@ Nasrin
Elleross jumps a little as the kellid woman speaks from behind them.
Nasrin, trust me when I say I understand the loss of your family to these witches. I understand better than most. What you said inside shocked me, it.... It brought back memories I thought I buried decades ago. If you need to talk I will listen, we are pack now are we not? he says with a genuine smile as he makes his way back inside.
With gratitude and farewells from Councilwoman Teppen the party saddles up once again and heads back down the road toward the Border Wood. The Lady Argentea can be seen from her window in the Inn, now wearing a simple smock of white cotton and her hair washed and combed. She waves and smiles at your passing, mouthing a silent 'Thank you' as you go.
Before long you pass once again across the veil and are immediately thankful for the cold weather gear you salvaged over the past few days. The horses do not find the going any easier and whinny belligerently every time a hoof slips or a patch of cold snow falls from a tree branch onto their rump.
You note that the trail is quite quickly being lost among the steadily falling snow and Nasrin predicts that within a day or two it will be covered entirely and you will be reliant on other forms of navigation to find your way.
Within a few hours you once again reach the Lodge.
Despite being forewarned this time, the slog through the cold weather is still harsh and bitter. Though it only takes a few hours, Sapphire is glad to see the lodge again.
There was the spot further in the wood that was marked on the bandit leader's map, I'm thinking perhaps to head there? Not sure but that likely means crossing yonder bridge
she gestures at the rope bridge to the west of the lodge.
With his alchemical protection from the cold, Greyston still throws on his furs he knows mishaps can happen and it's smart to always be prepared but the slow pace of dredging through the snow is the killer.
Keeping an eye on Elleross incase the old elf has any problems, but he also makes sure to check on the others. While Corum and Nasrin seem at home in this cold waste he is still surprised at how well Sapphire moves in the snow. It's just me and Elleross city elfs and have the hardest time in this snow. "I wasn't looking forward to this snow again!" He shout out to no one.
He looks to Sapphire as she speaks and nods. "I hope the bridge is at least safe now but someone else could have moved into the cabin lets remember to keep our eye peeled. Just because it was safe doesn't mean it still is."
Greyston get's up early and heads into town to stock up he visits the only place he'll need Willowbark Apothecary. "Good morning Tessaraea." He smiles at the elf. "I've finally got some gold to spend and not just waste your time, i have a list." He hands the her his list of ingredients. "We saved the Lady Argentea, and we're heading out there again something has to be done about this snow we believe there is a witch involved in all this."
A bridge made of rope and wooden planks spans a narrow ravine. It's already covered in ice and snow, and it sways alarmingly in the
icy winds blowing through the gorge. The turbulent waters of a fast-moving creek surge through a couple of waterfalls far below.
Sapphire gazes at the bridge and the river far, far below, then takes a step back from the edge.
So I don't have a lot of experience with bridges like this, should we tie rope around ourselves and go over one at a time?
Acid splash,arcane mark, disrupt undead, read magic
1st lev burning hands x 1 colour spray x1 , endure elements x 0
Scrolls
Unseen servant
Magic weapon
Endure elements
Animate dead
Items
1x tangle burn bag
2 x alchemist fire
Rising early he prepares his mind for the day ahead and looking up from his spell book he immediately completes his endure elements spell.
I will need it today he says to himself as he watches the golden aura sink into him.
Dressing in his lighter travel clothing and his poncho he makes his way into the town and quickly purchases the items he will need.
Returning to the inn he packs all his winter gear into his rucksack along with his non essential items.
In his new pack he puts his food, water and the various spell components he has along with his parchments, ink and his spell book. He also stows the vials and potions he has in there for quick retrieval should he need them.
Making his way downstairs he eats a hearty breakfast of porridge heavily drizzled with honey and several pieces of fruit.
Joining the others he makes several trips into the inn and loads his pack and all the rope and other gear he has purchased onto one of the horses.
I picked up a few items we might need he says with a smile and as they set off he waves towards the lady as she watches them leave.
