Ra'hl and his inquiries have picked Natasha's interest. She musters the frail young man as well, eager to learn more about potential nobles in the company - or folks who pretend likewise.
She seems to ignore the man who might just get crushed by orcish friendlyness.
Mattrim regaining some semblance of control realizes Cuddles has now come dangerously close to him, remembering the hug parts he quickly backs away towards the table, doing his best to avoid being hugged.
Eventually he makes his way to the table, sitting down and picking up a small piece of bread and nibbling on it while watching and listening eagerly to hear what is to be said.
Cuddles almost sweeps up the newcomer in his arms, but stops when the man stumbles backward. Lucy always said to only hug good people if they wanted it. Instead he unintentionally herds the retreating man to the table and tries to sneak bits of fresh bread in spite of Svetlana's cutting him off while the others chatter like squirrels.
Duška watches the bizarre sight of the monstrous orc seeking the elusive wild man for a hug with bemused eyes;
How very different things are now! In the Graven, the love was tough and hate tougher. Sour Veck, the Nettle twins, the Northman Krunnd... even Fallenoak... The only "hugs" they gave heralded of a knife in the ribs to those naive enough to believe their intentions to be merciful...
The half elf's jaw hardens as the memories of her former gang flood back.
The occasional good time, the many bad and the odd downright awful. Gods! Do I deserve this?
Osk clears his throat and gestures to the group to settle down cutting short a number of lingering questions and conversations. As Cuddles shuffles about the large fighter clears his throat and gestures to the floor briefly and utters a couple of quiet words in orcish,
Clearing his throat again and rolling out his own map of the area Osk frowns and looks at Anton, At some point I might need your help mine is far less...ah...precise... then quickly recovers. The warrior takes on a town that suggests he has give a fair share of briefings in his time and he talks clearly with a full voice so everyone can hear him easily,
As many of you know this area of the Stolen Lands is rife with bandit activity and has been generally unexplored and uncharted because of it. Acting under authority from the crown, Restov has been tasked with dealing with both these issues in the name of stabilizing the border and considering potential for an expansion or buffer against unwanted aggression.
Anton, Cuddle and Aleria here were part of the initial charter sent on behalf of the city and although their intelligence on the area has been good they have been hampered by logistical support and force issues. Additionally other expeditions sent to other areas of the Stolen Lands have been similarly hampered with at least one rumored to be missing.
I came here with three sets of orders in hand.
One was to change the primary focus of the current charter holders to that of the disabling, capture or killing of the bandit leader known as the Stag Lord by delivering a new set of instructions. I have done so.
My second order was to see to the aid or provisioning of the group in an attempt to bolster it forces. I was told I may or may not receive additional support. Clearly both through official action and happenstance, we have.
Which activates my third set of orders.
I have just discussed this with Kesten but now with proper support in place I have been given a field commission as a Marshall of Restov and am now their official eyes and ears. I am to aid your group as I can but my primary function is to see to a timely exchange of information and resources between this mission and the group as it continues its specified duties. I am allowed to show flexibility of judgement and work with the group to request supplies and materials while determining the best course of action in handling the "bandit" problem.
When the group was imagined as a small strike force, taking down the Stag Lord was viewed as a primary responsibility. In the case where more forces were present, the mayor had the sense to create a contingency in planning but only if it appeared that there were resources to take a more nuanced approach.
With the timely arrival of the rest of you I have chosen to "commandeer" Kesten and his men in an official capacity along with setting in motion seeing Oleg's role officially noted. There are rumors that successful clearing of the Greenbelt may lead to potential annexation or development and I mean to see whatever efforts are happening here well supported in case of that.
So there you have it. I am now a representative of Restov, you are now asked to continue to chart and clear the area and we can discuss how that is best done. Any questions?
As Osk is speaking he mutters under his breath "Reagent..." at the mention of "the crown".
When Osk is finished Ra'hl will rise and ask a few questioned, not necessarily directed at Osk but any who will answer. "What information do we have on these bandits, and how did you come about it. Do we know how many in their ranks? How are they organized? Do they have a home base of any sort? Is their a hierarchy to their leadership?"
Osk's eyes drift over Ra'hl as he mutters but the man simply continues his presentation.
At Ra'hl's question Osk pauses and waits to see who else might speak up...
"I might be able to ansewer some of these questions, good man." Natasha says with a fierce look in her eyes, clears her throat and then continues.
"Not long ago I had the displeasure of meeting the so called Stag Lord personally. In his home base." She seems to be lost in thought for a second, but swiftly finds her concentration again.
