Lilianne finds Andrei gazing through the spyglass. "Dâ goblînş âre şurprîşîng close." The cleric move away so the half-elf can see.
** spoiler omitted **
Aramyros sits high on his horse wearing in his new armor. Riding in full plate is much more difficult than anyone would expect who hadn't done it. He also left his old scythe back in the camp haven gotten a shiny new one of much better quality as a gift.
He avoids riding into the forest and following any trails that lead into it too deeply. Aramyros on Felice will not ride far away, only going as far as out of sight from the camp. After circling around once, he'll return about 20 minutes later.
At Blaze's urging, Nazetoz pulls out his sword. "Taith nin coth ta naeg na show their zantur!" He chants in elvish and baleful energies swirl along the blade. It's almost translucent, but with a faint reddish hue. "I can only make it flow with frost a couple times per day, but I can infuse it with this branding magic as many times as I want. It'll leave a nasty brand on enemies I strike, declaring their wickedness for all to see."
The elf shrugs at the question about his blade. "I find it very curious that the organization is named so similar to the blade. Yet I'm not aware of any direct connection. Maybe the founder wielded a similar blade. Maybe actually this specific blade is connected to it somehow? I do know that this blade is infused with holy purpose from Sarenrae though. So if there's a link, hopefully it'll be a good thing as the Everlight is a good deity, valuing temperance and mercy."
Nazetoz moves over to the open crypt to investigate. "I'm no trap specialist, but I would be more than happy to investigate the contents of the chest within."
"An eternal wand of fireball! This is a rare treasure that can blast away huge swaths of enemies in one go and keep on giving. I know that I can use it, but perhaps it would be better suited for someone else? While I don't have much in the way of area of effect magic, I do already have plenty of offensive tools at my disposal."
"She is quite strong isn't she!" Baahir replies with a smile to Lilianne, he nods as she heads off to check the tower.
He holds the door open as Nazetoz heads below.
"An eternal wand you, did I hear you right? By Sarenrae's burning flame, brother, that is good new. I can hold on to it if you wish...anything else of note? I am coming down." Baahir calls down before heading down to help look over the potions.
"What an incredible stash." he says marveling at how much is packed in the chest.
away from the others, Thorn drops down to his knees among the thickest of undergrowth he can find.
Trembling as he begins building a small house of twigs and leaves upon the ground to calm his nerves.
He wasn't sure if the others would notice but unlike them he had no confidence whatsoever in what they were doing.
There wasn't a fort or anyone else he could remember, his memory was also like Swiss cheese and though they might come back in time, the feat hat they would never still holds him in absolute terror.
He wondered if he would fit in the group afterall. He wasn't doing very well. Anything once taught to him seemed vague and distant from his efforts to use those skills. He wondered if staying in the material planes was affecting him....he missed the feywilds.......
Once he builds his little house and regains his nerve, the half elf goes silent and starts his scouting mission.
They needed information on the terrain and things like sources of water and other hiding places of note.....
"Yes. She has an internal flame that would put most hardened warriors I know to shame," she answers Baahir in reference to Blaze, even though she is right there. Lilianne gives her a warm smile in compliment. Obviously remembering her fighting spirit in her weakness when she could not.
"Wonderful," she chirps happily to Nazetoz and with others going to help, she is sure they can get it open. It is not as though someone would lock such a thing in this place or put a trap on it.
Great agility is in the half-elf as she ascends the tower quickly.
A moment later, Andrei finishes spying things out and invites her over. Lili will pull her hair to one side with a hand so that it dangles unobtrusively downward behind her. Her eye she will set to the telescope as one who has used them before.
"Yes...at least they are a distance enough away to not hear us constructing anything or felling trees, but that's good that they are close. I mean...it's good if we are hunting them, bad if they are hunting us. We should make sure things stay going in the right direction."
She will stand tall once more. There is a brief pause as she looks to him. As if there were a barrier between them of years having passed, she steps closer through it defiantly to Andrei. With purpose in her eyes and the same soft sweet tone he knows, she will speak to him calmly.
"If your first question is, 'was any of it real?', then the answer to that is, yes. With you...yes."
She seems like she has more to say, but in that moment, he can see that her hands still bear the dirty, rusted, minor wear of pulling on the metallic ring below. Nothing worrisome with her hardened hands, but a temporary blemish on otherwise pure skin. There are no tears or cuts, just a spread of reddish rusty dirt-covered hue, and slightly pinched skin.
Once she is within easy reach of his hands she blushes heavily and looks down. Lilianne is used to seeing him in looser clothing rather than battle-ready gear, so her attentive eyes study him better now. They catch his nice masterwork studded leathers, and in an engagingly flirtatious way, she reaches out to pluck and touch the various prongs and studs that protrude from it--thus invading his bubble first.
