He could see the mixed reactions of the townsfolk and couldnt really fault them. After all, he had mixed beliefs to what they had said as well. He had intended to stay back, try to keep the folk shielded from the going on's of the tower, but with the princess witch's speech he wasnt sure that would possible now. Which further set his path without much of a choice on his part.
"Ulfr! Wulfgard Gather the boys The battle at the tower was something to behold. I'll tell you all about it at the alehouse go on go on. Haelga hurry to the tavern and uncork the Festival ale first round for everyone is on me. Let the Mistress of the tower rest Come on now, hop to it."
He suddenly called out removing his helm so the folk could see his face. He pulled the medallion of his goddess out as well, something they had never seen him do, though most knew of his faith and he clapped a few times to get people moving as he let loose a full laugh.
He glanced back and shot a glance at the princess witch's party grabbing a behemoth of a man with a large wild beard and pulling him torwards the tavern.
Freyr smiles a little bit in-spite of himself as Fryja rallies the townsfolk around her. Reckless as she could be, she did have the charisma to draw in others anyway. Hopefully they could actually follow through with that fire. "Some rest would not be amiss," he agrees as Nadya invites them inside. "We cannot stay long, but it's best to be full and rested when we depart."
With the speeches done with Kleora felt relief. There would be partying, she was sure, but she was not really interested in it. She mostly wanted to sleep right then, though she should rest and restock on crossbow bolts as well before they left again. She knew they were likely to be partying into the night but she was equally certain it wasn't the kind of partying that she enjoyed.
Kleora considered what to do and decided she would go to the party at least long enough to eat. Maybe she would luck out and find an attractive person to spend her night with and share in her morning devotions. Her decision made Kleora headed into the tavern following the crowd.
He saw the pretty... druid... wizard... witch Kleora enter the tavern and he paused in his tale for a moment, he was waiting to see if the others were joining her. Not that well He wasnt telling the truth, just if the princess were here he would have to watch his tongue for sure. No sense in being too vulgar in front of her. He still wasnt sure about her. She seemed... well not standoffish to him but distant. Then again how could he fault her really? He would have been standoffish with an apparent guardsman at that tower too.
"Mistress Kleora, come come, sit here, make room lads make room. Get the lady an ale!"
He called out before continuing on with his tale about the ice dragon and Radosek's final well moments.
Kleora heard Kvell call for her to join him as he told the tale of the fight with Rhadosek and the "Ice Dragon" and for an ale for her. This could be interesting , she thought. She walked over towards him, her movements graceful, and she sat in the seat that had been vacated. She crossed one knee other the over and nodded to the server who brought the ale to her.
Kleora took a drink of it and then set it on the table as she said, "Not bad, my thanks Kvell." She sat then and let the man tell his tale of a fight that she was of little use in. That didn't bother her, she had already been nearly tapper out when it started.
"Thank you Nadya." Frjya said with a soft smile. She cleaned her blade and put it away for the time. "It means a great deal coming from you... you've lost so much..." She sighed.
Frjya's smile grew a bit when Kvell called her the mistress of the tower. Indeed now she was... because that is how it worked in Irrisen. Power, that was what matter. If you where powerful people would listen, others would take note and give you respect. Because of her blood Frjya had been given respect that she hadn't truly earned... but now she hoped she was doing something to earn it, to earn the power Snowtear gave her.
After a few moments Frjya entered the tavern as well to watch her people. Rarely had any of the ruling class done something so... common. Back in Whitethrone she drank hot coco from fine teacups in fine establishments in the safety of her status. None in Whitethrone would have dared laid a finger on her. At least none that didn't have the name Elvanna... Now however it would be known. News would get out of her taking the Pale Tower, of her taking the Town. She knew her mother and sisters wouldn't lift a finger to help Nazhena. Power plays like this where all too common in Irrisen and Frjya had the backing of the Elvanna name that Nazhena lacked. But when it got out that Frjya's target wasn't just the Pale Tower but Irrisen itself... then the true danger would begin.
