Lachen goes fishing all by himself
Hawk looks pleasantly surprised when Lilith takes him by the hand and they disappear off in to the woods. Everyone within 10 ft of Sel can feel the hatred cascading off her in waves as she stalks off in to the woods herself, in the opposite direction.
Robban starts to head off after LAchen, but seems to think better of it and goes on to spend most of his time trying to find a rod, then twine, and finally giving up in exasperation as his attempts come to nought.
Whilst Lachen does everything he should, the fish don't seem to be biting today, to his mind there must be something wrong here for there to be so few here by the sea.
Lenneth and Aura have a reasonably pleasant walk around some of the rock pools nearby, but find little aside from stinking, brown seaweed. The sea froths across the rocks in an unsettling manner, almost fizzing as it seeps between the cracks in the stone.
Melo and Cyn are among the rocks by the sea, when their keen senses pick up the stink of an unfamiliar person. Melo is able to signal everyone to keep quiet, and though the single human steps close to where the party have gathered, they seem to not be looking too hard. The silhouette resolves in to the image of a gruff looking middle-aged man, he is paying almost no attention to his surroundings, casually looking in a rock pool and glancing along the shoreline.
After a minute or so he moves on, circling back towards Whitecliff, and at that pace he'll be back just before dark.
Flynn's watch is quiet until just before sunset, when Skyfall's keen gaze alerts him to a commotion at the very limit of her visual range. She chirps excitedly as the two use the darkness to their advantage and move close enough to see what's going on.
Four of the armed patrol have appeared from the woods, escorting a short and skinny-looking man with stringy black hair and pale eyes. His wrists are bound with rope and he's being half pushed, half dragged towards the village. He appears to be talking to his captors, but one levels a blow to his head that he half ducks and he remains quiet. It takes but a few minutes to reach Whitecliff, and the man is shoved in to a hut and the door barred behind him.
The village appears to have all its residents back and they appear to be preparing for the evening. Whilst difficult to tell numbers in the dark, especially with so many houses, it's clear to see an armed gaurd is maintained. There are two lots of four guards, one group by the gate and the other patrolling around the perimeter every so often.
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Lilith concentrates on the task at hand but also allows herself to enjoy Hawk's company. After catching the fish she works to clean them and talks as she works. Not all my people are wizards you know. Elves are of the wood and we know at least a little of many things. she explains. Then somewhat boldly she goes on Hawk I seem to drawn to you. I sense in you a goodness that pulls me. Part of me says we should grasp what comfort we can in these troubled times and that friends are more valuable now than ever, but then I see how Sel looks at you. I would not come between you and any commitments you mean to keep. She looks up, fish guts and a silver blade in her hands. Her eyes are hopeful but questioning.
Later she brings the two large fish back to camp happy that her skills will feed the group tonight. Desna has smiled on me. she says as she offers the fish. Has there been any sign of our scouts?
Flynn looks on grimly as he sees the skinny young man being led into the village by the guards.
He sees them lead the man to the hut and bar it and following the line they were taking notices for the first time the pot in the centre of the village. A low growls boils up deep from within his throat and, seeing enough, he wheels Skyfall away and back to the group.
The others are all just about returning from their chores and he does his best to gather them with urgency along with Whisper, Hawk and Robban.
Seems like everything that girl said was right. They got some guy bashed up and locked in a hut whilst they get a pot of water boiling. Poor bastard. he says. Couldn't get a real good look at the numbers but looks like there's two groups of four guards - one at the gate and the other that patrols the perimeter.
Getting that pot boiling looks like a bit of a distraction and I reckon me and Sky can get in there to free that guy without too much difficulty. Plus the rest of you can probably avoid that patrol and get in without hitting the front gate but we aren't going to have long to discuss this plan if we're doing it at all - I reckon that pot is going to be ready in about an hour.
Hawk stops what he's doing and stares at the floor, then slowly sits down and looks up to meet Lilith's gaze.
Sel saved my life. Back in Magnimar. I was trying to get a woman and her kids to safety and I stayed too long in one place, got surrounded. I broke my bow trying to fend them off.
he stares off in to the distance and Lilith can see him working through the conflicting emotions he's feeling
She appeared out of nowhere, somehow got me out of there. She was alone, I promised to protect her the way she had protected me.
