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Our story begins in the lovely city of Restov. It is quite a famous place in Brevoy, being the birthplace of the Aldori dueling style after all. Nobles and merchants alike are found aplenty in this thriving city on the edge of the wild lands and skill with the blade is quite common amongst everyone who lives here and has the money to afford a teacher or to send their kids to one of the Aldori or Taldan dueling schools.
The Great Free City of Restov as it's more commonly referred to, is home most notably to the Swordlords. However, it's the men who hold all the power in the greater lands of Brevoy, for only they can become the Lords of the land. Despite this, there is still a chance for women to gain great pull even amongst the Lords. But great deeds must be earned to prove their mettle.
Lord Mayor of Restov, Ioseph Sellemius, has issue a challenge to all who dare answer...Travel forth to the Greenbelt and fight back against the wilds of the Stolen Lands and bring peace to it once more. Do so, and you'll be rewarded greatly!
But the Greenbelt has earned quite the reputation and with thus the call was answered but not as well as they had hoped. Three Charters have already been issued to varying bands of mercenaries, nobles, or general do gooders. However, four charters were prepared and four Regions were staked out for groups to conquer. Thus, the final team was formed from the few applicants that remained. Feeling that two people could never hope to soothe the lands by themselves, the Lord Mayor offered a pittance for the two women to hire a sellsword of some kind.
Armed with a copy of their charter each and a meeting time and location, each woman makes her way to the Tavern, The Salty Salamander. Having been given time to collect their thoughts and prepare a missive with their desires in what they wish for out of their third companion, a week goes by before the big meeting to interview the people who have heard the call for someone skilled to join a group into the wilds. People from all over Brevoy have heard of the request and finally the most promising of the applicants have been sent to meet their potential employers that evening.
A few hours before dinner, the two women arrive each in their own timing to wait until both have arrived. A table had been prepared for them with drinks waiting. Little is known about the two women beyond their names and to whose family each belongs.
The clicking of heel on wood precedes the young lady as she enters the room. Hoping to make a grand entrance, she finds the room empty and her the first to arrive. A smirk and a sigh pass her lips, more's the pity.
The swish of of skirt and petticoat is barely audible as she crosses the threshold, hard click of of heel rhythmically resounding in the room as her measured step carries her to the table. She finds herself a seat that places her with a full view of each who may enter and settles in to wait. Bright brown eyes search for those who will accompany her to her new adventure.
The clinking of metal and rustling of chain could be heard before the figure entered the door frame. An opposing figure stood there, dressed in armor and blue robes. A large book hanging off her right hip opposed a aldori dueling blade upon her right, and in her left hand a gleaming halberd. The helm obscured the figure's face but it was obviously a female. After a moment she set the halberd against the frame ensuring it wouldn't fall, before moving to removed the large book from her belt. Opening it, and skillfully turning the pages to a spot that was likely marked, before finally removed her helm.
Stark white long hair was the first thing seen before piercing set of unnatural golden eyes met those of the current woman seated at the table. The gaze was held for but a heartbeat before a voice mirroring that of authority spoke. "Colette Orlovsky, second child of Sviatoslav Orlovsky and Gytha Orlovsky previously of house Lodovka. Paternal grandparents Yuri Orlovsky and Slavitsa Orlovsky both of house Orlovsky. Maternal grandparents Peter Lodovka and Elena Lodovka. One sibling of note Ilya Ilich Orlovsky, deceased. Only surviving child of this branch of the Orlovsky blood line. By Brevoy laws this foreshadows the end of this branch within the boarders of Brevoy. Worthiness, to be determined." The woman said before she closed the book and returned it to her belt. "I am Daniella Aldori." She finally introduced herself with a slight bow before picking up her halberd and making her way to the table. "The other that holds a charter. Though I am sure you gathered that part already." Daniella said as she set her halberd against the wall behind her chair and took a seat. "Anything you wish to ask?"