Nervously she speaks, "If your second question is, 'why did I ever leave?', then know that it wasn't because I wanted to. I had to."
"If your first question is, 'was any of it real?', then the answer to that is, yes. With you...yes."
Andrei's eyes glistened to hear his greatest fear was unfounded. The varisian could feel his heart swell.
She seems like she has more to say, but in that moment, he can see that her hands still bear the dirty, rusted, minor wear of pulling on the metallic ring below. Nothing worrisome with her hardened hands, but a temporary blemish on otherwise pure skin. There are no tears or cuts, just a spread of reddish rusty dirt-covered hue, and slightly pinched skin.
Once she is within easy reach of his hands she blushes heavily and looks down. Lilianne is used to seeing him in looser clothing rather than battle-ready gear, so her attentive eyes study him better now. They catch his nice masterwork studded leathers, and in an engagingly flirtatious way, she reaches out to pluck and touch the various prongs and studs that protrude from it--thus invading his bubble first.
Nervously she speaks, "If your second question is, 'why did I ever leave?', then know that it wasn't because I wanted to. I had to."
"Lâțer, my Câllîe", the caydenite said breathlessly. "Țell me lâter."
Andrei pulls the mysterious half-elf of his dreams, the woman he lost and found again, into his arms, his lips seeking hers. The long-lost lover reunite at last in passionate kisses, Andrei holding Callie tightly, unable or unwilling to let her go again. The varisian's head swam in estacy. After so many years apart, unable to find her, Andrei begged to Golarion to stop turning, to keep him in this moment forever!
How she wished she was Andrei's Callie. Could she ever be? Could he ever be truly part of her life? Did the Lion's share allegiance? If the mission becomes a success, and her newfound name in this association rises, could she be released from service without pain of death?
All such fears melt away as she hears his words. His velvet-soft voice reaches that seared wound on her heart that she's been trying to heal for years; so much so that as he pulls her in there is a little whimper that escapes her lips before she locks in a temporary embrace with him.
Passionate memories race in her mind of their old affection for each other and it will be clear to him that there is that same passion in her kiss as the day she left him. Earlier, she had been sucking on sweets and grapes briefly, and without much effort, he'd find that her lips taste like honey and fruit. Always in her closeness, he can smell that lavender in her hair with the hint of something else.
Lilianne will slow things down eventually and will churn her fingers through the hair at the base of his neck. Eventually, she will part the kiss and rest her forehead against his with her eyes closed. Her breathing is laden and her nose is red from the cool air and her heated body. She mutters to him in a broken voice.
"We will have tonight...," she will state in broken Taldan. She obviously is flustered.
She will kiss him again and slides her hands down to his cheeks.
Andrei joins the others at the tower's base loading the crates, with the most stupidest, widest grin on his varisian face. The cleric took an uncommon glee in his work.
"You're the fire-wielder, so it might be more appropriate for you to use it. But I can also wield it as it aligns well with my magic. I already got color spray prepared for today, so if we face a lot of enemies I could use that. It might be better that we both have tools for such situation. I've read about people using wands to good effect with similar styles of magic to mine though. I'm sure I could brush up on that to combine the wand with my sword and that would be quite a potent combination, but I'm not there yet. So for now, here you go." He hands over all three wands to the cleric.
"As for the cure wands, I can't even use those, I'm a Magus, not a cleric. But I think you should be able to, I've studied enough magic to know that."
As Aramyros rides around in the clearing all the deer are scared off.
Within a few hours you could have all the tents up.
Blaze did her best to follow Nazetoz's swiftly flowing fluent speech and nodded along, admiring the craftmanship of the blade. Branding, she certainly understood, and made a sound of approval, looking sufficiently impressed. "Curious." She repeated the word, with an odd sound as if she were trying it out for the first time.
---
Blaze smiled over the compliments, but soon ducked her head to the side so that she hid her face under her hair to hide her blush. She went down the ladder to investigate the cellar to cover her shyness.
She takes her time, making sure this place is what it seemed to be. Vaguely remembering some mention of a vault in the red letter, she especially looked for any dagger shaped recesses.
When the wands were revealed, she was glad they had been secured below ground. Just the thought of the endless wand falling into goblin hands made her feel cold. Finally, once she was satisfied there was nothing amiss in the cellar, she returned up the ladder and set to helping set up the camp, starting with a fire.
As she began setting up the tents, the inevitable question came to her mind. "Some must share..." She said aloud, speaking to the fire if no one else was close to hand, maybe even if they are. Her eyes strayed to the couple locked in an embrace on top of the watchtower. "Them, mebbe?" She said with a smirk, though what she meant was probably, if she had known the word.
