder shopkeepers to take their goods.”
”Instead, we must either go on dangerous errands to find weapons of great value – or we must pay for them with coin.”
”Further, you know full well that while we journey together I am compelled to stand in front and fight. I do not mind doing this, but I cannot do it well without better weapons.”
”In our journey we found better weapons – mithril daggers, in fact – yet you have kept those yourself, though there may be others in our company that can use them if you refuse to.”
”Or, if you will not give them to those who can fight you might have sold them so that all of us could take the value in coin and then – with that coin – arm ourselves better against what threats there before us.”
He turns and looks at her.
”So yes – when it comes to purchasing gear to help my friends and allies you will find I am hungry for options – including coin – so I may be better able to help the people I fight for.”
”But it seems you dislike that quality in me as well, and that you insult me for my desire to be better able to help my allies by implying that I am greedy.”
"I am not sure of this journey you speak of, but perhaps that is because I'm not a member of the party you've invited, in which case it is none of my concern."
He shakes his head.
”The ‘journey’ I refer to is to seek the kobolds and deal with them.”
”As for your inclusion in that company you already agreed with the noble to do this – as did I – and so we are bound to the same journey by those agreements.”
"In any case, I have no doubts that Lady Origena is a fair and honorable woman. If she says she will give us six amethysts for the determination and punishment of the few kobolds involved in mischief, then she will do so. If she says she will give us twelve for ensuring that they leave, then she will do so."
Connor’s energy in this discussion seems to be ebbing as he suspects that she simply does not understand about him – and, failing to understand about him – is supplementing her guesses by jumping to unjust conclusions about him.
”I do not doubt we shall get the promised coin either; however, if she says six or twelve, that is all well and good. But it might have been ten, or twenty – perhaps more.”
”It is true that most folk see me as honorless basterd who is greedy and cruel, perhaps.”
”That said, I trusted that that noble might be more sympathetic to your words instead, and I had assumed that you may have tried to at least ask for more wealth to aid our company in this attempt.”
”I do not need to tell you that some enemies can only fall to magical weapons or spells – and I have neither.”
”If we encounter folk on our new contract for the noble, how shall we defeat them without the right weapons – and how shall we claim those weapons without coin?”
"If the treasure is all you'd like, you're welcome to my share of the amethysts, whatever that may be, and my share of the gold as well. Greed does not become a good or great man, Connor son of Coerl, but if that is what causes you to wag your tail, then so be it."
He looks at her and does his best to stay calm at her continued insults.
”I do not want your share of coin – instead, I wanted you to take that coin and prepare yourself for the threats that come to us.”
”That is not an unreasonable hope – that someone in my company does what they can to prepare themselves from danger. But instead, what have you purchased to arm and defend yourself so far, eh?” he says, now riled that she would suggest he was some kind of dog simply because he wanted her to be safe.
”If you refuse to arm yourself better then that is your affair – but tell me; have you laid out coin for some token or sigil that shall enhance your healing instead? Or have you rather thought only of material things – fine clothes and other trinkets, perhaps?” he says, then shakes his head, frustrated that in each instance she seemed to miss his point.
"I am no object for any person's perusal or ownership," she said quietly, her voice no less chilly. "Kindly do not refer to me as such again."
His efforts to calm down are once again countered by her insinuations and his eyes flash as he turns back to her.
”What I spoke of when discovering the nature of “thing” applies to all things; the nature of a sword, of a Great House, of a drink, of a god, and yes – even the nature of a person,” he retorted.
”Yet somehow you insist on seeing what I have said as some kind of personal insult – and that by mixing your very existence with the grouping of all things that exist in the universe then that somehow is a suggestion that you are a slave?”
He shakes his head.
"I do not know how Arnolde may feel about me and you should not presume to do so either. Until he makes his intentions known, he is a noble and the Lady Origena's son. You should treat both the lady and her son with respect."
He turns and looks at her.
”I make presumptions on what I have seen.”
”The man’s eyes dogged your steps; he followed your movement with his gaze more than once – do not pretend that he was watching you because he was enamored by your courteous speech.”
”As for his “intentions” – I believe he would intend to court you and attempt to bed you. What is so ignoble about that? Because a man finds a lady beautiful and wishes to bed her – what; to you this desire is somehow some dishonorable thing?” he says but then glances away, realizing she already had told him her thoughts on that earlier.
He turns back his eyes to her.
”As for this woman – she is a Jarl, and she is in command of a Great House – and what of it? A man, a woman – aye – any thing,” he adds the last with word with a frustrated tone ”be it a sword, or a tavern, and yes – even a Jarl – may have my respect when it is earned, for I do not hand out respect to another simply for their title but their actions.”
"And for what is worth, I already respect her; for I deem she is wiser and more crafty than others understand. But that does not mean that because I respect someone I cannot see the good and bad about a person."
"In her case she drives hard bargains to protect her people; that is a good thing for her, but I shall not expect her to be generous with me even if I offer her gifts in the future, and that is worth knowing."
"I have also learned much today and that is of great value."
He stares at her for a moment.
”Oh really? And what have you learned?” he asks.
”That I am greedy and honorless a creature who is like a dog that would wag his tail for coin?”
”Very well,” he says.
”As for what I have learned; I have learned that you do not seem very interested in fighting for the people who fight to protect you.”
”I have learned that you see your own ideals, the belief that nobility and their laws are more important than the needs and safety of the people who risk their lives to help you as the only code of real value – I have learned that when you hear the heart of another person, even someone who fought besides you, then you will look down on and insult that person if they disagree with your own ideals – I have learned that you do not understand that when I fight for coin it is so I can take that coin to purchase weapons of strength so that I may protect the people I care for – and I learn that none of this matters to you, for you would rather belittle my efforts and insult me instead of asking me why the things I fought for mattered.”
”It is true that I am disappointed that it seems that you put the needs of outsiders to claim treasure that we risked our lives to take, or to refuse to bargain with them for more wealth to better arm ourselves, though you already bargained with her in an effort to avoid fighting these kobolds – or to understand why it is that you insist on giving title and position more credit than that earned by people who risked themselves to save you.”
”But it seems that none of this can be helped; you see me as a greedy wretch and I doubt that any of my efforts shall change that.”
He shrugs then turns and wanders off.
Connor rolls his eyes at the same, tired argument he had heard before.
”You are wrong. The ring did belong to us, for we took it.””And perhaps my recollection is better than your own in this case. For I recall wading through filth in the tunnels – nearly breaking my body more than once over treacherous terrain – fighting demons and evading traps and outthinking creatures and searching through darkened halls.”
”We may as well have left the ring in the tunnel –and if anyone would lay claim to it, then they could go fetch it themselves.”
”Is that so?” she responded, her voice just as even as his. ”I recall that we waded through filth and fought and searched to learn the answer to Lady Origena’s question. That the ring happened to be there was convenient, but certainly not the hard sought reward we looked to. It does not matter whether we left it there or not – at the end of the day, it did not belong to us. We may have found it, but we held no true claim to it.”
”But you miss my point entirely.”
”Having taken it from all of those dangers I was not as ready to surrender it without even asking for some token for the effort we made, for we were not contracted to fetch the possessions of the dead – if that was an arrangement she wished for then she should have included that in her earlier statement to us.”
”Do you not understand? We stood together as allies and when the time came to fight for what we achieved – to fight to defend the company – you chose not to fight for the needs of the company; nay, to even consider or ask the rest of us what we thought of this decision, or to confer with us – instead you made the choice to bend to the desires of an outsider.”
”My point is that it seems that you continue to support the needs of folk who you do not travel with. As for ourselves? We stood together with you, and our considerations in this matter did not seem to matter much.”
”So when I say that you might fought for our needs harder, or have at least asked the others what we thought on such a heady matter, instead of just ignoring the people who risked their lives to help you…”
”Do we not help each other?” she first asked, a slight frown forming. ”You might say that you risk your life to help me, but did we not work together to ensure our mutual success?
”Besides which, Lady Origena is not an enemy that we must fight against or defend ourselves to. If any thought differently, I certainly did not require anyone’s silence. Did you yourself not say at the inn when Riley suggested I speak that each would have their turn? Where was your tongue, then, if you were so appalled?”