There was no way her mother would give the throne up willingly... no this would only end in blood... and Frjya could only hope she had the strength to face her mother when the time came. Maybe with luck she wouldn't face her alone, maybe even alongside her grandmother the old crone herself.
But for this moment Frjya could smile and watch her people be at ease. Having been given a small token of hope she wanted to see what her people did with it. For too long had she been locked in a golden prison unable to properly interact with her people. No more. Frjya looked down at Snowtear and smiled as she gave the fox a gentle pet. Change was coming to Irrisen, she could feel it.
Kvell, being a familiar face to some, gets things in motion. Some of those present snap to it to do as requested. The promise of festival ale quickening feet and acceptance of the new normal.
A simple meal has turned into a proper party given the opening of the festival ale and things get down right celebratory. Someone digs out a fiddle and begins playing, not to loudly and not to badly. Some people move from group to group chatting and after some time the townsfolk get more bold and move form just glances at the party to small approaches. The first, and most bold, are the proprietors of the inn who had been a minor problem in the past. They approach Frjya.
"Mistress, it is a good thing you have done and we are sorry to have tried to dissuade you before. We have spent so long spied on and manipulated, it was hard to trust that you would not just make trouble."
Kevll and Kleora sit together as Kvell tells his tale geting a lot of attention. Eventually a child approaches Freyr, a little dark haird girl.
"Mister, you look so scary but did good things. I want to be like you when I grow up. Maybe get a big sword. Do you think I can do that?"
Frjya stood, watching and slightly bouncing with the new found music only to stop and hear the words of the inn's owners. The princess gave a kind smile and stepped closer to them, placing her hands softly upon their shoulders. "Please, your apology is respected but I cannot blame you. You did what you must to survive in these lands under my niece, under my mother... No more. May you shoulders be free of this guilt and duty for I shall not ask of you such a thing. You've no need to fear me, be kind to each other and help one another, tis all I ask." She released their shoulders and looked around the room
"I have never seen such a sight, I hope to bring this to all of Irrisen."
Freyr takes a seat not far from his sister's side. Though the villagers seemed grateful, there was no telling if one of Nazhena's agents was still lurking among them. He wasn't going to let anyone be harmed while he still breathed. He was rather surprised when a child, of all people, chose to approach him. His rather grim countenance rarely invited friendly conversation, much less with impressionable children. "I have to look scary," he says after a few moments of hastily collecting his thoughts. "My sister is always putting herself in danger and as her brother, it's my job to keep her safe. If I look scary enough, some of the bad people will leave her alone without me having to do anything." He winks conspiratorially, like he's sharing a big secret with the surprisingly unbothered girl. "I wasn't born like this though. If you work and train hard, anyone can learn to be strong enough to protect the people they love." He only wished that he'd been stronger sooner. His sister had gone through enough in her life that he couldn't shield her from.
"Bjorn! Bjorn lad help me clear some space. There should be dancing."
He called to the man with the fiddle before getting up to move to the bar. He still had concerns but watching little Hlaja speak with the intimidating Freyr gave him a chance. He moved to the bar and got a couple of ales... then had the barkeep add a shot of the hard bourbon to it. He made his way through the crowd and sat down across from the princess witch Frjya sliding her one of the drinks.
"I feel.... a pull away from this place and its not as cold. Your doing with the "
He paused and frowned glancing about.
"The rider.. his doing or yours?"
He asked taking a long pull from his drink.
"Oh uha, thank you." Frjya said to Kvell as she took the drink he gave to her. She looked over to her brother as he interacted with the child and smiled slightly. "He always got out more than I did but even then... We've been so sheltered..." Frjya comment before she too a drink. However she wasn't prepared for the taste of alcohol so it took a moment for her to get use to it.
"The Rider of the Evening, the Black Rider... He was dying." Frjya explained as she looked down at the drink. "I've never met them you know, as they only return every hundred years. But as an Elvanna, I was educated on many subjects, and it was not lacking when it came to my grandmother. The pull, the drive, it is from the Black Rider. A... Gift, but as all gifts of Baba Yaga's kind, well strings are always attached." She sighed before she looked to Kvell with a sad smile.
