"Only swampy." Ruika whispers as she leans over to Keiko, as they enter Almah's presence. The cowled figure bows to the caravan leader.
Jaykae tries to figure out what would rhyme with pugwampi but Ruika answers before she can get a good word so she continues on with the beat Keiko started, tapping her flute on her arm to get the rhythm right and working on how to incorporate it to the flute and other instruments.
She sighs as they get into the tent as she still feels out of sorts because of that trip and decides to watch everyone and how they act. This was too strange.
Almah stands behind the table expectantly, though she does well to conceal the anxiety Garavel spoke of. Everything in the tent looks as it had before, with the exception of a few maps and papers on the planning table, which have been shifted around some. The merchant princess looks at each of you in turn, her eyes stopping at the sight of Alik and the lifeless body in his arm.
"So this is the pugwampi..." she asks, just a hint of surprise in her voice. "The creature that killed Eloais..." Walking closer to the six of you, she reaches out to touch the tiny creature before stopping, thinking better of it. With a small sigh, she crosses her arms. "I take it the hunt went well. Was this the only one you found?"
Quietly Ruika moves into the hut, standing tall and proudly before the caravan leader. Almah's words was life and death in the desert and this sort of authority had to be respected. She gives a little nod as the beautiful lady passes and inspects her; "Yes."
Then she produces one of the Harrowing Cards, it's edges burnt and charred. "It had this upon him."
Alik bows to Almah as he offers the smelly creature forward for viewing. He nods in response to Almah's question.
"Yes, this was the only creature we discovered." Alik begins. He opens his mouth as if to continue, but stops. With a shake of his head, he closes it and remains silent.
"You have my condolences." Ruika adds, there's a catch in her gruff voice. 'What is the deceased to her? I don't think this is over, but I can investigate on the quiet.'
The robed figure waits to see if the caravan-leader is going to continue, looking forward to seeing what the forward cat-folk man is going to try next.
"I take it the hunt went well. Was this the only one you found?"
"My comrades fought bravely and hastily. The Bastard of Blackwall never even got to taste blood this day. You picked the right people for the job."
"So it would seem," Almah replies, hazarding a small smile at Corneilious' statement. It does not last long however, as she quickly frowns again when she sees the Harrowing card. She carefully takes it from Ruika, staring at it plaintively for a few moments. "Still... it is hard to believe that such a tiny creature could cause all this trouble all by itself, bad luck or none. There must be more of them living out in the hills somewhere. There will be trouble if they were to come in greater numbers." Placing the card on the table, she looks at each of you once more with a thoughtful expression. "At any rate, I believe that it is time we discuss the official terms of you employment," she starts, brushing aside the matter of the investigation.
Almah waves a signal to Garavel, who promptly walks across the tent, stooping over to unlock and open a chest by the foot of her bed. "If anything, tonight's events provided an unexpected test of your resourcefulness. Garavel was right to bring you here." The majordomo returns, holding six small leather pouches in his hands. Approaching your group, he hands one to each of you. Almah continues to speak as he does so. "But I suppose the real test of your mettle is yet to come. I suspect all of your blades will find blood soon enough."
"Now, then. This company has but one mission - to reclaim Kelmarane from the tribe of gnolls known as the Kuldis."
The merchant princess looks at you all expectantly, awaiting any questions you might have.
She takes the pouch in her hand, trusting to the value of it's contents. "How far to Kelmarane? What is their strength?" she starts with the questions. "Do you have a plan?" The shrouded woman starts her plotting, soon all the gnolls will be dead.
Alik nods his head, accepting the pouch despite the feeling of hypocrisy the action decries in his case. He wonders if he will be allowed to keep it seeing as he is Almah's property until the mission was complete. Then and only then would he be free of his slave collar. Alik would slay a thousand pugwampi and a thousand gnolls to reach this goal.
Tucking the pouch away, Alik brazenly asks, "Do you have a specific design for our talents? I am yours to command, Lady Almah. Your slave stands ready."
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Garruth offers Almah a smile when he comes into the tent. "I'm pleased to see you again, you look exquisite my dear." He seems to lack any sort of formality despite talking to the merchant princess. He accepts the pouch when it's handed to him "Thank you, this should make a splendid donation for the orphans."