Rhialtyra shook her head. ”We have already obtained much from our venture, like the knives that we can sell for funds, and much of it a pleasant surprise – if we need more than that, perhaps we ought to consider what we’re doing wrong.”
He rolls his eyes at her insult and shook his head in frustration.
”Your opinions for my honor – or lack of it – are your own.”
”If you judge me as some honorless basterd simply becaue I am disappointed that you uphold the needs of a wealthy noble instead of trying to fight for your friends, then that is how you see me.”
”But I feel that I should remind you that in my homeland folk do not simply murder shopkeepers to take their goods.”
”Instead, we must either go on dangerous errands to find weapons of great value – or we must pay for them with coin.”
”I hardly see how that is a reminder considering I know little to nothing of your home,” Rhialtyra remarked. ”And if that is how you see yourself, then I am sorry for you. You have the ability to become far more than that. As far as attempting dangerous errands for weapons of great value – this seems a bit strange to me. If you say you earn them, I can understand, but if you find something that is claimed by another, then is that not stealing?”
”Further, you know full well that while we journey together I am compelled to stand in front and fight. I do not mind doing this, but I cannot do it well without better weapons.”
At this, Rhialtyra started, surprised. ”I do not think you should feel forced to do so – certainly, I would like to be led or guided by a man who seeks the fore rather than one who simply does not mind. If you would not like to do so, then say as much and I am confident that we can adjust, whether that be by taking more care or using more guile.”
”In our journey we found better weapons – mithril daggers, in fact – yet you have kept those yourself, though there may be others in our company that can use them if you refuse to.”
”Or, if you will not give them to those who can fight you might have sold them so that all of us could take the value in coin and then – with that coin – arm ourselves better against what threats there before us.”
At this, Rhialtyra stared at Connor, puzzled by his speech. ”Did we not earlier agree to sell them and split the cost evenly between ourselves?” She wondered at his speech, and remembered she had not sold them earlier. ”If you are speaking of earlier today, I did not sell them because I did not have them with me. I intended only to see the businesses before deciding where to sell them. I would rather not sell to Master Chance if it’s all the same to you.”
He turns and looks at her.
”So yes – when it comes to purchasing gear to help my friends and allies you will find I am hungry for options – including coin – so I may be better able to help the people I fight for.”
”But it seems you dislike that quality in me as well, and that you insult me for my desire to be better able to help my allies by implying that I am greedy.”
Rhialtyra shook her head, sighing lightly. ”This is where we differ – I do not hunger for coin, for fighting or otherwise. I would rather we resolve all peacefully, though I cannot deny there is merit in preparedness. All the same, what purchase have you in mind that you desire more? If it is for outfitting our number, then such things should be discussed with all of us instead of quietly planned.”
After all, there was no telling when someone would decide that they would obtain some armor or a weapon of their own.
”I do not doubt we shall get the promised coin either; however, if she says six or twelve, that is all well and good. But it might have been ten, or twenty – perhaps more.”
”It is true that most folk see me as honorless basterd who is greedy and cruel, perhaps.”
”That said, I trusted that that noble might be more sympathetic to your words instead, and I had assumed that you may have tried to at least ask for more wealth to aid our company in this attempt.”
”I do not need to tell you that some enemies can only fall to magical weapons or spells – and I have neither.”
”If we encounter folk on our new contract for the noble, how shall we defeat them without the right weapons – and how shall we claim those weapons without coin?”
”Did we not fell our opponents with what weapons we already have?” the aasimar woman pointed out with a frown. ”I imagine if we encounter troubles, we may report as such and ask for aid. Besides, if you wanted me to ask for more money, you should have informed me of such prior.” Her chill voice became a bit dry when she noted, ”You may have noticed that money does not matter very much to me.”
”I do not want your share of coin – instead, I wanted you to take that coin and prepare yourself for the threats that come to us.”
”That is not an unreasonable hope – that someone in my company does what they can to prepare themselves from danger. But instead, what have you purchased to arm and defend yourself so far, eh?” he says, now riled that she would suggest he was some kind of dog simply because he wanted her to be safe.
”If you refuse to arm yourself better then that is your affair – but tell me; have you laid out coin for some token or sigil that shall enhance your healing instead? Or have you rather thought only of material things – fine clothes and other trinkets, perhaps?” he says, then shakes his head, frustrated that in each instance she seemed to miss his point.
At this, Rhialtyra laughed aloud. ”I think I must attribute your ire to forgetfulness,” she said, voice still cool despite the words. ”As you yourself saw what I purchased today and are well aware that I bore back to the inn a suit of studded leather and a shortspear. Besides that, I’ve the shield you kindly gifted me to protect me from further damage on our venture.” Then, firmly, she added: ”As to clothing and trinkets – what I choose to do with my money is for me to determine as you have just said. If I choose to clothe myself and to buy a sweet child a gift or two, who are you to criticize me?”
”What I spoke of when discovering the nature of “thing” applies to all things; the nature of a sword, of a Great House, of a drink, of a god, and yes – even the nature of a person,” he retorted.
”Yet somehow you insist on seeing what I have said as some kind of personal insult – and that by mixing your very existence with the grouping of all things that exist in the universe then that somehow is a suggestion that you are a slave?”
”That you would say as much without pause to consider my words says you are not thinking,” Rhialtyra said sharply. ”For what reason would I consider myself a slave when I ask you not to refer to me as an object?” The rest of his statement was ridiculous and she gave it as much attention as she thought it deserved.
”The man’s eyes dogged your steps; he followed your movement with his gaze more than once – do not pretend that he was watching you because he was enamored by your courteous speech.”
”He spoke to me and watched us as we left,” Rhialtyra retorted, annoyed.
”As for his “intentions” – I believe he would intend to court you and attempt to bed you. What is so ignoble about that? Because a man finds a lady beautiful and wishes to bed her – what; to you this desire is somehow some dishonorable thing?” he says but then glances away, realizing she already had told him her thoughts on that earlier.
”Again, you seem to forget – There is nothing ignoble about it and I would not dare dictate what another person should do with their partner or partners. I said only what I chose for myself and with consent from all involved.”
When he spoke on the baroness, Rhialtyra nodded. ”She is likely trying to do her best by her people.”
”Oh really? And what have you learned?” he asks.
”That I am greedy and honorless a creature who is like a dog that would wag his tail for coin?”
”Very well,” he says.
”As for what I have learned; I have learned that you do not seem very interested in fighting for the people who fight to protect you.”
”I have learned that you see your own ideals, the belief that nobility and their laws are more important than the needs and safety of the people who risk their lives to help you as the only code of real value – I have learned that when you hear the heart of another person, even someone who fought besides you, then you will look down on and insult that person if they disagree with your own ideals – I have learned that you do not understand that when I fight for coin it is so I can take that coin to purchase weapons of strength so that I may protect the people I care for – and I learn that none of this matters to you, for you would rather belittle my efforts and insult me instead of asking me why the things I fought for mattered.”
”It is true that I am disappointed that it seems that you put the needs of outsiders to claim treasure that we risked our lives to take, or to refuse to bargain with them for more wealth to better arm ourselves, though you already bargained with her in an effort to avoid fighting these kobolds – or to understand why it is that you insist on giving title and position more credit than that earned by people who risked themselves to save you.”
”But it seems that none of this can be helped; you see me as a greedy wretch and I doubt that any of my efforts shall change that.”
She listened to his speech and saw that she had stung him. All the same, he had stung her first and she had no intention of taking back what she’d said. She expected that they had both spoken openly and honestly and any further problems that might arise would hopefully be handled as easily. If nothing else, there was no disputing the usefulness of knowing how much you could trust another person.
”I have learned that you do not know much about me or my motivations,” she said, her voice long past cool and chill and outright icy. Where it modern day, one might need a flamethrower to get past the cold. ”I have learned that you are human and make as many errors as any other, if not less or more. You know next to nothing about what matters to me and choose to lash out rather than explain. You know not what I think in my mind or how I view you or any other.
