He huffs and blusters, "I wasn't trying to get information without their permission, I was trying to get the information from anyone authorized to give it. Maybe you misunderstood me, but I was not trying to take anything that I didn't have the right to have."
Sanita grins at Holbrecht, and pats him on the shoulder. "Ser Bastionne, you need to learn more about human humor." She says with a saucy grin. "So you'll know when you're being teased..."
The dwarf crosses his arms and scowls, "Hmph, well I have no use for human humor. It accomplishes nothing, and is a waste of time. I don't see how saying falsehoods, and not even actually thinking it is true, contributes to getting anything done. Now I've lost all this time trying to correct you child, when I could have been looking at what needs to be done for the sake of this post." In his anger and frustration, he clearly ceases to mutter to himself, all of his attention diverted to the source of his ire over all the things he normally thinks through aloud.
Sanita smiles. "You are wrong, Ser Bastionne. You travel in human lands, and you seek to work for and with humans. You need to understand them enough not to offer offense nor to take it when it's not meant, at the very least. Failing to do so would be as dumb as trying to build a fort out of sandstone."
Holbrecht narrows his gaze, "I've been alive for some time, and I've dealt with humans. I've shared a laugh over the elven affinity for fluted columns, or that most orcish constructs will never apply the usefullness of flying buttresses. Despite having a laugh, these are still truths. But to tell lies, and call them jokes, it is insulting to anyone they are told about. If that's the only way you think humans can have a laugh, then maybe it's you lass that needs to understand how to speak glibly to or about other races without being offensive. Especially if you work for his king, highness, sir. damn... still can't remember the name... maybe he could give the young lady a talking to... she has played these little games since I met her... at least the Fharn fellow is more forthright.... and he shares a respect for Brigh and her work.... maybe this group isn't all bad... I'll just avoid this young lady." He is calming down, knowing it was an attempt at humor, he is more relaxed, his thoughts returning to their former sporadic nature.
Wilhelm looks from Sanita to Holbrecht incredulously. An dwarven engineer spy? Proprietary ships? What have these two been up to... Wilhelm's incredulity only intensifies as Sanita recites her tale of river pirates. Eventually giving in to the absurdity of the tale, Wilhelm simply smiles and nods, "Well, I'm glad... whoever they were... won't trouble us again." Snorting in amusement, Wilhelm arches an eyebrow and asks Fhârn, "So it seems Sanita has roped you into this whole dress business as well? Between the two of us, we'll make a fine set of rulers with all the fighters running about in dresses. I'm sure Dante will approve as our enemies fall over laughing themselves silly. It would be quite the tactical advantage."
Still grinning, Wilhelm turns back to studying the newcomer. Sanita's overly flamboyant introduction earns a amused scoff, but he waits for Holbrecht to respond. The dwarf's sudden objection and verbal stream of consciousness startles and then dumbfounds the young baron. "Well I'm sure Sanita didn't mean... Fhârn did what?!? And Munin? Sprint ships?" Clamming up as he realizes he's completely lost the dwarf's train of thought, Wilhelm withdraws his proffered hand. So a crazy dwarven engineer who may or may not be a spy? Shaking his head at the absurdity of the situation, Wilhelm nods in reply to the dwarf's question.
"Yes, Baron Wilhelm Orlovsky. No, I'm not a king. That's Sanita... Oratory? Where did that come from? ... Right. Your highness sir." Wilhelm rubs his temples with a free hand as the dwarf continues to ramble. Still trying to make sense of what the cleric is saying, Wilhelm interjects, grasping at something he can actually respond to, "I'm afraid I don't know what these sprint ships are. I'm sure they're fascinating, but I can't say I've ever heard of such a thing." Following the dwarf's gaze, Wilhelm nods, "I suppose the outpost could some work, though this is going to be a city soon enough. We'll probably want to hold off upgrading the walls for a while."
Shaking his head in bewilderment, Wilhelm misses Sanita's amusement and most of the back and forth arguing. He simply smiles and nods distractedly, oblivious as he tries to make sense of the whole conversation he just had. I don't recall any of the dwarves I met before speaking like this. Then again, they were noble ambassadors with ties to Garess. He said he might have some ties, but he's unlike any noble I've ever met. Confusing to say the least. Hearing someone address him, he breaks from his reverie, "Eh? A talking to? Me to Sanita? As soon talk to a stone at times. Her 'little games' as she calls them, are generally harmless and she seems to have enough sense to avoid faux pas in tense situations." He adds almost as an afterthought, "And please stop calling me highness, Ser Bastionne, I'm not a king. M'Lord, Lord Orlovsky, Baron Wilhelm or some variation thereof is fine, generally speaking."
