Tassira is shaking like a leaf as she steps out into the evening light. Her magic won't stop buzzing at her fingertips, and her legs tremble with a mix of anxiety and fright.
"Why? Why did I think this was a good idea? Why?" She mumbles to herself.
"I... I think I've made a mistake."
She stops and turns to the others. "See, I've been thinking... I don't really think I'm cut out for this sort of life. I keep thinking of all the people I've seen die out here... Cadell, Sheoll, and nearly..." She swallows and looks over at Rowena, a lump forming in her throat. "...Rowena."
"At first, I just wanted to do something of my own accord for a change. To go out and live a life away from my family for a while. But now... I really miss them." She starts wringing her hands together. "I've seen just how easily I could lose them all in a heartbeat from one wrong move."
"With that in mind... I think it's time for me to leave." She sighs and lets her hands fall to her sides. "I don't want to drag you guys down with me being a panicky wreck."
Rowena had pulled Alexander to the side, for a private word, before Mikmek returned with Crackjaw. He deserved to be told before the others.
She explained to him what was in her heart and mind and the significant decision she had made. She took off his signet ring and returned it to him as he would need it for missives home and such in the days and months to come. She did not need a trinket to feel the way she did about him -- even such a promise ring.
In whispered explanation she added, "If, at the end of this exploration, you still feel the same for me, then write me, or come to me. If, at the end, another wins your heart, then follow your path with no regret." Rowena gently brushed his face with her hand, a fine sheen of tears glistening in her light green eyes, before rising on her tiptoes and softly kissing his cheek.
Composing herself and moving back to the group, she listened as Tassira spoke of her own desire to return home. It seemed fate was to lead them away from this adventure to another.
"I, too, will be leaving, to return to my village and my duties among my community. I have felt a strong pull - perchance a divine call from my god. I have learned much in my short time in these lands and among companions both old and new. I will take the experiences with me, and, who knows, maybe one day our paths may cross, again. May Erastil keep you safe as you explore these wild lands and discover your true purpose."
Rowena's eyes gently/lovingly brushed across Alexander's face before falling on Tassira's.
"Tass, perhaps we may travel together for a time, until our paths diverge. I would like that, if you are amiable...", Rowena awaited the noble sorceress' reply.
Nedyr is caught off guard as Tassira declares her intention to return to her family, "Tassira, I... well, you'll be missed. I rather enjoyed our conversation, and hope you have a wonderful life in Brevoy."
Then Rowenna moves to depart as well.
"I, too, will be leaving, to return to my village and my duties among my community. I have felt a strong pull - perchance a divine call from my god. I have learned much in my short time in these lands and among companions both old and new. I will take the experiences with me, and, who knows, maybe one day our paths may cross, again. May Erastil keep you safe as you explore these wild lands and discover your true purpose."
Nedyr has mixed feelings once more, but bows respectfully to both ladies, "This land will be a little less wondrous for your abscence, both of you. Rowena, I wish I had gotten to know you better, but your gentle grace and wisdom reflect very well on your faith if you don't mind me saying."
Markov nods in agreement. "Aye, we'll miss you both." Markov coughs slightly to clear his throat. "Well, if you ever choose to visit, there is more than enough trees for everyone to share. And don't forget that cave either!" Markov then bows his head. "May your journey be a safe and beautiful one."
Alexander takes the priestess in his arms hugging her tightly to him when she kisses his cheek. Pulling her head to his until her hair covers his face. I still have work I must do but my mind is firmly set. I will come for you when I am able and with a proper ring in hand this time. reluctantly he lets Rowena go
Turning to Tassira he gives his cousin a more chaste hug You are capable Tass but your skills may be more suited for court. There is no shame in that. When you are home let Gustav know that he will answer to me if he gives you any difficulty and that I would happily have you watch my back any time.
As the two women make ready to travel Alex offers a prayer to them both May Erastil keep you both safe on the road home.
Alexander's firm promise to come for her when the time came gladdened her heart and she smiled, as their heads touched, Alex's arms around her. She put the moment to memory for it would have to last until that day came.
