"Of course, after I offered people to join me for a drink."
Lanya takes his arm and looks back to see if any of the others follow them.
"Thank you so much Wilhelm, it does still seem a bit chilly. I'll be happy when warm summer nights are here."
As Wilhelm drapes his clok around her shoulders, Draekh appears to scuttle out of her neck and positions himself firmly on her wrist. Seeming a bit frustrated that he was driven from his spot.
"It seems we've got other company as well besides the two of us."
"Thank you for the compliment Wilhelm, you didn't do bad for yourself as well, for a novice in the political scene." She grins and smiles a warm smile at him, leaning with her head on his shoulder for a second.
"I've learned a lot more tact and what to look and aim for doing these scenes. I've always been persuasive, but not as diplomatic."
When they step isndie Oleg's main lodge, she unhooks her arm and goes to Oleg or Svetlana.
"Can I get two glasser of a fine wine from you? Perhaps a good Sellen Arbor from Lebeda or a Nature's Blessing from Medvyed wild fruits?"
When she has gotten the wine she walks back to Wilhelm and hands him one of the glasses. "Here you go Wilhelm, the best Oleg has to offer us at the moment."
She sits down an a bench or couch near the fire, mulling the wine in her glass and sniffing the aroma, then takes a sip. She seems pleased with the taste of it.
"So Wilhelm, what do you want to talk about? I've not heard much of your history besides the basics of your paladin training. Should we begin there or would you like me to start?" She smiles a teasing smile and looks Wilhelm straight in the eyes.
At least he took the bait and took a step himself. I wonder if he keeps it up or if I'll have to keep the flow going.
Before everyone leave, Iyov makes one final gesture. Immediately after Wilhelm signs the document, Iyov raises his glass to a final toast. "To the new Baron Wilhelm Orlovsky. May his reign be blessed." Everyone is the room toasts the new baron. Iyov asserts that he and Aliza will need to spend the next few days at Oleg's, and then they will return to King Surtova with the documents. As Wilhelm and Lanya leave there does seem to be a housing difficulty. Olegs has only 4 rooms and a common room. Oleg had to give one room to Iyov and Mia. One room to the House Pornos guards, and even then several are having to sleep in the common room. One room is being used by Becky and Aliza Pornos. This leaves only one room free. Oleg is very apologetic. "My wife and I will sleep in the common room tonight. You can have our room." he says to Wilhelm.
Torn between bemusement and horror, Wilhelm weakly raises his glass to accept the toast before taking a sip of his wine. Well, I suppose this is off the boat and into the river. Now to see if I sink or swim. Taking hold of himself, Wilhelm manages a smile and says, "Thank you, Iyov. It's only my desire to see Domierov grow into a nation worthy of faith so many have put in it."
Turning, Wilhelm listens to Oleg and makes a soothing motion. "I appreciate the gesture, Oleg. I'm sure the party will be happy to find some use of the room. We'll have to see about expanding your holdings if we're to be doing this long term, eh?" Chuckling, Wilhelm pats the man on the shoulder cheerfully before making a beeline for the exit. Another thing to think about....
Wilhelm exclaims quietly at Lanya's suggestion that she's been merely persuasive rather then diplomatic. "So far as I can tell, if you've no practice at the arts, my old teachers should throw themselves on their swords from shame. Years of dull training in the arts of the diplomatic arts and with the right intonation you manage to sweep Iyov up with precisely what we want done. It's really rather something to behold." Wilhelm chuckles and turns slightly pink as he says, "I'd say it was magical, but that would mean I'd been caught up in your spell." Bowing eloquently as he holds the door to the common room, he also assists her in removing her () cloak.
Setting it aside on one of the nearby hooks, Wilhelm accepts the proffered wine glass with a smile and a nod. "Thank you. A spot of wine and good company on a cold night is a welcome change from the past few weeks." Oblivious to any innuendo, Wilhelm follows Lanya and takes a nearby seat.
"Heh, well normally I'd be inclined to say 'lady's first', but you did ask about me." Taking a sip of his wine as he collects his thoughts, he continues after a moment, "I was born in the Icerime foothills -I think I mentioned that at some point- in a smaller branch of the extended Orlovsky clan. I've two elder brothers, Jacob and Theodoric. They're both the favored sons, following neatly along the path my follow led for them. My sister Salvi, Salvianna -she's only a few years older then I- was the one that I got along best with back home. Her leaving as she married removed one of the few things tying me home. It was actually from her that I heard about this whole endeavor." Finishing his slightly rambling speech with a blush, he sips his wine before saying, "Sorry, that was perhaps a little too much about my family. There was little enough else to be found in our home, so I suppose that's part of it. Anyway, what of you Lanya? Your family is among the Medvyed clan?" Wilhelm listens with rapt attention, meeting Lanya's gaze levelly as he quirks a small smile.
Lanya listens intently as she lays back on the couch, legs curled up under her.
"No that wasn't too much Wilhelm, it's what I asked for didn't I?"
She sighs a little as Wilhelm mentions the family subject to her.
"Well no, I atually don't have any blood-relatives among the Medvyed, though there are some that I would consider family. My lord Alexei, his wife Natasha and their daughter Lissi for instance, Alexei 'adopted' me into his family, so I'm an honorary member of the Medvyed family.
"I haven't seen my real parents for 8 or 9 years. They live at a small farm in Lastwall, near the Fangwood. A dangerous place, but my father is a strong and powerful man, he is able to protect my mother from any harm. Probably why my mother, she is an elf by the way, was so charmed by him that they stayed together."
She stares at Wilhelm, mulling her wine as she does so, looking deep into his eyes while her green eyes seem to light up.
"I left the house at 17, moved to Vigil and stayed there for 3 years. My life there was quite.. 'eventful'.. So eventful that I'd decided to head out again. I came to Brevoy around my 21st birthday, though it seems like a far off memory, a blur in light of recent times. So I've got my blood family, an adopted family and a new family amongst our group here, there are a few people here that I'd like to be able to call family." She smiles and grins.
