Lothar rubbed his head, as was his habit, before speaking. I know enough to know I know nothing about engineering. I could attempt to research the matter but it would take time. On the other hand, I don't think that Samlor would put forth such a proposal without some idea about how to implement it properly. The magician turned to look at the man. (b]Am I correct in making that assumption?[/b]
Rhasa nods, satisfied that Samlor is doing the work to get it right. She claps the man on the back, "Very well. I look forward to tasting bread made from flour ground by a local mill using locally-grown grain."
"On another subject, is there anything you need from Oleg's? Or any orders you need us to carry north?"
"I agree, well done Samlor, hopefully soon we'll be milling grain for all kinds of uses."
In reply to Barnabus pointing out the man rubbing down his horse, Calinder says, "So he does fit the bill. Should we go introduce ourselves and see what more there is to this stranger than the way he looks. You never know, he could look like a sheriff, but instead be a baker, or a blacksmith."
Calinder then starts to make his way over to the newcomer. As he approaches the stranger he says, "Hello there sir, are you new here in our newly established outpost, I've not seen you here before. My name is Calinder, what is your name sir, if you don't mind my asking?"
Aye, come down from the Rostland. Name's Nilus, Romerus is meh families name. Been soldierin since I was a youngling, figured a place like this had a need. Lots of things wanna tear down. Not so many to build up, get my sayin?
Nilus eyes the half elf warily, expecting there to be more to this one than a simple follower of Erastil.
"Indeed we have need tah obtain at tha least some wands err potions we have been fortunate so far relying upon mah healin hex and calendars spells, but a wand would allow Rhasha an Lothar tah offer healin should both Cal an I fall in battle."
"Bokken did promise some potions when we brung in tha fangberries, let us see what he ken make."
Lothar turned to Rhasa.
Before we head out, I wish to find Seth and talk with him. Perhaps even give him a training lesson. I don't know how long I'll be, so come get me when you all are ready to go.
Rhasadilara is far more concerned about those left in charge and their plans than she is about every settler that arrives, so she spares the soldier little more than a glance when Barnabus points him out.
"Well done, Samlor. I'm glad we have such a capable mind looking after the settlement while we are away," and she adds with a grin, "and maybe more so when we are here."
She, Lothar, and Gorguk watch Calindar go over to make the soldier's acquaintance once they are done speaking with Samlor. After a moment, Lothar heads off looking for Seth and Gorguk heads to the old fort. With nothing more important calling her, the elf follows the cleric, taking note of the man's technique in caring for his horse and catching the latter part of his comment.
Stopping at a respectful distance - recognizing the man's 'personal space' by not approaching the horse too closely, she notes, "To many soldiers treat their animals little better than their boots. Your horse appears to be well-cared-for. Your training or your upbringing serves you well. May I?" She gestures toward the animal.
As the blonde elf walks up Nilus watches her gait
Now she's a fine one..
Yeh, mistreat your mount and never know when she'll rear on ya in a scrum. Damned fools to act such, but I seen it I did. At the elf maiden's question Nilus hesitates a moment but acquiesces
Yeh sure. to the horse he speaks reassuringly
S'ok Bess, shes a good un.
With a nod and a smile, Rhasadilara moves toward the horse making no sudden moves and reassuring murmuring noises.
The mare eyes the elf and snorts once, but after the gentle and careful approach, the mare leans down and bumps the woman's hand with her head, then nuzzles it looking for treats. Finding none, she gives the elf a mildly baleful look.
Having established a peace with the animal, Rhasadilara turns to her owner, "She's a beauty." Taking in his gear, she comments, "I expect most to come here running from something. Some will come to follow a dream. To come to defend those - that I did not expect. Do you plan to make your home here?"
Barnabus smiles thinking for a moment he might interview the horse about the man. He decides it best to ease men of one mindset into a view of magic.....
Nilus tenses at the mention of running
Can't have traveled this fast! No one knew where I was goin!
But relaxes as the Elf maid finishes her statement.
Jus figured someone needed a good arm. S'all I know. Nilus says with a shrug.
