This... was a bad idea is all Astor could think as they continued to trek, their second day into the trip. All these years, all this time waiting, finally a group that would accept him. Adventure! And here they were, muddy, wet, cold, and just down right miserable.
I guess I should be thankful he thought again as he looked over at Jerrid, who was lost in his own thoughts. The gnome who led the soup kitchen at the temple of Freya, what a weird and unorthodox friendship, but such is life in Bards Gate. He also convince Astor that he should join up with this group of people, but when he showed up to the temple with the flyer in hand, the gnome seemed a little more excited about this than he had anticipated. And then his insistence to come along was even more strange.
But Astor was lost in his own final hope that something might actually come of his life. That all these years since leaving his family, without a trace or a hint of what had become of him, was worth it.
Despite the poor weather, the young boy's enthusiasm could not be dampened. His fine blonde hair was tied in a short ponytail and his piercing dark eyes seemed to miss nothing as he scans the road ahead. Dressed in a well made robes with a high collar embroidered with a threaded replica of a stunning necklace, Samduc continued to smile and chat amiably on the walk about the virtues of Freya. A simple wooden holy symbol dangles from a leather thong around his neck, a woman with the wings of a falcon.
Samduc had taken pains to load his small crossbow before setting out. Commenting "A kind word and a crossbow often impress bandits more than a kind word." As soon as the rain started falling, he made sure it was securely stowed on his waist under his cloak out of the rain. When Samduc made this adjustment, it became apparent that he was wearing a suit of studded leather armor underneath his robes.
Besides his comments about Freya, he was asking Janna a series of questions about the journey ahead. It was quite obvious that Samduc did not like surprises. "I always wanted to open my Yule presents early." he said in explanation.
The opportunity to leave Bard's Gate was a welcome diversion from Kevezyat; one can only read so much scripture and swing a practice sword so many time before the wanderlust begins to grow.
Sitting reading a codicil she had witnessed the exuberant discussion about an adventure. Something about the situation had rung true within Kevezyat, as one of the discussors was Jerrid, an unfortunate deep gnome she'd been asked to keep an eye on.
Walking over she had said humbly "I would undertake this journey with you, if you'll have me that is." Their mumbled assent was accepted with a wide smile.
And now here she was, with as unlikely a collection of "adventurers" as there ever was. No matter, however mundane the task, Freya's will be done.
The little gnome flounders in yet another puddle and almost loses his footing on the wet mud. He throws out a small gnarled fist and grips Astor by the leg hard.
"I no like this mud! Tis a dog with four legs track, not a street. Why now and not tomorrow Janna?" complains Jerrid with a hawkish smile. "Remind me what's in Fairhill to give us go-....splat, damn and blast! Look mud all up my legs," as the gnome slips again.
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Damien trudges along quietly with his cloak wrapped tight around him, the haft of his long hammer sticking out well above his right shoulder. His mouth is turned down in a perpetual scowl as he surveys the rain. After his discharge, the half-elf had thought briefly that at least his days of marching in the rain were now behind him. Soon after, the realities of non-military life had disabused him of that particular notion.
During his years of service, all concerns of room and board had been simply handled for him out of hand. Before that were the hungry days of destitute youth he'd done all he could to forget. This new civilian life had confronted him suddenly with the unfamiliar notion of having to work for a living. Damien had also been forced to confront the truth that he had few appreciable skills beyond soldiering. Hiring out as a sellsword had been the only option available to him short of returning to military life and he was damn sure not about to do that.
Damien cast a glance at the gnome walking beside him. Hel, he'd not even been able to lose his ever overeager former sergeant. The small man was insufferable, yet he had been the one to find Janna's offer in the first place. Besides, as he looked around at the others traveling with them, Damien had to admit he was glad to have the man beside him. No offer of "gold and glory" ever came without a few ugly engagements and at least he knew there was one person he could count on when things inevitably went south.
Thus far, the Janna woman had given no clues as to what awaited them in Fairhill but then he was accustomed opperating with a complete lack of relevant information. Just like the good old days...
Damien nods to the hedge, "Hungry, Vhillish?
Janna, she was a lovely lady, her long blond hair tied into a pony tail. She is dressed much different since meet at the Starving Stirge where before she seemed a bit more revealing, now her clothing is more "conservative" still her beauty is complimented in her dress of light leather pants and light shirt. carrying a plain staff with a small blue crystal mounted on one end. as she walked there always seemed to be a light breeze surrounding her, she managed to avoid many puddles. and her voice, it seemed to always give that ever so slight echo in the wind. her soft skin so smooth, yes there seemed to be some otherworldly beauty about her, but she would dismiss it, saying she was no different than any other girl.
sahe was accusomed to the tools she had back at the academy, the staff she had there as well as the other items the school allowed her to wield while a student. those days are done now. but still she had learned to conrol her powers better than she thought she could.
