Barnabus listens and smiles....better companions would be hard to come by....
"How looks tha road ahead?"
Lothar wondered as well if things were looking pretty good for them as they traveled back to the settlement. But he knew that Golden Arm would have given them some sign if it didn't.
But he couldn't let her do all the work. So he maintained a degree of vigilance as they rode, hoping that any trouble that the Wardens could encounter would just pass them by.
"Tha an a witches brew an I will be set for tha evenin, well a spot in front o tha hearth."
The witch likes the pelting of the rain and storms he soaks it in as if it is divine inspiration and to see what he can learn from the experience.
Pats his mount, "I fear tah speak to tha horses, fer I am certain they too are ready fer tha dry straw o stables."
This seems a fine bit of progress these folks have made here in the middle of the wild...
At Barnabus' comment the paladin nods, Aye, the beef can wait. Its best we put our friends into a good place of rest before we proceed with filling our own mouths...
Lothar dismounts and hands the reins of his mule to shorter one. Find suitable stabling for our mounts and look after them. He then produces 4 gold coins. Use this to pay, then come to the castle and let us know where they are. See to it that they receive very good care and there may be a reward in it for you both.
Rhasasilara swings easily out of the saddle after having taken in the many visible changes in the settlement. She bows slightly to Arry, then hands the reins to the girl. "Well met, young lady. Allow me to introduce Sunset. What is your name? Are you kin to the smith, as well?"
She moves to pull the saddlebags off of Sunset and steps back so the horse can be led away.
I would hear no end of it I didn't, I'm not sure of the others. Honestly anything you can do to help my young horse feel rested and cared for would be a blessing...
"I am sure Sunset feels he is due some pampering after running back and forth across these lands. Please, do whatever you feel is appropriate. But remember we will get a full report of their treatment." This last is delivered with mock seriousness.
Barnabus talks to animals. Strangely enough, they talk back.
Jianir offers a sharp laugh at Nancy, Only when you are older and surely much more desperate to find a path will we subject you to lessons from Barnabus. I've only known him a short time and I can tell you that peering into the depths of that mind is sure to set your teeth on edge and raise the hair a bit... The paladin offers a good natured wink at the witch and sighs, If there is some warm food, I admit I could use some... The oracle starts to walk and looks at the others to see if they follow...
A long journey finally comes to an actual resting point, well at least in the eyes of Noriel. The settlement is new to Noriel though she finds it a bit of a shock to the reason why she didn’t spot this place before she came across the group at their established fort.
”Unusual that a place could skip my travels, perhaps I came from a different direction? Well, the direction was never a strong subject for me, keep heading straight till you run into something.”
The faintest of a smile gazed upon her face as her thought makes her want to laugh but manages to reframe from it.
At this point, the group was dismounting their horses and passing the reigns off to some boy and girl that were willing to care for our horses. Noriel decides to follow suit and dismounts and the reigns lift and lead the horse to Nancy or the boy, whoever that may be still around though it was her kinetic ability that magically lead the horse to the kids by its reigns. She didn’t seem to pay them much mind, considering that Lothar took care of a month’s stay for all the horses.
While the group may fair being wet, Noriel black umbrella was still hanging in mid-float above her, but if you’re not paying too much attention it close enough to appear as though she could be holding it. She runs her fingers through her hair, noticing that the umbrella while beneficial does not completely protect against the rain. She pulls out a small comb and heads towards the tavern brushing her silky white hair with her thin delicate elven fingers. Noriel glances back towards the group who is partially on the way to the tavern/inn.
”Standing here in the rain is only soaking your clothes, you should really take cover.”
Noriel Puts hand out to open the door kinetically moments before she gets to the door of the Tavern. Once entering the Tavern, she makes haste arrive before Jirani does, though attempting to not looking completely obvious. The second she enters the Tavern she goes over to the bartender/innkeeper and tosses 20 gold down on the counter.