I dislike the required formality, but I don't know that I trust this Holbrecht fellow to tell a formal from an informal moment.
Sanita tilts her head at Wilhelm, and he can see amusement sparkling in her eyes. She obviously enjoys teasing the dwarf, especially since the man can't seem to take a joke. This is a fairly normal state of affairs, and not just Sanita, anyone who enjoys teasing people absolutely loves people too full of themselves to take the teasing in good stride. It's like waving a red handkerchief in front of an angry bull. No doubt Wilhelm had seen many many many over-bunctious paladins treated to such hazing as well. "Oh? I assumed you'd been elevated to king hood while we were gone, since we were late. Didn't you get the paperwork started and make us an official kingdom yet? You know we have to get that done right? And ASAP? We've got angry racist xenophobic homocidal neighbors moving in next door, and they're going to be trying to take as much land from us, and kill as many of our non-human allies, as they can as fast as they can. We need that paperwork done so we have some leverage against them, and we Dante building up militia as quickly as possible. We heard he's already attacked and slaughtered the Centaurs by lying to them about wanting to meet peacefully in their most sacred places. You know what that's going to do for us to, we'll get lumped in with him since we're human." She sighs. "Makes me wish we had some fae or other non-humans in key positions. Make sure Masa get's some of his spies working on infiltrating that idiot's army, so we can figure out who he's going to slaughter next." Sanita seems rather serious, in an abrupt about face.
Fhârn gives Will an apologetic smile as Sanita gives a brief overview of their travels. "I'm afraid the tales of my exploits have been *ahem* slightly enhanced. I'll have to have a dress made if we are to go down that road - although I'm sure you would be more then delighted to help, wouldn't you?" He glances at Sanita.
//
"She's an acquired taste Holbrecht. I'm sure you'll grow to stand here eventually ..." he chuckles.
//
Fhârn nods as Sanita heads into the more serious matters, with a stern expression growing on his face. "Indeed - we have some tidings, both grim and hopeful - about our neighbour and these 'sprint ships'. But perhaps we should take that in private?" He looks around at all the unfamiliar faces that now occupies Oleg's, a bit concerned for whom that actually might be listening.
Holbrecht just nods, considering the introductions done, and is ready to move on to more interesting things. He does add "Milord? Yes... that's much better... easier to remember.... That said, I'm not a Sir, so please call me Holbrecht. Sir sounds so odd... I don't have any titles.... well I'm okay with priest I guess.... technically being one I suppose... still not a Sir. Yes, Holbrecht is just fine." He moves toward the structures of the fort itself, his attention on the people clearly waned.
Sanita looks at Holbrecht curiously as Fharn comments about him growing. "He grows?" She asks, looking at the dwarf with interest from her massive 5' 5" height.
//--
Sanita looks around at the courtyard, and shrugs. "If you'd prefer to step inside, we can, but it's easier to see someone listening out in the open than it is in a room with walls. You do remember Grandmama's method of ensuring spies down't hear her conversations, yes?" She hefts an anti-poison and grins at Fharn. Turning back to Wilhelm, she grins, but she does motion everyone closer together, so they can talk even quieter. "As to dresses, there are two on order, and both should arrive in a few weeks. Along with a more tasteful suit for you for official functions. Although I suspect we'll have a visit from a rather elderly woman shortly who will want to do a personal fitting for your dress." She wags a finger at Wilhelm. "If you don't want every female noble in Brevoy after your hide, you'll be very polite and let her fuss over you on the dress, getting it just right. Insulting her will have them howling for your hide." She then grins. "On the bright side, she'll probably do you up a more traditional suit as well, if you let her have her fun. She has rather... odd tastes... in clothing men, but if you indulge her, she's a useful source of gossip for what is going on in Brevoy. Afterall, she gossips with every noble with enough coin to afford her, which is every one worth hearing gossip from."