Not a capable farmer, my Da's not too proud o that.
"We might, at that." She extends a hand, "I am Rhasadilara Goldenbough. I have been a wanderer, but I believe this area has become home to me. You've met Calindar Surital, faithful of Old Deadeye, and this is Barnabus, as close to a native of this area as we've met. These two and two more seeing to other tasks are the," she looks at her comrades in arms, "surviving members of the original charter that led to the establishment of this settlement. I joined them against a common foe and have remained with them since then."
"Welcome. Here's to a land where everyone finds a way to make a living doing what they do best to aid their neighbors. Perhaps we can spar sometime - I lack formal training and seek to improve my mastery of my ancestral blade." She gestures at the hilt of the sword that extends over her shoulder. "You probably know more about it than I do."
Nilus looks at Rhasa sideways at the mention of sparring
I'll have to beg off that one, not much for practice. Nilus mumbles
Lady, I ain't one for play fightin' This here Hammer is a killing tool, not meant to be played with..Fightin ain't fun, it ain't a game it ain't Art. It's killing, or being killed. Sparring, who ever thought...
But I can train up some boys to stand tall when the needs come. How to hold a spear and shield, or a sword if they've the talent. How to march, and march some more, and then do it again till their feet blister and crack and bleed. And then some more, cuz in a fight, its the tougher bastard what wins the day. The one that won't give. Nilus pauses for a moment
Or, if you need a strong arm I can do that too. Nilus watches for a reaction from the two Wardens.
Don't really wanna rough up the poor farmers, but a jobs a job.
"Militia is not a bad idea, pitchforks maybe."
Barnabus says nothing about the man's assessment of warcraft.....
At Barnabus' mention of pitchforks Nilus smiles a little
I seen a farmer with a pointy stick kill a Taldan knight in full armor. Battle of the Burning Wood, Andoran, few years back. Taldans came over the border and decided to burn this hamlet, forget the name. Well, the farmers had another idea, and some long spears.
Seth comes running up, Lothar.
"Sorry I didn't greet you, Master - I had charge of the pigs and had to find someone to take over before I could come."
Lothar greeted Seth, then looked down at the young man, the faintest trace of a smile playing at the edges of his lips.
Quite alright, quite alright. I don't know how much time we have until the Wardens head out again, but I wanted to come by and see you. I haven't been exactly available to teach you as I promised, but let's see what we can do with what time we have.
And with that, the magician began, first with questions concerning Seth's motivation for learning from him and, in doing so, was not judgmental of his responses. Next, Lothar set up a simple calisthenics routine for the young man, to begin building his strength. When that was done, the magician then informed his student that when next they met, he would see about bringing Rhasadilara with him so that the three of them could spend some time in the wilderness beyond the confines of the fort so that Seth could learn from nature, citing that it was just as important to have an understanding of the natural world that existed around them.
Barnabus smiles at Lothar and the boy oing through much ado, he turns back to the fighter...
"Rhasha has tha right o it, we err in need o a strong arm an reinforcement to our ranks."
"Though tha fort would welcome yah to drill tha troops."
Points at Lothar and the boy...
"Though some has a different idea o how it should look, Lothars fer fighting without tha armor."
Nilus snickers a little
Fighting without armor is like mounting without a saddle, you can do it but why the hell would you?
Perfectly serious, "Riding without a saddle allows you to communicate with the horse better through your body position. It takes skill and commitment to do it well. Just like fighting well without armor. We have fought alongside him - he fights very well. I would not recommend it to most warriors. Most lack the necessary commitment and focus."
Already weary of the man's attitude, Rhasadilara turns to his horse, running her hands down the fine animal's muscled neck and murmuring comforting words. Stepping back, she nods to the other Wardens and the recent arrival. To Nilus, she smiles. "Welcome once again. I fear your strong arm will be all to necessary though I hope you have opportunity to practice less violent pursuits, as well." Turning to Calindar and Barnabus, she adds, "We will leave for Oleg's in the morning, my friends. Shall we meet at the gate of the palisade?"