"As I already said, a few months ago I led one of the earlier groups Osk talked about into the heart of the Stolen Lands. It was all unofficial and planned as a first scouting mission. I recruited a few outstanding individuals from the fringes of society, mostly from the River Kingdoms, so that we may look like one of the many adventurer groups that is often seen in such places.
Once we made camp in the forest, we soon encountered signs of bandit activity - which was easily confirmed by the few more or less civilzed inhabitants of the land. It didn't take us long to find one of the bandit groups who were rumored to serve this Stag Lord and deal with them.
We were able to secure valueable informations regarding his whereabouts from the captives before they were dealt with permanently. After a few such encounters we decided to attack him in his fort and destroy the root of the problem.
Indeed, he has set up bis base of operations in a fort deep in the forests - it appeared to be an older structure modified and refinforced to function as an easily defendable position."
Natasha pauses for a little while, and appears to have difficulties to continues. She closes here eyes, takes a deep breath and does so anyway.
Her speech becomes more agitated with each sentence and something akin to fury or anger seeps in.
"We have planned our assault poorly and missed crucial informations. Under the cover of the night, we climbed the walls but one mistake was enough to alarm the guards and hell broke loose. There were more men inside the walls than we expected and they appeared to be better trained than those brigands we met outside.
And the Stag Lord himself was a much more dangerous opponent than we expected. He wielded his bow as if it was a part of him and while we managed to close into melee, he proved quite the passable duelist as well.
Two of my companions fell that night by his arrows and sword, and I was struck down from behind while facing him.
I had to crawl from a pile of corpses, covered in the blood of my friends, under the watchful eye of an old madman - and had the bandits not held a great feast in their Lord's name after our defeat, I surely wouldn't have been able to steal a horse and escape with my life.
What remained of my group dispersed itself after this as they were not willing to die for meager pay and the honor of a crown they did not swear fealty to.
I was unable to find replacements, as somehow the story of our defeat was made public in the River Kingdoms - and so I went northward, to report my failure and accept the shameful defeat I made possible by giving in to pride and the yearning for justice.
But I have found you.
And I will lead you to where this rat is hiding and drag him out by the horns of his laughable helmet.
And his head shall be placed by my hands upon this very lance which already has tasted his blood.
It is thirsty for vengeance and so am I!"
With the last words, she smashes her fist onto the table and stands up - her chair thrown back casually onto the floor. She stares into the distance with burning fury in her eyes for a moment, then closes her eyes once again, her lips forming silent senteces which seem to calm her down.
Anyway - anyone who is able to read lips can see her form a prayer to Erastil, asking him to guard over the spirits of her dead companions and to lead her arm to bring retribution
Cuddles waits for the fancy talkers to finish their talk. Meanwhile, he chews contentedly on a small (for him) slab of bacon that was, in fact, under the half-elf's chair.
While most of the words escape him, it's easy enough to tell what was happening through body language and tone. This Stag Lord kept coming up negatively. Osk was in charge, even if the fancy man hasn't taken that to heart yet. And the girl hunter had claimed Death Rights on that Stag Lord's head. All in all, pretty boring.
Duška looks with initial concern as the huge orc seeks out the slab of bacon dropped near her chair, shooting Cuddles a nervous smile as he approaches.
Her face soon hardens as talk turns to banditry and their role in these Stolen Lands.
When Natasha speaks of engaging the Stag Lord and his band, the half elf ranger listens intently, nodding subconsciously at certain points of the fell tale.
When the tall woman finished her speech, she allows the rousing finish to dwindle before adding her own thoughts.
Duška word's are soft spoken with a thick accent, requiring those interested in what she is saying to listen closely;
"Unlike Mistress Medvyed I have only heard tale of this Stag Lord but her encounter confirms what I know; a big man, and brutal with it. He rallied many lesser bandit into a formidable group, this is not easy, for bandits are... difficult... selfish...yes?"
She pauses, almost reluctant to say more, then adds;
"... Campfire rumors say his men fear him, and some would leave his side if perhaps clemency or freedom be offered. Not all bandits are as blackhearted as this Stag Lord yes? We should remember this..."
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Aleria looks over the table and notices the maps. Oi, what a fine mess this is going to be. Restov sends this man to protect an interest which is wants to spend the lives of others on, and looks like it already has. Our enemy knows that he is hunted. This will doubtlessly leave him much more cautious and prepared for our arrival. A fine mess. Deadeye preserve, aim be true this day.
Aleria walks over, laying her hand gently on the shoulder of the large woman. Her first words are whispered.
She paces around the tables in a circle a moment, as she thinks, and forms her words. "Our task remains as it once was. Explore the greenbelt, and liberate it from the bandits that plague it. Restov sends men to look after its investment in our community. So long as they respect our community, and honor its direction, I see no reason to turn them away." She gives Osk a stern but not entirely disapproving look, seeking to see if he understands her meaning.
