After thinking for while and as ideas are tossed about, Aleksaara does pipe up again as her hand rests on the sheathed hilt of her sword.
"I AM going to note here that Kresten's approach does have the element of surprise to it. My successes with bandits in the past shows that when taken by surprise they are often very poor defenders. Their specialties are traps, tricks and ambushes. Never give them to chance to know we're coming is probably our best bet. Even with the Mites and Kobolds with us, this group probably outnumbers us? Correct?"
Kresten shrugs to Aleksara's question. "I don't have any information on that, but by judging their presence in the area and what you've told me you've encountered, I'd guess no more than 30 men holed up in there. Pretty uneducated guess though. Some close proximity recon would be worthwhile, but you have the right of it Ms. Catching these bandits off guard is the wisest thing I can recommend."
"so we go both ways? Let's speak to the mites on the way, kobolds as well if you fancy. We'll get them to march on the bandits, generally cause a ruckus and give us some cover. Then we sneak up and mess up the stag, personally."
Raising her eyebrows, Aleksara whistles.
"A classic distraction! Excellent tactics. What do you think Jerrick? The Kobolds and Mites would not have to actually get in harms way. Just make noise, draw out the bandits, then fade away before any battle starts. Just the sort of thing they like. Especially if we reward them somehow. We sneak in, remove any defenders left, and challenge the the 'King' himself directly. Without him, the rest should disband and be no challenge to our authority directly."
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"Mmmmh... Smart. Low exposure. Surprise. Negate their advantage in numbers. Gain an ally. I like this idea."
Wendell runs his fingers through his beard.
"Y'know, maybe the Kobolds'd be just right take on our mining project... They live underground, like shiny things. Trust 'em more than Mites 'n bandits, too. Might be willing to split profit with us. We own the mine, they keep some o' the gold? Whaddaya think?"
Only after rambling on about the mine does he realize how off topic the mine is. "Oh, sorry... It's just, that gold mine, it's got a hold on me. Must be my Dwarven blood."
"I think we're settled on both points then" he said as he grinned at Wendell. "We head out in a few days with plans to stop at both and see who will raise arms against our common foe. Just remember, few battles end with no casualties. Protect yourselves, and each other. We work together, even if we strike on different fronts. We are to be the future, as well as the present. Now let's get some work done."
Kresten nods. "I don't understand your desires to trust and bond with creatures such as mites and kobolds.. but it is not my place to judge either. Your strategy is quite sound, let me know if there is anything my men and I can do these few days before your departure."
"Thank you Kresten. Please help Aleksara make ready the catapults if you can. We could also use some smaller-sized weapons to arm the kobolds with if any of your men can work a forge. The rest of us will see to the trench" he said, slapping the dwarf hard on the shoulder.
Kresten nods. "I don't understand your desires to trust and bond with creatures such as mites and kobolds..."
Aleksara nods, not realizing that the men here don't understand exactly what the group was building here. She sighs a little and pushes back a sweaty lock of hair over her ear.
"These lands have been inhabited for ages Sir Kresten. We are just the most recent group to try and build a community here. If we were to go along and exterminate all those who are 'technically' intelligent and had home here first just becasue they could be a problem in the future? Let me ask a question in exchange: If a tribe of war-like but reasonable Kellids lived on these plains, would you exterminate them just in case they became a problem for your crops? Other races, whether human or human-like, or even reptilian and fey, can work together reasonably AND build a better civilization together. Kobolds are industrious tunnelers and crafty builders. Excellent skills that can be added to our community. The mites are Fey. They understand these lands, and the current inhabitants, much better than the rest of us. We can learn from them too. I lived for years with peaceful tribe of lizardmen who taught me a lot of things my father never could teach me while we stayed with them. It CAN be done. There are no guarantees of course. We MAY have to wipe them out eventually for the good of all, but why assume they will be problem and slaughter them? 'Just in case' is not a good enough answer for me."
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The dwarf beams, thinking the trench good practice for the gold mine that looms in his near future.
"Aleksara's right. At first I was of a mind to wipe them all out, but now I think we'd do well to make room for them. If they can't fall into line then they will be dealt with, but I'm not here to exterminate based on past deeds... Except bandits.." He says the last bit with a grin.