"I will be at the gates ready to ride in the morning Rhasadilara. It will be good to see Oleg again, and perhaps here news from the lands to the north."
"Nilus, are you hungry? Perhaps once you've got your horse stabled, we could go see if we can get Dyfrig to put together a meal for us."
Less violent pursuits? Like what farming? What would my Da make o'that.
Nilus nods his goodbyes to the Elven woman and then responds to Calinder's question.
Hungry? I could eat a horse! Nilus then turns to his mare
Not you Bessie dear, some other poor bastard horse.
Nilus gives a crooked grin to Calinder and begins collecting his belongings to stow.
"An easy ride tomorrow to Oleg's and a belly burstin meal tonight!"
"I like this plan!"
Rhasadilara wanders over to watch Seth's new lesson, staying a respectable distance away.
Lothar listened to Seth's response, appreciating the earnestness of his words. He stood directly before the young man, brought his arms down by his side, and bent neatly at the waist.
You do me great honor with your words. I shall endeavor to live up to them.
Once he was back up, the magician began by teaching his apprentice breathing exercises, explaining that with proper breath control, one could cultivate the hidden life-force within called ki, which in turn could be projected to specific parts of the body for martial purposes. Lothar also explained that the breathing served another purpose in addition to preparing and focusing the body: to calm the mind. More than anything, he wanted Seth to understand that the mind was the greatest weapon in a warrior's arsenal.
Next Lothar demonstrated the most basic of stances, the horse-riding stance, designed to improve flexibility. He then motioned for Seth to try.
Barnabus nods while also overhearing the instruction of Lothar, if only the magician knew that he was describing the method of manifestation of hexes, it too came from the center, but changed the external world, in Lothars way the energy remained internal.
Barnabus is suddenly inspired to assist....
"Lothar might I offer some aid to your pupils understandin?"
Barnabus only gives a slight hint of a smile to indicate any intention....
Though initially hesitant, Lothar allowed the witch to make his pitch. After all, Barnabus was nothing if not unpredictable. Still, he would give his fellow Warden the benefit of the doubt...
"Lothar teachs you balance an energy flow through your body, which gives you balance an stability, allows one limb to flow an one to act as stone...."
He pushes the student's shoulder with one hand from the side, the horse stance gives stability in one direction....
He pushes the center of the chest showing the direction and angle matter.
"This you can learn."
"One foot can root to the earth and the other can snap upwards."
"Next time I cast a storm o sleet you can walk through it an test your balance."
Barnabus uses his flight hex, both feather fall and flight on himself to make the student believe he can stand upside down on a single pinky finger...Barnabus stays there for a long time....
He smiles after a minute and comes down to his feet.
"How is this....think upon this and come back with an answer."
After stowing his belongings and stabling Bess, Nilus walks towards the communal cookpot and stops dead watching Barnabus perform his trick.
The man can fly, things keep getting more interesting.
Nilus trudges towards the cook..
Hey there Dyfrig, whatcha got for us tonight?
Barnabus adds a side-long wink at Lothar...
"Let me know how long he takes tah figure out mah wrong instruction, if he has listened to yer basic lessons well he will reason it out on his own, mayhap sooner or mayhap later."
Barnabus remembered the first rule of magic...
The people are stupid....only those that overcome themselves can advance beyond
Barnabus sits down for the fine meal.
"I was hoping for bread."
Rhasadilara watches the antics impassively.
Seth stares open-mouthed at Barnabus's antics.
"Venison stew, root vegetables and mash," replied Dyfrig. "Make yourself useful and take these plates over to the tables, please."
Ain't nobodies damn manservant...
Ah, sure friend. Just be sure to stew up a good chunk o tha backstrap for me yeah?
Nilus carries his load over to the tables and deposits them
Fodder, wait till the Reavers come...Pitax or one of the others. They think the Swordlords will protect them? Not likely....cut them loose is more like. These people have to know that four cannot stand against an army, no matter their skills
Nilus glances in Lothar and Barnabus' direction.
