Tristan escorts his parents out and finds a place and helps them settle in. He will make sure they are taking care of and provided food and will talk and explain more to them tomorrow after meeting up with the others to have dinner.
Kev helps Katrina whatever she has left and then picks up some of the chores around the castle since Oleg has been sick. Of course, unless Katrina is going to distract him. If not, he works until he has to get ready to make it on time. Regardless of his uninvitation, he is still going since matters need to be disgust and that is when the wardens will be all together. I guess it is time for both men to hold their tongue to discuss more important matters than buffing out their chests.
Katrina pulls Kev into an intimate embrace and keeps him occupied with her lips and tongue, kissing him as they hold each other. She shakes her head when he offers to help, "Dear that has already been taken care of and I have some other needs that I want your attention on, like your hands on my body and your lips there too. We can stay here or go to Beariks to clean up." She winks at him suggestively.
As they likely walk out of the outpost and head toward the foundation of the temple she brings up something that has been on her mind, "I heard that Bearik does not let just anyone into his house. I know you have your pride and I like that but a simple apology will smooth things out between Bearik and you. I know, I know but you can be the bigger man... for me?"
Akiros is stiil working on the temple with the priests, when one or more Wardens approach he will guide them to Bearik's entrance.
Kev embraces her and kisses her in turn. He winks and follows Katrina to where she desires in order to "take care of her." As they walk to Bearik's, "For you, I will apologize and hold my tongue." Then kisses her.
Through the shadow and you find yourself in a hallway, torches line the walls every 20 feet. The hallway has several doors on either side before you come to a large archway. Through the archway you see what looks like a great room in a massive hunting lodge. A half a dozen folk laze about. There is a roasting boar in the fireplace with no one turning it but it turns. Seven tables are set about to furnace the place with 8 to 10 chairs each. Cushions and a few couches are set about to watch the fireplace and give the feeling of a separate room. There are antlers on the walls with weapons on shields, and other armories. Eight doors are on the other doors likely leading to other rooms.
Bearik sits at the largest couch and he is talking with a lithe elf with a leaf circlet on her head.
Akiros then heads back up.
As you gather outside of Oleg's outpost from Quince's prompts you see that the group assembles. Kev and Katrina seem to be in good moods and clean.
Stalker motions for the group to follow him. He brings you another couple hundred feet to the South before nodding and saying, "All prying eyes should be far enough away that they can't read our lips. We should also be alone."
"Come on Bearik is right there we can get this over with so we can know where our room is located." She says perhaps a little more happy than she should as she pulls Kev towards Bearik.
As the group gets to the location Stalker designates she leans on Kev. She is simply glowing and appears to be happy.
Quince seems serious and somewhat earnest,"Thank you Stalker. Alone amongst the first Wardens is best. I had hoped we might have time to leisurely see to these dealings of organizing our new . . . I believe holdings as small as ours are called Dutchies, but eager explorers, those hoping for a new start and perhaps some profiteers have already begun to break ground here."
He looks at everyone "Assuming the charter is signed. Our lives will change. We become leaders not just to those we chose or those who will devote themselves to us or our cause, but each in the community is under our protection and more soberly our justice. Small actions will have import, weight and symbol will invade our actions in the eyes of those around us. In time our personal lives will matter to folk here and even our love lives will be matters state." He makes a point to stare down on his last point. "I have seen the weight of leadership it will effect you in ways none of us will foresee."
He looks at them, "This event tonight is our first sortie into diplomacy and politics. Dangerous even among friends. I don't like going into this without some matters locked down. I know us well enough to know that we are best as a council. We can pick out roles and particulars but if and likely when we are asked make it clear that we are making decisions over the coming days. Trust me we will find those trying to curry favor and those with their own agenda pushing our hand. This has already been happening and we are arriving late to it. Keep tonight fun and light. We do not need to reveal our plans just that we are making many decisions in the coming days and look forward to sharing once we have rested held council. I will announce that we will have another event in a few days."
Quince smiles, "Our host tonight has offered us each questions, we should coordinate so we are not approaching a riddle from the same side. He has already said he is not a Swordlord."
She continues to smile but her voice carries Quince's seriousness, "I understand that such changes are ahead. We will approach them together as allies, a council, and as Wardens."