She casts a glance to Natasha and Duska. She ponders a bit more, her gaze falling on Ra'hl, a measure of a frown coming to her face. A lordling looking for a kingdom. That's what he reminds me of. Though I recognize not his name. Though it seems some of the others might. Another puzzle for another moment I suppose.
Aleria finally comes to put a boot up on a bench as she talks to the others. "We have before us a goal. Simple in nature but not easy. Though I think it wise that we all remember something. No one of us here alone can stand against this threat. Division and poor planning will be the doom of us all. This community is ours now. A few titled men in a far off walled city may have sent men and supplies here, but they do not bare their blades and stand the wall to help us defend what for some of us has become home."
She sighs, looking to each of those gathered around as she continues. "Some of you came here, with ideas in your mind of what would happen, or how this task would send you forward with your lives. Some of you, this is an escape from a past of darkness and despair. Some of you, a chance to prove to those you left that you have worth. Some of you, a chance to seek justice for companions slain. I would submit to you all this: that is your past. It is what has brought us here together in this place."
She draws a dagger from her sheathe, twirling it on her fingers a moment as she thinks. "This place is in danger. The Stag Lord will not remain silent. We must prepare Oleg's against the bandits, and then strike out ourselves to end this threat. It is our goal, and the purpose that unifies us to action. Soon enough our pasts will come calling. Let us deal with one days work at a time. And it seems that our business today, is hunting down and bringing this Stag Lord to justice."
She looks about, and after a moment, thrusts her dagger, point down into the table for emphasis. "It is a time to choose, friends. What will your choice be?"
Ra'hl retakes his seat after asking his questions. He listens carefully to Natasha's description of the brute. ”Her story tells much, but leaves much to be desired. Hopefully cutting the head of the snake would scatter what remains of the bandits plaguing this land.”
As Aleria rises to speak Ra'hl's eyes fall to her, as he listens intently.
She paces around the tables in a circle a moment, as she thinks, and forms her words. "Our task remains as it once was. Explore the greenbelt, and liberate it from the bandits that plague it. Restov sends men to look after its investment in our community. So long as they respect our community, and honor its direction, I see no reason to turn them away." She gives Osk a stern but not entirely disapproving look, seeking to see if he understands her meaning.
She casts a glance to Natasha and Duska. She ponders a bit more, her gaze falling on Ra'hl, a measure of a frown coming to her face. A lordling looking for a kingdom. That's what he reminds me of. Though I recognize not his name. Though it seems some of the others might. Another puzzle for another moment I suppose.
Catching her frown, he ponders on it a moment. "I wonder what it is of me, she disapproves of so much. A woman of the woods she clearly is, but community seems equally important to her. That is all I seek to build. To stop a war from happening. To stop families from drawing steel against one another. I seek to keep Brevoy from drowning in a sea of blood. I do not see how any but the Usurper could desire anything else.
Aleria finally comes to put a boot up on a bench as she talks to the others. "We have before us a goal. Simple in nature but not easy. Though I think it wise that we all remember something. No one of us here alone can stand against this threat. Division and poor planning will be the doom of us all. This community is ours now. A few titled men in a far off walled city may have sent men and supplies here, but they do not bare their blades and stand the wall to help us defend what for some of us has become home."
Ra’hl shifts in his seat, ”Well that explains it some. She doesn’t seem to think too highly of nobles. Though she doesn’t seem to have the same distain for Natasha, so the mystery remains. I think it will do good for her to see me get my hands dirty. To stand side by side with the commoners on the battlefield.”
She sighs, looking to each of those gathered around as she continues. "Some of you came here, with ideas in your mind of what would happen, or how this task would send you forward with your lives. Some of you, this is an escape from a past of darkness and despair. Some of you, a chance to prove to those you left that you have worth. Some of you, a chance to seek justice for companions slain. I would submit to you all this: that is your past. It is what has brought us here together in this place."
She draws a dagger from her sheathe, twirling it on her fingers a moment as she thinks. "This place is in danger. The Stag Lord will not remain silent. We must prepare Oleg's against the bandits, and then strike out ourselves to end this threat. It is our goal, and the purpose that unifies us to action. Soon enough our pasts will come calling. Let us deal with one days work at a time. And it seems that our business today, is hunting down and bringing this Stag Lord to justice."
She looks about, and after a moment, thrusts her dagger, point down into the table for emphasis. "It is a time to choose, friends. What will your choice be?"
