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The whole 'trail' affair had been dreadfully boring to Lisa and... well to be quite honest, it was rather early and... well she may have nodded off standing up for a while.
Though, of course, she'd never admit that!
She was just in deep concentration that was all...
Very deep.
And no that was not snoring you heard, it was a meditative hum to bring herself to a place of zen where she could think on a level inaccessable to lesser folk. You wouldn't understand.
And besides, Miss Lombardi does not snore!
------
Later in the week when they gardeners from the Crabbe estate arrive on scene Lisa is far more animated, practically bursting at the seems woth ideas.
"Yes, oh thank the GODS you are here Prisca! I couldn't stand to look at this dour place for one more second! Now come along I have ideas! Sunflowers here. Roses, red, white, and pink here and here. Let's get an ivy wall gping here. And... do you think twin shrubs pruned in my image at the entryway here is too gauche?" The courtesan hurries the halfling woman about town listing off endless requests... some far more feasable than others.
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The evening of the trial, Rose collapsed into the meeting room's lounge chair, happy but also completely spent. What kept her up was a combination of very strong coffee and lingering elation over how her idea had actually gone over well, following the shoe disaster. Hopefully between Konstiantina and Lotti guiding Lucinia along, this would all work out for the best.
No, it *would* work out for the best! Both her allies -maybe friends even?- were very good at what they did. She smiled; knowing how severe and serious the paladin tended to be, her new charge was probably expected to have memorised the Ten Acts, or whatever their scriptures were called, yesterday .
...Actually, did Konstiantina even have hobbies, other than destroying anyone who dared join her for fencing practise? With a pang of regret, she realised she still didn't know that much of the other woman or how she spent her days, despite more or less living together. The same was true of Lotti, come to think of it...
"Well, it's not like there hasn't been a lot to do," She muttered. The laundry list of items to get through was really long. Aside from just keeping in good shape and practising shooting and swordplay, there was teaching Sepsinia, preparing inventory for the Thread rare to open at some point, planning for the situation back home, running the agents and keeping her mentor informed. And then there were these additional tasks that brought her very much out of her comfort zone.
Like the next one.
She glanced at the dusty tome that was her copy of Dwarven Engineering 101: Beers and Gears .
"Dear brain. HOW did you remember this particular bit again, and why exactly are you so sure an advanced pumping system meant to keep mountain caves from flooding can be scaled down to fit a simple village well?"
Desna, she was talking to herself. She needed to sleep.
But maybe if she took another sip and slipped into this comfortable blanket, she could concentrate just a little bit longer...
She fell asleep.
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With the help of Dame Crabbe's staff and craftsmen, work goes quicker, and soon both Stachys and the Betony estate begin to visibly transform. The main street and the side streets are swept, cleared of debris, levelled, and potholes are repaired. Buildings are repainted, roofs are patched, and here and there potted flowers start making an appearance in the windows. Meanwhile, a second team is dispatched into the marsh on flat-bottom boats to start the repairs at the pump house and get it working again with the simple mechanism pulled by animals.
The new market begins operating, with locals and visitors alike flocking to this new development. Gossip flies as villagers come together to browse, taste, trade and meet, and with farmers and artisans eager to sell their wares.
"You kids today are too young to remember, but this Night Swan is clearly the spirit of Lauchlein Lake Count Lotheed stopped sacrificing virgins to appease it like his father did, and now it's hunting in Meratt again!"
As the inheritors of the Betony estate stroll around the market, they are drawn to a commotion. Two farmers, physically similar enough to be closely related, perhaps brothers, are shoving each other and yelling.
- There is a giant fish in Lake Pensaris called the General, rumoured to be 100 years old.
- The Night Swan has attacked a convoy from Cassomir. It is rumoured that she takes from the rich and gives to the poor. It is also rumoured that she is actually the hungry spirit of Lake Lauchlein.
- Baronet Vort is rumoured to have gone native with a band of peasants south-east of Baron Telus's land and destroyed the Gold Canyon bridge to keep outsiders away.
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"This Night Swan is clearly the spirit of Lauchlein Lake Count Lotheed stopped sacrificing virgins to appease it like his father did, and now it's hunting in Meratt again!"
