"Aye, He'll make his appearance when, if, he's good and ready." Turning to the tree line around him Orin, raising his voice, announces Mounting hia horse, Orin turns to Treshiell to explain "The wee folk, or Fey, what have you, are mischevious creatures who enjoy playing trick on the much larger races. They generally mean no harm but, being...different, they sometimes go too far and someone gets hurt or killed. If treated kindly and with respect they can be a good, if strange, friend. But if treated harshly they can be a terrible foe. Since we've drawn their attention we can probably expect future visits. The trick is don't get mad, laugh off whatever may happen. Eventually they'll get bored and go off to find new folks to prank.'
You continue traveling north without seeing any fey or anything else take the gift you left.
You've gone a couple more hours when suddenly Rupert's horse startles, as if something had spooked it or hit it. Looking around, no one notices anything until Rupert feels something hard hit him in the head.
Looking around for the source of this assault, Orin notices a squirrel sitting on a tree branch, apparently lobbing acorns in your direction. Even as he spots it, the strangely silent creature suddenly chucks another nut toward Rupert...
Agnar:
Draelen: and Ivory:
Edrukk:
Orin:
Rupert:
Treshiell:
"Sounds like a interesting creature. I would like to meet one", Treshiell says and looks around before commanding her horse into motion. The witch resumes her singing, only stopping once or twice to call down "Are you going to stay there forever?" into her bag.
"Another jewel?", she asks Rupert as his horse staggers.
"Ouch! Somebody is peggin' me with acorns! Hey now, ouch, is that how woodland creatures greet strangers in these parts?" Rupert pulls his cloak over his face to protect it and maneuvers Lando to the other side of the group, hopefully out of range of the flying nuts. He mutters to his horse as he goes, "Ah' know, Lando poor buddy, seems things out here are always tryin' t'git ye, ah' know..."
Then, to Orin, "Is this another one o'those pranks you were talkin' about, one we shouldn't get mad about? 'Cause mah' patience is bein' tried."
"Hmm... Angry squirrels usually make a lot of racket. This one hasn't made a single chitter. Something's odd."
"Do angry squirrels usually attack a horse or it's rider?" Treshiell says to Agnar and scans the scenery until her eyes finally find Rupert's attacker. Her voice makes it hard to tell if it is ment as a question or a statement. "Did you harm any squirrels in your previous career, Rupert?" she continues as she unmounts and approaches the squirrel.
She looks at the creature and speaks. "A yw'n siarad iaith y goedwig?". In her slingbag something stirrs.
Does it speak the language of the woods?
The squirrel looks at the witch and calmly replies, "Ní hea, gan aon duine a labhrann an teanga sin" before it scampers away into the trees.
No, no one speaks that language.
Treshiell follows the squirrel with her eyes until it disappears into the brush. "They are not very helpful, these wee folk", she says and returns to her horse. "Shall we continue?"
Orin calls after the departing squirrel "Ní raibh Sin an rud deas a dhéanamh le duine éigin a bhfuil i gceist agat aon dochar"
"That was not a very nice thing to do to someone who meant you no harm"
Then turning to Rupert "Yes, that is the kind of thing we'll need to put up with. Unfortunately we'll ned to just shrug it off and keep going"
It's possible you may all individually need to convince the fey to stop playing pranks on you, and that your gifts may need to be a little larger to really win their affection.
Edrukk:
Orin:
Treshiell:
Agnar:
However, the rest of your trip north to the fort is uneventful and you arrive at the wooden palisade as the sun is setting. A curl of smoke rising into the sky from inside promises a warm dinner of some sort, and Dhavika waves from the walkway above the gate as you ride in. "Welcome back," she calls.
Treshiell looks at Orin with a glint in her eye. "Dydych chi byth yn dweud wrthyf i chi siarad iaith y goedwig. Mae'n ymddangos fod y wiwer yn anghywir."
You never told me you spoke the language of the woods. It seems that the squirrel was wrong.