“You say you presume based on what you see, Connor son of Coerl, but you should know that the contents of the mind are not freely visible in the physical realm.”
He shrugged then and left, but Rhialtyra felt that it was answer enough.
As the first person opens and enters through the door, Delfi calls out, "They're back!" and rushes to greet the party."Mistress Rhia, your packages arrived and are on the cot in your room", she announces to the oracle; pleased to have done her duty by the woman.
Rhialtyra smiled at Delfi, cheered by her good nature. ”Thank you, Delfi,” she said, her tone significantly warmer than that she’d used with Connor. ”You’ve made my life much easier – now I can rearrange things as I’d like to ensure an easily accessible pack for when next we go out.”
"How was your audience with Lady Origena and Lord Arnholde?" Talia furtively wondered if the group would be leaving town, now, yet she refrained from asking the question immediately, giving them the chance to answer her question.
”I thought it went fairly well, all things considered,” Rhialtyra responded, smile still in place. ”We were rewarded appropriately and then awarded a new task while we were at it.”
”Is that so?” she responded, her voice just as even as his. ”I recall that we waded through filth and fought and searched to learn the answer to Lady Origena’s question. That the ring happened to be there was convenient, but certainly not the hard sought reward we looked to. It does not matter whether we left it there or not – at the end of the day, it did not belong to us. We may have found it, but we held no true claim to it.”
He stares at her in open-eyed bafflement.
”What matter of thinking is this? If you sweat and bleed to find a treasure you must give it away because someone else claims that in ages past their kin owned said trinket?”
”If it was so heavy on their mind then they ought to have fetched it themselves – but all of that aside, ownership is easily defined by one true reality – whoever possesses a thing owns it – until it is taken, it is theirs.”
”Yet it was not taken, but given away – and I think that was a mistake, though it seems you do not.”
”Very well, that cannot be helped, yet I do not count it right or just,” he glowers.
”Besides which, Lady Origena is not an enemy that we must fight against or defend ourselves to. If any thought differently, I certainly did not require anyone’s silence. Did you yourself not say at the inn when Riley suggested I speak that each would have their turn? Where was your tongue, then, if you were so appalled?”
His stare is hard as he responds in a slow, tight voice.
”My tongue was in my sheathe – for I say to you if my mouth had opened at the action I may not have stopped with only conversation, instead laying claim with steel rather than soft words.”
”Yet it is true that the whole time I had deemed that you would eagerly press home any and all advantages – that you would not let this woman squeeze even a copper piece from us, unless you had some higher plan that I could not fathom – even as my plan to offer the plaque as a gift so that I could learn more about her quality.”
”So I kept my mouth shut to make sure I did not spoil your intentions, but – had I known your purpose – then, aye – I would have said my piece.”
Rhialtyra shook her head. ”We have already obtained much from our venture, like the knives that we can sell for funds, and much of it a pleasant surprise – if we need more than that, perhaps we ought to consider what we’re doing wrong.”
”It seems to me that we are putting the needs of other folk beyond our own needs.”
”Surely it is clear that this noble will press us hard when it comes to wealth; that much was obvious ere the ending. That being the case, we must not give her any quarter when it comes to hard bargaining. If we do then we shall surely be seen as weak – not to mention the loss of potential earnings.”
”I hardly see how that is a reminder considering I know little to nothing of your home,” Rhialtyra remarked. ”And if that is how you see yourself, then I am sorry for you. You have the ability to become far more than that.”
Connor’s eyes widen in shock.
”See myself…” he states, but before he say that it seems that is how she sees him, she continues.
”As far as attempting dangerous errands for weapons of great value – this seems a bit strange to me. If you say you earn them, I can understand, but if you find something that is claimed by another, then is that not stealing?”
He shakes his head.
”Nay! The dead have no claim on the living, for their time has passed.”
”It is true that if a man left a sword for his kin that – mayhap – the son may claim it as his father deemed just. But if the father died on some forgotten shore then if the son does not have the courage to sail to find his father’s body and reclaim the weapon then it surely belongs to the man who killed him.”
”And though we did not slay the man who wore the ring; what does that matter? It is of the House Huncly, and the Jarl of this town has her own name – why, then, should she lay claim to this ring any more than we?” he adds, then realizes he is rambling and shakes his head.
”But nay; finding some ancient blade in even a dragon’s den belongs to the hand that seizes the weapon; not some simpering fool who hides on the side of the mountain.”
”And for my people, that is how we see it – and it is better justice because of it. Else all manner of men shall ride forth and lay a host of false claims on rewards they did not earn which would cause more trouble at home and dissuade brave men from seeking noble quests if they knew that success merely meant retribution from squabbling nobles who sit mournfully by the fire and plot rather than act.”
Then talk turned to his place in combat –
At this, Rhialtyra started, surprised. ”I do not think you should feel forced to do so – certainly, I would like to be led or guided by a man who seeks the fore rather than one who simply does not mind. If you would not like to do so, then say as much and I am confident that we can adjust, whether that be by taking more care or using more guile.”
He looks at the stars and passes his hand over his face in frustration, then exhales slowly.
”Nay, for it is not that simple.”
”The gods have given us flesh to do a thing – the large are born to fight and work – the cunning are born to think and plot – the nimble are born for crafty deeds and sly quests – that is the nature we are born with – that is our Fate.”
”We are now part of a company – it is my duty to stand at the foreground and fight, for that is what I was born to do. It is your duty to hold the rearguard and seal the wounds of those who suffered hard strokes of blade or bow.”
”For me to adjust would mean that I must be another man – and unless that occurs, then I am bound to my place on the forefront of the fight.”
”I only wish to do my duty better, and it seems to me that such things cannot happen with gear so mean and meager.”
Then talk alternated to other things – including the mithril daggers –
At this, Rhialtyra stared at Connor, puzzled by his speech. ”Did we not earlier agree to sell them and split the cost evenly between ourselves?” She wondered at his speech, and remembered she had not sold them earlier. ”If you are speaking of earlier today, I did not sell them because I did not have them with me. I intended only to see the businesses before deciding where to sell them. I would rather not sell to Master Chance if it’s all the same to you.”
He looks at her with a frown.
”As for Chance, he should already be dead for his insults to all of us and I have no care if we do not see him again.”
’But as for the daggers themselves? It is true that you said you would sell them; yet the deed has not yet happened though we had all day to do so.”
”I do not know why they were not sold already – and maybe I have been too hard in my judgment regarding them. Still, it seems we have hard tasks before us and I would rather have better gear sooner, rather than later,” he mutters with a frustrated voice.
He broods silenty for a moment, then mutters about her judgment on him regarding the coin –
Rhialtyra shook her head, sighing lightly. ”This is where we differ – I do not hunger for coin, for fighting or otherwise. I would rather we resolve all peacefully, though I cannot deny there is merit in preparedness. All the same, what purchase have you in mind that you desire more? If it is for outfitting our number, then such things should be discussed with all of us instead of quietly planned.”
He looks at her sidelong and shakes his head.
”You do not hunger for coin or battle, eh? Yet you do have things that tempt and excite you – for I have seen your enthusiasm for such things.”
”For myself, I like the very act of combat, for it is exciting to challenge oneself; and if folk bleed for it then it is merely more proof in the reality of the victory. That they die for it is not always my purpose, but something that happens when I fight to protect my friends.”
”As for what I planned specifically – who can say? But I would rather be prepared for things now than later,” he says, turning away with a frustrated frown.
Yet Rhia continues –
”Did we not fell our opponents with what weapons we already have?” the aasimar woman pointed out with a frown. ”I imagine if we encounter troubles, we may report as such and ask for aid. Besides, if you wanted me to ask for more money, you should have informed me of such prior.”
He shakes his head.
”For now, but it is not always that simple,” he says slowly.
”Many creatures will only fall to certain weapons – the Fey Folk fear Cold Iron; Were Beasts despise Silver; the Great Spiders hate Mithril – and demons and devils hate blessed weapons,” he says with an impatient wave of his hand.
”If we meet one in another dungeon – as we did the last demon,” he says fingering the skull that hangs around his neck ”then we may not have time to flee so easily and then return with new gear.”