"...We should have built a school first. That line doesn't even make sense on a basic level of grammar." Rose thinks while smiling pleasantly. "Thanks for the advice. We'll take it under consideration! By the way, we, on the other hand, heard she instead was a rebel leading a revolt against certain nobles? I don't suppose you know more about those rumors too?"
Stepping away from the conversationalist shortly after, Rose took in the scents and sights of the market. Just like home - the good part of it. She grinned and got to work.
"...Oh Miss Gundershawk, this is truly is amazing bread! How did you make it like this? The scent and texture are just to die for. Why, I believe I will try and get the mill repairs forwarded just for you!"
"...What? You expect me to pay a hundred gold for a simple yarn of Cotton? Pfahaha! Well, thank you for the laugh, good sir, but I wasn't born yesterday..."
"...So what you're saying is that the local farmers specialise in cheese and dairy products. Sure, I'll buy a few - if you tell me which of your competitors here I should also..."
"...Ah, a Visitor! Could I interest you in a sample of local produce? Master Larris there has just the tastiest cheese, and between you and me the old lady at the stall around the corner has the perfect bread to ..."
After doing her own shopping and gently nudging commerce along by advertising the sold wares to any outsiders she met, Rose stopped when she came upon the commotion alongside the others. "Gentlemen, please, whatever it is, would you calm down? There are visitors here and this argument is disturbing the peace. Surely we can talk this over as civilized Taldans and not resort to base violence so readily."
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The two men are startled by Rose's appearance and bob sheepish bows to her. "Sorry, miss, 's only that this oaf here cheated me out of the best calf I've ever laid eyes on..."
"Cheated you? Don't listen to him, miss, he knew all too well I had agreed to buy the calf and he bought it just so he could spite me!"
The argument continues for a while, revealing a tangled web of verbal agreements between the two brothers - Tabo and Tumnus - and the farmer selling the calf, the farmer's cousin gets involved at some point as well and the whole thing is a mess compounded by a long history of competitiveness and strife between the two brothers.
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"It, ah, seems like the two of you have quite the history. And I admit that I do not know that much of estimating the price of a cow..." Rose says, feeling like she was starting to drown in the details, and glancing at the others for help.
"However, I ask you to consider this," She continues, trying to find some sort of reasonable common ground. "Regardless of how splendid this calf is or was, or whom it rightfully belongs to, is it really worth spending all this time, stress and negative energy? Consider what you're doing, openly fighting eachother like infants in the middle of a market. Then look around, and notice how much negative attention you're attracting to yourself from those who would otherwise have traded with you. All this lost opportunity, as a merchant, it saddens me. To say nothing of how, in the end, the other man is your brother, and that there will be difficult times where you need to call on eachother."
Lotti studies the calf in question, but waits to answer Rose until she feels confident in her assessment of it.
The two brothers listen to Rose in respectful silence, but she gets the impression that the issue is not settled and their pride will not let them simply drop the matter.
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“Perhaps a compromise?” Lotti slowly walks into the middle of the argument to stand beside the small calf (which is still taller than her). “If both parties have equal claim to this babe, then let her be cut in twain and each half given to a brother. Fair, no?” She pauses, stroking the animal’s soft brown coat for several moments before raising a hand to silence those around her. “Enough! Then since Tabo was the first to make the agreement, the calf will stay at his farm. But to mend the bonds of brotherhood that have been strained, once she is grown let her first calf be given to Tumnus - perhaps sired even by one of his herd. And of the farmer who took advantage of you by selling to both, let him be fined the cost of the calf and the sum given to Tumnus.”
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"Oh darling Raesilia! Look at this bauble! Rather fetching don't you think? In a quaint small, town kind of way but that's reflected in the price, of course."
"Oh Lord Erallan! Wont you let me purchase this fine badger? The merchant promises it's house trained and... oh don't look at me like that! Just look at his handsome little face! How can you say no to that?"
"I'm terribly sorry good sir but I simply cannot accept any more free chocolates or our good paladin may chastise me for excess or something... to say nothing of my figure."
"Sweet Lotti, I think it's time we stepped up your wardrobe. Now-now, nothing too fancy but take a look at this shawl! Handcrafted by this fine woman here in town! Can you believe it? Ohhh and it has a little unicorn stiched in, isn't that precious... Lotti? Where are you going?"
Lisa sighs whimsically at having such a lovely day out. "Ah finally, the begining of culture is starting to come to our little Stachys. Someday there could be visiting nobles or a thriving dress market. Can you imagine it Raesilia?"
