Kevros nods, "I am not an engineer but if it makes noise without any weight but its own, it probably needs replacing or repairing?"
"We know that we can cross to the north near the bandit camp at the Thorn. Might be wise to explore west of the river. We can dip back south and explore west of the river or return in the future. I will mark it on the map now."
Kev nods to Quince in agreement, "Do you or Warden Morgan know what lies on the other side of that bridge? Seems like a pretty elaborate bridge without a purpose besides crossing the river once upon a time."
Katrina snuggles into Kevros. Breathing softly along his neck towards his ear. She is ignoring the conversation since it does apply to her and she trusts.
Kevros turns red but keeps looking Warden-ish as Kev, Quince, and maybe Tristan talk about the bridge. He slightly leans into her breathing and does not tell her to stop.
"Seriously I could marry you right here." Quince chuckles.
"Open plains. At one time there may have been some settlers here. Living near the water is important, and having a way to cross would be as well. I agree make note on the map. We should continue on."
Kev looks at Quince strangely with a smile, "Sorry Quince, but Katrina and I are spoken for." Then chuckles, hears Tristan, nods, "Yes, let us continue?"
"Are we going to Oleg's or exploring more? I would prefer to have better armor and warmer clothes if we plan to be out here for more than a few days." Larina expresses her concern.
Kevros brother stays silent on the subject at hand as most subjects.
"Let's turn north and next time we are in the region we can explore the other side."
"I agree we have been going a number of days now. It would be best to return and gather supplies."
"I agree and lead the way."
Back at Oleg's you find a massive amount of folks milling about. Tents pitched up and many folk working on their own crafts. You even find Stalker amongst them.
"This place certainly has changed a bit. I will take the horses, feed, water and brush them. Come and get me if needed. If not I will see you for dinner."
After dismounting he offers a hand to Larina to dismount.
"You are welcome to help me with the horses if you like. We can then see to getting you some clothes of your own."
Quince smiles at the sight of Oleg's. "This endeavor might happen without us if we don't get infront of it." Quince motions Scram on, "We should find Oleg. He is either thrilled with the business or annoyed with the company."
Larina smiles happily and accepts your help and offer to help. "Yeah these clothes are oftly tight, but then again you can see my tight figure in them." She says with a bit of teasing and a wink at the end.
As they take care of the horses she asks, "So Tristan tell me about yourself? What brought you to the Stolenlands? What drives you? Are you seeing anyone?"
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_____
Oleg is mortified, at least that is what Svetlanna tells you. She is running the outpost business with several new wenches "My grouchy other half is mourning inside, but he will surface for food. If you want to try to encourage him when he does that would be great. Thank you again for everything." With that she hurries off with another order before going back to the bar. It seems they have at least one cook as well.
_____
Kevros' brother pulls him to the side when it is prudent and asks, "You likely don't want me around. You don't know me that well but I live better by the Five Kingdom tenants than what you are planning on putting together here. I mean I don't have much going for me anywhere but it seems I might be more of a problem than help. I am just trying to be honest."
Larina smiles happily and accepts your help and offer to help. "Yeah these clothes are oftly tight, but then again you can see my tight figure in them." She says with a bit of teasing and a wink at the end.
When Quince catches the flirtynes he looks over to Kevros who is busy doing something terribly sweet for Katrina. He then begins to look for the grig and the dragon. I know in some of the stories fey mess with peoples love lives. I wonder. He then catches sight of Angeus. I should thank them . . . nah this is legit.
Angeus allows Quince to pull her aside, smiling coyly at him, but still distracted by all the newcomers to Oleg and Svetlana's formerly sleepy outpost.
She only really half listens to what he's saying, but her attention is focused by his rushed proposal.
Frowning, she looks at him closely, from mere inches away, her eyes flitting from eye to eye , travelling his handsome face, then back to his eyes, and staying there.
Quince get's a little worried, for she has the most serious face he thinks she's ever shown him, especially since she was Fey-touched.
"Oh, my Love! I do so love you! " she says , suddenly laughing delightfully as if he told a ribald joke, "Marriage is for farmers and villagers! We're Wardens! Adventurers! You don't need a ring to have me! You already have me, forever !" she exclaimed, laying a palm against Quince's cheek. With a quick motion, she leans in and gives the Kitsune a long , passionate kiss.