It seemed like ages since that fateful day the was rescued off the streets of Reme, now, she was no longer a child, no longer the animal she thought she was left to become.
as she looks over the fellow travellers she had selected to join her, still she had no others that wished to join, but they didn't need to know that. seeing the military types march like heading off to war.
The young boy, he showed promise, he reminded her of her childhood looking for a meal on the streets of Reme, perhaps accepting him was, in some way, returning the favor offered to her all those years ago.
and a Drow, she had known a couple at the Academy, they were always formidable opponents in the testing arena. and the gnome charge with her. looks like fun fellow.
and Astor, he was the first to sign on. perhaps it was his innocent smile, or the excitement in his eyes at the prospect of adventure. in any event how could she refuse such a boy.
As they trudge along Janna defelcts questions presented to her on the details of the mission. only the promise of treasure and wealth. she had neglected to mention danger, but she had guessed that would be a given.
as Samduc assailed her with questions as they travelled she simple responded with "in due time" or "there are more pressing matters that must be tended to first." and of course the one Samduc probably hated the most "The wind has ears, we must be careful"
Perception
At the slight sound from the bush, Kevezyat's head swivel and her eyes perceive the game birds hiding within.
Survival
Her crossbow bolt is in the air before the first bird was aware death was on the wind. In a short time, Kevezyat had obtains a brace of pheasant for the group.
"We eat well this night." she says with a bright smile.
"What I'd really prefer is a pint!" Astor exclaimed. Since he had never really gone on a trip like this, he was ill prepared for the fact that he wouldn't get to see a decent drink for a while. He was still as impulsive and unprepared as he was 15 years ago...
This had all better be worth it
Janna glances skyward looking to find a sign as to when the rain will let up. all through her days at the Academy, the very winds and rain would obey her command, but that was with help, Now, she must do her best to control the little space about her. but still she had some control, at least the lightning was hers to command.
but on this day her prediction was nothing more than the obvious, she simply made a mental note hoping to at least bluff her new companions enough to not let on she is no more skilled than they are out here.
"A pint of cider? Warm and all steamy. Not the cheap Applescratch that you get worms in but the good stuff. Eh Astor?"
Damien gives Astor and Jerrid a dismissive look, "Then you'd best hope the lady here can conjure you one. There's still a lot of muddy road ahead..."
Janna looks down the road they came from trying to see as far as she can. looking like she is seeing if someone is following.
She then scans the trees and the sky. looking for something.
I suggest we keep moving, some more distance before we stop to eat. her voice again echoing ever so slightly in the ever present breeze that surrounds her.
Astor grumbled a bit against the rain, getting in the way of a decent hot meal. But he would rather move forward, back towards home and familiarity. Maybe something exciting might happen on the way, just maybe.
Damien simply grunts his approval and continues walking.
He does spare the drow and her crossbow an appraising look. So one of them's a decent shot...that's something at least.
Vhillish measured the maid's skill with the scrutinising eyes of a practiced drill serjeant.
He had allowed his comrade and lieutenants atypical comment to die as quickly as the bird. However unable to resist a retort he pulled his heavy pack closer and commented with a sighing tone;
"(Sigh) Sir. You know full well that my arbalest is a precision weapon and not some device to "bag a brace" as gentlemen hunters are oft to proclaim..."
He nods a salute to the female drow;
"I will give you this young lady. Damn fine shot... And coming from one as... accomplished as myself with the flatbow that is rather lofty praise indeed."
He shoots his friend another baleful look as the rain lashes upon his parade armour in a rat-a-tat-tat rhythm that matches the oncoming hooves. The gnome peers ahead into the downpour...
"Bloody weather. Tip-top for an ambush mind..."
:
:
He stops for a second, gesturing through the treeline.
"Gully ahead ladies and gentlemen. Shelter from the rain at least and a chance to measure the rider that follows... May I suggest double time sir!?"
Samduc did not want to sprint, as it made hiding all the harder. Pulling his cloak about him he headed to the clearing.
Despite his speed and armor, he was quiet and invisible in the driving rain.
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Jerrid moves to the cover like a low slung cheetah, he dives behind a nice fat tuft of grass near the gully and to the far side of the road. Astor is forgotten in the blink of an eye.
He looks to his side and there is Samduc just as well hid, like his shadow. He grunts at the halfling and the red eyes flicker.
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Damien's gaze follows where the gnome points. He nods, "I imagine you're correct."
He looks at the others, "You heard the man, move!"