"You were brave to run into the battle to our aid. I know that my brother, my allies, and myself are only here now because of you Kvell. This will not be forgotten when we free Irrisen from tyranny. Cast down my mother and lead our people to spring."
Kleora was only slightly annoyed that Kvell had wondered off on her but she quickly managed to push that annoyance aside. One of the men at the table, an extremely hairy guy with a vicious scar on his cheek and severe body odor named Bjorn, had started getting a bit too pushy about her keeping him company that night bellowed, "An if'n not me then who gonna keep ya warm t'night wench! Yer guardsman 'oo left ya all 'lone 'ere!?"
Kleora rose and glared at the man and had half a mind to fry his sorry excuse for a brain right here and now. Fortunately she saw the perfect excuse as a very pretty bar maid walked past who she'd flirted with a few times when she went past. As the barmaid Jiselda, a buxom blonde woman, walked by Kleora snagged her around the waist, pulled her close, and pressed a fierce, lingering, kiss on the woman's lips to a number of cheers and whistles. Kleora broke the kiss off and glared at Bjorn as she said, "Jiselda and I will keep each other warm and you aren't invited."
He smiled at the princesses compliment about his bravery and could only shake his head sadly. If she only knew.
"I dont think it was bravery your highness. Had I known it was you and your brother I probably would not have done what I did to be honest. I thought that was the best chance to strike at the tower and its evils without causing the people to suffer. I will support you now fully but free these cursed lands from Tyranny? You all are probably marching to your doom. My family has served the mother of graves for hundreds of years. I'm here send the souls that pass on to their final rewards. I hope you make me look a fool. So..."
He drained his mug and waved for more.
"Drink up, the town is celebrating, they think it is a party...its a wake."
He nodded to her, shot her a wink, then rose from the chair. He moved torwards his original seat pausing and staring at Jiselda and Kleora and laughed shaking his head. Seems everyone was indeed having as good a time as to be expected.
"Bjorn... told you to trim that beard if you wanted attention. No one likes a wild beard."
He took a seat back where he had been minus Kleora.
"I guess I'd better get used to the cold that you folks find normal."
Taya joins in the dancing. Partly from enjoyment and partly to warm herself up.
She grabs a local by the arm and dances him around the circle as the fiddle plays.
As drinks come and stories and conversation is shared everyone fully relaxes. In a short time anyone looking at the goings on would have no idea that some of your lives were recently in danger or that the actions of the last few days have brought many changes. No, it just looks like a community coming together and enjoying life.
Time passes and the inn keepers get into the spirit more bringing out more food to be shared freely. The songs continue and get a bit baudy at times, almost as if the singer is trying to see how the dancing Tayanalla changes her dance to new words.
It is warm and people are happy. A good night is had and people even sleep a little late the next morning. As life resumes the party is left with the question of what to do next?
When Kleora woke the next morning she convinced Jiselda to join her for her morning devotion to the Green Mother. It was delightful having a partner for the right and she whispered a secret to Jiselda at the moment of their mutual release.
A short while later Kleora was back with her companions as they discussed what to do next. "We certainly need to stock up on equipment. I know I need more bolts. What about the rest of you.?"
"I haven't used many of my own supplies. But we should stock up on food and anyone who doesn't have supplies for travel in winter should see what the village has to spare. It's a long walk to Whitethrone and the elements are no more merciful than the witches around here." He glances at his sister. "Present company excluded."
He found himself laying in bed at the tiny hut he had lived in for most the morning wondering what he had gotten himself into. He rose and made himself a small quick breakfast of bread and cheese and doused the small embers in the hearth. He glanced about and packed up what he thought he may need, a few extra sets of pants and shirts, all the dried foodstuffs, his small book detailing the rights of his goddess, a small carving of a horse given to him a long time ago from his cousin. He glanced at the unmade bed and shook his head. There were a few good memories in this place still but... perhaps it was for the best he was leaving. With Radosek gone there wasn't anything for him here really. Maybe a romance with the widow Nadya? Nah... he wasnt good at romance.
