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Seeing Thorongil's and Letswalo's trepdiation in being near the farmer or even aid her in ensuring he was more comfortable and changed into clean clothes, Nooria simply gazed from one man to the other before quietly and steadily speaking.
Thorongil sees the look that Nooria gave him and is puzzled by it, but he does not pry.
"Alright, I shall have to take care of this man myself," she muttered to none one but herself, under her breath.
To the Northman it would be disrespectful to press her; if she had a concern, he was confident she would voice it; though he thinks a bit on her words.
Pausing as he does what he can to continue to tend to the mule, he looks at her again for a long moment, but he says nothing.
The mud and filth on both Thorongil and the mule was consistent with what one would find after traveling in the wild; nevertheless, Thorongil did what he could to make sure the animal is safe, healthy and secure before even bothering taking care of his own needs.
Thorongil had begun preparing a meal for them and she smiled. "I will try to get Jheri to eat something in a little while. You were right to say we should remain here this night. If we bar the door, we can be secure enough. Perhaps we can use the canvas from the tent we were gifted to temporarily cover the hole in the roof so at least this night the rain won't continue to seep in?"
Thorongil looks up at the hole in the roof.
"A wise idea," he says in response.
"As you are seeing to the sick man, I shall attend to that at once," he adds.
While help may be useful he felt that that attending to such things was his duty as she was working with the the man.
He wondered if Letswalo might aid him; but he does not ask for aid in the matter.
For now, he merely stoops over the gear he had carefully unpacked and set aside in a neat pile in a dry corner of the room, Thorongil selects the tent and pulls it from the gear.
The tent is roughly 18 kilos and it is not easy to carry with any ease as it is large and somewhat awkward to move, as any large piece of heavy canvas might be. Nevertheless, Thorongil picks it up and takes it outside into the wet night and directs his glowing orbs to gather around him and give him light.
There, he stretches it out as best as he can and studying the hut, he takes the cord to each of two corners and throws it aloft on top of the roof off the hut.
He also studies the hut to gauge if climbing on the top of it so he can adjust the position to be a wise move.
Once this is properly settled to his satisfaction he does what he can to lash the ropes to the appropriate pieces of the hut to make sure it is secure.
As he works he recalls a tale of a group of people who discovered an undead creature - a zombie - that had fallen down a well and had, consequentially - polluted the well.
He wonders a moment if the water in the well was something that is safe or healthy for the farmer to be bathed with or drink from; but he promptly dismisses the thought disrespectful.
After all, while having some knowledge in healing he was certainly no true healer - not as Nooria was - if there was an issue to consider regarding the health and safety regarding the well water he knew she would have considered that already.
At this time he begins a slow sweep of the surrounding area to make sure that there are no more hidden surprises or potential threats; he does this by traveling roughly 30 Meters from the hut and beginning a slow, careful walk in that perimeter.
Given the weather he does not expect to find any tracks; but - nevertheless - he will search for any, just to be sure.
Once Thorongil gets back in he will first do what he can to make sure that the roof is not continuing to leak.
Once he is satisfied he will then take off his boots and dry them thoroughly with a dry cloth; once he is confident that they are dry as the cloth will allow, and cleansed of mud and filth, he will rub them thoroughly with grease and oil to make sure they do not crack or warp while he rests them by the fire.
After this he will do the same with his armor after removing it.
He will then strip his clothes down to his undergarments and take a rope from his pack and and tie it across the beams of the hut and hang his wet clothes to dry properly.
Once this is done he will then squat by the fire and finally take up the remainder of the food and eat it as he considers how to transship a man with a fever.
Pausing, he then considers Letswalo a moment.
"What were you looking for in the cabin?" he asks the man.
"It is most likely that Mister Praet contracted the sickness from working on his muddy farm. If he has gone without water, food and rest, which it appears he has, then he would not have been able to resist the onset of the disease, succumbed to it and been ravaged to his current condition. He is not contagious; however he is need of assistance and care."
Letswalo seems barely less suspicious with Nooria's words, but does listen, and then turns to face Nooria.
"Nooria, I grew up in what could charitably be considered a slum. Diseases, common and exotic, were endemic, and plagues ravaged the streets more often than I care to think about. I saw a lot of people grow sick and die around me, and that did not change so much even after I began a career. So I distrust an ill man by default, and that has served me well."