”Her chill voice became a bit dry when she noted, ”You may have noticed that money does not matter very much to me.”
He glances at her with a frown.
”Aye – and normally it matters little to me, either. But in this place money is a necessity if we wish to succeed in goals, I deem.”
”But that is not to my purpose – my frustration came from when the chance for you to stand as our party’s “champion” you did not fight for us; you allowed us the noble to dictate terms and accepted them meekly.”
He peers hard at her.
”I do not understand that – perhaps I am wrong to judge – but I do not know why you would not even fight for such things as the strength of our company; but instead hold her “laws” as more important than the people who stand with you.”
”I think I must attribute your ire to forgetfulness,” she said, voice still cool despite the words. ”As you yourself saw what I purchased today and are well aware that I bore back to the inn a suit of studded leather and a shortspear. Besides that, I’ve the shield you kindly gifted me to protect me from further damage on our venture.” Then, firmly, she added: ”As to clothing and trinkets – what I choose to do with my money is for me to determine as you have just said. If I choose to clothe myself and to buy a sweet child a gift or two, who are you to criticize me?”
He shakes his head.
”You do not understand. It is your coin to do with as you see, I do not begrudge you of that. But if you had more coin to spend then you may have been able to buy more gear to protect yourself than you have already.”
”I gave you the shield as I wished to see you safe – you are now a Shield Brother to me; but it seems to me that when I saw the Jarl weave her webs to convince you that her way is the right way, and her laws are all that matters – this rankles me as much as if I saw you take the shield and throw it aside during a fight.”
”That you would say as much without pause to consider my words says you are not thinking,” Rhialtyra said sharply. ”For what reason would I consider myself a slave when I ask you not to refer to me as an object?” The rest of his statement was ridiculous and she gave it as much attention as she thought it deserved.
”You ignored my words and made that assumption – I never suggested you were my slave, or any man’s slave,” he responds hotly.
Then their words return to the baroness – and her son –
”He spoke to me and watched us as we left,” Rhialtyra retorted, annoyed.
He turns back to her and his lets out a bark of laughter.
”Aye, I saw him do it. I tell you this, too, Rhialtyra Sunaki; regarding this man I believe you were inattentive. You are beautiful and exotic – and so it clear that he lusts for you, and if you doubt me, then you were not paying attention to him,” he says with a shake of his head.
When he spoke on the baroness, Rhialtyra nodded. ”She is likely trying to do her best by her people.”
Connor looks at her and throws up his hands at the words.
”But of course she is trying to do her best by her people. She is the Jarl; it is clear that she would fight for her people, for that is who she is.”
”All I wished is that you fought harder against her ploys, for it seems to me that if you go to her she will press home every advantage against us for the good of her people – I would see you do the same to her; for the good of your people,” he says with an annoyed voice.
”I have learned that you do not know much about me or my motivations,” she said, her voice long past cool and chill and outright icy. Where it modern day, one might need a flamethrower to get past the cold. ”I have learned that you are human and make as many errors as any other, if not less or more. You know next to nothing about what matters to me and choose to lash out rather than explain. You know not what I think in my mind or how I view you or any other.”
He stares at her, feeling the veritable wall of ice covering her eyes and he stares at her hard.
”When we were in the caves you healed me – I stood up and I struck out the creature and failed – and then it struck back and cut me down and I lay senseless on the ground to die or some other dark fate.”
”You did not use your leech craft to heal me until after you spoke to this creature; indeed, you let me be near death, possibly dead – simply so that your conversation would not be rudely interrupted by my arguments,” he says with a grim voice.
Then his voice mellows somewhat and his eyes soften a bit.
”Know that I bound you to me then as a Shield Brother – for it seems to me that beyond all your high words of courtesy for an enemy and beneath all of your trappings of high ideals you had the cunning to leave me witless – you had your heart set on the task of speech with that creature and you would not have me interfere with that plan by raising me up if I would gainsay your actions.”
”I may have died; I may have been wounded by some poison or venom – who can say what may have been? But those concerns seemed to be less important than what you wished to do,” he says, watching her carefully, as if nervous she may attempt some kind of spell or trick with him, though he does not say such things out loud.
”I honor that ruthlessness about you, Rhialtyra Sunaki; your desire to talk being greater than healing an ally swiftly. Though it is my own flesh in question, you were wise to leave me witless and I name you cunning for that decision, besides.”
”That is surely a good thing; and by that I thought I knew you well.”
”As for the rest?” he says with a more relaxed gesture and a deep sigh - ”it is foolish for me to debate with you.”
”In truth, I have been impressed with your cunning and desire to accomplish things with guile – if I am true to my praise than mayhap I should hold to my resolve and trust your instincts rather than judge them harshly, for no man can truly know the end of a path until he walks it himself.”
“You say you presume based on what you see, Connor son of Ceorl, but you should know that the contents of the mind are not freely visible in the physical realm.”
He lets out a bark of wolfish laughter and suddenly grins at her words.
”You are right – I was foolish to assume things about you,” he says with a lighter voice.
”Further, I am glad we had hard words together Rhialtyra Sunaki. Do not the bards say that between strangers is a veil of courtesy – but true family reveals their bond through the quality of their fighting and their ability to make peace after.”
He smiles warmly at her.
”You left me to bleed so that you could talk to the creature that nearly killed me and even now I think that the chill in your voice would take hot coals to melt – I find that admirable, though I do not know wholly why.”
”As for myself, I am sure that there are many things I have done to test your patience that maybe you have not been as clear about how you really feel about me, perhaps,” he says, but now his expression has the same crooked smile that he wore before and his words seem more like teasing than frustration.
”We have had hot words with each other and now they are done and I am glad for it.”
”Tonight you shall do what merriment is best for you; as shall I.”
”When the dawn comes we shall journey together and find new challenges and fight new enemies together.”
He moves close to her and stares down into her eyes thoughtfully.
”I am glad that you stand at my side in battle, Rhialtyra Sunaki. I hope you feel the same about me as well,” he adds, then bows to her and turns to head off into the night, chuckling loudly as he leaves.
”What matter of thinking is this? If you sweat and bleed to find a treasure you must give it away because someone else claims that in ages past their kin owned said trinket?”
”If it was so heavy on their mind then they ought to have fetched it themselves – but all of that aside, ownership is easily defined by one true reality – whoever possesses a thing owns it – until it is taken, it is theirs.”
”Yet it was not taken, but given away – and I think that was a mistake, though it seems you do not.”
”Very well, that cannot be helped, yet I do not count it right or just,” he glowers.
Rhialtyra merely shook her head at this, having already spoken her piece. That which they had found had been found in Lady Origena’s lands and, by rights, belonged to her. That he did not understand that was not something she could be responsible for, though she could at least try to do right by her and the people of Belhaim.
”My tongue was in my sheathe – for I say to you if my mouth had opened at the action I may not have stopped with only conversation, instead laying claim with steel rather than soft words.”
”Yet it is true that the whole time I had deemed that you would eagerly press home any and all advantages – that you would not let this woman squeeze even a copper piece from us, unless you had some higher plan that I could not fathom – even as my plan to offer the plaque as a gift so that I could learn more about her quality.”
”So I kept my mouth shut to make sure I did not spoil your intentions, but – had I known your purpose – then, aye – I would have said my piece.”
To this, Rhialtyra only shrugged. ”Then next time you should not assume to know what might happen. What seems an advantage to you seems like foolishness to me and it would seem that you view what I perceive to be an advantage as foolishness yourself.”
”It seems to me that we are putting the needs of other folk beyond our own needs.”
”Surely it is clear that this noble will press us hard when it comes to wealth; that much was obvious ere the ending. That being the case, we must not give her any quarter when it comes to hard bargaining. If we do then we shall surely be seen as weak – not to mention the loss of potential earnings.”
”This I do not see or believe,” the aasimar woman said, sapphire eyes glittering in the evening light as though they were many-faceted gems reflecting firelight. ”In helping others, we help ourselves.” She did not know that he wound understand the basis of her words, but did not feel the need to explain any further.
”And though we did not slay the man who wore the ring; what does that matter? It is of the House Huncly, and the Jarl of this town has her own name – why, then, should she lay claim to this ring any more than we?” he adds, then realizes he is rambling and shakes his head.
