Cor’ellis nodded pleasantly, picking up on the merchant’s cue to turn the talk more business related. ”And trading this close to the Blight do have it’s challenges, yes? I do worry for raids from the north with so little fortification or manned defense. The village did seem to have it’s fair share of troubles from within, as well. Do you be troubled here by such things, Mistress Serane?" She did not bother to specify, knowing that merchants were usually the most well informed people in the area.
'There is something here, I just can't put my finger on it. It's rare when someone tells everything but I wonder Is she is at least telling us the truth' Looking at the girl, Elek tries to determine if she is telling the truth.
He then looks to her mom, trying not to sound cruel, "Intentional or not your daughters contact with everyone dreaming cannot be a coincidence. " He shrugs, "It's her own patients the dreams are killing but I have no idea how to stop it. Is there anything else you can tell us to try and help?"
Cor’ellis considered the implications as she leaned back in her seat, remembering the strange tapestry from before. She politely ignored the woman’s rather forward implication, though she cut her eyes toward Renlo, gauging his reaction.
”So the dreams do trouble you here outside Thorn's walls? There do be much strangeness here, I think perhaps your decision do be a prudent one. Renlo did have much the same thought. Though I do be glad you did no leave before we arrived. I fear I have no heard of these local legends. Please, do enlighten us."
Mom, it's ok. The thought is true. those that i have been in contact with have become....infected...with this...thing. If i am the cause, then perhaps i should leave the village. she says the last with a very noticeable look at Korin.
He then looks to her mom, trying not to sound cruel, "Intentional or not your daughters contact with everyone dreaming cannot be a coincidence. " He shrugs, [/b]"It's her own patients the dreams are killing but I have no idea how to stop it. Is there anything else you can tell us to try and help?"[/b]
'Really she thinks getting in my face is the solution.' Breathing a heavy sigh, Elek takes a pointed step back. "I didn't accuse your daughter of anything. I'm pointing out the connection between her contact with people and those people having such realistic dreams that the dreams cause them to act irrationally." He looks to the girl, "We need to find the cause, not banish someone who helps their community." He looks back to the mother, "Again I ask, what do you know that we don't? We have an Aes Sedai who may be able to help if we can solve the riddle. What can you tell us? By the light, anything you say will not leave this room." He looks back at the girl, then the mother. "If you don't want to say it in front of her we can send her from the room."
If Mistress Serane could not shed any more light on the subject, Cor’ellis and Renlo would politely conclude the conversation and gather up her traveling goods and rejoin the rest of the party to share what they have learned.
Renlo looks skeptical about the news that at least 65 years have passed since the last Trolloc raid - usually he'd seen small bands twice or even three times a year, and Thorn was further north than his home. The past couple of years had been abnormally quiet, but not before then. Of course, if something involving the One Power were protecting the town, that could have an effect. It was rumored there were places even Trollocs wouldn't enter without being driven to it by the Halfmen.
** spoiler omitted **
Cor'ellis thanked Mistress Serane for her excellent service and the lovely conversation. Then she and Renlo gathered her necessities and with well wishes for the future, departed the Trading Post.
After they secured the supplies with the party's wagons, she said to Renlo, "Well, we do be free to go on our way now. Unless the others did uncover something to shed some light on these strange dreams and odd behavior and mean to do something about it. Now, where do they be?"
In the meantime, Cor'ellis did her best to learn more about the so-called legends of Thorn. She spoke with the villagers, focused on the subject of multiple births, since that seemed to be the most verifiable piece of information she had received from the helpful merchant.
Bidding Mistress Serane farewell, Renlo said, ”The rest of our supplies are at the Bulwark. The others will meet us there.”
He felt the room tense up and for a moment was going to try to find a way to lighten the mood... But Tenora Sedai was still talking about the power to the girl, which led him to believe that maybe she would be going to Tar Valon at some point. Entirely not his business really, other than the weird happenings going on in the town.
"This Sharrah, she live close by? Perhaps we could ask her about these dreams and try to root out the cause. I mean a fellow did die this afternoon to the madness whatever is going on here. We can't stay long but I dont mind a day or two if it helps."
He offered smiling diplomatically polite.
Dawn nods at Marik. she...she lives on the other side of town with her dad and mom, and 6 brothers. White house with blue stripes. cant miss it.
'Is that panic I here in her voice?' Raising an eyebrow, Elek asks, "Did your friend happen to meet Bataar Rogozin as well?"
In the meantime, Cor'ellis did her best to learn more about the so-called legends of Thorn. She spoke with the villagers, focused on the subject of multiple births, since that seemed to be the most verifiable piece of information she had received from the helpful merchant.
