Titian moves closer and starts to hack at the creature.
The creature during the attack first uses its condition to "constrict" Talar within...
The creature attempts to "Slam" Sabra via a Touch Attack -
Meanwhile, Samir, seeing the creature, rushes over to aid the others and strikes it with his drawn sword.
Osan, seeing the presence of the terrible creatures, turns and rushes and leaps off the cliff.
Sabra shakes her little head fiercely and lets out a kittenish spit of rage. Her paws lift and a sudden snikt - snikt sound can be heard as her tiny, blessed claws come out.
Yasala continues up the stairs, slowing for a few steps to move carefully through the edge of the greased area, and approaches the creature while pointing her sword at it and asking for the power to take vengeance upon the aberration.
The fragments of Tairin's inspiring song evaporates on the wind and her bardic performance ends.
Seeing the injury done to her beloved kitten, Tairin flicks back her wrist and cracks her blessed scorpion whip, unleashing her fury while defending herself.
More blood begins to drip from her fingernails.
===
With the fury of the recent attack still raging in her heart, the kitten, bleeding and severely wounded, attacks the creature's side with all its blessed weapons.
New blood appears from her mouth and claws. Sabra steps back 5 ft.
===
Taking the blow with his shield, Bjoern evades the blow.
Talar takes advantage of the opening his allies had left him, scrambling to his feet and running to gain distance, reaching for his shortbow.
Patenemheb steps in next to Bjoern, staff in hand.
"Keep going Bjoern!", he cries as he strikes at the ooze!
The enemy, seeing the press of danger around it, turns its attention to the Yar-Ammonite next to it and attacks Paten…
Shaking off her fear and stepping forward, Yasala lets out a growl as her vengeance fueled sword strikes at the creature, blood starting to well from her hands.
[dice=Will vs DC 16]1d20+2
Shaking off her fear and stepping forward, Yasala lets out a growl as her vengeance fueled sword strikes at the creature, blood starting to well from her hands.
[dice=Attack w/ vengeance and shaken]1d20+10+4-2
[dice=Damage w/ vengeance]2d6+6+1d6+5
The weapon strikes true - yet the creature is still up and Paten remains in its hideous clutches...
Seized by the horrific creature, Patenemheb yells in pain as its clutches burn his flesh!
"Talar! Strike it now!", he cries!
The scholar attempts to slip free...
Moving diagonally 5 ft (to stand in front of the temple doorway), the kitten, bleeding and severely wounded, attacks the creature's side with all its blessed weapons; defending itself as best as it can in the endeavour.
More blood drips from her mouth and claws.
====
Tairin side steps 5 ft and flicks her blessed scorpion whip back, and attacks, hoping to score a hit on the ooze, while defending herself.
More blood begins to drip from her fingernails.
Bjoern keeps the pressure going, knowing that he can´t afford to loose the time to designate the ooze as an enemy.
Finally with some breathing room, Talar drops to a knee and starts firing arrows!
The assault of Talar's arrows - while potent - are not strong enough to fully penetrate the magical defenses of the creature before them.
Nevertheless - it seems they are enough...
A hideous sound which sounds like the rending of flesh grates in the soul of all who hear and an unearthly scar of lighting slashes through the night sky.
The acid seems to have melted away from Paten and burns and smokes as it recedes into the ground of the temple. A sickening smell rises from the smoldering remains to wash over the company.
The bleeding which has begun on those who took vengeance on the creature has ceased, though all wounds which have opened during the combat are still evident on the flesh.
The armor of any who have suffered damage from the creature have been reduced to naught but tattered remains, even as any weapon which has not been blessed by powers beyond those of mere men has been utterly destroyed.
There is nothing but a grim silence in the valley which is only punctuated by only by the sound of your collective, ragged breathing.
Below you, at the base of the steep cliff, you can hear the sound of dull, incoherent moaning which you suspect belongs to either Osan or his mercenary.
Sabra the kitten licks her bloodied paws for a moment and then turns and hurries gingerly toward Tairin, as if her paws hurt when she is rushing over the ground, then awkwardly leaps into Tairin's arms and buries her little face in her robes.
Samir flings the hilt of his sword onto the ground with a violent scowl - the metal of the blade now nothing more than a twisting, smoking ruin.