"We oughtta try the Mites first, then the Kobolds. We can coax the Kobolds with our new mine, and the Mites with a chance for tricks. Even if they don't all come, maybe a brave few'll join us for glory. Who knows, we could offer them a job in our kingdom."
When Alfentinius is informed of the groups decision he makes no effort to hide the fact that he is pleased.
Good, good, we'll need to make a speech. I kinda like making speeches. Just one question. Aren't the Kobolds expecting us to show up with a bunch of weapons and shields for them? How do we want to go about keeping them thinking about that?
The gnome scratches at his ear while he thinks for just a second.
I guess we could tell them that Aleksara's shop is under way and that production of their items is being held up by one thing, the bandits. And I think someone mentioned bringing gifts for both groups. Maybe we could spend some of the gold we have to buy some food and drink to bring with us.
Aleksara nods.
"Gifts are a good idea."
Kresten simply shrugs to his accused narrow view. "I do what keeps me alive. Good luck." The next few days you are able to witness the comfortable rhythm that everyone has fallen into within the old fort. Svetlana tends to the garden and general needs of the guests, the guards that are not on lookout duty work on digging out the trench, Jhod and Roscoe help some in the garden and philosophize from the ramparts with diligent eyes on the distant woods to the South, and Oleg seems to aid in every task at hand while cursing under his breath.
Jerrik and Wendell are able to help the construction of the trench and extend it past the corner of the second wall, a little over half of it being completed. Aleksara is able to get the one catapult to function with Porthos' help and the inhabitants of the trading post seem quite confident in their situation with defending it now.
As the days turn over, what you experience evolves from comfort into uncertainty as they look at each of you for perhaps the last time. It is the morning of your planned departure and there is an awkward staleness to the air. Svetlana brings a few days worth of food for you all and offers one of Oleg's casks of ale if you need it for negotiations.
"We'll take the cart as far as the kobolds. Hopefully they will be willing to at least protect it for us. The cask will be hard to transport with out it."
Arim spends his days digging and his evenings sat on the edge of the fire light carving crude wooden figures and curios before hurling them into the fire.
The morning they are due to leave Arim is up uncharacteristically early packed and ready to depart. Digging is not his way, he is hungry for action.
The cart is finished being loaded and the horses are all checked for shoes and saddles. Aramis draws open the gates. "Feel free to bring back the keg!" Oleg hollers out as a heckle, the bitter man's form of affection. The remark earns a sassy sneer from Svetlana who waves with her free hand while holding a bucket of seed. Kresten stands with Porthos on the rampart to the left side of the gate, slightly leaning on a longbow. The boy gives Aleksara a nod, "I'll work on getting a spear done. Have fun out there." Oddly, Jhod and Roscoe are nowhere to be seen.
Feeling odd about this trip, Aleksara says nothing and casually salutes Kresten and Porthos as they leave.
This is what I wanted. Wasn't it?
The group says their goodbyes and sets off for their long day of strenuous travel. The prairie is quiet and still save for the thundering of your own hooves as you charge closer to the wild and unknown.
The Old Sycamore tree appears on the horizon as the sky begins to bleed into reds and golds to your left. Dusk is starting to fall and your tired caravan is roughly two miles out.
Alfentinius rides situated between the two tarp covered piles in the wagon. The pile near the front of the wagon prepared for the Kobolds, and the pack near the back for the Mites. He sits quietly letting the beauty of the plains wash over him every once in awhile running his hand along William's back. As the sycamore comes into view he rises unsteadily and clambers over the baggage on the wagon to sit next to Jerrik. He strains his eyes looking for signs of Mites.
I know it hasn't been very long since last we were here. But, still I wonder what may have happened while we were gone. Hopefully not too much.
"Don't fret my friend. They're a cautious bunch. Probably hiding and watching us right now. It's an uneasy truce we have. I don't think either side fully trust the other...yet. It will take time. Anything worth building usually does." Jerrik fell silent for a minute before continuing.
This is what you wanted right? Peace between the...tribes?"
Before Alfentinius could answer, Jerrik called out to the others. "Wendell, Arim, fall back some and spread out. Keep Chett close. Should anything happen, be ready to strike."
Aleksara gets down off her horse and ties the creature to the back of the wagon. She then stand next to the big Ulfen warrior, her hand on her cold-iron blade's hilt firmly.
