Kat notices Nadya giving her a bit of side eye, but she keeps her mouth shut. The small dogsled caravan heads towards the distant village, running down the hills. The storm gets even worse , and Nadya calls a halt for the evening
“We cannot travel much farther in this weather, and the forest is dangerous at night” She explains
Her and her companions quickly set up a brace of tents, packing snow on their sides as insulation. A central fire is lit, and a brace of hares is soon twirling on a makeshift rotisserie
Nadya looks at Kat
“Have you come to see Nazenha?” She inquires politely
Despite being acustomed to the cold, Jeydavu feels the cold bite through his hide armor and begins to shiver uncontrollably. "We were not planning to find ourselves in Irrisen. It seems I am unprepared for this cold," he says through chattering teeth. He huddles close to Chtonthoth for a little warmth as camp is set up and a fire is prepared.
Nadya looks at Kat
“Have you come to see Nazenha?” She inquires politely
Her eyes narrow at the mention of Nazenha.
"I have not come to see her, no. I am simply in the area on business. If she wishes to speak with me though, I am sure that I can spare some time for her."
"Well I'm very glad we picked up this cloak, if Jeydavu is feeling the cold I'd probably be an icicle by now"
Sahsara stares at the spinning hares, entranced.
With a faint shiver, Gaelin looks relieved to have Ecaterina’s healing magic. ”Thank you,” he says sincerely.
When the folk start setting up camp, Gaelin is eager to help however he can, setting stakes and helping with tents. The ordeals of the day may have left him weary, but he is not one to rest while others are working.
Alikai searches around the portal for a while, but, with the portal not allowing return, satisfies herself that Malden has not come through and wandered off. Unable to figure any other course of action, she follows the others to the campsite. Instead of carrying her bow, she wears the scizore, with which she periodically slices a tree to blaze a trail, in case Malden follows.
She straggles along with the group, donning her snow goggles and snowshoes to make the going easier. She mutters darkly to herself along the way. She helps set up the camp with the strength of one working off frustration or anger.
Those feeling the chill the most are brought to the fire to warm. Tin dishes of rabbit and some potatoes baked in the fire's periphery are shared out, a homey if bland meal. As the night deepens, the Waldsby natives converse in Skald, a few politely inquiring of the group of their travels in Common.
As they are eating a figure looms out of the swirling snow. The Waldsby folk arise with curses on their lips and weapons at the ready. A melodious voice sounds out in Skald-accented Common
"Be at ease, my friends. I mean you no harm. I am merely a travelling bard, who seeks a bit of food and shelter from the snows before continuing my journey. "
The figure approaches, hands in the air. It is an imposing figure. A female figure, with a set of horns and goat-like long ears. Her face is lovely all feylike angles and dark solid blue eyes, but her body is like that of a faun, with cloven hooves instead of feet. Her skin is a icy blue, and she carries a balalaika and a curved sword. She smiles at Nadya
"Nadya Petska! What a pleasant surprise to see you! How is your trading going"
Nadya sheathes her blade, and bows slightly
"Mierul Ardelain. You are , of course, welcome to my fire. Trading has been well, and we now return to our village."
Sense motive DC 12
The blue fey creature looks over the party.
"I do not believe I have made the acquaintance of your fellow travelers."
Nadya speaks up
"They are relatives of mine, from a nearly village."
Alikai studies the newcomer in silence, trying to discern the fey bard's nature.
Not knowing what it is, Alikai retrieves her scizore and begins wiping the bark and moisture from it, keeping it in hand.
With a faint shiver, Gaelin looks relieved to have Ecaterina’s healing magic. ”Thank you,” he says sincerely.
Ecaterina nods at him, accepting his thanks.
When Mierul arrives at the camp, her eyes narrow as she tries to discern anything she can about the fey creature.