”Oh dear, would you fetch me and my companions some food and some rooms for the night?... If you can that would be delightful”
Noriel tone seductive and entrancing as she talks to the Innkeeper whether male or female her tone remains the same. While in her mind she was thinking about the benefit the group could provide if it appeared that she cared. Typically she would not do such lavish expense but she saw this as an opportunity to improve her relations with them as well as gain some allies in the battle.
“This could very well benefit me in the future, should the group find that I am not to their liking they may find favor in my generosity.”
Noriel tries not to choke on the word generosity, however, she manages to keep it together.
Rhasadilara searches her brain for the man's name for a moment, but that's never been her strong suit, so she lets the effort go with a smile and a "Congratulations!" for the new father.
Dyfrig, on the other hand, she threatens to hug (and spill his plates), but takes the top two plates from his precarious load and hands one to Noriel.
Realizing she and the Wardens have the floor for the moment if they want it, she decides to take a moment. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is good to see you once again. Your city has grown so fast already! If I may, I would like to introduce two new members of the Wardens. The lady here is known as Noriel and she is new to our lands, but has already proven herself quite talented and adept at the challenges that come up here. The gentlemen there by Warden Lothar is holy man named Jirani. Please do help them feel welcome as they have agreed to assist in the growth and protection of these lands, your lands." With that, she finds a seat at a table and digs in, visiting with whoever she lands next to.
Jirani raises a hand and nods to the group in greeting continuing to offer a broad smile.
Lothar shakes his head. Mayor hilSampt.
It had an odd ring to it, to be sure. But it was a good sound, without a doubt.
The Magician stays in the tent long enough that his leaving wouldn't seem rude. He had one other piece of business that needed to be dealt with. But that required locating Seth.
Rhasadilara sits, listening to Samlor, Yes! I knew I recognized him! "A good choice some folks would make, then. An election would certainly be in order so that all voices could be heard. We will visit them soon, but how are Gorguk and Calindar?"
Noriel finds a seat and sits down enjoying the chance to rest her feet. She begins to scarf down some free food, after tucking away her money. It took her a min to get used to the environment and the non traditional bar made from a tent. She doesn't speak at this time but trys to take in the view.
Noriel thinks for a moment.
"I really need to work on my charm, for my skill as a seductress I sure need to be more convincing."
Noriel smiles with a glimmering light in her eyes at someone actually took the time to sit down beside her and actually noticed her in a friendly way. Thoughts pondered her mind as to what this guy was up to but she decided to play along. She set her fork down and looked at the person and with a wink she smirked and brought her hand to her side though trying to be very subtle as she rested her hand over her dagger. Her hand closest to the gentleman she twirled her hair to draw attention to her face as she gave that all so common innocent impression.
”Oh… Hello, Dear Arry. It’s a pleasure to meet you, my name is Noriel! What brings me here, such a great question that I am still in search for. I travel with the group over there. they have been very good to me.”
Noriel points over to Lothar, Rhasa, Barnabus, etc. Though she doesn’t point to hard to draw any real attention to the jester. She leans into the man and whispers a small phrase trying to be discreet.
”Barnabus, My master is really protective of me”
A very soft innocent laughter follows, almost giggling. Though she continues the conversation…
Lothar stood over Seth as the youth dropped and placed himself so that his body was held parallel to the rain-soaked ground, hands palm-down with the fingers pointed toward the feet. He then extended his arms to raise his body off the ground so that only the palms of his hands were touching, then returned to the starting position. This exercise served to strengthen Seth's arms, chest, and abdomen. The kid fired these off in rapid succession, performing a set of twenty before Lothar called for the final part of the drill.
Wasting no time, Seth rose to his feet and stood with a wide stance. At a nod from his master, the young man's legs bent at the knees and hips as he lowered his torso until his thighs were parallel to the ground, then raised his body up. Twenty-nine of these leg-strengthening squats were done before Lothar barked the command to cease.