Colette smiles and welcomes her new guest brushing off the terse speech with her easy manners. Working off of her encyclopedic knowledge of the major and minor players within noble society, she quickly assesses the situation and responds as she finds most fitting."Daniella Aldori, Swordlord, priestess of Olheon. Strong arm in a duel, rigid discipline in battle, nonexistent social skills in the court. My opposite it would seem, I can see why they saddled us together." Colette raises to her feet and gives the slow delicate bow of the courts. "How is Celeritas by the way? I do hope your fine equine companion finds our current journey enjoyable. Mayhaps we should bring some alfalfa for the dear."
"Your court, not mine. Within the Aldori court in Restov I do well. But that court is different than that of the noble families. Which does make since as to why they, as you say 'saddled us together.' I bring forth respect from Restov and the Aldori, and you get to play your part for the Houses of Brevoy. To them it is a win all around. I am glad to see you that you too looked into the one who will be traveling with however. That boads well." Daniella said while placing her helm upon the table to her left.
"Celeritas," Daniella began, "Is well. I had to go over how to handle her twice with they stable hand, not the brightest one. That was what kept you waiting I'm sorry to say." She finished. "If you wish to bring alfalfa I cannot stop you. Alfalfa is a good source of food for horses, though it is commonly best for mares that are pregnant." Daniella goes on to explain.
"It is a good supplement for her as well, we do not know what kinds of free grazing your mount shall come across. I would rather be able to keep her at peak conditions than watch such a fine specimen wither on unfamiliar soil. Besides, it is always nice to treat such companions every now and then." Colette returns to her seat and watches the door expectantly.
"Speaking of companions, how do you wish to decide on one if we can not agree on who should be hired?"
"Your thoughtfulness is refreshing." Daniella said, something of a smile coming across her lips. "And Celeritas will be very thankful for the treat. But the area we're going to is just under Brevoy so I don't expect it to be so different. But I am ignorant of how the seasons are there, though they shouldn't be too much difference yet one should take precautions."
"Ah, the first test." Daniella breathed out a small sigh. "Such a good question. Let us see if my answer is satisfactory. The core I believe we should focus on is what we ourselves are lacking in, proper survival skills. While I can find north and know a few plants I can eat if I am in a pinch, the wilderness is not a place I am well acquainted with. This is not the hills of Restov or the forests of Orlovsky. This is uncharted territory, so what we need is someone who has gone through something like that before." Daniella said, bringing forth her point of view. "If you do not agree, then what is it you wish to look for?" Daniella asked. "If what I have said doesn't work for you, and what you believe doesn't work for me, then I suggest we choose the one that will get a long with us the most. We're going to be spending a great deal of time with them and each other."
"I do not think it will be a case of not agreeing on what is needed, more an agreeing on the person themselves. There is a better than negligible chance you will not like someone who fills all the other requirements you have laid out, and so might I. But, we will have to chose someone who works well for both of us, and as you say, we will be spending a long time with this hireling."
Finally it seems the time has arrived for the applicants to start making their way in. The first to arrive is a rather sour looking barrel bellied Dwarf. He is covered in furs and not the most pleasant smelling person to be around. His beard had already started graying heavily from the once brilliant red that it was.
He walked up to the table and eyed the two of you through his one good eye "O' course they'd make me trek my ass through a city to meet two children." he started before looking over to the innkeeper and holding up two fingers. He sat himself across from them and introduced himself. "Doubt they even took the breath to inform you, the bunch of pompous asses. Well, I go by Houndig Stonespeaker." he said as he scratched at himself.
Before the two women could speak up, the front door opened once again and a woman with hair the color of cocoa walked through the doors. She seemed to be at least better in presentation than the first to show up but she seemed oddly distracted. Her hair had branches woven in and out and she finally made her way over to the table after staring around the room for a few moments and sat down.
She started to speak up when suddenly a shriek akin to a hawk startles the table and even herself. What had looked like a wooden hairpiece in the center of her woven hair turned out to be a living breathing Osprey. She looked up and shushed him. "Be quiet Artemis, they'll think you're rude." she said talking to him as if it was perfectly normal.
