Kal'Tos votes aye to both
Looking back through her notes, the half-elf sees a familiar set of names - names that have had a large impact, so far, on the creation of Newspring and the safety of its citizens - the northmen warriors Bern and Gair, the influential and wise dwarven priests Kal'Tos and Vallen, the Harpyite leader Manari, the Thayers, the Mwangi woman, and the halfling spitfire Ben. "As for the exploration, it seems to me that we have a group of competent explorers already - those of you that left to fight the sharkteeth. I think we should ask for volunteers from the community, but start with a core selected from those of you that left for the Harpy's wreck. Not everyone may be suited for exploration, nor may everyone wish to go, but that seems the pool to draw from."
Gair adds his support to the "Aye" votes on the rationing and garden issues.
"Hassan is prepared to keep a close eye on the supplies however he stressed to me that he does not have the people required to see to the distribution of food throughout the day. I do not believe this matter should be under his command anyway. So long as there are guards present, warriors should not be required to portion out the food. I suggest we elect a different group to see to such matters."
At this point he turns to Ben, "You have made yourself the spokesman for the contingent of your people Ben. I am to understand that they are already doing much to see to the preparation of the food in Newspring. I would ask that you at least ask your kin if they would be willing to take over official responsibility for the distribution of food here in Newspring. Your relations have a good reputation here, I would trust them to see that the matter was handled fairly."
He considers Sorala's words for a moment before responding, "You are correct that we have a good group here. I do not think we need to ask for further volunteers however. There is much work to be done here and seasoned warriors are each worth several untrained civilians. I think a small group of perhaps 6 or 7 should be sufficient to explore new territory."
Istiel's voice is heard from outside of the tent shortly after Gair is done speaking. "I volunteer to go with the explorers. I will find you at first light."
Istiel's voice is heard from outside of the tent shortly after Gair is done speaking. "I volunteer to go with the explorers. I will find you at first light."
Manari scowls when she hears Istiel's voice, but she resumes her composure a moment later.
"I would ask you to reconsider, sister," she says. Her tone is a request more than an order. "We have lost so many already, and though it is good Thaliel has returned to us, she will not be able to fight for some time yet."
"As to the proposals before the council, I agree. We must make what we have last as long as possible, and devote our efforts to finding more food."
The Thayers both agree to both proposals as well.
"We will be glad to do our part by rationing the food," says Hobie Grimm, speaking on behalf of the halflings.
"Before we conclude our meeting," Sandra says. "There is one thing I would like to say. We have come through hell, and we seem to face a fresh hell every day. Our survival depends on our ability to work together. For this reason, I have asked my brother not to seek satisfaction for the insults given to our family in recent days. I would ask those who give insult to consider the cost of sowing discord among us, in the circumstances we share."
Gair raises an eyebrow, not entirely certain of what Sandra is referring to, "Indeed, now is not the time to descend to bickering. In the mammoth realms, followings will often put aside even deep held blood feuds to work together during matters of survival. Matters will be tense in the days to come but I caution you all to quiet your blood for the time being. Hunger is our enemy now."
"On the subject of our exploration party, we will need those capable of moving quickly to cover as much ground as possible. I would go on this mission. Additionally I would suggest Kal'Tos and Ceuta. I understand your reservations Manari but Istiel has a host of skills we could well use and has proven herself immensely. I promise you she will be among most capable warriors to be found in the settlement. I would have thought you would want one of your people joining in the search for your missing brethren."
Sorala's voice wavers as she turns to Manari, obviously upset. "Many of us have lost much here, Manari. Without our people doing what they are best at doing, we will lose much more." The scholar shuts her mouth at that point, managing to only think, rather than speak the rest of what is on her mind. If Istiel's skills are best at scouting, she should be scouting, regardless of your feelings of the worth of certain souls relative to others.
Sorala doesn't speak when the bit about Edmund's satisfaction comes up, being uncomfortably aware of the conflict Edmund has had with Cueta and earlier Ben and Kal'Tos, and suddenly wondering what the Mwangi's game was when she asked about the history of Taldor. I'll need to figure out what these peoples' intentions are towards each other. Hurt pride and ill will can fester as much as any physical wound.