When Almah has finished and gives time for questions Garruth's are somewhat less practical than Ruika's "Would you care to join us for dinner? I suppose I shouldn't speak for the others, but the hunt gave me quite the appetite. And I must say, as nice as your gift is" he indicates the pouch he was given "Your company would be a far greater one."
Ruika just represses a snorting laugh at the cat-folks charm, something that would not work with a less charming man. However for him it just worked.
Though the tall rough Alik's words confused her; 'A slave, what's that. Although he is very obedient, useful in the desert. Trust in those learned in the lore of the wilderness.'
Ruika nods at Garruths words; "I promised to show Alik how to drink, didn't I Ladies?" she motions softly to the twins and her robe flows gently.
"Oh!" Jaykae perks up, "This sounds like a match to be remembered." She pipes a quick couple of notes from her flute which sound like a viscious prelude to something more.
"I asked for warriors and was brought a gentleman," Almah says to Garruth in amusement, though there is no mockery in her voice. "It is a shame that charm cannot kill - if it did, perhaps the gnolls would simply drop dead at your feet." Garruth glowers at the catman disapprovingly for the second time that night. Off in the corner of the tent, you could all swear that Dashki is doing the same. "Unfortunately, I will have to decline your offer... there are preparations I must make for tomorrow. But please, do not let that stop you from enjoying dinner. Hadrod and Hadrah are quite competent at cooking. Now, as for more serious matters..."
"Kelmarane is about three miles northeast of the Sultan's Claw," Almah starts again, having apparently realized that she had gone on a tangent. "You will have to cross the old pesh cacti fields to get there. Unfortunately, I cannot really answer your other questions. Before now, the Pactmasters have never made any efforts to approach the village since its abandonment, even after its occupation by the Kulldis. There is no telling just how many gnolls there are, or what kind of allies they might have - as you can see, reconnaissance will be crucial. But I can say without a doubt that they outnumber us greatly. A head-on assault would be suicide."
"As I mentioned before, the Sultan's Claw has proven to be a less than ideal headquarters. Fortunately, we have a contingency plan. There is an old monastery to Sarenrae just a mile from the village's outskirts. I believe it will prove to be a much better base of operations for us... provided it is abandoned, of course. We are to pack up everything in the morning and head there as quickly as possible."
"My apologies if this is impudent, but what are you asking us to do?" Alik asks inclining his head of wild flame like hair.
"Are you saying we should scout Kelmarane or assist with the camp's relocation?"
"We will relocate to the monastery first," Almah replies, "From there you will be in a better position to determine how to approach the village."
"A mile, close." there is an ambivalent edge to the curt phrasing. Both a desire to see justice served and a apprehension that she could finish her vengeance or die trying.
Putting these thoughts of the future away, "Pesh fields, what dangers face us there?" she asks wondering if there are known hazards.
"Ragathiel has merely a few Temples across Golarion, yet the idea of being housed in another place of worship of another is quite... settling. This is proving to be quite the adventure."
"Yet I must remember not to loose sight of my primary goal..."
"I will find the truth behind the Blackwall Legacy"
"Then I will take your suggestion for dinner as a command." Turning to Ruika, Alik says, "Of course we can drink, but you may still be woozy from your injuries, so I will not hold it against you if you are not able to keep up." Alik bows to Almah and sweeps out of the tent.
Alik takes the body of the pugwampi and seeks out the quartermaster (or one of his assistants) in order to borrow a shovel. Alik then buries the small creature in the shadows beneath the Sultan's Claw. Could there be a more fitting place for such an ill-omened thing?" Alik thinks to himself.
Then Alik seeks out Hadrod and Hadrah to fill his grumbling belly and meet Ruika's challenge.
'Woozy, woozy,
She stands up abruptly and feels dizzy, putting a hand upon the back of a piece of furniture to steady herself. She shakes her head angrilly and follows the man, however she abruptly stops seeing him.
From the shadows she watches Alik bury the creature. 'Not the ways of my people, but still shows he has a heart even if he is.... infuriating.' Keeping well away she waits until he has left, then Ruika walks over to the tree and the resting place.
Ruika kneels beside the rest grave whilst she says a few words, releasing the spirit to fly through the desert and find a new home.
Rising she goes to wash up and then for the meal...