She turned her attention back to the table as a cup of water was brought to her. "Ah, thank you. I am Merilee and I am a spirit speaker." she offered as her introduction. She then looked at the door expectantly and very shortly after her gaze was brought there, then it opened a third time. At first everyone's gaze was high enough for a dwarf or taller to be looked in the face but the Dwarf exchanged a look with the others at the table in confusion before he looked further down and notices a Grey furred Ratfolk.
The little guy made his way over to the table swiftly before hopping up to stand in the last chair at the table. He was small even for a Ratfolk at only three and a half feet tall. He bows his head "Aye got told Aye might find me a good paying job if I come here? Yes? My name is Jessepe. I...typically don't come into the city, not too often are my kind seen politely. But! I made sure to bathe and groom my fur nice and proper like." he said nodding and tittering a bit back and forth on his feet.
"Houndig, Merilee, Jessepe, I will dispense with the pleasantness and come to the brass tacks as it were. We have a small stipend to purchase the services of one who knows the wilderness well enough to serve as a guide within the Narlmarsh. We will be taming the land, if this would trouble your conscience to see untamed tracts turned to civil use I would suggest bowing out of the running before we go any further." Colette looks pointedly at the three, gauging their reactions for any pangs of a guilty conscience.
Danielle's golden eyes openly evaluated the applicants. This was what they had to choose from? This might be a long meeting... "Also keep in mind you have to deal with us." Daniella added in. "This may take a very long time, and if any thing about us is bothersome or off to you it will only get worse over the many days. Not to mention you'll be taking orders from us." She reminded them all. "If for any reason you cannot handle that idea, it would be best for all that you say that now."
All three of them exchange looks before it seems they decide to talk in the order they arrived. Houndig opens his mouth "The land is beset by bandits and monsters, for the sake of the land and it's inhabitants it needs to be tamed and protected. If that means a town or two crop up, that's fine. I'll just make up for the land lost with making sure the rest of the land stays healthy and safe. As far as taking orders, I've had worst people to have to listen to before." he says in response.
Merilee looks behind her for a moment and seems to be distracted for a moment before she looks back and tilts her head. "It is fine, the spirits cry out for protection, I'd be remiss to not join you in your quest and it'd ensure my continuing to eat and travel." she offered.
Jessepi looks around for a bit as he collects his thoughts "I don't mind, it would be nice to find a place where I don't have to keep myself hidden from most people eyes. This is a chance to change how people see me and to make a bit of money at the same time." he said with some enthusiasm.
Everyone seems to be genuine about their reasoning. They all seem rather eager to work.
Daniella nods while she listened to their words, remaining silent till each finished. Once they were done she began "Well it is good to hear that." She told them before she gave a glance to Colette then back to the others "Is there anything else you'd like to add about yourselves? Before we step out to speak about the choice?"
Houndig nods at Daniella and scratches at one of the furs on him. "Well, I wouldn't say I wouldn't be more comfortable in the mountains or even under em but I can find food pretty much anywhere. For a dour son of a b+#*!, I seem to do alright with the animals and I know how to handle wounds fairly well with and without magic. I don't do well with those that can speak but that's not what you're looking for from what I hear. I can read a man's worth real well though all the same." he offered.
He paused for a moment seeming like he was done, then spoke up again "Ah, yea I am horrid with a bow but I can handle a regular weapon just fine." he said nodding and feeling he said enough.
Merilee paused and tilted her head waiting to see if Houndig would speak up again or perhaps just out of pure thought. "The spirits of the woods guide me with finding weakness in any enemy. I can do some healing but I'm no cleric. I can guide you well through the forests and find food well enough but I'm afraid I was never really gifted in the ways of combat. Still, whatever your wish, I will try my best to help."she offered.
Jessepi paused and stared at Merilee a while. He seemed to think she had more to say but after a minute of her just staring forwards in almost pure concentration, he decided she was done. He coughed slightly "I'm ok in a fight, I prefer to slip in behind my foes if I can help it and I'm alright with a shortbow if it matters. While my life has been difficult because my kind are not well received by most humans...it has been a blessing in some manners. I have plenty of experience in many jobs, taking all sorts of manual labor jobs to feed myself and some of my family." he offered.
