Ote nods as Ques speaks.
”Lady Argentea - what wouldst thou have us do?” he asks brazenly, though with correct manners.
The lady frowns as she considers. Her gaze travels to a window, where she looks out into the white ground around the the lodge. With supplies, I should be able to make it back there myself, and can warn the council. She shrugs. At least, I think I can. You can then move on towards this Knotten...whatever he may be, and get rid of this gods-forsaken cold!
I fear that, if left unchecked, it will grow...if we have a chance to stop it, it's now.
Tchezze sees the frown on the lady's face and steps in front of her to address her and look into her eyes, "You know I would not ask you to undertake this journey alone if the situation did not warrant it. If you ask me, I will guide you back to Heldren personally. You know that I care for you greatly."
Tchezze, having known the Lady for quite a while, seems to think that she feels as if your mission to stop this cold is more important than her safety.
Tchezze pulls out his wakizashi and hands it to the lady, "Please be careful in your travels and let your family know that I will return. Take this to keep yourself safe."
Watching the interaction between the lady and her sworn men, Ithariel nods, appeciating the bravery shown by the lady Argentea.
Um, we do have prisoners, and some of them are ill. Maybe we should make a forced march back to Heledren with the lady and the captured men. That way we can rest safely, and know that we can return here if needed.
"I'm with Ques and Ithariel," Gita says, moving to stand near Argentea. "We cannot just leave Lady Argentea to the mercies of the frozen forest! Even with her security measures she was kidnapped. Frozen fey, necromantic worshipers of evil gods. Those are not risks worth taking. Teb Knotten has survived this long without meeting any of us on the battlefield. He can wait another day until we return to slay him."
She says this last bit with a gleam in her eyes that can only be borne of experience in the ways of fighting evil, and an eager yearning to return to them, to put old skills to use.
Sohi and Faraj would expect this of me.
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Ques is relieved when the conversation turns towards more reasonable approach.
"Besides, with the money we can get from selling the cloak, we might be able to pick up a wand of healing of some sort. I would like to remind you that the magical healing is the only reason two of you are walking right now and I am plum out of healing for a while. Well, running at any rate. Nox seemed on the edge of collapse but he WAS walking."
Though we are ALL alive and that is a minor miracle in and of itself. I wonder which god or goddess I should thank.
Lady Argentea, for her shakes her head. No, no...I couldn't have you do that for me. She then looks back to the sickroom. But...those men...maybe.
Tchezze considers the lady's refusal, and then sighs "In that case, I have no choice but to follow the lead of the others. I can't with good conscience leave you unprotected and unprepared. We will take you and these men back to Heldren." He looks at Ques, "I'm not sure that selling this cloak is the best idea. Something of this nature will likely be invaluable to us if we are going to venture into the cold any more. I doubt things are going to warm up any time soon. We do, however, have the rest of the items we have taken from this place that we might be able to trade for the healing we desperately need."
”Yup. Plenty here to strip...err...loot...ah...liberate!” croons Ote. He stands still for a moment, resplendent once again in his armor and panoply of weapons, peering at the walls, furnishings and architecture as if for the first time.
”What exactly...is this place anyway? What social or cultural function does..did...it serve. Way out here...”
Looking around the room after Ote's question, Ithariel muses, I believe it to be a hunting lodge, where the spoiled can partake in the hunt without endangering themselves overly much
Gathering up his supplies Ithariel begins to make certain the prisoners are ready for the trek to Heldren to face the justice of the town. We should go soon, and maybe we can question Rokhar when we get back there.
Ote nods at Ithariel’s assessment of the place. Then chuckles at the planarkin’s suggestion.
”Sadly for Rohkar, I’ll be questioning him the whole way back to Heldren. And if I don’t like his answers...” Ote makes a jabbing motion with his long blade, smiling.