"What do you know about the creatures that dwell in the forest?", Treshiell asks Dhavika directly skipping all the social courtesies to focus on her newest intrest.
The half-orc woman laughs. "Hello, Treshiell. Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking. How are you? Did you find anything in the woods while you were out? No, nothing exciting happened here."
"What do I know about creatures in the forest? Not much. I guess most of them are dangerous. Some of them are pretty tasty, though."
"D'iarr tú riamh." Orin says with a smile. "Nuair a bheidh tú ag fás suas sna coillte fhoghlaim tú cúpla rudaí anseo agus ansiúd."
[b]"You never asked."
"When you grow up in the woods you learn a few things here and there."
"A bearman, a gnome and a squirrel", Treshiell responds absently and continues half to herself. "Dangerous and tasty. Not much to go on."
The witch is interrupted by a stirring in her bag. "That is enough", she says as she opens her bag.
"I have already made up my mind and i'm not going to apologize. You have until we reach the courtyard to stop mooping and come out of the bag, or i'm going to open it and shake you out." All is said in her usual hazy and tranquil tone. Apperently the young girl doesn't get agitated.
"You never asked."
"When you grow up in the woods you learn a few things here and there."
"So are you and Orin going to let the rest of us in on your little conversation, or should we just play guessing games until we get it right?"
"Thaal sure can hold a grudge, can't he? Remind me never to get him mad." Edrukk comments as he rides into the fort and heads for the stables to get Patience comfortable before checking to make sure that Vandar hasn't gotten himself into any more trouble.
"Amcana i byth yn gwneud", Treshiell responds to Orin. "Nid yw'n siarad er", she continues and points to Agnar. "What do you want to know, Agnar?"
I guess i never did. He doesn't speak though.
"He's just stubborn, that's all. I don't think he would be able to hurt you even if he wanted to. I'm told you dwarves are resistant to poison", Treshiell says and causes another hiss from the bag. "I doesn't matter what you think, i'm right. You would have to bite him for days until he succumbed."
"Amcana i byth yn gwneud", Treshiell responds to Orin. "Nid yw'n siarad er", she continues and points to Agnar. "What do you want to know, Agnar?"
** spoiler omitted **
Agnar just stares at the girl a moment, wondering just how mad she might be, before responding.
"We had a squirrel throwing nuts at one of us. You spoke to it, and it spoke back. Squirrels don't talk. I just thought it would be polite if you and Orin--the only two here that apparently speak the tongue you're babbling it--would enlighten the rest of us as to just what is going on."
Rupert walks into the fort with a yawn and a stretch, "All's well, ah' trust," he says to Dhavika with a smile as he passes. "Ah' can't wait for a fresh change o'clothes, a nice bath, oh how ah' miss the perks of civ-lie-zation!"
Riding into the fort, you find everyone but Dhavika gathered for dinner. The Sirens are sitting at one table, while at the other table Vandar sits with Jhod, Stevic, Taerine and an old human with a missing leg.
Taerine leaps to her feet as you ride through the gates. "Welcome back," she cries, a smile gracing her face.
"Bloody great," Stevic says in a voice probably not intended to carry as far as it does. "Place was too flaming crowded already and now half a dozen other crow-bitten folk ride in. I came out here to get away from people."
At a sharp glance from Taerine, he gets up with a mollifying gesture. "Now, now, don't mean no trouble, dear. I'm bloody getting up, aren't I? Here, take my seat. I'll go find more food. Vekkel, you can amuse these folk, I'm sure. Spin some troll-dropped tale."
Kesten looks around as you ride in and then calls to the party. "Edbert, Ronald! Welcome back. Glad to see you still well. But ... you seem to be missing someone. Where is the lovely Lirisial?"
Agnar just stares at the girl a moment, wondering just how mad she might be, before responding.
"We had a squirrel throwing nuts at one of us. You spoke to it, and it spoke back. Squirrels don't talk. I just thought it would be polite if you and Orin--the only two here that apparently speak the tongue you're babbling it--would enlighten the rest of us as to just what is going on."