Blaze will help where she can, she will lift, carry, move things around, pack, unpack, hold something in place, what have ye. She will prioritize shelter first as she doesn't want to be caught in the weather. But she will inevitably be drawn by her artistic nature to adjust and readjust things until achieving an aesthetic placement. Eventually, she will also be decorating the wooden structure with her art.
As she began setting up the tents, the inevitable question came to her mind. "Some must share..." She said aloud, speaking to the fire if no one else was close to hand, maybe even if they are. Her eyes strayed to the couple locked in an embrace on top of the watchtower. "Them, mebbe?" She said with a smirk, though what she meant was probably, if she had known the word.
Andrei's face held a small smile. "Câllîe ând Ăye șhăll șhâre â țenț. For dâ comforț ând prîvâcy of our.. teâmmâteș?" The cleric still wasn't really sure what to call these people he had pledged himself to, along with Callie. "Şo long âș our comforț ând prîvâcy âre âlșo obșerved."
Andrei reached into his haversack and brought out one of Ethios's fine wine bottles. "Şomeţhîng țo şhâre țo foşţer com.. câm..câmârâderîe? Âye hope ăye em șâyîng dât correcț?"
Proceeding down the ladder, she can see Andrei already mingling with those working to set up the tents; Blaze among them. She will instead consider the matter handled and will move across the field toward the wood's edge.
Thorn will hear her approach as she is not trying to be silent.
Calm her voice is, with a gentle tone as she addresses the strange man, "Will you not join us among the tents? Each tent is a two-man tent. It might be safer than you being out here."
She will kindly offer her hand to him to stand up if he wills to do so.
When Aramyros comes back from his patrol, he dismounts and adresses the group.
"It seems some of you know how to handle themselves out here in the wild. That is good to know. I never really handles myself in the wilderness. Always worked out of at least a village of sorts."
He looks around, apperently wondering what he could do. Then he continues. "I did find a a pool of water on the other side of the clearing in that direction, though," he said while pointing with his heavily armored arm.
After another thinking break he says "I think, I do have some good ideas on how to defend our makeshift camp" and begins drawing some sketches into the ground with his dagger on where he thinks defensive measures are set up best.
Looking up at Lilianne's approach, Thorn grins at her. Attempting poorly to hide his make shift building, fragile as it is, it wouldn't last a day.
"This forest is pretty inhospitable to most. It's filled with creeping vines, thickets of steel leaf, and poisonous plants. Perhaps It's best that one of us scouts the surround areas so that we know about the lay of the land to avoid getting ambushed early by goblins." he smiles confidently.
Gesturing vaguely, he continues.
"The others could build this fort of ours but having alternative locations might serve us well....." he stops rambling as he looks at the hand offered to him.
Wiping his own hands off his tunic, the fat man takes it.
"This feels familiar...." he whispers.
Releasing her hand as the man looks away,
"It'll take some time and though there's no giant mushrooms around. I do believe I could blend into the forest and skulk about before returning." showing that his clothes starts changing colors to blend in with the forest easier. He shrugs and makes his way to begin exploring.
Her piercing bold eyes see through his illusion. It was a cute attempt for certain, but whether or not he is the bumbling old fool still, she is unsure. To her, it seems either that he has been brain-damaged or he is an actor.
"For such a young man, attractive man, you likely have the energy to 'skulk' for many days, but you will likely just find more forest. Either way, I won't hinder you. I think we could use your help here among friends though. " She gestures to the watchtower and the spyglass. "From there, up in the tower, we can see many things at great distances, including what we hunt, which resides far that way. A goblin encampment."
She will point in the direction of the location.
"If you are going into the forest as the sun goes further down, you may never find your way back, none of us should travel alone. With the followers of Lamashtu, who knows what monsters linger here. I believe Aramyros has scattered the deer in the local area too, so there is no hunting tonight, but if tomorrow you desire to scout out the forest, I'd be willing to travel with you?"
She tilts her head curiously to him and gestures back to camp.
"We are currently setting up the tents if you want to help?"
Thorn looks up and finds that the skies have already darkened.
She makes sense. he thinks.
"I could help with the tents I suppose." he shrugs.
"While the darkness might help me get around, I can't do much either. I'm good at pitching tents.." he stretches and adds the latter as an afterthought.
"A pity about the deer. Hunting might help us to keep our rations longer. It'll also allows us to learn more of what lurks in this forest. An old man like me might not be able to do much more then that I guess."
He follows behind as he speaks.
I'm sure you'll do great with your partner if we all scout around the place." he makes no indication of whether he meant it as a slip of tongue or he genuinely means it.