He then runs a weary arm over his brow and, his voice sounding hoarse with tension, growls out "What now?"
Patenemheb backs away from the remains of the thing, tearing off the smoking remnants of his once-fine silken armour, and doing his best not to vomit in the process.
Once he is recovered, he asks in a hoarse voice:
"Where is Osan? Does he live?"
====
The sickening smell assailed both mistress and kitten companion, however they managed to not breathe it in deeply and allow it it turn their stomachs. The fear which tugged at them earlier had disappeared with the death of the creature. She was glad for it.
Below you, at the base of the steep cliff, you can hear the sound of dull, incoherent moaning which you suspect belongs to either Osan or his mercenary.
Sabra the kitten licks her bloodied paws for a moment and then turns and hurries gingerly toward Tairin, as if her paws hurt when she is rushing over the ground, then awkwardly leaps into Tairin's arms and buries her little face in her robes.
Tairin caught and cradled the injured kitten with her free arm. She lowered herself to the floor of the ledge and released her scorpion whip on the ground beside her. Her fingers on both hands were covered in drying/dried blood and Sabra's mouth and claws still showed the remnants of her own blood. In very low Yar-Ammonite, she whispered words of praise to her kitten, "You are brave and fierce and as you protected us, I shall protect you." Tairin pondered the small, magical creature curiously.
Realising that Osan and his man were below, at the base of the cliffs, she called out to them in Sushranite, so they would hear her more clearly, but not too loud to draw unwanted attention, "The fell ooze is defeated. We will begin healing our people. We extend our healing services to you, if you would accept it, Osan bey and soldier."
He then runs a weary arm over his brow and, his voice sounding hoarse with tension, growls out "What now?"
As Tairin waited to hear word from Osan and his man below, she turned her attention to Samir and responded, "We are badly injured, especially the fighters. First, we must heal ourselves and then Osan and his guard. Best we stay out here to perform the attending for I do not wish to go back inside the temple at present. The dead creature stinks even now and it is not good to take in the smell. If there is dirt to throw atop the thing, then best it is done."
Removing the shawl pouch (with its precious cargo) carefully from her body, Tairin set it down gently on the ledge floor. Pulling one of her waterskins from her pack, Tairin washed the blood stains from her tender hands/fingers.
Then she set to the task of cleaning and examining/binding Sabra's wounds for the kitten was very gravely injured.
mins
Once completing the first of the healing of the kitten and cleaning and binding its wounds, Tairin wrapped it inside the shawl pouch to allow it to sleep/rest.
Then she performed healing on herself.
minutes
Once again carefully picking up the still wounded/recovering kitten in the shawl pouch, Tairin placed it across her body and settled Sabra against the warmth/security of her body.
To the others, she stated simply, "If you require healing, I can help. Patenemheb will recover soon from the smell and be able to tend to you all with a finer healer's touch."
Tairin collected her scorpion whip, rolled it up with care and stowed it on her belt. Then stood up and went to help the others.
Once he is recovered, he asks in a hoarse voice:
"Where is Osan? Does he live?"
"They fell off the ledge. I hear moaning, so they must still live. We need to tend to their wounds as well," Tairin responded to Paten's question.
Yasala chokes on the fumes as the creature dissolves, but quickly recovers and looks around at the others. Seeing Tairin taking care of the surprising feline, she carefully moves her own limbs to see she herself is faring.
"They fell off the ledge. I hear moaning, so they must still live. We need to tend to their wounds as well,"
"I am faring quite badly after fighting my way back up, but I seem to be still functioning. While you begin with the others I will check on Osan. I have to retrieve my bow anyways. I would definitely appreciate someone looking at these wounds when I return." She heads carefully down to see how Osan is doing, and to help anyone who fell back up to the rest of the group.
The magical lights winked out of existence when the spell had run its course. Casting once again and recasting when necessary, Tairin conjured four dancing light orbs to provide much needed light to work with.
So many injured, so where do I start?, Tairin asked herself the question before casting her eyes over her allies.
All this blood is making it too hard to tell with just my eyes as gauge and from this distance.