Pulling herself up to stand on her own away from Kev she ponders out loud, "How many questions do we each get? I could ask about the pyramid and for him to state a yes or no if he sent it to us. Do we want to learn what kind of outsider he is or ask for him to state exactly what kind of creature he is? Or should we be aiming at his agenda?"
" . . . together as allies, a council, and as Wardens."
"I think what he is might lead importance because it will help us understand what he hides and we can work towards his agenda."
"I agree, if we find him a true ally we keep him close. If he still comes off as enemy or one on his own side, we keep him closer to watch over."
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Bearik, I think you are a c*ck s**ken milking whore!
How's that for Diplomacy? ... LOL
Kev playfully gives Katrina a little resistance and whispers to her, "Ok ... ok ... I got this!" When he is in front of Bearik, Kev changes his body language to a professional demeanor, "Mr. Bearik, I have come to apologize for letting my ego get in the way of progress. In order for the Stolen Lands to peacefully transition to a better place, we must be allies or friends to make this happen. So for the people and for us, I apologize for my earlier demeanor."
Current
Kev nods, "I agree with everything being said. As for questions to ask Bearik, I will leave that to more diplomatic members of our council since my earlier outburst is still fresh on his mind regardless of my apology. In other words, our relationship is still fragile." Kev states with a smile.
Quince listens to Kevros looking relieved like a large future unlikable chore was removed from an unspoken agenda.
"Are there any questions about him that you want an answer to?"
Kev nods, "I think we should ask for his entire agenda for the Greenbelt is? He will probably will not give us his entire agenda but he should tell us his plans for the Greenbelt."
"Thank you Kevros Droverson, I accept your apology and forgive. Please forgive my rash actions and you are welcome to join in dinner and your accommodations." He then gets up and offers his hand for a hand shake.
Once the interaction is done he offers, "Leana would you be so kind to show them their room."
The elf that was sitting next to him nods her head and gets up to lead the two of you through one of the doors off of the great room and the first door on the right is yours. She opens the door and then stands to the side out of the room.
The room is 30 feet by 40 feet. There is plenty of furniture in the room for most royal accommodations. A closet, a vanity, a tub with steaming water,
a four poster bed with veils, several chests, furs on the ground and bed,
a personal fire place, a wash basin on a table with several chairs around it.
There is also another door that leads into the bathroom with a smaller tub,
a toilet, and a water basin with magical running water of sorts.
Kev nods and smiles for Bearik's apology in return. The only way forward is if both men apologized for their egos being challenged. Kev shakes Bearik's hand firmly. He courtesy bows from the neck, "Thank you Mr Bearik for your hospitality and continuing support."
After Leana shows them their room, Kev nods at Leana, "Thank you Miss Leana for showing us our room." Kev shuts the door once Leana leaves to not be rude and locks it. He then looks at the tub with steaming water then back at Katrina and winks at her with a smile.
Angeus follows the others to the space away from prying ears, a pensive , thoughtful look on her face.
The revelation of her father's name and Tristan's unlikely reunion with his parents led her thoughts down unfamiliar territory; family and what that means to her. She'd only had her mother growing up and now the Wardens, they were a kind of family to her. She looks side-long at Quince. He wanted to marry her, and probably start a family sometime. Suddenly that was something that appealed to her...a bit. A sea-change from before where it was absolutely not!
With a little sigh, she turned her thoughts outward and caught the last of the discussion on Bearnik, "I don't think we have the right to question Bearik's 'agenda'. While gruff and oblique, he's aided us in his own way. I see no reason to distrust him...or to question him. Are you to question everyone this way, find out their 'agenda'? If you have proof of a conspiracy or something , fine, but we can't start our new Charter suspicious of everyone, especially those who have aided us." she blurts out, her multi-coloured hair moving as she spoke, giving physical form to her free-spirited mind.
Kev nods, "Very well, he also did apologize when I apologized to him and was hospitable afterwards so I am willing to hold my suspicions in the best interest of the Charter and peace throughout the Green Belt. Unless of course, future evidence presents itself to be otherwise. However, it is easier for me to state that since I was not born here. Tristan and Quince may have other thoughts?"