Once it was clear there was no threat, Blaze released her flame blade and turned to look at Baahir quizzically, her face took on that concerned, thoughtful expression as she worked out how to say what she wished in Taldane. "You say, 'Healing Flame"... your flame is healing? My flame... only burns. Even me." She leaned closer taking a much longer look at his holy scar than before."You do this?" She said, gesturing to the symbol burned on his chest. She did not touch, knowing well herself that sensation could be twisted in thick scar tissue. "I do these." She said, swishing her tail around her body and into her hands, indicating the artistic branding. It looks to have been made one searing stroke after another and depicted things like the outline of flames, thorns, and fanciful swirls and scrolls. ╰☆╮❃ ☙❦❧ ❅
"Flames that took my family and nearly killed me...I absorbed them and they changed...I suppose it was divine intervention but now they can manifest as light, to heal the wounds of allies. That said my flames still have the ability to burn those who threaten us." he replies lost in thoughts till he realized she was leaning closer, his skin flushes as he takes a small step back. He places his hand upon the symbol on his chest, letting it glow with his divine magic as if a flame was burning inside.
"Ah, as my burns healed the symbol you see seemed to draw in the worst of my injuries. A sign from Sarenrae herself. Most look at scars and find pain so I cover my face...but you have embraced it and found beauty in the flames." he says as he closes the distance again so he can look over the intricate brands, he touches the scars on his face as he looks over them.
Even among the anchorites I would hide my scars but it seems that won't be necessary with this new group.
Baahir's muscles relax a bit as he finds solace in the kinship of fire.
---
"You're the fire-wielder, so it might be more appropriate for you to use it. But I can also wield it as it aligns well with my magic. I already got color spray prepared for today, so if we face a lot of enemies I could use that. It might be better that we both have tools for such situation. I've read about people using wands to good effect with similar styles of magic to mine though. I'm sure I could brush up on that to combine the wand with my sword and that would be quite a potent combination, but I'm not there yet. So for now, here you go." He hands over all three wands to the cleric.
"As for the cure wands, I can't even use those, I'm a Magus, not a cleric. But I think you should be able to, I've studied enough magic to know that."
"Blending magic with your blade could prove powerful with such a wand. I look to forward to seeing it in action...I myself can channel my divine energy into the specialized grooves in my blade, helps if a creature gets too close to me but I will be saving that to protect us more than fight." Baahir replies showing his own blade to Nazetoz.
He takes the wands of curative magic and places them in his belt pouches.
"If you get injured just let me know, I will keep an eye out over everyone. I think there are others who can utilize these wands as well. I will share them in case something happens to me."
---
As he heads back up to see preparations for the camp underway, he heads to help with the tents, smiling as Andrei pulls out wine.
"Celebrating already? I will hold off for now. I can help with the tents...we always traveled light in the desert, never staying in one place for long so I am used to building camp. As far as sharing...it won't bother me as we would have quite a few anchorites to a tent." he says making conversation while setting up.
She lets him ramble on, slightly irritated that he continues his deception.
"I'm sure you are right," she will acknowledge as she walks ahead of him; though her ears are attentive to every step and move he makes.
"I hope that when all others have gone to sleep, I can look forward to seeing you up with me tonight to keep watch," she responds with a side grin toward him. She will then say in Elven, "Tye care- vamme maure ana n-ruceo mey, perina-moriquende. Ni'm tanca er such ve tye pole- cen- teréva nuin i isil."
She will then walk faster as if she was done playing the game, which breaks into a light jog until she is back to the setting up of the tents in time to see Aramyros return to camp and give his report.
"I'd be interested in seeing your plans."
She'll linger near him while he draws out plans for defenses. Hopefully, they will have at least a few nights of peace before the goblins are alerted to their presence. Hopefully, by that time, they will be ready to hunt them down.
"Do you think we'll face a forward assault first or a tactical response to our flanks?"
"Goblins are know for being completely unpredictable. For all we know, they will have an internal fight and not agree on any specific assault plan. So we might expect both a forward assault AND flanking attackers coming at us from all sides, potentially totally uncoordinated and not at the same time. On the other hand, they might just come at us in the middle of the night and throw ripe fruit at us." He tried to make a joke, but his face was more worried and stumped than amused.
"Keep watch? I can do that." Thorn nods foolishly missing that his antics have not gone well with the beautiful half elf in front of him.
Her words though causes him to miss a step and he stumbles slightly.
Recovering himself slightly to arrest his fall lest he embarrasses himself further.
"Lo terrò sicuramente a mente. Bella. Per proteggere le tue spalle e bloccare i loro colpi, lo farò.
"I'll certainly keep that in mind. Beautiful one. To ward your backs and block their blows, I shall."
Seeing her break into a jog, he spends a bit of time to ask the plants around to give him some berries.....
and manages to get a couple of berries.........and attempts to catch up with her.
Once at the camp site though he overhears Aramyros speaking and can't resist adding in.
