At the mention of the offer of drinks from the tavern, Taya looks to Freyr and asks:
"You and your sister are obviously recognizable for what, and maybe who, you are. Do you think we could go to the tavern and spread some misinformation about our intentions?"
"It would be rude to decline such a generous offer." Frjya pointed out.
You do not notice anything that would have made the noise but, after a twenty or so seconds you do pick up on some thoughts. The mind is foreign but not malevolent. You pick up ons surface thoght. "They will bring trouble for the family. Leave. Leave!"
I am going to advance to the tavern but feel free to follow up on this and I will go backwards.
Arriving at the White Weasel you find a building almost identical to the tavern in Heldren. Again you are struck by the similarity of the two town. The biggest difference is that a large number of furs have been hung on the walls of the tavern to help keep in the warmth. The furs also insure that the classic tavern smell is amplified slightly as they have absorbed years of armoa.
There are about fifteen people present and while there is not a rokus greeting it is clear that many of them are curious about what you are here for. The tavern owners, Emil and Katrina Goltiaeva, greet you with large smiles. They present you with a round of hot tea which they had clearly prepared for your arrival and ask if you would like stew or a stronger drink. Emil lingers near you and asks very bluntly what you are doing in town and how long you will be here.
Frjya stepped into the tavern and rubbed her nose slightly. These kind of places were not the type that Frjya visited often. When the owners greeted them with large smiles Frjya removed her cloak to expose the royal clothes under it and her gloves which exposed her signet ring. Unlike before were she tried to hide who she was, she felt it was in their best interest that these people knew who they were dealing with. When seated she picked up Snowtear and set the arctic fox in her lap gracefully.
When the tea was placed before her she gave simply a nod in thanks. "The tea is enough." Frjya said before she sipped on it. "You are very bold." She stated as she looked at Emil out of the corner of her eye before taking another drink. "We will not be remaining long." Frjya said, placing the tea cup down to gently pet Snowtear. "Do you have some interest to what we'll be doing?" She asked with a raise brow.
After a moment Kleora shrugged and said, "Never mind, I must have been hearing things."
Kleora was pleased with the reaction to their arrival, some small towns, especially in darker places , could be very inhospitable to strangers but this one seemed to be the exception. When asked what they wanted Kleora considered and decided to keep her mind clear so she said, "I would like tea as well."
Her order in Kleora went to sit with her companions when Emil confronted them. Kleora looked at the man thoughtfully for a moment as Frjya spoke and tried to decide what would be best to do about him but decided that it would be best to let Frjya deal with this. Instead Kleora turned her focus to her tea and ignored the man until such time as circumstances dictated otherwise.
Taya takes a sip of the tea and smiles.
"Something a bit stronger would be appreciated. It would be nice to sample some of your local brews."
"We weren't really planning on being here in the first place. It was really just a lucky accident that we happened along to help fight that giant insect that was trying to eat Nadya and her fellow travelers." Taya tells the barkeep.
"I think we'll probably just stay long enough to re-provision ourselves, get some hot food, and sleep a night in a comfortable bed."
"Then it will be back on the road to Whitethrone and then on the wherever the road takes us."
Freyr accepts the tea in silence, not one to drink much even when he didn't need his wits about him as much as possible. He raises a single eyebrow as the innkeeper starts prodding immediately. It's almost impressive to see someone asking questions of a group with two Jadwiga in it. Perhaps a bit reckless though.
Kelora and Tanayalla you find the smell of the tea unusual but not in the realm of unsafe.
Katrina does a double take when Frjya speaks and is clearly confused by the look of her. She works her mouth for a moment before responding and glances at her husband. The room has fallen very silent at this point.
"I.... hmmmm. I guess I do not." She mumbles to herself as she moves to give tea to the others and fetch a beverae for Tayanalla. "Unexpected. What do do. Wanted them gone quickly."
Clearly the arrival of the Elvanna's has throwen off some plan. You would guess that she was going to try and get you to leave ASAP but is now at a loss for what to do.
As Tayanalla is more forthcoming she nods enthusiastically. Her husband, Emil whom is clearly nervous, nods as well. Once some tea has been had he continues to bable.
"Good good. Yes. Goood. Provisions, yes. Provisions and gone. Yes good to be gond."
All but Tanayalla do feel that concluding your business and being on your way would be the best thing. Not a compulsion but you are convinced that this is the best thing to do. Sadly you also do not get a hint as to what has caused this.
Kleora +200xp for jumping to the right conclusion.