Seth immediately stood so that his legs were straight without locking the knees, resting the weight of his body equally on the heels and balls of the feet while simultaneously placing his hands at the small of the back and centered on his waistline. His eyes were locked on to Lothar's position.
Stretch for ten minutes. When you're done, I have one more task that needs to be done.
Seth acknowledged his understanding with a bow from the waist before doing as his master had bade him.
When he was done, Seth noticed that Master Narda had gone back inside the tent. Eager to be out of the wet and dreary weather, the boy followed his teacher's example. The Vudran stood before a table with two cups set upon it. At Lothar's bidding, Seth approached.
So far, I have taught you physical exercises needed to strengthen your body, Lothar began. But to strengthen the body is not enough. One's force of will, must also be strengthened as well. For it is the will, comprised of the mind, intelligence, and ego, that controls the physical body.
The Vudran continued. The life energy your body produces is vital for survival. This energy is known by many names. It flows from all parts of the body and has a tendency to flow together, producing one mass of energy. This happens without our awareness, usually resulting in a slow leak that continually escapes from the body. If you were to lose this energy entirely, it would prove to be fatal.
Seth's eyes widened at this. Master Narda allowed himself a slight smile, for he too had had that very same reaction.
The points on the body from which this energy flows are called nodes. By controlling these nodes, we begin the first step to walking the Winding Path.
There are four exercises of the mind. Can you tell me the first?
Focus the mind, reflect upon the self, and determine the goal, came Seth's response.
Master Narda gave a nod of approval. Very good. Continue.
The goal is put into words.
Go on.
We then strengthen the will.
And lastly...?
The goal is put into action.
Lothar was pleased, but did his best to hide this from Seth. The Path is not for everyone. But like any path, it requires commitment of the highest order. It is one thing to parrot the words you have heard. It is another to understand, to comprehend, the meaning behind them. Should you stay the course and continue on this path, though it may take a lifetime, enlightenment, understanding will be yours.
He gestured at the cups on the table. These vessels are filled with water. Floating on the surface of each is a leaf. What I want you to do, Seth, is to place your hands around a cup and focus your energy outward. What happens next will determine where we go from here.
Seth did not hesitate and put his tiny hands around the cup as his master directed. He then visualized his energy flowing from his body, traveling through his hands and into the cup.
The reaction that occurred was immediate and startled the boy, as well as several of the tent's older patrons. Water began to spill over the lip of the cup and onto the table. Seth pulled back his hands and stared, first at the cup, then at his master.
It would seem that the mystery of untwisting iron is yours. Lothar watched his student with great care as he continued speaking. You have within you great strength, both of will and character. This inner strength will be useful to you on your journey.
May I ask what your mystery is, Master Narda?
Lothar smiled. He had expected this very question. See for yourself.
Seth watched as his master placed both hands around the other cup. To his utter amazement, the clear liquid took on a cloudy hue.
My mystery is that of the unblinking flame. And like fire, my nature is very volatile. Seeing the lack of understanding on his pupil's face, Lothar continued. If I'm not careful, without proper control, I can inflict great harm upon others without meaning to.
The child had a thoughtful look upon his face, then smiled as he reached out and touched his master lightly upon the hand. I think I understand, Master Narda.
He could only marvel at Seth's simple acceptance of things. Perhaps it was an aspect of his mystery, but it was one that Lothar envied. Would that he could be so straightforward with both thought and deed.
But that was not within Lothar's nature.
Though there were other things beyond his limited knowledge that he could teach Seth, Lothar had decided early on that he would not do so. The outcome of Seth's test had confirmed for him that decision to have been the correct one. He would not sully the student's purity with his own inner darkness.
Understand something, Seth. We are not bound to the mysticism that many followers on the path to Perfection adhere to. In fact, the test I administered is probably the most esoteric thing you'll see from me in the course of your training. My original intent was to train you in the monastic tradition. That, admittedly, would have been an ill-advised course on my part. Only a monk can train a monk, and that is not what I am. But I can teach you to be versatile, agile, and, most importantly, to be able to adapt to an enemy's attacks. These are mechanical aspects on the path that leads to transcendence, but with them I can turn your body into a powerful weapon.