He looks up at the elven wizard
I won't lie to you, I'm sure it was the situation and being forced in to being with someone else all the time, but I have feelings for her.
realising what he's just said he throws up a hand in a 'wait!' gesture and quickly continues
she's always kept herself to herself... I think she might have been hurt in the past... so we never...
he quickens his speech, trying to blurt out the rest as quickly as he can so the explanation is out and done
... that is... nothing ever happened... I'm... sorry i'm not very experienced with this sort of thing, not much good with words either...
he sighs
Since meeting you... well things are a bit clearer. Sel and I aren't 'together' like that.
he glances around nervously and even in the failing light, Lilith watches a very faint blush blossom over Hawk's face
Lilith, I don't know what this is between us, but I feel it too, drawn to you. he smiles and gazes at her
If it were a year ago I'd arrange for a fine carriage, all bedecked with flowers and a beautiful sea-green dress to match your eyes, and a note inviting you to dinner with me...
his eyes twinkle with mirth
All I have to offer now is a bit of dried rabbit and some pine needle tea, but I offer them gladly!
the confidence drains from him slightly as he continues
So could I interest you in a moonlight feast when things are a little less, ah, 'fraught'?
he's as nervous as you've ever seen him
*
Indigo wriggles in Lenneth's pack, dropping down to the sandy earth and shaking himself off like he's just been covered in something unpleasant. He abruptly stops and starts to give himself a bath, eyeing everyone around suspiciously.
*
Robban, Whisper and Hawk stand with varied disgusted expressions as Flynn describes the situation
We have to save that man! urges Hawk No-one deserves that fate, and he can't have been their only victim either...
he turns to look for Sel, but she still isn't back
At least we've confirmed Petra's story, I won't feel very bad if it comes to a fight...
Robban grinds his teeth as he waits for a plan to be agreed on. Whisper stands and listens.
Mallis chimes in
If it comes to a chase, we're done for, us lot can't keep up... you either have to rescue the man without being spotted or else take out their leadership or enough guards that they can't follow. That's my two coppers anyway
Whisper nods and attracts Flynn's attention. She points to Skyfall, then both herself and Flynn and back to Skyfall, then mimes flying, raising her eyebrows in a question.
Hawk volunteers I think we've got a flashstick somewhere in our gear, you know it's an alchemy thing, light it and run then it makes a loud noise and a flash of light? he shrugs Might help as a distraction. Anyone any other ideas?
Lenneth, may we talk, in private?
Melo stands back with Cyn listen to the discussion. "We all agree we can't let this man be eaten. But I don't think it will be as easy as breaking him free, we're a strong group and I don't think they will let us just walk away with their food."
He looks over at Mallis. "Mallis is right if we go in, it's all or nothing."
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Lilith leans over and kisses Hawk on the cheek. I'd very much enjoy the chance to dine with you Hawk, though I am unsure if things will even be less fraught. And I think I understand the situation between you and Sel. You owe her and want to protect her. But that can't mean you can't live your life. So keep your promise as long as she stays with you. I'll even help protect her if I can. But do not let he choose your path. There are too few of us normal people left to be at each others throats. I'd like it if she and I could be friends. I suspect you will have to help with that if it is to happen. Now lets get this meal back to the others.
Lilith speaks up. It seems this world is changing me. The darker it gets the more I feel Desna's pull. 6 months ago I would not risk the safety of our group for outsiders. But today I know I could not live with myself unless I take this risk. How far do we take it? If we only rescue this one man they will choose another. I doubt even the cook fire they have prepared will be wasted. And if we kill the leaders and tell them they cannot live like they did might they all starve? Do we really have an alternative for them? She holds up her two fish. I think that yes, we do, and this proves it. So I say we try to take down their leadership and then strive to make this place the haven it should have been.
There are glimpses of the man Lachen could have been, in other circumstances, if he wasn't so consumed by anger and guilt at his own sins, real or not, if he didn't started his life on the wrong side of the law, if he wasn't from Cheliax, if he hadn't been a soldier.
Lenneth, I got two subjects I want to speak about. Please listen.
He doesn't even sound like the "normal" Lachen: he's calm and composed, makes no joke or crude remarks.
First, I think attacking Whitecliff is a bad idea. I'm not talking about a moral point of view, just as a soldier, tactically and strategically. You are about to attack a place you know not much about, risking everything for nothing, in my opinion. You heard the half orc and now Melo's report, just like me: the place isn't safe from wandering groaners, even if they probably have more people to guard the walls;the sea gives no edible fishes; there are only a few old fishing boats; and the "lord" of the place rules through fear and strength.