Gaelin finds it odd that Nadya would lie to this newcomer. He does not correct her, though, curious to see how this plays out. ”Gaelin,” he offers by way of introduction. ”Well met.” He bows his head slightly in greeting.
Sahsara tries to bolster Nadya's story.
"Yes, Nadya has been so kind to take us on as help. I've always wanted to see the world."
Sahsara's lie is convincing, but lacks the awe a villager should be experiancing at meeting such a being.
Ecaterina
The odd creature pulls her odd stringed instrument out and begins pulling a quick dazzling arrangement of chords from its strings.
“Villagers? Well met! I always say a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”
She lets her strange solid-colored eyes travel over the group, lingering on Ecaterina just a bit longer than the others
“Are you of the Royal Blood , child? You have the look”
She addresses the group
“I have been looking for a companion of mine. He was last seen in this area. Perhaps you have seen him in your travels? A man on a black stallion, all clad in dark armor?”
You can all sense that Nadya is very nervous and uncomfortable. Mierul seems mockingly amused with both Nadya’s anxiety and the party’s replies
"A black stallion and black armor, no I don't think we've seen him. Would you like to give us a message in case we come across him?"
Sahsara settles into her role as a bewildered villager.
Alikai just stares at the strange stinking blue fey, whetting and oiling her scizore.
*shhhhick* *schiiiick* *schiiiiiiick*
,
Slowly Jeydavu's shivering subsides, chased away by the heat of the fire. Fortunately, the shivering warmed him enough to keep the frostbite away.
Jeydavu concentrates on brushing the snow from Chtonthoth's coat allowing Sahsara to do the talking. He is fearful that he may give something away with his answers.
[dice=bluff]1d20+7
"A black stallion and black armor, no I don't think we've seen him. Would you like to give us a message in case we come across him?"
Sahsara settles into her role as a bewildered villager.
Mierul smiles as she rips a strip of meat off the rabbit she has been given. Sahsara notes her teeth are pointed like a shark.
“Oh don’t concern yourself my sweet. I’ll be ranging about and will find him eventually “
She stands gracefully, wiping her mouth with a long-nailed hand
“Thank you for your hospitality, Nadya. I hope you and your ... relatives have a pleasant visit. Safe travels!”
With that, the odd creature walks back into the swirling storm
"Faugh." Alikai examines the edge on her blade. "We'll need to hunt something more substantial than rabbit, lest we starve." She stares into the snow where the stranger disappeared.
Nadya frowns
"We're close to Waldsby. We'll be there by noon tomorrow. If you want more supper you can try your luck, but that weather is fierce. Fiercer than any I can recall. Plus, SHE is out there."
There's little doubt as to who the she is Nadya refers to
She lets her strange solid-colored eyes travel over the group, lingering on Ecaterina just a bit longer than the others
“Are you of the Royal Blood , child? You have the look”
Ecaterina's eyes narrow as she realises, what the creature standing before them is.
"Oh I get that a lot," she says, trying to sound a little more like Nadya, but not really succeeding too well. "I think that maybe somewhere in the distant past perhaps, as I don't seem to feel the cold like most of my friends do."She continues to watch Mierul out of the corner of her eye as she talks to the others, eats and leaves. She hopes that her mission isn't going to be threatened by the bard's presence.
Once Mierul is gone, Ecaterina tells the others what she is and that the party needs to be on their guard, as their enemies may now know that they are in the area, as she doesn't think the bard was fooled by Nadya's tale about them being her family.
Gaelin resigns himself to a less-than-full belly for the night. Once Mierul has gone, he turns to Nadya. ”You protected us - at no small peril to yourself, I am sure. For that, I thank you. But I also have to wonder - why? And what would be the repercussion had she learned we were not truly visiting kin?” There is no suspicion or accusation in his tone. Indeed, he is sincerely grateful and trying to learn what he can of this strange land.