The courtesan's ears burn with the voices of distant devils whispering rumors in her head. The Count STOPPED the virgin sacrifices? How odd, he doesn't seem the type... Well, regardless I'm throughly safe I should think.
She smiles smuggly to herself just before they encounter the brawling brothers. Her smile quickly drops into a pronounced eye roll. Seems we're not out of the sticks just yet.
Listening to all parties involved and finally to Lotti's solution Lisa nods her head in agreement. "Indeed, this seems the most fair solution though, given that the farmer hasn't actually sold his calf twice... perhaps the fine is a bit harsh. Some time in the stocks would do him some good though as breaking one's word is a sin most egregious, one we cannot tolerate in Stachys." Lisa suggests.
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"Ah finally, the begining of culture is starting to come to our little Stachys. Someday there could be visiting nobles or a thriving dress market. Can you imagine it Raesilia?"
Rose chuckles and lowers her sandwich. "There'd better be! Or all that effort showing off the dresses at the Jubilee would have gone to waste! Not to mention politely sitting through the aftermath where pretty much everyone not tied down tried to court us. ...But, I have to say, even if such a nightmare were to be realised, it was pretty fun. Hm, what do you say we do another performance together one day? For a special occasion, of course, to not spoil the crowd too much." She suggests with a coy grin.
"Some time in the stocks would do him some good though as breaking one's word is a sin most egregious, one we cannot tolerate in Stachys." Lisa suggests.
"Indeed, we couldn't have that, could we, Marius ?" Rose smoothly follows, smiling very, VERY pleasantly. "Certainly not from someone in a highly examplary position of authority, say... a judge? Heavens, I can just imagine the resulting fallout! To say nothing of what would happen the instant the slighted party was finished easing her vulnerable little sister into a new environment. Ah, I can imagine it now. Such a sweet, glorious complicated revenge! It's a good thing for him this is all theoretical , or I would surely advise him to repent for his actions."
She calmly takes a sip of tea and places it on the bench with just slightly too much force, the resulting clang not unlike that of a swung gavel. Though the motion itself was more akin to a whip being struck... and her eyes were full of promise.
Tabo and Tumnus readily accept the suggestion, and they are so flustered by all the attention their little feud is getting that they even shake hands and agree to talk about their issues over a drink (or three). The merchant is less happy, but he takes his punishment with apparent contrition.
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Konstiantina listens with narrowed eyes as Marius speaks and grows passionate, her expression inscrutable. When his last words ring out into the evening air, she purses her lips, gazes out one last time over the gardens, then drains her glass and stands.
"You should have been a paladin, Marius." The teasing is very slight. "You have goodness and fervor in equal measure. Perhaps some day you and I shall change roles?"
And on that note, she inclines her head, and steps back into the manor.
Later, back at the manor after market day, Konstiantina catches the group as they sit around the large dining table, engaged, no doubt, in a variety of different activities.
"I suppose none of you will be surprised in my interest in this Night Swan. Whether she's a gallant redistributor of wealth or a common thief, I believe the matter requires looking into and resolving. No matter her grievances, banditry cannot be tolerated." Her smile turns wry. "How will our new market thrive if merchants fear to take to the roads? I suggest an expedition to learn more, and perhaps confront this Swan in her own element."
Rose swiftly looks up from her dinner, then grimaces. "...Ah, on that topic, I forgot to mention something important," she says after a slight hesitation, seemingly embarassed. "My aplogies, everyone. Between the trial and my other duties it just slipped my mind. However... I suspect I know who the Night Swan is. Or at least, I know enough to harbor suspicions."
She takes a long sip of her water, then leans forward. "I think it is Lucretia Marthane, Count Lotheed's estranged niece. Admittedly, this is conjecture at this point. However, consider what we know of her. First, she is tied to our 'beloved' Titus Lotheed Cassava, and from what we observed between him and Bartelby Lotheed, there is some kind of bad blood between them. There also was an assasination attempt on Bartleby during the Jubilee, by an unknown assailant who placed a trap. While we saw Titus there, we didn't see Lucrecia. However, she *was* at the jubilee, as Lisa ran into her. So she technically had both motive and opportunity to place it. But how would she know how to set a trap? It might just be that she is a thief and has handled them before," she explains, and takes a moment to catch her breath.