Let's start with attacking Whitecliff: we don't know much about the place, how it looks, how the buildings are placed, where are the guards, nor how many and how equipped they are. We are a powerful group, and managed to survived so far, we can use magic and physical prowess, and by being moving targets, mostly. If this town survived, surely they have competent fighters and perhaps some magic users too. And if the opposition is strong, that only means that their leader is stronger, and seems to me this one is ruthless and bloodthirsty. We can't fight this battle without some losses on our side. And I don't talk about only killed people, but "captured to be eaten later" people too: this is a fishing village, they know to use nets to their advantage, and they do prefer to take people alive, cause dead meat rots quicker. Sorry if I'm grim, Lenn. I suppose you remember when I proposed to kill Aura's mother, so that she won't see her own baby eaten alive by groaners, or have to choose between her onw life and her baby's life? Everyone barked at me then, and look at what happened: Aura's mother died in the trench, eaten by groaners, and if we didn't find the baby, she would be dead by now too. Of course, I would have prefered to be wrong. But the fact is, I wasn't. And now I have the same gut feeling about Whitecliff. It's too dangerous a place for us. In the army, you soon learn the hard lesson that to take a fortified place by a frontal assault is very costly in human lifes. And we will have to send our best fighters in the battle, meaning the civilians will be left alone, or nearly. If we lose... they are done. They won't survive, either by lack of food or from Whitecliff counter attack or by groaners.
Now, suppose we manage to win the fight, whatever the cost. We'll need to eat, and everything we will find in their larder is probably human flesh. Do you want to taste human flesh, Lenneth? What will you do with the people of Whitecliff? What will you do if you overthrow their leader, but can't manage to feed them? Won't they go back to their old bad habits? Won't they attack one of your civilian to eat him or her? We came to the shore to find a ship: the fishing boats probably aren't big enough for all of us, we have no food for the travel, and now we learn the fishes are probably poisoned. Beside, only the elf has some experience in boating. Let's say five to six people can go on a fishing ship. Who will go? How will they be chosen? How will they survive?
His grips tighten on Lenneth's hand
Now , the second part of my speech... I'm done with this group. Really. I'll go my own way, either now if you decide to attack Whitecliff, or tomorrow morning. The elf and the halfling can't stand me, I can't stand the elf. You should have throw her to whatever undead asked for her life, before we met, Lenneth. Lilith considers you as her true friend, and me as a never-ending threat, and I truly appreciate the irony of that.
He grins
If you weren't there, I would have be already gone. But I wanted to say at least goodbye to you, because you're the only one I cared for. Why, I don't really know, but you know I already cared for you before you got these huge hooters.
He tries to smile and wink, but his heart isn't in it. He brings Lenneth's hand to his mouth and kisses each finger, slowly
Maybe we'll meet again, who knows. Maybe next time, you'll let me taste your lips. I would enjoy that. I'll try to survive long enough to know your taste on my lips.
He looks deep into Lenneth's eyes
Maybe you will think I'm a coward, maybe you will think I should "fight the good fight", side by side with you in Whitecliff. I told you I'm a survivalist. I do what I need to survive. I'm no longer in the army, I can choose which battles I want to fight, I don't have to obey anymore. This battle... is a lost one, even if you got the victory, and if you lost the consequences are dire. So in my opinion, you should avoid Whitecliff, find another place while they are enjoying their daily menu. I know I sound harsh, maybe heartless. I want you to realise what will happen if you lose, so you take your own decision without being blinded by morals. That's why I wanted to give you an argumentated speech, even if I'm not really used to it.
I know that. Thats why I didn't even asked for you to come with me. Of course, if you wanted to, I would have gladly accepted. You don't have to feel sorry, not for me, at least. I'm not worth your sorrow.
He seems to think a few seconds, as if weighting the pros and cons,and finally says
No, you can't make me change my mind about leaving, my beautiful Lenneth. Now, if you want someone to watch your ass in Whitecliff, I'm your man.
Lachen looks at Lenneth
I always loved your ass.
he manages to laugh this time
I'll fight with you in Whitecliff, then, if I survive, I'll be gone. Do'nt be surprised, I'm supposed to change my mind every time I sneeze, to be unreliable, to be mad and dangerous. thats what everyone here think of me, you included, even if you can't help but like me all the same. Let's do the unexpected, and survive Whitecliff.
He adds
That said, lets keep my depart our little dirty secret, if you don't mind. If your comrades attack Whitecliff, I'll be with you, if they change their plans, I'm going right after I say my goodbyes to Mallis, Tabitha and Asleigh, and you.
Hawk grins at Lilith and stares after her as she walks by. He shakes his head as if making sure he's not dreaming and follows her back to camp.
*
Flynn spends a few minutes with a scrap of cloth and some pigment, and comes up with a rudimentary map.
Mallis stares at the sky
Isn't long till nightfall, going to hit 'em at dusk or at midnight? What's the plan?
Sel adds
Which of us is going with you and which is staying to protect your... the others?