Being that some of you are local to this area, you'd know that this is called "The High Sentinel Lodge"; it is/was home to an organization of Taldan rangers called the High Sentinels. These Rangers were charged with guarding the forest against Qadiran aggression, originally. However, with the recent peace with Qadira, many of the veterans have left, or turned to local matters like hunting down bandits.
Rohkar doesn't seem too upset in fact with the idea of returning to Heldren, though of course he does narrow his eyes at Ote - perhaps an attempt at a warning.
The hike back to Heldren is a tense one, with your having to constantly keep an eye on your charges and at the same time watch the forest for dangers. You hear the howling of wolves more than once, but your party is large enough to deter any of the usual threats in these woods.
You make it back into Heldren under the cover of darkness, and the town seems fairly quiet, except perhaps for the inn.
En route to Heldren, Ote, true to his word cheerily peppers Rohkar with inane and increasingly aggravating questions.
”How old were you when you realised you wanted to grow up to be an a$$hat?”
”What exactly led you toward a life of making friends amongst the unliving?”
”What part of “I’m going to a backwater town in bonds after having my butt kicked “ rankles the most - that you were hopeless then or now?”
”When Teb Knotten discovers you are not only a failure, but also a fraud, what will he do?”
”Name three people in your past that even remember who you are - bonus points if one is not your mam”
”Can you describe exactly how to find Teb Knotten?”
No matter the answer, Ote provides Rohkar’s posterior with a whack or jab, followed by a ”Good!” or ”Wrong” seemingly at random, before asking the question or a slight variation, again.
Rohkar, to his credit, even tries to reply to one of the questions, before he realizes the intent. After that, he shuts up and keeps his head down, watching his feet. At the last question, he snarls.
He'll find you...and he'll rip off your skin when he does, fool! He then looks at Ote again, and mumbles. ...after your feathers...
His men mostly just try and plod on with one foot in front of the other. They seem to be doing their best to just not die.
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Ques is not sure whether to laugh or frown at Ote's antics. The man certainly deserves it, but bullying is just wrong. In the end, the death of all his friends lands him firmly on the side of pro-bullying.
it takes a while for the fact that they are not only still alive but returning victoriously to the town, that he is returning a hero, and that he was a hero in front of a pretty (albeit ancient) woman. For the later half of the trip he starts wearing a self satisfied smirk on his face. Not quite overconfident though.
The first thing he does when he gets home is run to his mother and give her a big hug and tell her everything is fine. And a lot more. Like a blow by blow of every heroic thing he did.
Nox makes sure to borrow the spellbook for a bit before they sell it.
Ques's mother is in the tavern, helping out so that Ana's parents can grieve in peace. When she sees Ques, she drops a full tray and rushes towards him, wrapping him up in a hug so mighty it nearly broke bones.
My boy, my Ques...I knew you'd be back! And...this...this is her? You are a hero! My boy, the hero! She turns and holds your arm up as if you'd just won the Roddil-ralley in Absalom. The inn, to its credit, actually claps - though its not apparent if that's due to Ques, or to his mother's threatening glare.
She looks again at Lady Argentea. Oh, poor dear, look at you. Please, come by the fire; let's get you a clean, dry blanket and let you warm up!
Argentea smiles as she's very nearly swaddled in a blanket. She moves over on the warm bench, and nods for Ques to have a seat. Certainly. And, I appreciate it; you and your people have already done so much. That's your...team, there? Are you all adventurers?
As Ques gets cozy with the Lady, the big Ulfen warrior slams in through the door, his face a picture of relief. Seeing the familiar faces returned, he roars out a cheer. He stops at Ote and the others, though his eyes don't stray much from his charge, the Lady Argentea.
Ha ha, you did it my friends! Quite the resourceful bunch indeed! Did you run into much trouble?
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Certainly. And, I appreciate it; you and your people have already done so much. That's your...team, there? Are you all adventurers?