The woman does however, turn over a fresh piece of parchment, ready with her pen if anything of note comes from this conversation.
After the meeting, Sorala writes down every detail she can from the gathering. The first meeting of the Council of Newspring will be important information, someday - she hopes, at any rate.
Once the meeting is finished Kal'Tos will find his brother and let him know that unfortunately he will have to leave the camp again in the morning.
Vallen stays silent while the others discuss the exploration party, desperately wishing to get back to more normal work. He gives a concerned look as Sandra mentions Edmund not seeking satisfaction, wondering what that was all about. Glancing over at Gair, he notices the kellid is also confused. What happened on the other boat?
The dwarf clears his throat as the conversation falls silent for a few moments. "If there is no further discussion, can we have a motion to adjourn? Second? All of those in favor of adjourning the meeting, say aye. Opposed, same sign. This meeting is hereby adjourned."
The dwarf begins to sit up, stretching his sore hamstrings and arms from sitting and rowing all day. As they go their seperate ways, Vallen sticks with Jarla. "There are rough times ahead, Jarla, but I'm convinced that Torag is on our side. While we were out exploring, I prayed for sustenance and was blessed with a prayer to instill but a handful of nuts and berries with the power to feed a grown dwarf for a day. However, I only have the strength to do this for three individuals... rest assured, Torag will see to it you and I don't go hungry."
He sighs heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. "I wish I could feed everyone this way, but...humans are a resourceful lot, they'll pull through somehow."
Istiel was not going to publicly discuss the matter with Manari, but a slight smile creeps over her features as Gair defends her decision in front of the entire council. The elf stays silent, guarding the entrance to the tent until the meeting is adjourned.
As Manari exits the tent, Istiel falls into step with her. "আমি দুঃখিত, বোন নই. আপনি এই আমি তা অবশ্যই কিছু বিষয় জানি. আমি Castien এবং Limglad, বন্দী হারিয়ে, বা মৃত হয় ভয়. আমি এ halfling পাওয়া রাষ্ট্র ভাল পূর্বলক্ষণ না. আমি ফিরে আমি হবে অঙ্গীকার."
Septimus approaches Vallen after the meeting is done and everyone has separated. It is quite possible vallen will be startled to see Septimus and he is basically sneaking up on him away from everyone else.
"Good evening Vallen, I don't believe we have had the pleasure of meeting. My name in septimus, while you have been away I have been doing my best to keep people healthy and treat minor injuries with what little talents the gods have granted me. Unfortunately my skills in the healing arts are not as powerful as those of one who has been truly touched by the divine, such as yourself. I am hoping that we can work together in the days ahead to keep everyone safe."
"আমি আমার মনের কথা বলতে হবে, এবং আপনি আপনি ভাল মনে করেন তা অবশ্যই" Manari says to Istiel, sadly.
Horn'Tos greets Kal'Tos warmly, and if he is disappointed by the news that his brother is leaving, he doesn't show it, instead discussing the work he's been doing on the forge and making armor, and lamenting the lack of decent metal.
Jarla is very much relieved that Vallen is back.
"Torag knows we all are doing what we must," she says, "but I don't know why they chose you. You're a stoneworker, not a warrior. If it is true you can use Torag's blessing to feed us, consider Gaross as well. He has shown himself devout. Be careful who knows. Hunger can drive the best of us to desperate acts."
Vallen strokes his beard, mentally noting that he is going to give it a good cleaning and grooming tonight, and maybe squeeze in a bath. "I don't know why they chose me either- I thought we were going to strip the wood from the Harpy, but both the weather and my comrades had other plans. I was able to do a lot of good at least, so perhaps it was for the best. Hopefully they don't need me anymore and I can stay in Newspring until we figure out what to do with that abandoned fort."
He sighs, looking sadly at the ground. Vallen pulls out the tri-ruby ring that the kuru leader was carrying, gently rolling it around in his fingers. "Aye, Jarla... In my excitement I had almost forgotten what hunger does to people. Hopefully with everyone on half rations no one will notice me and you eating a handful of nuts every day. We'll be fasting like the rest of them. I'll speak to Gaross- he might be a slag, but seems he truly wants to atone for his father's sins against Torag. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."