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Garruth nods understanding that the princess is very busy with this whole Kelmarane thing, especially after finding out that their base isn't in the ideal area. "That is a shame, it sounds like you could use a break, but of course I understand your attention is needed elsewhere, perhaps another time. Take care though, if you only work, and never take a moment for yourself you'll wear yourself out."
He looks towards Garavel and smiles at the man despite the disapproving glower "You might be surprised how far you can get on charm, you should try it sometime... although I wouldn't suggest starting with gnolls."
The catman considers as the conversation moves to talk of the monastery "What if it isn't abandoned? Do you have a party ready to scout it and make sure before the move?" At least he has some questions that aren't related to flirting with the princess.
Looking towards Alik as he moves out of the tent, once the questions are answered, and grins "Ahh yes good food and good drink are definitely what I need right now." He then frowns at the man's last words and looks to Ruika "Were you injured?" He looks to the woman with concern as she seems a bit unsteady when she stands, but stops himself from offering to help her, he has the feeling it wouldn't be appreciated at the moment.
Garruth stands and smiles to Almah "I look forward to seeing you again, please find time to rest tonight." He moves to leave the tent in order to join Ruika and Alik for the meal.
"Pesh fields, what dangers face us there?"
"Dashki assures me that the wildlife in these parts is less than friendly," Almah says, looking over to the gnoll expert, "But the pesh fields should be relatively clear, unless the Kulldis happens to patrol that far."
Dashki grunts. "The cacti in that area have been dead for over a decade. Not much left asides from dust and dirt. No reason for predators or their prey to hang around."
"What if it isn't abandoned? Do you have a party ready to scout it and make sure before the move?"
"We don't have the time to spare to do so in advance," she says, a sly smile on her lips, "But I do have a certain party in mind for the job."
"Oh," says Keiko, nodding slowly. "I think I have a certain idea who that certain party is... Well," she pats her blade, "My sword will surely be deserving of the title 'Gnollslayer' soon enough. Though I can assure you... charm can kill. You just gotta know how to use it."
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Garruth grins towards Keiko when she talks about charm killing and jovially puts an arm around her shoulders, or at least tries, she could probably avoid him if she wanted. "And we know how to use it don't we? Together we can charm our way out of anything, or maybe into anything..." He pauses for a moment, he actually hadn't meant that as any innuendo, but can see how it could be taken that way. He decides he'll just continue anyway "And with Jaykae along too nothing can possibly resist. The gnolls will be killing each other just for the chance to die at our feet." The catman holds his free arm out towards Jaykae in an invitation for her to join them. "Come, let's get a drink my friends."
Jaykae chuckles and lets Garruth put his arm around her as well, enjoying the flirting even if she wouldn't normally do this with anyone else but the catman was fluffy and a lot of fun so why not?
She makes a witty sound with her flute then puts it back in it's holder and laughs, "Nothing." She agrees with Garruth and starts off with him and her sister in search of the mighty food.
Ruika looks on filled with dark thoughts; 'Gnolls, seems everyone hates them as much as me.... but they'll have to be careful. The gnolls are deadly, the caravan can be utterly destroyed is an instant. So tonight we drink and I show Alik how a brave drinks.'
Moving over to the twins and Garruth, "Yes, drink and food. Be merry, for who knows what tomorrow brings." Lyssa runs around Ruika sandalled feet, rubbing her muzzle waiting expectantly for food.
"Come, let's get a drink my friends."
"Now there's an idea I can get on-board with! What time do we leave at in the morning? I'd like to pace myself accordingly to make sure I am in good health for the journey tomorrow?
Feeding her fuzzy companion first, Ruika makes sure that her friend is well fed before she even starts. Reaching into her bag she pulls out a small worn leather pouch, with some cermony she laces the top.
Reaching a thumb and forefinger inside she withdraws a pinch of white crystals, then places it in her mouth. Looking around the 5 others, she individually offers them some.
Alik looks at Ruika's offering while waiting for what the cooks have available.
"What is this, hooded one?"
"Salt. The vitae of the desert, the essence of life and foundation of the spirit." she replies in a hushed tone losing some of it's roughness. The words flow in a soft reverence, at the act of partaking.
"Sarenrae's Fire!" Alik blasphemes in shock at such a wealthy offering. "Salt? Truly?"
Alik accepts the small pinch with gratitude. He saves it to flavor whatever delicious food Almah's chefs provide.
"Thank you, hooded one." He smiles at Ruika while they wait for food.