[dice=Diplomacy(Gather Information)]
In the meantime, Cor'ellis did her best to learn more about the so-called legends of Thorn. She spoke with the villagers, focused on the subject of multiple births, since that seemed to be the most verifiable piece of information she had received from the helpful merchant.
[dice=Diplomacy(Gather Information)]
Dawn, joined with her mother Anna, leads the group to Sharrah's house. Set on the other side of the small town, the house provides a sort of homey fell. A short, single story house made out of stone and mortar, a chimney rising above the thatched roof, a steady stream of smoke rising from the stone structure. Several brown chickens scratch fitfully at the dirt around the house, seeking that remnant of seed, bugs, and other items to feed upon.
As you step up to the front door, it suddenly swings open, and a bundle of rags, flashing red hair, and scrawny limbs bursts free from the entryway in a hurry. It slams into Elek, only to bounce off and falls into a heap at Elek's feet.
Norran! You keep away from her! Or i swear to the Creator, i will drag you to Shayol Ghul, to the Dark One himself, and offer you up to become a shadowspawn! a loud, masculine voice thunders from inside the structure.
Korin stands to the side where he can have an eye on the bundle of rags as well as keep the alcove within sight. Briefly, he glances at his companions to see if any of them have noticed.
Cor'ellis was relieved to find the rest of the group as they crossed paths on their way. "We do be ready to leave when need be," she said, "unless, you do know of some way we can help here? I did uncover some local legends, perhaps most notable that this village has not had an attack from the Blight in 65 years. I do suspect that whatever do keep the Trollocs and Fades out, it may also cause folk to lose their wits from time to time."
She was slightly started by the sudden appearance of a... man? in the doorway. But she was quick to follow Tenora's lead. "Yes, we do be hoping to speak with her. You would have our gratitude if you did introduce us." She said with smile.
When she looked around, she noticed someone else was looking on. Keeping her voice low, she nudged Elek. "A lurker looks on. There." She indicated the direction discreetly.
What the ...' Pleased to have everyone back together, Elek is caught unaware as the scrawny 'Norran' falls into a heap at his feet. Releasing the grip of his sword, he begins to offer the boy a hand, pausing when he feels Cor'elllis softly elbow him. Nodding discreatly that he understood, as he quickly glances the direction she indicated.
Quickly turning back Norran he offers his hand to the boy, "Let me help you up lad." Elek pulls the boy to his feet, turning Norran so that he could comfortably look over the boys shoulder toward the lurker.
Reunited with the group, Renlo's hand grabs the hilt of his sword as the...bundle of rags or what have you bounces off Elek. Seeing that the bundle of rags and red hair was a person named Norran, he released his hand, but left it hover nearby. The lurker in the shadows could be dangerous after all.
What? Sharrah? What's she's done now? the man from inside loudly asks.
The bundle of rags resolves into a red haired teenage man, knobby knees and elbows as he is pulled to his feet with the help of Elek. My thanks sir. My thanks. I, uh, um... he trails off as he swings his head from Elek's gaze and looks at everyone else around Elek. He pales a bit, and seems to slump, held up by Elek's grip upon his shirt than strength in his legs. Oh Shai'tan! I am so screwed...
As her eyes adjust to the lighting, she glances again in the direction of the Alcove.
Cor'ellis was shocked when the young man uttered the name of the Dark One and quickly placed a steadying hand on Val's back. She tried to gauge if the boy's utterance was mistake or habit.
Korin's glance towards the alcove is suddenly distracted as the bundle of rags openly uses the Dark One's name. His scrutiny fastens on the figure being held by Elek. "Only a fool speaks that name, boy. Even darkfriends do not use it so lightly."
'An armed man hiding in the shadows. Finally something that I can do something about.' Nodding to Cor'ellis, Elek realizes what the boy has said, releasing the boys collar as Korin chastises him, "Fool boy!".
As he takes a step towards the lurker, speaking softly he asks his cousin, "Tenora can you restrain the man in the shadows the same way you did Bataar?" He then begins walking toward the man, unconsciously moving in the form 'cat crosses the courtyard.'
elek moves towards the shadowed figure, his steps sliding gracefully forward, perfectly balanced upon the balls of his feet. His dangerous stride isnt unnoticed however, as the figure steps fully into the light, assuming the starting position of Parting the Silk.
The surprise in this forward movement is the revelation of the person. Short, stocky, he wears a leather vest hanging loose over his torso. Cotton pants hang loosely from his waist. His boots are leather, worn yet comfortable. His head is shaved to the skin, yet his eyebrows show a whiteness that transitions from blonde to the palest of shades. His eyes shine bright green, almost reflecting the light. With the light, you see that this young man, also a teenager, is heavily muscled, cords of steel in his arms ripple and flex, his blood vessels bulge out along under the skin as he grips the pommel of his sword. He stands, 20 feet away from Elek, completely at ease.