Nasrin is glad to be on the move again. She works diligently clearing the trail for the others to follow. Thorn ranges about in front of the party, keeping his nose on watch for everyone's sake.
Nasrin nods at Sapphire's suggestion about crossing the bridge. "Maybe that's best. Too many traps already."
Peering across the bridge Elleross doesn't like the look of it at all.
I think that is the best option sapphire, the footing looks treacherous.
I have a hundred feet of rope on the horse that should be more than enough to get us across. Maybe We can tie one end to the horse? so if someone falls the horse can pull you back up. Then once everyone is across the last person can untie the horse attach the rope to themselves and cross over with the rest of us holding the other end he says offering a course of action.
what do you think? And more importantly what order do we go across? Who's first? he asks
"I can go first, then Thorn."
As soon as she steps foot on the bridge Nasrin immediately feels how treacherous the frozen planks are and how wildly the bridge swings when the wind takes it.
Greyston watches as Nasrin makes her way across the bridge."The rope is a good idea Sapphire, lets take it slow and get everyone over. I'll go over after Nasrin, it might be best since Nasrin went first to have Corum go last it will be handy to have both of them on each side if anything were to happen."
OK Nasrin thank you for volunteering, and Grayston yes if Corum doesn't mind the idea of being vanguard then that sounds good
Sapphire tries very hard to keep focused on the task in front of her, and not thinking about the jagged, sharp, flesh-tearing, malicious-looking rocky chunks of magus-death below the bridge and eagerly awaiting her to cross...
"This is bad. Go veeerrrryyyy slow." Nasrin exaggerates the word as she does the action. The girl takes over a minute to cross the bridge.
Elleross watches the Kellid girl make her way across the bridge and he is impressed by her calm fearlessness.
He doesn't relish the thought of crossing that ice laden bridge, it is an accident waiting to happen.
what are we going to do about the horses? I am not good with animals, they will need to be led across he says we should unload them first, if they fall we won't lose any of our supplies he says as he begins to pull the packs from the animals. give me a hand with this equipment he says to the others.
Fort
Fort
Fort
Fort
Corum follows the others on the trail, constantly watching for danger. They reach the lodge without incident then attsmpt the bridge. He waits for the others to cross then goes last, careful on the slippery wood. He eventually reaches the other side and says. "Follow me."
He remembers the location feom the map in the lodge and he leads the group in the direction of their goal.
Nasrin crosses the bridge and feels an eerie silence on the woods. She can't see her packmates for the blowing snow and the world feels wrong.
Crossing the bridge at the girl's heels Thorn can feel every twitch and slip on the ice. Cold good. Slip Bad! No rabbits here! He is very nervous and not at all interested in what's going on past his own paws.
Nasrin slowly, and very steadily, makes her way across the bridge. At the mid-point the bridge catches a gust of wind so severe it lurches alarmingly and every instinct tells her to run and leap for the other side. But she knows the going underfoot is treacherous and in losing her cool, she would invariably fall.
Eventually, she makes it across safely, breathing something of a sigh of relief. She turns and scruffs Thorn's neck.
Suddenly, she notices something out of the corner of her eye, some slight movement in the tree beside this end of the bridge. From within the snow-laden boughs, a tiny blue-skinned creature lurks. As the girl and her wolf cross, it bursts from it's hiding place with a high-pitched screech that carries on it the true cold of the winter fey.
At the lodge they rest. The reprieve from the cold is welcome and they relax in warmth and comfort. A large fire roars in the hearth and they eat a simple but nourishing steww. Turning to Elleross the warrior says. "speak to you a moment?" He rises without waiting for a response and steps into the kitchen. As the old elf follows he turns and gestures to his arm.
"Saw your wrist earlier. I know what marks you. You have been branded and in my experience that means only one thing: you were a slave too."
The old man's face registers shock when the warrior tells him he know what the brand means. Befoee he can answer Corum pulls off his tunic and turns his back to show Elleross the angry scar left by the slaver's brand.