A shiver runs down Ra’hl’s spine at her intensity. ”By the gods this woman is wonderful.” A wide smile spreads across his face, his fascination with her founded by something other than her striking features for the first time since they met.
Ra'hl rises, his tall imposing form drawing to its full, his eyes burn passionately, a striking visage in the crimson pools. "I made my choice long before I came here. I have my own goals, as I'm sure each of you do. But, I pledge my all to you. If a man can not stand by his word, he is nothing. I gave my word to bring this brute to justice, and that is what I will do. No matter the blood or sweat it takes, I shall give everything I can. There are many questions that linger still, but do not let my loyalty to the cause be one of them."
Osk clears his throat slightly, To be clear I am not in command here. I am now officially empowered to request help and lend aid in a more official capacity. If it was not clear before you were under the order of Restov and they would have required verification of your actions and your claims. I have been entrusted to serve in that role and judge on the merits on the ground here. I will work with Kasten because he was basically serving in capacity as a watchman already. I will see Oleg's is safe since safety is a concern. I'm only here to help. In whatever way you choose.
Osk moves to roll up his copy of the map, I can also take my leave if you wish. I am an old dog and can easily explain it without casting a negative light on you here. If you would rather there was no influence or eyes from Restov, I would understand.
As she sits listening the speeches, Duška's eyes are drawn to her Harrow deck once more, and the ranger deftly flips over another card.
Glancing at it, she noting it is The Marriage, and smiles.
The Marriage. Maminka told it was the union of people and ideas, one that could bring forth great power and change, but once joined will never be brought asunder... A good card... a good omen?
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Natasha is able to calm down a bit after Aleria's words to her, saying a quiet "Thank you", then pulling up her chair again and sitting down.
She listens to her speech intensly, and a broad smile appears on her lips for the first time since she arrived.
"Your words are wise and hit the mark, Aleria. While most of us don't know each other, we are here with a common goal. And that makes us brothers and sisters in my eyes. What is truly important is to bring stability and safety, and that we will do." Natasha once again musters the assembled, then continues.
"While we are a band of people from vastly different backgrounds, I am sure this goal is on everyone's mind first and foremost.
But differences can become a strength all of their own, as I had already learned once. They bring viewpoints and experiences with them that will lead to conflict at times, but also to greater wisdom and mutual respect in the end. We shall learn from each other, and we shall grow together.
I made my choice to come here long ago, and i do not wish to leave with empty hands while murder and thievery are running rampant. I am yours with all I have to offer, my friends."
She then listens to what the others have to say.
Once Duska and Osk have spoken, she joins the conversation again:
"While it would be unwise to burden our work here with the need of confirmation from a town far away for every move we make, I see it as a great boon that help has been promised should we need it. And your presence here is a great benefit, as your age and long time as a soldier has surely gave you experience and a working understanding of tactics to support Kesten and his men.
It would surely be preferable to Oleg and Svetlana as well to have more poeple here to defend in case of an attack, and we might need your head and swordarm once we engage our adversary.
But I would ask you to refrain from reporting every little detail to your higher-ups. They do not need to know everything that is going on here. Things might drag from time to time and we don't want to make them impatient. And should we choose unorthodox methods to deal with problems, we don't want these men to barge in and tell us what to do either.
As Duska just told, we might for example try to give some of the bandits who are more misguided fools than bloodthirsty killers a second chance, and use their manpower to build defensive structures or help us in some other way.
I had to deal with men in the past who thought some sins to be unforgivable, and I was of a similar opinion. But I had to learn the hard way that there is more to this than a simple equation, and a life should not be sacrificed when a person may still come to follow justice. Once it is cut short, we lose more than we might expect."
Mattrim watches and listens to the various table talk, taking interest when the bandits are mentioned and not so much when the politics come up.
At one points he notices Cuddles attempt on the bacon, almost broaching a smile at the exchange between Cuddles and Duška. Perhaps Cuddles is more fitting of his name than I initially was able to see.
Finally he speaks:
"I have little interest in these politics that you speak of, I once knew of a town called Restov but it has been many years and a different life when I considered it anything close to home. As far as I'm concerned the politicians play dice with the woodlands with little heed for the consequences that may be had upon it."
He pauses and then his eyes take a sharper focus as he surveys the rest of the room.
"But if bandit removal is what you are after than I would be more than willing to join in on this hunt. I have little tolerance for the brigands who would rape and pillage the land and it's people for their own personal gain, such people are worse than scum in my eyes, and make even the politicians seem to be good of heart. I have spent a little time south of here though my knowledge of the area is not great for myself and my companion had to retreat due to the bandits and the local creatures. Though I would be happy to offer what aid I can."
Mattrim then eyes Natasha and Duška with a hard look and begins speaking his voice simmering with cold hatred.