At Nedyr's and Markov's words, the priestess bowed her head in humble gratitude. "Thank you for your kind words and well wishes."
As Rowena moved to her horse to ready herself, she heard Alexander's own prayer for their safety and she turned and lovingly smiled at him. "I will pray for you every day" and turning to the other males mindfully added, "All of you."
To Mikmek and the other kobolds, she declared earnestly, "You are in capable hands, with these three fine gentlemen. I wish your tribe prosperity and a successful alliance with my companions. Trust in one another and be true to your word through your deeds. May villains such as Tartuk never profit from the goodness of the people of these wild lands."
When the two women depart from the group, Markov is silent for a while. But after a while he turns to the remaining people of the group. "So... What shall we do now? I know we have a bit of experience, but it doesn't come with the knowledge of the healing arts." Markov scratches his head as he thinks. "Shall we see about making our way back to Oleg's to see if you" Markov points to Alex. "Can request more people for this adventure. I haven't really been to Restov before, and I doubt a former bandit of the river kingdoms would be welcomed there." He lets out a sigh before looking towards the kobold Mikmek and then turns back to the group. "We should really deal with this now. So what shall we do, I am open to ideas."
Alexander nods his head in agreement when Markov mentions a healer. Well I do have A couple of men that are ex bandits turned hired hands currently being put to work at Oleg's to upgrade the place's defenses but I agree we do need some people with more specialized training. Alexander makes a sweeping gesture that encompasses the general activity. As to this I believe we should focus on getting the two tribes to come to an accord on ceasing hostilities and to start friendly relations with them. It would be nice to know that we could resupply or rest at either tribes camp if need be.
"Well, we have potions which is nice. Not many, but it's something to consider. I worry if we dally too long on this peacemaking mission, we'll end up losing a chance at stopping hostilities. Tartuk did a good job of setting the kobolds and Mites against each other."
"True, true. Though it looks like we have the Sootscales on our side at least. Getting the mites to agree to something might be easy due to Crackjaw, but I don't really know." Markov scratches his chin. He ponders for a bit before speaking again. "Well, we might just need Crackjaw's help. Unless one of you happen to know if you can speak in their language."
"Ye olde Common, Elven, and Hallit for me," He admits
We may need the treaty Mikmek and a translator. I don't believe any of us speak under common which is the Mites primary language if our last encounter was any indication.
"That would be of great help," Nedyr says, a bit surprised they have writing Arrogant of me to think they wouldn't I suppose.
Feeling out of his element Alexander still steps forward to speak to the chief believing it his duty as a member of the noble houses. I would like to apologies in advance I am a battle leader not a diplomat so I may be coming off as rude but how does your tribe view the treaty Chief Sootscale? We are likely not from the same house or even country as the humans you made the original treaty with, would that matter to you or your tribe?
Alexander looks pensive for a moment. I wish to deal with you and your tribe in good faith. My companions and I are only the first of what will likely be many new human settlers into these lands. My first priority in this matter is of coarse peaceful interactions between our peoples. Having said that do you have any specific concerns that we can talk about or anything that your tribe might be hoping for in future relations between our people?
"Hm, Who knew there was a Kingdom here before. I don't think I heard of one being around here. And this treaty, I would like to check it out as well. I am curious on how it is written." Markov looks on after saying his piece. He is also curious by what Alexander has in mind. Markov ponders a bit about a treaty with mites.
Hm, I also don't think any mite would hold to any treaty we would set forth. And being fae, might just be harder just because of that.
"What did the Kobolds call this land anyway?" Nedyr asks curious
"Huh, rather pragmatic people, you kobolds, if you don't mind me saying," Nedyr says, "Then again, I'm not sure what I'd call a new kingdom myself, so who am I to judge?"
"Well, they kinda have to be pragmatic, concidering any wild beast could be rather harmful to a single kobold. They of course need to be efficient with what they got. Though honestly, I worry for anyone that has to face a whole lair...." Markov shivers a bit before muttering. "Ohh... Tucker's Kobolds.... The story I heard of those creatures... Don't want to meet those back in Ustalav... In fact anywhere."
