It would seem that our comrades have arrived with the body. He points out the procession for the others to see.
The ranger nods, "Good. That solves the problem of sending someone to get them. I don't think there was any purpose in leaving them out there any further and our tasks took longer than I expected." She looks at the paladin, "Is there still a room to hold the departed before they can be interred?"
"So tha plan was tah leave us out there alone until we too became corpses, for shame...."...chides Barnabus
"So tha plan was tah leave us out there alone until we too became corpses, for shame...."...chides Barnabus
The ranger frowns at the witch. "Maybe Calindar can check your hearing while you are here. That would explain a lot."
Rhasadilara purses her lips as she thinks. She looks at the others, "I am out of my element. Ask me to track a killer through the wilderness, ok. Finding one amongst even a small settlement like ours... If it's not the man you mention, I'm not sure what we need to do."
She looks at the others, especially the new arrivals, "Gorguk is aware of a new member of the community, a drifter, of unusual size. The tracks we followed from the copse of trees were those of an unusually large man. The theory is that this drifter might be the culprit. If he's not, he could be a find addition to the community's defensive force. Gorguk will invite him to discuss joining the militia and see what he can learn about him."
"If it's not this man, how do we find the real killer? If it is him, how do we prove it? What do you think?"
Jirani holds a hand up to Rhas, Let's focus on the man first. Glean what we can from his nature and his temperment under scrutiny. Why harry ourselves with plans for the future if this one suits our needs? I think it best to ask this person questions plainly and then worry about our next steps... The oracle offers a slight shrug and a smile to the ranger.
She nods, reassured, "As you say. Your insight into human nature will likely be as valuable as Gorguk's. Would you be willing to sit in conference with this man, if Gorguk accepts?" She looks questioningly at the half-orc paladin. "Is this acceptable to you? If we were evaluating an animal, I would volunteer, but I think I will be most useful keeping watch outside."
Jirani looks to the other paladin, Of course. If its not an imposition...
"Certainly we should speak to the man and simply hear what he has to say, certainly unless he is well versed in deception we will learn much of what we need."
Noriel follows with through with the delivery to the guards for the corpse. She does make mention to the guards and the priest if she crossed him.
"Take care of the poor girl, her body has yet to fully rest."
It appeared that for a moment she might actually have cared for a child, through her almost innocent voice.
"Dear child, may your soul be set free when we destroy your murderer."
She thinks to herself, resisting the urge to let the tear faintly fall from her eye. Turning and wiping her eye for a second.
Later on when the group had finally gathered she listens to the suggestions and agrees about what they should do next.
"Yes I believe that is true, Stick with finding the man, before we continue with accusations. He may indeed be the killer, but also could be a victim, but most likely another commoner. Isn't that right Barnabus?"
She jesters with her while having a serious smile, with a hint of playful tone in her voice as she ask Barnabus to agree.
Barnabus is often surprised by the edge in this woman's voice as if she has long used it as a weapon even the edge to the word commoner so full of disdain......
"A man is common only when he believes himself to be...."
....though Barnabus knows that the most unassuming appearance may house a very dangerous foe, the assassins, the faceless men are such and they can be as any, an important lesson are they.
Lothar very rarely found himself taken aback, but in this instance he did. Not by Noriel's words. They were spoken from an outsider's perspective and, as such, were good counsel. No, his surprise came from the harshness exhibited in Golden Arm's words to Barnabus.
And then it occurred to him that she was merely allowing frustration to get the better of her. Since Gorguk assumed his role as lord, the Wardens seemed less certain, less sure. They were rudderless without him, and his presence made that all too clear.
Someone had to fill that void left in his wake, to be the stern hand that guided them all. And it seemed, that task had fallen on him.
But could he do as well as Gorguk had? Honestly, the uncanny Vudran had no idea, but he and the others had come too far and suffered much to reach this point, only to have it just end. So when he spoke, Lothar channeled all of that uncertainty and desperation into an authoritative tone.