He moved from the small two room home and made his way to the inn, the rough key to the place dangling from his hand. He saw the prince and princess's group eating breakfast and sighed. It hadnt been a bad dream then. He was hoping he had been imaging the pull her felt. He made his way to the innkeeper and asked for a weeks worth of dried food,pulling out his coin pouch and setting his home key on the bar.
"Here's the key to my place, I won't be coming back after I leave with these folk I'm afraid. Take it as payment or hell just take it."
He finally moved to their table and took a seat near it.
"I've a pull cart with runners to put supplies on if need to use it. I've a tent and some extra sleeping arrangements in it. No animal to pull it though, so we would have to take turns."
He sat quietly watching them as if seeing and judgeing them for the first time.
Kleora went about picking up the few things she needed for their hourney. Mostly she just needed ammunition as she had finalyl used up all of her bolts. She decided to err on the side of caution and picked up more bolts than she had previously then added a few days trail rations as well just in case.
"Do we head for Whitethrone now to find out more about the conspiracy against Baba Yaga?"
"It would be best.... oh... I have forgotten that you Tayanalla and Kleora are not from Irrisen so you don't know our history." Frjya said with a small chuckle to herself.
"Each Queen of Irrisen is upon the throne for one hundred years before Baba Yaga returns to put a new one upon the throne. My mother has been on the throne for on hundred years now, so my grandmother shoulder be returning to take my mother and all of my siblings, including myself, away and putting my aunt upon the throne." Frjya explained. "Freyr and I were sent away before everything started happening, but after meeting the Black Rider... well it doesn't bode well for the White and Red rider." Taking a moment for what she was saying to sink in she continued. "You see the riders are my grandmother's heralds. They come to Irrisen to purge it of all those disloyal to Baba Yaga, The White Rider, the Rider of the Morning then the Red Rider, the Rider of the Day and lastly the Black Rider, the Rider of the Evening."
"The Black Rider comes last, and we found him dying... I cannot say how the Red and White Riders would have faired... but the Red Rider is said to be the strongest and most ruthless of the three. If any could survive it would be him."
"But with Whitethrone being the seat of power in all of Irrisen, grandmother would go there. So it would be the best place to try and find anything out about her." Frjya finally answered. "If we're lucky we might be able to gain aid from any surviving Rider or others loyal to my grandmother."
"Given the condition we found the Black Rider in, I don't have hopes for the others, but there are always those with their own political games. Finding those not loyal to our mother may be our best option." Freyr makes a thoughtful hum. "Baba Yaga is powerful beyond most mortal comprehension. It's slightly disturbing that the queen was able to move against her so successfully. We're going to need all the help we can get."
Kleora listened to what was being said by the twins, about Baba Yaga and the riders and their bloodline. That the Crone should have returned, or be returning, and at least one of the riders having been so badly beaten was a cause for great concern. She considered carefully all that she had been told and learned so far on this journey before she responded.
"It is no wonder that the Green Mother has become involved. Winter covering the world would be bad enough but something that can threaten the gods is a threat to the First World as well," Kleora said. Kleora's expression tightened into one of concern and she took a deep breath making her bosom rise and fall with a bounce before she continued, "I was sent to that town by the Green Mother herself, now I understand why. Intrigue is part of her purview and I have some skill in it's application. Hopefully I can help ferret information out when we arrive."
Everytime Whitethrone is mentioned the pull from the Black Rider gives a little tug, clearly that is the path your journey will need to take. It has not been so long that the pull on you is a problem, just a feeling. Hering your conversations Nadya approaches.
"If you need a guide I am happy to show the way. I may not be much in a fight but the area around he is known to me well. I have the sled for moving supplies as well. Be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing as well as food.
[b] "Also, I have an uncle by marriage, Ringeirr, who is a fisherman in a small community called Fishcamps on the outskirts of Whitehrone. He has lived there for decades and can be trusted."
She looks at each of you.