Quince listens and frowns attempting to explain he offers, "I think that Bearik could be an immense help to us. He my gut says wants to be an ally but there is more I would know if him and he has been coy in his answers. He invited questions. My apprehension is he has arrived on the news of the expansion of the charter has spent capital, hired men and clearly wants to be apart of things. My largest concern is that when I spoke to Oleg awhile back he did not want his home to become a village. He moved here for the simple life. We travelled these lands bled and fought to keep a bandit from taking what he wanted being a scourge on these lands. Our success lead directly to the expansion of the charter. If Oleg and Svetlana want peace and quiet then his lands are being infringed on. Even friends with good intentions can come in throw their weight around and in seeming service to our cause hurt people like Oleg and Svetlana who when we sign that charter are under our protection. If your concern is freedom then we should wonder at Oleg and Svetlana's feelings on this."
Kev stands up, "We will need to advise Oleg and Svetlana that it is inevitable for their outpost in continuing to increase in size because of where it is strategically. Maybe we should either convince Oleg to sale and either pay or convince Bearik to create a spring since Warden Tristan states this place needs water. Of course, if that is within his power? Or we convince the bulk of what is here to move operations to the area we selected as our capital? Giving more breathing room back to Oleg and Svetlana, and later add water with a traditional method so this place will only be a stop instead of a place of interest?"
"He could simply be a man with a little power. Enough to know what the swordlords intended to offer us and just wants to carve out a piece or attach himself. I agree he has proven an ally and we should offer trust until he shows he is not deserving of it."
"So are we going to talk about what questions we are going to ask Bearik? Do we have a limited number of questions? ... Quince, I think it would be guilable to assume that this outpost would not become larger. But if you are really worried about it you should talk with Oleg and if they don't want it, then we can tell the others to move... to where we plan to start, right?!? Wait where are we going to start if not at Oleg's?" She seems confused and trying to talk out what is going on, likely trying to simplify it.
As Bearik walks away he merely raises his arm and waves.
** spoiler omitted **
With Quince running to catch up with him he stops and listens to your questions, responding simply, "I am no noble. Not anymore. I have been many things in my life. I have told you before, I wish to better men and I have been in these lands before. Some men need someone to lead them and they are better for it. That is why I collect them. If I continue to gain followers at this rate I will be able to create again. Sorry Quince I am sure you are questioning why I am being so vague. Unless you ask me something specific why should I give you a specific answer? As the Wardens will be claiming these lands for themselves and by proxy the Swordlords of Restov, I will allow each of you to ask one question each before you choose to let me within your fold."
Quince listens and answers the easy question first, "The fort of the former Staglord would be a good place. For a settlement but you are right his outpost would simply become a good way station. There are also fords that offer control of river crossing which can be convient."
Quince sighs, "As for Bearik he offered us each one question. He was also particular that the questions be specific. I don't see him offering answers to generalities. I had not considered his involvement in the piramid that might be a good question. He is working with followers of Iomedae, perhaps we should ask if he is also a follower? He also said that he is collecting followers and that soon he could create again. What has he created in the past?" He shakes his hand trying to focus on the now instead of the many directions his brain is running. "Perhaps if we ask these questions new questions will pop up."
"I may be wrong but I think he is a direct servant of Iomedae? Not a follower but a Iomedae's herald? The way he talks, carries himself, the many personalities, and the resources at his disposal. If not a herald, then most definitely one of the closest followers of Iomedae?"
She wonders and responds, "He has 'created' the massive hunting lodge below ground. Also there is magic involved to get us to the lodge. It might not even be underground. There were no windows or exits that I saw."
Kev smiles at Katrina, "Exactly and my recent research into religion suggest very likely that Bearik is either a top worshiper of either Iomedae or Erastil, or a direct herald, also known as messenger, of one of the gods. I am going to guess he follows Iomedae since we already had an "argument". Regardless, he is of Lawful Good alignment but I would venture to say he has some chaotic tendencies."
She looks at the group and appears to look even more confused. She then asks, "So are we each going to just take our turn to ask one question as you will? "
Quince chuckles, "Your opinions have a strong swing to them. He went from up to no good to divine herald very fast."
Kev nods with a smile, "My sweet Katrina talk some sense into me and thought about him more. That doesn't mean he isn't rough around the edges like other people we know?" Kev looks around and whistles looking innocent.