"Of course, that by itself is not enough to go on. Next, Dame Crabbe helpfully supplied that she is unusually wealthy for someone bereft of her parents and whom supposedly lost her family fortune in her youth. That was why I decided to investigate her properly." She pauses, frowning. "It yielded less than I'd hoped, however that same lack of information is what I *do* find suspicious. Most notably, it still didn't provide much of an explanation for why she is so wealthy. Supposedly, she started a business in Andorran during a year of absense, while she was a student, which supposedly is the source of her money. But I couldn't obtain any information on what that business actually is. So... It could simply be a cover story. Another small thing is that there is a strange dichotomy between her being engaged to Titus, and still having to even formulate some sort of response to his advances."
"Perhaps this is just me being overly complicated," She finishes with a small grin. "But when I put this next to the rumor that Cassomir, where she lives, is also where the robbed convoy is from, that is enough for me to be worried. Everything fits - the only thing still missing is conclusive proof. If we could find out just a little bit more somehow, or set a trap perhaps. Say, we could meet her, leak information of a prize and see if Miss Swan arrives to take the bait instead of Lucretia?"
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Konstiantina listens intently as Rose explains her theory, sitting on the corner of the table as she does so. Her attention is total, her consideration grave, and when Rose finishes she nods, slowly.
"There's something to that speculation, but as you said, not enough to work on. I think setting a trap would be ideal, though of course the how of it would have to be carefully thought out. Though, now that I think of it, the very name, 'Night Swan', is both feminine and pretentious; it speaks to a romantic notion of what this banditry amounts to, which would be in line with a noble of some sort taking on the persona. I doubt your average highwayman would choose such a moniker."
Konstiantina frowns, smooths the fabric of her robe cross one thigh, then tilts her head to one side. "We also owe Baron Okerra a visit, do we not? In fact, we have several new allies that we need to connect with. What do you all think of hosting an event of our own, a month or so hence, so as to reconnect with old friends all at once? I fear we'll spend half our time on the road visiting manor houses otherwise in order to not let out friendships fade."
"There's something to that speculation, but as you said, not enough to work on. I think setting a trap would be ideal. Though, now that I think of it, the very name, 'Night Swan', is both feminine and pretentious; it speaks to a romantic notion of what this banditry amounts to, which would be in line with a noble of some sort taking on the persona. I doubt your average highwayman would choose such a moniker."
"And yet, she robbed a trade convoy... does that count as a true act of stealing from the rich to give to the poor? To say nothing of how, if it IS Lucretzia, her unexplained personal wealth supposedly comes from said stealing," Rose muses, eyes pensive. "I think we should meet the Night Swan in person before judging her real character."
"We also owe Baron Okerra a visit, do we not? What do you all think of hosting an event of our own, a month or so hence, so as to reconnect with old friends all at once?"
'So visiting Baron Okerra is second on her priorities right after catching the most infamous local criminal? Dear Konstiantina, where has this side of you been? Perhaps there is hope for you yet!' She thinks, trying hard not to grin - very much unsuccesfully.
"I think a celebration of sorts is a great idea!" She says, passing it off as enthusiasm. "And speaking of traps... why not invite Miss Marthane and see if something odd happens? We'd never dream of keeping her from Lisa now, would we?"
The grin morphed to a full smile. There was work to do.
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"Oh a party! How delightful!" Lisa exclaims, clasping her hands together at the idea. "But what shall the theme be? What events will we have? What shall our guests dine upon? Ohhh I'll just have Riftun whip something up... I'm sure he can manage if I just get a fire lit under him. I'll make our own little hell's kitchen if I must!"
"And what a perfect excuse for the two of us to put on another performance my dear Raesilia! And for me to sink my claws further into our dear count. If that bastard thinks he can escape my clutches that easily he has another thing coming."
The courtesan smiles coyly at her dear friend Rose. "Darling just get Miss Marthane and I alone in a room and... well, when I see that someone has something I want, be that money, information, or whatever else... I have my ways of persuading people to part with such things."
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"Indeed, we couldn't have that, could we, Marius ?" Rose smoothly follows, smiling very, VERY pleasantly. "Certainly not from someone in a highly exemplary position of authority, say... a judge? Heavens, I can just imagine the resulting fallout! To say nothing of what would happen the instant the slighted party was finished easing her vulnerable little sister into a new environment. Ah, I can imagine it now. Such a sweet, glorious complicated revenge! It's a good thing for him this is all theoretical , or I would surely advise him to repent for his actions."