"I have little sympathy for any bandits, whether they say they were fear-mongered into it or not. My choice would be to rid the land of each and everyone of them without quarter. Men and women who would agree to do what they do for any reason are the worst kind of people. They deserve neither forgiveness nor help, but to burned to the ground like a forest, with their ashes giving succulence to the ground for the future."
At Natasha's request for Osk to not "report every little thing" Osk offers only a broad grin and shakes his head as though to say "don't worry about that".
As the conversation continues Osk steps back until Marrtim offers a relatively harsh view of banditry, I'll just say that you need to come to some sort of consensus on how to handle the bandit issue. I know one of the original charter holders, Harsk, was a firm believer in a philosophy of stern justice. I would offer that many folks are lacking in the wit or the foresight to see past their own survival. A man who bandits cuz he's poor and afraid for his children's life may be lacking opportunity, not scruples... Osk offers a shrug, Regardless you might hammer that out before you ride out to the wild with half of you offering amnesty and the other half lodging arrows in their throats...
Anton whirls to face Ra'hl suddenly, a spark burning in his pale eyes at the audacity of the interruption. The question sets him back slightly, and his lips twitch into a frown, his eyes flicking up and to the left as if reading from the margins of some invisible tome.
"Sir Marakov? A title more fitting to my father," he snorts finally, as if snapping back to reality. "Ever heard of the Five Knives Adventuring Party? He was the arcanist of the group. Always in counsel with various planar beings. Angels, devils, psychopomps - anyone who'd listen, really. Man used to love to talk." He continus to work as he talks, setting aside various accouterments. "Eventually he retired, settled down in New Stetven, and married into House Lebeda. Kept his own name, though, and wished the same on me. Never had much patience for political affairs; he preferred to spend all day with his nose in his books. Seems I'm more like him than I thought. I'll confess I'm not as versed in such things as you undoubtedly are, Rogarvia."
He thrusts a pile of haphazardly-stacked papers into Ra'hl's arms. "Put these somewhere flat, would you? If it can be free of the remnants of Cuddles' breakfast, so much the better. It seems an awful lot of new people are intruding on my space."
____________________
"Well, there's no need for us to be ruthless," Anton points out at the discussion, having been quietly scribing a new scroll until now. "I for one vote that we don't mindlessly slaughter everyone and everything we come across. That would be barbaric." His eyes flicker to Mattrim as he enunciates the last word.
Duška holds Mattrim's grim stare with one of her own as she listens to Osk and Anton's comments.
At both speeches she nods, hands idly packing away her precious cards before the half elf slowly stands with a hard set to her jaw;
"So Hunter... Deserving of neither forgiveness nor help!? Is that the crux of it yes? Worst kind of people yes?! You know nothing of the reasons folk walk that path. I do. For I walked it once... and now I am here..."
Duška looks to the others in the room, fey eyes full of both regret and anger;
"Here willing to atone. To die for something. With strangers I have just met. For an edict I care little about. Yet you would offer me no quarter, have me burn on a pyre for choices once made..."
Natasha nods approvingly to Duska and watches Mattrim intensly.
"You should not be so fast to judge. As I said, I was of your school of thought once. I saw many a bandit executed by my companion who cited a holy obligation. I will never forget their faces or stop wondering if there had been another way."
The intensity of the conversation has Cuddles full attention, even if he only caught every third word or so. The hunter vs some of the women. Hopefully someone would say something he could understand soon. Or start punching. He could go for a good fight right about now.
Aleria looks on, listening to the conversation. Many strong voices, and stubborn hearts. Praise be to the Elkheart, that blesses me with stubborn wood to build a solid house.
Aleria steps into the middle of them and raises her hand. "Enough, peace be still, all of you." She lets her words ring for a moment on the heated air, before she takes a deep breath and continues.
"No one here I think would argue with the fact that the bandits need to be brought to Justice, and the Stag Lord needs to be laid low and punished for his crimes. However, the charter that I signed up on to said that the penalty for unrepentant banditry was as always execution by sword or by rope."
She shivers a little just from the intensity of her words, but also a bit at realizing that nearly the entire rest of the gathered companions towered over her. The weight of her size starting to really become apparent to her.
She steels herself a moment before continuing. "Wanton destruction and killing makes us no better than the bandits, but not punishing those who commit these acts against community and hearth is no better. It is a very uneven line we walk, this path of explorers and justice bringers. None of the choice before us are going to be easy. Our experience at the Thorn River was that there are men and women there that genuinely felt they could not make a better life for themselves without turning to a life of banditry, whilst others, like Kressle, reveled in killing and worse acts. Neither blanket forgiveness nor fire and sword are the best answers. We are going to have to weigh and measure each and every man and woman for their desires and their intents, and make that determination."
