Noticing the fancy weapon of Raith's, Theoden moves over and picks it up. Examining it, "Hm? A fine weapon to be sure. But why is it currently residing here and not with Raith? A better question: Where is Raith?" Looking around, he stows the weapon and moves to find Garand to see what he knows.
"Garand!" Theoden calls out as he manages to locate him. "I fear something is amiss my fine, stoic friend." Retrieving the sword, "You notice I possess the weapon that was granted Raith. So I would guess your probably wondering why I possess it. And to you I would say that is clever of you to wonder such. His sword was left alone in front of Ameiko's caravan and Raith is nowhere to be found. I've noticed no form of foul play recently, have you? And if it's not foul play, do you suppose he simply... left?"
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"I dread the thought that the forces behind the Frozen Shadows have struck again, and we shall find another travelling companion in a footlocker..." Garand says, "But we should ask Ameiko, as she and Raith were having words, recently, and she may know something we do not, before jumping to conclusions."
Pavel looks out into the vast white plain around the city and the path they had travelled. He sighs heavily, his breath steaming.
"Theoden should huh'hold onto it. The wuh'way Izumi talked about swords like that... I ain't got the mindset fuh'for that honor and glory stuff. He's a better choice."
"Oh. S+%&, right. See, Duh'Daeron, Ameiko's the ruh'rightful Empress of Muh'Minkai and wuh'we're heading up there to put her in charge despite suh'suicidal odds. Cool?"
"For the last time, I don't think it would be wise...", hearing Theoden's shouts, Daeron cuts off his tired argument with Manulani in mid-sentence. "This could be trouble, so we'll have to continue this conversation later. Let's go see what has the caravan in an uproar." Standing from the wagon bed where he had been seated, Daeron makes his winding way through the camp to the growing cluster of people surrounding Theoden.
As Theoden makes his verbose explanation of events, Daeron unsuccessfully tries to suppress a snort of laughter. His amusement fades as Garand raises the possibility of abduction. Suppressing a shudder, even if relieved by what Ameiko his said, Daeron chips in, "Has anyone checked for his possessions? If he simply left, he would likely have taken those with him. I doubt these shadow forces you mention would have taken them as well."
Daeron's mind begins to wander at the talks of sword and honor but Ameiko's words brings his focus snapping back to what is being said. A smile grows at what seems an obvious joke, but that fades as Daeron meets Ameiko's level eyes. Glancing to each companion in turn and finding only serious expressions, the elf appears well and truly flummoxed by the turn of events. Sorin did mention a greater purpose and was elusive about it when I delicately broached the subject... and there was that slip from Pavel about royalty... could it be?
Taking a hold of himself, Daeron manages to say in a weak voice, "I suppose the cat's truly out of the bag then. That is the human idiom you use isn't it? As Pavel makes his uniques explanation of the situation as it stands, Daeron barks a quick laugh. "I suppose that's one way to put it Pavel."
Taking a deep breath, he continues in a more steady tone, "There is no need to apologize, I can understand the need for secrecy with such... momentous... news. While dubious about your claims about my 'noble heart', I could hardly turn my back on so grand an undertaking. To be honest, I have found myself lacking a purpose these past years." Chewing his lip a moment while looking pensive, Daeron finally continues, "I have come to know all of you and I can only imagine you joining in this cause if it is an righteous one. I had to be certain, as I have sworn to myself to use my arcane might for good. Hopefully you will forgive my momentary skepticism, but I had to be sure before..." Kneeling suddenly before Ameiko, Daeron continues, "I pledge myself in mind, body and soul to your cause, Your Majesty. I will follow where you lead and will not rest until you are restored to your rightful throne."
Theoden is taken aback with the offer. Placing the sword horizontally as it stretches from one hand to the other, he examines the craftsmanship of such a fine weapon. Taking a quick glance over at Pavel, a grin forms as an idea crosses his mind. "Madam, I thank you for the offer. It is most appreciated. But," he stops and looks around for dramatic effect before concluding, "I must reject it." Theoden purposely remains quiet for a moment, allowing the proverbial jaws to drop and brows to furrow. I was born for the stage! he thinks to himself as he holds up hand in an attempt to halt any questioning on the matter. "I only reject it due to the simple fact that I believe there is another far more suited than I." He looks to Pavel, moving over to him and presenting the sword. "Well, my angry friend," he winks, "do you wish to wield the sword that is to bring corruption to its knees and win the day? Because I feel there is none stronger, nor more determined, than you, my friend. What say you?"
With all eyes on him after Theoden's theatrical performance, Pavel blushes red to his ears. His mouth twists for a second, before he says,"Wuh'wuh'well... if it cuh'comes to it..."
"Yeah.", he says, taking the sword.