As Sanita transitions from teasing to serious, Wilhelm's smile fades away as well, "We're an official nation, though I'm not yet a king. Baron, as I mentioned earlier. As for all this about neighbors, we have some news for you as well. I think, though, that Fhârn's suggestion is a good one. Inside is also where the rest of the Council of Domierov awaits. I'm sure our companions are eager to see you again." Wilhelm glances at Holbrect with an anticipatory smile on his face, "And to meet our new friend, of course."
Nodding in satisfaction to the dwarven engineer, "Holbrecht it is my friend." Gesturing inside, he begins to make his way in when Sanita interjects. Groaning at the mention of the elderly woman, "Please tell me you didn't take my retort seriously." Sighing, he nods tolerantly, "Well if it'll avoid a political row, then I suppose I'll let her fuss over my 'dress'. If I get a decent set of traditional wear out of it, then I suppose I can put up with this woman's eccentricity. I think I'd prefer to keep this..." Wilhelm pauses, struggling to find the right word, "Discreet, I suppose. Now if there's no more talk of dresses, you seem like you've been on the road a long time. Let's get you settled in. I'll want a full recounting of these neighbors you're talking about. I suspect I know, but I want to hear more of your encounter. And, of course, we have a kingdom to run. Which reminds me, Fhârn, that I have a rather largish stack of papers with your name on it." Grinning at the man, Wilhelm leads them further inside.
Sanita nods. "Sure, I can go along and give a report, an accurate one, but we can't have the real stories getting out. I went to a lot of trouble to make Fharn much scarier than he actually is." She responds to Wilhelm. "I'll just report in then, give out goodies, and retire to let the council go about it's counciling. I have some crafting I can do to pass the time while you're all running the country." She grins. Then turns to walk into Oleg's.
Upon entering Oleg's, she waves at the remaining people in the party. "Hi! Dareon, we have spell books for you to pore over later. Bej, you too. Lanya, it'll be a couple of weeks, but your dress is on order. Dante! You've got new dents! Vors! You do to! Rowan? Did your beard get stubblier?" She nods at Anastacia. "Anastacia."
"As a person, Sanny. Spiritual growth, if you will. I'm sure you can find someone to give you a good rundown of that if you want!" laughs Fhârn in response.
//
"Settled in - now I do like the sound of that! I'll get to those papers sooner or later, don't you worry Wilhelm." He gladly follows the paladin inside, with Munin freeriding on his shoulder. With a laugh he adds "I'll might even have to intercept that tailor of yours - I'm sure Sanita would be pleased if I got a reaper's cowl to go with her tales." In mock contemplatively, he pauses and strokes his chin. "It would certainly make collecting taxes and dealing with businessmen easier!"
//
Well inside, Fhârn waves and nods at his companions; greeting them all with with a hearty smile. "Good to see you all again! We're back - and we got the stuff too - even managed to pick up a little something extra to make up for lost time!"
Sanita begins unpacking her oversized backpack, handing out pre-packaged packages. One for Dareon, one for Bej, and finally a package of several books. "The rest is on the horse, the enchanting materials, and so on." She looks at Lanya. "Your dress should show up in the next few weeks."
"It's good to see you again, Sanita. Fharn, welcome back. Let's get you two settled in. I'm certain we will have plenty of tales to share this evening." Rowan greets them with a hug and a firm handshake respectively. "Munin, we've already heard rumors of your exploits. I'll make sure you receive the hero's choice of tonight's dinner."
Lanya walks up to Sanita smiling as they announced they were back and her dress would be done reasonably quickly.
She lays one hand on Sanita's shoulder.
"Thank you Sanita. Welcome back. You too of course Fhárn." She smiles at him.
"We have some news of our own, perhaps you would like something to drink before I or we blurt out everything?"
Sanita smiles. "Not often I hear those words Rowan. Usually it's something along the lines of 'Oh god not her again.'" She dimples, then gives Rowan a quick hug. Turning to Lanya, she nods. "Sure, we have a lot of interesting information to bring back too. Oleg? Can I have mug of ale with a shot of mead in it?"
Dareon does a lot of grinning. He flashes one as Fharn and Sanita are re-introduced to the group, a few weeks late from their trip but a sight for sore eyes nonetheless. He takes his proffered package of magical supplies eagerly, promising to himself that he won't tear into it like a child until he's alone, in his room, and nobody can judge him for it.
