"Waiting might get us a death of old age, if that woman was any measure of the hospitality of this town. Well, pretty lady, you seem to be a talker. Why don't we go knock on the Big House and you can talk us in, eh?"
"An invitation to use my mouth?" Thalia purrs at the suggestion and laughs, then blows a kiss to the hunter. "A companion after mine own heart, if I had one to give," she jests and begins moving towards the manor.
This is lunacy. With such clear indication of hostility-
Thalia keeps her eyes intent upon the house as she approaches, watching for any sign that her progress is being observed by any who might reside within. She knocks at the door with a casual cadence, applying just as much pressure with her knuckles as to not seem to officious. Although, had intimidation been warranted, it may have been just as easy to allow Raxus to kick in the door.
Cyean dismounts before following Thalia to the manor door. He stands straight as he moves his eyes on the manor. He watches and waits after Thalia knocks on the door.
Raxus falls to the rear of the group as they enter the town. Upon seeing and moving toward the manor, Raxus stops and sighs.
"I will remain outside unless there is trouble."
Sev shrugs at Raxus, and walks toward the large manor house. Knocking loudly on the door, he waits for a response from within.
The door opens as Sev knocks at it. A strong smell of onions reaches you as you see a small room with a boiling pot and a short man dressed in an old robe looking thorugh a window opposite of the door. To the right there's another door and to the left there are the stairs.
Might have been our contact has already fled, if he is of the cowardly persuasion, Winterflower muses sparing a glance for the door and the stairs.
"Expecting company?" Thalia hums, peering at the short man in the old robe, "Or simply curious?"
Thalia smiles softly at the man. "I am called Thalia. Please excuse the aurochs with the judicious knock. He has abandoned all pretense of civility on our journey. But I am pleasant to look upon, am I not?" she says and laughs softly.
The man turns to you and his face covered in scars turns into a smile. Aaha, you's must be the poor boyos Irovetix sent here he offers his hand, looks at it, wipes it in his robe and offers it again I am Desmond, your travel guide *wink*
"poor boyos"?
Toanga is too far back to shake the man's hand and makes no effort to move up and do so.
"Would being a travel guide entail us the courtesy of inviting us inside?"
"Or perhaps you only shake hands with the most attractive people...in which case, I'm back here." he says with a smirk.
Winterflower laughs heartily. "Note, friend hunter, how our guide chose to introduce himself. Had he said host I might have been inclined to invite myself in," she hums happily and smiles broadly at Toanga before retuning her attention to Desmond. "My companion seems to believe that men and women spurning my physical attractions is novel. His is a ribald jest."
The man starts laughing at Toanga's joke Oh.. come in, I been away from civ too long he looks at the boiling pot I would invite you but don't think I got food enough for this army
Felina follows the others into the house, and looks around to see if there is anything out of the ordinary, but otherwise stays silent.
"I'm not nearly as civilized as you, miss." Sev steps into the man's home anyway, looking around. "Nice place. How do you rate the fancy house in town?"
Thalia chuckles softly at the hunter's comment. "Nay, not a great many without the cathedral are as civilized as myself," she hums, the quality of her alto voice making it sound like a purr. "I would not worry over much about feeding this lot, Desmond. The hounds without appear to be quite cowed. Should we hunger, they would provide no particular challenge." Thalia grins.
As a prostitute serving in Calistria's cathedral in Pitax, Winterflower has seen quite a many afflicted men and women in her service, many the result of some manner of discipline at the hands of the wardens, of late. She has absolutely no qualms about meeting Desmond's gaze directly. "The courier stated that you were one who fits with persons more useful far than near. I have been puzzling at his meaning while we walked. Care to provide this whore with an insight into his words?"
Outside the "manor", Mikam sits on the ground, shaking out his boots. A few small pebbles drop out of his right boot as he holds it upside down, and he sighs. He then pulls them back on his feet, and stands, looking around.
"If this ruddy town was any more depressed it would be at the bottom of the ocean. I certainly hope that we are not going to be responsible for helping this town out. I imagine that it would be easier at this point to build new houses rather than attempt to fix these."