"When work was scarce, I've gotten good at hunting and I have learned to be able to hide in almost any rocky area so I'm confident in being able to guide someone through the wilds and even help with repairing homes and such if we need to secure a place for shelter." he said trying his best to sell his experience.
"Good to hear, you all seem to have a collection of skills that would be most advantageous, and this will be a hard decision in deed. If you three would allow us a moment to deliberate, I am sure we will come to a swift agreement before too long." Colette turns to her compatriot, making sure she has nothing to add.
Daniella looked side ways at Colette for a moment before simply nodding to the people to state that she agreed with to woman's words. "We shall call you back soon."
Colette looks expectantly to Daniella after the applicants have left. "What do you think of the prospects?"
"Well each seem to have the core part of what I stated would be needed." Daniella began as she leaned back in her chair tapping her chin slightly in thought. "Houndig seems like he will be gruff, but also I believe he will always be honest and tell us the truth. Merilee looks like she will care more about the land we're going to be going through than our own safety... however she also might be able to peacefully handle that animals we meet. Lastly there is Jessepi, he seems like he would be useful in a fight." She stated, then she pause, leaned foreword placing her arms upon the table bringing up a few other things. "That said, Houndig is gruff and likely more blunt than myself. I doubt you'd get along with him well. Merilee, as I said before, will likely care more about the land we're going to be taming. Which could become a problem when we actually start settling to area and clearing land for farms. Then we have Jessepi, who seems nice but may people care more about what they see...." Daniella goes strangely silent for a moment, before sighing and finishing "his race could bring trouble as those who come to settle the land will look down or worse to him."
"Yes, I believe you have the right of it. Al three have some small skill we may need. For my own council, I would choose the rat over the other two more for the company and the willingness to handle any job given. If we do a good enough job, maybe we can integrate his kind into our lands and have a ready made source of workers and tradesmen willing to be functional members of society. It is better to be feared than loved they say, but we can always try for both, even with your sunny disposition..."
"Careful not to trip." Daniella muttered as she leaned an arm over the back of her chair. "You don't have to have a sunny disposition to be nice or loved, it just helps it happen faster." She pointed out as the hand that remained upon the table and drummed it with her fingers. "We can't count on his people to just up and come, no more than we could the dwarves to if we chose Houndig." Daniella said with a shrug."But you are right in thinking it is more possible, after all there would he few safe havens for their kind. [b]"I am willing to agree to Jessepi but you must tell me, honestly, that you understand the risks that come with this. Humans are not kind. Anything they see as lesser or tarnished can swiftly turn to fear or hatred. You must swear to deal with such things." Daniella requested, and she seemed fully aware that it was a lot to ask. "Agree to this, we'll accept Jessepi, and I'll never question you in public."
"Oh my dear, how were you so hurt by this world. It is not just humans who can act in this manner, but any and all are capable of stupidity and shortsighted fear given half a chance and a large enough majority." Colette smiles, her "sunny" demeanor belying the weight of her words. "What we can count on is the ratlings connection to his immediate family and community, something the other two did not suggest even as an afterthought. All will be beholden to the law, and as long as they keep the law all will find shelter. Those who inevitably break our laws will be broken in turn to the full extent of said codes. I do not assume all will be shining paladins and demure princesses."
"You're right, it is not just humans. But humans are the majority. Here, in the Riverkingdoms, and really all but a few places." Daniella pointed out with a raised brow and a shrug. "You have my support to hire Jessepi." She said simply. "I think I will get us some drinks, would you like a wine or tea over ale?"
"Water would suffice. Not much to speak of past this I guess, are you ready to head out towards our destination in the morning?" Colette already knew the answer was yes, but she wanted to get the measure of her new companion before they left and would take any opportunity to do so.
Colette calls in the applicants, a warm smile graces her countenance as she delivers her news. "Thank you all for your interest, it seems we must now give our decision. After strong consideration we have take Jessepi along on this adventure, but each of you were strong contenders. If we meet again out in the wild places of the stolen lands, I will happily break bread with you and share a campfire."