She dares not draw it unless there were no other choice however. Especially if they wanted the help of the mites at all in this mission.
Arim drops back, still mounted but happy to let the 'talkers' do their thing. He does draw his greatsword, holding it over one shoulder. Squinting his eyes he watches the old sycamore carefully.
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At Jerrik's instruction the dwarf dismounts, ties his horse to the cart, then peels off thirty feet from the cart with Chett by his side.
"Keep yer eyes open for any prank traps," he grumbles before putting distance between his friends.
Drawing the longbow from his back, Wendell notches and arrow and hunches low while he walks.
"Remember, Chett, we're tryin' to make friends or whatever with these Mites - don't go chewin' on 'em unless I say so."
The caravan makes a slow approach, Aleksara, Jerrik, and Alfentinius in the cart while Arim and Wendell flank wide.
Nearing the Sycamore, you all close in and can tell the debris from the bonfire gathering is still strewn about and rotting where it fell those two weeks ago. Two mites step out as the cart stops before the lair's entrance. One has face paint on in the fashion of striped markings, fully accented with dyed hair that appears to be glued onto it's head to form ears. The other is wearing a wild beard and unruly wig both made from yellowed grass, with an imitation breastplate sewn together of termite infested wood.
The face painted fellow whistles down the hole as soon as he sees who you are. The other begins to jabber nervously and fumble through several clay pots stored in a hidden earthen locker by the door.
(Undercommon)"Oh boy, oh boy! Where is it, come here squirmy..."
Finally removing a rabbit from one, he slices it open and wrings the blood into a dish, then offers it up to you with his head bowed.
(Undercommon)"WELCOME to the realm of the Chosen People, oh great allies. Please refresh yourselves in the locally farmed juices!"
Alfentinius is a little taken aback by his allies preparation for battle but settles down knowing that their is good reason for their care. As the caravan moves forward Alfentinius leans forward to look at the two Mites.
lol look at that, he's dressed up to look just like you Jerrik. And the other one... is he supposed to be Chet?
As the mite pulls out the rabbit and collects its blood Alfentinius squirms a little but holds his composure.
He moves forward to address the Mites.
(under common) How kind of you to share this great bounty with us.
The little gnome reaches out and takes the bowl placing it to his lips and getting some blood on his lips without really drinking any. He then makes a show of passing the bowl to the next member of the party.
(under common) MMmMmmm! It doesn't get fresher then that.
Aleksara had seen and done worse with the Lizardmen tribe. This was at least not a giant mosquito larvae's guts. Taking the bowl she sips and tries to hold back her gorge.
The mite whom offered the bowl beams with pride that he executed this ritual correctly. (Undercommon)"Yesy yes, the latest fashions, Grabbles ordered we all keep up with the times. 'This is a con..convul..gen..vulgren..convalgerance of Empires!' he says.."
The other chimes in "Convergensssse." with a exaggerated whistle at the end to emulate Grabbles speech impediment.
[spoiler=Aleksara]Good fresh blood, nothing else quite like it./spoiler]
Blushing at the sudden realization that Alfentinius was right, Jerrik didn't know how to respond. He was somewhat grateful that he didn't know the words that they were exchanging. He tried not to stare at his smaller self but found the challenge too daunting. Eventually he just gave up and laughed not knowing what else to do.
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As soon as the mites prove they are still friendly, Wendell will shoulder his bow and move up with the group.
A great deal of pride swells in him when Alfentinius points out that one of the mites is dressed as Chett. The dwarf makes sure to bring his tiger close, then commands him. "Chett, c'mere."
He pats his leg and the tiger comes rushing forward, stopping beside the dwarf. The tiger is nearly Wendell's height and far outweighs him.
When the blood is being passed around Wendell takes the bowl in hand and gulps. "Mmm. Could be fresher, but still good."
The mites simply stare at you all as the bowl is passed around. During these few minutes, as people would need to dismount and move among each other, it becomes clear that nothing is expected to come in response to the signal sent below.
As the ritual is finished with the bowl arriving to Arim, the mite with the knife and rabbit corpse speaks up again, (Undercommon)"Did you come with more boar?"