Lifting the ring up to eye level, he shows Jarla. "Found this on one of the kuru leaders, we figure he pilfered it from some unfortunate human noble on the Harpy. It's amazing that back home, selling this ring could feed a whole family for a year, but here... I don't even know what to do with it. Can't eat it, so it isn't worth much. "
The dwarf jumps as Septimus sneaks up on the two dwarves, the priest putting the ring away while listening to his introduction. Bowing his head slightly, Vallen follows with a nod. "Good evening Septimus- didn't see you there! Thank you for taking care of everyone in my absence, we all need to be in top form to squeeze every bit of work we can out of the day. I was planning on making the rounds tomorrow before I resume work on the forge if you'd care to join me."
Sorala doesn't speak when the bit about Edmund's satisfaction comes up, being uncomfortably aware of the conflict Edmund had with Ben and Kal'Tos that first night at Newspring, and suddenly wondering what if Mwangi's request about the history of Taldor was related to Edmund's conflict with the demihumans. I'll need to figure out what these peoples' intentions are towards each other. Hurt pride and ill will can fester as much as any physical wound.
Gair takes his leave of the meeting and seeks out Hassan. He fills the other man in on the decisions made, "Keep a watchful eye out while we are gone. Not just on the wilderness but also the settlers...tensions will run high once the hunger settles in."
Nodding to the other man, he moves off and joins the others around the fire. Watching his son enjoy his new status before eventually clapping the boy on the arm as it gets late, "You should find your furs soon. We leave early in the morning to secure more ground for the foragers."
Leaving the others, the warrior makes his way to his own furs and falls quickly asleep.
Hassan nods in return, "We will look after them. You just worry about yourselves. We've lost enough people already."
As the kellid walks away, he is already planning how to organize watches now that extra care will need to be taken with the food stores.
Jarla looks at the ring Vallen shows her, and shrugs her shoulders. "It could have personal meaning for someone. I don't know that any among the Harpy's survivors were nobility, but it is possible. If nothing else, it is a thing of beauty, and a reminder of what can be made by a dedicated artisan." She gives her brother a knowing smile.
------
The night passes quietly.
As the explorers prepare to leave, Ben Sandlock approaches them.
"Speed is critical now," he says. "I would only slow you down. I think I can do more staying here and helping Hassan keep the peace."
Kal'Tos rises bright and early ready to get started on exploration. He has his standard array ofsspells prepared.
Gair nods to the halfling, "It takes a wise man to acknowledge his limits. Keep them safe until we return Ben."
Shouldering his pack, the kellid offers his son a small but encouraging grin before giving Hassan a solemn nod, "We should return in no more than five days, keep the hearth fires burning."
Taking sling in hand, he heads out with the others in the same direction as the first ill-fated exploration party.
Istiel opens her eyes as the first rays of sunlight begin to cast their red hue across the eastern sky. Her mind clears from its meditation and she picks herself up, stretching. She bids a sincere farewell to Manari and an assurance she will return before moving into the bulk of the camp.
She quickly finds Gair and Kal'tos, already awake and preparing to go. The elf grins at Gair's sling, giving him a sly look. "Is a bow not enough of a challenge for you, Northman?" Istiel doesn't wait for a reply to her tease, instead sauntering off to rouse Cueta if she is not already awake.
When the party is gathered, the elf jerks her head in the direction of the rising sun. "We travel east." She says tersely, quickly moving through the well-worn brush of the surrounding camp.
The elf is surprised at how quickly Kal'tos moves. She had expected the dwarf to slow them down, but it's as if he is always able to find the quickest and most efficient path. I see why they say this one is blessed, now.
Vallen smiles back at his sister, feeling a flush of pride run through him. "Aye... I'll keep it, at least to remind us what civilization can bring."
Gozran 20
Vallen runs a hand over his face as he wakes from his sleep, momentarily checking to ensure all of his limbs are in place. He had been haunted by emaciated specters in the night, shriveled husks of Newspring citizens begging him for food, pleading for Torag to feed them and their children. The dwarf sighs, pulling himself to his feet and remembering a matter he forgot to discuss with Kal'tos the previous day.