"I will heal you when you return to the ledge, Yasala," she acknowledged/assured the wounded Azimban warrioress as she moved down to help Osan and his guard.
Since Talar was the closest and seemed to be very badly off, Tairin moved to his side and assisted him - first examining and then cleaning/bandaging his deeper, bleeding wounds.
"Well done with your many arrows. I will do what I can for you, Talar. Once Patenemheb has gotten control over his stomach, he will do more for you."
min.
And then Tairin moved down to Bjoern, "Bear, you fought bravely. Let me heal what I can."
mins.
"Rest for now. Patenemheb will attend to you soon," she gently patted Bear's arm and smiled reassuringly.
===
Seeing Samir's condition, Tairin decided to attend to him next, as he was nearest Bjoern,
"Samir, thank you for aiding me in battle. I hope to stem the flow of blood from these larger, open wounds."
mins.
In steady, polite tone, speaking in Susrahnite,
"It was a hard fight - we were outnumbered, yet we prevailed. Now, I ask that you trust me and allow me and my kinsman to do what we can to stem your bleeding and clean and bind the deeper cuts and wounds."
Tairin set to work on Osan bey first,
mins.
=====
Next, she worked on Yasala, for the woman was barely standing upright and the party needed her more than Osan's mercenary guard.
"You are brave, Yasala. And a fine archer. Here, let me give you some healing. My kinsman will provide you with more."
mins.
====
Resting/taking a breath for a moment, Tairin cradled the nestled kitten inside the shawl pouch; softly whispering in Yar-Ammonite to soothe Sabra until she slept. Perhaps Paten would be able to tend to Sabra's remaining wounds once he had seen to the others. She would ask him.
====
Once she was satisfied the kitten was not fussing inside the pouch, Tairin turned her attention to the mercenary guard and in polite voice (in Susrahnite) informed him,
"I will tend to your wounds now, if you permit me."
mins.
Seeing that Paten was busily attending to the wounded, Tairin could not attempt to heal him at the present time and so she waited until he was done or paused to rest between healing.
Realising that Osan and his man were below, at the base of the cliffs, she called out to them in Sushranite, so they would hear her more clearly, but not too loud to draw unwanted attention, "The fell ooze is defeated. We will begin healing our people. We extend our healing services to you, if you would accept it, Osan bey and soldier."
Diplomacy with Osan and mercenary: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
While Tairin works on Talar and Bjeorn, Yasala retrieves her bow and limps up to Osan and his guard. "Well done. I know that we didn't meet under the best of circumstances but when it came to it, we worked well together. If you would allow me to help you back up to the entrance we have people who can tend to your wounds."
She reaches out a hand.
Talar collapses against a wall, holding his stomach against the vapors but seeming exhausted. He tears off his armor and tosses it to the ground with a snarl. "Ahhh...I'm going to need more defensive tactics if I'm going to stay alive with you all." He says with a dark chuckle.
When there was finally a lull in the general activity upon the ledge, Tairin moved toward her scholarly countryman and noted the wounds he had suffered when he was pinned beneath the fell ooze.
"Your steady counsel aided our fighters this night. Let me tend to your wounds, Patenemheb."
mins
"When you are done tending to the injured people, I would ask if then you would tend to Sabra for she has suffered greatly for her courage and I do wish to see her suffer."
Yasala retrieves her bow and limps up to Osan and his guard. "Well done. I know that we didn't meet under the best of circumstances but when it came to it, we worked well together. If you would allow me to help you back up to the entrance we have people who can tend to your wounds."
[dice=Diplomacy to aid Tairin with OSan and mercenary]1d20+5
She reaches out a hand.
Osan takes a linen kerchief from his belt and wipes the damp sweat from his face. Despite his wounds and obvious stress, it is clear he is doing what he can to maintain some dignity.
"Yes, yes - of course. Thank you," he says in response and then turns to his guard and the mercenary, though looking nervous to return to the ledge of the cliff before the temple, decides to follow him.
In steady, polite tone, speaking in Susrahnite,
"It was a hard fight - we were outnumbered, yet we prevailed. Now, I ask that you trust me and allow me and my kinsman to do what we can to stem your bleeding and clean and bind the deeper cuts and wounds."
Tairin set to work on Osan...