She plays with a lock of her red hair and looks to the fire, then back again to Wilhelm.
"So what made you decide to become a paladin of Iomedae? You have an innate desire to protect? As I hear it you might be protective of your sister Salvianna aren't you?"
Chuckling, Wilhelm nods affirmatively, "I suppose you did ask, at that." He listens intently to her recitation, curious about her flight from Vigil but tactfully choosing not to ask. Finding himself distracted by her eyes, he has to focus on listening to her. A pair of pretty eyes is no excuse for being rude. Focus on her words, man!
"Just a few you'd like to call family, is it? Curiosity might get the better of me, but I might have an inkling anyway." Returning her grin with a rakish one of his own.
"Ah, I'm afraid that my reasons for wanting to become a paladin are not quite so noble as that." Chuckling ruefully, he shakes his head at the absurdity of his reason, "Actually it was a bard's song that got me to start down my path. The Epic of the Paladin Grachius who single handedly saved the city of Elidir in Cheliax from a rampaging horde of orcs. Or so the story went anyway. His heroics and the glory heaped on him captured my imagination and I wanted the adoration that seemed to be heaped on him."
Flushing slightly in embarrassment, Wilhelm continues, "I started my training as a foolish, spoiled son of a noble who expected things to go easily for me, but my first week disabused me of the notion. It took some time, and many an hour scrubbing pots, but as I was instructed in actual teachings of Iomedae, my desire for glory alone began to wane and I started to see the good that could be done if I were willing to set aside some of my more foolish notions." Wilhelm looks a little distant as he continues his recollection, "I can remember the real tipping point was when I learned the true story behind Grachius. He did indeed save the city, but instead of accolades, he had died in the doing. Fighting as a desperate rearguard as the city was evacuated, he sold his life that the people of the city -strangers to him, actually- fled with their lives. That moment, grave as it was, struck a chord with me. To be selfless and willing to lay down your life in order to protect those who could not protect themselves, even a hated enemy? That's what a paladin suddenly meant to me. To be a true hero, not just a man from a bard's song. Not that I'd begrudge a song about me, of course."
Wilhelm chuckles at his own quip, looking wistful, "From there, I took to my work without any hesitation, giving it my all. A few years and with much help, I stand as you see me now. My faith in my Lady has only grown as time goes on and I see the righteousness of her words." Focusing on Lanya again, Wilhelm shrugs and grins, "I think that's the gist of it. My foolish start down the path of the paladin and my redemption at Iomedae's hands. I still crave glory -shameful as it is now- but I hope to work past that. I try to tell myself it's only been a few years, but... that never quite satisfies my guilt."
Taking a sip of his eyes, Wilhelm watches Lanya over the top of his glass, eyes twinkling in the firelight, "You know... I think you may be the only person who's heard that story its entirety- my sister excepted." Grinning, he continues, "Ah, and you asked about her as well. To be honest she was often the one protecting from my brother's taunting and pranks. Brothers seven and eight years older seem to always find a way to rub you the wrong way. I suppose I am protective of her, now that I've grown, but to be honest I'm not sure she needs it. She's always been a bit of a firebrand and I have no doubt her husband -a lesser son of Garess, I recall- has had his hands full trying to keep up with her."
Running a hand through his hair, Wilhelm says, "I've always admired the passion for life and the fire... the ardor in... her" The last is said in a hesitant tone, as if unsure about what he wanted to say.
Lanya listens intently, looking at Wilhelm's flushing cheeks from time to time. She also senses his curiosity about Vigil as he seemed to want to ask about it, but then shut his mouth.
"A fine story Wilhelm, thank you for sharing that with me. Each start on their road of life from people across the lands is riddled with difficulties and choices to make. Eventually we grow out of our foolish notions for the better of it, but it's those notions that make us who we are."
She stares into her glass of wine, hesitating about her next words, she looks around to check if no=one is there and then glances back and forth betweenWilhelm's eyes, the fireplace and her glass.
"As you've been so forthcoming with your story, I can't help but feel a little guilty in not telling my whole story as well. As a paladin I think you would understand the why, but can not condone the how."
"Growing up on my parent's farm I already learned I had a natural gift of lying and easy smiles that made telling half-truths or even a straight lie so much easier. I got away with many mischief and got out under many a chore by doing so."
She actually looks a little ashamed of telling this part of her history, as she sighs a long sigh, frowns and continues.
"I came to Vigil to make a life for myself, I loved the farm but I wanted to see the big city, live there and earn my own pay. As you may very well know, even in the most virtuous of cities there are women performing the oldest profession in the world."
Lanya looks at Wilhelm, sees the confused look on his face and holds up a hand in objection.
"No, no, I wasn't one of them, I was a waitress and serving girl in the 'Last Caravan' inn. But my biggest story and reason for moving out to brevoy has to do with them. As you no doubt have noticed," she says with a wink to Wilhelm, "I was and still am seductive and pretty, the patrons of the inn gave me generous tips. There was one customer, a man called Sharvos Mazs, who thought I could be much more than that. After my shift ended I walked home to a nearby small house I shared with some other serving girls, it was in a dark alley he waited on me. He wanted to force me into this age-old business which he was running and attempted to make me see his point. It was at that point I bit him in his hand with a force greater than my own, as well as teeth that were not my own. He let me go right after that"
"I was scared the whole night through and several days after that until I heard that Sharvos died of a poisonous wound. It was at that time that I put two and two together, sought help from the mage's guild in Vigil and found out about my 'destiny'."
She looks apologetically at Wilhelm.
"Sorry, that's a subject for a different night, I'm drifting off topic. Anyway the wizards there taught me I had an innate talent for magic and taught me how to use a few and how to use wands and such, I even managed to get my hands on a special wand from one of those wizards. Continuing my work as a waitress I heard a lot of rumors about other women being forced to work as prostitutes, I made up my mind the that I would help them."