Kloera found something...strange about the tea, it smelled off somehow. She wasn't sure what the exact reason was but attributed it to whatever kinds of herbs they used here, or maybe the water, either way it was still decent.
Her thoughts of the differences in the tea kept Kloera rom noticing anything more specific going on, though the fact that Emil was clearly nervous was obvious.
In the end it was more than a bit strange and it caused Kleora to think it was best to be finished with their business here and move along as soon as possible. Fortunately they had planned to do exactly that anyway so there wasn't a problem as far as she was concerned. Thinking it would be nice to go get some sleep soon she remembered one thing she wanted to do and asked, "One thing, could I get a small thing of milk or cream to take with me please?"
Giving a side ways glace at the two, Frjya took another sip from her cup of tea. "My brother tends to agree." Frjya said before she slowly set her tea cup down.
"If there anything else, we'll finish our tea and be on our way." She declared.
Taya is a bit surprised that Frjya seems so eager to leave.
"It seems that my friends are ready to bed down for the night. Thank you very much for the drinks and hospitality."
"More often than not," Freyr agrees dryly. "And you are simply better at doing the talking, sister." He finishes his drink quickly, not having a particular reason to stick around. The sooner they got their business taken care of, the better.
"I don't know if we're were making them nervous or if they're afraid of someone else." Taya says to Freyr under her breath as they leave.
"Quite possibly both," Freyr mutters back as Taya leans over and whispers to him. "Our niece would be extremely displeased if someone hid us from her."
"Their hospitality is only naturally expected when one such as myself is here." Frjya said as she stood and let Snowtear down.
As they leave she glance at her brother. 'We need to ensure we leave tomorrow, the less time we give them to return to the pale tower the more favor will be on our side. If they send guards to pick us up we'll be on their turf. Which would be even worse if our dear great niece has returned.'
You get back to Nadya's place without incident and bed down for the evening. The behavior of the inn keepers does seem strange but it is clear they were nervous to have you there. Nadya lets you know that despite owning an inn they are never hospitable to those from other countries unless they are clearly traders.
The morning comes and it is as expected, snowy and cold. Breakfast is being prepared when Nadya blanches and looks out the small window. She turns back to the group.
"Pale Tower guards, at least six, are knocking on a door down the street. It looks like they are going house to house. Bastards! I am sure no one will cooperate but...." She pauses and looks to her children "Hide in the closet kids. I wont lose another of you."
Taya looks to Freyr and Frjya and asks:
"Fight, run, or bluff?"
"We need to get to the Pale Tower, that is our end goal, if we go peacefully it would spare the people. Nadya has been through more than enough, I'd not wish to be more trouble for her." Frjya answered. Looking around at the group she said, "Gather your things, the sooner we meet them out there the less likely of a chance for things to go south."
Then she moved to Nadya, taking a hold of her hands. "Thank you for everything you've done for us. Your hospitality has been a warm fire amidst a snowstorm." She offered a thankful smile before she looked to her friends. "Ready?"
"It sounds like we should go out in the street and meet the guards there. Let's pull as much attention as possible away from our hosts."
Brave Protector,
We will be leaving in the morning as stated and I do not intend for that to change. You do well in protecting your chosen home and are to be commended for it. Please accept this offering for your hospitality, it is not much but the best I can do for the time.
May the Green Mother guide you in the search for your enemies,
K
Satisfied Kleora lef the note with the offering and went to sleep.
The next morning when Kleora awoke she went through her normal meditations before breakfast and had ust arrived when word of the soldiers came. Looking at the cooking Kleora sighed sadly and said, "It would be nice if we had time to eat but you are correct. That i likely the best choice open to us at the moment." Let us get bundled up and do this if it is our decision to do so."[/b]
"As ready as I can be," Freyr says with a resigned sigh. "But if they attempt to start a fight, I will not hesitate to end it."
The group gears up for potential danger and the ever present cold. The guards to not seem to see that you came from Nadya's home but they are headed that direction. The two that were coming that directions stop and the other four gather with them before speaking.
"Strangers what business have you here?"
"Just travelers ... " Taya says.
"We spent the night here to get a break from the cold."
Frjya let down her hood, showing her face, pale skin match by pale blonde hair. Eyes of violet meeting those of the guards who stood before them. "You dare call me a stranger?" She asked as she stepped up. "Is Nazhena's apprentice so lack with you that you have forgotten the look of a Jadwige, or the face of an Elvanna?" Frjya asked as she tilted her head ever slightly.
The guards are stammer and sputter a bit at Frjya's reveal. The look at each other and the one that spoke is kind of pushed forward to be the lead.