Finding the gathering exploration party, Vallen speaks to his fellow cleric. "See if you can find any easily tapped sources of iron nearby, Kal'tos. If we could find some iron sands at least, we can start proper production from the forge instead of reworking broken tools." He wishes Gair and Cueta farewell, saying a quick prayer to Torag in an attempt to bless their journey.
The priest settles down for his morning prayers, lowering his head and laying his hands on his makeshift holy anvil. He speaks out loud, as if to the anvil itself. "Father of the forge-flame and bringer of the warm hearth, watch over us and guide the hungry mouths of these people to sustenance earned through hard work and dedication."
Following his prayers, he requests some nuts and berries from the halflings for his half-ration, explaining he and the other dwarves intend to fast in order to help preserve their dwindling food supplies. He blesses the fruit, handing Jarla her share. He is about to begin eating his own nuts before stopping and closing his hand around them. He instead approaches his sister with a problem weighing on his mind. "Jarla. I need your advice. When we found the captives that had been with the kuru, they had been... abused." He swallows, chewing on his lip for a moment. "I desperately prayed to Folgrit that no cursed spawn would come of it, but her domain is that of happy mothers and finding homes for orphans, not doing battle with Lamashtu. My pleas may have been too far out of her jurisdiction to be heard. I want to find a midwife and ask for a solution, but if their tongue begins to wag I fear those women would be persecuted. I have no experience here, would you offer me some wisdom?"
After his conversation with Jarla, the dwarf finds Gaross and Horn'tos, giving them both a handful of blessed nuts and explaining they are blessings from Torag- a reward for their hard work and fuel for further industry. He tells them to find him each morning for more. Walking away to begin seeing to the infirm of Newspring for the day, he looks at his belt to begin planning where to put new notches. These next days will be hungry ones, but I must not let it distract me from my work. Torag, please guide my hands through the pain.
Kal'Tos nods stroking his beard in thought as Vallen speaks to him before departing Newspring. "If I see any signs I will note where they are so we can return later. Unfortunately I don't think I will be able to delay the scouting mission to do detailed investigation until after our food situation is sorted."
Gair smirks at the elf's comment, fingering the long, half finished bow bundled with his supplies, "I was taught the merits of a bow from an early age. I simply prefer to have one built for men..."
Hassan approaches Sorala after the exploration party has left, "The northman tells me it was decided last night that we're putting some resources into building several gardens? I've been asked to assist where I can. With a little rearranging I should be able to free up a couple of my men to lend a hand on the construction. We should have all the supplies we need from the salvage mission."
Jarla considers Vallen's words and then nods.
"I have noticed Sorala seems to have some knowledge of alchemy. Ingwe also seems to have remedies for many minor ailments. He was a spiritualist among the Mwangi, he may have some thoughts for You might also ask advice of Tatya, who is nearing her time. Have you spoken of the possibility to the women themselves?"
--------
As the expedition sets forth, most of the people of Newspring gather to watch them go. The halflings have spread the news of rationing, and though it is only the first day, faces are grim.
Vallen pauses after Jarla finishes speaking, brows furrowing in thought and hesitation. "No.. No I haven't spoke with the women about it, I don't... I don't want to bring back the trauma. They're so skiddish now, Jarla, like a mule that's been treated with a cruel hand. This situation requires caution and a solid plan, as Torag teaches us. I can observe them during my weekly rounds to treat the sick. I will speak to Sorala and Ingwe. They will offer two intersecting perspectives on the matter, I believe. Tatya is... probably still angry we suspected her child of being a skin-stealer. Thank you Jarla, the way is clear now."
During his rounds around town with Septimus, Vallen makes sure to find Mellila, Elisa Kralish, Balis, and Thaliel, inquiring on their health and judging their mental well being.
Later, he requests and audience with Sorala and Ingwe, bringing them to the same secluded oak tree he carved the statue of Garrak. The priest nervously informs the two on his concerns about the women, their current state of mind, and he appears to be particularly fearful of drawing Lamashtu's gaze if the matter were to come to term. "I can set broken bones and treat disease, but I seek both of your advice in this regard."
Istiel is focused on finding any sign of battle or a struggle as they travel, intent on finding the missing elves. The actual exploration appears to be a secondary objective to her.