"I found out several of them working in Vigil in the last one and a half year, the first to feel retribution was a man whom I offered my 'services' to, his name was Archibald Tess. He wanted to have a test drive of sorts, I convinced him I'd go and put on something more comforting and left the room with a message for him he should read after I was out. When I got down to the ground floor, the outer wall of that room blew up and him with it. There were others like Archibald in Vigil that suffered a similar fate, after which the enquiry into a captivating red-headed elven woman was started and I escaped before they got wind of me."
She looks Wilhelm in his eyes, with a sterner gaze than before.
"That episode of my life, I became known as the Crimson Fury among the back Streets of Vigil. I've helped many women at that point, but I know my methods were less than savory. It's at that point when I left Vigil, I discarded the wand of Explosive Runes and decided to take a different road with my life yet again."
She looks with a more pleasant gaze at Wilhelm now, smiling faintly as she asks him a last question.
"I know it's a lot to take in, but do you understand why I did what I've done? People not from Vigil or Lastwall would never even have heard of those events, so nobody here knows this besides you and I. Can you keep this information safe?"
Pharast 16
The following day is cold and although the snow has stopped, about 8" remain on the ground. Sanita and Fharn start out that morning. Iyov, Mia and Aliza elect to remain until the snow melts a little. Oleg and Svetlana are extremely busy. The snowstorm has brought everyone in the surrounding area to the Post and along with the nobles the place is very crowded and busy. About 4 PM, a guard calls out the a group approaches. A grim looking Dante rides in, followed closely by Dareon and Masamura. Dareon and Masamura can barely ride, their horses were being led by ropes by Dante, and the two are actually lashed into their saddles. There is no sign of Felix.
Sipping at his wine and still feeling some residual guilt, Wilhelm listens to Lanya's reply. She's right, I think. Overcoming our own foolishness is a sign of our growth. A milestone that marks the path we've taken.
Feeling better, he watches Lanya for a moment, noting her hesitation and sense of discomfort. As she expresses her own guilt, Wilhelm's brows furrow slightly and he stands and walks to her couch, sitting down a comfortable distance away and laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Lanya, you have nothing to prove to me by telling this story. If you wish to tell me your tale, I'd be happy to hear it, but I don't want you to feel pressured to tell it either. You've already demonstrated you've a good heart, one that I trust. Alright?"
As she continues her tale, Wilhelm listens to her story with rapt attention. He notices her discomfort as she mentions her childhood escapades and smiles slightly. It seems I'm not the only one who has things to regret. She spoke from personal experience. As she begins to tell her story in Vigil, Wilhelm arches his eyebrow and flushes red, incredulous. When Lanya clarifies her meaning, his flush begins to fade and he clears his throat, "I sincerely doubted that was what you were getting at."
Her impish wink a moment later causes Wilhelm's flush to return slightly. Despite his blush, he does manage to say in a level tone, when she pauses, "I'd likely have said you're irresistibly beautiful, but I suppose that description works."
Her continued story, and the fate of Sharvos Mazs, does surprise the young paladin. His eyebrows raised in surprise, he nods his head thoughtfully. This was self-defense though, so I can hardly blame her for fighting back. Waving away her apology, he says, "That's quite alright, Lanya. I'm curious to hear about your 'destiny', as you put it, but I can be patient if the motivation is right. Another guaranteed evening spent talking with you certainly qualifies as motivation." Grinning mischieviously over his wineglass, he takes a sip as he continues to listen.
As Lanya's story continues, Wihelm begins to look thoughtful, frowning as he worked through what she was telling. She did say I'd probably approve of the goal, if not necessarily the means. Lanya has my number there. Forcing women into prostitution is a heinous crime, so I can hardly weep for them. Wilhelm returns Lanya's gaze, noticing the steel in her eyes that he had been too distracted to see before. A beautiful woman, dangerous, but with good intentions. She's proven herself to be nothing but trustworthy and this is hardly reason to change that trust.
Still thinking, he refocuses on her as she turns from telling a tale to asking questions. He nods definitively to her first question and, after some further reflection, to her second as well, "It's indeed quite a bit to take in. Those men... what they did was abhorrent and they deserved punishment. But I think you're right in saying I can't wholly approve. On the other hand, I've only lived the life of a noble, who's had the law at his side. I can hardly judge you for striking back at the evil these men perpetuated." Pausing a moment, he looks into Lanya's eyes, consideringly, before saying, "I vow that none here shall learn of your tale by my lips, unless you do so instruct me in person that it is acceptable to do so. My word is my bond."
Taking a sip of his wine and reclining on the couch, Wilhelm gives Lanya a sidelong look, smiling faintly. "I had alright gathered that you were a formidable woman, but you seem to have a knack for surprising me." Glancing down at his near-empty glass, he fiddles with the glass for a moment nervously, before saying, "Perhaps remarkable is a better word, I'm not sure. I'm hardly a poet, though I've always had something of an appreciation for it." Raising his eyes to return her gaze, he stretches out a hand tentatively to take one of hers.
Blushing slightly pink, Wilhelm bows his head and brushes the back of her hand with his lips, Wilhelm meets Lanya's gaze with a warm smile, "Thank you, honestly, for sharing your story with me. It means a lot to me that you trust me with this. I hope to do your trust proud, Lanya." Lowering his hand, he maintains a gentle hold, though Lanya could easily retrieve her hand, if she wished.
"Yeah..." Fhârn glances at Lanya as she leaves and then back at Wilhelm. With a smile and a blink he adds "I'm sure you two will find something to do! Hahahaha!" He knowingly pats Wil on the shoulder, still laughing. "But in all honesty, take care! How did it go yesterday, with the bankers - by the way ?"