He notes the new arrival and resolves to go and meet the dwarf later on, before anything too exciting happens - the first dwarf associate! That was exciting.
Sanita finishes handing out packages, having given Holbrecht time to look the place over, and make all his mental notes about architectural defects and then draw some on his pad of paper about rebuilding it with stone. Once the muttering under his breath trickles off, she smiles to the group. "Oh, and this is Ser Holbrecht Bastionne, Engineer and Architect."
Holbrecht had actually been doing just that, mostly ignoring the people and their conversations. They seemed to all be friendly, and there was no sense in him interrupting them, that is until she did it again. "Confound it child! Quit doing that! I'm no Ser, and don't you even begin one of your silly tales about things I did or did not do." To the others he merely confirms, "Yes, I'm Holbrecht Bastionne. Holbrecht is just fine... to call me that is.... of course I'm fine.... don't want people to think I speak of myself in the third person.... such a weird term third person.... what if there are already six people involved?.... should it be seventh person.... no then it would always change.... just easier to follow that way...No Ser, Just Holbrecht."
Sanita rolls her eyes. "You do realize Ser is a term of respect used for people who have academic knowledge yes? You seem to be confusing it for Sir, which is a specific title of nobility."
"Well met mister Just Holbrecht." Lanya smiles as she shakes hands with Holbrecht, delighting at the quip of the dwarf's own words.
"All joking aside, it's good to have another pair of able hands around Oleg's to help us."
She then turns back to Sanita and Fhârn.
"Well where do I start? Felix has taken it upon him to be our spokesperson and leader among the kobolds, the kobolds seem to be quite taken with their new 'Queen'. Masamura however has more of a mystery to himself as to why he had to depart our company, perhaps Wilhelm knows more about it. Finally we have had entertained some guests since you left, besides the Pornos family of course, a Surtovan noble called Drelev came on knocking at our door, with a retinue of warriors and all the panoply that goes with someone that 'pompous'. "
Lanya looks around to make sure that none of his followers remained in the room.
"He said he had rights to claim the Hooktongue Slough and around the river in name of Noleski Surtova. His claims rival our own and we're in a position we'd best make ourselves heard lest we lose our claims on land east of the Sellen River."
Holbrecht raises his arms in exasperation, Sanita clearly is like a bee in Holbrecht's bonnet, "Oh, Sir, not Sir. What does that even mean? How could someone not confuse Sir, with Sir, Sir? I mean the word still sounds exactly the same when you say it twice and assign it different meaning. I don't need any fancy title, and even if you decided to give me one, I'd still prefer it just be 'Architect' or 'Engineer' Holbrecht. That's the simple way of dwarven titles. You're called exactly what you do, that way everyone knows who and what you are, and there's none of this wasted time over frivolous titles to make folks feel better about themselves for not having a real job."
Sanita digs in her medical pouch, and produces a few small sticks with cotton on the ends. "Please use these to clean the wax out, Holbrecht." She says with some asperity, thrusting them into the dwarf's fingers. "Ser..." "...and Sir..." "Unless of course it's the case that dwarven ears cannot discern more than 3 octaves above a Mid C. Of course, that could also be just a genetic defect within your own ears, I wouldn't be able to tell without an autopsy or vivisection." She raises one eyebrow, now obviously getting annoyed at the dwarf for the first time. "If you like, I could try working up a shot or two to try to restore your hearing to normal ranges, or at least human normal ranges. I don't have enough experience with Dwarven physiology, but I'm always willing to get hands on and do a little exploratory work to learn, if you don't mind a few scars." She raises an eyebrow, fingering a hypodermic needle with an evil looking orange liquid in it. "Or we could just shelve such things for a much later discussion." She suggests, archly.
Turning back to Lanya, she smiles. "Sounds like you had fun. Masamura is gone? That's problematic, we need someone playing sneaky evil spy lord asap." She frowns at the news. "We've got news, that issue with Drolen isn't our only issues. Meager Varn and his 'Varnhold' are busy trying to exterminate anything that isn't human, and they started by slaughtering Centaurs in their holy places during a white flag parley." The tone of her voice indicates she feels that 'the Varnhold' men would make good test and vivisection candidates. "That's not going to make our lives easy, no matter what, as we'll get the non-human hostility spill over. We have to get in front of this, or else we'll be at war with Varnhold, Drolen, and the non-humans in the area all at the same time."