"Me!? Well, not really. Those others are but I'm just a stock-boy that somehow got involved with all of this. But my dad trained me pretty good and recently... well, something happened and I developed magical powers. Weird, if you ask me. I'm trying to decide whether I should help out on the next leg of the mission now that you are safe. Thing is, I don't really belong here any more what with Grey and all spooking all the customers. I'm thinking I will. But then there's mom over there. I almost gave her a heart attack when I went out the second time. I dunno if I can do that to her again, so maybe not."
In the back of his mind there is also the money and the pretty girl (which he is hoping will accompany them) pushing him towards going, and the natural inclination of any teen age boy to want to be a hero.
Argentea nods slowly as she looks into the fire. Grey...so he's your...your companion? She nods again, now firm in her understanding. Or, your summoned creature, right? He seems like a fine companion. It must be nice to have someone to talk to all the time. Sometimes, when I'm surrounded by my retainers, I still feel alone. I'm not sure they really want to be there, you know?
She looks up and cocks her head slightly. Listen to me...a bit "living on the edge" has me opening up...it's just silly.
I do understand Ques; it's a shame that one as young as you is left with such a burden. But, with Grey by your side, well...you may be one of the most capable people in this town. If anyone could solve this madness...it may be you.
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Ques nods thoughtfully.
"Grey is a bit of an enigma. Somehow my magic draws some of his essence to this plane, but not all of it. He's really, really old and yet this is all so new to him he's almost like a baby. He looks to me for guidance and I look to him for guidance. A good partnership."
For a moment Ques is tempted to summon Grey. But that always takes a long time, and having Grey make a sudden appearance would cause folks to freak out.
"But he is really weird looking and people freak. At first I could not control when he appeared and that made some folks REALLY freak. So a normal life is out of the question, for now."
This time Ques is the one to give his companion an appraising look.
"But, you're right, I'm not alone. Yet I don't think it is the same for me. Your loneliness is different from anything I've ever felt, I think."
Too personal. And a stock-boy like me should not have a personal conversion with a member of the ruling class. Time to change the subject.
"As for me solving the madness, who knows. I guess we'll see. But for now, here comes mom with some food."
After their travels, Gita opts for a mug of hot tea. The tavern had at first intimidated her, given that strong drink had been anathema to her clan. For as it was written in The Two Truths of Fire,
Drink not of the grain nor the grape. The binding of the senses and emboldens the agents of darkness in their devouring of the good.
But like with so many other things, she had succumbed to her circumstances and allowed herself to grow acclimated to the free-hearted ways of Heldren's ways. But that didn't mean she would herself lose her faculties to the ale cup, Valani no!
Smelling the freshly baked bread, she immediately remembers how hungry she's been, and hastily devours some bread, along with a few pieces of cheese wrapped in tender green onion chutes, and an entire tomato. Before eating, she enjoys her prayer: ...the world is an abundant place fit for man's growth. Glory to The Fireshaker..
At some point during the conversation, she approaches Nox. "I noticed you seem particularly interested in the dark one's book of spells. Are you, too, a practitioner of the arcane arts?"
Argentea seems interested in Grey, but seems to clam up when Ques mentions her loneliness again. She gazes into the fire, instead, seemingly lost in thoughts. But...the smell of fresh baked bread can knock down any walls. She looks up again, and smiles. She gives Ques a gentle squeeze on his arm to show her thanks, then gives in to her body's needs and falls upon the bread like a starving mutt.
Initially, being more interested in giving Lady Argentea time to relax and warm up from the cold, Tchezze goes about some accounting business, mostly working at getting fair compensation for the items that they "liberated" from the vandals. As he relaxes after this chore, he sees his ward talking with Ques and has to smile. The Lady has never had the traditional life, being part of the aristocracy and all. It's nice seeing her in this fashion.
Tchezze sighs, as he realizes this will be short-lived, as her family will want her to return as soon as possible and it will be a long time until she is able to get out again, he is sure of it. He also knows that, while the Lady is safe for now, his job isn't done. He will need to carry on with this mission in order to for her to ever truly be safe again. He moves over to Ques and Argentea, waiting for the appropriate time to make his plans known to her.