Daniella made her way to the tavern counter and waited for the bar keep. When they found their way to her she spoke "I would like a water and a mead please." Then she dug out the coins to hand over upon the bar keeps return.
The applicants are relaxing but not really speaking to each other as they wait for the return of their potential employers. They watch a bit curiously as one of the two women breaks off to go to the barkeep to order drinks but their attention snaps back to Colette as she speaks up.
The dwarf breaks of into grumbling about the decision but doesn't break out into any kind of argument or the like. He waves off his hand as if to say that's fine to her offer "Ay, though I doubt that'll be the case. I've got to head back towards the dwarven cities nearby since this job didn't pan out." he mentioned before standing up and taking his leave.
The human stares blankly at Jessepi for a moment before the Osprey is the one who breaks the silence, letting out an indignant squawk. The woman turns back towards Colette and Daniella and bows before them before leaving silently.
Jessepi stands there in his seat a bit shocked looking, he rubs one foot over the other in a meek sense of shyness. "Thank you kindly ladies for the chance, it is greatly appreciated. I will work hard to prove I was the correct choice!" he said in a mixture of embarrassment and eagerness.
The barkeeper is quick to provide the drinks that Daniella orders and walks them over to their table, setting them down so that Daniella doesn't have to carry them. She quickly excuses herself but notes what has been ordered and is quick to provide a new glass as the first are finished.
"Glad to have your services Jessepi. I believe you will prove our confidence in you well founded."
"Please get our ally here whatever he wishes." Daniella asked of the barkeep when she placed their drink upon the table. "I will be paying for him, and thank you." She stated before she took a drink.
"Your eagerness is a good sign, let us hope it lasts." She told him with a small shrug. "Why don't we make this night a night of questions?" Daniella suggested. "We go around the table and each get to ask a question, get to understand each other better."
Jessepi looks rather pleased standing in his chair as the server comes over and asks what he wants. He orders a rather weak beer, very inexpensive. Still, when it comes, he looks rather grateful. He smiles as they offer to speak about themselves and ask each other questions. It seems that he wasn't too far behind his employers as far as knowing each other.
"I'm always curious about how people live in the cities. We typically make small movable villages a bit into the forest when we settle down so that we can still find work without people coming after us just because we look like rodents." he said in curiosity.
A servant of the Lord Mayor comes over before the ladies have a chance to answer his curiosity. She has in her hands a writ of employment that she asks the three of them to sign so that Jessepi can be formally paid. Jessepi waits till after the two employers sign it and tries to not look excited about getting any money.
Colette signs quickly to be done with the task and back to the matter at hand. She does wait for Daniella to begin, deferring to the woman in an attempt to build some good will between them.
Daniella signed the paperwork quickly and with an almost out of place grace. Handing it back Daniella settled into her chair and began. "Yes, I'm sure your appearance is a problem for many. Living in cities isn't much different I'm sure. We just don't move. Many families pass homes down through the line or never leave a city in generations. We live in cities because it makes agriculture easier meaning more people can come together and other things can be done. Cities do have problems though, illness can sweep through a city if not checked quickly. People living so close means more get infected quickly. That is one of the reasons people don't care for rats, the animal kind bring illness... and normally the kind that takes people in hundreds."
"That, and the tendency of small mice to chew through whole granaries and such... the threat of famine has about as much weight as the threat of plague. But, we will burn those bridges when we come to them I think, for now it is off to explore and tame a wild land. What adventure awaits, well... we shall see." Colette seems enthusiastically giddy at the idea of adventure, although not so much on the untamed wilds.
Jessepi nods at the suggestion to table any further conversation, seeming to take the two ladies thoughts on his people's alienation well enough.
He bids them adieu and looks eager for the morning to come. Everyone spends the evening preparing for the next day and to begin the long journey to their new 'home base'. At the outskirts of Restov, Jessepi is there waiting bright and early in the morning. The small ratfolk is riding an impressively large Great Dane complete with saddle bags.