Arim is last to receive the bowl, last to join the party as he is still on guard. Not taking his eyes off the mites he drains the blood and tosses the bowl gently back to 'Jerrik' mite. The blood glistening on his lips stands in stark contrast tooo his monotone colouration.
"What are they saying Alfent? You think we're on for the show?"
Apparently Grabbles has been telling them that "This is a convergence of Empires!" I wonder what that means to him. At any rate it seems we're welcome here and they are asking if we brought more Boars. I'll let them know that we did bring some food and drink but that we have something to talk to Grabbles about before we can share it.
This first bit was directed towards those in the party that don't speak under-common. Turning towards the Kobolds Alfentinius puts on a big smile and aggresses these two mites placed on guard.
(under-common)Fortune has not brought any fresh game to us in our travels... but we do have food and drink to share with your people. But before we can do that we must talk to Grabbles. We have Empire business to discuss with him.
The Jerrik-Mite looks to the Chet-Mite who nods. (Undercommon)"Oh, well yes he's expecting you. Follow." He says sadly at the knowledge of no fresh game.
The two guards hand you off to a few more mites. These are also dressed in "fashions" that resemble some of you, this time Aleksara and Jerrik again. You are led back through the caves of their lair, the breeding chamber that has one more centipede than before, the cavern of general housing where you see several Mites dressed as each and all of you, and then finally you are brought before Grabbles again.
(undercommon)"Humpf, you couldn't sssstay away from my palassse eh? What isss it you want?"
(undercommon). Greetings great and illustrious Grabbles. When last we were here you said that if ever our fledgling nation needed help from a big brother, that your nation of Mites would lend aid. We come seeking your wisdom, knowledge, and strength. But let us begin with a drink.
Alfentinius pulls out a decanter of locally sourced moonshine of lesser value. He makes a show of taking the first drink to prove it is not poisoned then passing it to Grabbles.
(undercommon) Grabbles we are here because we are going to battle against the human bandit kingdom by the lake. We would seek any information you have about them. Such as how many there are, anything you might know about their leaders, or any knowledge about the terrain.
Alfentinius translates the reply of Grabbles to the party.
(undercommon) We have a second request. If it is agreeable to you, then we would also value your aid in a fight that is to come. If you have any warriors that would choose to join our battle party, we would share the spoils of war with them. We would only take those who would want to join us however.
Alfentinius further translates for the party.
Aleksara nearly giggles at the 'Wendellites' among the mites, and tries to assess the reception of Al's speeches.
They have you wrong Wendell, so wrong.
Arim instinctively stands in the shadowy areas at the side of the room, listening to the exchange and trying to keep up with how the idea is going down with Grabbles.
Grabbles looks around to the other mites with pompous pride. He takes the moonshine in one hand and takes a drink. They haven't developed distillation yet, and thus are only used to fermented alcohols. The stiffness of the moonshine catches in Grabbles lungs, causing him to cough and laugh. "Yesss yesss" he whistles as he passes the drink to his colleagues. "I did ssay that didn't I, we're sso kind to you." He has a bit of an evil look in his eye as he says the last part, but Alfentinius continues on..
He nods to the request of knowledge and snaps him finger, another mite jumps before scurrying to the table where it begins sketching with a crude brown rock onto paper in horrible condition. At Alfent's second request, Grabbles snaps again and the cartographer stops. The mites all stare silently at Grabbles.
"I do have the knowledge you sseek of the landss from here to the lake. And I do have a warrior we can ssend, He iss my heir, and iss in need of blooding, it wass ssuppossed to be Kobold blood but.. But these are precious and honorable acts! What is it we get from this? Those men never bother us, only you come here."
At the sound of his name, a mite steps forward. He looks like any other mite. Horribly ugly, weak, could be mistaken for blind, and untrustworthy.
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Wendell instructs Chett to stay by their horses while he and the others shuffle into the Mite den.
A great deal of pride swells in him when he sees Mites dressed in his likeness, but under his beard his face reddens with embarrassment too. This's all they know of me... I'll need to change that perception.
While they meet with Grabbles, Wendell watches the body language of all in attendance. He cannot understand what the Mites are saying, but looks instead for body language - an angered horse lays her ears flat before she kicks...