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Garand will attempt to reinforce the likely already strong bonds of community that exist, while performing his duties. He will not speak on his own patron, as he is wise enough to realize that introducing any sort of religious schism to this community would be a terrible disruption to their own cohesion, but will attempt to find common points between the traditions of these people and the teachings of Old Deadeye, and focus on those, while respectfully avoiding anything that offends his own sensibilities.
Throughout his stay here, he will use what magic he has available to provide as much nourishment as possible, praying for food and drink, as well as the ability to create fresh water or purify potentially spoiled or 'freezer-burned' foodstuffs, particularly for stag-spirit and the caravan's work animals, so that they do not cut too deeply into our own stored provisions, or tax the resources of the community.
As much as possible, he will keep a sharp eye out for any signs of disruption or strain in the relations in the community (particularly those caused by their presence, such as ill-advised romances, or other sorts of rivalries) and attempt to either prevent them from occurring in the first place, or prevent them from escalating / causing problems (that the community may have to deal with long after we have gone).
He will also lend his soothing touch to the village hunters as they return from extended trips . If there are not six hunters in need of that in a given day, he'll attempt to distribute it to others who have labored hard or have had to work outdoors all day, so that, as much as possible, none of it's benefits are 'wasted'.
After learning of Ameiko's royalty, Daeron spends a little time mulling over the implication of his newfound discovery. When asked to discover what he can of the upcoming difficulties of the path of Agenhei and the Morozkos, however, he takes to it with gusto. When he has the opportunity, he finds Theoden and asks, "If I understand correctly, you were asked to learn what you can of the Morozkos from the Erutaki? Whatever you may find, please pass it along to me as well as it may help in my own research. What do you make of these rituals which are being put through? I savor the chance to learn more of these people, but I can't help but be vaguely offended that they feel we need 'cleansing' in the first place."
After finishing his conversation with Theoden, he returns to the quiet of 'his' wagon and converses with Manulani about a number of theories. As needed, he retrieves the book gifted to him by his parents and takes the time to search it's pages for any information about how magic might achieve such an end. The other path that he takes the time to carefully investigate is the possibility of elemental influence in the storms. Daeron tries to pick Manulani's brain about this possibility in particular. Between the pair, they also attempt to recall any other instance in history that matches the tales surrounding the savage storms.
For the other portion of his task, Daeron first seeks out Sandru and asks, "Hail Sandru! I had hoped you might tell me what you know of this Path of Agenhei. I hope that with further input, I can come up with a more complete picture of what we are facing." When he's completed his conversation with Sandru, he again returns to the seclusion and relative quiet of his wagon to see what he and Manu can puzzle out.
With whatever time he has remaining to him (likely little) Daeron makes inquiries around the camp about who speaks Tien. Best to learn the language before we arrive in the land.
With all eyes on him after Theoden's theatrical performance, Pavel blushes red to his ears. His mouth twists for a second, before he says,"Wuh'wuh'well... if it cuh'comes to it..."
"Yeah.", he says, taking the sword.
Theoden grins. "Wise decision, my good man." He gives him a pat on the arm.
Ameiko gives Pavel a warm smile when he takes the sword: "May you always be worthy of our ancestral heirloom... I'm not worried! Theoden, your heart speaks true, and I recognize its value. You are as flamboyant as you are humble, a rare mix."
Theoden winks, smiling confidently. "It's a gift, milady," he says with a bow.
After learning of Ameiko's royalty, Daeron spends a little time mulling over the implication of his newfound discovery. When asked to discover what he can of the upcoming difficulties of the path of Agenhei and the Morozkos, however, he takes to it with gusto. When he has the opportunity, he finds Theoden and asks, "If I understand correctly, you were asked to learn what you can of the Morozkos from the Erutaki? Whatever you may find, please pass it along to me as well as it may help in my own research. What do you make of these rituals which are being put through? I savor the chance to learn more of these people, but I can't help but be vaguely offended that they feel we need 'cleansing' in the first place."
"I was just headed that way so your timing couldn't be better, Daeron. And I shall let you know all I find out, you have my word. As far as the rituals go... I find them odd. But, no harm has come to us so I shall whether the storm until it's time to move on," he simply states. "And do not allow yourself to find offense in the ways of this people, good Daeron, it is all they know," he says as a matter of fact, shrugging. "I shall find you when I've learned all I can." With that, he gives a nod and takes his leave in the direction of the hearthmistress.
Theoden, you have been trusted with general relations with the Erutaki. In particular, to ask about what the villagers know of the Morozkos' recent activity on the Path of Aganhei.
When he finds his way over to Sonavut, he returns to the Skald language. "Madam! A moment if you will. I, we, are curious to learn what you possibly could tell us of Morozkos's activity of late. Specifically along the Path of Aganhei. And furthermore: What and/or who exactly is Morozko?"
