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The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this even means, but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As in in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wooded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argenta Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman's escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argenta was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Jack makes a perception check to see if anything else is about to attack the town, or at the very least what else he notices about the situation.
I haven't even been in this town a day and it already feels like the making of a wonderful story! Snow in the summer, worried townsfolk, he inhales the cool, crisp air. even the air seems teeming with the stuff of legends! But legends must wait. I need to find Jaelin... Or Baeldric... Preferably Jaelin.
Looking about, Daevin finds the nearest townsperson, "Pardon, but have you seen a young woman around here who goes by the name 'Jaelin'? She's a little shorter than I am and a few years younger with golden brown hair, like wheat that's ready for harvest."
That's awfully close to where I usually hunt. I did notice the colder weather, but wasn't expecting a snap like this.
Since they both live on the edge of town, Ellowin is concerned for the safety of her sister. If there truly is a danger in the woods, she hopes to find out. Entering the local bar, which she obviously knows the name of since she's lived here for the past few years but just can't seem to recall right now, she shivers as she approaches the roaring fire. After getting warmed up properly, she joins the crowds around the tables and the bar, buying an ale for herself and asking around about the dangers in the woods.
"I've heard tales of strange, wintry creatures near the Border Woods... surely that can't be true, can it?"
"I admit, I haven't lived here long. Has a cold snap ever happened like this in the summer months? We've never seen anything like this up north, I'll guarantee you that!"
"Here, let me buy you another one. You say he was a mercenary? How badly hurt was he? Oh, my! That poor woman! Has anyone gone to search for her?"
Kara wakes up refreshed and goes through her daily routine: pull on her clothes, wash her face, brush her auburn hair, tie her hair back with a beautiful red cloth, make sure her blade is well-hidden in her pocketed scarf, and draw a single card from her Harrow deck, reminding herself about the purpose of said card when performing a Harrowing.
The Publican... It represents fellowship and camaraderie, a place of refuge for those in need. But sometimes it can represent false information given at a crucial moment or refuge not found. Well, I hope this doesn't portend anything...
Upon venturing out into town, Kara quickly picks up on the general mood about the place. In her short amount of time here, she's never seen the people so concerned and afraid. She head's toward the tavern, hoping to find out more information about what's going on. This could actually be good for business. Nothing like distressing news to make people want a Harrowing! She stops for a brief second. Boy, that was callous of me wasn't it? Oh well, have to get by somehow.
On her way, she unconsciously wraps the scarf tighter around her shoulders before realizing that it is actually quite cold for the middle of summer. Soon after, she arrives at the tavern.
Snow ? Here ? Now ? And now an attack by strange creatures ?
Narsius had spent the last nights pondering the situation. The badly wounded mercenary was at last a sign he had to do something. He couldn't stay there, doing nothing, while strange creatures were threatening his village.
This morning, he meticulously checks his equipment and heads toward the Silver Stoat, hoping to find out more informations about this attack, staying silent but listening intently to the various patrons.
Jack follows Narsius. this guy has a plan and must be a good investigator.
Wait up for me Jack says to Narsius, but he doesn't shout it, he says this as he is just a few feet behind him. Jack doesn't want to attract attention by shouting.
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Before any of you have a chance to even find a seat or order a drink, Mayor Ionnia Teppen enters in you wake and clears her throat for silence.
"The council has voted. We are asking for volunteers to enter the Border Wood and ascetain the nature of this inclement weather. Moreover, those who volunteer will attempt to discover the whereabouts and secure the release of Lady Argenta who was taken captive."
"Who will do this?"
Narsius nods once and waits for Jack before going to the tavern. Before he can ask anything to the newcomer, the mayor makes her announcement.
He immediately takes a step forward.
"I volunteer."
Kara idly shuffles her Harrow Deck, a habit she picked up recently whenever she is thinking seriously about something important. On the one hand, Kara doesn't see herself as much of an adventurer, beyond roaming Taldor looking for someone to pay her for a Harrowing. On the other hand, Kara knows she can contribute.