Far be it for me to be the voice of reason here, but this is not the time to be at each others throats. We have a job to do. Let us be about that business. We are the Wardens of the Green, not some unruly band of mercenaries. There are people here who will live or die by the deeds we do and the words we say. We promised to look after them. Let us do just that. Because going forward, we will each need to depend upon the other to accomplish our goals, regardless of our individual idiosyncrasies, even as the people depend on us. I believe in what we're here to do. The question now becomes do you believe? Because I can't answer that for you. And I won't hold you to this if you don't. But I intend to stay the course, and will welcome any that choose to come with me. Nothing ill will be thought of you should you depart this company.
Lothar moved to stand apart from the others. Decide, but do so quickly.
And so he waited to see what the outcome would be. Would they follow his lead? Or would the Wardens disband?
Not looking chastised in the least, Rhasadilara moves wordlessly to stand by the Vudran.
Lothar nodded as Rhasa stood next to him. I'm glad to know that at least you're with me, partner. Your vision and strength of conviction would have been sorely missed.
He then looked to the others, waiting to see if anyone else would join them.
Jirani offers an easy smile and gestures to himself, If my newness and eccentricities are not a burden I feel drawn to ride with you and aid in the exploring of this place. My order feels a draw to the boundaries of the known and unknown. If you will have me, I will follow.
Noriel looks at Lothar and thinks for a second you can see her decision appear on her face as she makes the process seem long and dramatic, of course if it wasn’t it wouldn’t be her. She looks at the others who have already agreed, and puts her hand on her hip and her other remains on her umbrella, as she gazes at them.
”Oh dear boy, I have traveled with you this far, it appears my destiny is to take on the evil that is haunting this world. There is more benefit for good to overcome than for evil, because evil plays so many untold rolls. Good always has its direct justice and benefit.”
Noriel hints a small smile towards Lothar and Rhasadilara.
”Of course I will travel with you, it’s good for my soul. Besides you need women in your mix! I will follow and assist in this protection of the Wardens of the green. Though we may not be Mercs, I believe that compensation of loot should be efficient enough at this time.”
Noriel steps in Lothar direction, lower her hand to her side.
”Well let’s get a move on then, Lothar quit standing around and lets go”
She says with a smirk on her face, almost as if she was playing for the first time, in some playful sense of feeling.
@Jirani: You are not a burden, and are a most welcome addition to the Wardens.
@Noriel: Though your words confound me, your intent does not. Hopefully you will come to understand the ways of this land and that we will come to understand you.
To each, Lothar performed namaste.
The Vudran looked back to Barnabus. The only one left of the original Wardens besides himself. Though the witch was ever eccentric in his dealings and with his words, Lothar had little reason to doubt the sincerity of his commitment to the cause. But, like nature, feelings change. Perhaps he no longer felt that he fit within the manifesting dynamic of the new Wardens.
With bated breath, Lothar looked to his companion with the hope that they would remain so still.
Once Lothar heard this, his mind began racing. For someone to fall into such state, typically their soul was stained by guilt. This was something the Vudran knew from recent experience, though he had his partner rather than drink to fall back on. Not particularly damning for Kundal, but it did him no favors either.
If it is as this man says, then we will escort him to Calinder first to see if he can ease Kundal's sickness. Afterward we will bring him to see Gorguk as planned. If he offers any resistance, then we deal with it as the situation demands.
Motioning for the other Wardens to come along, the magician led the way over to the makeshift tavern. Once there, he paused for a moment before entering the tent.
Jirani frowns at news of the man's apparent inability to cooperate. Apparently things were not meant to be easy in this matter...
Nodding to the Vudran Jirani moves towards the tavern...
Rhasadilara scowls and nods, following. "Noriel, we may need the litter you devised to transport the girl. Will it hold such a large fellow?"
Noriel nods in agreement with Lothar. Looking back to Rhasadilara and a near immediate reply.
"Oh Sweety! That thing was made from twigs and my spider silk rope, if you can manage to get me a hemp rope and some 2 to 3 inch thick limbs at about 10 feet, I will construct a really strong device to hold a large fellow."