Nadya shudders
“She is not a good thing. But, she is the queen’s creature. I would not identify you as strangers, or she would insist on you coming with her to be questioned. Even an enemy I would not wish that on”
Alikai holds her blade up to the firelight, turning it from side to side to examine it, and testing the edge with a thumb.
"Do you not believe that all of us together could manage her? She cannot help what she does - it is part of her twisted nature. But perhaps we could relieve her of the burden of her life if we work together."
Nadya looks concerned
“This weather is the Purga-dukh *. This is Her weather, the weather of the Winter Fey. Do as you think, but none of us will follow. We wish to see our homes”
*Skald
Well I'm glad for the opportunity to not have to "manage" an evil fey creature for once. Thank you for your help Nadya, will we have to worry about many such encounters as we travel these lands? We might have difficult time blending in."
Nadya looks a Sahsara, eyes troubled
“This is the land of the Winter Queen. There are many eyes about, both human and not. Many view foreigners with suspicion. But, others hold to guest right and obligations. You saved my caravan from that monster, and I will see you safe to my village. After that, I pledge to help you as best I can, as will my fellow caravan mates, but we are not the entire village. I would recommend you come up with a plausible story. “
She glances at Ecaterina
“Your companion has the look of a Winter Scion. They are common enough here, but they are given a measure of deference due to their lineage. You might claim she is the mistress of your group and let her be the face of your party. That way you will seem less strange. The others in your group could be her servants and thus under her protection “
"Purga-dukh", repeats Jeydvu. "She calls it the Ghost Blizzard", he translates for his companions. He listens to Nadya's suggestion for a story for their presence in this land.
"You are very wise Nadya. Your suggestion is well made," he replies.
"Ecaterina, I will serve as your beastmaster on this journey. Let us focus on our quest." He makes a slight bow to Ecaterina.
The night passes uneventfully. The tents Nadya’s party erected are expertly insulated with packed snow on the sides. Inside the tents is snug, but the body heat helps keep the rest period comfortable. Everyone wakes up refreshed
At dawn the blizzard has slackened to occasional squalls. The Irrisiriens pack quickly, and after a breakfast cooked over the coals of the fire the group sets off to Waldsby
As breakfast is being prepared, Alikai dresses for the cold, dons her snowshoes, and makes a circuit of the environs of the camp, looking for the tracks of anything that might have observed the group during the night without attacking.
Upon returning to camp, she volunteers to either take point or rearguard, whatever the others don't prefer.
The party heads out at dawn. Alikai doesn’t see any tracks, but it would be a miracle in this weather. They travel through the drifts for a few hours and approach the village of Waldsby.
The village occupies a cleared area surrounded by thick woods. The village seems to be centered on lumber. Piles of large cut logs stand covered in snow. Children with brooms sweep the fresh snow off the logs, exposing the peeling bark to the air. The tang of woodsmoke hangs in the air
Nadya looks a Sahsara, eyes troubled
“This is the land of the Winter Queen. There are many eyes about, both human and not. Many view foreigners with suspicion. But, others hold to guest right and obligations. You saved my caravan from that monster, and I will see you safe to my village. After that, I pledge to help you as best I can, as will my fellow caravan mates, but we are not the entire village. I would recommend you come up with a plausible story. “
She glances at Ecaterina
“Your companion has the look of a Winter Scion. They are common enough here, but they are given a measure of deference due to their lineage. You might claim she is the mistress of your group and let her be the face of your party. That way you will seem less strange. The others in your group could be her servants and thus under her protection “
Ecaterina looks at Nadya and nods.
"Yes, this is an acceptable plan. She gives a flicker of a grin, before her icy demeanour returns. "It will be interesting to be as well regarded as my mother for a change, and not just deferred to due to my association with her."
Gaelin is grateful for a good night’s sleep, and accompanies the hunters to Waldsby with a bit more energy. He finds a suitable opportunity to speak to Nadya. ”We are grateful for your hospitality and your words of warning. From here, I believe our journey will lead to Whitethrone. Is the place nearby?”