Sighing, Rhialtyra pointed out, ”She said she was holding it for one of his kin. In no way did she say that she was claiming it for her own. Seeing as she’s the Lady of these lands, it would make sense that any who would seek remains or proof of the man’s death would request speech with her.”
She ignored his blatant insult to nobles, having made it clear that she didn’t share his opinion and, in fact, thought that those same nobles ought to be respected. Connor’s view of strength seemed to come from force and power, but her own came from what one could do with some carefully placed words and a sense of sincerity.
”Nay, for it is not that simple.”
”The gods have given us flesh to do a thing – the large are born to fight and work – the cunning are born to think and plot – the nimble are born for crafty deeds and sly quests – that is the nature we are born with – that is our Fate.”
”We are now part of a company – it is my duty to stand at the foreground and fight, for that is what I was born to do. It is your duty to hold the rearguard and seal the wounds of those who suffered hard strokes of blade or bow.”
”For me to adjust would mean that I must be another man – and unless that occurs, then I am bound to my place on the forefront of the fight.”
”I only wish to do my duty better, and it seems to me that such things cannot happen with gear so mean and meager.”
To this, Rhialtyra remarked, ”I do not much believe in such a thing and nor do I believe it is duty. Desire to help, perhaps, but my skills do not bind me to any one place on the battlefield.” Considering she’d thrown herself rather precariously forward to heal Connor not once but twice – if Sesserak had thought to attack, Rhialtyra would likely have been very, very sad – she felt his argument to be null and void.
’But as for the daggers themselves? It is true that you said you would sell them; yet the deed has not yet happened though we had all day to do so.”
”I do not know why they were not sold already – and maybe I have been too hard in my judgment regarding them. Still, it seems we have hard tasks before us and I would rather have better gear sooner, rather than later,” he mutters with a frustrated voice.
”If you were in a rush, you should have said as much,” the aasimar woman said flatly. She certainly hadn’t been in a hurry – she’d enjoyed her afternoon. ”And if your memory doesn’t fail you, you’ll recall we had only a few hours after returning and before dinner.”
”You do not hunger for coin or battle, eh? Yet you do have things that tempt and excite you – for I have seen your enthusiasm for such things.”
”For myself, I like the very act of combat, for it is exciting to challenge oneself; and if folk bleed for it then it is merely more proof in the reality of the victory. That they die for it is not always my purpose, but something that happens when I fight to protect my friends.”
”As for what I planned specifically – who can say? But I would rather be prepared for things now than later,” he says, turning away with a frustrated frown.
She shook her head, seeing no point in continuing this avenue of talk. His goals were vividly different from her own and she could not trust him to follow her path anymore than he could trust her to follow his.
”Many creatures will only fall to certain weapons – the Fey Folk fear Cold Iron; Were Beasts despise Silver; the Great Spiders hate Mithril – and demons and devils hate blessed weapons,” he says with an impatient wave of his hand.
”If we meet one in another dungeon – as we did the last demon,” he says fingering the skull that hangs around his neck ”then we may not have time to flee so easily and then return with new gear.”
”We won against the devil,” Rhialtyra pointed out, tucking away the odd bits of information Connor had volunteered. That he knew such information contrasted with his easily frustrated and simple worldview.
”I do not understand that – perhaps I am wrong to judge – but I do not know why you would not even fight for such things as the strength of our company; but instead hold her “laws” as more important than the people who stand with you.”
”You do not understand. It is your coin to do with as you see, I do not begrudge you of that. But if you had more coin to spend then you may have been able to buy more gear to protect yourself than you have already.”
”I gave you the shield as I wished to see you safe – you are now a Shield Brother to me; but it seems to me that when I saw the Jarl weave her webs to convince you that her way is the right way, and her laws are all that matters – this rankles me as much as if I saw you take the shield and throw it aside during a fight.”
That he did not understand the notion of currying favor or the danger of catching the notice of nobles impressed her, though not in a good way. Grimly, she tucked that piece of information, too. She’d considered it prior, but this was confirmation enough to note it as a core component of who he might be.
She didn’t know what, exactly, she would do with more gear considering she already had armor, a shield, and a spear. It was both strange and foolish to think she would be able to carry more.
As far as the law – Rhialtyra said calmly, ”The law is important and I have no desire to catch the dark side of it.”
”You ignored my words and made that assumption – I never suggested you were my slave, or any man’s slave,” he responds hotly.
”Then perhaps you should choose your words more carefully,” she responded, her tone as cool as his was hot.
”Aye, I saw him do it. I tell you this, too, Rhialtyra Sunaki; regarding this man I believe you were inattentive. You are beautiful and exotic – and so it clear that he lusts for you, and if you doubt me, then you were not paying attention to him,” he says with a shake of his head.
She frowned at this, but only shook her head, not sure of what to make of it. If Connor had seen more than she, it was not fair for her to claim him false, but all the same, she thought his notion silly. If there were merit to it, though… Well, such things would happen as they would. She would not seek out a partner as she did the mystery of life, but if someone happened to find her… Perhaps she would not say no to a quiet and peaceful courtship and maybe more.
”But of course she is trying to do her best by her people. She is the Jarl; it is clear that she would fight for her people, for that is who she is.”
”All I wished is that you fought harder against her ploys, for it seems to me that if you go to her she will press home every advantage against us for the good of her people – I would see you do the same to her; for the good of your people,” he says with an annoyed voice.
She pointedly ignored his tone, not wanting to treat him as the child he was acting. ”To speak and to treat is not always to fight.”
He stares at her, feeling the veritable wall of ice covering her eyes and he stares at her hard.
”When we were in the caves you healed me – I stood up and I struck out the creature and failed – and then it struck back and cut me down and I lay senseless on the ground to die or some other dark fate.”
”You did not use your leech craft to heal me until after you spoke to this creature; indeed, you let me be near death, possibly dead – simply so that your conversation would not be rudely interrupted by my arguments,” he says with a grim voice.
Then his voice mellows somewhat and his eyes soften a bit.
”Know that I bound you to me then as a Shield Brother – for it seems to me that beyond all your high words of courtesy for an enemy and beneath all of your trappings of high ideals you had the cunning to leave me witless – you had your heart set on the task of speech with that creature and you would not have me interfere with that plan by raising me up if I would gainsay your actions.”
”I may have died; I may have been wounded by some poison or venom – who can say what may have been? But those concerns seemed to be less important than what you wished to do,” he says, watching her carefully, as if nervous she may attempt some kind of spell or trick with him, though he does not say such things out loud.
”I honor that ruthlessness about you, Rhialtyra Sunaki; your desire to talk being greater than healing an ally swiftly. Though it is my own flesh in question, you were wise to leave me witless and I name you cunning for that decision, besides.”
”That is surely a good thing; and by that I thought I knew you well.”
”As for the rest?” he says with a more relaxed gesture and a deep sigh – ”it is foolish for me to debate with you.”
”In truth, I have been impressed with your cunning and desire to accomplish things with guile – if I am true to my praise than mayhap I should hold to my resolve and trust your instincts rather than judge them harshly, for no man can truly know the end of a path until he walks it himself.”
Well – if she hadn’t been irked previously, she most certainly was now. The very thought – to leave a man bleeding out? Ha! She didn’t bother answering this, because there was one thing that he had said then that was true: it was foolish for him to debate with her and for her to debate with him. Clearly, he had no sense. Had he not risen from the earth with the strips of her skirt bound to his wounds? Had she not had to replace that very dress to properly attire herself? Ha!
He knew nothing of her or her ways and it seemed his eyes and his ears were deaf to all that he did not choose to see or hear. He had woken again with her bandages upon his form and was now telling her that she did not seek to stabilize him before having her conversation.
When he chose to make peace, she let her anger lie. She was not one to slowly bleed a patient that required a quick treatment and she would no more allow her anger to guide her speech than she would allow a dog off the street to perform a surgery.
All the same, he did not seek to draw her ire or offend and she did not care enough to combat him. If that was what he felt was true, then let him think so. There was no harm in that.