The she steps back, grinning widely, her eyes holding his, she whispers, "Forever..." then with a sudden motion, she cartwheels to the left and runs towards Svetlana, gathering the woman up in an exuberant hug, spinning the laughing woman around in a circle.
After a short , intense discussion with Quince, Angeus runs over to Svetlana and picks the woman up, spinning her around and around in joy.
"Look at me, Svetlana, look at my hair!" Angeus cries out, desperate to share her experience with her friend, her multicolored tresses fanned out behind her.
"My how wonderful colors! How did you find so wonderfully colored berries?" Svetlanna giggles out still happy to be hugging a friend. She waves off the help and takes time to learn all about what the Wardens have seen.
Quince you see brother Jhod tending a garden patch.
As she continues to swing Svetlana round, Angeus laughs, "Berries!? This isn't dye, it's their real color....look!" she says letting Svetlana down, and holding out some purple hair for her friend to examine.
Angeus' eye widen as the secret passage is revealed, looking at Svetlana, "A secret! I love secrets!".
But her caution isn't forgotten, looking down , she see no footprints in the dust, "Good, you haven't gone in...could be trapped. Let me look..."
As a young man of only 20 and having lived in the stolen land his entire life only traveling to Restov to sell crops. It is hard for him to maintain composer at Larina's forwardness. Nervously Tristan smile as her comment and wink.
"Yes, Yes. The tight clothes are very nice on you. I am from here. My family were farmers and hunters. We traded with Oleg and would take crops into Restov. The Stag Lord attacked and killed my parents why I was away selling crops. Because of this I found and joined this group. They had a charter to rid the land of banditry. I got my vengeance a few days ago when we finally tracked him down and killed him. It brings up a darker side of me to talk about it. As such I was consumed by vengeance. I found comfort in faith and worship of Ragathiel. Seeing anyone? He gulps. "No. You can imagine not a lot of women come out this way. The ones I have seen have been while selling goods in the city or Oleg's wife. I have to admit. I quite enjoyed having you ride with me. And though I understand the tight clothes not being suitable for combat. You do fill them out nicely. He smiles.
Quince returns Angeus' kiss reigning himself in as they parted. He stands quiet with a happy but puzzled look on his face. But we aren't free if we sign the charter. Good leaders aren't free.
After settling the horses in Quince sees Jhod and makes his way over. "It seems things are growing here. How are things with you my friend?"
"Ah I see. I am sorry for your loss. Tell me of Ragathiel, I know of Sarenrae as I venerate her and a few of the other dominate religions but not 'him'. That is likely true but such a strong figure as yourself and handsome, yet no one..." She lets her words trail off as she stops herself. "Why thank you Tristan. Perhaps you would like to see me without these clothes on?"
Jhod looks up as he hears Quince, he smiles and stops tending the garden, "Yes here and all about. Things are different for me. Your mentor Jern came with many men and you just missed them by a day. They set out for Erastil's temple straight away."
"Well that is a silly." His words trail off as well.
"Are all warrior women as forward and confident as you? The stables are as private place as any. Let's leave the talk of religion for later and have ourselves a roll in the hay." He smiles as it was said in a bit of jest but also in a serious tone. Awaiting to see how it was received before he just starts undressing.
Quince smiles "By a day? He was here. That's more than I could hope. Did he leave any news?"
After finishing with Jhod Quince pops in on Alkron, Akiros and Kesten. He makes small talk and gathers any news.
"Nothing with me." Jhod responds rather soberly.
Kesten is happy to see you Quince, he offers to have a drink with you and enjoys hearing about your travels. He speaks mostly about how great it has been with a full score of guards, "It is great I barely do anything now, let alone before it was just managing those bandits of yours."
Alkron greets the boy with enthusiasm, "Quince, it is great to see you. I will finally be venturing out. Thanks to you Wardens! It is wonderful and I will be seeing that temple of Erastil first. Now were there any other sights that you thought old enough to wet my whistle?"
You would find him last since he is working compared to the others. You find him taking cut rock and building a building outside of Oleg's, he warmly waves at you as you head towards it. Then he stops and says, "Just starting on the church. Does Erastil really have churches, I know the cleric and paladin were talking about Iomedae but I once worshiped Torag. How do the Wardens fair?"