"Fire will draw their attention or horses and dogs."
"We still only have four tents. Lillianne and Andrei will share one, but who else will share?" Nazetoz looks around at the gathered crowd. Then he turns his gaze towards Blaze with a mischievous grin. "I mentioned previously I wanted to know more about your fire power Blaze. Perhaps you can tell me more of the heat in your core. In return I'll tell you about my magic and my skill with the sword. Does that sound good? We can do that as we retire for the night, so how about us sharing a tent?"
The elf looks enviously to the wine that Andrei brought. "Some wine always makes tounges fly more freely and spirits soar high. I wish I had brought a bottle myself. I don't suppose you would be willing to let me borrow one Andrei, so we'll have something to wet our throats why discussing heated topics?"
Nazetoz continues. "Speaking of having deep conversations. I notice that the common human tongue is not your natural language Blaze. Do you have any other language you prefer? Myself I'm fluent in quite a few different languages, Elven, Taldane, Common, Celestial and Sylvan."
The compliment Thorn pays to her is greeted with a little bit of a smile as she looks backward to him catching himself. It won't stop her from rejoining the others quickly though, but at least it's clear her opinion of him has slightly improved. The darkness spread quickly, and although they have a fire going, some of the group cannot see very well under the moonlight. She will hurry things along regardless by jogging back, now less because she wasn't enjoying Thorn, but more now because of priorities.
-------
Back with Aramyros, the reports she's heard of Goblins are quite interesting, which matches the aasimar's theories. "I suppose there is no way of knowing."
As he jokes, however, a delightful laugh springs from her. A wild smile, large and full of energy is on her face. It's clear that she enjoys humor.
"I love fruit. We may yet become friends." Lilianne will tug at the corner of her lip playfully with a chuckle before seeming to become a bit more serious. "Hmm...I agree." she will reply to both of Aramyros and Thorn. "Perhaps we can set up noisy debris on our flanks to alert us if they try to sneak through that way. Then focus on funneling attackers from the front or behind the camp through trapped areas? If we are to hunt them, as is our mission after the outpost is set up, then perhaps we should make plans to instead bring the fight to them. We'll need to do some reconnaissance. Are either of you good at sneaking in the dark?"
She hears her name over by the tents and will look over to see Andrei with a bottle of wine speaking to the others. This makes her smirk slightly.
Shortly after arriving
"Flames that took my family and nearly killed me...I absorbed them and they changed...I suppose it was divine intervention but now they can manifest as light, to heal the wounds of allies. That said my flames still have the ability to burn those who threaten us." he replies lost in thoughts till he realized she was leaning closer, his skin flushes as he takes a small step back. He places his hand upon the symbol on his chest, letting it glow with his divine magic as if a flame was burning inside.
His words seemed to stir something within her as her eyes take on a far-away expression for a moment too before she shook it off to stay present with him. "Am sorry... for your loss. I came through flames too. To be free."
"Ah, as my burns healed the symbol you see seemed to draw in the worst of my injuries. A sign from Sarenrae herself. Most look at scars and find pain so I cover my face...but you have embraced it and found beauty in the flames." he says as he closes the distance again so he can look over the intricate brands, he touches the scars on his face as he looks over them.
Even among the anchorites I would hide my scars but it seems that won't be necessary with this new group.
Baahir's muscles relax a bit as he finds solace in the kinship of fire.
She seemed to feel it as well, still leaning toward him as the silence stretched, her smoldering gaze locked with his.
Abruptly, she realized the others had moved on to the crates and were probably waiting on them. She settled back on her heels and smiled shyly before she pointed where the others had gone and then followed them quickly.
---
In the Cellar
As Blaze located a hidden door, she called to the others. "Another door trap!"
She took a moment to look over the door before she opened it.
And expecting the door to be as hard to open as the first one, she nearly rips it from it's hinges.
Before touching the aged ladder, she braced herself against the opening and lowered her head into room below, scanning carefully with her darkvision.
---
Pitching a tent
"We still only have four tents. Lillianne and Andrei will share one, but who else will share?" Nazetoz looks around at the gathered crowd. Then he turns his gaze towards Blaze with a mischievous grin. "I mentioned previously I wanted to know more about your fire power Blaze. Perhaps you can tell me more of the heat in your core. In return I'll tell you about my magic and my skill with the sword. Does that sound good? We can do that as we retire for the night, so how about us sharing a tent?"
The elf looks enviously to the wine that Andrei brought. "Some wine always makes tounges fly more freely and spirits soar high. I wish I had brought a bottle myself. I don't suppose you would be willing to let me borrow one Andrei, so we'll have something to wet our throats why discussing heated topics?"