She sighs as she realizes that she is near shaking with anger and calms herself, looking around at each of them. "Are we going to sit here, and squabble like a bunch of children while the bandits roam and raid every passing day? I hate to say this, but the more time we spend talking about how many we should kill, the more innocent people they accost."
Aleria trails off, looking at each of them in turn. "Friends, for Deadeye's sake, we must stop fighting among ourselves long enough to realize that our enemy is not within these walls, but out there stealing and worse things by the sword. And the longer we argue about semantics here, the worse it is going to get out there."
When she finishes speaking, Aleria hugs herself a bit, and looks very out of place in the middle of the other six people.
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Cuddles sticks out his lower lip and goes back to chewing in his bacon. Leave it to the little woman preist to ruin the fun.
Mattrim's eyes stray on Natasha for a minute, and then settle on Duška. As he begins to speak, "You.."he stops as Aleria begins to speak.
After she finishes he sits still for a minute, his face in a painful looking grimace before going blank.
"I think it is foolhardy to allow any quarter but clearly I am in the minority here. Aleria is right of course, whatever the case the longer we sit here, the longer those...'scum' can continue doing what they please. I'll go with it for now, though if anyone of them prove themselves to be less than willing to seek redemption, then I will not hesitate to rid this plane of their existence."
Mattim turns back to Duška for a second beginning to speak again, then closes his mouth into a tight line. Instead he just looks at her with a stare somewhere between curiosity and anger.
Osk lazily fishes some food from the table as he watches the interplay. After Mattrim's last comment is left hanging in the air for a moment the warrior speaks again, So now that everyone is playing nice what is your plan? I need to know so I can coordinate actions with Kasten.
Ra'hl takes the books and papers placed in his arms and cradles them like a newborn child. He acts with care laying each book in a safe place. Quietly listening in as the others argue banditry, his face shows strong contemplations. "I never knew anyone disagreed with the hanging of bandits. I always assumed that the laws the crown passed were welcomed by all save the bandits themselves. How strange.
He keeps his musings to himself, and retakes his seat as Osk calls the group to a new conversation. "I would leave those dealings to those who know the woods. Would we be better served in a large group, or would it be more prudent to set out in multiple expeditions to cover more ground?"
Natasha, finaly relaxed again, leans back into her chair. "I don't know how much of the woods you have charted already" she looks clearly towards Aleria, Cuddles and Anton "But they are huge and full of secrets.
Until we finaly confront the rat in it's lair, we might be better served by splitting up to cover more ground.
We should plan ahead and divide the region into areas to search systematically, returning every few day to the home base. Osk could be used as a coordinator, ensuring the flow of information is not broken between the groups. In case a greater threat is determined, I suggest retreat after confirmation and a well-planned strike with backup from the other group."
She looks to Matrim. "I once journeyed with a hermit from these woods. You remind me of him a bit - are you by chance able to communicate with the local animals or use them as messengers? We used this tactic to our advantage when performing extensive charting in small groups."
"I can communicate with the birds, they areN't always the most helpful, they like to prance about making fun of our inability to fly. They also tend to leave out important details and note unimportant details, but yes. It's partially how I found my way here, I had been tracking a group of you and would use the birds to make sure I didn't get too close or far away."
"You happen to know my old friend? The propability is low as this forest is vast and he is quite the recluse, but one might never know. He is a Tiefling with pretty mighty horns and a slithly darkish skin tone, but lacking any truly strange features. Name's Talim. Was always traveling with his wolf brother."
Natasha's eyes betray some hope even though her words sound nonchalant.
Mattrim shrugs.
"Sorry but they don't sound familiar, I rarely interact with other people unless I had to. They tend to be too chatty and they are always afraid of Sab" he cuts off abruptly Idiot! Who talks too much now?
He then tries his best to ignore is misstep and continues on
"I don't imagine I would have gone out of my way to catch up to someone with large horns growing outbid their heads."
"Would have gotten along quite well with him. He hated talking too." Natasha says with a snicker.
"Don't judge a Tiefling by his horns they say, you know? You might be surprised what great friends one can find in the ranks of those who are shunned for what they are." Saying this, Natasha looks over to Cuddles with a smile and a wink.
"So who is this Sab fellow you mentioned? From my experience with such people as you, he or she is propably very big, furry and not very talkative."
Thinking about old friends and animals apparently improved her mood considerably, even though they are in the middle of what amounts to a war meeting.
"Well, uhh, what?" Does she know, or is she really that accepting, strange. Perhaps given her nature on those such as Tieflings it makes sense.