He pauses, then moves to where he saw blankets.
"There are blankets here that escaped the rain. I will bring over as many as you think the man needs. There are also oil lamps to provide light."
"I will try to get Jheri to eat something in a little while. You were right to say we should remain here this night. If we bar the door, we can be secure enough. Perhaps we can use the canvas from the tent we were gifted to temporarily cover the hole in the roof so at least this night the rain won't continue to seep in?"
"A wise idea," he says in response.
"As you are seeing to the sick man, I shall attend to that at once," he adds.
"Certainly, I shall assist."
Letswalo casts his eyes around after he walks outside, raingear on.
"What were you looking for in the cabin?" he asks the man.
Letswalo eyes their labours, while replying.
"Animal tracks. Man tracks. Hidden items. Weapons. Anything that could prove useful or dangerous. If I am to sleep in a home of a sick man, I prefer ensuring it is as safe as I can make it."
Nooria listened to Letswalo and Thorongil as they chatted briefly among themselves. Any thoughts she had on the subject of their conversation she kept to herself and continued to care for the wellbeing of the farmer.
The two males managed to cover the hole in the leaf-thatched roof with ease and expertise. The rain hit the canopy, yet it held and the small cabin did not fill with more rainwater. They would at least remain dry throughout the night.
Both Thorongil and Letswalo travelled the perimeter of the cabin and could not discover any new tracks or lurking threats with the aid of Thorongil's dancing light orbs.
Reentering the cabin, the three ate and discussed how they would safely transport Jheri Praet back to town. The man had already lost one arm and Nooria was determined he would regain his full strength and Sheriff Adaela would be pleased with their endeavours to save her cousin.
Once the meal was done and Nooria has tended to the farmer, the cabin door was barred/latched and the party lay down to rest/sleep (Nooria rising during the night to check on the ill man).
In the early morning, Nooria prayed and prepared her spells for the day and then helped the farmer drink some fresh water and eat a little food. The party then broke their fast and collected/packed their gear/belongings.
Jheri's fever had broken come morning and the farmer had stopped shaking/shivering. It appeared as though his body had fought off the last of the red ache and even though he was no longer diseased, his strength was greatly sapped.
Jheri gave a small, embarrassed smile at the trio, especially at the beautiful Nooria who had nursed him better, "I want to thank you for all your help last night and this morning. I'm sure to tell Adaela about it when we reach town. I'll take my bow and quiver and the chest from under my bed with me into town. I'll lock up the cabin when we leave."
After their morning repast, Thorongil and Letswalo moved outside and collected materials to construct a litter with which to carry Jheri. The rain had stopped, thankfully, however the ground was still wet and muddy. Least the path was not flooded but the marshes and bogs would be somewhat tricky to manoeuvre.
When they were confident the litter was sturdy enough to carry the man's weight and traverse the twelve miles to Pridon's Hearth, Nooria helped Jheri don his leather jerkin and hooded cloak and settled his meagre possessions atop the pack mule. Nooria covered him with one of the larger blankets that Letswalo had discovered the night before. Thorongil secured the front door of the cabin and they headed out. Even the mule seemed better behaved this day - not fretting over the extra weight of litter and man.
With ill man in tow, the party could not travel fast, so they maintained a steady pace across the land; mindful of where they trod and what could be lurking in the surrounding marshland. By the gods' grace they encountered no further troubles as they made for home. Occasionally they stopped for a short break, checked on Jheri, had water and food, and then trekked anew.
By the time the sun began its descent in the sky and the rains had well and truly started falling, the party of five (including the mule) had made their way to the north gates. The guard on duty there noted them, waved and opened the gates permitting them to enter Pridon's Hearth. The gates were closed behind them and the party continued down the simple road through town toward Adaela Praet's private residence down near the aqueducts/bridges (however still within the walled town).
"It's been a good many months since I last came into town. It's nice to be back," he gave a weak, but relieved/happy smile; eager to be out of the litter and set up in a dry, clean bed.
Letswalo spends his early morning clambering onto the roof and affixing palm fronds and thatching to help ensure that the man would have a home to return to.
He is certainly more relaxed around Jheri, now that his fever has broken.
*********
"You are welcome, Jheri. You did not deserve to be stuck as you were."
Others might be though.
