You don't see anything out of the ordinary in the room that you would consider useful.
Teppen listens carefully for each member to assent, then smiles and addresses their concerns individually.
You should ask your questions of Yuln himself. He's been in the back room of the Willowbark Apothecary since his arrival, tended to there by Tessaraea. She looks at Ali. She's of your type, I believe. The apothecary is the other side of the Silver Stoat, with the lovely garden in front.
Teppen eyes Davosh curiously, but says, I would direct requests of that nature to Old Mother Theodora, Heldren's resident wise woman. She is infinitely more versed in such matters than I. You'll find her home on the way out of town to the east, away from the Border Wood.
She asks each of your names and gives you each a writ that effectively deputizes you for the purpose of investigating the disappearance of Lady Argentea, though a close examination finds that it expressly states the bearer has no authority over the people in Heldren except as it might relate to said investigation.
I cannot put the nature of your foray into the Border Wood in writing, I hope you understand, but these extend to that as well. Report anything you find back here. And I ask again, please display all discretion and caution as you proceed.
"Eh, I don't foresee townsfolk giving us problems. I do expect that whatever nasty fauna walloped Yuln to give us all manner of problems. Let us egress to Yuln first. That'll affect what I ask Theodora for. "
Davosh gets up and turns to leave. Only at the last second does he remember that he should give platitudes and responses to Teppen. They seem half-hearted and ritualistic. Clearly his mind is moving forward.
Liska, however, gives a quick bark and takes a route out that includes winding through Teppen's legs.
"Eh, I don't foresee townsfolk giving us problems. I do expect that whatever nasty fauna walloped Yuln to give us all manner of problems. Let us egress to Yuln first. That'll affect what I ask Theodora for. "
.
Kappi gives a thanks to the council woman as he accepts his official writ. He feels very important as he carefully folds it up and tucks it into his sash.
Nodding at Davosh's words he slaps Vojtek on the arm , Yeah, lets egrets to this Yuln guy.
Ali surreptitiously elbows Kappi and whispers ttsst--"egret" is a bird
Vojtek takes the paper suspiciously. He looks at it, turns it over and looks at the back of the paper. The man turns the writ around a few different ways. He sneaks a look at his companions and imitates the sage look Davosh is giving the document. The paper is clearly upside down though.
The barbarian nods at the discussion of egrets and makes ready to depart. He heads out the door and walks to Willowbark Apothecary.
Ali surreptitiously elbows Kappi and whispers ttsst--"egret" is a bird
The youth whispers back Yes, Ive seen them in the south. The birds are all over some parts. Kappi hesitates looking at the elf then continues, I just uh... Dont understand the figure of speech. Egrets means "going somewhere" ?
/Groan
He said "egress." Means "leave." Really, don't you even know your own language?! Ali elbows the boy, a bit harder, muttering something in Elven.
|
Taking the paper reading it bowing his head in respect to the council woman, he listens to the banter amongst the new deputies.
Ahh! The puns of diction are always fun, especially when multiple dialects are concerned. Edward smiles at Kappi and gives him a slap on the back
Smile Kappi we have a caravan guard to go chat to. Lets egress so we don't have any..how did ya say it..egrets in the morning. Ha!!
Edwards laughs making a comical eyeroll and head point to Vojek and Davosh. All while giving a sly wink to Kappi
At this he holds the door open waiting for everyone to leave, and turns once more to the council woman. Thank you for entrusting us with this endeavour. This might take more than a few days, so please be patient and give us time to get all tasks completed.
He smiles and then makes his way to the guard.
So you all make your way to the other side of the Silver Stoat to a tidy home with a well-tended garden in front of it. A small, wooden sign next to the gate reads "Willowbark Apothecary."
It takes a few minutes after your knock for the door to open, revealing a slender elven female. She is pretty, if not actually beautiful, but looks quite tired. She stares at you a long moment before softly saying, I'm sorry, the apothecary is closed for the evening. You are welcome to come back tomorrow.
|
|
Edward steps forward, and gently takes her hand Miss, I'm sorry for the late hour I do realize your closed, but this will not take long. Just a few questions of your guest who was in the boarder woods then we will be along our way. I will even make a small donation to the apothecary for the trouble.