He has a small sled that is laden down with gear so that the group can make their way through on the roads with some relative comfort and without having to stop each day and waste time hunting. Upon his waist and across is back is a set of four daggers and a small, heavy draw shortbow as well as a quiver of arrows over top of his studded leather.
There is plenty of time between when the group meets up at the exit of Restov along the road towards Oleg's. It's a rather simple journey, though the road itself isn't in good repair and in fact mostly trodden down grasslands or simple clearings between trees through any wooded areas.
Still, it's a lengthy journey and Jessepi is careful not to push the animals too hard. Either simply out of love of his own steed or knowing that you never know when you might need to push your steed beyonds it's limits, he is sure to take decent breaks every few hours so that the travel time is a bit longer than most people would take. The party travels twelve hours out of the day, from dawn to dusk with breaks in between and he is careful to set up camp himself when everyone takes a break.
The actual journey takes three whole days with the group staying on pace with even the most experienced merchants. However, it's dreadfully boring along the way, each day bringing out only wildlife to see. Jessepi is more than happy to speak whenever he is asked about anything and is even a passable cook. Still, it is a welcome sight when you finally start to see the walls of Oleg's Trading Post as the sun begins to set on the third day of travel.
Hard pressed and unused to the dust of the road, Colette is just happy to see the trading post before her. The journey had been spent mostly conversing with her traveling companions and showing off her ability to conjure into existence every single item she needs during their trek. She is ready to rest her bones and take a proper bath.
Daniella was more silent than talkative, but when addressed she did answer any question or opinion request in full. She didn't seem cold just... distant. However the whole way she and her faithful steed kept pase with Collette's carriage and Jessepi on his riding dog. When the post came into sight, Daniella let out a small sigh. "Well, this will likely be home base for a while." Daniella told the group calmly. "Let us go see what it is like."
The fort itself isn't in the best of shape but it does seem to have been being repaired slowly but surely over the last few months. In fact, upon arriving at the gate and coming to a halt, the sounds of a hammer hard at work can be heard banging away from inside the fort.
Mortimer stands up on the driver's seat of the carriage and barks out a greeting, hailing the occupants. It takes a couple of attempts at the greeting before the hammering stops and a gruff rebuttal in return.
The gate slowly opens after another minute or two and a man well kept enough to be a bit out of place both in the wilds and in civilized society is the first thing they see. The man, a bit to seed, stands before them. The man reeking of sweat, his dusty red hair slowly peppering, wipes his hands on a handkerchief as he looks at the motley crew at his doorstep. He spits on the ground nearby "Welcome to Oleg's Trading Post. Iffin you're as smart as yah look, then you'll guess I'm Oleg." he says staring at them for a moment and taking them in.
"I'm reckoning you're not the support Restov was supposed to send me bout the Bandits, so then I can only assume then you're the fools who got that charter to go out in to the wilderness and try and 'tame' the Stolen Lands. Well...GOOD LUCK" he says a bit curmudgeonly.
The welcome is perhaps anything but, until the arrival of a young woman came rushing fowards wiping her hands on her apron. Despite the roughness of Oleg, this comely woman would look rather out of place in the woods. Her appearance is well kept and clean, her silky brown hair kept in a long braid down her back. Her smile practically radiates with warmth and welcoming, a perfect face for an innkeeper. "Oleg! How many times have I told you, be nicer to guests. You can't make a Trading Post survive if you act like a donkey's ass to everyone who shows up!" she says smartly at her husband.
She looks at the travelers "Apologies for the welcome, I'm Svetlana, wife to this grump of a man. I don't care who you are, welcome to our humble bit of land. Apologies for the state of things, while it's not the most charming of places...it's at least cozy enough and there is a nice big pot of stew on the fire. Please, come in and Oleg will get your animals all settled in." she says happy to have guests.
Daniella dismounted Celeritas, as the two spoke. "The bandits?" She asked as she removed her helm with her freehand. "Well being so close to the Stolen Lands I wouldn't be surprised." She went on to say as she placed her helm upon the horn of her saddle.