Marius' eyebrows go up in mild curiosity as he adds a dash of cream to his third cup of coffee. "What an imaginative hypothetical. Such a person would do well so seek divine protection. A judge with divine imprimatur...I daresay they would be untouchable, wouldn't you think?" He sips his coffee to hide a grin.
As the conversation turns to Rose's suspicions about the identity of the Night Swan, Marius withdraws his little notebook from his coat and jots down a few lines as Rose is speaking. "It's a coherent theory for certain, but as you say none of it is conclusive. Perhaps a bit of digging into her history is in order? Her wealth may well be from socially embarrassing but otherwise entirely mundane sources; we should avoid taking any shots until we're more certain." He nods along with the suggestion of a festival.
"We should begin planning for it, absolutely--it's the perfect way to showcase the improvements we've made to Stachys, and inviting Miss Marthane would be perfectly reasonable. While I second the notion of visiting Baron Okerra, I think it would be suspicious to invite Miss Marthane over there. I don't believe any of us formed the sort of dazzling first impression that would give an invite cover, and if she is the Night Swan she may grow suspicious of our interest in her."
Refilling his coffee cup, the nobleman leafs through the papers before him and withdraws the report from Recimer. "At risk of sounding like a broken record, I'd like to raise the matter of the refugees in the Beggarwood again. A few of my people have been looking into them, and it seems most of them have fled poverty after the Telus Barony collapsed. Their leaders are a quartet of Andoran expatriates--Gurta Thresh is one of them, her adopted halfling sister Ginnit is another, and sibling archers Marlifort and Nani Truebow round them out. They don't seem to cause much trouble, but they're people in need. If Stachys can't take them all, perhaps we can figure out why the town of Jambis collapsed and they can return to their homes once the matter is resolved. By all accounts, Jambis was prosperous before Baron Telis died, there must be some reason beyond lack of an heir."
With the pump working, albeit in a basic way, the people of Stachys begin to drain the adjoining marsh; already there are less mosquitos and other annoying insects around, and less complaints about mildew.
The dwarven engineering team arrives on the third week, and with instructions from Rose they begin to restore the pump mechanism to its more advanced functions. Meanwhile, another work detail starts fixing up the mill, much to the villagers' delight.
At Marius's request, the group visits the Begarwood inhabitants again.
Marius' eyebrows go up in mild curiosity as he adds a dash of cream to his third cup of coffee. "What an imaginative hypothetical. Such a person would do well so seek divine protection. A judge with divine imprimatur...I daresay they would be untouchable, wouldn't you think?" He sips his coffee to hide a grin.
"'Untouchable?'" Raesilia leans forward, resting her chin on the backs of her hands. "An amusing distraction at best, perhaps," She continues evenly on that same pleasant tone. "He is still a man like any other. I imagine he has needs. To eat and sleep, to name two. Not to mention that there are too many security risks in his 'fortress' to even count. But his most egregious fault is having grown complacent, so the only real question is where and when to hit him so that it hits him hardest. Fortunately, I believe I have that covered."
During her next sip, her eyes take a nonchalant stray downwards to Marius' belt... or something near it? "He is a man, after all."
"I brought some more food supplies as a gesture of good will, or trading goods if desired. There are some contingencies too," Rose states on the way, dressed in her now-repaired Ulfen outfit. "Perhaps they will be more forthcoming about their background this time around. It all sounds like an intriguing story I'd like to hear, if nothing else."
"With Stachys growing so quickly now - what with the market bringing new wealth, the mill becoming operational, and so forth - is there a reason we can't simply offer them a place in our village, assuming none of them register as evil?"
Lisa seems confused by Konstiantina's suggestion as she dabs her face cleaning off the remanants of breakfast. "What do you propose Lady Mokei? To offer them free housing in our town? Won't that run the risk of making our town become more of a shantyville?" She raises a questioning brow.
"Or are we to build new homes for them? I imagine that woukd be quite expensive and time consuming. What us our return on investment? Or is this a purely charitable endeavor?" Lisa casually sips her tea.