During the time Osan and the mercenary are healed they both regard your company with a strange look.
Their look is a combination of fear and awe. It's clear that the awe comes from the fact that they're standing in the presence of people who - literally - slew a god/demon. Their respect for you has gone up immeasurably.
"I cannot thank you enough," he says in a gracious but somewhat reserved, almost nervous, voice.
He glances at the mercenary, then back at you.
"When we return to the city, we must talk," he adds "but in private - if you are agreeable, of course?"
Samir says nothing at this discussion, his eyes watching the man with suspicion. He moves to a fallen cultist and picks up the dead man's weapon and tests it a bit and then sticks it into the sheathe at his belt, seeing that it fits well enough he pulls it out and lets it dangle easily from his hand as he listens.
Talar collapses against a wall, holding his stomach against the vapors but seeming exhausted. He tears off his armor and tosses it to the ground with a snarl. "Ahhh...I'm going to need more defensive tactics if I'm going to stay alive with you all." He says with a dark chuckle.
He turns his gaze to Talar.
"Why should that be a concern? When you were not lingering behind the men who stood on the front lines your powers were augmented by those among us with any tactical prowess."
He turns to look at the others.
"Courtesy in the southlands is less than that of my homeland. When a man nears death and is healed of his wounds he at least knows enough to offer his thanks properly."
He then bows to both Tairin and Paten for the healing they offered, though is bow seems somewhat exaggerated, as if trying to prove a point.
"My thanks for the aid and healing you have brought; it is well appreciated," he says to them both and then turns back to Talar.
"Thank you for finishing the creature; it was a great deed, and I do honor you for that," he adds, and despite his earlier tone it seems he is being sincere at this point.
As you continue to wait you think you hear sound from the valley, but it is far too dark to make anything out at this distance.
You can hear the sound of approaching hoofbeats - there sounds as if there are possibly five or six horses approaching, but you are not certain at this time.
Returning with Osan, Yasala lets Tairin tend to her wounds and then stands, surveying the valley. "Thank you Tairin, that was both very needed and much appreciated."
As she looks over the bodies of the slain cultists, she begins to muse out loud. "We should check them for any sign of who they are or why they were here. Especially the leader." Turning to glance back at the temple entrance she continues "Did we search the entire building? There's a chance that there are more clues in there as well if we missed a room."
Suddenly, she becomes more alert, looking into the darkness. "We may not have time to search. I can hear someone approaching. Perhaps six or so horses. Should we await them here or re-enter the temple to watch from where we can be unobserved?"
Tairin gave a small, private smile at the realisation that she and the company were esteemed by Osan and his mercenary for slaying the fell creature. That they feared them a little was also pleasing as it would keep these men on their toes and courteous.
"I cannot thank you enough," he says in a gracious but somewhat reserved, almost nervous, voice.
He glances at the mercenary, then back at you.
"When we return to the city, we must talk," he adds "but in private - if you are agreeable, of course?"
"You are most welcome, " smiling graciously at the men. "And, of course. We shall meet and talk in Zul-Bazzir."
Then hearing Samir's words, followed by Yasala's, Tairin duly inclined her head to both in response to their gratitude for the healing services she and Paten had provided. "We will certainly provide more healing when we are able. Many of you still have wounds that require attention and a good night's rest. Least the party is able to stand on their own feet now."
As she looks over the bodies of the slain cultists, she begins to muse out loud. "We should check them for any sign of who they are or why they were here. Especially the leader." Turning to glance back at the temple entrance she continues "Did we search the entire building? There's a chance that there are more clues in there as well if we missed a room."
"Fine plan. If we have time, let someone check the body of the dark caster for evidence of identity or purpose. His cannibal soldiers are of lesser value, I believe. And as to the moon temple, I would see us cleanse the statue of Khonshu - it still bears the illegitimate idol's head of Yadar. The moon god is still displeased with the interloper in his temple. We must destroy the idol head before we leave this place. As for searching, I think we have covered as much of the temple as advisable or even warranted at this time. Is everyone is agreement?", looking around the company.
Upon Yasala's warning, Tairin replied, "I heard them, too." Looking to Osan and his guard she asked openly and swiftly, "Are you expecting any riders this night?"
