The snows have finally melted enough for trade to resume. The Rostland is praying for a better harvest year than last & the Aldori are making noises again.
Word throughout Brevoy is that this is the year Noleski Surtova claims the crown, not just the power. Not two breaths later someone is laying odds on the Orlovski's or the Swordlords rising less than an hour after.
The four of you have more immediate concerns. Some of you want freedom, some of you want a place to call yours, all of you whether you know it or not, will want to know who is really on the other ends of the ties that bind you...
The Place is the free city of Restov, just North of one of the wildest, least explored, most quixotic locale in a region known for wild, unexplored, quixotic locales...
The Date is Toilday, the 23rd of Calistril, 4710 AR in the Age of Lost Omens...
You are the Players...
The knock at the door interrupts Illya's thoughts as the last embers fall on the bed side table. She rolls out from under the cool linen sheets.
As she does so she grabs a dagger she had hidden on her body and she holds it in her left hand tight against her back. Nimbly she moves through the darkness close to the door. For a moment she pauses and listens.
Stealth Check
Perception Check
"Well, now he was an interesting fellow..." Taewyn mutters to himself as the swordsman leaves his room. I haven't seen many of those... what do they call them around here? Swordlords? Aldori something or other?... but most of 'em seemed a mite more formid....
The ranger's musing cuts off in a rush as the messenger's words sink in. His petition had been accepted! He'd grown up on stories of the Stolen Lands. Stories of fey creatures, strange ruins, untold wonders. And now, by this time tomorrow, he was actually going to be on his way there!
He draws a deep breath "Alright Tae... settle down."
He stands up and walks over to the wall where his gear rests. He begins to go through the familiar motions of packing his gear, his mind racing as his hands work from memory. He knew there wouldn't be much sleep tonight...
"Why thank you, Antonin. I am eager to begin already! I suppose I shall return to my Inn to gather my things and meet with Illya. Please express my gratitude to the Lord Mayor for this opportunity." Hazel curtsies with grace as she leaves Antonin's office, keeping up with the decorum expected of a woman of her station, though she doesn't particularly care for that sort of thing.
Hazel walks the streets of Restov back to her home, idly playing with the Harrow deck in one of her pouches. Realizing she has been fiddling with it, she stops and pulls it out fanning the cards for a moment before shuffling them. She draws the top card of the deck. The Vision, hm? The last time I drew this card I met an insane man who had more knowledge of the arcane arts than I had ever seen before. Too bad it was so difficult to bring it out of him through his madness. I wonder what happened to him?
Hazel arrives at her Inn shortly after and immediately walks to the stables to check on her horse, Magnolia. Magnolia is a small horse, though strong enough to carry Hazel or some supplies. She is chocolate colored with beautiful white markings down her back. Hazel spends a moment petting Magnolia and feeding her a sugar cube before heading up to her room to start gathering some of her things together. She wasn't leaving just yet, but it was good to get a head start.
Then she heads back to the common area to ask the Innkeeper where she can find Ilya.
"Jeg ringte så."
Höd nods to punctuate his words. He switches to common in hopes of making the woman more comfortable.
"I gave the beast a mercy; I hold no love for killing horses. It is also, true that I rode with those thieving fools, but know that I did my best to reign in their wilder ideas."
"Desperation drove me to this path. Back in the north, I was the son to a wealthy blacksmith and I too learned the trade. I would have followed in my mother's footsteps if she had not died."
Höd's voice breaks as he says the words. He sniffs hard once and clears his throat.
"I couldn't stand it there after that. I made my way south and my travels brought me here where I was denied the opportunity to work. The Brevic people are wary of me. I suppose they fear my curse. In truth, my "gift" frightens me too."
He holds his hands up to the jailer.
"There really is no need for this. I will not call the sjarmen."
"When I could not find work, I was approached by Eine with an offer of gold for protection. This kind of work I have done before, so I accepted. I learned fast that 'protection' meant 'muscle.' Mostly I just stood there to deter struggle. In a way, I kept interactions from becoming bloody. That was before yesterday."
Höd hangs his head in shame.
"I don't know how I let it come to this, but I will not oppose your justice. Do what must be done with me. I pardon you from any guilt or sin and I apologize for mine."
Höd awaits the woman's response with head down and eyes closed.