"My Lady, it makes me very happy to see you safe in this town, and, if I'm not mistaken, I even see a smile on your face....But, I am sure you know, your family will be sending for you soon. Unfortunately, I do not think I will be able to guide you home. This whole business is very troubling and I know it is not settled yet. We need to find this Teb Knotten and end this winter. I'm sorry that I must let you down, but I need to keep you safe. Please, let your family know that I will return, if I can. If they deem that my services are no longer wanted at that point, I understand. This is just something I have to do. I need to keep you safe.
Lady Argentea sighs, but resignedly nods. I had figured that you would, Tchezze; you have always been bound to your duty. I will miss you, my friend, but I understand. Please, stay safe in this madness. I don't know who this Teb Knotten is, or from where this vile cold has come, but I fear what it means for...well, for our entire nation.
She gets to her feet then, and for the second time shows quite the lack of decorum by wrapping up the Tengu in a hug. She then looks down at Ques. Will you and Grey be going with Tchezze, Ques? I would feel better for both of your safety if you're together.
Tchezze smiles at Ques when he agrees to join the journey, "You are stronger than you know, master Ques. We would definitely be lost without you." Forgetting decorum himself, Tchezze gives into the hug and squeezes her back, hoping to leave a little bit of his protection with Argentea.
At some point during the conversation, she approaches Nox. "I noticed you seem particularly interested in the dark one's book of spells. Are you, too, a practitioner of the arcane arts?"
Nox hesitates fractionally before nodding. "After a fashion, yes. I am a student of Alchemy, and there is much commonality between the substances I can prepare and the spells of wizards. Enough so for me to be able to glean insight from the study of arcane texts."
"Ah yes, I know of this thing. I am not skilled in potions, by any means, but have used them and observed their use many times. Blessed are those who can use nature's gifts to heal." She smiles. "And combat forces of evil."
"We will be good allies." She says this matter-of-factly, as though it is already true. "And the others. There is fire in their blood, yes? That is needed, if we are to endure this early winter."
"Very much so. This winter is an ill portent indeed." After hesiating a moment, he speaks again. "If you don't mind my asking, what brings you to Taldor? I'm not local myself, but I do know that the Taldans and your own people have not always been on the best of terms."
With it getting on into the night, the inn slows down, save for the small gathering around you and yours. Many fuss over Ques, the newly ordained "Hero of Heldren", while others make niceties with these newcomers who have already done so much for their little town.
Lady Argentea says her goodbyes to Tchezze and the others, and eventually retires for the evening, taking Ques's mother up on her offer of a room to stay in.
Ithariel awakens and prays to the forces of nature to prepare his spells for the trek into the wilderness.
After excusing himself from his ward, Lady Argentea, Tchezze seeks out Old Mother Theodora. He gives his condolences on the loss of young Garland and asks for her assistance in healing up his remaining wounds. Once he is patched up, he returns to the inn and graciously accepts a room from Ques's mother before falling into a sleep.
However, if Ote decides to take it instead:
You make your way through the heavy snows and biting wind without any further incident. You can see where the most likely route would continue on past the lodge to the west, where a bridge made of rope and wooden planks spans a narrow ravine. It's already covered in ice and snow, and it sways alarmingly in the icy winds blowing through the gorge. The turbulent waters of a fast-moving creek surge through a couple of waterfalls far below.
"If you don't mind my asking, what brings you to Taldor?
"My people traversed the sands of Qadira. We hunted demons, witches, and other creatures of evil. A hag nearly destroyed us all, though she took me an my friends, Faraj and Sohi, prisoner. Her wagon fell on her and crushed her to death, releasing us from her magic. We fled into the woods, but Faraj and Sohi were killed by evil fey and shades. I found my way here."
Gita explains all of this matter-of-factly, as though no one in their right mind would doubt the authenticity of such claims.