Gair moves quickly through the trees, at home in this environment, his eyes scanning for signs of the missing explorers as well as anything out of the ordinary or interesting.
After Bern's enthusiastic storytelling, Cueta returns to her sleeping area and quickly falls into an exhausted, dreamless sleep, dark and deep as the outer voids themselves...
Day 20
...and slowly comes to wake from the persistent nudging, almost kicks, from the boot of the elven warrior. Receiving the news without much emotion that they leave for scouting shortly, Cueta sits and looks at Watcher for a few minutes. Turning to Deeshka, the M'wangi woman gently rouses her friend and explains what must be done.
Grabbing a little eel jerky, Cueta feeds Watcher and ruffles the dog behind his ears, gets him to roll over, and scratches his belly, and then, in as cheerful a voice as she can muster, gives the dog a kiss on his head and says, "Watcher, come, let's go for a walk."
Once they are through the treeline, she commands the dog to stop and sit, and then leans down and once again ruffles the dog's ears, kisses him on the snout, and at the same time drawing her stone axe, she brings the axe across the dog's neck quickly, hoping to spare the dog much pain and fear.
Kneeling over Watcher's corpse for a few minutes, she says a quick oath. "Mother of monsters, you do not get this soul. He was a gentle creature and has no place in your armies."
Taking Watcher back to camp, she leaves the dog's body with the halflings. "He was a good dog. Make his death worth his sacrifice."
Cueta then stops off to say her goodbyes to her sister and the Lady Kralish, advising them to make themselves useful to their new neighbors in whatever way they can. The young Mwangi says goodbye to Eli and to Vallen as well, and sets about gathering her supplies for the scouting mission.
----
Once back in the wilderness, Cueta breathes deep and takes in the forest air, scanning the forest for signs of danger, while her mind wanders to the short, but happy time she had with her dog.
Sorala dreams that evening of the Garrack-statue. The statue itself is shrouded in darkness, and Sorala can just barely make out its surroundings - bark behind the statue, a bit of grass and earth on the ground beneath Garrack's base. In her dream, the Garrack statue stands as statues do, and Sorala looks upon it, and she thinks, from time to time, that the statue just may be looking back at her, and a sense of longing and hunger swells within the woman.
Day 20
Sorala wakes and watches the people of Newspring as the news of the rations set in. Forgoing her usual silent breakfast by herself, the half-elf makes her way and sits next to Tatya and some of the children, and tells the children stories of bravery and sacrifice recalled from her history books, cheerfully eating her half-ration as she does so. You must put on a brave face for these people. Members of the council need to be seen sacrificing as the rest are asked to.
Sorala rises as Hassan approaches, giving the guardsman a smile and quick handshake. That's wonderful, Hassan - thank you for your help. In many cultures warriors are more than just soldiers you know - in times of peace they help with building projects and farming or fishing. I think it is a wonderful use of your men's time. I've been helping out the people on my own time and should be able to call in some favors. Let me spend the day organizing some workers and we could get started on the gardens soon - perhaps as soon as tomorrow!
----
When Vallen approaches, Sorala follows him out to the tree, and with a jolt she realizes the setting of her dream the previous night was this very tree, for there is the bark pattern from behind the statue and there is the bit of grass and earth, and there even, a little round indentation and flattened grass, as if the statue had recently rested on the ground...
The news of the new womens' ordeals snaps Sorala back to reality, and putting aside thoughts of the statue, the half-elf's jaw sets in a grimace. Dear gods, how could anyone survive such an experience?
"Vallen, most of my training has had more everyday uses - how to make pitch for homes, sparkling twigs to start fires, and such. I'll think on it though, surely there are some herbs that can be used to... prevent any more trauma to those poor women. Ingwe, what do you think of this matter?"
"I should add, this is something that no woman should have to endure. We need to keep a close eye on their mental states, as they surely are not the same people they were before the kuru abduction. Gentlemen, it may make you uncomfortable, but as two of the spiritual leaders of this camp, you may be needed for counseling."