"Yasala, your suggestion to wait inside the entrance of the temple is sound for we can observe them without drawing attention and especially since our company is still recovering. However, remember, once we move back within the temple walls, the insidious dread and fear coming from the desecrated moon god statute will assail us anew and impair our senses. If none will dispute the decision, then let us retreat within the moon temple and wait/watch."
Tairin, with Sabra nestled and resting in the deep shawl pouch across her body, looked at the others before flicking her wrists and directing her four dancing light orbs within the temple and following behind. If the small light coming from each magical orb appeared bright enough to be noted through the doorway and across the valley by the approaching riders, then Tairin will utter the words quietly in Yar-Ammonite, //Tafa//, to extinguish the lights; casting the party into darkness except for the natural silvery moonlight streaming in through the open doorway.
Looking at the killed enemy, Bjoern starts to shake as the adrenalin wears off. "That was... close! Real close."
Looking at his crimson clothing Bjoern slings his shield on his back and starts to wipe his blade looking for damages and nicks.
If Talar was bothered by the slight, he doesn't show it. He shrugs, turning his gaze to the pile of corpses they've accumulated recently. Then he frowns, half turning his head sharply. "Five...six? Riders coming." He moves and retrieves his longbow, then goes to the edge of the building to try and see the incoming riders.
Patenemheb regains his composure.
He sees that Tairin has begun the crucial task of attending to the wounded. With his stomach back under control and the dread pall of fear dissipated, he stands and begins moving, drawing unguents and surgical tools.
"We shall be as restored as we can be. Tairin and I shall see to it."
He moves from wounded to wounded, aware that time could run short.
He turns to Osan and his guard once they are available to speak.
"I am most willing to also tend to your wounds, if that is acceptable to you, Osan bey. Regardless, I believe that we will find much to speak of in the future."
Should Osan accept, he will work on Osan, Yasala, and the guard in that order.
He will turn to Tairin, and quietly ask in Yar-Ammonite:
"Tairin, does Sabra require any additional treatment? While not a veterinarian, I could certainly help if she ails still."
He cocks his head.
"Riders indeed. Perhaps we should ready ourselves for another stand right here, where we fended off worse foes."
Yasala and Tairin move into the temple entrance to avoid any potential threat while Samir pauses.
His eyes watch Talar stride to the cliff and he notes that Paten follows the man.
He grunts at the Paten's action and a sardonic gleam is in his eyes, then turns on his heel and enters the temple.
Osan, watching the others, moves with some trepidation after them, follows Tairin and Yasala, and his mercenary lets out a nervous whimper and follows.
As the party elects to split Bjeorn merely ignores the entire situation and studies the edge of the unusual blade he had taken from the ruined temple from Susrah and he notes that despite the fact that the other blades had perished in dark, hideous acid, this blade is still razor sharp, but it gleams with a strange sheen - as if the slaughter of the fell creature has caused it to shine with an inner fire.
As the magical light that Tairin has cast recedes into the temple, the darkness of the night seems to swallow the companions nearly completely.
Though there was the dim gleam of moonlight earlier that night, the sky seems to be strangely overcast, as if heavy clouds had rolled in recently to obfuscate the light of the moon and stars.
The horses seem to cease their advance roughly fifty feet from the edge of the ledge, but it is nearly impossible to be sure at the exact distance; but it is possible that if that is where the horses stopped that it puts them at - roughly - where first slaughtered cultists lay on the ground.
After a brief moment you can hear a lone voice call out - "Hello? Is there anyone there?"
The voice sounds somewhat familiar, but it is difficult to recognize given the distance.
As the company enters the temple Samir remains by the door and scowls at the opening and Osan glances about nervously.
"Though we met as adversaries you have done me a service," he says, doing his best to master his fear of the place.
"I shall not forget your aid when we return to the city," he says to Tairin "or yours, either," he adds to Yasala.
The mercenary glances at Osan and then the others, then back to Osan.
"Lord; what of our contacts which we are to meet tonight? Do you think the riders may be those you wished to discover?"
Osan turns a glance at the man, but he seems almost annoyed that he was interrupted.