From his spot cross legged on the ground Raxus grunts at Mikam's words. Looking around he shrugs. "The King's palace that we just left had plenty. Telling that this place does not."
The man looks at Thalia square in the eye and says He says that did he? Well I guess that there ain't much use to a spy whose face can't be mistaken by anybodyhe smiles and goes on But this ain't so bad as you seem to think, people are nice and easily intimidated. And the bandits usually leave us alone, we are near nowhere and don't have enough to make the trip profitable after Sev's words his smile grows and he says Well, I came here, found a man who called himself mayor but was little more than an amateur bullsh*ter, beat the hell out of him and took his place. he looks out the window as he continues People didn't mind, they even liked it once they found out I just wanted the house and free food.
"Aaah," Thalia sings, her grin broadening. "Would that my ambition ended here! To raise an honest man upon a dais to combat a petty tyrant inflated by greed," Winterflower hums and bites her lip against crying out in pain as she places her hand above her afflicted breast dramatically, "would be an appropriate end to a woman of so few means as myself," she jests and giggles.
"How does a man such as yourself become informed about the habits of bandits, if they dare not stray close to your impressive fief, Desmond?" Winterflower inquires.
Sev chuckles at the man's forthright immorality. "Heck, at least you're honest about yourself, I suppose. So, as the pretty lady said, what do you know about these bandits?"
The man grins at Thalia words and explains They don't come here but I move around, a few coins and a few ales and they're tellin' you whatever you wanna know he looks at Thalia I betcha could even save the beers and money part *wink* he looks at the party again and rehearses his knowledge of the bandits There's four bandit lords well actually there's two lords, a lady and a f*cking f*ggot. They's too busy trying to kill themselves to be of much trouble
He draws a small map on his table using spoons, forks and an onion as he explais
To the west are the Bootlifters, they're your classical bandit group, very direct and honest, none of that b*llshit of faking mercy, they get you, you're dead, and they even take the boots from your cold feet. I like them the most. Their leader is a f*cking mountain of a man, they call him the Ox for his strength... and probably for his wit.
To the north there is other group, the smaller of them all, they claim to be Pitax' freedom fighters... but don't you believe it for a second, most of them are just criminals fled from all around Golarion, the leader is a drow for f*ck's sake! He has one of those overcomplicated drow names, but they call him the Dark One... how f*cking imaginative!
The south is the dangerous area, there's the crazy b*tches and then the women. Southwest are the Flaming Knives... they're brutal murderers, they will kill even merchants... that's like cutting your d*mn fruit trees, they are led by a queer fellow, Jorah whatshisname... the only thing I know about him is that he really hates the guts of the Ox for some reason...
The last group is the most reasonable, they're all women, but don't you think they're the typical men-murderers everybody expects. They don't kill their victims unless they resist. They sometimes give food to the poor, and most of them are a f*cking good lay *wink*. There's this little thing they hate... you're a man who's forced himself upon a woman they cut your balls... but hey, that's fair play in my book. The leader is really ugly but I wouldn't say it to her face, I've seen her beat the hell out of half a dozen men in less than a minute. Her name is Arianna, but you'd do well to not say it unless she introduces herself as such. Friendly people call her the Queen, unfriendly people call her the B*tch-queen... but not in a couple miles from her.
Winterflower taps her lips with a callused fingertip, considering the cardinal points on the map whilst Desmond shifts his utensils.
"Not one, but three tasty treats upon which to break my fast?" Thalia hums, smiling at Desmond. She sits back and looks to the group. "I might treat with the queen myself, as friendly as she appears to be to lovely females. I would take a small party in the cover of darkness, if at all possible, so as not to arouse suspicion or inflame hostilities. I should, however, like to meet with the aurochs in the west..." Winterflower trails.
A mountain of a man leading simple bandits, like as not he will be unable to resist more sophisticated charms. This feud with the other, Jorah... We are not likely to learn the cause from his perspective, but a murderer without scruples may prove a valuable tool.