Marius shrugs. "A prosperous village is now abandoned, its people sleeping rough in the woods. Why would they do that, if there weren't powerful reasons driving them? If they prefer to live in Stachys, well, we will of course do what we can but it's a village of seventy--that would likely stretch local resources to their limit. And I don't like the idea of leaving a neighboring barony fallow and abandoned."
Lisa claps her hands together in delight. "Ah now I see what you're saying. Quite brilliant and so very unlike you I must say Lord Erallan. If we can move the shabby wood-dwellers back to their own barony by solving whatever little problem they face... Well it would clean up our outskirts at the same time as making us appear as noble heroes to the grateful townsfolk. How politically shrewd dear Marius, I'm impressed."
"So, are we taking bets on which horrible monster is behind it all *this* time? With our luck, the town is haunted, every object a mimic and the very trees themselves out to kill us," Rose quips, watching the countryside pass through the cabin window.
"That said, I do agree with Konstiantina. I've been thinking... I know I also raised the current population as a potential problem earlier, but in the end, our mission remains to undermine Count Bartelby's rule. It would help our - and the princess'- credibility if we proved able to govern an increasing amount of people better than him, to say nothing of word of mouth and security benefits of just having more people on your side. And the village *will* need a larger labor force if we plan on creating a wealthy economy. We need to start growing somewhere, under the caveat that we find nothing suspicious about these people."
A few of the Begarwood residents come out as they see the carriage approach, offering their wares in trade for food and supplies. Several of them recognize Konstiantina and greet her warmly.
Upon hearing that the party wishes to speak with their leaders, an older man steps forward, fists on hips. "And how do we know this ain't a trick to collect the bounties on them? We heard you was very friendly with the count, and with Baron Okerra, and they'd like nothing better than to clean these woods of rabble like us."
"We're friendly with everyone, sir. This is the first I've heard of any bounties, so while I understand your concern and admire you're loyalty, please be assured that we're not here to hurt or arrest them. In fact, it's you and your fellows we're more interested in." Marius locates a nearby stump and sits down.
"Our understanding is that many of you are originally from Jambis, but that the town collapsed after Baron Telis passed away. I'd like to ask you about that; by all accounts the town was a prosperous one, so what happened? If there's a threat or danger in Jambis, perhaps we can deal with it. You might even be able to return to your homes--or if not, my own holdings at Stachuys would welcome you gladly. Surely that would be preferable to camping out here, waiting for the Count's men-at-arms to find you?"
"It is good of you to be so vigilant and protecting towards your leaders. It speaks well of you both," Rose compliments the old man with a warm smile. "However, we already passed on that opportunity during our previous visit. And I'd like to think that were we really here to capture you all, we would have been smart enough to bring more men. Instead, we approached openly and with a crate of food as a token of good will, supplies requested by Miss Tresh earlier."
She motions for someone to bring said crate. "The truth is, we would like to help you in some way. Or if aid is unwelcome, instead make a deal to benefit us both. There shouldn't have to be refugees in our nation, especially from fellow Taldans. Unfortunately, we don't know enough of the situation at present to figure how to best do so - which is why we would like to those leading you."
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Mollified, the man relents. "Ehm, alright then. Not a lot of folks want to help us. Come with me." He nods to a younger girl hovering at the edge of the gathering, who turns around and sprints into the forest, no doubt to take word ahead.
The older man moves in the same direction, but at a much slower pace. "As to what happened, well." He pauses to step over a fallen tree. "A few years ago, must've been three, four years back, Baron Telus fell ill. No one knows what kind of illness, he just stopped coming out of his manor. Some of the servants left, and the others turned to banditry." He holds a branch aside for them to pass. "The ones what left said the baron was acting proper strange, hiding in corners, keeping all windows shuttered." He snorts. "Took up weaving, like a woman. You ask me, he's gone coo-coo. P'raps he died, or p'raps he's still hiding in his manor, but we didn't stay to find out, what with no one taking care of the town." He nods with his chin to the path ahead. "Almost there now. I hear Jambis is a grim place now, rotting houses and bleached bones gathered in corners. And spiders, big 'uns, weaving their webs everywhere."