Illya: From the rustling of skirts, you suspect the presence on the other side of the door is a maid.
Taewyn: The familiar activity succeeds at your intent of calming your excitement to manageable levels.
Hazel: As 'The Dragon's Roost' caters to visiting Issian nobility, the Innkeeper & staff are more deferring than the majority of the residents you have encountered in this city. "Your Ladyship? Oh, the Maid Illya! The carriage arrived late last night & she wasn't feeling quite well. I'll have one of the maids look in on her, shall I?" With a tug of his forelock, the man departs, calling for someone named Martya. The 'common' room is relatively unoccupied at this time, the only others present a stunningly beautiful Halfling and a middle-aged, rather stout Issian woman in fine, if rather dowdy, morning wear.
HöD: "My ? justice disappeared eleven years ago." While you cannot read her features, her voice makes her recalled sadness painfully clear. "You cannot give me justice, but you be able to give me hope. As I said, the penalty is for Banditry is death. A loophole those legalistic Abadaran idiots up in Port Ice could drive a team of oxen through if they bothered to look. Your will be simple. A daughter of House Medvyed seeks to slay her Linnorm. hope is served by seeing to it her way is merely laborious, not impossible."
Illya opens the door to the maid. She greats her with bleary eyes and a yawn. The knife still pressed against her back ready to strike at any danger.
Oh my, my apologies I seem to be tired still from my journey.
Bluff Check:
Could you tell me what the hour is?
"Please forgive me, I do not always understand idioms in the common tongue. Am I truly to hunt a Linnorm with a noble woman? If so, this is a very bad plan, it must be said."
Illya: The maid is probably a decade older than you. Still fit, but a bit less spring to her step, a bit more care to her features. She has an open, friendly smile.
Perception DC 20
"Tis an hour past luncheon lass. I believe her ladyship has returned from her appointment. Likely she has yet to take her nooning either, she seemed a bit on the impatient side when she arrived last night."
Sense Motive DC 20
If you made both
HöD: "Perhaps I was speaking too lyrically. When a young man of your people wishes to prove himself worthy to rule, he seeks out a Linnorm to slay, yes? So much simpler & less bloody than the traditions here..." She trails off, lost in though for a moment. "I meant only that the young lady seeks to make her place in the world . There are individuals here & elsewhere in Brevoy who would use this desire for thier own ends. There are others who will consider the mere fact that she such a desire to be an unforgivable transgression and will act accordingly. You have submitted yourself to my justice, this is my sentance. life is forfeit. You will now live my son's life, that was taken from this world more than a decade ago."
Höd looks up at this official, mouth agape.
"This sounds more a boon than a punishment, unless you did not love your son. Am I understanding? I am to be pardoned in order to serve as a protector and explorer? If this is true, you are the most gracious person I ever did know. I wanted nothing of banditry, truly. Had I other options I would never have done. The shame of it fills me even still."
Höd slides across the floor to kneel at the woman's feet.
"I swear to you, on the bones of my mother, Ragna Magnusdotter, that I will serve your noble woman with honor and valor. I renounce my brigand's life and I thank you for your grace."
The big Ulfen lightly kisses the woman's ankle, a sign of gratitude and willing service. He is careful though not to kiss her foot as he does not wish to be her slave.
Perception Check:
Sense Motive Chack:
Illya nods, making no indication that she understood.
Thank you, please bring me some water, I'd like to wash. And could you please let her Ladyship know I will be down shortly?
She smile's pleasantly as she closes the door. Quickly Illya rushes about the room Checking her equipment, hiding away her knives on her person and assesing to see if all of her gear is in its place and ready to travel quickly if need be.
Dawn rises, and with it, the ranger Taewyn Kais. Well, slides out of bed is more like it, as the excited young man got very little sleep the night before. He dresses, washes himself, and shoulders his pack. Taking a deep breath, he picks up the scroll case left by the messenger and leaves the room, closing the door softly behind him so as not to wake any of the other patrons.
HöD:"Up, up! A son does not kiss his mother's ankle's. Even as unmotherly a woman as know that!" Again, she pauses & this time you have a feeling of words she is not yet ready to say. "Much like your own Kings, the only inheritance my son might have expected from me is what I give now to you. The opportunity to make your own fortune in this world. Tomorrow morning you will meet her, and the others who will make up her company. For tonight, you may stay here, or if you wish, I will have Toth here show you to an Inn." Indicating the guard as she turns & makes ready to leave the room.