"It told me that nobody spoke that language. Not very helpful, and it would seem wrong as well. Or maybe it was referring to you. I can try and ask it again if we see it again, if you like?" Treshiell responds.
Treshiell unmounts as she reaches the middle of the courtyard and takes the slingbag from her shoulder. Twigs, pieces of moss, some leaves and dirty pouch falls to the ground along with Thaal. Her viper makes a irritated hiss and the two are locked into a staring contest that lasts over half a minute. Eventually the witch kneels and reaches out her arm towards the snake who slithers up the arm and lies to rest on her shoulder. "I am glad we got that sorted out", Treshiell says and begins to gather the leaves and moss back into her bag.
"Sadly, Lirisial had t'answer a calling of her own. But look here: meet Agnar, our newest companion. We tracked some bandits through the forest for some while, and when we caught up w'them they had 'em trapped in a cave, evil bastards." Rupert sits at the table, assuming there's room, and introduces himself to the people he doesn't know . "Mah' name is Rupert," he glares at Kesten, "An' how're things goin' around here?"
"Sadly, Lirisial had t'answer a calling of her own. But look here: meet Agnar, our newest companion. We tracked some bandits through the forest for some while, and when we caught up w'them they had 'em trapped in a cave, evil bastards." Rupert sits at the table, assuming there's room, and introduces himself to the people he doesn't know . "Mah' name is Rupert," he glares at Kesten, "An' how're things goin' around here?"
"She had to leave?" Kesten asks, clutching his heart dramatically. "How shall I go on?"
He grins then at Rupert. "My apologies, friend, I certainly meant no disrespect. Surely you can understand how difficult it is for me to remember little details with everything I must think about. Things at the fort have been good, fortunately. I suspect the bandits are aware we're here and no better than to try anything again."
The one-legged man nods genially as Rupert sits down. "Vekkel Benzen," he says, apparently by way of introduction, before ripping into a haunch of deer on his plate in front of him.
Jhod welcomes you all back as well: "Praise Erastil for your safe return!"
"Why thanks for that, Jhod. Y'know, ah' bet Erastil smiles down on our group with a bit more kindness than before, now that we've got Agnar on our side."
Then, turning to Vekkel, he says, "And what brings you out here, Mr. Benzen? Are you searching for lost treasures, or just tryin' to escape the world o'civilization?"
"We're sure that you'll find a way", Treshiell says to Kesten and finishes to pick up the last of spilled contents of her slingbag. She brushes some of the dirt off her hands and joins the rest at the table. "What can i get you?", she asks Thaal almost like a peace offering. The snake's tongue licks the air and Treshiell calls out after Stevic. "Master Leveton, do you have something small that's still raw? A piece of rabbit perhaps?"
After hearing his name, Agnar approaches the other cleric.
"Jhod? I'm Agnar Hrolfson. I hear you're the one that told the group about the temple in the wood. I thought you'd like to hear what we found there."
"I see ... you found the temple then? And the bear? Were you able to deal with it?" Jhod asks.
He eyes Agnar up and down. "And why should Erastil smile more on you?"
---
Stevic stares at Treshiell for several seconds on her request. "Great. Now I have to serve egg-sucking snakes at my table?! That's just wonderful!" As he stalks away -- perhaps in search of some raw meat? -- he can be heard loudly muttering "What did I ever do to deserve this? The gods know I try to be good..."
After making sure all the party has a helping of venison stew, Taerine hurries after him. He can later be seen bringing buckets of water into their home.
---
Vekkel nods to Rupert. "I'm a hunter. Well, was. Turns out I ended up being a bit o' prey for this big pig. Meanest creature in the Stolen Land, and that includes some trolls I heard about. Took my leg. I swear, anyone brings me the head o' that beast, I'll give 'em my good bow and my best arrows."
---
Vandar goes up to Draelen once everyone is settled and hands him a letter. "Trader down from New Stetven brought this with him," the former bandit says.