Winterflower sighs, but it is a pleased, almost erotic sound. "What say you, sirs, Lady? Would you like to go West while I shore up support in the south?"
Cyean thinks to himself "An ox, a drow, a lady and a happy man? Such an odd lot to be bandit lords." He thinks for a few more moments before saying "Well that is a very good explanation thank you." He turns to Thalia after she speaks "No, we stay as a group. We have no idea how each of these Lords will react to talks with them. Best to try to ally with one which I suggest the Queen and her group. To prove our support we should tell her we will stop the other groups." Turning back to Desmond he asks "Are these freedom fighters murderers like the Bootlifters and Flaming Knives?"
Worse than murderers, they are proselytizers they bore you to death and then when you can't help but yawn they kill ya... At least the other groups are honest about what they're
"How good of you to completely ignore the context of my proposal, sir," Winterflower dismisses with a growl. "Our host easily passes between representatives of the four groups, though it is unlikely he is unknown to each of them, as a lone, disinterested individual.
"If we are to move as a group as you suggest, we each of us consign ourselves to support of one or the other, and run the risk of inflaming hostilities. One group fighting against three fronts is lunacy! And do not forget that such a large group including several beasts will be quite easy for men of no mean skill to track back to this place. Saw you any defenses as we arrived? Do you believe that those lazy curs outside in the square will defend the people here upon pain of death?"
Winterflower narrows her eyes and gestures to Desmond. "This man rules here on account of the former being unable to combat his fists. It isn't fair by any definition of the word, but the people here accept him, not us. When we leave, they will return to their lives without ever noting our passage. We should strive to keep our involvement here as such."
Cyean's eyes turns cold as he stares at Thalia "I think it is time to clear up a few things Lady Thalia." His voice turns back to the one full of steel that shows he is a warrior "I understand you well you have to understand this however any deal you make with the Bootlifters and Flaming Knives will not go as you think. As soon as one finds out about the other well you will have two groups after us. We might as well kill them now. The one group will cheer us on as we clear out the other. Second I hate bandits such as the Bootlifters and Flaming Knives they need to be removed. The Freedom Fighters on the other hand seems to convert people to their cause you can try to ally with them if you wish. As for the defense of here you assume I wish to stay here. I do not count much on others unless I am told to. I much rather do things myself. Lastly Lady Thalia you are of the court and this " He puts his hands out in a gesture to suggest the outside world "is very different from what you are use to. Inside the city deals and politics rule. Out here as you put it fists rule."
Sev watches the two discussing strategy. "I know this much: once we start making deals, the others, no matter how friendly are going to get treacherous. Now I've no doubt that the pretty lady here can out-treason them all, but the trick is who dies first. 'Cause every one of them will die, sooner or later, friend or foe. My business is the tracking and killing of dangerous creatures. So which one of these bands is most dangerous and needs to be removed first?"
"I should sooner explain myself to a stone. It's understanding would be greater than yours," Winterflower snarls. "Every time I speak you seem to misrepresent my intent, and cause dissension when there should be none.
"I never suggested that any of us remain here, or treating with the villains in the least. I suggested that I alone, or perhaps with Desmond as my guide should treat with the queen, as she is favorably disposed towards women while you lot go to deal with the aurochs in the west. Through words or sword, I care not. As you say, my fists are unable to make any difference in these lands but my tongue might."
The amber in Winterflower's eyes flashes with anger. "As a foreigner, I will thank you not to make any assumptions as to politics and the application of brute force in Pitax, Sir," Winterflower concludes coldly. "You may continue to think me an complete fool so long as it does not challenge your unique perspective of a Lady, but I assure you this one has no need to be coddled by you."
Winterflower rises, and offers a salute to Desmond. "I applaud your cunning, Sir. If you might point me in the direction of the queen?"