"Shall we pay the sheriff a visit?"
"I want to thank you for all your help last night and this morning. I'm sure to tell Adaela about it when we reach town. I'll take my bow and quiver and the chest from under my bed with me into town. I'll lock up the cabin when we leave."
Thorongil studies the man.
"Very well; we shall aid you in packing your gear," he says, though it seems he is not eager to do things which may delay them further. Despite this, he does not shirk the task and does what he can to help Jheri pack his equipment as well as ensure he has a safe journey home by carrying him safely to the travois which had been prepared for the man.
During the journey Thorongil will do what he can to keep an eye out for any threat; but he says little, content to simply travel in the wilderness and let his mind range over various thoughts and ideas until they reach the colony.
"It's been a good many months since I last came into town. It's nice to be back," he gave a weak, but relieved/happy smile; eager to be out of the litter and set up in a dry, clean bed.
Thorongil glances at Nooria for a moment, curious to know what their healer will say on his condition.
"You are welcome, Jheri. You did not deserve to be stuck as you were."
Thorongil glances at Letswalo and and then back to Jheri.
"Indeed, yes. I am glad you are now safe here and have the chance to rest and recover properly," he says politely.
"And thank you, Nooria, for aiding in his recovery," he adds, hoping that Jheri remembers the healing that the priestess provided him.
"Shall we pay the sheriff a visit?"
Thorongil glances at Letswalo.
"I am eager to do so, yes. However, before we visit the Sheriff perhaps we should see to getting Jheri settled? Unless he wishes to come with us now to visit the Sheriff? In this way he can share with her his opinions on his experiences directly - but, I suppose, it is up to him."
He turns to Jheri.
"If you are agreeable to it, sir, we shall go to the Sheriff with you to accompany us. Or do you wish to be taken to quarters and rest, first?" he asks, waiting to hear what Jheri might have in mind.
Looking at his cousin's well-kept wooden house, Jheri turned his head and looked at the tall Northman near his litter,
"When I come to town, I stay with Adaela. This is her home and she'll take good care of me. Someone knock while Mister Thorongil here lifts me from the litter and up those short stairs. Once we're inside, I'll pay you a little reward for gettin' me safely out of my house and into town. Don't forget to bring in my chest and gear/weapons." Nooria looked to Thorongil and quietly advised, "You will be fine to lift him and bring him into the Sheriff's home. There is little chance you will catch the red ache, here and now. Just be wary how you lift him as the man only has one arm. As for the healing of Mister Praet, it is my calling, but I am grateful for your kind appreciation of my efforts, Thorongil."
Nooria climbed the short stairs and lifted the unique metal knocker from its base and set it against the plate once and then twice - but not too heavily. After a few moments footsteps could be heard approaching the door and then the Sheriff opened the door. At first her face registered annoyance until she recognised who the people were at her door and a smile broke out on her face at the sight of her cousin, "It looks like you got yourself into some kind of trouble. Come in, all of you, and set him down in the drawing room to your right."
The party moved into the house, closing the front door behind them and settled Jheri on the old, but well-kept padded long chair by the fireplace. His prized belongings were placed by the side of the resting chair.
Adaela entered the drawing room, bringing in a tray with mugs of hot coffee and some sweet/sticky cinnamon rolls. She gestured for the three deputies to take a seat on the single chairs placed around the hearth.
"Now, tell me, what happened..." Adaela addressed the three in her usual direct, no-nonsense manner.
"When I come to town, I stay with Adaela. This is her home and she'll take good care of me. Someone knock while Mister Thorongil here lifts me from the litter and up those short stairs. Once we're inside, I'll pay you a little reward for gettin' me safely out of my house and into town. Don't forget to bring in my chest and gear/weapons."
Thorongil lifts an eyebrow at the man's request for hauling in his luggage. While he had not planned on leaving it outside, that Jheri would tell him to bring in his gear, even while Thorongil was carrying the man... Needless to say, he was not yet used to the Southern culture quite yet.
Nooria looked to Thorongil and quietly advised, "You will be fine to lift him and bring him into the Sheriff's home. There is little chance you will catch the red ache, here and now. Just be wary how you lift him as the man only has one arm. As for the healing of Mister Praet, it is my calling, but I am grateful for your kind appreciation of my efforts, Thorongil."
"You serve your calling well, lady," he says graciously.