”Perhaps,” she allowed, watching him leave. ”Perhaps.”
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Riley stood quietly as the exchange between his companions and the baroness took place. His thoughts were on Talia. He looked forward to seeing her after their business was settled. He was excited when he heard the offer to deal with the Kobolds. Not just because of the opportunity to accrue more wealth, but it also assured at least a few more days at the Inn with Talia and her little sister.
After the meeting, he watched the heated debate about the ring. He wondered why it was such a huge issue. To be honest, he cared little about it.
Riley smiled and then winked at Talia as he entered the Inn. He headed over to the bar passing by the proprietor on the way. He nudged her playfully and whispered over her shoulder into her ear as he passed. "It looks like I'll be staying for a while longer."
”I thought it went fairly well, all things considered,” Rhialtyra responded, smile still in place. ”We were rewarded appropriately and then awarded a new task while we were at it.”
Talia nodded upon the lady's words. "The Lady Origena keeps her word. A new task on behalf of the baroness?"
Riley smiled and then winked at Talia as he entered the Inn. He headed over to the bar passing by the proprietor on the way. He nudged her playfully and whispered over her shoulder into her ear as he passed. "It looks like I'll be staying for a while longer."
As Riley passed and whispered he would be in town a little while longer, Talia's eyes and smile brightened and she whispered back, "Aye, that is fair and welcomed news."
"Yes," Rhialtyra nodded. To give some background, she explained, "It was a group of kobolds and the local wizard who disturbed the tower. Lady Origena and her son have charged us with investigating whether it was but a few restless kobolds or if it was the entire tribe that threatens Belhaim." The aasimar woman smiled at her, thinking of how Arnolde had compromised with them.
"I hope this will not be the case, but if it is the tribe at fault, then we must ask them to leave."
"...but if it is the tribe at fault, then we must ask them to leave."
Talia considered Rhialtyra's words. Balthus Hunclay had instigated the tower collapse and with kobold conspirators? A frown appeared on the young proprietor's face.
"Has Master Hunclay been located, then? Is he in chains now? And from the sounds of it, mayhap it will take more than asking the kobolds to leave if they are determined to remain. Is the town safe in the meanwhile? Should we give warning or wait until you have investigated?"
She shook her head in response. "It seems he desired to bring down the Witch Tower and persuaded some kobolds with the promise of treasure. Unfortunately, something went wrong and he perished - along with the kobolds we saw." Rhialtyra frowned and then decided it would do no harm to be forthcoming with their hostess.
"We spoke with one of the kobolds there and she promised to cause no harm or mischief to the people of Belhaim," Rhialtyra explained. "I do not think there is reason to cause alarm, especially if the kobolds we saw were an errant few instead of a group dispatched to help by their tribe."
So, the wizard had perished with his kobold allies except one.
Talia's gaze fixed on the flames in the hearth for a moment before speaking again, "The wizard was no devout or considerate man, so I pray the gods are merciful in their judgement of his soul." Had his body been returned to town? Would there be a burial? "Has his body been taken to The Sunset House for burial?", she asked Rhialtyra.
Upon Rhialtyra's caution of causing unnecessary alarm to the townsfolk, Talia nodded. "I will not say a word until I hear what you have found. However, I will be more watchful around town in case the kobolds grow bolder. I hope you manage to discover the extent of this trouble. The kobold sightings in and around Belhaim have been very few and far until now. I wonder what has stirred them."
Trying to lift the mood of the moment, Talia shook away her unease for a moment and gently smiled to the group. "Would any of you care for a hot drink? Maybe a small platter of cheese, fruit and bread?" Upon their answer, Talia moves toward Jorje for a moment and then goes to prepare the evening refreshments.
Talia's gaze fixed on the flames in the hearth for a moment before speaking again, "The wizard was no devout or considerate man, so I pray the gods are merciful in their judgement of his soul." Had his body been returned to town? Would there be a burial? "Has his body been taken to The Sunset House for burial?", she asked Rhialtyra.
The aasimar woman shook her head again. "No - he was crushed beneath earth and stone."
At Talia's confirmation of quiet watchfulness, Rhialtyra smiled at her. This woman, at least, was one who had sense. It was a welcome change from Connor. When their hostess offered warm drinks and snacks, she gave a small laugh; "You are the best host anyone could ask for!"
She'd learned earlier that there was little in the way of hidden healing that needed handling, so she no longer felt the need to be out and about. She considered the path to the smithy she'd purchased her spear from, but decided to hold off until morning.
Having seen both of the smiths in town, she was much more interested in sending her business to the latter.
She returned to the three that had come back with her and said: "Well, we are safely returned. I intend to return to the smithy tomorrow to sell the daggers. Would anyone like to come along? I thought I'd ask, in case anyone had last minute purchases they wanted to make."
"The Witch Tower had its revenge upon the wizard it would seem. A terrible way to remain until flesh turns to bone and then dust."
Upon Rhialtyra's warm response to warm drinks and a light meal, Talia smiled and inclined her head and left the beautiful woman's side with a short reply, "I will return shortly with the refreshment."
After a few minutes had passed, Talia reappeared with a tray laden with a large jug of warm apple cider, scented with a sprinkling of cinnamon, and a platter with two fragrant cheeses, berries, honey and a loaf of bread.
She placed it upon the table occupied by the party. Talia had noted that Connor had not returned with them. Perhaps the man had other plans for the rest of the evening.
Listening to Talia's whispered revelation, the elder man picked up his fiddle, and getting into a comfortable position in his chair, he began to play a sweet, yet beautiful melancholic piece.
Connor moves through the night and thinks about what to do next –
The words of the ruthless Oracle still rang in his head and he reminds himself that she was correct in that he had failed to be more attentive and he was stupid enough to be open about his emotions and thoughts.
Her chastisement on these matters were aligned to the teaching of his uncle and he regretted his stupidity as he wandered under the night stars.
Meanwhile, the sky was beautiful and he was not the sort to burden himself overmuch with regret. Therefore, he put aside his grim thoughts and advanced to the house of the Undertaker.
When he arrived, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.
Felix had been uncharacteristically quiet for the last few hours, appearing deep in thought about something. You have noticed that he seemed prone to these periods of introspection from time to time, almost as if he were reminiscing about a moment in his past. It was difficult to rouse him from such moments but he came to before overlong. If asked he will just say that he suffers from moments of flashback on occasion but that it always passes.
Upon Riley's invitation and then as he took her hand in his, Talia's face brightened at the prospect of being alone and discovering what he had for her. She had not held hands with a man for some years and in her heart of hearts she enjoyed Riley's easy liberty. "Where are we headed? The back garden or down by the river shore?" Both were nearby and Talia could not help smiling as they walked together.
Riley looks down at Talia as they leave the Inn. "The river sounds nice." He smiles and holds her hand tighter as they walk. "How was you day, Talia Orem?"
Riley assumes his position on the floor near the fire. He listens as the troubadour plays his fiddle. He leans against the wall and takes a drink from his flask then watches as Rhia and Talia speak of the tower. When he catches Talia's eyes, he gives her a warm smile.
Riley looks down at Talia as they leave the Inn. "The river sounds nice." He smiles and holds her hand tighter as they walk. "How was your day, Talia Orem?"
His hand held hers tighter and she wondered at the gesture even though she relished the small intimacy.
She steered Riley toward the side of the inn, toward the fenced back garden, where the river flowed and the tall fence granted them a little privacy from the adjacent properties and road. There was a wooden bench nestled between two bushes there they could use if they desired to.
"My day was good, productive. It was quieter with Delfi out with your party, showing you around town. The luncheon patrons missed her bright presence. And you may call me Talia; I have noted that you and Master Connor call me by my full name. I am content for you to call me by my first name. How was your day?" She warmly smiled up at him as they walked toward the river shore, watching as the afternoon light played in his hazel-eyes.
Anila had been thoughtful and quiet since the meeting with the baroness. She followed along listening to the conversations since the meeting. She was glad to have a reason to stay around and continue to work with her companions a bit longer. As everyone seemed to be doing other things she relaxed some, sitting at the table and listening to the lovely sounds of Jorje playing his fiddle and letting the music take over her thoughts.