Lothar gazed upon his student, unsure if the boy understood all that he had said to him. However, Seth's face betrayed no hint of uncertainty or confusion at all.
Lothar continued, Many see metal and think of it as unyielding and rigid. And it can be. But metal can flex as well. Indeed, the most finely crafted swords do so to avoid breaking under repeated blows. That is my goal for you, Seth. To be flexible, not rigid. To aid in this endeavor, there will be another assisting me with your training, to strengthen you in ways that I cannot. You will obey her as you would me.
The Vudran could see the surprise in the eyes of his student. It was not wholly unexpected. Before Seth could question him, Lothar raised a finger and motioned for silence. With great reluctance, the boy kept his words to himself.
I have not given up on you, nor is this a punishment. So do not think of it as such. Also, my duties on behalf of the kingdom will keep me very busy, more so than I would like. It would interfere with my ability to teach you properly. And she can provide you with the proper training that you need to walk the path to Perfection in my absence.
Of course, I will test your progress with each return trip I make here. It is my hope, Seth, that you will one day surpass my skill and, on that day, we will no longer be master and apprentice. On that day, we will be equals.
Lothar smiled. It is a day that I look forward to with great anticipation. He gently placed a hand on the young boy's shoulder. But before I go, there is something I wish for you to have.
He stepped back and began to unwind the chain that was around his waist, then removed the slightly curved blade that he wore on his side like a dagger. Lothar gazed solemnly at the surujin that he held for a moment before presenting it to Seth. Take this and learn to wield it. Let it remind you of the nature of metal and serve as a reminder of me.
Seth was hesitant to take the weapon from Lothar's hand. The Vudran understood, and so opened the young boy's hands so that he could place the surujin in his grasp before closing his little fingers around it. The length of chain fell to the ground, but neither master or student paid attention as it did.
It was all either could do to keep their faces straight. For both were remembering the circumstances of their very first meeting.
Lothar put the weapon through its paces, the surujin snaking out this way and that, the blade slicing through the air as the magician rapidly wrapped and unwrapped the chain around torso, legs, neck and even his elbows. As with the training tool before, Lothar began to twist and flick the fast moving weapon, adjusting it while it unwrapped, to make go even faster. He then increased the level of difficulty even further by leaping into the air to perform spins and kicks in addition to what he was doing previously, something Lothar had held back from trying with the training tool. It was a display of coordination married with skill, technique, and concentration.
It was, in a word, glorious.
A youngster, horse-boy in Samlor's caravan, crept out and watched wide-eyed as Lothar practiced.
When Lothar was done, a content smile played across his face as he looked down at the weapon in his hands. His ability to change his body's position efficiently, something that required the integration of isolated movement skills through a combination of balance, coordination, speed, reflexes, strength, endurance and stamina, had improved dramatically through his time here in the Greenbelt.
Lothar gave thanks to Irori, the Master of Masters, for the physical gifts he had received and strengthened his resolve in regards to the mission that the Wardens of the Green were undertaking. As he gathered the rest of his things and began to make his way back into the courtyard of the trading post, the magician began to feel the weight of exhaustion brought on by his exertions. Yet in light of what he learned, the Vudran did not seem to mind.
Wow, he said after was done. How long did it take to learn that? Would you teach me? Please...
The magician considered his words carefully before giving a response, It took a short time to learn, but a lifetime to master. My art is still not all that it could be, but if you wish to learn what I know, then I will teach you. Provided, of course, that it is your master's wish for you to learn.
He smiled as he gently tousled the young boy's hair. What is your name, young one?
The two stood silent for a moment, awkward and unsure of what to say or do next, each struggling to hold back tears that, in the end, refused to be kept at bay.