The Publican... Lady Argenta is in need of rescue. Could that card this morning be telling me something? Am I to bring her refuge? I can't sit here while she's in trouble!
Kara looks toward the man standing to her right as he volunteers. Then she turns back to the mayor. "I volunteer as well." Kara stops shuffling the Harrow Deck and thinks to herself. I'm such a fool... I'll probably get myself killed.
"Yer not late, fer once, Kyrianna! Will yeh look at this, Mereander-- this is more surprisin' than the snow!" Sophie Immeras pretended to fall out of her chair in shock, then stood and greeted the half-elf with a warm embrace. Kyrianna rolled her eyes at the boisterous Sophie before settling beside her with a fresh mug of Kale's ale.
The two women met weekly for dinner at the Silver Stoat, and it was something of an accidental custom that Kyrianna would always turn up when Sophie was well into her second tankard. The snows of the summer were to blame for her unusual punctuality: the unseasonable weather had led Isker, the captain of Heldren's militia, to suspend their practice drills for the past few days. Try as she might to fill her days by assisting the citizens of Heldren, there was only so much snow to shovel, and only so many times she could make rounds checking on the neighbors.
Sophie was halfway into retelling her favorite bawdy joke when Councilor Teppin entered the Stoat. At the woman's pronouncement, Kyrianna was on her feet in a flash.
"I volunteer, Madame Councilor." She glanced around the tavern as others stood and proclaimed their willingness to enter the unknown, and fights back a worried frown. These untrained civilians should stay here, where it's safe-- why, that girl looks hardly big enough to hold up a sword.
"Forgive my impertinence, Madame Councilor, but is this not a task for the rest of the militia? Where is Isker?" Her voice is strong, but her tone is deferential.
I volunteer as well. I think we are the military force there Kyrianna. And we should rescue the survivors or hostages the enemy might have. But it would be nice to find out about the situation first as much as possible before heading out. Jack says this in a very serious manner, like it was important to him.
"Yes ma'am." The councilwoman's voice wasn't harsh, but immediately the sting of humiliation strikes Kyrianna like the slap of an open hand. That's what you get for presuming to know more than the council, stupid, she chides herself. You're just a footsoldier, don't pretend like you're some military genius just because of your fancy-schmancy ~training~.
The half-elf continues standing, her expression unchanging, awaiting Teppin's further instructions. She nods at the vanara's words, acknowledging his contribution, but does not trust herself to offer more to the conversation just yet.
Ellowin, already in the process of trying to gather information from the locals, isn't surprised when Mayor Teppen walks in, asking for volunteers.
She must be someone very important indeed for the Mayor to come in asking for help in finding her... I must find out what's out there!
Sizing up the other volunteers, Ellowin recognizes them all as newcomers, much like herself.
None of them look like they'd last a week in the woods without help. More used to home cooked meals and soft beds, I'd wager.
She sighs, lowering her mug to the table she's presently sharing with another hunter, then stands, as well, "I offer my bow, as well, Mayor. Do we know what danger lies out in the woods?"
Jack puts his palm to his forhead. If the danger includes Yetis then God(s) help me
What can you tell us about Lady Argenta? He asks this question very politely and curiously.
Mildly frustrated at his inability to find his sister or to find his father, Daevin finds himself interested in the situation at hand. A missing lady and mysterious circumstances... Possibly danger... I love it!
"Madam Councilor, I volunteer my services, as well!" his voice rings out with the clarity of a man on stage, as well as the determination with a man on a mission.
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Just as Daevin thinks it, Coucilor Teppin says, "Lady Argenta Malassene is an aristocrat from Oppara. She was passing through our lands and we should try to save her."
"She should be secondary to your trying to find and stop this winter anomaly."
"If you have no further questions, you should gather whatever you think you'll need and get going. Time is of the essence."
Kara looks to the other volunteers. "I don't exactly have the right clothing for venturing into the woods. Do you think we'll be out overnight? Will I need a bedroll?"
I sound like such an idiot! These people will think me completely incapable...