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Garand worries that the shaman, threatened by their presence, might be willing to skimp on whatever means the village uses to keep the 'Icy Scourge' at bay, in the hopes of using it's appearance to further reinforce to his followers the ways of suspicious and hostility to outsiders. Of all the ways to bind a community closer together, sealing it off from interaction with others is the worst, as it makes a community closed off and stagnant, both physically and spiritually.
He keeps a wary eye on the rituals, hoping that there are no shortcuts being taken, so that any power they may have to keep the community safe is not being sabotaged.
Akulayok halts when he sees the elf. He has seen no other of his father's race. This man looks nothing like the rugged elf he calls father. The moment of wonder passes, he joins the group.
Akulayok speaks in the tongue of his people. He sees little recognition amongst the new faces. He points to himself, "Akulayok." He speaks hoping Garand will translate his words,
During the time with the Erutaki, Pavel remains fairly stand-offish with the locals. He goes along with whatever the others decide in regards to relations, but he isn't exactly taking the initiative to bridge the cultural divide. Instead, he consults with Sandru and Shalelu in regards to the caravan's defenses, suggesting ways to break up the convoy in smaller sections to avoid taxing the ice unduly or offering too large a target for giants' stones. Consulting what maps are available and what second-hand information the others can pry from the locals, he tries to figure out the safest route moving forward:
Knowledge- Nature:
Knowledge- Geography:
Survival:
Despite having plenty to do, at the end of the day Pavel is more glum than usual with the loss of Raith- who after all was his closest friend from Sandpoint.
Consumed in going over his theories about the pseudo-intelligent storms known as the Morozkos, Daeron very nearly misses when Garand approaches alongside an unusually elegant Erutaki man. As Daeron raises his hand in greeting, he has a chance to study the man's features a little more closely. A half-kin here amongst the Erutaki? Not something I would have expected. Perplexed by the man's speech and his presence, he doesn't notice the newcomer's fascination with his elven kin. After Garand has translated for Akulayok, Daeron replies in Elven, "I should think that any sufficiently strong arcanist could likely subdue the storms you've taken to calling Icy Death. I've done some research, however, and it seems likely that the storms are being directed somehow. Our true target would likely be whoever is doing this directing as a matter of expediency. I'm doubtful even my own not-inconsiderable arcane prowess is sufficient to quell the storms... for now." Having shared some of what he learned, Daeron translates for any of his companions who don't speak Elven.
His curiousity getting the best of him, Daeron asks Akulayok in Elven, "I'm surprised to find a half-kin amongst the Erutaki. If you do not mind my prying, how did you come to live amongst them?"
Akulayok listens closely. He does not often hear the tongue of his father spoken. He drinks in the language taking longer than usual to understand what is said. He responds to Daeron in poorly spoken Elven,
Daeron continues to translate the conversation for any of the group who can't speak Elven. As he's translating, the meaning of the words begin to dawn on him and he, excitedly, ask in Elven, "The Icy Death refers to a white dragon and not the storms? This is new and exceedingly fascinating information. I had been developing a theory that the storms are being controlled somehow and this creature may be an important clue. It's possible it may be necessary to kill the beast and my magic could be of use then I suppose. Has the creature been an ongoing menace?"
Akulayok nods,
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Garand translates for up to an hour, but is relieved when Akulayok proves to speak elvish, a language he learned from Shalelu and speaks passingly well.
He is also strangely relieved to hear that the 'Icy Death' may be but a mortal creature, and not an actual 'living storm,' against which there could be no defense or means of attack.
Pavel nods, comprehension dawning on him.
"Thuh'that's what the hunters meant, then. Some o' thuh'them guys helped me figure the best wagon fuh'formation to avoid a flying monster."
The ranger scratches the back of his neck, eyeing the half-elf.
"Does yer friend knuh'know if anyone's ever crossed the Ice itself, stuh'stead o' taking the puh'pass?"
Daeron glances at Pavel as he mentions what he learned from the hunters. This what Akulayok has said seems to make this beast out to be a menace. If nothing else, we'd be doing these people a kindness to rid them of it. He translates Pavel's question into Elven and adds, still looking contemplative, "Akulayok, do you know if the beast is ever troubled by the Morozkos? Where does he live?"
Akulayok responded to Daeron,
Daeron shrugs and shakes his head before replying in Elven, "I'm not sure that I can draw out a dragon with only the force of my magic. Although... you may have given me some ideas involving illusions." Daeron translates Akuyalok's answers and his own answers before asking Garand in Varisian, "It seems we will need to be able to ask the Elders of the tribe some questions. How likely do you think they will be to answer? I assume we will need to finish this week of cleansing first?"