Rhasadilara is making small talk with those seated near her, particularly about their observations of the wildlife and how the land is responding to the settlers' ministrations and how the settlers' are trying to respect the land as they work it, not just pillage it. She's happy to hear that they seem to be trying to work with the land, not force it into something unnatural.
The tent flap opens, busy place, but Dyfrig's food probably brings them in from the farthest fields, she thinks, and Arry comes in and sits down by Noriel, who seems to appreciate the company. Good.
And again it opens, but this time it is Lothar and his protege'. They seem very serious - Seth always seems very serious around Lothar - as they talk. They are doing something with... teacups? Seth is startled, but Lothar has his "as I suspected" look, but he doesn't look entirely happy about what he knows. He's giving Seth his chain-blade? I can't just watch...
"If you will excuse me, friends, I see another I have not seen yet." Getting up from her seat, Rhasadilara looks for what to do with her plate, but Samlor waves her off. "I will get it. Young Seth has been asking about the lot of you for days, he will appreciate you coming to see him. Not as much as Master Narda, of course, but he likes you, too." He chuckles.
The tall elf picks her way between tables until she stands by Lothar and Seth. Tears are visible on both faces, much to her surprise, but she comments on them not. Bringing herself down to the lad's level, she points at the chain, "I see you have the grail in your hands now. I look forward to seeing you use it someday. It looks very difficult to me, but he," she gestures at Lothar, "has such skill with it. Have you been busy in our absence?"
Barnabus takes an interest in the girl Nancy who seem to have an affinity to animals....
"Aye tis indeed a ting I do, tell me Nancy have you any strangeness in yer lineage?"
The driving rain and cold felt to Barnabus like a loss of his mortality and a becoming one with the divine, he let the horses be taken away, a bit later he went to borrow the girl named Nancy from her home....
Barnabus arrives a bit later to the feast, having walked the horses to the stable first....
He ate in silence and watched the girl, headstrong and not afraid of the storm or armed persons....
He shook his head briefly hearing Noriel refer to him as her master, but he smiled a little too...
Barnabus liked watching Lothar do his thing and instruct his student. Barnabus brought Nancy to watch as well hoping to help the girl discover her path. He suspected that such a girl might fit under Rhashas woodlore....
Afterwards he turned to Nancy and asked, "What have you learned? Are you contented? What more do you want?"
"Animals only? Or do you not know?....."
Barnabus considers her and decides he can aid her....
Casts summon monster 3.....
Bringing forth a monster....
Goblin dogs...
"Observe and learn, Nancy."
The creatures appear feral with the stench of overgrown sewer rats, with red beady eyes and sharp teeth, Barnabus has them rampage through the tent around the edges and under the tables....though they attack no one.
"These err goblin dogs, bred fer war an tha horses o goblin raiders, swift deadly carrying verulent pestilence in their bite an upon thar skin."
Barnabus bring the rats to a halt inches in front on Nancy to gauge her reaction.....
Not having the same connections in the community as the other Jirano mostly moves about and tries to meet folks. If there are women in needs of midwifery or folks who are ailing who need comfort Jirni will offer his services. At this point the paladin is worlking broad reputation building in the settlement....
"An attack could come at any moment an in any form, fate favors tha prepared, an wha did yah learn from tha goblin whelps?"
Barnabus waits for anyone to answer....
"Could not such err worse descend upon our heads at any moment? "
Noriel and Arry were having a friendly girl chat, and while she maintained a friendly gesture, her posture never showed any real threat. Talking and eating as though the world around her was completely oblivious for but a moment though she had her hand resting on her dagger, she didn’t want to be caught off guard.
In a blink of an eye, the goblin dogs appeared out of nowhere and started rumbling about knocking over plates and glasses as they went under the tables. Noriel reaction was delayed as to her being surprised, as the dogs ran under the table it tossed her water all over her as though it was directed at her. She managed to throw her hand up to deflect the glass with her kinetic energy but her skill didn’t consist of manipulating water. At the same time her movements caused her to leap from the table using her kinetic abilities to lift her a bit, however it wasn’t enough only giving her a foot higher in her bounce, landing on the ground just outside of the table area where the dogs had run, and a swift movement she drew her demon hilted dagger to her defense. Noriel hair looked to be floating in the air almost like water, then it slowly rested down to her neck.