...And Wendell can sense some uneasy tension building. Arim and Aleksara both move slowly towards the hilts of their blades. Wendell scans the room quickly, fearing they have walked into a trap... Then a mite jumps onto the table and begins to draw a map, and Wendell sighs. "Don't be fools. If it comes to violence, this'll be our grave.
Slowly, Jerrik raised his arms, palms down. When they reached about chest high, he slowly raised his hands until his companions could see his empty palms. He spread his fingers out while taking a moment to look at each of his friends and nodding his head.
"We are guests here. Be at ease" he said with a smile and a quick wink.
Alfentinius looks around at the Mites really noticing how many are gathered in the room for the first time. He keeps a calm collected air about him though not revealing in the slightest his growing trepidation. He turns to his skills in deception hoping to convince Grabbles that the bandits are more of a threat than they really are.
(undercommon) Grabbles, surely you are aware that the bandits have been gaining power, biding their time, cementing their hold. They prey upon any that they can. And they have put out the call to unite men under their banner. When they are ready they will spill out of their keeps and kill any that are not human. You live close to them and they will desire the many treasures you have here. They will come, it is only a matter of time.
Alfentinius let's the words hang in the air as he walks up between Wendell and Arim casually tapping their arms.
(undercommon) We understand that all have value and strength. It matters not if you are dwarf, gnome, man, shadow, or Mite. Our alliance grows stronger by the day, and we would see the human scourge dealt with before it becomes a threat. We could have let them fall upon your people and try to take their treasures and then fought them when they had been weakened by killing your people. But we value our friendship with the Mites too much for that. Surely you can see the value in aiding us in the protection of your kingdom.
During this last speech Alfentinius has been addressing the Mites watching as much as Grabbles. But now he turns his attention directly to the leader of the Mites giving a deep bow of respect as he comes to the end of his monologue.
(undercommon) We have brought more alcohol and some food stuffs with us to share with the Mites as well. Come let us be done here so that your people may celebrate your greatness .
Jerrik is able to calm some of the onlookers, many of whom had not yet noticed how tense they were until the man communicated your group's peaceful intentions. While Alfentinius continues to talk the Mite King into participating with the plan, Grabbles (and frankly all of the mites) are utterly ill equipped to see through the subtle and white lies the fey touched gnome is spinning.
The hint of future harm leaves a sour taste in Grabble's mouth, he frowns and looks around his subterranean room, (Undercommon)"They, they wissh to come here and do uss harm? They dare to ssscheeme ssuch a thing? In our den? No, we would kill them if they came here.." He paces and then slams his fist onto the table, (Undercommon)"I would love to kill all humanss but I can't let my army leave thiss den. Not with thessse plotss about, that'ss jusst abandoning our home. Bring down the food and the drink, tonight we celebrate Prunuss! He will ride with the Sssurface Empire and lead them to victory! He will ssshow them the way to dessstroying the sscourge!"
Most of the mites cheer, though some cower and shudder and cry. The entire den has clearly entered a war mindset. Centipedes and the Giant Tick Tickleback all chatter and scatter throughout the den to burrow.
Being careful not fall asleep in the den, Aleksara will try her best and participate in the festivities.
Arim takes little of the drink and remains at the edge of the light, dancing as he always does between the shadows. He does however eat well.
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Before the celebration begins, Wendell and Chett wander off to try and hunt some game that could be used for the feast.
This is Wendell's first celebration with the Mites, and he intends to take full advantage. He eats and drinks his fill and then some.
Before passing out, Wendell does his best to convince one Prunus to place a wedge of cheese on his head so the hunter can shoot it off with an arrow. "If we're gonna ride into battle t'gether, we'd besht build some trusht..." As he sways back and forth, his finger on the string and notched arrow, Chett thankfully intervenes. He pounces on Wendell's back and wrestles him to the ground, where the dwarf quickly falls asleep.
Wendell hoped to impress upon the little Fey creatures that he should be remembered for more than his slumber, but in the end that's exactly what he becomes again, this time passed out and snoring in the grass outside the Mite den.
As the Festivities begin Alfentinius disappears amongst the Mites. He shows up to check on the rest of the party from time to time. Being in the midst of the Mites seems to bring a change about the young gnome. He takes part in their jokes and games, dancing silly dances and singing strange songs none too well. He can be seen once or twice actually in an argument over scraps of food. But he seems to be having fun.