Looking somewhat uncomfortable.
"Well, I do not mean to say that I would judge another for just having horns. Just that if I were taking a 'stroll' through the woodlands and I spotted something with horns, on or off trail, it would not be my first priority at going to speak with it." Mattrim goes on, at his bad attempt at a joke, trying to prolong the issue. Finally.
"Well since you asked, his name is Saber, he is a Tiger and my longtime companion, we've gone on many hunts together, and he is well trained. Him and a horse I recently found are nearby. I, umm, didn't know what to expect here, people are not usually the most cordial to something like a Tiger, so I left them somewhere safe before coming here."
Makes me feel better getting it out there at least.
Looking at Natasha again.
"I think I would have liked to meet this Talim, one does not often find others who have bonded with those that others would refer to as beasts."
Mattrim seems relieved and almost happy at the topic of conversation.
After such heated discussions Duška sits back, trying to calm herself, though her fey eyes still flash with defensive anger when Mattrim looks her way.
Bandits have brought him pain. A pain that still wounds.. but wounds not wrought by me. Yet by my ilk... Ach Maminka, such a path walked is not easily forgotten...
As talk turns of the wilderness, she speaks up;
"In the woods I am at home. I see more, hear more. Step lighter. Am seen less... Exploring such places I can be most of use... yes?"
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Cuddles is licking the grease off his fingers when mention of a Tiger-kitty is had. He breaks into a huge grin. This whole wandering around the woods thing just got a whole lot funner. A Kitty! Yay! WHERE BE KITTY? he asks like a three year old who was just heard the word "sweets".
Eyes Cuddles a little uncertainly,.
"Well, the 'kitty' if that's what you want to call him I wonder how Saber would feel being compared to an common house cat. is outside the walls nearby, waiting for me. Though I think you might have the wrong idea Cuddles, Saber isn't exactly a common house cat. He's a lot closer to my size, actually he's bigger than me, closer to you.
Mattrim clearly is still confused about the Half-Orc, not sure if he was being serious or making a joke.
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"Well," Ra'hl starts tentatively, "Since introductions are done. We should look into organizing ourselves into two groups. Mattrim seems to be woods wise, as do you Duska. It would seem wise to split you apart. Cuddles seems quite interested in your cat, so he could go with Mattrim. Cuddles is without contest the strongest of each of us. That post can testify to that. I can think of no safer creature for a wizard to stand behind, if you are comfortable with that Anton. With the blessing of magic in Mattrim's group, I think having Aleria go with Duska would make sense. The two of you seem to be bonding well. If their are no objections, I would place myself in that group. I wish to prove myself worth of your trust milady. I will offer my blood to keep you both safe." Ra'hl says pointed towards Aleria. "That leaves you Natasha to fill the gap. Duska's group has the blessing of divine healing, so a second warrior trained in combat to the other group may be prudent. If we split outselves as such, that leaves Osk, Kesten, and his men to keep Oleg's safe." He lets the idea hang for a moment before breathing words to fill the gap of silence again. "I welcome your thoughts."
"This also keeps Duska and Mattrim separated. I fear her safety from that man, especially after she claimed herself a bandit in recent years and his desire to show them no mercy." Ra'hl thinks to himself going over the plan again in his head waiting on the objections he is sure to have lofted against his plan.
Cuddles was about to launch a barrage of questions at the man with the kitty, but he is interrupted by the furry man. All is forgiven when he is put with the kitty in an exploration group, so he smiles and starts licking bacon grease off his fingers.
Natasha is seemingly impressed with Ra'hl after these words.
"I took you for a show-off at first, Rogarvia." she intones his name as if it was strangely interesting. "But your reasoning is sound and the thoughts behind it seem wise." She reaches for something small that is hidden under her armor and pulls out a short wooden stick decorated with ornate ivy carvings.
"I have some skill with magic myself, and while I could surely not command powers as you myself" she looks at Aleria with these words "it is enough to use tools. This should suffice to heal those I accompany."
MMMMM... PRETTY STICK. Cuddles complements with complete sincerity.
Duška looks to Mattrim as Ra'hl speaks, almond eyes scrutinising him closely:
The Hunter stalks the forest. Yet to me it is my true home... Let him hunt ghosts of the past Maminka. I will walk with my future...
Natasha's words break her intense stare and the lithe half elf focusses on the task at hand, looking to Aleria with a reassuring smile:
"In the forest I have... was gifted small fey magicks... They will help us when we walk the weald."
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Well maybe there is more to the man then his pretty clothes. Mattrim thinks to himself after Ra'hl speaks.