"Though I doubt it would hurt mister Jheri to thank you again for all your work during the trip south," he says to her.
"Indeed, I and Letswalo each appreciate your aid," he adds.
"It looks like you got yourself into some kind of trouble. Come in, all of you, and set him down in the drawing room to your right."
Still holding the man in his arms, Thorongil glances to the right and then stares at the Sheriff a moment before carrying her cousin to the drawing room and placing him and the baggage there.
After he places Jheri down he looks at him.
"Rest now, we can talk of recompense after I speak to your cousin."
"Now, tell me, what happened..." Adaela addressed the three in her usual direct, no-nonsense manner.
Thorongil glances at Letswalo and Nooria.
He then turns back to Adaela.
"We traveled north to your cousin's home. The way had several obstacles upon it; including issues with toxic gases in various parts of some swampy area."
"I noted them, and other minor threats, on the map that was presented and provided brief notes on the dangers that lay between us and your cousin's home," he says, pausing a moment to take out the journal and map and slide them over to Adaela for her perusal before continuing.
"We reached his home at nightfall and discovered that the roof, as well as parts of his farm, seem to have suffered somewhat from the recent storms."
"Upon entering his home we discovered had holed himself in a small closet and that he was also suffering from a fever. His motivation for hiding became clear when we discovered their was some sort of ooze or slime on the floor of his home that was threatening him."
"We slew that creature and then lady Nooria was able to diagnoze his fever, which she then cured him of, as well as healing some of his wounds. After which, we camped the night for him to recover some of his strength, then we awoke and returned to the colony."
"He seems much better than he did last night, but - no doubt - the lady Nooria can provide more information on his condition as her skills with healing far supersede mine."
He pauses in his narration to let Letswalo or Nooria offer any other opinions and insights, as well as allow Adaela the chance to respond to what he had said.
"Let us get you inside, Jheri. And Nooria, none of us would have made it back without you." Letswalo says with just the faintest note of trepidation in his voice while looking at Jheri, that most might miss.
Letswalo does his part in moving the ailing man, and seems not unused to moving unconscious folk.
Later, as Thorongil explains recent events, he nods in places. Then asks:
"Are these garden oozes normally a threat in this region? The example we faced was quite a threat to us, and we arrived relatively well-equipped."
Nooria smiled brightly upon the kind words of thanks from Thorongil and Letswalo regarding the healing she had provided to them on their trek to the Praet dika farmstead.
Once Jheri was placed comfortably on the long chair and the Sheriff had inquired as to what had occurred, Nooria covered Jheri with the woollen blanket at the end of the long chair for his clothes were still a little damp and she didn't want him catching a chill when his fever had just broken from the red ache.
"Mister Praet, will need rest so he may regain his full strength. Trapped in the storage closet as he was, he did not get enough food and water which only aggravated the red ache. He may not be able to steadily walk on his own for another day or so. Perhaps one of the elder priestesses at the counting house may heal him further with a restorative spell. Mister Praet is not contagious - he managed to fend off the last of the illness this morning before we left to return to town. So, the townsfolk are safe from any contagion."
"Are these garden oozes normally a threat in this region? The example we faced was quite a threat to us, and we arrived relatively well-equipped."
Jheri "One Arm" Praet chuckled from his position on the long chair. "'Twas my fault. Garden oozes can be a threat if left unchecked. I must have missed that sneaky bugger when I was ridding the farm of the rest. You see, I let them grow in the garden to help with the pests - great at getting rid of rats, snakes and such. Once the pests were under control, I hunted and slew them - but as I said, this one must have slipped my notice. The storm winds brought it into my cabin through the hole in the roof. Unlucky I guess," Jheri gave a lop-sided grin. Looking to Thorongil, Letswalo and Nooria, he added, "Thanks again for all you've done for me. I won't be forgettin' it anytime soon."
Adaela *tsked* and shook her head in the direction of her cousin. "Jheri, you can't afford to take such risks out there, so far from help. It was fortunate I commissioned my deputies here to come look for you."
Turning to the trio, she gave a satisfied nod in regard to their endeavours, "You did well. I am grateful on behalf of my cousin and myself. Now, as promised, your reward." From a small chest by the table near the hearth, Adaela removed three pouches and moved back to the group, handing them out. "One hundred gold coins each for your services to me and my cousin. It appears you have well earned it." Then looking to Thorongil, she added, "It is good you noted the threats in that region - such information will come in handy for future exploration. Thank you."