The half-orc breaks the seal and reads it with a growing look of concern. "There's apparently been a problem at home, and I'm called back to help deal with it. I'm afraid I must leave immediately, as I can get a few more hours of travel in still. I hate to leave you all, but I shall return as soon as I've cleared up whatever it is."
Without a further word, he collects his horse again and rides out of the gate, turning to the north.
---
Gaelle and Marcine continue to talk quietly at their table. Orin notices, however, that Hari appears to be keeping an eye on the party and trying to listen in to the various conversations.
Kesten walks up to the dwarf after he watches the half-orc leave. "Edelbert, how are you, my short friend? Will you be entertaining for us again tonight. Even without the lovely Lirisial, a gentleman wouldn't mind seeing if someone would be up for a little dancing later this evening." His looks around the fort at the various women inside as he talks.
Edrukk chuckles at Kesten's comments. "Lirisial will indeed be missed, though is more to life than just women. I will indeed be performing if others are willing to listen. I even have a new act to try out that I have been working on for some time. How is life at the fort been for you with such limited access to your preferred subject of study?" Edrukk will try to ease his way into Kesten's trust so that in time, he might be able to broach more sensitive subjects.
After finding a chance to talk to Vandar and gauge his interest in the bardic arts, Edrukk will perform his new comedy act for the gathered crowd, hoping that the good mood will make it easier for the others to get any required information from the other guests.
"No i don't know what he ment Perhaps he thinks you are female?" Treshiell says to her viper after Stevic has gone. She seems to listen for a reply and pondering it for a while until she shifts her intense eyes to Vekkel. "A hunter? Tell me, Vekkel. Did you ever hunt in the northen parts of the forest?"
Orin will grab the reins of his and Treshiell's horse and lead the pair off to the stables. After watering, feeding, and grooming the animals he then joins the others at the table deliberately sitting where he can keep an eye on the guardswomen and Garess through out the meal. After the meal Orin will move to sit next to Treshiell as Edrukk regales everyone with his comic routine.
After everyone settles down for the evening Orin will approach Taerine. "Mistress, recently we ran across some of the 'wee folk' on our travels and have drawn their unwanted attention. We left some spirits and food behind but I'm afraid that will not be enough. Do you have any jewelry or baubles for purchase here in the fort? They do not need to be expensive, but the gaudier the better?"
"I see ... you found the temple then? And the bear? Were you able to deal with it?" Jhod asks.
He eyes Agnar up and down. "And why should Erastil smile more on you?"
Agnar studies Jhod with equal intensity, feeling somehow put on the defensive.
"The 'bear' was actually a man. He, and the temple, suffered from a curse. We had to slay him. We did find some writings of his. I'm no expert, but I would say the curse came upon him because of a loss of faith. He prayed not to Erastil, but to any that would aid him, without reservation, in Erastil's own house.
I cannot say if Old Deadeye smiles on me more, because I know nothing of you. Now why is it that you know of this temple and its trouble, but it is not you that goes to deal with it?"
Agnar sits his bulk down next to Jhod, meeting the other cleric's eyes and waiting for his response.
"Ah, it's a hard life I live, master dwarf," Kesten says, with a long sigh. "But I try to make do the best I could. I hardly thought when I picked my Sirens they'd be bunking up and I'd be left to a cot by myself, but I guess that's the way the sword falls sometimes. And Taerine's certainly easy on the eyes, but seems strangely dedicated to that husband of hers. Makes me think I should try swearing some and see if it gets me anywhere."
Vandar, when asked, seems thrilled that you plan to perform, Edrukk.
---
Vekkel grunts at Treshiell's question. "Yup, guess I did most of my hunting in the north. Little bit more south than this, but whole lot of forest still to the south of that. Why do you ask?"
---
"Ah that could indeed do it! Lose not faith in Erastil, for his wrath is not to be tried!" Jhod seems to almost pronounce in response to your statement, Agnar. "He sent me a vision of this bear, but I think it was not my calling to defeat it myself. Instead, my hunt was to find more followers of Old Deadeye and, lo, you and Orin were brought here. Now I think I must travel to this temple and see what more I can do to set it right. If you will take me there, I shall give you and your companions whatever blessings Erastil conveys upon me as you need, with no thought of benefit for church or myself."