"This is not all selfless. I will be moving my family as we go. Too many bad memories here. I will drop the twins in Ellsprin which we will reach in about a week."
She nods having said her peace. "Discuss if you like, there is not real rush for me."
She also lets you know that the full journey will take around ten days.
"While I'm not unfamiliar with the trip, last time we had a group of guards with us to help ward off the dangers on the road," Freyr admits. "Traveling with a group is certainly safer than trying to go separate ways. And it feels particularly foolish when we have the same destination." It feels a bit odd to be allowing near strangers to travel with them once again, but there is no doubt that Nadya is no friend to the other witches and leaving her to risk the journey alone would certainly upset Fryja. "I have no problem with traveling together."
"She has done more that enough for us to ask such brother." Fryja said with a small smile. "Nadya your offer is most agreeable, I thank you."
Then she looked to the others. "Is there anything you want to do before we leave?"
"My affairs here are settled we can leave after a day I could think. I appreciate the fresh start you all have given me, it is most welcome. If it holds this whole area will be for the better."
The trip is about one hundred and thirty miles and will take eight to ten days depending on weather. That speed is assuming walking with snowshoes and sleds for the wagons. A camp will be needed at night to keep warm and replenish your bodies stores of energy. A camp will allow you to heal as normal, cold weather gear will keep you alive but not be as restful to sleep in.
You first day of travels is quiet and calm excepting a raven swarm passes over headed back the way you came.
Kleora had no problem with traveling with these people, there was safety in numbers after all, and maybe she could get some of them to join in her morning worship. She had already stocked up on what she needed so the next morning she was ready when they left.
The first day was not that bad, slow going certainly, but manageable. She did see the swarm of ravens overhead and Kelora did not like what that portended. As there was nothing she could do about them she decided it was best to ignore them for now and keep a wary eye out for trouble.
"Ravens are never a good sign in this place," Freyr mutters as he keeps watch near the edge of the group. He's rather thankful that their first day on the road is quiet, but that doesn't mean that he can let his guard down for long.
"We still don't have a good way of dealing with flying enemies." Taya says.
"We should try to stay out of sight so they don't see us."
"The problem is, most of Irrisen is open snow fields." Frjya said with a slight shrug. "Though I only know the paths I've seen. Maybe our guide will know more?"
"Sadly there isn't way to keep them from seeing us without magic which I don't have..."
"If they don't attack us, there's not much we can do about them anyway. We're going to be targeted eventually, so if these are out looking for us, at least we know to keep watch a bit more intently than we already are."
"Can't do anything about the birds. We should be alright as long as folk keep their hoods up. We should see about bagging some game, for the furs, look like a group of hunters or traders then what with the sleds here. Nothing strange about that... even here."
He said simply enough merely trudging forward. He kept his eyes open though. He wanted to turn back to look at the prince and princess but kept himself looking ahead. Wouldnt do to give advice and not follow it. He reached up and touched his holy symbol hidden under his shirt and coat and managed to fight off the long sigh. Death was no doubt nearer than ever even in these lands.
Kvell see no sign of the swarm that flew over and Nadya tries to keep towards paths that have some tree cover. Kvell does manage to spot two rabbits and the party brings them down for fresh meat playing the part of hunters.
You settle down for the night, taking watches. On Freyrs watch he notices a slight sound of movement coming from around the back of the shelter.
Freyr is no stranger to taking long watch shifts, not when he had served much of his training on the Ulfan border. The instant he heard something amiss, his hand was on his blade and he sent projected a message toward his sister through their bond. "Sister, wake up. There is something moving about near the camp." He carefully moved across the snow, circling the camp to see if he could get a look at their unexpected arrival before what it was realized it had been spotted.
It appears that whatever is making the noise does not hear Freyr moving around in the night. In the moonlight he sees creatures, grimacing like a maniac, this lean little bat-eared horror displays a mouth full of needle-like teeth and glowing, orange eyes.
It would appear they are in the process of stealing food and supplies.