Desmond looks befuddled at your arguments I... the queen... you should go south and pray her women find you before the Flaming Knives do... I'm not gonne risk my f*cking neck going south on my own... I pay beers for small groups, I don't go to the house of these people expecting them to like the sight of my face he stands quiet for a few seconds You're really gonna go on your own down there? You realize these are bandits? They won't be taking you with them just because you don't have a c*ck between your legs. If they did I don't think any woman in this area wouldn't have joined 'em by now
He turns to Sev The most dangerous? Well the Ox has more men than the others... that Jorah is the most vicious son of a b*tch I've seen... and if you work for Pitax the freedom fighters would be your... political enemies...
Look... if you're gonna kill yourselves please do it outside, cleaning corpses is a f*cking tiring chore
"Only a true fool would slay a priestess of Calistria," Winterflower replies, "and a greater one still a bard. In addition to my peerless beauty and confidence, I am educated and in possession of many fine talents that any simple brute will find irreplaceable when I convince them it is truth."
"Hmph. I don't know about walking into a devil's den with nothing but a reputation, pretty lady. You sure you don't want accompaniment? Else, I'm all for visiting this Jorah. Vicious I can deal with, but a mad dog needs to be put down 'lest it bite and spread its disease."
"Hear, Hear" Cyean says in agreement with Sev Granger.
"I had thought to set the rabid dog against the aurochs with an ill tale," Winterflower muses. "Where a large group cannot go without leaving track, as Desmond has noted, a song might, or a rumor. If we could but learn what bad blood there is between the two, we could allow their numbers to strike and eliminate each other while we evaluate the most sound tactic for disposing of the leadership."
Winterflower smiles softly at Cyean. "All warfare is politics, Sir Knight. Your agreement with my methods is of no consequence. My perspective, my tongue and lips, the very air in my lungs is of greater value than the arms on you hip. You will see in the coming weeks that men die and are easily forgotten, but ideas, they endure.
"If you will not allow me to work as I propose, I will adopt the methods of my betters."
Cyean shakes his head "That is where you are wrong Lady Thalia but if you wish to believe that do so."
Winterflower strides purposefully up to Cyean and stares him straight in the eyes, and speaks to him in the language of their ancestors.
"You believe me daft, mighty hunter? Speak to me again of the white lion when you have awakened from your slumber."
Winteflower giggles softly, then glides past Cyean and out the door, inclining her head to Desmond and the gunman in a salute before she exits.
"Well, I'd like to put in my two cents as well. I assure you Thalia, this has nothing to do with our, uh hmm rivalry, but with common sense. I agree with Sev and Cyean. We should stick together as group. As for which bandit we visit first, I would choose the Freedom Fighters. They have a cause, which in and of itself will allow them to shore up more power, and I would think it best to take them out before they are too much for us to handle."
A rivalry? Withme? Thalia might have laughed if Felina's fool notion were even remotely amusing. As it were, Winterflower simply dismissed the woman's contribution without so much as a gesture.
Thalia looks to Raxus and Mikam, appraising the mass of the warrior first, then smiling softly at the Brevoyan noble.
"Raxus, I do pray that your animals are trained to attack men. If we are to listen to those wool headed morons within, we soon depart to hunt and kill each member of the four bandit tribes on our own," Thalia reports.
Thalia carefully slings her lute over her shoulder, and into her arms once again, letting her fingers dance across the frets, channeling her pain into humming a perfect pitch to begin tuning the strings.
"What say you, Milord Orlovski? Were you to launch a campaign against the Medvyeds, would you first antagonize the Garesses, the Lebedas and the Surtovas?"
"I think if the King were here, he would be delighted at the notion that we were considering splitting up. That, to me, is a good a reason as any to not do so."
"If the good lady wants to travel south then let her travel south. Doing so with no more information than the barroom ale tales that Desmond has told us seems a poor idea though. There is likely far more to each of these groups than we currently know. I do not trust this mission nor the person who sent us on it. I think that our odd group was assembled to purposely fail. Staying together is, right now, the one true strength we possess."
"Besides," he adds bowing sardonically to Thalia, "I can think of far better places for your body to wind up at than a lonely unmarked grave filled with Pitaxian mud."