Nazetoz continues. "Speaking of having deep conversations. I notice that the common human tongue is not your natural language Blaze. Do you have any other language you prefer? Myself I'm fluent in quite a few different languages, Elven, Taldane, Common, Celestial and Sylvan."
Blaze blinked at the proposition, her eyes widening and glowing more brightly for a moment as she sensed some implication in his words that she could not discern. She seemed relieved when the subject turned to drinking wine and speaking languages. "Yes, talking and wine and planning!" She snapped her fingers and then held one up as she remembered something when she mentioned planning. She went digging in her pack and came back with a writing kit. "List for Ethos Blade." She explains.
When less people were watching, she came closer to Nazetoz and spoke in her equally limited Celestial,
Fireproofing
The elf looks enviously to the wine that Andrei brought. "Some wine always makes tounges fly more freely and spirits soar high. I wish I had brought a bottle myself. I don't suppose you would be willing to let me borrow one Andrei, so we'll have something to wet our throats why discussing heated topics?"
Andrei tosses the bottle to the elf. " Îz fîne, Sîr elf. Ăye hăve more."
Thorn looks around for their supposed encampment.
"We need supplies to build a wall or something..." turning on his heels he heads out to do just that.
Given that he isn't particularly skilled, The fat man resorts to using his own strength of arm to knock down suitable trees already weak in their supports.
By the time Blaze finds another trap door, she had been up in the tower with Andrei. By the time she came down, they were setting up tents, and at the time she returned to the camp from the forest edge with Thorn, they still linger there. Curiosity obviously itches at her mind as to what they found in the chest.
"It was probably empty," she assumes. "I suppose I'm this group's thief then?"
To Thorn, she nods and lets him continue on. The half-elf clearly wishes to be in the forest at night. Although, with him being one with low-light vision, she now is far less worried about him becoming lost.
"I believe there are tools to help you in the crates. We could also use firewood before rains come."
Her eyes will shift back to Aramyros' drawing and then to his unique skin in the very few places it is revealed.
"Do you have an armor truss?" she asks him. "It might do well to construct a simple one to hold all of that armor."
In the Cellar
Blaze tested the ladder slowly, first giving the support structure a shake to see if anything broke loose or wobbled, then she used a foot to put some weight on the top rung. Once she felt sure it would not crumble beneath her, she climbed down into the second basement. "I see a tunnel." She called up to the others as she descended. Then turned to investigate the room.
Looking about you see most of the shelves have little wooden carvings; some are tools, toys, decorations, pots, weapons, and utensils. At the far end of the room you see a desk, a bed with resting bones upon it, and a strange looking contraption that has a lever ready to be pulled.
After, of hard work, Thorn brings a few dead trees into the encampment in broken pieces. Laden on his arms.
While at the campfire, Andrei notices the corpulent Thorn clearing dead trees for the campfire. The varisian quickly runs over to help the fellow human gather his firewood.
"I'll help you, Thorn." Aramyros replied, got up and looked for some woodmaking tools.
It seems that Aramyros doesn't feel like answering her, so she shrugs and goes to help to finish the tents with Andrei, Blaze and Nazetoz. As she does so, it seems Andrei rushes off to help Thorn as well.
At the tents
"How is everything going over here?" she will ask Blaze and Nazetoz as she moves to help finish setting up a tent.
Nazetoz follows Blaze down to the cellar when she discovers it. "Wierd that they would set up a secret room here and not tell us about it. We should investigate."
When she falls his heart jumps in his chest and he calls out. "Blaze! Are you ok?" He goes down after her, careful to avoid the broken rung.
Once down he helps her search the room and scans it for magic. Beautiful elvish words flow forth as he chants his incantation to cast magic. "Shalu nin i gúl dolen in hi near."
[ooc]Detect Magic. What knowledge to roll for the contraption?[/dice]
--- Tenting ---
Nazetoz gets a symapthetic look as she mentions burning down the tent. He responds in fluent celestial
He then steps closer and gives her a comforting hug. His tall graceful frame towers over her, though he lacks the sheer bulk of some of the other members of the group. It migth be dangerous, but everything we do is dangerous. The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I want to get closer to her.
He doesn't step away from Blaze when Lilianne approach, instead he'll hug her more tightly. Staking his claim, even if he didn't actually have any yet. "We were discussing how to distribute people amongst the tents, but I think we found an arrangement. Let's continue setting them up." Reluctantly he releases Blaze and moves on to continue with the tents.
It seems that Aramyros doesn't feel like answering her, so she shrugs and goes to help to finish the tents with Andrei, Blaze and Nazetoz. As she does so, it seems Andrei rushes off to help Thorn as well.
"Well, actually I don't. But I don't need one either. You see, my metallic skin and this metal plated armor, they merge so perfectly. I can easily sleep while wearing the armor. Only really need to take it off, for some fresh air and washing. Has the side advantage that I'm battle-ready whenever attacked..."