"Sister, wake up now! Thieving creatures in the supplies!" Freyr growls as he emerges from the darkness, his cold iron sword glinting in the moonlight. "Drop it," he orders the little imp-things. "Now." His voice makes it clear he accepts no argument.
Frjya slowly got up, rubbing her eyes. "Freyr? What?" She muttered as she shook sleep from her being. "What? The food?" Frjya asked with much more energy now. She got up from her bed and made her way to her brother's side.
Kleora, meanwhile, was soundly snoozing away with dreams of dangerous jungle delights giving her a tantalizing view of her Mistress' domain.
The creatures are clearly shocked by Freyr's shout and appear to be thrown off quite a bit. Confused chattering can be heard as they try and pick up as much as they can carry, clearly ready to run off with supplies.
These things are clearly no threat physically but will try and escape with your supplies. They gathering items what do you do?
[u] Stat Tracker [/u]
Global Combat Condition: NONE |Freyr HP: 38/38 - AC: 17/15/12 Status:
Tayanalla HP: 18/18 - AC: 18/14/14 Status:
Kleora HP: 16/16 - AC: 12/12/10 Status:
Frjya HP: 18/18 - AC: 16/14/12 Status: MAGE ARMOR
Kvell HP: 17/17 - AC: 18/10/16 Status:________________________________
Jinkin 1 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Jinkin 2 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Jinkin 3 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Jinkin 4 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Jinkin 5 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Jinkin 6 - HP: 6/6 AC: 18/17/13
Frjya snapped her fingers and lights flashed before the creature's eyes.
Frjya's snap freezes one in place for the moment. The others chitter and start to scoop up supplies, beginning to run off.
"Gremlins in the supplies! On your feet everyone!" Freyr calls out as he closes in on the nearest trouble maker and attempts to knock everything it's trying to steal out of its hands.
He awoke with a start at the sound of Freyr's voice and sat up rubbing at his eyes. His hand found his holy symbol easy enough and he grasped it while muttering a magical spell... A burst of shimmering light erupting in the area of the gremlin noise.
if they fail their save creatures are blinded for If they make their save they are for tghat many rounds and finally if they are evil they take Whether or not they make the save.
This spell has a 10 foot radius.
Kvell reacts with a spell that turns out to be very effective against these little goblins. A burst of light bursts forward catching all but one of the creatures. They do not even have time to scream as the light blasts them unconscious and dying!
The remaining goblin drops what it was holding and stumbles off into the woods. If there is the desire it an easily be tracked down and killed. Supplies are scattered but nothing managed to make it too far away.
Nadya is very thankful that the supplies were kept and you are able to settle back down for the night. The morning comes and the party gets ready to travel again.
After about an hour of travel you here Nadya tell Orm it is ok if he moves a little off the path to gather firewood as you travel.
"Well... that worked," Freyr says with a blink before he sheathes his sword and starts to collect the scattered supplies from the ground. "Nice done." He takes the time to make sure he doesn't miss anything underneath the snow before he retakes his spot to finish his watch. Hopefully that's the most exciting thing to happen tonight.
He nodded at Freyr's praise only blushing slightly. He was still wary of the man and his witch sister...but it was nice to be appreciated.
"Damn fey are always a nuisance but that usually startles them away."
He said simply once more returning to his bedroll and trying to get comfortable...until it was time for his part of the watch.
He was quiet in the morning and during the travels taking his turn pulling the supplies when needed otherwise keeping his eye for game. When Nadya told Orm it would be okay to slip away some from the party to gather wood slid further from the party to try and keep an eye on him.
The poor woman had gone through enough already and death always seemed to be waiting for the unwary, unlucky, or the fated here in Irrisin
"What was that...." Taya wakes up and shakes out the cobwebs from his head.
She gets up to speed on the gremlins.
Kleora finally woke up about the time the fighting came to a conclusion. As things seemed under control she simply rolled over to tryy and go back to sleep. She did hear Kvell curse about Fey being a nuisance and felt a wave of annoyance wash through her at his seemingly blanket statement. Ultimately Kleora decided her need for sleep was more important sos he decided to ignore the statement...for now, but would remember it for future use.