Rolling his eyes and ignoring Fhârn's quips, Wilhelm replies to the more serious question, "As well as one might expect. Thanks to both Lanya and I's diplomatic acumen, we've set up terms for the dissolution of this compact, as they're calling it. Once our kingdom reaches a certain size, we'll be able to strike out on our own. Until that time, I'll be beholden to our backers. The terms are, in brief..." Wilhelm proceeds to quietly outline the terms of the agreement, careful to make sure there's no one else in earshot.
Having finished relating the business events from the night before, Wilhelm nods to the pair and says, "I suppose you'd best be off while the weather holds. Take care and I'll look forward to your return in a few weeks."
Looking up from his work, Wilhelm looks towards the gate where he'd heard the guard's signal and is surprised to see Dante and two sickly looking companions. Standing and gathering his papers in a hurry, he strides outside calling as he goes, "Iomedae protect, what happened to you? Where's Felix? No... wait, let's get you inside and out of the cold first."
Carefully moving the papers into his pack, he assists in getting Dareon and Masamura down from their horses and into the warmth of the outpost. Motioning Dante ahead, he sees to their horses as well.
Once that's done, he returns inside and looks each of the men over. Clicking his tongue in vexation, he briefly touches first Dareon and then Masamura on the head. A white glow envelops each and they feel less fatigued by their previous exertions. Looking to Dante, he asks, "So, I take it things didn't go as well as I'd have hoped. Can you tell me what happened?"
She notices Wilhelm reaching for her hand, she lets him reach and take it. So he's over his initial shyness, that's good. Something tells me he is already smitten, though I have to admit he's quite good-looking as well. If he continues this chivalry and the advances he might have a good chance.
Lanya returns Wilhelm's smile with a warm one of her own.
"I have no doubt you will Wilhelm. A paladin like you should be trusted to keep his word. It's a specific part of me that's hidden away, I have the feeling I or perhaps better we need that part here again. A more determined and forceful aspect of me, the one that keeps freedom for all in mind."
She squeezes Wilhelm's hand slightly, holding his hand for a little while before getting up.
"I thank you for this talk Wilhelm. I enjoyed getting to know you better, but I'd think we'd best call it a night. After all we have important days ahead of us. I do recall Oleg mentioning something of his and Svetlana's room available to the two of us. If you don't mind sleeping in the same room as I do, but don't get anything in your head just yet. We all need you with a clear mind, not one that is wandering off to certain topics."
She adds with a wink and a soft touch of her hand on Wilhelm's cheek. She then gets up in earnest and walks away from Wilhelm, swaying her hips from left to right before getting up the stairs to the room.
If this doesn't make his head spin, I must've lost my touch. She thinks to herself as she grins satisfied.
Lanya's day had been spent conversing with the many newcomers to the outpost, inquiring them about any new they've heard or any tales or gossip that roams the Greenbelt.
Afterwards she's conversing with Draekh, feeding him and asking him questions, especially regarding his previous mistress and his thoughts about Wilhelm.
Regarding Wilhelm Draekh, whispers to her. "I'd say he's quite robust and unbending. He's a good sort with a good head and heart, not everyone here has that."
The image of Lanya, hissing at Draekh or talking in such a different tongue might seem very strange indeed to some of the onlookers at Oleg's but Lana doesn't really care.
When the horn shouts, she looks up and walks towards the walls of the trading post. Seeing the vague familiar shapes of Dante, Masamura and Dareon, she quickly moves to the gates in time with Wilhelm to see what has happened to the three of them.
"You look like you've been in a lot of trouble. Where's Felix? Don't tell me we've lost him again."
Fhârns tries to hide his amusement as Wil skips right over to the terms of their agreement. When it is done, he nods and salutes. "Doesn't sound to horrible, in essence they are giving us a free kingdom. Can't argue with that. It will certainly be exciting to see what happens in this weeks we will be gone. but - no need to drag it out. Be seeing you!"
Lanya proves quite adept at tracking down rumors. The most prevalent rumor involves herself and Wilhelm. There is alot of excitement about the founding of the new kingdom, leading some people talk about old stories they have heard about the last human kingdom in the area. It was a consortium of miners, so rumors of lost gold mines abound. It was destroyed from within by agents of Gyronna and some say a monastary of hers exists somewhere on the Tuskwater. Most everyone is convinced that the wagons outside contain bars of gold. There is some concern about a trapper named Breeg. No one has seen him for two weeks now. She overhears some merchants from Pitax complaining that the East Sellen River trade has been threatened by increasing violence from the boggard tribes that live the swamp known as the Hooktongue Slough.
Wilhelm listens to Lanya, hand in hand, while internally struggling to suppress a giddy grin. Hopefully it's not just me as a paladin she trusts, but me as a man. Still, I can't fault that she sees my honesty through that lens.
Spluttering and flushing crimson at Lanya's suggested sleeping arrangements, Wilhelm manages to start breathing regularly again after a brief moment. "I... er, I was going to... the room... you... and Sanita? I suppose that's... fine. Though it will take some force of will to keep a clear mind in these... circumstances." He grins feebly, still blushing pink, as he responds. "I'll be along shortly. I'd like to take a walk outside to... check on the horses... and the prisoners."
Watching her go, he recomposes himself for a moment before doing as he said he would. Returning inside from the cold, he stomps the snow from his boots before also finding Oleg/Svetlana and thanking the pair for their generosity.
With the frost of winter on his breath, Dante rides through the gates at Oleg's with his miserable companions rolled up in his winter blanket and looking somewhat like children, mounted behind the large warrior.
His armor coated in frost the cold doesn't seem to bother Dante at all, having spent entire winter campaigns in weather like this.
"Hey! I need some hot water and food over here!" He shouts as he rides in.
Looking up from his work, Wilhelm looks towards the gate where he'd heard the guard's signal and is surprised to see Dante and two sickly looking companions. Standing and gathering his papers in a hurry, he strides outside calling as he goes, "Iomedae protect, what happened to you? Where's Felix? No... wait, let's get you inside and out of the cold first."