---
Later in the evening, after dinner, as Edrukk begins to perform:
Taerine seems slightly distracted when Orin approaches her. "Yes, I'm sure we have some things that would work, but you'll have to ask Stevic. He's more in charge of the trade goods..."
She walks up to Treshiell, and takes the witch's arm. "Come here, dear, I want to show you something." If Treshiell follows, she'll lead her into her home.
Assuming Orin asks Stevic about any baubles, he says he can scrounge some up by morning. He also, having heard of your adventures, asks if you have any goods you're interested in selling. He's happy to take them off your hands, for a good price, of course.
"Ah that could indeed do it! Lose not faith in Erastil, for his wrath is not to be tried!" Jhod seems to almost pronounce in response to your statement, Agnar. "He sent me a vision of this bear, but I think it was not my calling to defeat it myself. Instead, my hunt was to find more followers of Old Deadeye and, lo, you and Orin were brought here. Now I think I must travel to this temple and see what more I can do to set it right. If you will take me there, I shall give you and your companions whatever blessings Erastil conveys upon me as you need, with no thought of benefit for church or myself."
Agnar nods.
"I think that could be arranged. We're likely heading back in that direction soon. I'm sure the others won't have any problem if you come with. You'll want to pack for roughing it, though. I'm afraid all those years as a bear's den haven't done much for the accomodations. Best bring a broom and mop, too."
"Sad that he has to go. We where just getting to know Ivory", Treshiell comments as the half-orc says his goodbyes and rides out of the PbP... i mean fort.
Treshiell's eyes flicker slightly as Vekkel confirms hunnting in the woods. "What do you know about the fey that live there?" she asks. All her attention is focused on the hunter. The witch's long silvery hair moves aside as Thaal emerges and joins, his eyes in level of his mistress. Both the girl and her snake sits completely motionless listening to the one legged man, save for the vipers tongue that tastes the air.
--
Treshiell looks at Taerine and her viper switches shoulder to come closer to their hostess. A few silent seconds pass as the Thaal studies the woman with his deep bottomless eyes. Treshiell gives Taerine a nod and follows.
Jhod seems to relax a bit at Agnar's words. "Erastil's will shall see his temple restored!"
"All sort of faerie critters in the woods. Some're dangerous -- these little blue bastards're downright mean -- some're helpful and some're just plain annoying. Get their laughs by messing with your traps or putting a skunk in your sleeping bag," Vekken says. "Might be funny if it happens to someone else, but not if you have to stink."
Taerine leads Treshiell to one of the rooms in the home, where a large brass tub is full of water. "In you go, dear," she tells the young witch. "A nice scrubbing and you'll feel as good as new.
"Just leave your little pet right over there," she says, gesturing to a pillow set up beside a few bottles and large brush by the tub.
Vekken's statement having perked his interest, Rupert leans in closer, "A big pig, you say? Like a boar? How big are we talkin'? An' if it bested you an' took your leg, how're you alive to tell the tale? Ah' love survival stories." Rupert grins at the thought of a dangerous, valorous hunt, "Maybe if'n you give us some directions t'wherever we might find this beast, we might be able t'put her down for good."
Vekken's statement having perked his interest, Rupert leans in closer, "A big pig, you say? Like a boar? How big are we talkin'? An' if it bested you an' took your leg, how're you alive to tell the tale? Ah' love survival stories." Rupert grins at the thought of a dangerous, valorous hunt, "Maybe if'n you give us some directions t'wherever we might find this beast, we might be able t'put her down for good."
"And this time, we go out with proper hunting gear. I don't want to be getting as close to that boar as I did that bear. I swear I could see the fleas in its fur, least before I had too much blood in my eyes to see."
"Woods, day, day and a half south of here was where I was attacked. Was a couple of us and beast just tore through us. My leg took the worst of it, but I got no doubt it could've killed us all if it had stuck around.