Despite it being past midnight, nobody in the camp seems to be asleep, still ill at ease with the events of hours before. As such, Hadrod is all too happy to quickly throw together a campfire for your party, making sure to leave plenty of space between it and the mercenaries' ("I heard 'em talking while you were all gone - they really don't seem to like this Blackwall fellow!"). Shortly after, Hadrah serves you all bowls of mutton stew. She also provides you with a flagon of ale, thanking you for rescuing Rombard.
A slow bow of benevolance, Ruika is pleased with Aliks response. 'Hmm... yes. I will help him.' Inside the robe her eyes sparkle with mischief; "Alik, I see you are wounded by the cacti. I would not want you at a disadvantage for our contest. Let me."
She raises a hand and calls upon her powers, though she knows not - the strength of her ancestors flows through her body. Placing her gloved palm upon the Ifrit's fore-arm, the healing energies flow into him.
Alik feels the comforting energy surge into him, and his aches are soothed. He sighs as his tired muscles relax.
"Thank you yet again. I, Alik ibn Palmsfire, am in your debt. Let us drink then and enjoy the night!" Raising his tankard, he salutes Hadrod and Hadrah. Then he clinks it to Ruika's and downs his fully. Calling for more with a couple coins, Alik then tucks into his stew with gusto wiping up the last bits with a crust of bread if provided.
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Garruth smiles at Ruika as she offers salt from her pouch "Ruika darling you are so kind and generous." He looks at his paws a moment and sighs softly "But I do not wish to get fur in your salt."
He peers towards the hooded figure "How come you always have your hood up?" the catman asks curiously then smiles "Is it because you're so incredibly ravishing that you need to keep yourself covered, or be overrun by ravenous males?" he leans in towards her to talk quietly "You should show me in private sometime, I promise I'll try to contain myself."
Happily accepting the stew and ale from Hadrah Garruth turns his attention away from the ladies for a moment to eat he was quite hungry after all. Upon hearing Ruika speak of the contest his attention returns to her and he shifts in a bit closer "I haven't seen a good drinking contest in quite some time. My money's on you Ruika" He offers her a wink.
Jaykae takes her stew and ale and tenderly accepts some salt to be added directly to her stew. She then settles in and listens to the others while eating slowly, thinking in terms of musical tones and how it would affect her music if she and her sister used ideas from this supper. Maybe it could be included into a larger scaled piece.
At Garruth words Ruika laughs a low deep chuckle that drifts to a higher pitch as it becomes more unbridled. She calms down breathing heavily; beneath her robes there's a distinctly feminine rise and fall.
"Thank you, for believing in my prowess, Garruth." she looks to the twins, a glittering wink beneath the cowl.
Turning back to the handsome cat-man; "Maybe you shall..." the words a half-promise. She picks up the beer and takes a sip, ignoring the stew for the moment.
"I don't care what those mercenaries think. I'm sure they'd like me if they got to know me."
Corneilious stares off in the mercenaries direction to see what they are up to then turns back to the party and shrugs.
"You people have tolerated me and my faith so far."
"Course" Ruika claps Corneilous upon the back, the drink having appeared to have already gone to her head. "Faith tolerates and the spirit provides." Beneath the dark hood the mug of ale disappears and is withdraw a few moments later, with the meniscus an inch lower.
She watches the camp-fire flicker, casting shadows against the dark.
Alik glances at the cowled female as her voice gets louder. Heh, she sure likes to talk big, but can she actually compete? He raises his second mug of ale in a salute and then takes a large swallow.
"You're more than welcome to join this contest, Garruth. We must all drink and be merry after a successful conclusion to tonight's events."
From the darkness, she sees that the powerful man is already upon her second mug. Eyes widen and she realisies that she's already behind. 'This just won't do! I won't have him condescending me."
Clay mug goes to her soft lips and she lets the bitter liquid flow, until she nearly gags upon it. Returning the mug before her, nearly a quarter of it's contents imbibed. She runs her tongue over her lips to ensure not a drop of moisture is lost. 'For it might be a contest, but the desert reviles waste.'
"Good." she says hoarsely, unused to the sharp taste.
Alik's raises an eyebrow as Ruika gulps her ale noisily. He grins over his mug at the hidden female with healing powers. Her fox pet yiffs and bounces around as Ruika spills a little of her drink on her robe.