Illya: I will describe more once Hazel posts. If she hasn't posted by tomorrow afternoon, I will update you then.
Taewyn:
Hazel nods to the Innkeeper. "Yes, please do have someone check in on her. Let her know I'll be waiting down here. And would you mind bringing me a bowl of fruits. I do believe I am craving some sweet at the moment.!"
I wonder about these men who will be accompanying me, the woodsman (he is a scout) and the Ulfen (is he to be a guard then?). And I suppose the handmaiden is proper protocol, though I see no reason for one to accompany me. I hope she isn't too deferential. I would much rather have a friend with me than a servant.
Hazel seats herself at a table, idly waiting for her bowl of fruit and for Illya to arrive. If either the Halfling or Issian woman catches her eyes, she simply smiles and nods in greeting, but does not approach them at the moment.
Taewyn sighs in the darkness. I knew I didn't have much chance of sleeping tonight. He rolls over and out of bed. He walks over to the small desk in the room and lights the small oil lamp, then pulls a small piece of paper from the desk and begins to write. His handwriting is atrocious, but he sets to with an effort, the tip of his tongue between his lips in concentration.
Dear Mum and Da,
I hope you received my other letter. Remember how I told you about the expedition to the Stolen Lands? Well, I'm going! They accepted my application for the expedition, and we leave tomorrow morning. I have no idea who's going with me... hopefully not these typical city folk! I bet most of them couldn't find their way out of a root cellar. But hey, maybe I'll find that treasure that old Ned is always crowing about, right?I don't know when I'll next be able to send a letter, but I will as soon as I can. Mum, tell Da that Betse's cow is soon ready to calve. Da, tell Mum not to worry too much!
Love you both,
Taewyn
With a smile, Taewyn seals the letter and places it on the desk, blows out the lamp, and returns to his bed. Sighing, he thinks he's still too primed to sleep, but as soon as that thought passes he falls into a deep and restful slumber.
Hazel/Illya: Curtsying & turning for the stairs to the private rooms, the serving maid pauses at the hall to the kitchens. "Some fruits for Lady Medvyed! She & her handmaid will want to sup as well!" Before she even finishes he declamation another, slightly older, maid has descended the stairs & made her way to your table. "Miss Vastrakova is on her way down & I see Anna has made an attendance upon you. Is there anything else may do for you?"
At mention of your name, the Halfling & the Matronly Issian look up briefly, glance in your direction & then return to their previous activities.
/
Hurriedly completing your toilet, you make your way out the door, down the hall & down the stairs. You see the maid speaking with a young woman about your age, her poise & bearing a clear indication of her birth and breeding. Also in the chamber there is a Halfling attired in rather fine dress, sitting cross legged upon a tabletop and a matronly Issian woman reading what appear to be letters, in a private corner booth.
Knowledge local/nobility DC 20
Knowledge nobility DC 10/may be taken untrained.
Höd rises and stand before the woman.
"If I go to this inn, will I see you again before I depart..."
His sentence ends awkwardly, What do I call her?
"What do Icall you my lady?"
"It would be presumptive of to say 'mother' wouldn't it." You suspect there is a smirk there. "For now, you may call me Dame Aldori. Thus serving both propriety & discretion."
Höd smiles.
"I did not mean to shame you or discount your care. In my country we have a saying: En mor er en som bryr seg når hun ikke har til."
A mother is one who cares when she does not have to.
"I thank you for you grace and for you confidence Mor. I will not let you down."
Höd places a tentative hand on her shoulder.
"If I may have my things back, I will see this inn at your pleasure."
Knowledge Local:
Knowledge Nobility:
Illya descends the stairs and makes her way across the common room with her hands folded in front of her to the table with the young noble woman.
She waits for the young woman to notice her and when she does Illya curtsey's and smiles.
Lady Medvyed I presume? I am Illya, its a great pleasure to meet you. May I sit?
Bluff Check:
It's a great honour to serve you, but I must say I was given very little information other than we are to be taking a trip. And even lesss information about yourself other than your obvious family ties to the Medvyed family
I hope you don't feel it impertinent if I inquired about our destination and perhaps a little bit about you milady?
As Illya begins to speak with Lady Medvyed she will glance about the room taking in the other patrons and the environment.