Barnabus sees the man's mind turning in his mind of course he is sizing us up and probably thinks little of us, perhaps only Rasha passing muster.
@Nilus
"We are more capable than we seem, you know?"
Watching the antics of Barnabus, Lothar couldn't help but smile. Little did the witch know that there were masters capable of performing feats exactly like that. They were called qinggong and their capabilities were beyond even the normally extraordinary skill of monks, to the point of being superhuman.
Still, the magician knew he needed to temper his student's expectations. Lothar was no qinggong master, and based on Seth's expression, the young man needed to understand that.
Thank you for the demonstration, Barnabus. It was certainly... eye-opening. Lothar placed a hand on his student's shoulder. I can't promise that you'll be able to do what he just did, Seth. But I can tell you this: Under my training, your mind, body and spirit will become strong. Strong enough to stand tall and do the right thing.
A fair question. If I had to guess, I'd say mind. But enough of that for now. Go and enjoy dinner. After all, a sound spirit dwells within a sound mind and a sound body.
Calinder assists in serving dinner to those who come to eat and then returns to where Nilus and Barnabus are sitting.
"It's good to serve others when we can. Serving brings it's own rewards", Calinder says as he sits down with his own dinner.
Like gold eh! Nilus makes his crude mercenary remark then falls silent as he sees the stares this brings him.
Gotta keep yer damned trap shut Romerus. No need rile everyone up, why the hell ain't you take that lady up on her offer.
Barnabus is more than happy to let seth cypher out the meaning of life and other problems on his own.
"All tha glitters is not gold....Cal werks fer a higher callin tha just survival, I take survivin as a goal in it's own."
Calinder raises an eyebrow at Nilus' remark, and then finishes sitting down his face a mask of sternness.
He looks down briefly at his plate, and as he again looks up at Nilus, there is a wide grin beginning to stretch across his face.
"It takes all kinds of people to make a world, or in our case a city, my friend. I do hope though that one day, if you stay here long enough, that you will come to feel differently about serving those around you."
Calinder continues to laugh as he begins eating his meal and motions to Barnabus and Nilus to continue doing the same.
Around a mouthful of food Calinder says, "Well Nilus, tell us a bit about yourself and what brings you to our newly formed home and village?"
Nosey feller huh
Well, th'aint much to say really. I was born up in Rostland, my Da's a farmer, same as most folk. I never was cut out for the plowin' life. So I took to...other pursuits. Mostly freeriding with a couple of outfits here in the River Lands. Been in every jacks army in these Kingdoms and Brevoy. Heard there was need of strong arms here, so I came.
I wonder if my tale was good enough for em
Barnabus nods knowing that telling of oneself is a careful business....
"Far to the West, the rolling plains and hills, beyond the crossing of many rivers, the Greenbelt slope gently down and away into a large and dangerous swampland known as Hooktongue Slough. This place I lived as long as I remember. Tha place is infested with tribes of boggards and lizardfolk, but also by dangerous monsters like hydras, nagas, even vermin people. Mah mother was a human but tha hovel housed her an two other swamp hags, most mah life I was slave to them an was under constant threat o bein added to tha stew-pot in lean times......farmin sounds better."
Rhasadilara walks up to the table, food in hand. As she sets it on the table, she offers, "I have a great deal of respect for farmers. They do something important that I simply cannot. I could never stay in one place so long just to see if my labors were for naught."
To Nilus, she says, "I don't think we have many experienced warriors among our settlers. Whether you are interested in teaching them how to fight or not, your experience will be valuable - should you be willing to share it. You are free to refuse, of course."
Waving to the others to continue, she apologizes, "Sorry, I did not mean to interrupt. Please continue."
Lothar strode up to the table bearing a double portion of root vegetables and mash, but no venison stew. Once he sat down, he began eating in earnest, taking in the atmosphere but not participating in the conversation. His thoughts were elsewhere...
My thoughts are to keep it simple, Longspears and Maces. Perhaps if we can get some crossbows... Nilus says with a shrug.
But I'm just soldier, you folk are what passes for Lords round here. Wha'd you have in mind?