Carefully moving the papers into his pack, he assists in getting Dareon and Masamura down from their horses and into the warmth of the outpost. Motioning Dante ahead, he sees to their horses as well.
Once that's done, he returns inside and looks each of the men over. Clicking his tongue in vexation, he briefly touches first Dareon and then Masamura on the head. A white glow envelops each and they feel less fatigued by their previous exertions. Searching the room for Oleg, Wilhelm motions towards his companions before saying, "Some tea and food for this sickly looking pair. Maybe something a little stiffer for Dante."
Returning his gaze to Dante, he asks, "So, I take it things didn't go as well as I'd have hoped. Can you tell me what happened?"
"We ran into some undead thing at a bridge, decided to handle it in force so turned back. Things were going fine til the cold got to these two. Fragile is the word I'll use. I will take you up on that drink."
After handing over his reigns Dante heads inside of Oleg's,"Hail Oleg, whiskey if you would."
When Wilhelm rejoins them, "How went the politicking? Not to boring I hope?"
Masamura looks at Dante."Been a bit since I experienced the cold like that. Guess I need to get some cold weather suited clothing and some furs."
Dareon shakes and shivers as he and they others ride to Oleg's, and only thinks of the impending warmth and safety at the trading post for the entirety of the ride. It's the only thing that keeps him going.
As they ride into the Post, at last, he barely registers that they're there, and barely looks up as Wilhelm lifts him, bodily, from hisplace on the horse onto the ground. Suddenly, though, energy infuses his body and the aches and pains are soothed away. He looks up, quite suddenly, to see their charming and muscular leader standing tall above him and Masamura. He smiles weakly at the man and stands (with help from his quarterstaff) to look him in the eye. Well, almost. He has to look up a little bit, of course. "Thanks..."
He staggers off into the Fort, to rest and recuperate.
As Dante's Group comes riding in, they notice several guarded wagons outside. And they are guarded by two redskinned humanoids with big falchions, one of the humanoids is a giant. Oleg brings over some strong whiskey to Dante, while Svetlana plops Dareon and Masamura at a table near the fire and gives them both some wonderful chicken soup. The bar is once again fairly crowded, with all the snow outside, there's really only four places to be, The Trading Post proper, The Storeroom, The Stables or The Rooms. Aliza and Mia are currently in their rooms along with several guards. Iyov and Lanya seem to be chatting up the locals. Four human guards sit at one table playing a card game, which the young gnome Becky has interrupted, asking them to teach her how to play.
"Huh.", pipes up Dareon. "Eidolons. I'd always been interested in eidolon summoning, but I've never...seen it up close, in person. Maybe I'll have to take a closer look later."
"Not a problem. Glad it seems to be helping a bit. I feel badly that you got stuck out in the cold without gear. Masamura has a good point there. We should probably all look for cold weather gear when we get the chance." Wilhelm gently claps Dareon on the shoulder and grins.
Taking a seat alongside Dante, Wilhelm waves away Oleg's inquiring glance. Thinking for a moment, he listens to Dante's question but doesn't immediately respond. Nothing about Felix. I can't imagine he's hurt or Dante would surely have mentioned it. Still, an undead thing in the water? Anastacia will likely know more about how to deal with such a creature. Setting aside the thought for later, Wilhelm nods to the elder man and says, "Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts for a moment. An undead guarding the river approach seems like something Anastacia will want to look into. As for politics, I think things went as well as we could have hoped. Leaving out a lot of unnecessary political jargon, we'll be forming a new nation with controlling interests from Restov and Brevoy having a say over the leadership of the nation. In turn, they've provided a princely stipend with which to grow our kingdom. Of note, there will be five people who have a vote in the leadership of our band."
Gesturing towards the man chatting with a few local trappers, Wilhelm says, "Lord Iyov Damrosch, who I assume you know from the Surtovan court, will be Brevoy's representative on the Charter's council. That gnome lass over there with the guards is Lady Rebecca -Becky- Pornos. Her family is the most significant of our financial backers. Her mother, Lady Aliza Pornos, will be taking the second seat on the council. The final three seats are held by our backers in Restov."
"Under the terms of the charter, we're responsible for maintaining trade along the South Rostland Road. Other then that responsibility, we'll be a roughly independent nation that can claim territory to the south of Brevoy and as far southeast to the Tors of Levenies. Apparently there's another fledgling nation being set up by the mercenary lordling Maegar Varn." Pausing to check if Dante's eyes had dulled over yet, Wilhelm grins before saying, in a near whisper, "Our greatest success though, is that Lanya and I negotiated to cut the time we must remain beholden to our backers. We will be able to strike out independently as soon our fledgling nation contains five thousand citizens."
Smiling with self-satisfaction, Wilhelm leans back and waits, curious what Dante's reaction will be.
"Lord Damrosch, yes I know him. 5000 citizens huh? Shouldn't be to difficult especially if a good portion of those are military." Dante drinks his whiskey throughout the disscussion and waves to Oleg for a refill whenever he runs out.
"Orders for me Lord Wilhelm?" he asks downing another glass.
Masamura eats his soup all the while grumbling that can vaguely be made out by those nearby..."If we do that... We could... Of course that would mean..."
Oleg is happy to keep Dante's mug full and Dante actually see the Iyov Damrosch animatedly talking to some loggers nearby.
Pharast 18
A thaw has set in, and Iyov and Aliza plan to leave tomorrow. Dareon and Masamura are totally recovered. Near sunset that evening, a cry comes up from the guards and Rowan's group rides in, looking slightly tired but undamaged.
Anastacia rides with her hood thrown back. The spring sun feels good on her face. Not as good as getting out of her heavy armor and a hot bath will, but good enough.
Catching sight of Oleg's Trading post, a grin cracks her usually dour face. "Now there's a sight for sore eyes."
Leaning forward, Anastacia spurs Fauchard into a brisk canter. She wonders if Oleg has got her order in. Perhaps the others are back from their survey of the land, it will be good to compare notes with them, if any are back.