From his place on the long chair, Jheri grew animated, as much as a still recovering person can, "I promised them a reward, too. Daeli, take this key and open my chest and remove the small pouch on top and bring it to me." Adaela rolled her eyes at mention of the pet name he had for her since childhood - wishing he had not used it before her deputies/agents, and did as he requested without contrary word. Looking to Nooria who had been his sweet angel of mercy during his illness, he gave another lopsided smile and handed her the pouch. "There's 75 gold pieces, there, to share between you. Thank you, sweetheart." Nooria took the pouch and inclined her head graciously. "It is most kind of you, Mister Praet, and Sheriff Adaela," looking across at the woman lawkeeper.
"Alright. I need to finish dinner and see to my cousin. You three are free to go back to Stone Hall and enjoy the rest of your evening. You must be tired and hungry. I will check in with you in the morning. Good evening." With a nod of her head, Adaela ushered the trio out of the drawing room; Jheri waving farewell from his chair, and opened the door. In a low voice, she added before they left her house, "We can discuss your exploration plans on the morrow," and with a small smile she closed the door and moved back away from the door (gauging by the sound of her retreating footsteps on the floor boards).
Jheri gave a lop-sided grin. Looking to Thorongil, Letswalo and Nooria, he added, "Thanks again for all you've done for me. I won't be forgettin' it anytime soon."
"Of course, sir; it was our pleasure," Thorongil responds politely.
Adaela removed three pouches and moved back to the group, handing them out. "One hundred gold coins each for your services to me and my cousin. It appears you have well earned it." Then looking to Thorongil, she added, "It is good you noted the threats in that region - such information will come in handy for future exploration. Thank you."
Thorongil nods his head at the sheriff.
"We are pleased to help you and the colony. Thank you for the reward. Rest assured, however we spend it will hopefully continue to bolster the people of the colony and the community as a whole."
"I promised them a reward, too. Daeli, take this key and open my chest and remove the small pouch on top and bring it to me." Adaela rolled her eyes at mention of the pet name he had for her since childhood - wishing he had not used it before her deputies/agents, and did as he requested without contrary word. Looking to Nooria who had been his sweet angel of mercy during his illness, he gave another lopsided smile and handed her the pouch. "There's 75 gold pieces, there, to share between you."
Thorongil notes the exchange but does not press Nooria for the money at this time, knowing she will distribute with others when it is convenient.
"Alright. I need to finish dinner and see to my cousin. You three are free to go back to Stone Hall and enjoy the rest of your evening. You must be tired and hungry. I will check in with you in the morning. Good evening." With a nod of her head, Adaela ushered the trio out of the drawing room; Jheri waving farewell from his chair, and opened the door. In a low voice, she added before they left her house, "We can discuss your exploration plans on the morrow," and with a small smile she closed the door and moved back away from the door (gauging by the sound of her retreating footsteps on the floor boards).
Thorongil turns to the others.
"Let us take the advice and return to Stone Hall. There we can get some supper and discuss our plans better," he says to the others.
As they walk to the hall he rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"This man Jheri had a plantation for lumber nearly eight hours from the town proper. It is certain that it would have been a faster or safer journey had good roads been constructed. Perhaps that is a concern that might be pursued via a business opportunity to consider in the future?" he says, making polite conversation.
"Meanwhile, knowing the terrain near to this town would be useful. A business that can hire out skilled guides in the wilderness would certainly be advantageous. Perhaps we should attempt to send a courier to the Halfing Tribe near to hear?"
"Giving them a place to station guides within the city limits would, hopefully, encourage better relations between the locals and the colonists, as well provide a useful service for those people who would travel in the wilderness."
Then he shrugs, his ideas were merely suggestions at this time, he himself had no hard or definite plans other than eating their evening meal.
As for the Sheriff's claim of more work on the morrow, he was curious to know what his companions had to say on the matter, as well as their thoughts about what they wished to do next.
Letswalo accepts the gold, and silently notes that Nooria holds the balance of their reward.
I have seen no reason to distrust her.
"My thanks, Sheriff. And Thorongil is astute. To prosper, the colony must build infrastructure to speed up communications.