Baahir nods, coming back to reality as Blaze points out the others.
"Ah yes, we have much to do but perhaps we can find time to speak on our pasts and look to our futures once we have finished the days work. Wildfires rage stronger when they meet." he says heading off to help the others.
"Ethos and this entire order seems to enjoy their secrets. It will be hard to tell the tests from our work..." he replies to Nazetoz as he descends after Blaze. Unsure if the other rings may break, he retrieves a rope.
"I will grab a rope in case the rest of the ladder gives way. Be wary of traps..." he says before quickly working to secure an additional way back up.
Baahir keeps himself busy securing stakes and examining the material, he glances over at Blaze and Nazetoz. He sighs to himself and keeps working on one tent before moving to theirs.
He overhears Lilianne talking with them and approaches.
"We don't know the typical weather of this area, so make sure the stakes are secure. Losing another tent would be rather unfortunate..." he thinks out loud trying not to let his eyes settle on Blaze for too long.
Life was certainly simpler before this...where are you now Mosi?
Baahir seems to get lost in his own thoughts as he finishes the tent preparations and heads to the campfire. While the others gather wood, he reaches his hand into one of his pouches pulling out a golden hairpin that is badly charred. He holds it up to the flame allowing it to glow and warm up in his fingers, it was a soothing sensation that eased his mind. He made sure to stoke the flames with his own power till they had more wood.
Aramyros
"That is quite advantageous. I've had to put one of those suits on for training once, but while it protected me, I couldn't move in it. I admire people who can. You seem to do well. I just remember that putting it on and taking it off took forever for me. If you ever need help, perhaps taking it off to breathe, I'm willing to help." She will give him a warm smile and nod as he heads off.
----------------------
Tents
Lilianne grins a bit at the sight in front of her. Blaze in a hug? She watches out of the corner of her eye as she nails a peg into the earth. Part of her worries for Nazetoz. She is concerned that he will spontaneously combust at any moment. As Nazetoz suggests they continue, she will nod and get to work without adding to the awkwardness.
As Baahir draws near, she will dip to a tent peg nearby and pick up a hammer to begin to strike. As one who studies people, she gets the sense that he is in need of a distraction. Whether that is true or not, she doesn't know for certain, but she will try.
"Especially in this clearing...," she will answer him. "...as the winds probably will whip down into here, but I think this tower might shield us some. I'll make sure they are deep though. It may rain in a few days. We'll see what we can do about securing this spot before then."
She will pound the stake into the ground. The light hammer in her hands normally is driven in with strength and might, but how she strikes is with precision and without effort, yet deep it drives in each stake.
The half-elf will see Baahir pull out a burnt hairpin and she observes him a moment before asking, "So you have arranged the sleeping order? Who am I with and which tent am I to place in my gear?"
The half-elf will see Baahir pull out a burnt hairpin and she observes him a moment before asking, "So you have arranged the sleeping order? Who am I with and which tent am I to place in my gear?"
The caydenite walks back to the fire with another stack of firewood. "Hând me your geăr, Câllîe, ănd Âye wîll plăce îț en our ţenţ."
With the aid of Andrei and Aramyros, Thorn finds his burden easily alleviated and they soon have the remains of the trees in stacks of firewood.
Common, Taldane
"Thank you both." he gives them both a low bow as they are done. The fat man looks around for where else he maybe of use.
Joining the others, he pops a berry into his mouth.
"I grabbed some food and drinks back in the Inn and we can have them while they're still good and fresh. Have we decided on watch yet? I can take the first or last shift." the fat man shakes himself a bit to ensure no splinters are attached to him.
"We have the rooms underground as well but it is a dangerous place to get caught. I will feel safer once we have information on our targets and the locals. Thank you for your help." he says as they finish with the stakes.
At the fire he looks up as Lilianne speaks, "It didn't seem my place to make any decisions for the group. I was going to let everyone make their choices, to be...comfortable, and see where we stand at that point, I believed you would share with Andrei." he says smiling as the Varisian man comes to confirm.
"Your bonds are fortunate to have in a new land, how long have you known each other?" he asks the pairing. He stows away the hairpin as he awaits an answer.
Turning to Thorn, he offers to take the night shift.
"My eyes are well acclimated to the dark, especially this one. It means we can lower the fire to embers and have an advantage. Shall we take watch in pairs?" he continues pointing to his grey eye.
Craft decoration.
Craft tool.
Collect Resources.
Profession Carpentry.
When she falls his heart jumps in his chest and he calls out. "Blaze! Are you ok?" He goes down after her, careful to avoid the broken rung.
Once down he helps her search the room and scans it for magic. Beautiful elvish words flow forth as he chants his incantation to cast magic. "Shalu nin i gúl dolen in hi near."