Anastacia heads straight for the stable to drop her horse off, then hurries toward Oleg's common room. Catching sight of that worthy fellow, she strides over. "Ah Oleg, good to see you again. I trust you haven't been bothered by bandits of late?"
Anastacia produces coin from her belt pouch. "I would like a room, if you've got one. And a hot bath."
Lanya sits lazily at the table with Dante and Wilhelm listening to the conversation, eyeing the newcomers into Oleg's and keeping a silent watch over the rest. Draekh sits lazily on her shoulder, appearing to be asleep, but the subtle movements of his head seem to betray his vigilance.
Lanya smiles as she looks to Iyov, waving as she sees him glancing from now and then to their table. Now he knows we know he's listening in, of course he wants to know what kind of people he has done business with.
When the conversation has a pause in it, Lanya leans forward and puts her hands together on the table.
"Just to let you know, Iyov is listening in on us, choose your words carefully or talk less loudly." She says softly.
"It's now also the time to lay out the foundations of our kingdom, where to start and where to go. Also I think I've heard Wilhelm talk in his sleep about further exploration, perhaps we'd need to wait and see what Rowan's group brings back for news." She says, a bit louder, but still a more softer tune than the conversation first was.
Lanya was sitting at a table, enjoying a light and early supper while writing a new letter, but the words weren't really coming to her to describe the new situation. I'll have to tell Alexei of what has happened here, who's in charge now and the new involvement of Iyov and the Pornos family. Good council from out of our group might be very useful
When the door opens and the glistening of an heavy suit of armour draws her attention she looks up and immediately recognizes Anastacia. Putting pen and paper down, she walks up to her and embraces her like a sister.
"Welcome back Anatacia, good to see you still in good health. How was your trip back to Oleg's? I hope you've got more interesting stories to tell than I have, politics can become a drag eventually." She smiles at the last part.
“Interesting stories, m’lady?” yells Bej when the others greet them “I’d say we can talk about this around a campfire or two, ah?” says the wizard as he lifts a blanket from Fortune’s back, revealing the nature of his cumbersome cargo.
It is the head of a gigantic boar, easily the size of a grown man’s torso, with tusks like pikeheads.
“Anastacia used her Pharasmin magic to keep the rot at bay, but I’m afraid this beast smelled in life almost worse than it would in death. Still, a nice trophy to hang over Oleg’s counter, ain’t it?”
“I’m guessing it’s getting crowded in here with all these folks. I’m happy leave rooms to others, I’ll set up my bedroll under the canopy. I’m afraid the stink of this beast rubbed off on me during the travel, wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer it.”
Lanya smiles, good to see you too again Bej."[/b] She takes a moment to take in the large size of the boar's head and thinks it might have been a good thing to not see the live beast up close.
"That's quite a head there, must've been a tough task right? I think Oleg will be quite pleased with that head. If you're bothered by the smell you could always clean your clothes using magic. It's a very handy spell at feasts and parties I might add."
"That's the hope. As for orders, I'm curious as to Felix's whereabouts." As Wilhelm continues to converse with Dante, he notices the subtle glances Iyov was directing at the table. When Lanya confirms his suspicions, he nods slightly in acknowledgement. He could just join the conversation. I think the only thing I wouldn't want him to hear was in a whisper anyway.
He twists his mouth in a mixture of amusement and chagrin as Lanya makes a point of calling out how they slept in the same room. Not necessarily the impression I'd like to make on our backers should word reach them. Still, nothing of impropriety happened so there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Clearing his throat, he continues, "In any case, I'd appreciate a report on what happened before you encountered the undead. I take it Felix is alive, presumably at the Sootscales, but why is he there and not here? And yes, m'lady, I do think some further exploration is warranted given how quickly Dante and the rest have returned. I think we'll wait for Rowan's party to return before setting out again, though."
Hearing Masamura's mumbling, Wilhelm gestures to him and asks, "My apologies Masamura, you were saying something?"
Sighing at the formidable, and growing, stack of papers outlining supply deliveries and labor reports, Wilhelm is grateful to hear a call from the guards. Here's hoping that's Fhârn back from his trip. If I have to go over another set of itemization reports for our first delivery, I may well go mad. Gathering his papers into a neat bundle, he packs them away to venture outside. Feeling a twinge of disappoint as he finds that Fhârn hasn't returned, he still grins as he sees Rowan's group riding in, "Welcome back, Anastacia. The rooms are sadly rather filled, but you're welcome to share the one we have with Lanya."
Whistling softly as Bej holds up the boar's head, "Now there's an impressive beast. I'm sure Oleg will be thrilled by that find. As for a bunk, I'm sure we can find a place by the fire."
Once the newcomers are settled and recovered from their ride, Wilhelm asks, "In the next day or two, I'd like to start exploration again. I know you've only just arrived, but it'll be at least a week or two before Sanita and Fhârn can return from their excursion. I'd like to use that time to secure the area around this outpost."
Giving everyone a moment to respond, Wilhelm continues, "I also have some matters of business I'd like to discuss in private a little later. Rest first, relax and once I've secured a room, we can meet."
Dante continues to drink with Wilhelm and Lanya at Olegs, "Aye Felix was somewhat of a champion to the Kobolds, they were all quite taken with...her, I guess, new form. Felix decided to stay feeling he could do the most good from where he, er, she was."
Dante raises an eyebrow at Lanya's talking in his sleep comment. The solemn soldier smiles. "Ah good for you both, a man needs a woman especially a leader, and king. How soon until a princely bun in your oven there Lanya?" Dante lets out a heartfelt laugh for his friends found fortune in relationships.
After a day of rest, Dante sits down in the morning with a candle and paper at a table in the common room of Oleg's. Taking out a quill he pens two letters. The first to his father the King Surtova's cousin telling him of the quest so far and his position within the new regime. He asks for any spare conscripts and after the health of the rest of his family. He signs it, Lord Dante Elwin Albert Surtova the Skyborn General.