His face grows a little tighter.
"There are more pressing matters however. Such as the lizardmen and the troll. Have they struck since we departed town?"
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The trio rose a little later in the morning, broke their fast and then set out into the town proper to gather information on the troll that had terrorised Pridon's Hearth only a few nights ago. The guards could give them some specifics, but not much was known about the female troll.
As they were purchasing a few critical items for their next lot of explorations, an invitation was delivered to them by one of the Sheriff's deputies. Adaela Praet was inviting them to a private dinner in her home to thank them properly for all they had done for her cousin, Jheri.
In the early evening, as the rain had settled in a steady but light downpour, after all their errands had been completed, the trio made for the Sheriff's house. Although the Sheriff's home was a humble one; where the surroundings were cramped and the back of the house was still under construction; her cooking was exceptional. Adeala even opened a bottle of quality Eleder whiskey to accompany the meal. Jheri was present; seated at the table even though he seemed to still be a little disoriented from his lack of food and water before the party had found him.
Over the course of the dinner, Thorongil, Letswalo and Nooria learned some of Adaela's history prior to coming to Pridon's Hearth. The sheriff was a former holy warrior of Iomedae; joining the order at a young age after leaving home to train in Eleder. She had served her country as a loyal soldier for many years until her holy vows had brought her face to face with her younger sister - who had become a smuggler and major figure in a Crown's End Besmaran cult. Unable to redeem her, Adaeala finally forsook her vows; turning against her fellow soldiers to allow her sister to flee to the Shackles. Her sentence had been lenient, given the circumstances; enslavement to the Narsus family to compensate them for the goods stolen by the younger Praet sister. Adaela was freed along with Severius Narsus' other slaves when they arrived in Pridon's Hearth. Adaela then used her training to help keep the peace and the count eventually appointed her sheriff despite her previous lapse in judgement. Adaela discovered her sister had died in a barroom brawl mere months after her escape. Adaela now held hopes of spending the remainder of her life building something new in Pridon's Hearth - ideally both a community and a family - but fears the growing storms could see the end of this last spark of hope in her life.
Jheri Praet had remained quiet as his cousin spoke of her sad tale, merely nodding in certain pertinent places during the conversation.
After a short pause where more fine whiskey was consumed, the sheriff began to speak of another concern in town - the Apsis Consortium. Adaela believed the Consortium planned on making the current/younger count their puppet or even replacing him if the colony's situation grew more dire. She believes there is more to Hamsa Gadd's failed expedition than the woman has revealed, and, if any members of the previous expedition still lived, they could provide further insight into the organisation's goals in the region. If the trio wished to learn more about the failed expedition, Adaela gives them the name of a youth in town called Kanjo Arram.
With dinner over, Adaela gifted the trio a bottle of potent Sargavan ale for their travels.
Bidding them farewell and good luck, the trio returned to Stone Hall to rest before their early morning excursion into Narsus Forest.
The light rain continued to fall during the course of the night into the early hours of the morning. The town had remained quiet/undisturbed by trouble during the remainder of the night.
=====
Upon rising early morning and partaking in their ablution and last minute preparations, the party of three then moved into the dining hall to break their fast and then secure their gear to their pack mule.
By 7am, the party were back on the muddy road leading to Count Narsus' estate. The rains had gone, yet the ground and surrounds were still wet/sodden and muddy. The sun was beginning to rise and it was already beginning to heat up.
The pack mule was less than eager to travel through the mud, yet with a firm hand on its lead rope, it begrudgingly gave in and the party travelled without issue to just outside the walls of Narsus estate - to stand before the clearing leading into the dangerous Narsus Forest.
Letswalo savours the whiskey, tasting every drop before swallowing.
I could get used to more of this. Pridon's Hearth will have to become prosperous indeed to indulge my tastes., he silently thinks with amusement.
"My thanks, Sheriff, for the meal, the whiskey, and the leads. I would ask, what is the link of young Arram to the failed colony? Is he a survivor? Or does he have some other connection?"
************************************************
"Thorongil, Nooria, I believe your skills will be of more aid out here than mine, but I will do what I can to assist. That troll must be dispensed with. We simply have too many troubles on our plate to tolerate such a creature, even if we were of a mind to."