I place 2 gold sails into her palm
Just a few minutes of his time, then we will be along the way.
Vojtek was about to blurt out a demand to see the man Yuln when Edward manages to save the party some measure of embarrassment by speaking first.
The wiry barbarian looks closely at the elf Tessaraea. Already in this booming metropolis he had met more elves than he had ever seen before and the uneasy assumption that she was older than his Grandfather's Grandfather weighed on the man.
Watching Edward deftly handle the situation, Vojtek eases back in the small crowd so as not to alarm the lady with his admittedly frightful appearance. Vojtek knows he startles people, and while he is in no way self-conscious about it he is self-aware enough to think scaring this lady late at night would be counterproductive.
Vojtek turns about slowly, scanning the street they had just traversed and tries to pick out anyone who might have followed the group or who might be showing a little too much interest in their activities.
The elf looks at the coins in her hand and then back at Edward. She speaks with firmness, though still softly as she tosses them at his feet in one brusque motion. This is not a matter up for debate, sir, nor for sale. The Willowbark Apothecary is closed for the evening.
Edwards's Diplomacy
Edward's Sense Motive
Knowing he should probably keep his mouth shut and let Edward do the talking, the young Varisian pulls out the writ from the council woman ready to hand it to the elven woman if Edward cant convince her.
Vojtek tries to get a better understanding of the source of elf woman's reluctance. He breaks his gaze away from the deserted (?) street and observes her carefully. He is surprised to see her rejection of the money, yet he feels he can identify with the sentiment. What is she thinking? Vojtek asks himself...
Ali addresses the shopkeeper in Elven.
Please, Lady. We're trying to help! You have nothing to fear.
<--woooooooow. Killer rolls both!!
<Elven>She has everything to fear, just not from us! Let's let Edward do the talking</Elven>
Watching his companions' foreign language entreaties further close the lady's face, Vojtek speaks up from the back. His interpersonal skills were forged in the crushing solitude of the frozen north, so he knows he may not be all that effective. In any case he feels like he has to make the attempt.
A bit too loud, Madam, please may we come in? Miss Teppen told us to talk to you discreetly. There may be egrets about, and this conversation is not for anyone's ears but yours and Yuln's.
As the elf begins to shut the door, Vojtek mentions both Ionnia Teppen and Yuln, which causes the woman to hesitate. Edward takes the opening and gives an eloquent speech, leaving key subtleties here and there, and making important unnamed references to the Border Wood and to Lady Argentea and to pockets of winter. When his words are done, the elf stares a long moment at each of you, then looks behind you furtively and quickly whisks you inside.
Within, the mostly-dark house is as immaculate as the garden outside. A set of shelves on the far wall are filled with a number of bottles, vials, and flasks, each neatly labeled in the same flowing Elvish script. The elf does not say a word, but leads you toward the only light shining into the room, coming through a half-open doorway.
The fireplace in the back wall lends a soft glow to this other room, which is small but also tidy; along the right-hand wall is a table converted to a cot, on which is a tall Ulfen man wrapped in bandages. Anyone trained in Survival can take 10 to note that the human's nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded.
The elf moves to his side to whisper in his ear, and his eyes flutter open, his head turning with considerable effort to look at you. After licking his lips several times, he speaks, his voice a hoarse rasp. My ancestors would be shamed by my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, so perhaps someday they will forgive me. He pauses to draw a breath, wincing in obvious pain.
I am Yuln Oerstag, Ulfen warrior and mercenary of House Argentea...though I suspect the last of that will need to be amended soon. He chuckles a bit at his joke, which wracks him with pain again. After a bit, he continues. Tessaraea, bless her kind soul — if I survive, it will be due to her tireless care — tells me you are here to speak with me. I will be silent and allow you to do so.
