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Madeline listens intently as well.
One of the serving girls brings over a fresh flagon of mead for all at the table - she gestures to a somber looking man alone in the corner
"From him" she says, "In remembrance of your fallen"
Weehawk tips his dagger to them in a respectful salute...
Alexa looks over at the man sitting across the room.
She then raises her mug and waves him over.
Thank you for the drink, those that we have lost will be remembered. I understand that you have been hunting wolves here in the area recently. What brings you to this tiny hamlet?
Madeline helps make room for the newcommer, keen and intent to hear his tale about the wolves prowling about.
Vaghn blinks at the man, then smiles warmly. "Yes, please come join us, sirrah. Your kindness is appreciated, as will be your tales."
Seeing the new fellow joining them at the table, also nods in his direction as welcome. He looks a little intensely at the man - curious to hear his tale about wolves and his travels to Ravengro.
Weehawk shifts uncomfortably in his chair - any casual observer can tell from his short, direct mode of speech, that he is not much of a talker. His low, mirthless grumble seemingly emanating from deep in his throat doles out words with the same frequency a miser gives alms to the poor. One would not choose him to debate anything other than perhaps which chain mail pattern being best, a 1 in 6 or the alternating patterns popular in Cassomir.
His eyes convey a different story however, when cast upon you, there is no question that he is sizing you up, calculating your weaknesses and counting how many steps to close the gap. None of this is menacing though, more of a nonchalant observation that comes to him as naturally as breathing.
Hunting wolves I was, with me shield mate, Harn. A good 'un he was. "Go to Ravengro" he sez, "easy pickins in wolf pelts - build on our kit, then on to more dangerous foe" He sez, so I pick up me blade and we make our was out here to kill some wolf, but it seems the wolfs had other ideas...
Weehawk pauses thoughtfully a shadow briefly crossing his face
That's me story, and enough for me of mourning the dead, I seek others in need of a steady sword. What be your tale?
"Oh. I had not realized that you, too, have suffered a recent loss. My condolences. I am Professor Vaghn der Grafft, of Lepidstadt University. This is the lady Madeline Peshtussle, Brother Valen, Alexa, Kendra Lorrimor, and the stoic gentleman in the back is Tharnik. And we just may be in need of a stout blade, sir."
Alexa smiles at the newcomer.
Welcome. Come and join us for a brew. I am Alexa, you don't perchance have a name other than "shield mate of Harn" do you?
Tharnik steps forward and salutes the warrior. "Well met, sir. Did you take many pelts while you were out? I was hunting them myself before the shadow man attacked us." He looks at Kendra and Madeline for a moment before continuing. "Whatever is out there, with those wolves, isn't natural."
Well met, Good Folk, I be called Weehawk Warmonger Weehawk respectfully nods to all those at the table as he takes an offered mug of ale with one scarred hand The pelts were plentiful, but the coin won' be bringin' me friend back. dat "Shadowed Man" as you call him, will be giving up his pelt one day, for Harn, but for now I need more coin, and my sword grows dry. What terms d' ye have for one with a sword?
Valen recalls his own encounters with wolves on his way to Ravengro. "Aye - some strangeness is about when it comes to their breed," he tosses in at both Tharnik's and Weehawk's commentary. As he listens, he continues to stare at the hunter or his mug alternatively.
"Terms?"He blinks with uncertainty at the man's hiring inquiry and looks to Vaghn or Madeline - assuming they have more experience in such matters than himself.
Madeline smiles, both to Weehawk and thence to her companions.
"I believe the good Sir is commenting on monetary matters. In the nature of recompense for him sharing his time with us..." She says.
"He's a sell-sword, Valen." Tharnik says.
Madeline makes a small 'mue' of displeasure at Tharnik's 'shorter' reply...But otherwise remains quiet.
Alexa looks around the table and then begins to count on her fingers. After several attempts, she gives up trying to figure how to split the treasure and instead waits for one of her more learned companions to do the negotiation.
Wolves are but natural predators, they are usually not evil or known for evil acts. It is the one that is controlling them that is to blame for their actions. Likely an evil wizard or cleric. Perhaps even an evil druid or shapechanger, what are they called . . . a werewolf. It is despicable people like this that likely caused these wild animals to make a concentrated attack on this town. And it is the evil people like these that we must now hunt to stop them from further perverting and despoiling the beauty of nature.
It is clear that Alexa is really upset that wolves are being portrayed as evil, and that she is even more angry with whoever, or whatever, is causing the wolves to attack.
A shadow of distrust crosses Weehawk's features as he vainly attempts to follow some of the words he hears - not sure if he is being mocked or not.