Arry face was a bit surprised and like many others stood up from her chair but by no means as fast as Noriel. They looked at the goblin dogs as they ran around keeping an eye on them. Arry and Noriel eyes met for just a second as Arry shrugged and Noriel did the same once hearing Barnabus mention of the goblins dogs.
”Barnabus!!!” With a stern voice ”That was not funny in the slightest, and you have spoiled a great amount of food this eve. Have you not the time to relax after such a long journey?”
Noriel question was direct, but a bit rhetorical in nature.
”Arry, the pleasure of meeting you was great and I wish you dear a wonderful night.” Noriel turned to Barnabus. ”As for you, I am going find some place to rest my legs, and apparently my chest after nearly being startled to death.”
Noriel sheathes her dagger and pulls her cloak over it to shield it from further view, and casually walks to the tent door, looking to any random person as she closed to the tent exit.
”Dear Sir, where are the sleeping quarters or inn in this place? A lady needs her beauty sleep!”
Noriel tried to be sweet and friendly but after being startled by the goblin dogs she had practically lost her patience and composure.
Rhasadilara's sword fairly leaps to her hands as she spins to face the threat. Taking in Barnabus' comments, she realizes this is his doing - and wonders how long it will be before one of his odd choices gets someone hurt.
"Is your point proven, Barnabus? Can they return whence they came?"
"Summoned creatures do as tha beconers commands. No danger to anyone is in this. These folk will one day see worse tings. It is mah job in part they are prepared. Nancy is learning."
The rats are only for five rounds, only two of which involved running the tent....
Jirani smiles Exotic! I like that. A much more diplomatic name than what some might offer... The paladin gestures to himself, I am happy to stay where I am the least intrusive. A cot or the ground in the fort is fine.
"We won't trouble you, Samlor. The fort is where we shall stay. Thank you for your generous offer."
"Summoned creatures do as tha beconers commands. No danger to anyone is in this. These folk will one day see worse tings. It is mah job in part they are prepared. Nancy is learning."
The rats are only for five rounds, only two of which involved running the tent....
Rhasadilara pauses, calming herself, but finally replies, "These people are more than aware of the dangers in these lands. While you are speaking to horses and flying with birds, they are hunting and farming and defending their homes. They do not need their friends to create a panic in a place where they should be able to relax and feel safe. Someone could have been hurt needlessly attacking these flea-bitten rats if more had drawn weapons."
Realizing her sword remained in her hands, she sheathes it and walks to the entrance of the tent.
"Aye! But tha running o tha rats ken become tha first tradition o tha kingdom!"
Barnabus cackles loudly...
"Rats o tha normal sort are more a danger as Harbinger's o plague, in tha mess tent tha cooks will never forget this lesson. Look deeper into mah actions an you will see much."
Jirani can merely shake his head at the witch's strange conclusions but he smiles at the notions all the same.
Rhasadilara's not having any of it and exits the tent.
The Vudran was grateful for Golden Arm's intervention, as it enabled him to compose himself fully.
At the first sound of trouble, Lothar assumed a defensive stance. It pleased him greatly that Seth, though startled, stayed by his side.
Upon realizing that Barnabus was the cause of the confusion in the tent, the magician's posture became neutral, a look of anger flashing briefly upon his face. Come with me, Seth. The tent has become far too crowded for my liking. We can finish this up some place else.
Lothar glanced down at Seth. If you have anything further to ask, I would like to hear it. You may not get an opportunity to do so for some time. For this is the one I would have you train with in my absence.
And with those last words, he pointed in the direction of the rain-soaked woman, the monk Saji.