"I am Daniella Aldori." Daniella said respectfully. "As we have come to clear these lands and your help has yet to arrive, not to mention your bandit problem would be our problem, I'm sure we can provide some help." She offered with a small shrug. "Have any idea were to find them?"
"Well met then." Colette says as she comes down from her carriage ride. "Since we are doing introductions here, my name is Colette Orlovsky and my companion here is Jessepi of the Ratfolk. My honored friend at the head of the couch is Mortimer." Colette waits to hear the answer to Daniella's offer.
Jessepi leans his head out from behind the carriage and waves kind of shyly at the two human caretakers. Oleg stares at the two of them for a bit "Aye, so you think you can tame these lands. Fine, I'll believe it when I see it. As to where them Bandits are, well why don't you lot go ahead and follow the misses and set yourselves up in a room. They'll show up soon enough. Bastards been trying to bleed us dry, coming by for their 'tribute' when they get to feeling greedy." he said angrily.
He spat on the ground had a rather unsavory and annoyed look on his face. He pulled up his britches and stormed back off to the area he was working on and went back to repairing.
Svetlana was more than happy to help. She was quick to showcase the rooms available in the fort as well as where they might be able to tie up the animals. Once everyone was settled, she happily served the three of them some of the stew she had been making.
Daniella first saw to Celeritas's needs. Removing her barding and saddle, then brushing her down and giving her a good place to rest and eat. After that she turned her attention to her belongings and were she had to put them. Storing all her things save her armor and weapons, Daniella then came to see Svetlana.
"Thank you." Daniella said as she took the bowl of stew. "So the bandits come whenever they please?" She asked, sipping slowly on the broth first.
Svetlana pauses and purses her lips as the conversation goes back to the bandits when she delivers her guests their food. "I'm not sure that they show up whenever they want really...I haven't been able to see any kind of pattern but I can imagine that they have someone watching to make sure their efforts are worth it as they've never come when we don't have anything to steal." she offered as an answer.
He raised a hand to her mouth and looked at Daniella and Colette "I worry that your carriage showing up might entice them to come for one of their visits...please, be careful and don't provoke them. I'd rather not see my guests hurt." she said, her emotions torn between wanting to ask for help and not wanting to see people get hurt.
"I am sure they will be along shortly. A noble carriage will draw their greed and two lovely ladies their lust. Do not worry, we will be ready for them." Colette surveys the area with a keen eye towards the construction and possible defenses. "Tell me though, what can we do to help rebuild your home here. It has seen better days I would wager."
"You are assuming they know we're women on that second point." Daniella said as she set down her soup before taking out her blade and beginning to tend to it, cleaning and sharpening. "Madam Svetlana, you don't have to worry about us getting hurt, though I thank you. But when they come they will find nothing but steel. Nothing that they can take, and it will cost them their lives." Daniella explained.
"Jessepi, please look after Colette. I'm going to be waiting for these bandits." She requested.
"Oh Daniella, do you not think they would place a scout out here to see what merchants come through? Or do you not believe a youthful beauty such as mine would entice such miscreants? Surely your own fit form will pull quite a few eyes out in these dark lands. It matters not the reasons why, only that they will come and we will be ready for them."
"You stayed in your carriage till we got here and any scout worth their space would have left to tell them about a carriage the moment they say it. Which means they likely didn't even lay eyes upon you." Daniella pointed out. "Secondly, I'm in full armor, and wore my helm the whole way till we entered here. So I doubt they would be able to tell I'm a woman." She added with a slight shrug. "The carriage will be reason enough, trust me."
"You are no fun dear. I swear, what is the point of playfully teasing if you are not going to play along? I wouldn't worry about me though, I have enough command of the magical arts that I will most assuredly hold my own against any miscreant we might have to face."
"Why would one play along with being teased?" Daniella asked with a raised eyebrow. "For most people it reminds them of poor times in their lives." She added in with a small shrug. "Besides I'm sorry to say I was not blessed with a good sense of humor."