Cor'ellis did her best to soothe the frightened boy as Elek moved off. "You do no need to be fearful of us. We come only to inquire of your... sister, I do expect? Do no be fretful, if anything do be wrong, we do be here to help set it aright. Now tell me, what do be the matter?"
He moved into a position to intercept the scrawny kid if need be. He did his gaze to the folk who led them there, Dawn and Anna.
"This fool here have a name?You should watch your tongue young man, if you are trying to woo a lady you should act like a gentleman not a theif."
He added.
...as he grips the pommel of his sword...
'Well at least he's coming out of the shadows ...' Stopping in the middle of the road, Elek, Smiles slightly as the young man slips into 'Parting the silk.' 'Hopefully, if he attacks, Tenora will be able to bind him up before I have to killl him.' Elek nods to the young man, "Peace favor your sword. I am Elek Kardforgató. You must forgive my forwardness, I have an aversion to being watched from the shadows."
the boy looks up at cor'ellis. wha? my sister? joclyn? Why would you look for her here? A thief! Well i never did steal anything in my life...well, except for some kisses and what not with the fine Miss Sharrah. the bundle of rags proclaims indignatly at the insult of being assumed to be a thief.
The swordsman shifts slightly in his stance, a bit of hesitation in his form since Elek formerly introduced himself. Ah...Hail, Elek, I am Jair Fairswurn. I am not watching you, rather that oaf Mikel who bumped into you. He's persuing a woman i hold most dear, the Lady Sharrah. you notice that while the young man shifts, he still hasnt fully relaxed.
Whats all this going on out here? I swear, I will gut every one of you- the voice from inside the house bellows loudly before stepping from the darkened interior out into the daylight, resolving into one of the most plain men you have ever seen. If he wasnt talking and drawing attention to himself, youd swear that youd have looked past him without noticing him. -well who in the Dark One's twisted taint are all of you? And why are you standing here upon my property?
Keln! That's enough!Anna and Dawn snap at the man at the same time. You have no right to be speaking like that, especially to these visitors.
Keln, the plainest man, guffaws at them HA. I speak however i want to, Anna, young Dawn. Neither of you are my mom, Dark One take her and use her as his plaything. Now, why'd you bring this sightblinded milquetoast outsiders to my doorstep?
the boy looks up at cor'ellis. wha? my sister? joclyn? Why would you look for her here? A thief! Well i never did steal anything in my life...well, except for some kisses and what not with the fine Miss Sharrah. the bundle of rags proclaims indignatly at the insult of being assumed to be a thief.
Cor’ellis laughed lightly as she realized her mistake. ”I do see now, I mistook you for a resident of this house. You do be looking for the lovely girl Sharrah as well, yes? Where do you be looking next? I do so wish to speak to her.” She left the others out of it for now in case the boy was frightened of the men or the future Aes Sedai.
Whats all this going on out here? I swear, I will gut every one of you- the voice from inside the house bellows loudly before stepping from the darkened interior out into the daylight, resolving into one of the most plain men you have ever seen. If he wasnt talking and drawing attention to himself, youd swear that youd have looked past him without noticing him. -well who in the Dark One's twisted taint are all of you? And why are you standing here upon my property?Keln! That's enough!Anna and Dawn snap at the man at the same time. You have no right to be speaking like that, especially to these visitors.
Keln, the plainest man, guffaws at them HA. I speak however i want to, Anna, young Dawn. Neither of you are my mom, Dark One take her and use her as his plaything. Now, why'd you bring this sightblinded milquetoast outsiders to my doorstep?
”Do excuse us, if you please, sir. We do seem to be rather crowded up at the moment ‘round your doorstep. We do no mean to take up your valuable time long.”
'Jair Fairswurn...watching the oaf, Mikel... both interested in the same girl. I'd say that constitutes a love triangle, we may have found our source.' His mind wanders for a split second, Elek looks from Jair back to the stammering bundle of rags. Rolling his eyes Elek shakes his head, about to say something when his attention is drawn by a bellowing voice.
'What is it with these people and invoking the dark one this close to the blight?' Turning on his heels, as the two women chastise the local man, Elek's gaze darkens as the man curses his own mother. 'Sightblinded Milquetoast outsiders? I'll show him feeble....'
Elek stops in his tracks glaring at the man as Tenora introduces him. Glancing at Cor’ellis as she speaks to the girl's father. ’Apparently Tenora and Cor'ellis want this one handled with kid gloves.’ Recognizing the tone in the womans voices, he removes his left hand from his scabbard. Willing himself to stop moving towards the man, He stands placing his hands behind his back, forcing himself to bite his tongue. While the woman try to soothe the situation.