"Now we're getting somewhere!" Alik proclaims. "Here now you four, join our game." Alik waves his free hand encouragingly at Jaykae, Corneilious, Keiko, and Garruth.
Corneilious would prefer to be of sound body and mind in the morning and declines Alik's offer even though he wants to participate.
"No, I think I'd rather be in good health for the journey tomorrow. Cutting down enemies with a headache is more work and equally more dangerous. With your slowed reflexes after a night of heavy drink I think my odds of survival will be drastically reduced with only a band of sober mercenaries to watch my back."
"A different contest perhaps? Maybe an arm wrestle or a game of dice?"
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Garruth grins towards Alik at the invitation and laughs softly "I will gladly join you to drink, and the celebration of our success, but are you sure you wish to challenge a follower of Cayden Cailean to a drinking contest?"
Hearing the hoarseness in Ruika's voice the catman rubs her back "Don't force it down my dear, it is a contest, but smile and laugh enjoy the spirits and the company, you'll find the drink will flow easier, and taste more savoury."
He rolls his eyes at Corneilious' attempt to party poop "Don't be so dramatic, we'll be fine in the morning, and if we happen to be a little under the weather we'll get some alchemists kindness"
He waves for the twins to join "Come, it is a fabulous idea, we'll have drinks and dares, and enjoy the night. It will help us to come closer together." A furry paw raises his tankard in a toast as is traditional for the first drink of the night "To Cayden Cailean!" following the toast he takes a long swallow of his ale.
The twin looks at her drink then at the others and wonders about this idea of drinking contests. Is she capable of this form of thing or not? She does not know if she can out drink a fly let alone those who seem to have been on the road and out adventuring much more than she and Keiko have. Her eyes flicker from person to person to see what is going on and decide upon what she should do.
Jaykae sips at the brew which had been given to her and considers how to go about this. Should she or should she not? What the heck! This could only be a way to bond with the others and maybe the experience will give her insight which she could put to a tune.
The mug shifts to her lips once again, she takes a deep breath, lets it out then chugs the mug of ale.
Con check
Once she drinks the ale she smiles cheerfully while wavering back and forth. Her eyes close then hiccuping starts, making her sound almost like little Lyssa whenever the sound emerges. She puts a hand over her mouth but cannot stop the hiccuping and woozy feeling that makes her want to fall over.
"Don't believe in luck. Dice are skill and numbers." Ruika says between sips of the beer, taking Garruths advice. "However... I could go for some arm wrestling, that is if you don't mind finding humility?" she asks whilst clearing space upon the makeshift table. From beneath her dark robe she flicks back the charcoal outer robe.
Taking a long quaff of the ale, ensuring none is spilt whilst taking her time. Then she reveals long pale arm, thin and toned, but with a distinctly feminine curve. She places the elbow on the table, flexing her fingers. "Come on then! I'll take on all-comers." she says proudly.
Keiko looks towards her sister and then decides, "I'm gonna stay out of the drinking contest thing. Someone's gotta look after Jaykae, and it should probably be me." She looks towards Corneilious and then says, "I'm not much of an arm wrestler. I'm more of a cheerleader than a fighter. But a game of dice... well, may lady luck be kind!"
Beneath her dark robe she smiles; "Certainly no-one has the strength to take me on." Carrying on with another sip she is nearly half-way through her first mug. There's a nod of proprietary at Keiko's sense, usually Ruika might take this route, but today she feels the need to impress after Alik's words.
Alik grins at Ruika stepping up to the challenge of arm wrestling. The woman certainly had the right idea on how to prove herself...even if it might be a little much for something so lithe and pedi...piteet...pe-...well, small anyway.
Looking away she places her elbow upon the table and grasps Aliks hand. Her height lending her some leverage, however this too is matched by the powerful barbarian. Feeling his rough hand in her soft one she smiles; 'Good a contest.'
Taking the strain as they meet. Using all the torque she can muster she pushes against the unyielding man. However moments after it starts, Ruika's elbow slips upon a patch of spilt ale. Flailing the tension goes out of her and Alik pushes her hand to the table, whilst she nearly face plants upon the desert sands.
Getting up from her prone position, humiliated and dejected. She mumbles; "You were the better man. Well done." then she downs the traitorous ale, somehow swallowing it all, like her pride.
Raising the empty mug she calls for some more.