"Don't they lair in a gazebo of evil or something? No wait, I'm muddling stories," Nedyr mutters
Markov shakes his head and sighs, before speaking again. "Anyway back to the mites." Markov looks towards Crackjaw before continuing. "Crackjaw, what do you think on what we should do about the mites under the sycamore tree? Though it seems we don't have to do anything right now." Markov scratches his chin. "I think once we settle things here, we should head to Oleg's and bring him the good news. And among other things, we should see if there are any more charter holders like you, Alex" Markov points to Alex and continues. "And see if there are any interested in helping. ...Oh, and we gotta see about getting one of these "Charters" papers for myself."
"Are you expecting an attack?" Nedyr says surprised at the request, "I think Tartuk would be foolish to strike again so soon, but obviously if he attacks we'll stop him."
Seeing as the chief is asking and has been very obliging Alexander takes his request seriously. I wouldn't mind helping the tribe for a little while. Maybe until they feel like there security is better equipped to deal with threats. They certainly shed blood with us and earned my respect. Besides we have had a busy day and night traveling back and forth. Waiting at least a day or two shouldn't hold us up badly We may even be able to get a better idea of the surrounding area by talking with some of the tribe. We still have to find and pick some fang berries for Bokken the potion maker. He provided us a discount for the healing potions we have on our word alone. I wish to pay back his trust.
"I'm in. Should be a bit boring, but if not, we are prepared." Markov then moves over to Alex. "I don't mean to sound rude and all, but who is this, Bokken the potion maker?" Markov tilts his head slightly.
"Well, I hate to be all alone, so I'm in as well," Nedyr smiles.
Alexander takes on a unreadable look as he presses the the bridge of his nose with two fingers. Sorry before you found us, we made a deal with Bokken, he lives a little ways south east of Oleg's he trades potions at the outpost regularly. We made a deal to purchase potions from him for half cost for a month if we helped him out. As a sign of good faith he allowed us to purchase some healing potions at the discounted rate up front. As I understand it he needs the fang berries for his work.
"Oh! That does sound like a good deal. And healing potions will be very useful now due to our current circumstance." Markov replies.
Nedyr actually looks a bit guilty, he hates to desert the kobolds, but they can't live here on watch forever either, "May true gods watch over you and your people."
Alexander inclines his head to the chief. I appreciate your understanding chief Sootscale. We have collected some moon radishes for the fine people living in the fort north east of here. Oleg and his wife Svetlana. When we visit we could let them know about your tribe they may be interested in some trading opportunities.
Markov raises an eyebrow when "Fang Berries" are mentioned. "You seem to know what they are. Why are they called "Fangberries"?"
Alexander shrugs not taking the chiefs off handed comment to heart. I agree chief Sootscale the mites are more important and we should be certain of the peace before we leave. I just wanted to see if the tribe happened to know of the berries location. I didn't wish to squander an opportunity to learn more about the local area while it was presented. If they aren't too far away quick side trek before heading back to the fort might be in order. Alexander directs the last statement more to the group then the chief before addressing him again.
Honestly any information of known dangers or points of interest would be helpful to our expedition. I was also curious if your tribe has had any issues with the human bandits? We have been charged with stopping the men who have been preying on the honest peoples traveling through the forest. So far we have captured or killed a good number of them but I am sure there are more we haven't run across.
"Although you know what my stance is on... Well, what ever you choose Alexander, I got your back." Markov nods and grins, ready to head on out on what ever choice.
"Spiders on berries, well, if anything would drive one to an all meat diet, that would be it," The half elf mutters
Thank you Chief Sootscale, I am mainly looking to get assurances of non aggression from all parties and a promise to try and talk out any issues before resorting to violence in the future. I am not certain how the mites would feel about trading but I could also bring the idea up to Oleg if they are agreeable. Thats all that comes to mind right now. Well I guess the quicker we start for the berries the quicker we get back.