"Biggest pig I've ever seen, and old and smart too. Gray whiskers are how you know it's him if the size don't tell you enough. Hunters call 'im Tuskgutter, cuz he'll gut you on his tusks given the chance."
"Like I said, you bring me his head, I'll give you my best bow. Can't really use it no more and it'd be worth it to have that menace mounted at my house. Nice poetry, I guess. He took my leg, I got his head."
"And this time, we go out with proper hunting gear. I don't want to be getting as close to that boar as I did that bear. I swear I could see the fleas in its fur, least before I had too much blood in my eyes to see."
"Yet you are alive. And you have a survival story you can tell Rupert", Treshiell says helpfully.
Treshiell walks up to the tub and taps the surface with a finger. "I don't feel that worn-out", she says to Taerine. She extends her arm towards the pillow and make a hissing noise. Thaal slithers down her arm and onto the pillow. She starts to undo the weeds and grass woven into her hair before she undresses and get's into the tub.
In the tub the witch sits motionless with the other side of the vat caught in her unwavering gaze. Several minutes pass before young girl finally moves, slowly leaning forward until she is fully submerged. Another minute pass she comes back up, breathing in a long but calm breath. Her long silver hair covers her whole face as she looks at Taerine (if she's still there). "I think i'm done", she says and get's out of the tub.
Shortly after Treshiell rejoins the rest. Her hair is dripping wet and it hangs like a waterfall around her and the worst of the dirt has washed off her skin. With her hair ornaments gone she almost looks clean.
"Have you discussed tomorrow's hunt?" she asks. It's hard to tell but the question might be directed at Rupert and Agnar.
When Treshiell emerges, she finds her clothing and hair ornaments are gone. A simple cotton dress -- looking like one of Taerine's -- is draped on a chair.
Leaving the room, Treshiell finds Taerine waiting for her with a large smile: "You look wonderful! Don't you feel better? I'll clean your clothes and leave them for you in the morning, but in the meantime, I thought you could wear one of my dresses."
Stevic's eyes light up at Agnar's comments. "I've got some ripping good spears I can sell you, along with whatever shiny trinkets Orin wants."
"I'll be taking one of those spears, Stevic. Anything that keeps me out of range of the tusks is worth the coin."
Turning at Treshiell's question, Agnar begins to respond.
"We were just beginning to...um, well. Hullo, Treshiell. You clean up rather well. *ahem* As I was saying, we were just getting to some sort of plans. Your ideas are welcome, of course."
"This is not mine", Treshiell says and pulls lightly at the dress. The witches hair is still wet and covers her face like a veil. The water runs down her body taking some of the splendor from the dress. Thaal is however looking very content resting on her shoulder. "The three mice tied to my belt, where did they go?"
"We don't have any opinions about the hunt. You are the hunters. But thank you for asking", Treshiell says in a hazy tone and sits down among her companions. Her hair is still wet and drops trickle down her seat.
After performing, Edrukk will sit down and enjoy some leftovers, giving Vandar an opening to discuss any concerns or interest in anything he could learn from Edrukk. Seeing the party witch emerge after a bath, "My, my, don't we clean up nicely. Did Thaal join you or is he still sulking?"
"Spears, huh? I'd rather take my luck with this here dueling sword, but I'll be sure t'pepper him with that bandit's bow before gettin' too close." Rupert is mulling over the situation, imagining the attack in his head over and over.
At the sight of Treshiell, he says "Well here's a clean, young lady if ah've ever seen one!" with a friendly wink.
As the night wears on, Rupert asks his companions, "So how long are stayin' here? The night, and then off on the hunt for more unexplored, wild wilderness tomorrow? Perhaps, even, a boar hunt?"
As Treshiell appears Orin will stand up as she approaches the tables, smiling slightly at the bedraggled Witch. as she sits down on one of the benches Orin will remove his cloak and wrap it around her shoulders.
"We were just discussing this 'Tuskgutter', was it? Any beast that has tasted human flesh and lived would need to be hunted down lest they do it again."