Perception Check:
"Lady Illya, please sit down. And please call me Hazel." After Illya sits and speaks her mind, Hazel gladly continues the conversation. "To be truthful, I don't know too much myself. We are heading into the Greenbelt, which is just south of Restov. I do not know much about it, beyond its rolling hills and relatively large forest. I've heard rumors of bandits in the area, so we will of course have to be careful ou there. We'll be accompanied by two men, who I have not yet met. One of them is a scout, and the other an Ulfen. I believe the Ulfen is a guard of some sort."
"As for me, I am the daughter of a noble of House Medvyed, but I would have you know that I have no intention of being the prissy, look-down-your-nose-at-others type. Propriety and decorum have their place, but I prefer to speak plainly and openly most of the time. I want you to feel you can do the same around me. I am no better than you, after all." Illya should get the feeling that Hazel truly believes what she is saying. "Let's see... I speak four languages fluently, not including Taldane () and I have some experience in the arcane arts. I also have a passion for the Harrowing, and have found that I have a knack for that sort of thing."
"But enough about me. I'd like to know more about you." She lowers her voice considerably to be sure that no others can hear her. "Surely you are more than just a maid? After all, we are heading into the Stolen Lands, where there may be danger."
Illya
HöD: Dame Aldori inhales sharply, her voice choking slightly at your use of Mor. "Certainly. Toth, lead HöD to his things & then show him to the 'Tree of Life'." To you she mentions. "your fortunes must have been poor indeed when you came here. There aren't as many Ulfen here in Restov as in Port Ice, but we still get a handful every year wanting to test their steel against our Aldori & usually one or two decide they like it well enough to stay. The 'Tree of Life' was founded by one such. Tosti Six-Fingers he called himself, for reasons I'm sure you can determine. I hope you will find it comfortable. In the morning, Toth will show you to the Lord Mayor's Hall, where the charters will be presented."
Höd inclines his head, indicating that Dame Aldori is right on all counts. He makes his farewell and follows Toth to his belongings. Höd ensures everything is present, checks Fenrir's edge, and dons his armor and equipment. When he is fully dressed, he turns to the patient Toth, "Take me to Yggdrasil."
At the inn, Höd observes the proper greetings and courtesies with Tosti and accepts whatever food has been prepared and orders 3 pints of the darkest beer available. He leaves instructions for all of it to be sent to him in his room. Höd eats with the conviction of a starving man and drowns his meal in beer. He takes his sleep as the sun sets.
Illya lets out a tiny gasp and puts her hand to her mouth.
Oh my, Bandits! But for what purpose do you want to head there milady, sorry, Hazel.
I'm certain your family would be more than willing to set you up with a noble lord of your station? Perhaps even one of an age close to your own as I'm certain there are no shortage of admirers due to your beauty?
She pauses for a response
As for me, it is true. Now that I hear your plans, the reason I must have been selected as your handmaid and given this opportunity was due to my unusual upbringing for a noble woman.
Illya sighs.
I would not be surprised if you had never heard of my family the Vastrakovas until this point. My father, although a loyal Lord to house Lodovka, fell on hard times after disagreeing with Lord Lodovka. My father was forced from court, this happened while I was still young, and so my upbringing, while still schooled as a lady of nobility, was a bit more brash and unorthodox.
I spent a fair amount of time in the yard, more perhaps than in with needlework, and all though I am not unfamiliar with custom I also am not inept with a blade or bow, though I must say the prospect of actually putting childhood fancy into practice does unnerve me slightly.
Bluff Check:
But as your handmaiden it is not my duty to question but to obey and lend support to your endeavours. Besides, I have very poor options otherwise; few nobler ladies would willingly take on a handmaiden from such a disgraced and discredited family as my own. Oh of course that is not to say that I only accompany you out of necessity
Illya looks as though she’s worried she may have offended Hazel.
As to the Ulfen and the scout, they are not men you hired yourself? Are you not worried they may not be honourable or honest men?
Oh but please forgive me, I speak too much and my mind so freely.
"Let's just say I'd like to get away for a while. I find that life here is stifling and I am tired of the suitors. Yes, there are plenty of admirers, but they are all the same. They scheme and plot, and none of them are truly the gentleman I would look for."