The second letter he sends to his contacts at the Skysword Academy, asking his old compatriots to inform any promising students of the opportunity on the frontier and asks if any in particular would make a decent squire and apprentice.
A night of rest did Dareon quite a bit of good after his run-in with such terrible weather, and when he emerges from his nice, warm bed on the morning of Pharast 18 to see Rowan and his group returning with a massive boar's head, proof of their victory, he beams widely. Boisterously engaging in conversation with any who will stand him, he smiles at everyone.
Ah, the excitement of youth and of success. They were starting something historic. This was amazing. Simply amazing.
Lanya grins and the smile almost turns into laughter, jsut before it does she keeps her hand for her mouth.
"Excuse me all for that. Dante, nothing happened between us, Oleg and Svetlana gave us the room for the time we stay here. It would have been rude to turn them down. We actually slept with two separate blankets. I'm not one to deny a good friend a comfortable bed just to sleep alone you know."
Grinning as they approach the outpost Vors turn to the others. "Now it is time for good ale and a bed under a roof."
Once benched in the common room with a pint of ale he looks to the others there. "Now it is time for stories, you must have some. We certainly do," he bellows.
Pharast 18\
Oleg returns Anastacia's greeting with a heartfelt. "No, My Lady. No bandits." He returns the offered money. I won't take coin from anyone who helped rescue Svetlana from the bandits to stay here. But, I'm afraid that all the rooms we have are full." He pauses for a moment then goes over and counts out some coin and walks over to the table where the poker is being played. "Commander Greaves, I'm sorry but the remainder of your men are going to have to camp here in the common room tonight. Here is your money back for last night and tonight. If you would be so good to have them leave the room now I would appreciate it." The man addressed as Commander Greaves looks like he is about to protest, but a glance from the young gnome sitting next to him evidently causes him accept Oleg's terms. In a few moments Anastacia has a room. As to her question about baths, he replies. "We don't have 'how did that Bug Girl say it' amenities here. There is a shower out back, and Svetlana can heat some water over the fire, but it still will be mighty cold." When Oleg sees the boar's head, he and the other trappers in Post crowd around Bej in wonderment saying things like . What a beast! Weighed near half a ton, I'd wager. One of the ones who approaches is a one legged retired hunter named Vekkel Benzen. Oleg starts to claim the prize as a trophy over the bar but Vekkel stops him. "Finally met your end, you demon boar." he says to the boar. Oleg, you've always wanted a Tatzelwyrm head for you bar, not Tuskgutter's head. By Erastil I am owed my vengence." He turns to Bej. Young fella. I'll give you my longbow and a quiver of magic animal killing arrows for rights to that there head."
Dante completes his letters.
"No, No, Oleg. Let the men keep their room. I can share a room with Lanya. Or set up my tent in the yard." Giving Oleg an enigmatic smile Anastacia adds: "You're going to need a bigger inn." Anastacia wants to speak to Lanya as soon as possible, but before she leaves Oleg she asks him to see to getting the water heated. "Cold or no, I need the grime of travel and battle washed away.Let me know when it's ready, please."
Anastacia then joins Lanya and the others. "As Bej said, we killed that big old boar. We also met some of the fey that live in the area. A grig called Tyg-Titter Tut, and A fairy dragon called Perlivash. They seemed friendly enough, though they have an alien way of thinking. They will need careful handling, if we are to remain at peace with them."
Anastacia pauses, her mood darkens. "As you know, a fey circle formed around Jake's body where it lay out overnight. The ring had an aura of dark evil, so I attempted to dispel the magic. With success it seems. However, it seems that Jake has bound his soul to a dark fey power. It would not surprise me if it was the same entity you were telling us about."
Anastacia leans in close to Lanya, her voice dropping. Only those close to the two can hear what she says next, in a voice barely above a whisper.
"I asked Tyg-Tytter-Tut about the soul binding. Asked her who among the fey had the power and inclination to do such a deed. The Green Lady, I was told. So now we have a name."
Anastacia's green eyes glow with fury. "Even if they are not the same person, that soul binding trick is an affront to Pharasma. I'm going to have to deal with her and put a stop to any more of that kind of thing. Permanently."
Masamura glances back at Wilhelm."Thinking we might want to look into filling in our ranks with some mercenaries. Maybe offer them minor positions such as command of their own Regiment or something for the warriors, a temple or shrine for the priests, maybe a Godswood for Shaman, a Thieves' Guild for a Thief, and so on."
To Lanya and Dante's conversation on her and Wilhelm."To bad would have been an interesting time in the kingdom then..."He then gulps down the last of his tea then grins at something in his mind.
Masamura looks up at Anastacia when she is finished talking."Looks like you could use a warm bath and time to relax... If you wish I can set-up a way to heat the water in a bath. All I need is a large enough barrel or a metal tub. Though the barrel would be better. And did you say a Dragon? That might prove to be a wonderful ally in the future."
"A tiny dragon, with butterfly wings. Anastacia clarifies with a smile. "But no doubt a doughty ally if one could win his trust."
Anastacia is intrigued. She wonders what Masamura could have in mind. "Oleg may have something like that. You'd have to ask him."
Lanya leans in closer as well as Anastacia leans in to whisper.
Nodding slowly she acknowledges her words. "So now we have a name or at least an alias. That's good to know."
Then she backs off again and resumes on a normal tone.
"I do believe we have some other requests still to do, but if Perlivash and Tyg-Tytter-Tut need our help we should lend it to them. It would be wise to have allies amongst the fey."
She turns to Wilhelm with a slight look of authority over her.
"Wilhelm, didn't Oleg ask for a Tatzlwyrm head? That hunter seemed to agree with us, perhaps he knows where to find one. We also have a request from Jhod Khavken, the priest of Erastil, if I'm not mistaken, didn't he want to explore and cleanse a temple to Erastil nearby? We could explore and handle those requests at the same time."