The half-elf jumps off the road and follows the two shorter companions to the shelter of the trees. Aware of his more visible profile, Damien moves carefully, trusting his longer legs to keep him from falling too far behind.
Damn, he couldn't have caught up so fast, he was supposed to delay him. Janna mutters a little too loud, or perhaps this time the echo of her voice has worked against her.
Janna quickly moves off the side of the road. the rain and the cools evening air seem to not bother her. despite being a girl of arcane talent she seems to move with skilled practice of a rogue.
Astor, seeing his fellow companions darting off the road, hurries to follow. He realizes that he recognizes the surroundings, knowing that up ahead there is shelter, but with an unknown follower he decides to follow the rest and wait to see what they should do next. Just in case he brings his long sword to the ready.
He nods a salute to the female drow;
"I will give you this young lady. Damn fine shot... And coming from one as... accomplished as myself with the flatbow that is rather lofty praise indeed."
Kevezyat looks down to the gnome as she finished tying off the brace of birds to her backpack "Thank you, friend, high praise is welcome but not needed. I believe I was, how they say, lucky." she says with a smile.
At the gnome's warning, she automatically takes a position in the middle of the road, waiting until the others have taken shelter, then retreating to the bush herself.
Stealth
Damien snorts, his voice low, "Seems the Sherrif is out on a bit of a manhunt..."
He turns a hard stare on Janna, "You wouldn't know anything about that now would you ma'am?"
:
The diminutive serjeant hustles alongside to the gully, afore well drilled movements come to the fore as he crouches low, unshoulders the arbalest and loads a bolt.
He also eyes the woman awaiting a response...
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Hearing the word sheriff, Jerrid purses his lips and murmurs a few wilful words in gnomish, "alister muk gowan!"
His body shimmers and shakes turning into another small boy next to Samduc, similar but not the same exactly.
Samduc listens to the exchange, not missing many of the subtleties.
"Unless I am told differently, law enforcement officers are my friends. Let me go out and talk to them."
Samduc prepares to move back out to hail the riders.
"Why would they talk to you - a little boy?"
"Because I have been on the road. Traditionally travelers exchange information about the road, as a matter of course."
Samduc moves out to the road to hail the riders. Before stepping out:
"You may want to stay hidden."
"If a little boy is travelling out here on his own, I'm thinking ambush and bandits." He shrugs and watches the little chap wander out.
Astor watches the exchange between Jerrid and Samduc, barely aware of the words being spoken. This is the first excitement he's felt in a long time. He waits, barely able to breathe, watching for the mysterious riders to see how they react to the halflings greeting.
Janna returns the "look" toward Damien. she simple shakes her head to indicate no knowledge of any of this.
she had hoped to remain out of sight to let them pass but before she could voice this suggestion the young boy Samduc steps out.
he reminds her of her youth on the streets of Reme. throw caution to the wind and do whatever you felt necessary to survive.
She remaind quiet to see how these soldiers would react. to see what they wanted. But to be ready for action, a small electrical charge started to build in her hand the swirling breeze subsidded that normally surrounded her concentrating instead on the eventual releace of energy from her fingers. but for now she remained hidden, bideing her time looking to see if there was any need to be alarmed.
Sam has been around lawmen.
If they seem to be legitimate, he hails them in a tenor voice. Otherwise, he returns quietly.
At Janna's comment, Kevezyat dark gaze settles on the woman "There's more to this methinks."
Than as Samduc steps out,she also steps out but remains behind him, visible at the edge of the trees.
At Janna's comment, Kevezyat dark gaze settles on the woman "There's more to this methinks."
Than as Samduc steps out,she also steps out but remains behind him, visible at the edge of the trees.
Knowledge (local)
Sense Motive
"These aren't the men she was afraid of seeing....curious"
Kevezyat steps away from the trees, her hand help up in welcome "Hail and well met! It is good to hear that the waystation is near, the clearing yonder would have been poor comfort on a day like this. We will guard ouselves against the bandits and gnolls you mention. Thank you for the warning. "
The soldier frowns as Janna shakes her head.
He looks as if he's about to say something but then simply shakes his head and returns his gaze to the three mounted figures on the road.
As Samduc and Kevezyat step out into the open, Damien quietly lets loose with a string of curses. He looks to Vhillish, "These idiots are going to get the both of us killed!"
He sighs heavily, "Well I suppose there's nothing for it..."
Standing he moves out into the open with the other two. He calls out to the Sheriff, "Bandits, aye, gives those of us on foot good reason to be wary of mounted men prowling the road, don't you think? We're on our way to the bloody waystation..."
He waves his arms to the surrounding countryside, "Anything to get us out of this damned rain!"
Astor decides to walk out as well, sticking close to his companions. He does not speak up, neither does he sheath his sword.