Hazel then listens intently to Illya's explanation of her own upbringing before speaking again. "Well, it is good to know that you will be capable of defending yourself. But I have to say, that you are quite wrong about your duty as a handmaiden. You have no obligation to obey me, nor must you always lend support to my endeavors. I would prefer you do so only because you agree with me. After all, if I am making some terrible mistake, I would hope that those around me are willing to question me. And I care not for your family's history. The Stolen Lands will be a place for us both to start fresh, yes?"
When Illya asks about the men that have been hired, she continues the discussion gladly. "I am not organizing the expedition myself. In fact, the Swordlords and the Lord Mayor have formed the expedition party. I trust their word, but will of course keep a keen eye out for dishonesty. And if I am wrong... Well, we'll see what happens then."
After Hazel finishes Illya nods and smiles.
Well, if its to be a journey and perhaps a risky one it might be best if we have something to eat before we leave.
She says as her stomach growls.
Are we going to be leaving soon, if so I can help pack your things? My own luggage is barely unpacked as I just recently arrived and have had little time make myself at home.
Höd snores softly in his bed at the Tree of Life, Kaldr Öx vigilant in his sleeping fingers.
"We'll be receiving our charter tomorrow. I suppose I could use some help packing though."
After they finish eating, Hazel will lead Illya up to her room, where she continues any conversation with her while packing up her stuff (mostly clothing).
Illya goes up to the rooms with Hazel to help her pack.
As they pass the time in conversation she comments to hazel about the quality of her wardrobe and admires it, sheepishly wondering if she might be able to borrow one of hazels gowns if they end up meeting any handsome young men in their travels.
As they go on she asks Hazel a question in a more serious tone "What do you expect to do in the stolen lands? I know that it will be an oppertunity to start afresh for us, but you will have men under your command...to a degree."
"You are to lead this expedition, whether you like the idea or not, and a good leader is able to present a plan to their men to motivate them even if they are unsure of the plan themselves. Men need to know there is a plan an objective for them to achieve...at least that's what my nanna told me." She smiles and laughs.
"Sorry I don't mean to press the point. In any case, plan or no plan we can always pretend we have one," She says with a grin "that should be good enough for the men."
As they finish preparing Hazel's things Illya asks,
"Hazel, If you don't mind that is, could we share rooms? It may seem like such a silly thing but I do get so lonely in rooms all on my own."
"I'll have to think on that plan. Perhaps you can help me? I believe the charter we will be receiving will have more details for us to work with."
Hazel gladly shares her room with Illya, excited for the company.
The night passes no more eventfully than expected. Your sleep is not quite peaceful, but all of you are too invested in tomorrow's events to be surprised.
DC 15
Morning: Today is Wealday, 24th Calistril, 4710. Unless you have specific preparations you wish to make beforehand, you all arrive at the Lord Mayor's Hall a few comfortable minutes before the hour of business.
A young man, only a few years older than yourselves awaits you, signalling to each of you as you come into sight. The sword at his side & his not-quite-cock-sureness mark him as an Aldori. Hazel, you recognize him as Antonin Aldori, the 'minor' city functionary you spoke with yesterday. Taewin, you recognize him as the Aldori who gave you your affidavit yesterday.
"Good, you have all arrived with a comfortable margin." "It's so helpful when we don't have to explain obvious special treatment."
"At the hour, you will be received." He says, also indicating the three other groups of people, two of which are significantly larger & appear to be wearing more uniform attire.
You suspect it to be less than five minutes to the hour.
Höd gives the Aldori a dubious glance. What is his meaning, I wonder?
In the foyer, Höd glances around at the other groups and compares them to his own. I am hoping it is a boon to have fewer where we go...
The Ulfen wracks his brain to find details about any of these people.
Illya arrives with Hazel, she looks around the room intently yet discreetly. Looking for any danger or anyone who might be taking special notice of them.
She falls in slightly behind Hazel not wanting anyone to assume she is anything other than a handmaiden.
Höd strides softly to the Lady Medvyed and taps he lightly on the shoulder to get her attention.
Clearing his throat, "Pardon me, but are you the Lady Medvyed?"