Wilhelm blushes slightly as Dante's assumption and nods to affirm Lanya's reply, "I'd originally suggested sleeping on the floor, but Lanya pointed out that would be a criminal waste of the bed. Now, I believe we have further business..."
Listening to Masamura, Wilhelm nods thoughtfully in agreement until a thief's guild is mentioned. "I'm not sure I'm at all comfortable with a state supported guild of thieves. We're meant to facilitate trade on the road and form a new nation of some quality and I don't see how supporting that sort of behavior is beneficial. Still, your suggestions have significant merit. I think we need to start attracting people here first though, as there's few enough fighters to be found. Keep your eyes and ears open for anyone who may want to join our cause though. We'll need the manpower sooner rather than later."
Casting a discreet sidelong glance at Iyov to see if he was still listening, Wilhelm continues, "Once the other party returns, I'd like to do some further exploration of area around Oleg's and on the Rostland road to make sure there are no impediments to trade. Safe delivery of goods to our nation will be critical for maintaining support and guaranteeing our needed supplies reach us."
Hopefully word of my goals reaches the rest our backers in Restov. If we can get further financial support, we'd be in a good place.
Ushering the group into the tightly cramped room, Wilhelm addresses a few of the outstanding concerns. "I'm interested in this pair you're talking about. If they're so close, good relations with them seems critically important. Perhaps once we have a few more followers working with us, we can set up some sort of ambassador to the Fey to address their concerns."
Turing to Lanya, smiling faintly for a moment as he looks at her, he continues after a pause, blushing, "Ahem, right. Lanya makes a good point, we have some other work we can be about. We should keep our eye out for those things, but I'd like to secure our backing from our sponsors first. For those who don't know, here is the situation politically..." Wilhelm proceeds to explain the concepts behind the
Compact and their diplomatic victories.
Giving a moment for his explanations to sink in Wilhelm continues, "As you can see, if we're going to see large ongoing deliveries to our kingdom from Restov, we need to secure the road with a certainty. We also should secure the area around Oleg's so that we have some breathing room. Once we start expanding, we need to have a place for farmers to settle so we can have a harvest in before next winter. There'll be little enough time so any exploration we can do now is time saved later."
Wilhelm pauses a moment to give everyone an opportunity to argue with his reasoning, "To that end, I'd like to split into two groups. One group will explore along the Rostland road to the southeast and make a loop further south to explore the area due south of this outpost. The second group should Travel a short ways along the road to the north before breaking west and continuing south deeper into the forest. Perhaps we can make further contact with the fey, Tyg-Titter-Tut and Perlivash as I recall, and learn something more from them about the area."
Looking over the assemblage, Wilhelm does a quick headcount before saying, "Alright, I think the first group exploring to the east will consist of Anastacia, Vors, Bej, Masamura, and Dareon. The group will consist of Lanya, Rowan, Dante, and I. I'd like Lanya's diplomatic acumen and Rowan's knowledge of nature to be readily available as we explore the forest. Does anyone have further suggestions on how to divide the groups? I think should spread our varied skills around reasonably well, but I welcome improvement. I'm thinking we should plan to explore for roughly two weeks, given how long it will take for Sanita and Fhârn to return with our supplies."
"I like your plan, Wilhelm. Exploration of the territory should be our main concern, right now."
“Fine with me.” Bej nods towards Wilhelm “One good night of sleep within safe walls, a quick bath and a hearty breakfast… I’ll be ready the first hour past dawn.” Bej grabs the arrows the old hunter offered as a reward “These look like fine craftsmanship to me. Magical, even. We’ll make good use of’em, my good man. Thank you for this. Put that head somewhere nice, where people can see it and tell tales about it. A good story makes ale and wine taste better.” he splits the arrows, ten he keeps, ten he gives to the other group.
“I look forward to resume our exploration.” he says to his group. “Feels good to bring some order into these lands.”
"Well enough." Dante says of Wilhelm's plan. He immediatly begins preparations for the following morning, tending to mounts oiling saddles, packing up saddlebags. Dante asks Oleg if he has extra cold weather clothing, tents, pack horses to spare, as well as a shovel, rope, and other basic survival gear.
In the morning Dante wears his cold weather gear under his armor, a great wolf fur coat adorning his shoulders. He sits astride Mandarb, his black stallion waiting to depart.
Vors enjoys the night drinking and eating under a real roof and as the shadows turns long he finds a bed and sleeps soundly. The next morning before heading out he inquires about his blade with Oleg.
Oleg does indeed have Vors' blade. It arrived with the nobles. Dante can also easily acquire any cold weather gear he wishes.
Pharast 19 The thaw continues. Iyov and Aliza depart that morning and both groups say their farewells as they head off from Oleg's in opposite directions.
Wilhelm's Groups heads west across the plains, eventually leaving the road behind. The terrain you are exploring is good farmland, although the prairie grass may be hard to get rid of. You run across one lone hunter that day. He was caught unawares by the snowstorm a few days ago and has just now started to head back. The night is uneventful.
Pharast 20
The next day it starts to rain. The rain soon washes away any trace of the snow, but it does leave you cold and damp. Again there is good farmland and your concern about being able to feed your kingdom begins to abate. The rain stops by nightfall and although the night is cold, it is not dangerous.
Pharast 21
The day continues to be cold but not freezing. You continue in plains and it is apparent that you have found the western extent of the forest. There are no encounters that evening.
Pharast 22
Finally a little sunshine and warmth. The temperature actually gets into the low 60's. The terrain is plains. You end the day preparing to enter the forest tomorrow. There is a definite sulfur smell emanating from the forest and as you approach, two large creatures step forth from the woods. They are wearing furs and wielding wicked looking clubs. In broken common the male grunts. "Give us your horses and we let you live."
They are around 70' from you and the forest is 15' behind them.