"Begging your pardon, we had no way to know..... Right... Um.... Again begging your pardon." He is clearly at a loss and takes a moment before speaking again. "My lady, we were sent on orders of Rodosek Pavril for Nazhena. We are to collect a local trader, Nadya for questioning. We... ummm... We can escort you saftly to the tower after that if it would be your desire.'
The timeline would dictate that these guards were not sent on report of the swarm that flew off.
"You will escort me, my brother, and those here with us to the tower." Frjya stated very sure of herself. "I need to speak with Radosek if Nazhena is still absent." She said as she looked off towards the tower. "You will also disregard the orders Rodosek has given you. There is no need for it any longer."
the guards don't even bluster at this because they are flat up confused and at a loss.
"This is above us clearly let us get the boss if you don't mind."
Before you can say anything one of the guards runs back towards the tavern you were at last night and shortly brings back Sergeant Volan Sertane. As he arrives a few villagers can also be seen looking at what is going on. It doesn't take much to see that Frjya ordering the guards has put her in a new, less favorable, light with many villagers. Even one of the people you helped with the mantis can be seen looking skeptical.
Volan is less cowed then the guards.
"Right. Lets sort this out."
Frjya looked to see Volan come out of the tavern they had been invited to. Of course, informants in any village so close to a winter witch's home would be expected. Even more so from those who ruled by fear above all else.
This couldn't be easy after all. Frjya had to step lightly but surely, even if at the moment she held more political power in her pinky than those here, it meant nothing if they didn't recognize it. Not to mention should a fight break out innocent people could be hurt. Frjya would not dare to risk it.
"You are their sergeant yes?" Frjya asked with a raised eyebrow. "I should be able to get something from you then." She said, taking a step forward. "I am returning to the Pale Tower. My brother and I have had enough of our outing. We, those with us included, are going back to the Pale Tower, and as thus I have requested your men as my escort. They have told me you're here looking for someone on Radosek's orders. However I outrank him, so I have given the order to your men to disregard his order and take me and my group back to the Pale Tower." She explained speaking very clearly but she didn't want to speak on the topic for long. "Now that should answer everything. Ready to leave?" Frjya asked the sergeant.
"Sounds good to have an escort. I'm getting tired of having to fight off the wandering monsters in the woods."
The sargent nods recognizing Frjya and pauses mouth open for a moment. He nods making a decision.
"My lady this is most unusual but of course we will escort you back to the tower. I am sure Apprentice Radosek will have questions. Things are changing and who ranks where... well none of my business." he softens for a moment "Radosek did not come up with the idea to bring Nadya in. We will leave her but if there is an issue please mylady, my men need these jobs and their families need them."
It is early in the morning and you can leave by mid day if you are ready.
"I do agree with that." Frjya said to Tayanalla, with a nod. "I do hope it will make the trip there easier."
"Your men have nothing to fear from me." Frjya announced as she held herself high. "I shall ensure your men will not suffer for following my orders over that of Radosek. If he has a problem he can take it up with me, and then be silent about it." She stated.
"I will speak with Radosek as well," Freyr adds, adding his voice to his sister's. He hadn't had enough time to properly get to know most of the Tower's guards, but he usually got on with their sort better than dealing with the rest of their family. "And make sure this situation is resolved without making a fuss."
Kleora enjoyed watching the manipulation of events that Frjya was accomplishing. The woman was quite manipulative when she put her mind to it and the Green Mother would be pleased. Kleora continued to keep her peace through out though she did nod when Tayanalla spoke of an escort being a good thing and said, "Yes, I agree. An escort is a good thing indeed."
As it is early in the day you can take your time to get ready before heading out. The journey is only six miles but given the snow it will take three to four hours to get there.
Shortly after leaving the town you see a very large crow swoop down low and fly off. Sergeant Volan mumbles that it is a Witchcrow but he doubts it will bother a group this large.
The Pale Tower stands upon a flat, snow-covered plain northwest of Waldsby. In clear weather, its battlements command a 6-mile view of the surrounding terrain.
Sharp winds whistle across this stark white plain, stinging the eyes along with the near-blinding rays of the reflected sun. A great eruption of frozen ice rises in the distance—an imposing pale tower crowned with icicles spearing into the sky. Seemingly born of the land itself, an unbroken circular wall of ice guards the tower’s base, with no means of entrance visible. High above, a large gash opens in the tower’s bowl-like crown, ringed in icy spikes and split by a massive plane of ice resembling an inverted crescent moon.