From the other side of the wall, the large lumbering man comes up with a bowl of mortar and begins slapping it down to continue making the wall. "Why hellow there Quince. Do tell us how you fair, any strange presents appear before you?"
Tristan realizes she may be using him, but as a young man who probably has only been with a woman once and probably at a brothel that his father took him to as they live out here in the middle of no where, Larina's temptations overwhelm him. He shimmy's out of his armor faster than he ever had before. He moves to her pushing her against the stable wall and lifting her as they move He kisses her aggressive and hard, but yet in a playful manner. He holds her aloft pinned against the wall and himself. There his kisses find her neck and upper chest she has exposed.
FIRST ARRIVING AT OLEG's
Kev dismounts first then helps Katrina down with a loving hug on the way down. Then looks at his brother as he kindly addresses him. "If you don't want to stay, that is up to you brother, you may depart. The only thing I ask is that you do not rebel against change as long as we remain fair and just. Of course, we can not make everyone happy but try to find good in the changes to come? I do hope you stay and I am sorry that if you feel I am not being as close as family should be. All I can say is I am trying but I have a lot going on right now and ask you kindly to be patient. If I was still in Brevoy's military, I would have had plenty of time to catch up and get to know you but things are much different now."
Alkron greets the boy with enthusiasm, "Quince, it is great to see you. I will finally be venturing out. Thanks to you Wardens! It is wonderful and I will be seeing that temple of Erastil first. Now were there any other sights that you thought old enough to wet my whistle?"
"Well if you stay we may have use for you. But I know that your interest was in ruins. The t3mple of Erastil is a sight to behold. To the south west we heard rumors of additional ruins. Our intent was to explore them. But things have gotten busy with the charter expansion. If you want to set out sooner than later they are in this region here." Quince points the locations mentioned by Tressia.
You would find him last since he is working compared to the others. You find him taking cut rock and building a building outside of Oleg's, he warmly waves at you as you head towards it. Then he stops and says, "Just starting on the church. Does Erastil really have churches, I know the cleric and paladin were talking about Iomedae but I once worshiped Torag. How do the Wardens fair?"
Quince smiles, "Community needs a center. A place connection most churches of Erastil serve as such but they are often used as schools or gathering places as much as worship." Quince notes his work, "You are a builder? We past a bridge you may know it south of the Thorn river ford. it is in need of repair. Is that something you could do? With help."
Kevros's brother nods in understanding letting you deal with business but in the morning he is gone.
Alkron nods to Quince and is actually heading out of the town.
Bearik nods, "Yes, that can be done."
After finishing Tristan lied there a moment relaxing in the hay Truly relaxed for the first time in a long time. He rolls over and kisses Larina passionately. Then pulls away.
"As much as I would like to just lay here or even have another go, we have work to do with the horses. If they are not cared for properly they will give us difficulty while exploring. You can help if you like or you can go see one of the others. They can take you to Svetlana and see about getting some proper fitting clothes. Though you do look great in the tight ones. I will see you at dinner and after I hope."
Whatever her decision is Tristan spends time brushing, feeding, and watering the horses before washing up himself and joining the others for dinner.
Kev goes about unloading the horses starting with Katrina's cooking supplies, places and stores them where and how she requests, "Katrina go and relax, and freshen up. I can handle unloading everything and storing it the way you want or you can check me after you freshen up." Kev smiles and winks at Katrina, then looks at his brother, "You can help me brother and we can catch up more that way, or you can also go and relax."
From the other side of the wall, the large lumbering man comes up with a bowl of mortar and begins slapping it down to continue making the wall. "Why hellow there Quince. Do tell us how you fair, any strange presents appear before you?"
Quince looks at the big man puzzled, "You say that like I could tell you we found a magic stone building in the wild that granted us all magical boons and gave us visions from the gods and you wouldn't think I am nuts."
Angeus looks at her friend and smiles, "Presents? Lead on then!".
Then holding Svetlana's hand allows her friend to draw her further into the secret passage...but still looking about for danger. Habit.
Larina using her hand plays on Tristan's chest fondly. She smiles and says, "I told you I would help and I will." She gets dressed in the tight fitting clothing and helps with the horses apparently knowing how to tend to them herself.
Once done she gives him a quick kiss and says, "I will find some better suited clothing, and after dinner we will play again. Find us a decent bed and bath and we can have even more fun."