Jeydavu leads his moose into the village. He surveys the lumber operation. He turns to Nadya, "Aye, I see you are woodsman by trade. How far does your wood trade take you? Has business been good?
Coming up from the rearguard position, Alikai stops by Ecaterina and regards the village. "Any orders, mistress?" she says loudly, with a slight wink at the witch.
As Nadya settles her dog team, the village turns out in force, dressed in thick winter garb. There is a surprised murmur as the party is seen. Some look interested, others anxious. A tavern called the White Weasel stands fronting the common area of the village, a stone-faced couple fill the doorway watching the caravan. Several people point at Ecaterina, obviously excited by her.
Nadya looks at them. “Come with me to my house. My comrades will finish unloading. I think it would be best to get you off the street for now”
Jeydavu leads his moose into the village. He surveys the lumber operation. He turns to Nadya, "Aye, I see you are woodsman by trade. How far does your wood trade take you? Has business been good?
Nadya faces Jeydavu
“I’m not a woodsman, merely a trader. But I do trade to other places the wood the woodsmen bring in. I have traded as far as Whitethrone when the weather is better”
Gaelin is grateful for a good night’s sleep, and accompanies the hunters to Waldsby with a bit more energy. He finds a suitable opportunity to speak to Nadya. ”We are grateful for your hospitality and your words of warning. From here, I believe our journey will lead to Whitethrone. Is the place nearby?”
Nadya nods
“It is fairly close, but the travel will be difficult in this weather “
"My apologies Nadya for the mistake. I am a trader as well. You must be finding it difficult to trade if you can't even make it to Whitethrone in this weather." Then, a little louder, so passersby can hear, he says to Ecaterina, "Mistress, I will put up Chtonthoth at a stable for you, is there anything else you need?"
Nadya nods
“This weather is severe, even for us. To have snows in this season is a bad omen. We should be beginning our crops, yet this year winter seems loath to leave”
Coming up from the rearguard position, Alikai stops by Ecaterina and regards the village. "Any orders, mistress?" she says loudly, with a slight wink at the witch.
Ecaterina looks down her nose at Alikai, and nods at Nadya.
"We shall join Nadya at her residence. Her hospitality so far has been exemplary, I do hope that the rest of the villagers will be as helpful to me." She makes sure to speak so that the villagers can hear her, but without resorting to raising her voice.
Nasya leads them to her house. Jeydavu gets his moose mount settled in the small outbuilding where Nadya houses her horse and kennels her sled dogs. The house is well-appointed, speaking to her success as a trader. An elderly woman hugs her as they arrive and bids them welcome. This is Nadya’s mother Thora, who lives with her and keeps house. Thora busies herself with opening the guest rooms for the party.
After the fire is stoked and the party is given bowls of hot water to wash up with, a hearty supper of beet soup, dark bread and venison’s laid before them
Gaelin is grateful for the warmth of the soup. He takes the opportunity to learn more about this place from their gracious host. ”From afar, one always hears of Irrisen as land of eternal winter. Is that not so? When would the snows normally have stopped?”
"I have never been this far east before," Ecaterina says to Nadya. "Are there any particular customs I should be made aware of, so as not to make offence?"
Nadya looks concerned
“Just watch what you say. There are many in town who would love to curry favor with our ruler”
"So noted."
Alikai slurps her soup in a politely appreciative manner and belches gently after eating, to show respect for the good meal.
"We should be out of here as soon as we can, good hostess. Will you be able to provide us a guide to Whitethrone, or give us detailed directions? We should not linger here." She hesitates a moment. "Also, if you see a flame-haired man wandering on his own, will you give him hospitality and tell him where we have gone? His name is Malden - Malden Sunspark - and you will know him by his service to Sarenrae. We became separated at the portal that brought us here. He is a friend like brother, and I hate to think of him wandering this land alone."