"Aye! A drink to go with a tale is always good. Makes them easier to swallow, eh?" Fhârn fetches a drink from Oleg and returns from the table, amused to see that Hol and Sanita is at it again. He sighs and roll his eyes, but the persistent smile signals that it is all in jest. "See what I had to live with ?" he laughs as he sits down and takes a mouthful of his beverage.
When Lanya starts the brief Fhârn and Munin leans in and listens. "When the word got out people were handed charters, more wanted a piece of the cake. Figures. It's a shame really, we've stumbled over something that might be beneficial for us - but only if we have decent control of the river. And our neighbour to the east is a cynical bastard, so I guess we are all set to have a nice quiet little neighbourhood then ..." He sighs and take another swing. "We will probably need a big room. With a similarly big map on a big table so we can get heads and tails of our big plans. Speaking of that - did the good lord Drelev speak of any timeframe or anything? Might be good to know how far behind he is in the race ..."
"He actually still needs to set up and his first order of business would be getting rid of the boggards in the immediate area. As long as that hasn't finished he might not get ahead of us in settling the river plains."
Rowan smiles in amusement at the verbal scuffle between Sanita and the new dwarf.
"Holbrecht, correct?" He says as he offers a firm and friendly handshake. "I am Rowan. A pleasure to meet you. May I offer you something to drink? I look forward to hearing of your adventure with these two and what it is that brings you to our new lands."
Holbrecht nods at the other woman's greeting, he is ready to bluster at another person getting his name wrong, but she quickly disregards her own humor. Maybe she isn't half bad. He is about to ask the woman her name in return, but Sanita begins again, and he decides instead to give his attention to this new person greeting him, and getting his name right without trying to have a laugh.
"That is correct, Rowan... Rowan... Rowan... gotta do better with names.... did so bad with the Lord of the place....what was it again?.. Oh, sorry...just remembered something." He looks around sheepishly as he returns to Rowan's question "What? A drink would be nice. I don't really have tales of adventure....always the young and the thrill isn't it.... it seems they are always busy.... in a rush... think some grand event is always around the next... Brings me here? Oh, only the greatest discovery I've ever had the fortune of witnessing.... at least the outside... maybe a little of the deck from the right vantage... Well, I guess technically the discovery didn't bring me here, but what I shall build for them, so they may dock here... clearly not here, here... more like in these lands.... well he did say lands, so by his question it would be the here he referenced.... that is if the body of water is in these lands.... Just let me show you my plans." He begins walking to one of the tables, rifling through all his many scribbled notes, and trying to show his nonsensical dock schematics to Rowan.
Sanita watches the dwarf grumble off, and gives a small grin and winks at Fharn and Lanya over the back of his head.
Rising from his coffee and stories, Dante trudged back into Olegs, Sanita and Fharn were back and he should see them. He appeared lost in thought though, as if a storm cloud were hovering over him.
The large armored man pushed the door open and strode into the group. Approaching the bartop. "Oleg, whiskey if you please." glass in hand he turns and raises his glass. "Fharn, well met."
Walking to his petite friend, he rests a hand on her shoulder. "Made it back safe girl?" he asks Santita.
Sanita grins and stands on tiptoes to kiss Dante on the cheek. "Awww, you worried." She smiles. "That's adorable. We made it back safe. You'd have loved it, we killed pirates, burned most of them alive. Slit the throat of the one who got knocked out. After a very short but fair trial, of course." She grins. "The survivors thought I was a demon that Fharn sent after them. I didn't feel I should disabuse them of the notion."
Rowan does his best to follow along the dwarf's plans and schematics but soon develops a headache trying to interpret it all.
"Slow down, my friend. I'm afraid the art of building and architecture is lost upon me. I do admire your passion, Helbrecht." Rowan takes a step back and rubs his forehead. "You said you wanted to build a dock for these amazing ships?" He asks as he pulls out a few maps and spreads them out. "I believe this may be the location of where we want to build. There's already a broken down fort near this lake that we are looking to repair and then expand. Perhaps one day turning it into a sprawling capital city. Does this help with your ideas and planning?"