"Perhaps, yet they are late in their arrival and my lord's agents are always prompt," he says with a frown, as if nervous about the implication of what he said.
"Then if not his men - who?" the mercenary prompts.
"Only time shall tell," Osan growls in response.
Samir suddenly grips the hilt of his sword tightly.
"How long shall we wait here?" he asks the others, as he begins to pace.
At the wanderer's call, Patenemheb thinks.
A foe would be fool hardy to come for us, seeing these bodies. And a friend should not be left wondering among them.
Patenemheb decides to call out.
"Aye, approach so we may speak!"
Surprised that his blade is still in perfect shape and thankful for the healing Bjoern keeps looking down. Looking at the others he waits till one of those answers.
"Tell him to identy himself!"
Patenemheb decides to call out.
"Aye, approach so we may speak!"
"My lord, you live! Thank the gods," can be heard from the darkness.
"It is I, Farrokh," he adds.
You cannot see him in the darkness, but it is certainly his voice.
"As you ordered I awaited on the far side of the valley above with our horses. Some time ago I noticed a thing; the sky had become overcast with heavy clouds - a strange thing in this land, as you no doubt are aware."
"Then, in the darkness, a play of lightning erupted. Given what we had seen earlier, I grew concerned and, not wishing our mounts to be slain or captured, I gathered them and urged the beasts to you with as much speed that I could dare, though - admittedly - it has taken me some to get here; perhaps not soon enough!"
"While I cannot see well in this light; I can at least discern that there are many fresh corpses here. What has happened? Are you injured?" he prompts, concern in his voice.
Talar gives a weak smile. "It is good to see you are well Farrokh! We had a battle worthy of a song, and many of us are hurt, but we are alright." He pauses, lowering his voice and turning to Paten. "Is it wise to invite him in, when the temple likely still has dangers within? I hate to leave him alone among that sea of corpses, or tell him to turn back."
Hearing the voices outside the temple, Yasala turns to Tairin. "Who is this 'Farrokh' they are speaking with? It seems they are familiar enough with him. Is he an ally of yours from before we met?"
Talar gives a weak smile. "It is good to see you are well Farrokh! We had a battle worthy of a song, and many of us are hurt, but we are alright." He pauses, lowering his voice and turning to Paten. "Is it wise to invite him in, when the temple likely still has dangers within? I hate to leave him alone among that sea of corpses, or tell him to turn back."
From the darkness you hear Farrok's voice respond to Talar.
"Ah, it is you. I should say to you that, knowing what I know of your fondness for your mount, rest assured that the beast is uninjured during the journey,"[/b] he says in response.
"But with respect, sir, there is much to do."
Then, he continues to speak - and though while he seems to continue his pattern of deferring to Paten as his lord, he makes no secret to anyone on the cliff itself.
"When I rode in I heard the thunder of hooves and checked my progress. I saw what seemed like a dozen riders charging in terror into the darkness - though it was hard to gauge the numbers."
"I led our horses to the entrance to the valley; I did not wish to risk bringing them down, but considering the charge of riders I feared that bandits may be lurking near and did not wish to risk them by leaving them above."
"However, as I pondered what to do I saw the mysterious darkness seemed to be passing away and a bright gleam of moonlight suddenly shone and I had enough light to risk it, though standing here now in the lee of this cliff I can barely see anything."
"In any case, at the summit I saw what seemed to be roughly a score of tethered mounts - some horses, some camels. It seems that those who fled ere my approach were so terrified of some threat that they did not bother to take the beasts and gear of their companions."
"We should do what we can to gather those animals; they will fetch an excellent price at the market if we bring them back with us. Besides, though I had no time to examine the contents, I could see that many of the animals had baggage on them, as if geared for travel. Who knows what other wealth we may find on them?"
"Yet in any case, the valley is still dark - do you have a light source?" he asks.
He then waits for your response.
Patenemheb smiles at recognising his servant.
"Good work, Farrokh, and astute observations."
He turns to face the temple. And the companions within.
"Come out! It is Farrokh, bringing word that our slain and fled foes have left animals and goods to seize!"
Hearing the voices outside the temple, Yasala turns to Tairin. "Who is this 'Farrokh' they are speaking with? It seems they are familiar enough with him. Is he an ally of yours from before we met?"