"I am fine." She said, moving further into the room so the others can descend. She marveled at all the wooden carvings and tools as it was not far from her own art.
"Ethos and this entire order seems to enjoy their secrets. It will be hard to tell the tests from our work..." he replies to Nazetoz as he descends after Blaze. Unsure if the other rings may break, he retrieves a rope.
Spotting the skeleton, she approached it saying. "Would Ethos leave this?"
---
Nazetoz gets a symapthetic look as she mentions burning down the tent. He responds in fluent celestial
He then steps closer and gives her a comforting hug. His tall graceful frame towers over her, though he lacks the sheer bulk of some of the other members of the group. It might be dangerous, but everything we do is dangerous. The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I want to get closer to her.
He doesn't step away from Blaze when Lilianne approach, instead he'll hug her more tightly. Staking his claim, even if he didn't actually have any yet. "We were discussing how to distribute people amongst the tents, but I think we found an arrangement. Let's continue setting them up." Reluctantly he releases Blaze and moves on to continue with the tents.
Blaze seemed surprised by the hug. Her body stiff against him, at first. Not even Pater had been so physically affectionate with her, at least not often. But after a moment, she seemed to remember and grew receptive, her form became pliable and flowed to return his embrace. Albeit somewhat limited by the bulk of her armor, but at least it wasn't plate.
Though strong and sturdy, Blaze was of somewhat small of stature. Her head rested against his chest with a nearly bewildered expression in her golden eyes from Lilianne's perspective. Her skin was firm and warm to the touch, almost feverish under his hands.
Baahir keeps himself busy securing stakes and examining the material, he glances over at Blaze and Nazetoz. He sighs to himself and keeps working on one tent before moving to theirs.
He overhears Lilianne talking with them and approaches.
"We don't know the typical weather of this area, so make sure the stakes are secure. Losing another tent would be rather unfortunate..." he thinks out loud trying not to let his eyes settle on Blaze for too long.
Thinking she was overheard, she cut her eyes away from Baahir, flushing with embarrassment.
When the subject of setting a watch came up, she added, "I too, see well in darkness. I can sleep in shifts too."
A subtle but familiar grin, that Blaze would remember from their conversations on her sickbed, spreads over Lilianne's face in response to Blaze at her bewilderment. She will get no help from Lilianne tonight!
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness and lack of decision-making in this regard, Baahir, but I'm fine with sharing with him," she replies as she will hand Andrei her pack. He will find it is somewhat light. To continue speaking to Baahir, she stands fully while brushing the dirt from her hands.
"We met while ago...It was, on a night much like this one, full of open, clear skies and infinite stars. It has been just short of a decade ago by a few years, I believe."
She will then look up briefly as if drinking in the radiance of the starlight or remembering the very night that she met Andrei. With that satisfying his question, she will look at him and Thorn with a soft smile.
"I am half-elf. I too can see in darkness."
She will not reveal that she can see in utter darkness. That will reveal her drow heritage on her mother's side. Her grandfather, by blood, evidently at one point was one of those vile slavers and saw beauty in her great grandmother. How she escaped him and why she didn't kill her grandmother, she doesn't know.
"How about we all gather and share what we've seen and done?"
--------
Once everyone is gathered, Lilianne will stand near the fire and will share first.
"Andrei and I both climbed the tower and saw in the distance, that way, a goblin encampment. We've arranged the tents so that any light from our fire should be concealed to them, even if using a telescope, which isn't likely. From what we saw, they seemed to be lazing about."
She will go silent and allow someone else to share what they've found.
Eventually Aramyros visited the cellar as well. Curiousity and his allies' need for help drive him downstairs. He had already heard bits and stories of what they have found, but nobody knew what that strange contraption was.
"Well Blaze. I have never seen such a thing, but my guess is, it is a magical construct. And from the looks it's not made for combat, but some more practical purpose. This lever here would probably activate it, if you're feeling adventurous..."
Blaze pulls the lever and brushes her hand over its core. There runes glow and with whirls and then gears moving with rhythmic motions it stands and extends. A three part automaton stands before you and in draconic asks a question.
When you were first dropped into the lands it was afternoon and now night has finally graced you with its presence. The group begins to tell of your own stories around the camp fire as wine or other liquor begins to get passed around.
The night shifts hear the sounds of distant wolves, goblins, and larger beasts. It sounds like most of the predators come out at night. Luckily none of them sound like they come near on any of the shifts.
As the sun rises the distant sound slowly abates.
With his minor language skills, Aramyros understands the word "command". That's a good question. If we don't know its purpose, what should we request? he asks himself.
"Guys, this thing could be really helpful." Let's start easy
Aramyros will follow and observe it closely.