Katrina smiles at Kev, gives him a quick kiss on the lips, and then walks away swaying her hips. Turning back and smiling at him. She goes and tries to find Svetlanna but can't seem to find her. She then asks around and finds out where she can take a bath and where a room would be.
Shortly after leaving Kev she returns, "It seems that Bearik will be tending to our needs tonight, no need for my supplies." She sits and relaxes watching Kev unload the rest of the supplies, loot, saddles, and such. Once he is done she ushers him to her with a finger. Once he comes over and bends down she grabs the front of his collar and pulls him down to get another kiss. "Bearik is outside of the outpost building a temple, we should go talk with him so we can get 'freshened' up together." She says hoping he will pick up on what she is alluding too.
Kev's brother shrugs and walks off leaving the business of unloading to his brother.
Bearik cocks his head to the side and his smile gets bigger, and responds to Quince with a chuckle, "Nuts? No, not nuts, perhaps a bit delusional. Then again the one who would put such a prize in your path must be an ally, if such a thing really was in your path."
Svetlanna pulls you before the billow of smoke and says, "Here is my friend Angeus, she is one of the Wardens, those that will soon rule the Stolenlands." Svetlanna has no malice in her words just truth, though perhaps some jealously.
From within the billows a deep belly chuckle emits and then the face and chest of a well built man comes forth, but only his chest and head. With happiness from his cracked lips he says, "Greetings and welcome to my domain. I am Sulvanii. I am sure you have many questions Angeus but first Svetlanna gets her wish." With a wave of his well oiled and muscled arm red magic forms around Svetlanna and armor comes from the pile of treasure coming to surround her. He continues, "Now you have the skills, ability, and equipment to be an adventurer equal to any of the Wardens. Also you are free to do so."
Svetlanna's eyes sparkle with tears and happiness. She takes a few moments to recover from the magic and says, "May one of your labors be lifted."
You see on Sulvanii's chest six tally marks on his right pec. One of them lights up as if by magic and disappears, leaving only five remaing.
Angeus' eyes widen with surprise when the pile of treasure is revealed, and even bug out even more when the cloud-man appears and turns Svetlana in and adventurer.
"What's going on? Who is...What is...? " she sputters, for once , at a complete lack for words.
Kev waves to his brother as he walks away.
Then later, smiles at Katrina and follows her to go and freshen up.
Quince gets a good drink to nurse finds a table where he can spread out his map and journal. He invites Bearik to sit and see. Erastil guard me if this is foolish but this man . . . this being may be a help to us.
Quince begins to share events with Berik picking the giant of a man's brain about each site telling stories of their adventures. As he talks he seeks to learn about the big man.
Later Quince spends some time in prayer and thought. Erastil I don't know what control you have in matters of love, but I am in trouble. In keeping with your teaching I know I must marry. But the woman who holds my heart . . . this might even be foolishness. But I love her.
Svetlanna nods her head to indicate yes.
Katrina holds onto Kev's arm as they walk to the building being built beside Oleg's fort and see Quince talking with Bearik and Akiros. She listens before saying anything to get a feeling for the conversation first.
Bearik nods when you talk about many of the sites that you have visited. He will get down and work on the bridge once the temple is built. Unless you want him to do that first.
You don't think that Bearik is a normal humanoid. He seems human in most of his aspects but he is too big to be human. He seems older than any demi human could even be. You believe him to be immortal possibly even an old god of some sort, though you could be wrong.
Nothing you remember might connect him to past events.
Kev walks in quietly with Katrina holding on to his arm. He listens while the (3) speak, "Sorry we are late, which temple? A new temple at the pool or the statue Erastil? Also which bridge? The large wood and rope one?"
Quince smiles, "One thing at a time." He winks at Kev, "We have folks at the existing temple now. We were talking about the rickety bridge here." He looks back at Bearik, "I think the ford serves as a sufficient crossing for now. But once things are functioning there we will consider our next moves."
He looks up at Kevros and Katrina. "I was picking Bearik's brain and sharing our adventures."
He grows serious, "Once we are settled and unwind we have a number of things to discuss. We have lots of business to discuss. We just got back today and I sense a need for down time. Perhaps after a day or so the Wardens can gather and actually put a strategy. Running a kingdom has many moving pieces."