Samir grunts audibly and rolls his eyes.
"He is a pretentious mercenary who seems to have bonded well with the Yar-Ammonite yonder," he says, waving his hand to gesture to the exit of the temple and out where Paten is standing.
"We found him some time ago. He was nearly dead and - after some healing - he was returned from death."
"That old fox is courteous to your face, yet he strikes me as wily enough to have his own schemes, though some among us think I am being overly suspicious," he adds with a melodramatic tone and scowl.
"In any case, he knows the city well enough and has been acting as an agent to buy and sell our goods. He has provided some good arrangements, perhaps, yet I am eager to quit this place; I do not trust this city..."
Then he shrugs.
"In any case, I am sure the others can provide more details on the man," he says with a somewhat dismissive grunt and wave of his hand.
Patenemheb smiles at recognising his servant.
"Good work, Farrokh, and astute observations."
"Thank you, lord," he calls out in response but his tone somewhat reserved.
You would guess that he is likely nervous or at least uncomfortable at having to be forced to wait in the dark amidst a bevvy of slaughtered bodies, some of them torn apart due to the practice of cannibalism utilized by whatever dark rites these men chose to practice at the foot of a dark and potentially cursed, or perhaps haunted, temple...
"Though we met as adversaries you have done me a service," he says, doing his best to master his fear of the place.
"I shall not forget your aid when we return to the city," he says to Tairin "or yours, either,"[/b] he adds to Yasala.
With a flick of the wrist, Tairin positioned her four floating light orbs deeper inside the entrance/foyer, so they would have some light to see and speak to each other, yet not draw attention from beyond the doorway.
"There was misunderstanding when we first came upon you in the chamber. The killing of your dire lion was too precipitous, I will admit and atone for once again. My guard are at times too quick to react; it is borne from instinct and experience; especially so since entering Zul-Bazzir." Even covered in blood as she was, she was grateful for the black garb she wore this night for it did not reveal the stains as readily as the light robes she generally wore. Tairin placed a cordial smile on her beautiful face; not afraid of the two men before her; yet determined to keep on Osan's good side until they could decide what to do about the woman, Sabiha, and the arrangement struck between her and the party.
"As it has been briefly considered, we may speak again, more privately and in detail, once we have returned to the city proper, at a suitable time of course. Yet, please know, this battle has joined us; at the very least as passing allies and at best - well - a trustworthy and lasting alliance." Tairin inclined her head in respectful manner toward Osan; as a man of some station and influence it was best to keep him on side and happy. This was not the time and place to act the temptress for many reasons; so she simply used her fine, noble manners in her present dealings with him.
The mercenary glances at Osan and then the others, then back to Osan.
"Lord; what of our contacts which we are to meet tonight? Do you think the riders may be those you wished to discover?"
Osan turns a glance at the man, but he seems almost annoyed that he was interrupted.
"Perhaps, yet they are late in their arrival and my lord's agents are always prompt," he says with a frown, as if nervous about the implication of what he said.
"Then if not his men - who?" the mercenary prompts.
"Only time shall tell," Osan growls in response.
"I do not wish to intrude, yet if the riders have not come yet, then they may have been waylaid by these cannibal Yadarans. Their dark master would have brooked no opposition. I hope they managed to ride away, all the same. To run and live is not always weakness."
Samir suddenly grips the hilt of his sword tightly.
"How long shall we wait here?" he asks the others, as he begins to pace.
"Peace, Samir. Not long. Just enough time to determine who is approaching and their purpose."
Tairin smiled reassuringly at him.
The voices from outside filtered into the temple recess.
Hearing the voices outside the temple, Yasala turns to Tairin. "Who is this 'Farrokh' they are speaking with? It seems they are familiar enough with him. Is he an ally of yours from before we met?"
As she was about to answer the Azimban woman, Samir answered her,
"He is a pretentious mercenary who seems to have bonded well with the Yar-Ammonite yonder," he says, waving his hand to gesture to the exit of the temple and out where Paten is standing.
A small scowl crossed Tairin's forehead, and even as she understood there was contention between to two men, Tairin thought it best not to bring up such matters before strangers like Osan and his guard.