Illya, in addition to what HöD saw; unsurprisingly, the two military-looking groups seem to have a clear leader. To your left, the Second-largest group (about 10) has a standard of a sharp, downward pointing chevron in dark blue on a white field; their leader looks to be about a decade older than you. You aren't sure but he seems to carry an Aldori sword. To your right, past the next-smallest group to yours, the Largest group has a standard of a black, dismembered skeleton on a white field, their leader a mature Khellid Woman wearing a padded Gambeson. She is speaking with an older man in full, spiked plate. They are both carrying sheathed swords so long they can't be strapped to their persons.
Hazel wakes up suddenly, her dreams instilling a strong mix of emotions within her. Why do I feel so ashamed? And angry? She doesn't remember her dream, but she does remember how she felt, and it wasn't good. Before she gets up to get ready, Hazel finds her Harrow Deck and shuffles it quickly, pulling the top card when she is done.
The Peacock, huh? Well, that doesn't tell me anything about the dream, but it does sometimes signify a shift in attitude or societal change. That seems especially relevant today. Forgetting about her dream for now, Hazel prepares to receive her charter.
--
"Why thank you, Antonin. It is good to see you again." Hazel takes a look around, trying to see if she recognizes anyone. There appear to be four separate groups. There's the group right next to her own, consisting of six people, the leader of whom appears to be a pretty confident swordsman. There's another group a little larger and further out, all of whom are uniform in appearance. And then a very large group even further away. Our group is so small compared to those...
Hazel is interrupted from her thoughts, when she is tapped on her shoulder. She turns to look, for the first time, at the rest of the group she has been paired with and is startled by the man's clouded eyes. Like a foggy night. Regaining her composure quickly, and hoping the man didn't notice, she responds, "Why, yes, I am. You must be the Ulfen man Antonin told me about. Ronoakson, was it? You may call me Hazel..." Hazel trails off, clearly asking for Ronoakson's first name.
She also takes a look at the other man in the group, presumably the scout. Both men appear to be very capable. Even this Ulfen man, with his clouded eyes, seems to be strong despite his condition.
"Höd I am called, if it please Frue. And your tjenerinne?"
He looks a Illya, trying to be polite.
Frue = My lady
tjenerinne = handmaiden
"Jeg er Illya av huset Vastrakova." She says in fluent Skald as she curtseys.
I wonder how much this one sees.
She leaves her greeting short so as not to draw attention to herself, too much. She looks the men over to try and get a sense of who they are but mostly listens to what they are going to say.
"Tjenerinne?" The word is uncomfortable for Hazel to speak. She is fluent in many languages, but Skald is not one of them. "Oh! You must mean Illya. You will have to teach me some of the Skald language, Höd. It is a beautiful, yet oddly underrated language, I believe." Hazel introduces Höd to Illya.
She then turns to the other man standing nearby in order to include him in the conversation. "And you must be our scout..." Once again, she implies that she is asking for his name. If it appears he hasn't been listening in, she will introduce herself as Hazel, and the rest of the group by their first names, even though that is not necessarily the proper thing to do.
"I suppose I have two here who can teach me to speak Skald!"
Illya looks abashed at having interrupted Hazel. "Sorry milady." She curtseys to Hazel.
I know she wont like me putting on an air of deference but we are in public and for now it would be better for me to play the part.
Oh, but I think I may have raised suspicion with the Ulfen, I hope he doesn't notice or think too much of it.
Höd bows to Hazel and Illya as he is introduced. He seems not to suspect anything. Why would he? A beautiful woman is a welcome sight, not one to mistrust, and here, there are two.
The Ulfen smiles in what he hopes is a charming way.
These Eastern women are so hard to read...
"I would be happy to practice the Nordic tongue with you, frue. Though we might wait for a more opportune time, yes?"
Höd's hand falls to his silver axe as he laughs, a habit from long travel.
It is at this point that the bell tolls the hour. The Khellid woman hands her sword to the armored man as she turns & heads into the hall, the other two leaders only a step or two behind. Antonin turns to the four of you, nods courteously and indicates you all should accompany him indoors.
Höd waits to follow Hazel into the hall.
Unless asked, I will not give up my axe...
Hazel smiles at Illya, not saying anything about her use of "milady." After all, she is only doing what is proper in a setting such as this. There will be plenty of time on the road for those around her to get used to the idea of treating her as one of their own. She also smiles at the Ulfen. "Yes, we will have plenty of time on the road, I should think." When the bell tolls, Hazel follows Antonin into the hall.