Tabitha gladly takes the fish from Lilith and starts bringing a small pot of water to the boil to make fish soup, which should be ready in a few minutes.
Gates or no, Melo, Lillith and I can get in without difficulty. I suggest we fly in and she teleports (you can do that right Lillith?) and whilst one of us frees the prisoner, the others open the northern gate for the rest to flood in.
He traces his finger on the map as he talks.
I'm fairly confident all of this can be done without alerting them. The prisoner can escape through the same gate we open to let the rest in and I can meet the rest of you at the leader's hut where we can have a conversation with him.
Gates or no, Melo, Lillith and I can get in without difficulty. I suggest we fly in and she teleports (you can do that right Lillith?). The guards on the gate might prove a problem though but I reckon if there's one thing that will frighten them as much as the walkers is fire - especially if it breaks out near their provisions. So whilst I free the prisoner, Melo can set a fire in the hut nearest the food store - that is bound to bring the guards and people running. Lillith can teleport in and open the gate for the rest of you and we all meet at the leader's hut where we can have a conversation with him. If we all act fast enough, he will still be there instead of at the fire.
He traces his finger on the map as he talks.
I'm not strategist, though. Before this I only ever needed to plan to trap game and even I'm smarter than a deer!
Flynn only saw guards in the top gate, no-one was posted to the southern gate. The patrol inside walk the perimeter of the walls and around the houses making a circuit every half hour or so.
He whispers in Lenneth's ear
You got a beautiful soul too, Lenn. You were my anchor, the one for which I was clinging to the remnants of my humanity,and wherever I will go, I'll miss you, and your joyful laugh, the softness of your skin, the perfume of your hair, the twinkle in your eyes.... and of course for your marvelous curves too.
Lachen smiles
Go back to the group, your group. I have a little thing to do alone, if you don't mind. And no, its not THAT thing, naughty girl.
Cayden Caillean, I don't believe in you but I guess it's fair to say that you don't believe in me either. We have some common interests: alcohol, freedom, lovely girls, in that order or another. We both hate slavers and slavery too. I still think attacking Whitecliff is stupid, but I'll do my best to kill as many slavers as possible, and I hope you'll do your best to keep Lenn alive and safe. I don't have much to offer but blood, sweat, swears, tears and some fine wine. So a toast to you, Cayden. I hope we have a bargain.
Lachen pours the wine to the ground.
Let's kick some ass, and break some chains.
Hawk: Ranged/scout/altruistic
Pentos: Blaster/knowledge/preoccupied
Robban: Melee/scout/practical
Sel: Ranged/stealth/self-centred
Whisper: Melee/stealth/esoteric
As Lachen comes back, fixing his now empty bottle to his belt, he says around
So, we're going to war cause someone is reluctant to take his bath?
There might be some grim and provocative humor in his words, but his eyes are cold and hard.
Melo, I'll need some healing, if you can.
He pauses, and looks at the crude drawing of Whitecliff
What will you do with the guards at the gate? Kill them? Ask for an audience with their boss? You do realise that a gate can be closed and trap us inside, I hope? Not that I want to cast rain on your parade, but just as a tactical warning. If these folks are flesh eaters, we are unexpected fresh meat for them, cattle entering the butchery on their own will. Before we try to go in, I want to hear what plan you have to get out, when things won't be nice.
Robban, Pantos, Hawk and Sel can hold the gate.
And we're going to war because those bastards are slavers and cannibals. And it's a damn sight better than wandering through the desert with civilians. We take this place, reinforce it better than they have, and make it somewhere safe for the people there and our own.
After that I'm going to load up Sky with as much food as she can carry and I'm going after that tower Valex talked about.
"I don't want us to butcher them, their leader might be the one in charge and the rest follow in fear. We deal with him and then work from there that's why i want us to move as fast as we can." He speaks up as he steps over to Lachen looking at his wounds and casts a spell to seal them up.
"Let's just get this done, the time before battle always sets the butterflies in my stomach alight." He says as he flaps his wings stretching them out.
As his wounds close after Melo's magic, Lachen simply says
Thank you.
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As the group discusses roles and people for this action Lilith moves over to speak quietly with Pentos, appealing both to his common sense and his vanity. Pentos, I think we need you with us in case this evolves to a large conflict. I am no blaster. My spells more control the battlefield and aid my allies. Having you in reserve could very well be the difference in victory and defeat. And if we can quickly take out the enemy's leadership we may not have to fight the rest of the camp. You can better contribute to this goal than I.
Ashleigh, whilst not looking wholly healthy, has been greatly bolstered by Melo's magic. She's very tired now but likely to survive another night, though will without doubt require further healing in the morning if she is to survive.