If I'm going on an adventure, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have something to record it all... As Daevin thinks to himself, a thought crosses his mind. Forgive me if this is commonly known, but as I am new to this area and as I understand that a mission of this..." he gestures with his hands, "nature have certain unknown perils, are there any known perils in these woods that one should know? Bandits, for example, or particularly unruly wildlife? Not that it impacts my commitment," he smiles, "but an ounce of caution and all that, right?"
Ellowin smiles gently at Kara.
It is a good thing I did volunteer, then. She would have likely died of exposure out there!
"Yes, you'll likely need something...", she begins, looking her over, "warmer. Perhaps less bare skin, too? Here, I'll come with you and help you select your gear. A blanket would definitely be good for starters, maybe even a bedroll..."
Her voice trails off as they leave the inn, opening the door to a gust of cold air and grimacing, "I think heavier clothes will definitely do, yes."
As they walk down the street, she continues on, cataloging everything she can think of, "Maybe a tent for overnight, for surely this won't take less than a day. And it'll keep the cold out. And something to carry it all in. A sack, or backpack. Preferably something watertight, or sealable..." She continues to drone on for some time, thankful to have her mind off the danger to the village.
Narsius softly taps his non human companion on the shoulder to get his attention and quickly follows the varisian and her friend.
"Ladies. I'm Narsius. If you don't mind, I think I'd like to benefit from your advices. I usually work indoor."
Jack follows along, he will head out when everyone else does, he doesn't want to be ahead of everyone, as that would a solo suicide mission trying to go by himself.
Kara smiles gratefully at the woman as they walk down the street. When Narsius catches up and introduces himself, Kara returns the introduction. "I'm Kara. It's a pleasure to meet you all. I think we were just heading to the general store to pick up some winter clothes and things. I was very unprepared for this weather... Please, join us!" She looks to the woman and the Vanara. "I don't believe I know your names."
"Oh! I'm sorry, I just thought... Never mind. I'm Ellowin. Ellowin Jax. You read me my harrowing once. I hunt the outskirts of the Border Wood, so I'm a little familiar with where we're headed. There have been rumors of dangerous predators further in, lately, so you might want to pick up something to defend yourself with, too. Cold will not be our only enemy, I'm afraid."
Ellowin smiles as Narsius and Jack catch up, her smile faltering only a little at the sight of the monke... ahem, vanara.
I hope I don't make that mistake out loud, that'll be so embarassing, though I still don't trust that one. Ever since he came into town. Such an odd sight! If we get caught by bandits, perhaps we can pass ourselves off as a wandering circus...
"Narsius, I'm glad to see you out and about for once. I rarely see you outside, and am surprised you volunteered! I'll be thankful to have you at my side, to be sure. I noticed Kyrianna volunteered, as well, though I wasn't too surprised about that. I'm sure she'll find us sooner than we find her. She knows this village better than any of us by now, I'd wager," she finishes with some admiration in her voice.
That one knows her way around just about everything. From horses to villages to weapons. That horse of hers is a walking armory! I've yet to see her draw steel, though, and hope I never do.
She lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "Does anyone know who the other one was? I've never seen him in town before."
"Oh!! Yes! Ellowin. I'm so sorry... I've read so many harrowings lately. But I remember now. How is your sister?"
When asked about a way to defend herself, Kara responds simply, "I have magical means to protect myself, though I will benefit greatly from having you all around for physical protection. I do have a dagger," she shows Ellowin the hidden dagger in her scarf, "but I've only had to use it once, to protect myself from... a suitor." She blushes at this a little bit. "I didn't hurt the man, just scared him away."
Kyrianna makes her way to the town smithy, run by Isker and his daughter Xanthippe, aiming to pick up the custom horseshoes she's ordered for Ibris since the cold weather hit town.
The half-elf watches the militiaman wrap Ibris's new shoes in brown canvas and tie the parcel with twine. "Isker, what have you heard about this confounded weather? Why is the council sending civilians on a reconnaissance mission?"
After he leaves the tavern, Daevin heads to the store. As he walks he notices the rest of the group heading to the store. I wonder how this will go... He quickens his pace to catch up with the group.