The scae is not the only one, his muscular frame is covered by a network of livid scars. Each tells a story; a tale of hardhsip and pain. His back, shoulders and chest are covered by hundreds of thin scars left by a whip. His right arm carries an area of angey puckered skin. The marks of a bad burn and his other carries many scars that could only be defensive wounds from some blade or other. Between these are various other marks left by arrow, tooth and claw.
Motikning to the brand and the whip scars he says. "I was a slave too but I escaped. What happened to you?"
Corum hears the screech from across the bridge and gripping his bardiche he begins to make his way across the bridge. "Nasrin what's happening? I'm coming to help!"
From nowhere Nasrin's head and shoulders are covered in ice, All wrong! She reaches for a throwing knife, and flings it at the flying little fey.
Once the knife leaves her hand, she shouts, "The fey are here!"
Her packmate in trouble, Sapphire curses at her lack of preparedness, still she can't do anything if she can't see what's happening. Gritting her teeth she grabs hold of one of the rope handrails of the bridge and starts to move across.
Sitting back and pushing his plate away he is glad they are resting this night in the lodge.
There will be many more out in the bitter cold he thinks as he lights his pipe from a candle stub on the table and draws the smoke deeply into his chest and his surroundings fade away as he turns his consciousness inward.
[/i]he moves along the corridor on the ground floor and comes once more to the glass panelled door , the smell of freshly ground coffee is strong in the air and breathing deeply he pushes open the door, he needs to visit Figo's again to remember her how she was, how they were.
A small alive bell twinkles above him sounding his arrival as he steps back In time as he makes his way into the coffee house.
Passing the smiling colourful portraits on the walls he looks into the glass case as he passes and sees all the wonderful pastries there.
Honey cakes, sweet frost rolls, rose scented cup cakes with vanilla icing, elven oat cakes dusted with cinnamon, heavy dwarven sticky toffee blocks and many more.
Making his way to the. Wrought iron table in the corner she turns to look as he approaches and he sees her again as if for the first time, the sun from the window behind her giving her a golden halo as her golden hair shines. she is without doubt the most beautiful sight he has ever seen and he smiles back as he rushes to join her ....[/i]
Corums gruff voice snaps him back to the present and he smiles at the warrior quizzically.
of course Corum he says rising and following him into the kitchen.
His heart begins to race as the big man speaks but it quietens slightly as he mistakes Elleross brand for a slavers tag.
can I keep hiding the truth from them? I will have to lie to his face if I want to avoid telling him now. he thinks as he watches the warrior show off his battered body.each scar he reveals is like another layer of pain he suffered and though not a slave Elleross can't help feel a kinship with him. Inside he was battered and beaten several times.
he has had it hard , I cannot lie to his face. He showed me kindness in the town when he didn't know me. I owe him my life as well, out here he is our guide and protector
He thinks and watching as he pulls his shirt on again he takes a deep breath.
I wasn't a slave Corum he says pulling up his sleeve this is a prison brand he says revealing the full brand it reads SH14582
@ the bridge.
Nasrin and Thorne disappear from sight as they are lost in the swirling snow and as the others prepare to follow a horrific shriek comes to them on the biting wind.
Did you hear that? We need to get across this bridge! Nasrin may need us he shouts even as Corum and Sapphire move toward the bridge .
take your time on that damn bridge, be careful
He shouts behind them as they race to get to Nasrin.
what do we do Greyston? Should we cross or wait? he asks the alchemist not sure what the best course of action is.
With a flap of it's wings the creature retreats away from Nasrin, twisting in the air and dodging the thrown dagger as it does so. In retaliation, it makes a motion as if throwing it's own dagger yet what emanates from it's hand is a shard of magical force that slams into Nasrin.
Getting to the cabin Greyston is quick to set his stuff down and begin to get his new ingredients out wanting to start on some new idea and forumel quickly. "Now we have some time i think i might try crafting something, this new lab kit will go along way in my research." AFter a few hours Greyston looks up from this notes. "It's nice here.. although the reason for us begin here is not good, its so quiet and its good to know you have friends close by."