The next morning, Gita studies her holy text and prays to Valani for protection from cold winds, and for the inner fire of conviction. As they head out into the blustering day, she casts endure elements on herself.
As they near the bridge, she produces a wand and casts about herself an iridescent bubble of protection.
"Yes that might be wise. Grey is very brave!" She smiles at the eidolon.
Grey lets out a sound a bit like a grunt. Yes, Ques...it would be best for the expendable eidolon to go, wouldn't it? The ribbing seems good-natured, though Grey does seem to be making a point. The creature turns towards the bridge and starts across.
Seeming to move quite slowly after the first few steps, Grey looks back about half way past and lifts his voice over the wind. It's fine, but one must go slowly. If you use haste, we will be using the poles your kind likes to catch fish with in order to get you out.
One can sense Grey grinning, even if they can't see it on his shadowy face.
Out at the ravine, Tchezze is nervous about the eidolon crossing alone. He knows that traps have been plentiful up to this point and this is as best a place to spring one as any. He stands near the ravine, with his new bow drawn and ready to loose, if the need arises.
Seeing Grey about to clear the bridge, Ithariel asks the others, Should Ote and I cross next? I would hate to see Grey stuck there for a long time by himself.
Ithariel looks up and down the ravine, hopeful that Tche's worried look is for nothing, but grimly aware of how exposed they will all be on this crossing.
"If you don't mind my asking, what brings you to Taldor?"My people traversed the sands of Qadira. We hunted demons, witches, and other creatures of evil. A hag nearly destroyed us all, though she took me an my friends, Faraj and Sohi, prisoner. Her wagon fell on her and crushed her to death, releasing us from her magic. We fled into the woods, but Faraj and Sohi were killed by evil fey and shades. I found my way here."
Gita explains all of this matter-of-factly, as though no one in their right mind would doubt the authenticity of such claims.
"Oh! That's terrible. I'm sorry about your friends." Nox says.
Wrapped against the cold in the strange cloak, Ote strains to hear Gita’s tale. At the bridge, he nods to Ithariel’s suggestion.
”I’ll go first.” the plucky avian says, before beginning the feather-raising traverse.
"Yea, that sucks. Up to this point my drama has been limited to accidents at the store and the appearance of Grey. And the usual familial and personal drama - you know what I mean."
"Adventuring has a way of bringing drama to your door. It is not an easy life, and it seems the adventurer is destined to lose those they care about." Gita grimaces and wipes at her eye, remembering her own losses. "But this is Valani's will, and this is the price I must pay to carry out my solemn charge. I suppose you must decide for yourself your reasons for encountering such danger, yes?"
"So, you're not married or anything?"
"Sand to glass, no! It is... was the custom of my clan for the suitor to present to their chosen a token of battle, such as the head of a dangerous foe. I suspect there may have been such thoughts in the minds of one or two, but in each case the young man died in battle." She smiles at Ques.
The cold wind whipping at her hair, but comfortable in the warmth of Valani's grace, Gita waits to watch the others slowly cross the bridge.
"Sand to glass, no! It is... was the custom of my clan for the suitor to present to their chosen a token of battle, such as the head of a dangerous foe. I suspect there may have been such thoughts in the minds of one or two, but in each case the young man died in battle." She smiles at Ques.
Ithariel grins at this, Such is the way of many groups both in nature and among us 'civilized' creatures. Presenting gifts is common in both birds and humanoids alike to express attraction, have no fear Gita, I am certain someday a worthy will present you a gift you like and is desirous of your attention.
With that his gaze returns to watching the perilous crossing of the bridge, mentally preparing himself to cross next.
Grey makes it over just fine, though he has to go quite slow. Ote starts across as well and finds that though the footing is slick, it is manageable if one takes their time. He also makes it across without mishap, though he finds that on the other side the snow gets quick a bit deeper.
Ote finds himself at the bottom of a ridge that slopes up sharply to the right and could be mostly impassable. To the south, the ridge slopes up there as well. It seems like the only passable route is to the west.