As you get close the guards us a mirror to reflect a signal back to the tower announcing their approach and that they belong there. Flocks of ravens, like the ones you fought, circle overhead. One flock swoops low over you and flies back to the tower clearly to report back. There is no way your arrival will be unnoticed.
The guards are heading directly for the outer gate.
"Do all of your people use such birds as spies?" Taya asks Frjya quietly.
"We may need to find either weapons or magic to kill them from afar if we are ever to move freely."
Frjya shook her head slightly. "No, they are just the most common." She comments.
"Calm, they will not harm us. At least not at the moment." Frjya kept her head high as she follows the guards towards the outer gate. She knew they had been noticed, and she would appear the Elvannan princess she was.
For the approach you are, as expected, unmolested.
A trampled path of snow, heavily tracked by footprints and sled trails, ends abruptly at an opaque wall of ice. Carvings and ancient glyphs depict only the semblance of a gateway on its surface.
The walls are roughly 25ft high and only a hint of a gate can be seen from the ice. As you get loser the ice wall parts and a portcullis raises. Those who have been to the tower know that this will not stay open long but you have roughly a minute to get though.
The head of the guards from the village marches though in front of you.
"Any idea who we're going to meet in here?" Taya asks the siblings.
"Some." Frjya said as she followed, waving for the others to keep in step with her so that they didn't get left out. "It depends who is still around, and if our great niece has return, however I do not believe that is the case." She added.
It is probably safe to assume there is some suspicion on you at the least. The battle with the birds would have not been unreported at the very least. There may be other information that has leaked out.
Frjya and Fryer would also know that the courtyard you are about to enter contains many kennels.
"The fight we had with those birds has likely been heard. But seeing as they dared attack one of the Royal family their lives were forfeit." Frjya explained as they moved through the courtyard
Frjya lowered her voice and moved closer to Tayanalla. "My rank ensures that I will not be harmed nor my brother but... I cannot say the same for you or Kleora. Here in Irrisen the ruling family is treated far better than anything. Some places if you're a powerful enough noble you could rival the Royal family... But not here. The only one who can command any harm to come to me or my brother is our own mother. If anyone else takes it upon themselves to bring us harm well... Let's just say the last time a daughter of a Queen of Irrisen was kill, she eradicated an entire family... Every man, woman, and child that could draw their line to them. They wouldn't dare risk it... But you two don't have the protection of our blood. Only the protection I can give you as one of my group, which isn't as great."
Kleora listened as Frjya cautioned her and Tayanalla about their safety and nodded in response before she said, "I understand Frjya, more than you may know. The Green Mother is not one of the good Eldest and her court and followers are at least as vicious as are the one here if not more so. While I may not have been to her court I have been taught much about them," Kleora gave a predatory smile to Frjya, "Now I will get to put my knowledge to the test."
"Almost all of the nobles used to be the royal family at some point," Freyr adds dryly. "Hopefully we're just dealing with Radosek. He's not exactly the strongest willed sort. Our niece is... more problematic. Be ready for things to go very wrong, very fast."
"I'll follow your lead..." Taya tells Freyr.
"Very possibly..." Frjya told Kleora with a slight not. "Either way, stay close. We're coming up on the courtyard now which has the kennels in it."
The guards step aside, not entering with you, and the portal though the ice quickly closes behind you. The twins probably know how to open it but know that it will take some minutes before it can open again.
A massive ice sculpture of a dragon dominates this open courtyard, standing with raised wings upon a dais of solid ice. Seven squat shacks sit along the inner wall, with several dogsleds stored outside. Between them, four ice chutes descend from the battlements of the outer wall. To the west, large double doors studded with icicles lead inside the Pale Tower itself, just beneath an overhang of sharp icicles dangling
from above.
The kennels that Frjya spoke of are all empty but there are bones of the animals over near a kennel that looks to have been used as a bed. You process this for them moment before there is a roar of an enraged ice troll with a wild look in its eyes. The troll is charging, not mechanically, towards your group the moment after you enter the area.
The twins do not recognize this new addition and with the speed it is closing you doubt your linage is going to stop it in its tracks, though you never know.
On the plus side you can move freely for the first time in combat!
Bold may act
Round 1
Freyr, Frjya, Tayanalla, Kleor
TROLL!!!
Day 4 - 2:30pm
-5 Degrees
20” Snow -[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: NONE |Freyr HP: 24/25 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 18/18 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 10/10 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 12/12 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:________________________________
TROLL: HP/ 45/45 - AC: 18/14/14
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