Abruptly, Vojtek launches into something of an interrogation, although his tone is respectful and his expression betrays compassion. How came you to have such awful wounds? It looks to me like you have been scoured by the coldest winds and snows until your skin is black and dead. It is mild here, though. We were told you battled monsters of the north. What of them?
Vojtek moves to give the man water, dribbling a bit down his throat and dabbing the corner of his mouth with a bit of cloth afterwards. He respects this man, who clearly fought until he was overcome. He appreciates the man's reverence to his ancestors as well.
Vojtek waits quietly for an answer.
Yuln coughs, grimacing in pain. He is grateful for the water, nodding to Vojtek, and replies to the barbarian's question. We thought they were just bandits at first; outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us.
But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.
The warlock wanders the room absentmindedly. It appears as if he's not paying attention to the people or events. Instead he eyes and pokes at the items on the shelf. When Yuln speaks of the ancestors, Davosh immediately responds with an odd admixture of terseness and respect. He speaks in perfect and unaccented Ulfen. <Ulfen>"Worry not of the ancestor's judgment. For they save their judgement for the twilight of a man's life when all a man's actions form the sum of his life. It is your discretion that has led you from certain death and failure to this room. In this room your actions will set in motion a vengeance that even the Lord of Iron will take note of. So, worry not, the ancestors haven't eighed your life just yet.</Ulfen>
...Davosh doesn't bother translating or sharing. He returns to his explorations as if he had never stopped.
What are cold fey? Kappi asks in a quiet voice.
My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.
Vojtek is not embarrassed by his complete lack of knowledge. All his life he has needed things explained to him and he knows he has strengths in other areas that make up for his deficit of learning.
What is 'winter touched'? Do you mean they have snow on them? Vojtek continues, And did you find they had any particular weaknesses or vulnerabilities?
What can you tell us about how to find Lady Argentea?
|
|
I see your in pain here let me help you concentrate on our conversation instead of it Edward leans in close goes to touch the mans forehead till he nods in acceptance. Edward then whispers in his ear May Apsu's blessing take your pain away and make your memory sharp
Now my friend please tell us all you can about about the attack like exact location number of forces which direction they came from. Tactics leaders distinctive markings
What are cold fey?
To Kappi in a laughing whisper, Cold fey are what you get when you step out to piss at night with no boots. You better warm them by the fire or you end up like this poor fellow. Vojtek jabs a finger at the man's horrible blackened feet.
With his clipped accent, Vojtek's pronunciation of 'feet' almost exactly matches the Ulfen-accented utterance of 'fey'.
The winter-touched are fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man's forearm. But don't be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter. Vojtek recalls something of this legend from his times around the hearth with his grandfather, but no specifics come to mind as he ponders.
You fight them with cold iron and burning flame. Both burn them, and both are weapons they fear.
At Vojtek's mention of Lady Argentea, Yuln tries to sit up, but is quickly restrained by the elf, who gingerly lays him back onto the table. He lays back in resignation. Would that I could go with you, he says sadly. I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away. They took her into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I do not know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here.
Kappi seems a little embarrassed by his lack of knowledge. He starts to ask then shuts up. Finally he whispers aside to Ali (who enlightened him about the difference btw egress and egrets), ...um ah... Whats "cold iron"?
Miss Tessaraea, is there a smith in this si-tee that can sell me a cold iron weapon? I would be able to pay with real gold.
He bounces his belt pouch at his hip with his hand while he asks this. It is not exactly bulging, but he is satisfied with the soft chingle of coin within.
If I could buy a flail or a sword made of cold iron I would be well pleased. Any ideas?
Kappi seems a little embarrassed by his lack of knowledge. He starts to ask then shuts up. Finally he whispers aside to Ali (who enlightened him about the difference btw egress and egrets), ...um ah... Whats "cold iron"?
*whispers* It's iron mined deeper, and forged cooler, than regular iron. For some reason the Fey are vulnerable to it, like werewolves are to silver. but cold iron is expensive...and my purse is really light right now...