"We should be going. So is he a dive herald? Did he send the pyramid to us? What is his goal for the Greenbelt?" He counts the questions off on his fingers. "From there we can ask follow up questions."
The group settles on a few questions and agrees to meet at Bearik's in a few hours. In that time many of you likely take it easy and rest. Just over an hour, Akiros and a lithe female elf come and gather your group. She introduces herself as Lionne and easily giggles at most anything. She would ask, "Is there anyone else that you want to come to the dinner from association or importance to the Wardens?"
Following your escorts you find yourself in the hunting lodge great room. Bearik sits at the far end of the room and stands when you enter the room. There are a dozen or so faces, some that you recognize others that are new. Svetlanna, Oleg, Kesten Garess, and Jhod Kavken are the ones you recognize.
He suggests at Lionne's statement, "Tristan you can bring your parents, and Larina if you want, or anyone else you may want along."
Bearik's voice booms as usual but it seems as if his voice echos even more in the hall, "Greetings Wardens and friends or family, come have a seat anywhere but please come closer so we don't have to shout!" He laughs at his own joke with a deep belly rumble.
Once everyone has had a seat he offers, "First we need a drink of peace. I am not one to stand on precident but I think it would be good to have such." With a clap of his hands out comes a servant with a large horn, tappered with a gold clasp and handle. He takes a long slip of it, leaving some bubbles on his moustache and bear before he hands it to Lionne. She takes a long pull before passing it off to the next person sitting next to her.
Once that is done he takes the horn and finishes it off before handing it to the servant again. He rubs his palms before saying, "Now down to business, please break bread, enjoy the soup and let's start your questions. Remember as specific your question will be as specific as my answer." With that he claps his hand and steaming bowls of soup appear before everyone. There were baskets with some rolls in them but now are replaced with fresh steaming rolls and sliced bread of all varieties.
Tristan partakes in the drink and passes it along before sitting and enjoying the meal, He ponders if he has any questions for the man.
Quince smiles, "Thank you, with so many days in the wild it is good to be beneath a roof and with feiends." Quince moves to the space indicated and pulls out the chair for Angeus, sitting once she has settled. He takes a drink from the horn and passes the drink on.
"Thank you again everything looks wonderful. I must confess you are a riddle to us for sure. Our curiosity has been tickled since our first meeting. Katrina your question was quite direct and a lovely place to start." Quince leans forward motioning to Katrina, "Your first question the yes or no one."
When Bearik asks the Wardens to join him at the table, Kev smiles, quick waves, nods, and escorts Katrina to the table. Being a gentlemen, he guides her to be seated and then sits next to her. He takes the horn, when handed to him, raises it, "To Peace" takes a sip and passes it to Katrina. Then begins his meal after everyone has taken a sip from the cup. Kev was about to ask a question but Quince beat him to it and looks at Katrina with a smile, "Yes please Katrina, will you please start our first meeting?"
Angeus lounges in her chair, almost seemingly bored with all the formalities of the 'questioning' of Bearik.
She takes the horn and quickly takes a dring before passing it on, casually draping an arm over Quince's shoulder.
Then she looks to Katrina, waiting for her to ask the question...
Quince smiles at the arm on his shoulder, picking up on her boredom he leans close and whispers,
Larina sits next to Tristan and is all smiles as she is in a simple blue gown that is a little small for her. She partakes of the horn and quietly sits at the table. Once the soup appears she takes a deep inhale of the soup before lightly moaning at the pleasant smell. She takes a roll, breaks it in half, and dips it in the soup, enjoying both the fresh bread and soulful spicy soup.
Tristan's eyes wonder over Larina's body as he takes her in. He compliments the fit and how good she looks in it as they sit and enjoy the meal.
Kevros lightly touches Katrina's shoulder with his smile to give her encouragement if she needs any. If not encouragement, to tell her he is with her ready to back her up.
Katrina came in holding Kevros's arm, her typical fur cloak covering most of her body and a slim black dress under that. She nodded her thanks as Kevros helped her and took the horn of peace taking a delicate sip. When prompted she looked around a bit confused before shrugging and offering up, "Bearik are you a deity or a god?"