"Hello there! My name is Daevin Arkinfald, with whom do I have the pleasure of adventuring with on this fine... oddly cold summers day?" he flashes a genuine smile as he awaits their response.
"Glad to meet you. I'm thinking of something. Shouldn't we need skis.. or cleats .. or something like that if there is so much snow ?"
"Hello, Daevin. I'm Kara and this is Ellowin, Narsius, and Jack." She gestures toward her new companions as she says this. "We were just discussing what we'll need for the coming adventure into the woods."
Ellowin smiles at Daevin as he approaches.
My my, up close he's quite the dashing one, isn't he?
"Hmm..? Oh! Sorry," realizing she'd ignored Narsius' question. Flashing another quick smile at Daevin, she turns to answer Narsius, "Well, the cleats are for the ice. They help with the traction. If'n it's snow you're worried about, you'll likely want some snowshoes. They're shaped like them rackets the nobles use to play their ball games with. Those'll help keep you from falling right through the crust of the snow. Won't be much good unless it's pretty deep snow, though. I've got a pair back home I'll be picking up, but I don't suspect we'll be needing them much."
Her brow furrows, "Still, if'n the weather continues to worsen, then it just might start snowing, and who knows how much. Might not be a bad investment, come to think of it."
She turns back to Daevin, smiling again, "So! Daevin, yes? Haven't seen you around the village before. New to our beautiful neck o' the woods?"
What on earth has gotten into Isker? He's never treated me that coldly before-- he seems like a completely different person!
Kyrianna accepts the shoes warily, eyeing the man in Isker's smithy, hoping to find some hint of the proud old soldier she's always respected.
She detours to the general store to pick up an apple for Ibris, and is pleased to see the other volunteers stocking up on supplies.
"Everyone finding everything alright?" She observes the rest of the group, her own face pleasant and open. "Hard to tell what we'll need to get.... I wonder if the man who was in Lady Argenta's guard could tell us more about what we'll be up against?"
Jack speaks something to Kyrianna.
Tis nnga v li rtht, hi do nif, I hev yit m hys gyt. idd ue wurr ndf Aregenta.
Narsius smiles at Ellowyn.
"Snowshoes it is then. Thanks."
He spends the following minutes checking his equipment and the content of the store, listening to the others.
He nods at Kyrianna when she speaks of the wounded bodyguard.
"You have a point, we should try to have as much informations as we can before going there."
He smiles at the group "It's a pleasure to meet you all!"
"That's correct, Ellowin. I just arrived today after traveling from Quadira while trying to find my younger sister. Last I had heard, my father had moved them north and I was trying to verify that they, or she rather, arrived safely. I have not been successful so far but I am sure she will turn up." Daevin looks at the rest of the group, his ears catching the talk of Lady Argenta's guard. Returning his attention to Ellowin, "Pardon me for a moment." he says with a smile.
"It would be wonderful if we could talk to the guard. He may even have a hint as to what is causing this winter."
Kyrianna selects an apple from the bin and places a few coins down at the till. "Excellent; shall we go see this mysterious midnight rider?"
Ellowin nods, having already considered it, "That sounds like a grand idea. Let's go see if we can be allowed leave to ask him a few questions." Nodding at Kyrianna, she adds, "I'm sure that since you're here, now, we should be permitted."
She smiles at Daevin, "She's a member of the militia, you understand. Has a lot of pull 'round the village. Not that we need the militia much, but the odd kobold or wolf sighting can set most of the folks round these parts on edge, so it helps to see the militia riding out to protect the village. And you never know when a local warlord might try his hand at taking control of a sleepy village," she frowns before turning her head and wiping at her eyes.
"Or kidnapping the occasional mobile noble woman. It definitely makes sense that a militia would be valuable in a village like this. I don't know much about the woods around here, but I would imagine that there would be its fair share of militia worthy dangers."He looks at Kyrianna "Yes, I'm definitely ready to inquire of this guard. Let's hope he knows more than the sharp end of a sword."