Istiel leads the explorers as far as the ravine where the halfling's corpse was discovered, and the group proceeds west. A few hours walk takes them out of the area where they've been foraging, into new territory, and though they don't stop to forage, they see plenty of forage and small game. Occasionally, they spot tracks, of hoofed or clawed creatures, deer, goats, elk, bear, wolves and other creatures, all appropriate to the landscape. The hills that they had seen in the distance rise, the terrain grows increasingly rugged and the forest changes to hardier species that thrive in the rugged, shallow soil.
After a long afternoon of slogging over high hills, following winding streams through deep valleys and discovering dozens of small ponds and cascades, the group comes to the top of a high, bald hill that gives them a view of the land around them. Hilly ridges continue to the northwest, but the land flattens out to the west, all covered with forest as far as they can see (specifically, into c-14 and b-15) with the exception of a few other bald peaks and far to the west, the sun reflecting off a roundish lake that must cover at least a square mile or two.
They also find the remains of the first exploring party. A firepit suggests that they had stopped to camp here, and the corpses of the four explorers lay on the ground. Each had been impaled by some sort of spear-like weapon and one of the elves had also had an arm cut off at the elbow by a sharp slashing weapon of some sort. They have been dragged and gnawed by animals, presumably scavengers, and it appears that they have been dead for over a week.
================
Ingwe leaves his shrine and follows Vallen to hear his concerns, with a cheerfully gruesome smile on his fat face. The smile turns to a frown and as the dwarf speaks, and then a scowl as Sorala offers her opinion.
"If the women are with child, it is up to them to decide what they wish to do. If they ask, I will speak to them. I cannot say I share your dread that any offspring of these women will be monstrous. If there are babies, they will be what they are raised to be. Some would call half-orcs monsters, but I do not think I am. I will not ask if you do."
Istiel admires the scenery as they walk along, making note of any significant fruiting plants. As they climb to the top of a high hill, the elf spies the remains of the campfire and her comrades. Clutching the hilt of her longsword as she jogs over, the elf's mouth tightens in a mixture of anger and sadness as she stands over the bodies of the fallen elves.
Closing her eyes, she kneels to the ground briefly, speaking in soft elven. "সে আপনার আত্মার জন্য একটি যোগ্য পশু খুঁজে বের করে যতক্ষণ ব্রাদার্স, আপনি Desna এর বড় এক হিসাবে আপনার জায়গা নিতে পারে. প্রকৃতির সঙ্গে আপনার সময় দীর্ঘ এবং ফলপ্রসূ হতে পারে, এবং বন আক্কেল আপনার পরবর্তী জীবনের মধ্যে পাস দেওয়া হতে পারে. এই জ্ঞান এক ধাপ কাছাকাছি আপনার উদ্ভাসন করতে আপনাকে করা হবে, এবং আপনার পরবর্তী জীবনে সেটা খুঁজে পেতে আমাদের যাত্রা শেষ হতে পারে."
Opening her dark eyes, she momentarily notes the slashing and piercing wounds on the bodies. Standing up tall and straight, the warrior stares at the shining lake in the distance. "That lake. The killers likely reside on its shores.
Vallen frowns as Ingwe says his piece, holding up his hand in a placating gesture. "You are no monster Ingwe, nor was Garrak. But you don't understand, we... at the island..." The priest rubs his hands over his face and beard, sighing, and starts speaking with a few false starts. He glances over at Sorala, knowing that what he was abotu to say would be rapidly transcribed somewhere. "The kuru... their children.. The kuru's children attacked us when we found them. They tried to eat us, Ingwe, we... Gair and Kal'tos... had to put all of them down. They were monsters, Ingwe, even their children." Inhaling, Vallen looks at the half-orc. "You are right though- It is their decision. I'm in favor of us observing the situation for now in any case."
Gair follows close behind Istiel as they approach the grizzly campsite. A look of sad acceptance passes over the northern warrior's face as he takes in the scene. Letting out a deep breath he moves to the human bodies and examines the wounds briefly, noting that they are the same as those claimed to have been found on Valentinian, "Rest well. May you find your way to the afterlife you seek..."
Standing, Gair begins to search the camp, looking for signs left behind by the attackers.
He looks up at Istiel's words, "Perhaps. It looks to be a long way from here and Valentinian was found even further away. We can consider the lake once we have finished with the surrounding area."