Shrugging it off he continues to listen politely. To the uninitiated, the look on Weehawk's "polite" face might be mistaken for something else, a visage akin to what one could see on the face of the maul-wielder at the slaughter house before dispatching livestock...
Tharnik raises an eyebrow when Alexa mentions the word werewolf and gives the group a small, almost knowing smile.
Madeline arches an eyebrow in regards to Tharnik's behavior....Wondering what it is between the rustic pair.
Having gained some clarification and not wanting to seem insulting, Valen tries to clarify his confusion. "My apologies for my ignorance, Master Weehawk. Outside of matters related to Pharasma, my experience has been limited to such matters. I think we have found ourselves together more out of obligation these past few weeks than pay." He glances at others for reassurance, and then adds:"What has been your usual pay in such endeavors?"
He also gives Tharnik a pained expression of apology at Alexa's comment, and mutters "Pharasma, give us strength."
Weehawk's features glacially shift, his eyebrows furrowing towards one another as he ponders the question, laboriously deciphering both strange accent and word.
Ha' yer adventure's born anyting more dan a comrade's death? He asks...
No booty dat be shared among ye? Fame and glory are good, but I would be expectin' me due and proper if I be to riskin' payin' da butcher's bill, what be yer OB-LIH-GA-SHUN ezaktly?
Weehawk grimaces slightly, as he slowly sounds out the unfamiliar word
Alexa looks back to the big warrior.
We fight together and we divide what we find. If you wish to travel with us and you share in the risks, then you will share in the rewards equally. That seems the only fair way to me.
Weehawk looked at each one at the table - getting a sense of them. After a long moment Weehawk's broad face broke into a surprisingly sunny smile, he spat in the palm of his right hand and thrust it towards Alexa - waiting for her to take it...
Ye've got yer a new sword and shield den!
Not quite familiar with this hand spitting routine, Alexa extends her hand. It is clear from the dirt in each crease in her hand and under her fingernails, that the woman is more at home out of doors than within civilization.
Welcome to our group. I hope that you like to travel at it seems our path now heads north toward the university town of Liepstadt.
He spat in the palm of his right hand and thrust it towards Alexa.
(O_o)
Madeline does her best to hide her reaction to Master Weehawk's actions, though her leaning back and away from the proffered limb does give a slight inkling as to her feelings. That this new comer would reach for the other 'earthy soul' within the party does not surprise Madeline at all.
She gives a small, soft clap, "Indeed! Bravo and well met Master Weehawk." She offers a polite smile to the sword wielder, "Though with yourself to bolster our numbers I'm sure the journey to Liepstadt will be uneventful." She inclines her head politely o the fellow.
Well met to you as well, gentle-lady and to the rest of ye. Weehawk will be ready when you need me.
Madeline does return a smile at Master Weehawk's polite rejoined, before calling the serving lass over and beginning to organize the evening's repast for every one.
Alexa nods to Kendra as she takes one more drink from her mug finishing the ale. She then runs her hand through the tangled mess that substitutes for her hair, finding yet another small stick with a bug crawling on it. Looking at it with a smile, she casually tosses it into a corner before turning back to Kendra.
Yes, I am sure that the rest of the group would like one more night in comfortable beds before heading out into the wilderness on the road north.
Alexa's actions elicit no more than a slight shiver from Madeline as the small example of local wild-life gets casually presented and thence retired to a corner for the evening...
Valen - a little nervous at first at Weehawk's response - relaxes at the hand-shake agreement. He raises his mug as a salute to the fighter's statements and says a "Welcome, good sir."
At Kendra's suggestion, Valen finishes his drink and follows the others. He gives a small smile at Alexa's movement - though whether it is at what comes out or Madeline's reaction, he doesn't say. He mutters, "This looks to be the start of an interesting journey for us."
Yes, it will be good to be free of that horrid prison and out in the wilderness once more.
Well aware of his inability to gracefully handle alcohol, Vaghn carefully nurses his first and only drink, even after it warms past the point of pleasantness.
"I am curious, how many of you have been to Lepidstadt previously? It is not terribly large, as cities go, but certainly much bigger than Ravengro." He turns to Valen, his eyes alight. "Oh, you simply must see Gravecharge, the Lady's cathedral in Lepidstadt! There are carved skelatal horses all over the walls, thousands of them, and it is said that deep within the ossuary the lance of the great general Vielass still pins shut the mighty jaws of the wyrm Kulsyther!" He takes a sip of ale, makes a face, then continues. "Of course there is the University as well, well worth a visit. The libraries are the stuff of dreams there!"
Madeline's face brightens considerably as Master Vaghn talks of the city they are about to journey to. She nods,
"Indeed, the city has much to interest one." She colour's slightly,
"I was much younger, but a slip of a young girl, when I was there with my parents." She sighs as memories from a different time flit across the vistas of her mind. "Even so, I was entranced by the library and the what I though amazing expanse of the University." She smiles wistfully.