Holbrecht looks at the maps, and tries to remember the memory that Fharn shared with him, without getting airsick. "Yes, this is the place from Munin's thoughts...now with a scale.... and a geographical layout of the territory... planning will be smoother... I could begin my work here... then of course, that would be a great place for... yes, expanding this direction would offer... Oh, this helps, this helps indeed. Thank you Rowan, you have thus far been the most helpful...not saying the others are not... well maybe Sanita... Fharn has been pretty easy to deal with... well there was that bird memory... I have big plans to make." He takes some scribble-covered sheet and begins making notes based on the map, but more about things like elevation and grade, and the land's natural features as relevant to the building processes.
Nodding his approval as most of the council has gathered, Wilhelm addresses the group, "Greetings, friends. Later this evening, after having given our friends a chance to clean the dust of the road off, I'd like for us to meet in council and discuss our next steps. I think it's clear we have some challenges to overcome, but I think we've the means to overcome between us. Let us talk more of this tonight." Wilhelm grins cheerily, "Until then, I believe some supper may be in order."
Nodding his approval as he sees that last few shuffle through the door, Wilhelm clears his throat and begins, "My friends, new and old, we have begun our work towards the building of the nation of Domierov. Already supplies, furnished by the Pornos banking family among others, streams to our little outpost. Settlers have heard of the opportunities to be had here, particularly in the hills to the south,
"With this in mind, I am happy to see our support growing. Roan, Holbrecht..." Wilhelm pauses to gesture at them. "Have seen fit to join us. For those who do not know, Roan is my half-brother by my father. He's come to lend his aid to our little endeavor. Holbrecht is an engineer whose services Sanita and Fhârn seem to have retained. I'm eager to hear more about the specifics, so we'll leave that to them."
Pausing to look at the map tacked to the wall behind him, Wilhelm gestures to the symbol indicating Olegs, "The heart of our nation shall be born here and around us now. I had decided on the name Domierov, though I believe we can come to another decision should we so desire. In order to see this nation grow, we have long months and years of work ahead. I believe that with the fine assemblage of talent we have here, that this task is well within our grasp."
Looking slowly around the room, Wilhelm smiles at each of his companions in turn as he says, "We are soldiers, priests, hunters, diplomats, scholars and scientists. We are men and women whose drive has led us to these lands in order to found something great. Let us take a moment to reflect on the arduous steps and sacrifices that have led us here. Let us think on the friends who have left us before now." Wilhelm pauses, lowering his head in a moment of silence.
After a time, he raises his head and looks around, "I believe our first order of business is to acquaint ourselves with the current situation. Sanita, Fhârn, I'd like to hear your full account of your activities since you left us. If you believe there are sensitive topics that should be sealed to our charter, then so be it. For what it is worth, Roan has my full confidence." Wilhelm clasps his brother on the shoulder and grins. "Holbrecht, I'm afraid I've not known you long enough to say the same, but I'm sure that will come in the fullness of time. In any case, let us begin." Wilhelm looks expectantly to Sanita and Fhârn as he finishes speaking.
Sanita nods, and stands up. "Certainly, I can give a brief overview. Fharn and I traveled north to Restov, then to the Capitol, where we took a sprint ship to Silverhall, then to Grayhaven, and finally to my father's house. We had a lovely dinner with my father, and his wife, my sister, and my grandmother on my father's side. There was some after dinner discussion about kitchen help and the like, as well as asking my grandmother to intercede with a well known dressmaker to make a few dresses. Fharn and I then sold off all our junk to some friends of my father, who gave us a decent price for them, and we bought a great deal of supplies both magical and mundane. On our way back, we spent several days in each major city looking for used spell books and other magical tomes. A day outside Silverhall, our sprint ship was attacked by pirates. Fharn disguised himself as a female river pilot, and challenged the pirates to combat, after setting up some traps for them to stumble into. I did the best I could to stab a few in the kidneys, and Munin tricked their parrot familiar into committing suicide."