He looks at the corpses, "It grows late. We should bury them so they might find some measure of peace."
Istiel glances at Gair before nodding slowly. "I would prefer Castien and Limglad to be cremated, but we see what fire brought them."
Ingwe's scowl softens as Vallen elaborates on the story of the island. He shakes his head and spits, making a sign against evil.
"It is a deadly fate that brought us here, but I think you are right, we should wait and see."
==========
The rocky hilltop holds few tracks, but from scuffs in the moss and a few footprints, Gair is able to piece together at least some of what happened. It seems likely that Valentinian was still with the group when they died, and that they were gathered around the fire before one died and the rest scattered. There are tracks of scavengers that fed on the bodies, and also humanoid footprints leading to the northeast.
Istiel notices that other than the clothes on their back, they have nothing. No weapons or armor or camping equipment of any kind.
Vallen's face is sad and despondent after momentarily reliving the slaughter of the children, simply sighing and nodding to the both of them. "Aye. Thank you both for speaking to me about this. I've got some work to do for the forge, I'm going to get to it." The dwarf bids them farewell unless they have more to add, and finds Horn'tos so he can bury himself in some work in an attempt to ignore the sadness in his mind and the hunger in his gut.
After looking for tracks with Gair for a few moments, the elf gives up after the kellid points out the third scuff on some moss she can barely see, and instead lets him handle it.
She returns to the bodies to begin making a pile out of them, wrinkling her nose at the pungent scent of death and rot. Istiel pauses as she moves one of the bodies, brow furrowing. "They have no possessions. I assume they were looted by intelligent beings. Does this look like the work of the Kuru?"
Istiel lines the bodies up in a row, gathering full branches from the nearby forest. She creates a thick cover of branches over the fallen bodies, attempting to weigh it down with any stones she can find. When these dry, we can return and light them, hopefully.
Sorala scowls at the half-orc houngan, her agitiation clear. "I hope it doesn't come to it, that those women are forced to choose whether to bear the children of monsters, but I do agree that it should be their choice. I can't see anyone keeping such a child, but, regardless, please don't confuse yourself with a kuru, Ingwe - you've never to my knowledge raped and eaten anyone. And know that I would never compare my husband to a kuru either."
Cueta slings her bill over her shoulder and watches the elven woman work the crime scene, appraising her methodology and skill. That one is at home here. Always good to have another woodswoman among us.
Helping to drag the bodies into the row and cover them with branches, the Mwangi muses, "it seems lighting a fire in these lands is dangerous business. Perhaps when our foragers range far from Newspring they should be under strict instructions to bring cold food and never light fires? And perhaps they should go with armed guards to accompany them?"
When Gair finds the footprints, Cueta falls to her knees and on all fours begins crawling along, looking at the prints, trying to define if the are made from shod or unshod feet, and if unshod, if they bear any resemblance to the bugbear tracks they found at the beach.
If Istiel appreciates Cueta's help, she doesn't show it, but the elf agrees with her sentiments. "Yes, guarding the foragers would be wise. Or we simply remove the threats all together."
When the Mwangi gets down on all fours and begins to crawl along, Istiel's eyebrows raise slightly before a soft, brief laugh escapes her. The elf suppresses some commentary and instead fetches more branches.
Ingwe smiles darkly at Sorala.
"I do not confuse myself with kuru. I only mean that some see my mother's people as monsters. I would not like to be killed because she was an orc, and I would not like to see these children, if they are any, killed because their fathers were monsters. Those children that were killed on the island, it seems, had proven themselves to be monsters, but they were not newborn babes." Having said this, he sighs and looks to the sky. "The spirits will show us the path."
==========
Burial seems impossible on the hilltop, where the soil is only a few inches deep at most. Istiel's pyre in the making takes shape as the sun sets, and after a short discussion, Cueta and Gair agree that the footprints are most likely hobgoblins. They resemble the bugbear tracks, but are smaller. The tracks were left by bare feet, which is notable, as the hobgoblins of the old world wear boots.
Istiel nods as the rangers determine hobgoblins to be the likely culprits, but she is confused by the lack of footwear. "They are definitely by the lake. Possibly a settlement. We should move as far as we can from the hill and set camp for the night."