Meanwhile, the sky was beautiful and he was not the sort to burden himself overmuch with regret. Therefore, he put aside his grim thoughts and advanced to the house of the Undertaker.
When he arrived, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.
The small house was lit from within but there was no ready answer at the door. Just then, Connor sees a moving light coming from the side of the cottage, from the direction of the cemetery. His own torch gives off a dull light and soon he can see the familiar figure of Calladastina. Connor's eyes take in the staff she holds, lit atop with light - magical light - for there is no flame or smoke.
When she notes you, Calladastina looks surprised, like she did the first time you came unannounced to her house. She smooths down the black skirt of her dress and pushes a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. She stops a few feet from Connor, near to the front door.
"Good evening, Connor son of Ceorl. You surprise me with your visit. Come, follow me inside and you can tell me why you have come this night."
She moves toward the door and taking her key unlocks it and enters, waiting for Connor to follow, so she may close the door after him. The house is cloaked in shadows except for the candlelight flickering all about the hallway and sitting room. The woman says a few quiet words and the light atop her staff blinks out within a few moments.
Calladastina turns her grey-eyed gaze on the tall warrior and gestures for him to enter the sitting room.
"Now, please tell me, why are you here, Connor son of Ceorl?" The woman dressed entirely in black regards Connor earnestly, her grey eyes fixed on his handsomely-rugged face.
As Jorje's melody comes to a quiet close, he looks up from his fiddle at his audience and smiles at those of the party nearest the fire and his place by it.
"Any particular style of melodies you would rather listen to this night, ladies and gents? Soft and slow or a little more warmer and upbeat?", the elder musician asks the group.
He leans against the wall and takes a drink from his flask then watches as Rhia and Talia speak of the tower. When he catches Talia's eyes, he gives her a warm smile.
She had caught Riley's look and smile and her mouth warmly responded of its own accord. It was becoming a habit - his gaze on her and a smile if she noticed. Talia did not mind it, if truth be told. He was a handsome man to be sure, but it was more than that. There was something deeper that drew Talia to Riley. She shook herself out of her musings with a soft laugh.
Filling two mugs with the warm, slightly spiced apple cider for Felix and Anila, Talia places the drinks before the quiet pair. They appeared content in their quietude so she did not disturb them with idle chatter.
Filling two mugs with the warm, slightly spiced apple cider for Felix and Anila, Talia places the drinks before the quiet pair. They appeared content in their quietude so she did not disturb them with idle chatter.
The sorceress listened as the song was ending. She noticed the beautiful Inn keeper approach the table with the mugs of cider. Smiling, she said, "Thank you Miss Talia for your generosity. It seems to me you have quite a gift of knowing just what others need. I am glad to have some extra time in your company and this inn."
Done with her statement and observation, she picked up the full mug of warm cider. Breathing in the light spicy scent and she took a long drink letting the sweet liquid fill her belly. She glanced around the inn taking in the atmosphere and continuing her mild observations of those around her.
Connor watches the door open and he sees the outline of Calladstina in the dim light.
His eyes slowly travel over her body until they rise to rest on her face and he studies her for a moment.
"Good evening, Connor son of Ceorl. You surprise me with your visit. Come, follow me inside and you can tell me why you have come this night."
At the invitation to enter, he says nothing but strides inside after her and lets her lead him into her home.
As he moves behind her his eyes take in the various rooms and chambers instinctively, but his senses are more focused on the woman before him. He feels the same dull throbbing in his chest that occurs inside him before the intensity of battle or danger swamp his senses - he recognizes the feeling of excitement and the slowly rising ache of desire.
However, he says nothing on that yet.
"Now, please tell me, why are you here, Connor son of Ceorl?" The woman dressed entirely in black regards Connor earnestly, her grey eyes fixed on his handsomely-rugged face.
"I am honored that you have made me your guest in your Home, Calladastina Honas," he says slowly, nodding his head to her.
"I have come tonight because I wanted to see you again," he adds with a disarming frankness.
He does not say more for a moment; instead, he watches her and waits.
"I saw your spirit during the dangers when the tower fell; your action, and your fire - I tell you truly that it stirred me," he adds, and his voice has now become more quiet and far more intimate for its hushed tone.
His eyes roam over her freely, as if caressing her with merely a gaze. Yet he does not seem to be leering; rather, his gaze is not unlike a man who has seen a starry sky and wishes to simply enjoy it fully.
After his eyes slide over her body for a long moment, they again raise to her own gaze and they stare deep into hers, his lips twisting into a small smile.
"The black is a good color for you; it makes your skin look more fair and your eyes now look like the sea," he says to her.
He moves forward to her slowly, watching her and making sure he does not startle her as he approaches.
"I do not know fully the southern customs; I do not mean to offend you in your own home, but I like looking at you," he adds with the same quiet voice.
He raises his heavy hand to slide forward slowly to her wrist and he raises her hand up to his chest. When her palm is near his neck and her fingers near his lips, he pauses in moving her arm - all the while watching her, making sure she is not uncomfortable with his touch.
Then, as he holds her hand by his face, his free hand reaches into his pouch and he takes out a silver bracelet her purchased earlier that day and holds it up in the candlelight.
"I saw this today and wished to make you a gift of it," he says as he continues to watch her.
He twists the bracelet slowly in the light with his left hand so she can see it better, his right hand still gently holding her arm.
"I do not know if you will find it fair; but I think it is shapely and would see it placed upon - yet not against the black cloth you wear now."
"I would rather see the silver pressed against your bare skin."
He watches her a moment longer.
"Would you let me place my gift upon you?" he asks with the same quiet voice, staring down into her gray eyes, his blue ones bright in the candlelight as he looks at her.
"The black is a good color for you; it makes your skin look more fair and your eyes now look like the sea," he says to her.
He moves forward to her slowly, watching her and making sure he does not startle her as he approaches.
"I do not know fully the southern customs; I do not mean to offend you in your own home, but I like looking at you," he adds with the same quiet voice.
It slowly dawned on Calladastina that the warrior was earnestly showing his interest as suitor. He was large and dangerous, but he touched her with a restrained gentleness as if gauging and waiting for her consent. No man had ever declared his delight in looking upon her person and she inwardly admitted to herself that she revelled in the quiet declaration.
A scratching could be heard against the wooden shutters of the window in the sitting room. Calladastina's eyes did not move from the warrior's fixed gaze as she knew well enough the source of the sound.
Then, as he holds her hand by his face, his free hand reaches into his pouch and he takes out a silver bracelet he purchased earlier that day and holds it up in the candlelight.
"I saw this today and wished to make you a gift of it," he says as he continues to watch her...
"I would rather see the silver pressed against your bare skin."
She drew in a sharp breath at his desire to see the bracelet on her bare skin. As Calladastina's heart and pulse quickened, the candlelight began to flicker and a sudden breeze could be felt moving around the chamber and their bodies in close quarters.
"Would you let me place my gift upon you?" he asks with the same quiet voice, staring down into her gray eyes, his blue ones bright in the candlelight as he looks at her.
He would lift the sleeve of her dress up her arm to place the pretty bracelet on her wrist - that was what he meant - didn't he? Surely, that is what he meant. Her grey eyes grew larger in the candlelight chamber. The breeze began to give sound as it moved faster around them and the soft light flickered, almost desperate to extinguish.
Calladastina found her voice and she gave a low, husky reply, "You may lift my sleeve and place it upon my wrist. I gladly accept your token, Connor son of Ceorl." She was acutely conscious of how near her fingers were to the man's lips.
At her pronouncement, two of the candles blew out abruptly and the scratching that was on the shutter now became a slight banging as if the wind outside had picked up suddenly.
Smiling, she said, "Thank you Miss Talia for your generosity. It seems to me you have quite a gift of knowing just what others need. I am glad to have some extra time in your company and this inn."
The proprietress returned the quietly beautiful Anila's smile. "I'm glad you approve, Mistress Anila. I suppose it comes from years of experience - the inn has been in my family for generations and as soon as I could walk and talk, I spent many an hour beside my parents and its many patrons."