She pauses, to take a breath, and a swig of ale, and then continues. "Fharn and I, once the beach attackers were dealt with and chased off, swam out to the sprint ship and attacked the pirate officers, who were trying to steal the sprint ship. We ended up burning most of them alive, although we did execute the one survivor afterwards. Low justice and all that, we had two representatives of the ships owners aboard, one noble and one merchant, so it was a fair, but short trial, as I'm sure some of you will be happy to hear." She grins at Wilhelm and Dante. "The rest of you will just be happy the pirate bled out into the river before being burned in a pyre. Fharn then set sail with some of the sailors to chase down the rest of the pirates. We recovered their ship, and gave chase to the survivors. They were so scared at that point, they thought Fharn was a demon summoner, especially after Munin killed one of them by dropping a lantern on him. I believe one pirate from the ship crew managed to survive, and four of the captured pirates were let go for providing aid in putting out the various fires. Four of the beach pirates managed to get away with one ship's officer. So of the 2 dozen that attacked, only 9 got away with their lives. We looted the pirates, their vessel, and then sold the ship for a profit. That's why we were late, between pirates and repairs and selling loot in Silverhall, we lost about a week."
She pauses again for another glass of ale. "When we got off the ship in Stetvan, we saw a dwarf on the dock trying to get information about the sting ships. Having just been attacked by pirates who were trying to steal ours, I'm afraid I was a bit suspicious of the dwarf in question. I wanted to conk him on the head and turn him over to the ship crew for questioning and be done with him, but Fharn talked me out of gutt... er.. conking him on the head. After talking with him for a bit, it became obvious he wasn't with the pirates knowingly. Not sure if he was a monkey's paw or not, we decided to keep him close until we found out for sure. On the trip down, we realized he was just a naturally curious soul with no self preservation instincts. Since he appears to be a decent enough engineer, we invited him to join us since we really need a good engineer or two, and he needs someone around to keep him from getting gutt... er conked on the head when he asks the wrong questions of the wrong people at the wrong time." She beams a smile at Holbrecht.
"That is the end of my tale. Thank you for listening. Autographs can be had at the low low price of 1 gold per."
Fhârn is content to let Sanita handle the tales of their trip - and even glad that she choose to not 'improve' them. He neglects to comment on the first part of their trip, still bound by the oath even if Sanita chooses to reveal their 'secret' destination. When she falls silent he picks up and adds the one noteworthy titbit that might be of relevance.
"We also stopped by Nivakta's Crossing on our way back - and heard an most unsettling rumour. Sanita mentioned it earlier today, but I thought it bears repeating. Especially here in council where we might spend a few minutes discussing it and its implications." He pauses to give people a moment to focus. "Our neighbour to the east - Maegar's Varnhold - tricked the local centaur tribes and slew them in dishonesty. Now, they claim he finished off every last one but that can hardly be the case. Besides, hotheads from distant tribes might feel compelled to extract vengeance anyway. Alas, the point is: I can't tell centaurs apart for two coppers and I don't expect them to tell the kingdoms of humans apart either. We might have to deal with some of the fallout from this foolish move - probably both with armed guards and diplomatic efforts." With a sarcastic laugh he continues. "If I were certain the centaurs would bother to read them - I would ride down into the south myself and put up a great sign 'Varnhold, slayer of Centaurs: This way ->'." He pauses again and continues in a more sober tone. "They also spoke of a 'centaur lover' called 'Koilia'. I seem to recall him being a part of our charter - perhaps we can have him negotiate perhaps?"
Roan, who had contented himself to merely observing things while the new travelers settled in. So that one's Sanita, Fharn, and a newcomer they picked up along the way. Hmm... Time to get to work then. Quietly from his corner, Roan sizes up the newcomers.
Once it eventually comes time for his introduction, Roan stands and approaches the three newcomers. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Sanita, Fharn, Holbrecht, welcome. Or welcome back in two of your cases. I am Roan, a follower of Irori, mercenary, and Wilhelm's brother and now helper as he mentioned."
Sanita nods at Roan, then tilts her head, and looks back and forth between the very charismatic Wilhelm, and the spectacularly less than impressive Roan. "Oh my, interesting genetic drift there. Half-brothers you say? That would certainly explain it. Although I don't think I've seen such a massive difference in siblings before, even half siblings." She seems to have had some experience with half siblings from the tone of her voice.
Roan raises an eyebrow at the assessment. So blunt... no wonder she gets in so many arguments. Not taking the bait, Roan just shrugs and leaves her opinion at that.