"I don't think the bridge will hold more than one of us!" He frantically looks around as he moves to the edge of the river. "Sapphire be careful! you dont have a rope around you." He strains to see across the river. "Nasrin move as close to the bridge as you can! Sapphire is on the way over."
Corum co tjnues to edge across carefully. Nasrin has shouted something about fey but she has not called out for aid so he is confidemt that she is handling the situation. He squk ts his eyes to try to see what she faces through the swirling snow.
Perception
The warrior hears the words and for a moment he does not believe them. prison. But he seems so civilised . He sits down on a rough wooden stool and takes a small flask from his.pocket. he sips it and hands it to the old elf. "Drink? Seems like you could use it."
He wonders briefly how this man could end up on prison. He took him for some kind of official, maybe even a retired mayor or something. Not one for the subtleties of diomatic speech he asks directly. "What did you do?"
@corum
Elleross' mind suddenly snaps back to the first day he set foot in stone hold prison and he smiles a little, at the time he was terrified and rightly so.
would you believe me if I said I didn't do anything ? he asks the man and almost it seems like he's talking to himself. Taking the flask he drinks deeply, surprisingly he doesn't flinch at the strong liquor but then prison moonshine made anything seem tame.
During the first day, curious at having outsiders among them, a long stream of inmates came over and talked with me. Remarkably, according to what they told me, nearly every inmate in the prison didn't do it. Several hundred people had been locked up unjustly and, by an incredible coincidence, all in the same prison. he pauses as the memories fill his mind
On the other hand, they knew an awful lot about how to knife somebody. he says handing back the flask. I have spent nearly half my adult life behind bars for a crime I did not commit, a hundred years caged. I suppose it is like slavery in a way Corum.
A judge much like I once was didn't believe me and obviously the inmates had heard it all before so they saw me as a murderer as well.
I did not want to tell you my history in case you did not want me to accompany you. It is not something I want the others to know about yet I want to prove myself to them before they hear this. he says carefully , taking a deep breath he decides he has to tell him it all. I was convicted for murdering my wife he says his voice thick with emotion.
when Nasrin mentioned her family being taken by Witches yesterday it brought it all back to me, I had chosen not to think of that time for decades. locking the memories deeply away in my mind, this may be hard for you to understand but I rarely forget anything. My mind is like a grand palace, each room each item within it hold the keys to my knowledge and memories. To me it is a real place I may move around it as freely as you move across snow, there my age is irrelevant and I have filled it with every experience I have had , every book I have read is there for me to re visit whenever I wish, the walls are decorated with every artwork I have ever admired . Do you understand ? he asks the warrior and he can see that he doesn't quite follow.
Nasrins words opened that part of my mind that contains the night my wife died and those memories were too much for me to bear . It had been so long. What I told the others about me was true I judged a witch for killing five children and I sentenced her to death. What I didn't tell them is what happened next.. Reaching for the flask again he takes another drink.
the witch was part of a coven I suspect and the others came for revenge.
I came home as normal after work....and then something happened I remember a noise behind me and turning I saw the witch, pale skin, red demons eyes and hair like a dark night. After that I cannot fully remember what happened, it is like I was dreaming, I attacked my own wife Corum the person I held most dear in all the world and I stabbed her to death with a kitchen knife.i know that witch Hexed me with some spell but I had no proof! When they found me beside her, to them it was obvious what had happened and I was in no fit state to persuade them otherwise. I have spent my time wisely behind bars Corum, my knowledge is vast and my powers will grow and I will have vengeance against these witches and their kind he says blurting everything out in a near rush and he sags back a little deflated after the telling of his tale. I have only been out of prison a matter of weeks, I joined you to raise some coin to get the city and maybe gain some travelling companions but now things have changed entirely. If there are witches involved with this snow I will find them! and he looks to the warrior for some kind of reaction .
