Gabra is secretly in no hurry to go through the mysterious door after her recent encounter with the rotgrubs.
You have entered a room that is so unlike anything else you have
seen in the House that for a moment you pause, somewhat taken
aback. The illumination here is good since several lighted torches
are held in shoulder-high brackets around the walls. This was obviously
a cellar, but equally obviously it is now used for an entirely
different purpose; your first impression is that it is the living quarters
for about ten people.
Sitting in a chair, with his back to you, is a man of tough appearance. he seems intent on something he is holding and, from his actions, seems to be carving. He does not appear to have noticed you.
Byggvir silently draws his blade from its sheath. This was no ghost, but whoever this was would still likely be hostile since they were hiding behind a secret door. His eyes move momentarily to his companions to see what their reactions are.
Gabra silently fits a stone into her sling, but doesn't move to attack. Her eyes are wide with shock.
Ghindor's impatience seems clearly etched on his face. His hands and knuckles turn white from the stress placed on his weapon in hand. The smaller fighting-man gently leans and pressures his fellows as he tries to get a better look at this situation.
Cunorix hails the man. "Ah, hello good sir. We're sorry to have barged in but we thought this place was abandoned."
The man leaps up in surprise from his carving, "What the-!" he exclaims. He takes in your varied countenances and that you are armed. He drops his carving and makes a run for it, shouting "Intruders!"
"No! Wait! We mean no harm, man! We're only here to investigate certain happenings in the village nearby."
"Stop! We didn't expect to find anyone here," calls Gabra.
Byggvir quickly mutters words of arcane power under his breath and casts a charm upon the man. "Calm down now my friend and lets talk this over."
Looking in awe at Byggvir, Gabra moves into the room. "We're not ghosts," she explains calmly.
In her secret heart, she is almost relieved. This looks like smugglers and while despicable, at least is not a flagrant breach of Hel's realm.
Realizing Byggvyr is casting a charm over the man, Cunorix stays his hand to let the spell do its work.
"Bah, foul sorcery!" Ghindor slaps his weapon in his hand, preferring the reliability of his own hand over weird and queer magics.
The man's demeanour changes and he seems... friendlier than before, "'ere, ye gave me a start, ye did, mates." he says cheerfully.
Another man comes running out of one of the other rooms, "Woss goin' on? These the intruders?" he asks with an angry manner and weapon drawn.
"Yeah, well, they're not meant to be here, right enough, but... I don't think they meant to cause trouble, did ya?" the charmed man replies as if he places trust in you.
"Of course not. We were concerned in case someone was trapped and needed help. The runes lead us here." Gabra shows the stone clutched in her hand.
"Aye, is that so, rune-caster are ye?" the charmed man asks.
His friend looks baffled and asks, "Ye gone soft in the head?"
"Yes. Draw three stones from the pouch and ask what you wish to know. Do it with an open heart, free of deception. The stones will see your inner thoughts."
The new-comer grabs his friend and shouts, "They're witches, man, can ye no see?", he points at Gabra and Byggvir.
"Ah, well, they were right friendly like," his friend says dubiously.
"Only those who fear to hear the truth, fear to look at the runes," says Gabra calmly.
"I do not think stout hearts like yourselves need harbour such fears."
"They've bewitched ye.." the man says with fear. He backs away...
"Who are you people?" demands Cunorix, waving his mace imperiously. "What are you doing living beneath this fell house?"
Ghindor tries his hand at "negotiations." With a wink at Gabra, he replies,
"Wha??? Tey bewitched me, too, boys. Tey mustta be powerful. Lettsa lay down our weapons andda see whatta happens." Ghindor lays down his weapon and looks at Gabra. "We don'ta wanna trouble, ma'm." He winks again to Gabra...
Byggvir looks to his charmed friend and smiles. He whispers arcane words once again and casts another charm spell upon the new-comer. "Now, now friend, there is no need to get upset. We are all friends here."
The newcomer looks with alarm at Byggvir and stammers, "E-elf... ye won't get me like ye got him!"
He waves his sword ineffectually at Byggvir.
"I told you. We heard noise and thought someone might need help," snaps Gabra. "Is this the way you always greet strangers - stabbing them?"
Gabra sighs sadly and tries to discreetly put the pebble she's holding into her sling.
Desperately, the man swings wildly at Byggvir and the elf elegantly dodges. He backs away fearfully.
"Can you help him see reason?" Gabra asks the charmed man.
Byggvir turns to the charmed man, "Please my friend, stop your other friend from trying to kill me!" Byggvir then backs up behind Ghindor in case the other man tries to attack him again.
The charmed man steps in between Byggvir and his erstwhile comrade, "Nah, come on, be a pal. They don't mean no 'arm."
The other man still looks scared.
Addressing the charmed man, "My friend if he continues to attack me I'll have no choice but to defend myself. Please stop him from attacking any way you can."
"Please listen to him, you know this man. Surely he wouldn't lie to you?"