"Pleasant to meet you Roan." Fhârn offers Roan a steady handshake and glances bemused at Sanita. "Never? Remind me, I'll have to introduce you to someone someday. But perhaps you didn't count adoption ... Heh"
Meanwhile, the raven on his shoulder glares at Roan for a short while before he sighs. The bird puffs himself up and jumps over to Roans shoulder. "*Caw*! Well met, Roan of Irori." the raven calls and looks at the inquisitor expectantly.
Sanita shakes her head. "No, adoption doesn't count. Not when we're talking about genetic variance. Would you consider it unusual that an adopted daughter had red hair while both her parents had black? No. But if she was born with red hair and both parents had black, I'd wager her mother was stepping out on her father with a blonde haired man." Sanita responds, sitting back down. It looks as if she's about to start off on a lecture about genetic expression, dominant and recessive traits, and other medical trivia when she blinks. "Been hanging out with Holbrecht too much." She grins and gives the dwarf a wink before quieting down.
Roan returns the handshake. "Likewise." His grip is a similarly pleasant mix between a firm grip that thankfully doesn't turn into a childish crushing of Fharn's hand. At the sudden approach of the bird, Roan takes the cue. "Likewise." Then turning back to Fharn, he offers. "I suppose this makes you something of a warlock? To conjure the patronage of such a... friend." Roan's hesitancy is a clear attempt to not insult the bird in eye-plucking reach.
Fhârn assumes an innocent look. "You are right Sanita. Forget I mentioned the last part then..."
The raven nods in approval - while this human clearly hadn't heard the tales about his valour, much to his own detriment, he possessed some tact to make up for it. Satisfied Munin returned to his masters shoulder.
"Something of a warlock? Perhaps ... Fhârn strokes his chin, focusing on the first half of Roans question. He is clearly enjoying dissecting the word. "But that word is tainted with so much superstition and witchcraft - especially up north - so I would prefer Wizard or simply Mage. But truly, my focus is split, I reckon Dareon would be closer to a true mage.... So I guess that puts me somewhere in between a soldier, a mage and a proper craftsman then!"
Holbrecht is present, mostly in body, as there is a lot of talk and silent prayer, and reports and all that. He looks up periodically as he hears his name, responding where needed or appropriate.
He looks up when Wilhelm mentions the newly joined, and realizes there is nothing needed from him. He returns to his notes.
"Holbrecht, I'm afraid I've not known you long enough to say the same, but I'm sure that will come in the fullness of time. In any case, let us begin."
He looks up, eyes wide, worried he'd been asked something, but not hearing a question after his name. Instead Wilhelm looks to the two Holbrecht came with, and realized the question must be to them about him. He listens as Sanita speaks, actually pleased when she gets to him and makes it much less false than previously. All he does is add a muttered "I can take care of myself just fine, girlie, I've been doing it long before you were born." more to himself since he knows she's prone to arguing with him for no sane or logical reason.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Sanita, Fharn, Holbrecht, welcome. Or welcome back in two of your cases. I am Roan, a follower of Irori, mercenary, and Wilhelm's brother and now helper as he mentioned."
Holbrecht looks up again, waves uninterestedly, and nods in mild appreciation, "Family ties are always good... I'm still supposed check on my Garress thing... oh well, they'll wait... they probably didn't even know I was coming...."
"I suppose I'll report next. During our exploration, Wilhelm, Lanya, Dante, and I defeated a pair of troll bandits, reclaimed the lost temple of Erastil, and further improved ties between us and the nearby fey when we happened across Tyg and Perlivash once again. And if what Sanita and Fharn say is true, we may ask them to assist us in making peace with the centaurs. Also, a few days ago the Baron Drelev stopped by with a force intending to defeat the boggards and claim Hook town and the following area. I think once we get our kingdom off the ground we'll need to push our explorations quickly to keep hom from encroaching on our claim." Rowan sits back down, prefering to keep his report short and to the point.
Anastacia leans forward with interest. "You saw Pervilash, and Tyg-Titter-Tut? I'm glad to hear they are well. Strange folk, but Pervilash has the heart of..." Anastacia smiles. "Well... A dragon."
Leaning back Anastacia changes the subject, briefly. "One of the worgs we fought, got away. Everyone should be alert for it. Those worgs proved to be quite troublesome."