"My thanks, Sheriff, for the meal, the whiskey, and the leads. I would ask, what is the link of young Arram to the failed colony? Is he a survivor? Or does he have some other connection?"
Thorongil has his own thoughts and ideas to offer, yet for now he says nothing, waiting to hear what they will say to Letswalo first; only offering what aid he can for the man to help in his current query.
************************************************
"Thorongil, Nooria, I believe your skills will be of more aid out here than mine, but I will do what I can to assist. That troll must be dispensed with. We simply have too many troubles on our plate to tolerate such a creature, even if we were of a mind to."
Thorongil slings his gear upon the back of his horse and is prepared to advance with Letswalo.
As he does, he studies the terrain before him.
Perception to see or hear clues:
Survival to note traces:
Knowledge Nature to work out what environment might suit the troll best:
Knowledge Local on the habits of trolls:
Knowledge Geography on where a likely lair might be found:
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"Kanjo Arram was apprenticed to the cleric Magdi Kukoyi, who vanished during a recent Apsis expedition. The boy is now left penniless in an unfamiliar land. Banker Baldra Sifreth does what she can for him, when she can find him. He has no fixed address in town."
===
"Thank you for expanding upon that. We can speak with the Banker once again."
Letswalo enters the Countinghouse of Abadar and seeks out the Banker.
"Greetings, Banker Sifreth. Would you know of the whereabouts and condition of one Kanjo Arran? He may be able to shed some light on the matter of the failed Apsis expedition."
"Thank you for expanding upon that. We can speak with the Banker once again."
Letswalo enters the Countinghouse of Abadar and seeks out the Banker.
"Greetings, Banker Sifreth. Would you know of the whereabouts and condition of one Kanjo Arran? He may be able to shed some light on the matter of the failed Apsis expedition."
Thorongil is happy to help Letswalo in this matter, but for now he lets Letswalo take the lead on the case, though he does what he can to aid him.
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Arriving at the Countinghouse of Abadar mid evening (around 9.30pm), there is still a light inside, shining through the shuttered window, even as the light rain falls steadily.
Your knock on the door is answered by Banker Baldra herself and with candle in hand, lifts it up to see your faces better.
"Oh, deputies, it is you. I was not expecting visitors at this hour, however you are welcome to come inside, out of the rain."
Moving aside so you may step into the countinghouse, you see the temple is empty except for the elder priestess.
Sitting down at the simple table and chairs, Banker Baldra awaits your inquiry.
"Greetings, Banker Sifreth. Would you know of the whereabouts and condition of one Kanjo Arran? He may be able to shed some light on the matter of the failed Apsis expedition."
The older woman barely registers a reaction to your question; simply giving a small smile before replying,
"Only two days ago I found employment for the abandoned boy at Stone Hall. He runs errands for the Halflings, which pays for his keep. You will find him there or about town if he is working. He is fine, yet desperate to return to his homeland, as you can imagine. Be gentle with the boy - he does not trust easily or readily. You must approach him prudently."
===
"Understood, Banker Sifreth. If he does show up here before we leave, could you point him to us?"
***********
"Thorongil, Nooria, I suggest a swift search for the boy in town in the morning, then head to the halfling village. What do ye think?"
The Banker priestess inclined her head and earnestly replied, "Of course," before bidding the trio good night.
Thorongil and Nooria both nodded in agreement to seek out the boy in the morning.
===
The small party exit the countinghouse to return to Stone Hall as the night grows longer and they had plans to set out early morning for Narsus Forest.
As the party moves down the slick, darkened street toward the inn, you all catch sight of a man, dressed in town guard's garb, loitering in front of a dark passage between two buildings. Nooria scrutinizes him with her dark vision. None of you recognise the man as a town guard and grow duly suspicious.
Utilising the advantages provided by the darkness/shadows and the steady pitter-patter of rain, the three of you stealthily move toward the guard man; the man unaware of your approach.
As you draw nearer to the dark passage between the buildings, Letswalo and Nooria hear a small cry above the sound of rain before it appears muffled and they are instantly alarmed.
Letswalo makes a judgement, one sharpened by years of seeing the worst of the behaviour of the inhabitants in the Kalabuto slums.
A lookout for a kidnapping - or worse.
The Mwangi man casually walks forward and drives the rapier at the man's belly.
Thorongil draws his rapier and moves up to aid Letswalo -