@ the bridge
Greyston I will stay here with the horses, I cannot rush across that bridge I will fall. Sapphire and Corum will get to Nasrin quickly and I hope they are enough to help her he says to the alchemist Corum once you reach the other side if you need us then shout and we will cross as quickly as we can
If Elleross is expecting a strong reaction then he is perhaps surprised when Corum just shrugs. In his line of work he meets all sorts and each man has history. He is inwardly surprised though How did a man like him end up in prison? I thought he was some kind of official or even a retired mayor or counsellor.
He takes a sip and says "I don't understand half of what you said, palaces in your head and such. But I do understand vengeance."
He hands the flask back to the old elf and decides he likes the man. He seems unsure of himself yet confident in his abilities and hell bent on revenge for being wronged. The warrior sits on a rough hewn stool and smiles. "I tell you eldster: I have met a murderer or two in my time. In my line of work it is almost part of the job description. You are not one."
He looks the elf square in the eye then, determined to share because he knows they have more in common than the old elf knows and he realises now is the time for honesty. "I am though. I am a murderer" The surprise has barely registered on Elleross' face before Corum continues.
"Before the slavers took me I was many moons alone in the wild. I beat the man who was married to my mother to death with my bare hands and turned my back on my village forever.". His eyes take on a glazed look as if he is seeing into the past, or into another life.
"I have told no one this but I respect you. You have given of yourself so I owe you. Never knew my father but my mother raised me for a few years. She was poor but beautiful. She married to survive. The bastard she married beat her regularly and turned his hand on me too. I was too small to protect her."
He pauses then. After a moment he continues. "One night, when I was nearly come of age, about 13 summers, I listened to him hurting my mother. Just like every other night. That night was different though. The anger built. Every hurt, every humiliation, every shame visited on us by him....her cries stopped suddenly. I went to her and....." His jaw clenches and he grinds his teeth. Elleross can see his knuckles whiten as he bunches his fists at the memory of her death.
"He turned on me then. I can't really remember what happened after. All I remember was the feeling as I crushed his skull beneath my fists. I left. I gathered some kit and walked into the night. Never been back."
He looks at the elf with burning eyes. "You see. I know what it is to murder. You do not. I believe you. We have fought together and bled together. Nasrin calls this a pack. She is right. We all have flaws but we stick together. Yes?"
The last question is not so much seeking confirmation, as seeking affirmation. He has bared his crime and knows he could be turned out as a result.
Perception
Corum can hear the sounds of battle, but cannot see. He knows Nasrin could be in trouble. She is isolated and facing unknown enemies. He glances down at the bridge. It sways in the breeze and patches of ice cover the worn boards.
He hesitates for a moment. He is no fool, he knows to charge across is to invite death on the treacherous surface but Nasrin is in peril and she has saved him more than once. With a silent prayer to any god that will listen, and an audible curse than anyone nearby can hear, he begins to run across the bridge.
His focus narrows as he concentrates on each footstep. All there is in his world is the icy bridge, his feet and the far end of the span.
Half way across he steps on a patch of black ice and loses his balance. For a moment the world spins crazily as he fights to regain his equilibrium. He stumbles and knows he is going over. He tries to right himself for what seems an eternity then his other foot finds a dry board and with a grunt he uses brute force, bracing his leg and contracting his core.
He Uses his strength to right his course, muscles and sinews straining as he fights against his own weight to regain his balance. He hurls himself forward, his weight suddenly shifting and momentum working with him to drive him headlong across the bridge. Somehow, he managed to keep from falling from the bridge and a mad laugh escapes from his mouth as he runs.
Reflex with hero point
The big barbarian dashes across the bridge, moving with each sway, anticipating the movement and reaching the other side where he sees Nasrin and Thorn engaged with a blue skinned fey that flaps around the pair.
As the man crosses the fey suddenly looks up at him and waves it's hand toward him... though nothing seems to happen.
Nasrin moves toward the woods, draws another knife and hurls it at the flying fey.