She regained composure and responded, "I believe Samir did not mean to disparage our man's character. Indeed, he is one of us and has formed a particular bond with our scholar, Patenemheb. He can be trusted," she reassured the small party inside the temple.
"Come out! It is Farrokh, bringing word that our slain and fled foes have left animals and goods to seize!"
"Come, let us join them. Introductions will be made, Yasala," she looked to the woman in particular; giving a nod, and then flicking her fingers, moved the floating/bobbing light orbs outside onto the ledge once again and followed behind with Sabra lightly snoring in the shawl pouch around her neck.
Joining the others, Tairin's eyes swiftly fell on Farrokh and she smiled, "Good you are well and have joined us, Farrokh. These two men in my company are friends," hoping to still the man's sword if he believed them in danger.
"Patenemheb mentioned something about goods to seize. Yet, first, before we leave this place, I would ask someone to aid me in removing and destroying the usurper's idol head from the statue of Khonshu. Yadar has no place in the Moon temple. The idol gives off such a dark, foreboding energy inside this once sacred temple and I wish to cleanse its presence from this place as best as I can being I am no temple priestess." Yet. she added silently. "I know there are many still injured from the fight, yet this task must be done. Who will aid me?" looking around at her companions.
Bjoern quickly moves inside the cave.
"Fahrouk is here we horses. Let us make haste, the path is clear!"
Osan seems suitably impressed by Tairin's Diplomacy skill set.
Despite the fact that his mercenary seems a bit unnerved by the experience and may not be paying attention, he still seems to be a bit uncomfortable discussing full details in front of too many witnesses, though.
"I do sincerely thank you for your words about Shir," he says about his fallen dire lion.
"He was a good companion; though I had him only for a short while, a gift from my... my employer," he adds.
Clearly the details of his employer are something he will elaborate on, but likely later when things are more private.
"While we started this night in combat, the truth is - even if you had you not arrived those cultist dogs would have, and they would have slaughtered I and all my men regardless."
He thinks a moment, as if he might say more, but shakes his head, again - leading you to believe he will say more at a better time.
"As for your aid and courtesy; such things cannot be calculated by trivium such as gold and jewels. Know, rather, that you have made a friend today."
"I shall put all my resources to do what I can to aid a friend, if it is in my power," he concludes with a gracious nod of his head.
He turns to face the temple. And the companions within.
"Come out! It is Farrokh, bringing word that our slain and fled foes have left animals and goods to seize!"
The party then exits the temple and they all join up on the cliff.
"Good you are well and have joined us, Farrokh. These two men in my company are friends," hoping to still the man's sword if he believed them in danger.
Farrokh accepts the words with no complaint. The magical light seeming to make him far more comfortable.
"Patenemheb mentioned something about goods to seize. Yet, first, before we leave this place, I would ask someone to aid me in removing and destroying the usurper's idol head from the statue of Khonshu. Yadar has no place in the Moon temple. The idol gives off such a dark, foreboding energy inside this once sacred temple and I wish to cleanse its presence from this place as best as I can being I am no temple priestess." Yet. she added silently. "I know there are many still injured from the fight, yet this task must be done. Who will aid me?" looking around at her companions.
She looks at the others and Bjeorn responds.
Bjoern quickly moves inside the cave.
"Fahrouk is here we horses. Let us make haste, the path is clear!"
Despite his weakened condition, with a bound the warrior shrugs off his ruined shield and tattered armor and makes all haste in to the temple to aid Tairin with her request.
Samir - and any who wish - will follow behind to assist in that in that task.
The others begin to collect what goods or gear can be found on the bodies of the dead, as well as any clues that may be on them.
When these duties are finally done, the company leads their horses and moves quickly across the valley to the far side where the path which leads to the summit is.
As they move, Osan suddenly looks at them.
"I am curious on one thing - what led you to this place and the need to fight I and my men?" he asks the group.
Patenemheb begins to examine the bodies outside, giving Tairin and Osan space to speak.
"My contribution to heaving would be less than examining these fallen."
As the others are discussing the statue, Yasala follows Paten.
"If my arms are needed to help with dismantling the statue, let me know. If not, I will help Paten with these bodies and serve as his guard if something unforeseen is to occur."