"Aye, the Sellen, then? And join the remainder of his failed paramours when they cease to scream when beaten?" Winterflower confirms. "Had he thought me any manner of threat he might have had the courtesy to leave me be."
"They attack what I tell them to." Raxus rumbles. "Isn't getting rid of the bandits what we were called for? Why would we need to split up for that?" As nice as it would be.
"My family has made a long habit of not engaging in open warfare with any of the other families...we find it to be bad for our business if nobody trusts us. That is why our motto is "High Above" because we don't get involved with the muck." Mikam scratches at his chin. "Is there any other way to find out more information before we make a decision? As Toanga says, I don't think we know enough to be able to decide what group we should travel to first. Additionally, do we really want anybody else participating in our own decision making? I would rather discuss this away from any prying ears..." Realizing he just butchered his metaphor he trails off lamely.
"Is there?" Thalia hums and continues tuning her strings. Her hazel eyes flash as she picks at the strings and her smile is almost predatory. "That I would be interested to learn, as well," Thalia says and laughs, and satisfied moves on to tuning another string.
The sound of voices enters through the door as Desmond points at you and says Well, seems you can meet some of them just outside... you haven't been to careful not to attract attentions when coming hee I see...
"There must be windows upstairs from whence these bastards might be observed," Winterflower states. "My Fleet, our fleet, is likely to draw attention. Were it simply myself..." Winterflower bites her lower lip.
"What say you, sirs? Lady? Do we attempt to discern whether or not the friendly courier who refused my invitation at the gate has sent death directly to us with Dyre's blessing, or do we exit and slaughter each and every one of them and persist on our previous course in complete ignorance of the greater threat to our security... and our lives?"
Loading and checking his musket, Sev shakes his head. "Let's go outside and meet our welcoming party. No sense hiding our heads."
"A hunter after mine own heart, loin, and likely bacon," Thalia hums with a note of pleasure in her voice.
Thalia laughs and unbuttons the first few buttons of her blouse, pulls the tails from her britches, which she begins unlacing and pushes down on her hips. As she does this, she begins breathing heavily, working herself into shallow attempts at breath and a full flush.
"Trickery," she gasps, grinning, "is my Lady's domain. Ha! They... talk wise, I... ah! put them to sleep, and... you- ha! Ha! utilize... discretion."
Cyean shakes his head before adjusting the massive blade on his back. He than says "Well let us see if what it is that they want. If it is violence they want it will be violence they get. If they do not just locals curious about newcomers should calm them down." He than looks at Thalia oddly after she starts to act off.
"Perhaps they are just townfolk and are not spoiling for a fight...?", Mikam suggests hopefully, then with a sigh, seeing the rest of the group's preparations, drops his pack on the floor and takes up his shortspear in his hand.
If a fight is required, then a fight it will be. I would rather we try a less violent option first and talk with them.
Sev shrugs. "I'll let the rest of you talk. Just don't get in my line of fire. I'll want to take out the first one fast, shake up the rest if need be."
Thalia concedes the point to the gunman, then, worked into an appropriate froth, charges up the stairs, a trail of inappropriate cries following her wake, becoming quieter the further she gets from the group, you reason, on account of the distance.
Upstairs, Winterflower opens the nearest door, opening to something like a bedroom, and finds a window that opens. She lets loose one last final shrill note of climax , and pulls open her blouse to expose more of her breasts before opening the window and leaning out, flushed and breathing heavily.
"Hallo, strangers! Beg... pardon the... noise. Myself and the lads...Ha! We found this house to be... Irresistible!" Thalia gives a husky laugh. "I may... Ha! Be down to treat with ye directly, should you be of the bent," she continues and grins.
As Thalia looks out of a window to the back of the house she sees a dozen armed men, several of them grinning at the sight of her exposed chest, but a small wiry man, looks unimpressed at the window before saying We know you and your friends are inside and armed, so, if you would come outside this may end without any bloodshed he turns to his men I'm more than sure that you and your group can pay the toll for crossing our lands