Alexa shakes her head:
I have never been to or seen Leipstadt. However, I lived in Tamrivena for a short time before hearing my calling to serve nature. I spent several years learning the druidic ways while living in the forest which lies between here and Tamrivena, just northeast of Lake Lias. Perhaps we could stop and visit my mentor, an old druid who rarely is seen by civilized folk. He is skilled in the druidic arts and may even have some magical equipment to trade. He does not craft much, but makes items with his natural druidic abilities that few magicians could create.
The Feather Step Slippers require [i[feather step[/i] as a prerequisite. This is a druid/ranger/bard spell, so I figure that this is as good a way to get them as any.
Weehawk asks no one specifically
How we be gettin' dere? To this Liepstadt? We used Harn's mule to carry our gear, but since den, been using only me feets
The next scene will be on the road. Everyone good with that?
"Oh, you simply must see Gravecharge, the Lady's cathedral in Lepidstadt! "Of course there is the University as well, well worth a visit. The libraries are the stuff of dreams there!"
Valen eyes are alight with interest as Vaghn relates the sites of Lepidstadt. On the road, he asks Vaghn numerous questions about the church, town and University: "What's is it like? Do you know if there are many books on Pharasma? My old teacher - Brother Geoff - taught there once, or so he said. Never did explain why he left. Do you know anyone at the church?" Etc., etc.
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Your group sets out the next morning, shortly after breakfast, with a light rain descending from the north - in the exact direction you're headed. There is a light fog that lies heavy on the ground, but it isn't really out of season for spring in and around the Ustalav. The streets of Ravengro are not busy the morning you leave, but Kendra, Tharnik, Sheriff Benjan Caeller, Father Grimburrow, and Councilman Vashian Hearthmount all make a point to see you off - the councilman making a point to tell you that you're always welcome in Ravengro.
Shortly before you leave town, Gibs Hephenus, who had long suffered you nothing but the most foul looks, hails you and grudgingly shakes your hands - thanking you for your effort. "Not ta shure whaz been keeping ma in such a foul mood as of late, but whateva ya'll did fixed it right. So, thanks. An I'm sorry fo ya loss."
The town, as friendly as any might seem in Ustalav, quickly shutters its windows as you depart - leaving you with the feeling that even released from their curse, the folks around Ravengro aren't going to be warming to any outsiders any time soon.
The road north is damp, with patches of mud that threaten to hold back your travels at several points - especially with a mule loaded down with gear in tow.
Some two hours before noon, the rain gets harder, forcing you to pull up your cloaks and seek shelter. It clears around noon and after a simple lunch of rations and cold stew (leftovers provided by the fine folks at the Laughing Demon), you're back on the road.
Alexa will stay at the front of the group watching for anything unnatural, or predatory, that might decide the party looks like a good meal.
Another beautiful Ustalav day. I have spent weeks here without seeing the sun for more then a few moments. Summer and fall are usually a little brighter, but this is not a land know for beautiful weather.
Having shed her armor, Alexa travels fairly light on the road knowing that few in the party have great experience with the wildlife, both living and unliving, in this land.
Lets go with a name of Ashcorn Greenspire for the old druid. When he was younger, he aspired to eliminate the blight that is the Gallowspire. Thus, he took on the name Greenspire in the hope of creating a bastion of nature to compete with, and overcome, the unnatural darkness that is the Gallowspire to the south. While he never succeeded, he kept the name when he retired and became more of a recluse in the forest to the northeast of Lake Lias and Ravengro.
Madeline smiles behind the high, upturned collar of her armored great coat. Her leather, tricorn hat deftly keeping the rain from her features and hair.
"While I admit the time seems rather long ago when I breifly travelled through these lands with my parents. A few decades spent in the arrid lands far to the South will soon give a person much appreciation for soft rain, cool days and pleasant greens." Madeline replies to Alexa from her perch atop the shaggy pony upon which she rides. (Demurely side-saddle, of course.)
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Muttering under his breath at the exorbitant cost for a last minute mule purchase, Weehawk brings up the rear. Those nearest Weehawk can hear him chatting softly to the mule in a friendly tone.
Don' be givin' me no trouble Mr. Mule. Don' be makin' me a fool in front of these people, and DONT think I dint see the way yer eyed that fine lady's pony! Thoze kind aren't fer de likes of us... stay away or I'll be gelding you me self!
Weehawk moves along with the others, his steely eyes scanning the sides, ahead, and to the rear, occasionally checking to sword to see if it slides in it's scabbard easily and his shield remains within ready reach.