Noriel would have disassembled the makeshift stretcher once they girl was taken off and properly taken care of to recover her expensive spider-silk rope.
Noting the large man in the corner, Lothar kept his gaze squarely on the busser. We've come in search of the man called Kundal on behalf of Lord Gorguk, who wishes to meet with him. Can you tell us where we may find him?
Nodding, "Let us see if it is necessary first, but I'm sure I can obtain such materials."
Jirani nods and approaches the fellow with a smile on his face, Kundal? I am Jirani a newly entrusted Warden of these lands. My companions and I are here to fetch you on behalf of Lord Gorguk. Can you come with us...please?
Lothar stood nearby, watching Jirani interact with the target of the search. How Kundal responded next would determine what happened next. Would he come along peacefully? Or would the large man resist, forcing the magician and the other Wardens to respond in kind?
Obviously, the Vudran hoped for the former, as opposed to the latter option, but there were no guarantees either way. The only thing he could do was wait and see how it played out.
Noriel watches as the man replied in what sounded like mockery. She watched as the words exchanged. Her tension rising, though she bites her tongue to avoid such interactions that would harm the group. The 3 gold pieces floating around her wrist begin to spin a bit faster as she is on guard, though attempts to hide it from reaction.
Noriel was doing her best to hold back her actions but it was very clear her intentions should something go wrong, the bluff was so bad that a few spoons and forks on the table near by were vibrating on the table.
Noting Noriel's enthusiasm, Lothar spoke up quickly. A job. Yes. Specifically serving in the militia. Lord Gorguk wishes to discuss the matter with you personally. No doubt you've left a good impression on the townsfolk here with all the work you've done. But he is not one to be kept waiting. Which is why we're here to escort you to him.
Jirani pauses, waiting to see how the "story" of the bard sits with the man. Such lack of forthrightness tended to put the oracle at ill ease but he understood the need for safety.
Noriel eases off her tension once the guy immediately reponds with a relaxed tone. The gold around her wrist come to a slow stop and hover gently on her wrist. She waits for the rest of the group to make there way towards Warden Gorguk, but while her guard and tension dropped she still was unsettled about the situation and kept look out.
Rhasadilara waits by the entry to the tent while the more silver-tongued speak to the man. She thinks on what she knows of werewolves and such and finds it disappointingly lacking. I need to inquire as to whether we have a sage or scholar among our growing city.
When Kundal approaches with the rest, she offers a hand, keenly aware of how his size dwarfs hers and how her hand disappears into the mitt he offers in return. "I am Warden Goldenbough, but I've yet to hear it said to my face. Please call me Rhasadilara, or Rhasa for short. I understand you came here for work and you do good work, at that. Did you come from the north, as many of our settlers have?"
Lothar watched Kundal's interaction with Rhasa. Her attempt to converse with the man seemed to disturb her to some degree. He followed after, pausing momentarily to speak quietly with his partner.
What do you think? Does he seem dangerous to you?
She sighs before offering a thoughtful and whispered reply, "Sometimes instincts tell you what the mind and the eye have yet to see and may never see. Sometimes the mind and the eye see what is not there and fool the instincts. I don't know which is true and prefer not to offer what may be false." She puts a hand on his forearm, "Patience, my friend."
Jirani smiles, Should we guide the man to his destination? A thoughtful parade to our leader? The paladin gestures as though to offer that others might lead and he might follow.
Rhasadilara falls behind as she and Lothar confer, but she picks up her pace a bit to walk alongside the man. "Have you family somewhere? They could come join you if you find the area to your liking. Personally, I like these lands quite a bit."
As The large man passes Noriel, she Grabs her noise almost disturbed by the awful odor that the man is giving off.
Whispering under her breath: "Foul"
Noriel follows suit with the rest of the group though she insures that she doesn't walk directly behind the man as the smell seems to be very strong. She quickly scans the man over looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Lothar gave Rhasa a pensive glance before responding to Kundal. I'm sorry for your loss. Do you recall where the attack occurred? If it was recent and close by, the Wardens and I can look into dealing what could be a problem for others looking to settle here.