An odd gleam that Saber would know for excitement enters his eyes as he begins to speak.
"I think those groups make sense, I'm not bad with my sword and Saber and I together are a force to be reckoned with. I know enough of the land I should be of service to help navigate our group as well.
I'm sure Aleria and you seem to be able to handle yourselves fine, from what I gather. I am a little disappointed to see what a man in such fancy clothes can do, if you fight as well as you talk, there might be hope yet."
Mattrim pointedly ignores Duska.
"Just promise me, Cuddles, that you won't crush Saber. He isn't the biggest on having his personal space invaded. Though what about you Anton? Are you fit for travel?"
Cuddles looks a little confused that would be invading anything, but smiles and, promises I BE NICE. WEEZARD ANT ON, BE FINE. HE LOOK SLOW AND SICK TO TRICK ENEMIES. HE WEEZARD, SO HE REALLY JUST WEAK.
Satisfied with the end of the philosophical discussion, Anton watches Ra'hl warily as he speaks. Of course I'd be placed with Cuddles, he thinks with a resigned, internal sigh. Just as well. I don't think the others are quite ready yet, and we've built up somewhat of a rapport. Perhaps the tiger will keep his interest occupied, so he doesn't try to 'help' me too much...
The sympathetic glances from the others don't escape his notice, and while he tries to ignore them, each flicker of the eyes, every word addressed to him carries that weight. Pale, bony, and hollow-cheeked, he's always been aware of how ill he looks, relying on his magic and the hard spark of raw intellect in his eyes to prove his own worth and strengths.
"I managed just fine in the months prior to this meeting," he says levelly to Mattrim, glancing up from his scroll. "I assure you, I am as fit to travel as anyone else here. You'll see that soon enough."
When Cuddles decides to offer his support, his eyes briefly flicker closed in annoyance. Yes, the orc's heart was in the right place, but did he have to say it quite like that?
Duška flashes a mischievous smile at Anton's cool retort to Mattrim;
"I believe the phrase is 'not judging a tome by its cover'? Sage advice to all yes?"
"So what kind of magic is at your comand, friend?" Natasha asks Anton, putting the wand back into it's pouch. "It would be wise to integrate this into our battle plan so that there are no nasty surprises for us."
Natasha looks then towards the map on the table. "You have marked here a 'towering sycamore'. What is so interesting about a big tree? It marks the borders of what you have already explored, so we might start there."
After a brief moment of thought, she adds: "But we must be wary. The Stag Lord's fort is not far from where the two rivers meet, at the shore of a sea which spans further southwards."
She marks the approximate place on the map. "I'm not quite sure about distances, but we can still use it as a point of orientation."
"I have dedicated my life to studying the arcane," Anton responds, eyes flicking to Natasha and hovering there. "I can confound and immobilize foes, call upon the elements to harm and hinder, and understand any language spoken to me,with the right scroll. My primary focus is the art of transmutation - the art of altering that which already exists in this world. Cuddles has particularly benefited from a few of my favourite spells," he adds with a wry smile. "Unfortunately, some forms of magic are beyond my easy grasp - namely, mind control, and dominion over the forces of life and death." By choice, he reminds himself. That's a temptation I don't need.
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Aleria watches Ra'hl and the others, listening into the conversation. She puzzles at him, frustration building. After listening to the prattle and conversation for several moments, she walks straight over to Ra'hl, and thrusts a finger into his chest.
"I am not sure what it is about you, your clothes, your attitude, the air of superiority, hells it could just be your name. The name in particular seems to be something everyone else here knows about, though its significance seems to escape me. That said..." she sighs her voice rising just slightly, tension building on her features as she thrusts her finger in his chest again, "...what I really would like to know is what exactly it was that happened that made you seem to decide that you are lord of the manor? The forest does not bow to title or blood, the bandits do not bend a knee to nobles or kings. I don't know who you think you are, Rogarvia, but it is time to stuff your overabundant self-importance and start being one of us. Or I swear by the Elklord's horns I will take you over my knee right here in front of the rest of them. This isn't some game, this isn't a proving ground so you can go show daddy how good a noble you can be leading around the bloody commoners. This out here is life and death, and for some of us here, a lot of death. And I will not have some pompous, overinflated, pontificating windbag endangering our mission or our company."
Aleria is fuming at this point, breathing hard, her face very flushed. The worst part out of all of this, is he doesn't seem to be too much at fault for how he arranged everyone. But I am not going to let some other little lordling endanger anyone else. I have been on the frontiers and the wilds for too long, and every single blessed time one of them decides its time to go show I can be the boss, I can rule the land. I will not be party to another one of these prattling gits again. Not if I can stop him from costing other people their lives.