As she set the mugs down and looked to Jorje who had just finished his piece, she noted the elder musician wave her over.
Jorje eagerly announced his mistress to the group assembled near him. "Mistress Talia shall do us the honour of a song this night," he smiled and gently nodded to the mistress of the House, and he watched as Talia walked over to him and then quietly told him of the song she would sing. Jorje exchanged his fiddle for the harpsichord.
"This is a song my mother used to sing to me when I was a young girl." Talia knew Riley sat near to the hearth and she grew a little nervous about singing in front of him for the first time, but pushed the growing tension aside.
Talia stood straight, enveloped in both candelight and firelight and began to sing. And Jorje joined her in parts, accompanying her sweet voice with his deeper male voice until the very end of the song.
Connor stood before the woman, watching her in the dim light of the candles.
A scratching could be heard against the wooden shutters of the window in the sitting room, but Connor merely ignored it.
The candlelight began to flicker and a sudden breeze could be felt moving around the chamber and their bodies in close quarters, yet Connor ignored that chill as well; his hard body used to cold far worse than this in the northlands.
The breeze began to give sound as it moved faster around them and the soft light flickered, almost desperate to extinguish and he wondered absently if it was some Fey creature that lurked in her house – for it was said that the Fey Folk were wont to cause mischief if they were not appeased with some token.
The folk of Alfheim are stirring, and I have not brought a gift for them… Mayhap they shall be happier if I offer them the head of the demon; for surely that is a gift most rare, and with no touch of iron in it to cause them grief…
Perhaps - yet that must wait for another time, I think...
He shakes his head of the thought and glances to the flickering lights, then back to Calladastina.
Calladastina found her voice and she gave a low, husky reply, "You may lift my sleeve and place it upon my wrist. I gladly accept your token, Connor son of Ceorl."
At her pronouncement, two of the candles blew out abruptly and the scratching that was on the shutter now became a slight banging as if the wind outside had picked up suddenly.
Aye – it may be folk from Alfheim indeed; or else, maybe, it be Gerdhr herself who has come to bless this union. And so I think it shall be counted as blessed...
His eyes gleam eerily in the dimming light as he smiles down at her.
”Nay, lady – it is not meant for you wrist; for the folk of my land do not often wear such adornments so low on the arm,” he says with a soft, deep voice.
Guiding her body carefully he slowly presses her back against the wall. His right hand reaches across her chest and reaches down to grip her right wrist and with his own right hand he lifts it straight above her, his palm pressing her arm firmly against the wall behind her as his own arm frames the dark hair hanging over her face.
As the lights dim he feels an almost palatable sense of watchfulness, and perhaps this prompts him to speak softer – as if his words are for her alone.
He leans in close to her and his voice is deep and quiet as he lowers it; his breath hot against her neck as he leans in to whisper softly in her ear.
”In my land we wear such things higher on the arm, so that all may see them with greater ease,” he says, his voice quiet.
With her right hand held above her head, he takes his left hand and slides it up to her right wrist above her and opens his hand to place on the edge of her sleeve.
”If you will permit me, I shall show you where it might press better against you,” he adds.
As his right hand continues to hold her arm gently above her body, his left hand slowly slides the hem of her sleeve down over her forearm – the rough skin of his palm brushing against the tender flesh of her arm as he continues to slide the sleeve lower down; until it is edged below even her elbow – inch by inch – until the sleeve pools around her shoulder and the tender, almost ticklish, skin beneath her arm.
He takes the bracelet and slides it back up, caressing her naked arm with the silver metal as it rides up her arm from the low point of her now exposed flesh all the way up to her wrist which he still holds above her body.
There, he slides the bracelet slowly around her wrist and then; as he leans closer to her body to make sure that the bracelet is firm on her, but not too tight, he takes his hand and slides it slowly back down her arm – past her elbow – and down, down, down to wrap around the highest part of her arm, closest to her shoulder.
”There,” he says with a hushed voice, his blue eyes keen on hers as he watches her – his face inches from her own as his whispered words tease over the side of her throat with a raw heat.
”Now it sits far prettier on your body than when it was merely your wrist,” he adds, his voice hissing gently as his speech lingers on the words wrissst; his breath riding across her earlobe to shiver over the soft, tender part of her neck.
”Would that you could see it on you as I do – yet I fear that your dress may hinder it if it were to slide back down your arm – I must continue to hold you like this so that I can see it properly,” he adds, his arms around her body, almost cradling her form as his right hand continues to lay pressed above her head, still holding her right arm straight and high above her.
As his blue eyes penetrate her gaze, his left hand leaves the touch of her wrist pressed high above her and his left hand slides gently down the length of her right arm. His open palm glides slowly over the length of her entire right side to rest gently on her right hip. His fingers move behind the small of her back so that she is not pressed so firmly against the hard wood of the wall, even as his thumb curls around the front of her torso to slowly tease up and down; stroking her side gently on her lower hip to rise up in achingly, languorous circles as it moves in a gentle caress.
”Tell me truly, lady; do you not wish to see how it shimmers on your body as I do without this dress to hinder your view?” he says, leaning in to whisper in her right ear.
Then he shifts his body and moves his head so he could now whisper in her left ear instead, his breath riding down over the left side of her neck to slide across her throat in a hot push to tease the skin of her chest where the dress did not fully cover.
He stops his caress and now leans his mouth close to her left ear, and his lips near enough to touch her skin.
”Perhaps you do not think it is as fair so high on your arm as I do?” he asks softly, the fingers of his left hand splaying more widely behind her lower back to curve around her body better; his fingers slowly seeking a good place below her waist to keep her body from the rough beams of the wall.
”Perhaps you wish me to move this bracelet to another place on your body to determine which part of you it should be pressed against,” he adds, his lips slipping to brush over the side of her ear in a teasing manner.
”Simply tell me where you desire me to place it next, and I shall press it there as firm or gently as you desire,’ he adds, then his teeth nip her earlobe softly.
”In my land we wear such things higher on the arm, so that all may see them with greater ease,” he says, his voice quiet.
His whispered words hot against the skin of her neck clouded her mind some but not entirely. "In this land, women seldom wear such trinkets higher upon the arm for there is little occasion, too, except for a ball once a year. So, I shall wear it upon my wrist."
”If you will permit me, I shall show you where it might press better against you,” he adds...”Now it sits far prettier on your body than when it was merely your wrist...”
She had not given her leave, yet the man has restrained her wrist above her head, albeit gently, still, he has taken such liberty when they were strangers yet.
”Tell me truly, lady; do you not wish to see how it shimmers on your body as I do without this dress to hinder your view?” he says, leaning in to whisper in her right ear.
"The dress does not hinder and I have looking glass to see the trinket where you have placed it. But I cannot wear it so high - and it will be worn upon my wrist as is custom, here," she repeated herself as the warrior sought to touch her body, liberally and slowly.
"You take such liberties, Connor son of Ceorl." Calladastina tugged at her held wrist as she was done with being pressed against the wall and held in place. Here grey eyes began to shine a brighter silver in the flickering candlelight. The sound of the breeze picked up and wound wildly about the warrior in main.
”Simply tell me where you desire me to place it next, and I shall press it there as firm or gently as you desire," he adds, then his teeth nip her earlobe softly.
She felt Connor's teeth lightly graze her lobe as his hand splayed her lower back and a deep shiver ran through her at the brazen intimacy. For a warrior, he was not rough or forceful and seemed to be playing some drawn-out seduction. Her body reacted without will, yet her mind attempted to waylay him as the breeze grew more earnest in its distraction.
"Upon my wrist is fine, Connor son of Ceorl", she repeated herself thrice, not entirely certain what the warrior expected from her this night.
She tugged at his light hold and freed her wrist and with both hands then pushed at his broad, muscled chest until she was no longer pressed into the wall.
"Enough of this talk of pressing the bracelet elsewhere. Tell me, what is it you seek this night? No more games. Tell me earnestly or I shall simply thank you for the gift and ask you to leave." Her breath was affected by his nearness and the long, blue look he fixed upon her. The candlelight continued to flicker in time with her breath and another two candles extinguished and the breeze blew faster yet around the warrior.