After he finds out that there is a friendly smith nearby with a stockpile of discount cold iron weapons, Vojtek asks, What of this Lady Argentea? Can you describe her? How will we know her? Can she fend for herself during an escape or is she soft?
Tessaraea looks carefully at Vojtek and considers his words. You are welcome to try here in Heldren, she says softly, but I do not think your search will bear fruit. Isker Euphram is a fair enough smith for this town, but not a master.
Yuln raises his hand as Ali speaks. I have a cold iron longsword I would be willing to lend, as I am certainly in no condition to wield it presently. It is a good blade, though nothing exceptional.
, Vojtek asks, What of this Lady Argentea? Can you describe her? How will we know her? Can she fend for herself during an escape or is she soft?
Kappi says nothing but realizes how important of a question that is. He truly hopes they can bring her back alive, but they could find nothing more then a few stripped frozen bodies lying in the snow...
Yuln needs little prompting to speak of the White Witches. He is much more animated than he has been previously, despite his injuries. Some 1,400 years ago, in less than a month's time, the kingdom of Irrisen was formed as the fragmented Linnorm Kings suffered a series of setbacks in the face of blue-skinned trolls and cold fey. They were led by a fearsome old crone named Baba Yaga, who then installed the first of many White Witches to rule over the land. Every 100 years, a new White Witch takes over in Irrisen.
Vojtek asks, What of this Lady Argentea?
Yuln shakes his head sadly. Not worked for the family for terribly long, but she's like any other Taldan noble...soft and over-protected.
Can't say as the Argenteans are any more — or less — important than any haughty Taldan noble family. But I know this: if one of the White Witches took her, no good shall come of it. The winter-touched do nothing without the leave of those who placed the ice in their hearts. If they're here, it's because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow. The Ulfen's voice trails off into a coughing fit.
Are we done here? Are we off to speak with the village wise woman?
|
|
Edward see's this man's conviction to getting his lady back, and defeating the plans of the White Witches if that's who's behind this.
Yuln, I am Edward W. Fell, and I will receive the gift of your long sword. On my honor I promise to return it when next we meet. Hopefully at that time we will have your Lady safe and sound with us.
He bows to both Yuln, and Tessaraea. I thank you both for your time, I hope our visit hasn't disturbed either of you to much. I think it's time my companions and I take our leave, unless they have any more questions. One slight request though. I'm not sure if these bandits have any informers in this town, so please lets not mention the things that we discussed or our involvement to anyone
I would recommend that we stay the night, gather our things and head out after a good morning meal.
Pray tell us something only Lady Argentea would know, so we might slay any impostors.
Tessaraea nods as she rises and works to calm the Ulfen's fit of coughing. Yuln can only manage to nod at Edward's words.
Pray tell us something only Lady Argentea would know, so we might slay any impostors.
<insert random tidbit of information here> ;-)
Tessaraea nods as she rises and works to calm the Ulfen's fit of coughing. Yuln can only manage to nod at Edward's words.
Pray tell us something only Lady Argentea would know, so we might slay any impostors.<insert random tidbit of information here> ;-)
OOC - good 'nuff :-)
[b]"It's time. I agree with Vojtek, I wish to speak to the wise woman first. Then I believe we should set out posthaste.
The party makes its way to Old Mother Theodora's home on the way out of town to the east, away from the Border Wood.
The party makes its way to Old Mother Theodora's home on the way out of town to the east, away from the Border Wood.
+1
Vojtek takes a poll of the other members of the group, judges the progress of the moon across the cold black sky and makes a decision for the companions.
On the way to their goal, he asks Edward to see the Cold Iron Longsword and admires it greatly before handing it back reverently.
What Vojtek said. If we can get a night's sleep AFTER talking to her, then let's do it.
You find yourselves on the porch of a lovely home, where the door bears a small sign reading simply "Midwife."
Davosh looks about, takes in the area, then pokes Edward in the ribs. "You're the one with the silver tongue. I'm staying out of this introduction. I'll speak up when it's time to outfit ourselves."