The path leads to a pond, a sheer cliff on one side of it. A few openings in the cliff face likely lead to caves, and the cook fires and tarps in front of them indicate habitation. On the other side of the pond there is a smattering of tents, lean-tos and tree houses. The people living there are nowhere to be seen, except for the messenger girl and four figures - a human woman recognizable as Gurta Thresh, a halfling and two half-elves. Their postures are tense and wary, and the half-elven siblings are holding nocked bows.
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Hmm. Sudden change in behavior suggests possession or something controlling the baron - or maybe replacement with something in disguise? Lotti mulls the idea over as she follows behind the taller folks. Outcome appears to have been a safe place for large spiders to breed, but was that intentional? Possibly, given the baron’s sudden interest in textiles. Or was something else doing the weaving and folks assumed it was the baron? Not enough information to determine yet. Spiders are unlikely to surrender their hunting grounds easily though. Lovely.
"That...is deeply disturbing," Marius says slowly, following the man. "And as far as you know, he's still there? If we were to clear out the spiders, and somehow...cure Baron Telis, or at least arrange for leadership who aren't acting so bizarrely and can fulfill their duties...would the rest of you even want to return to your former homes there? The barony's unfortunate fate warrants investigating, but a land is nothing without its people--your well-being is our first priority."
The man throws up his hands. "Beats living out here, harassed by that thug of the count's! Anyway, we're here. The Four Hoods will speak with ye."
Gurta Thresh hails the group from a distance, her expression distrustful. "That's close enough. We were told you wanted to meet with us and offer help. Well?"
Rose holds up her hands and makes a placating gesture. "Peace, please. We did come here to help - there's no need to reach for weapons. One of your men informed us of the situation, of how Baron Talus fell ill and a spider infestation caused you to have to flee from your town. Is that all there is to know of it? And if so, would you be amiable to returning to the town should these creatures be removed? I don't know exacty why Count Lotheed or Baron Okerra wish you removed so badly, but if it is only on the count of vagrancy, that would give you your home back, and I imagine they would have no reason to want you removed from it."
Gurta shrugs one shoulder. "That's some of these folks, it's true. But there are others who are here because we want to live free, without any noble or government telling us what to do. I expect that is the reason your friends want us gone from here." She lifts her chin, gazing straight at Rose. "We try to make an honest living when we can, but that's not always possible." The others watch warily for the group's reaction.
"Hm..." Rose gives the four leaders a pensive look. "Personally, I feel I cannot judge you. Different circumstances lead to people taking different actions. Yet, you must be quite skilled at these activities to lead these people and get by as long as you have. Can you tell us what exactly it is that you have been forced to do?"
"Give them an out, try and frame it as if it isn't their choice or fault, and perhaps they'll be more forthcoming... one of the first lessons. Never critisize."
Lisa bites her lip and allows the others to speak.
These were just criminals causing havoc and disorder. Chaos.
Chaos is messy, unpredictable, dangerous.
Lisa preferred it when she could know what everyone else was doing or better yet... hold control over their actions herself. Keep the rabid dogs at heel as it were.
But this...
She glances questioningly at Rose. What do we hope to gain by supporting these vagabonds if they simply refuse the righteous rule of nobility after all? Will ensuring they can return to their homes be enough?"
Gurta snorts. "What, and incriminate ourselves? No, if you want to help us, here's how." She raises her thumb. "If you are serious about making the former homes of some of these folks safe for them to return, that's a start." The index finger follows. "For those of us who choose not to recognize anyone's rule, we want to be left alone. Get the count and the other nobles off our backs. No more raids. No more lapdogs like that Gul Guisarne sent to harass us." The middle finger. "And the four of us want amnesty. A blanket pardon for crossing the border and any crimes we may have committed up to this point." She nods with firmness. "Then we'll do our best to be good neighbours to you."
The irony of it all wasn't lost on Rose. After all, she was the same in a way. "How can we trust you if we don't know anything about you?" is what she would have asked Gurta, if it didn't make her a hypocite.
But damn if it didn't make basing decisions around them difficult, and they could do with a clice of humble pie, rather than straight up demanding a list of things that weren't even theirs to give. Amnesty? Wasn't that something only the princess could do? And for their crimes? Which crimes? How severe were they? What had they done with the people they'd presumably robbed?
Frowning, she glances at Marius and Konstiantina to see how the more straight-laced servants of the law looked upon this matter.
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Marius' sympathy for the older man's plight has him feeling optimistic about this encounter--an optimism that wilts a bit when met with Gurta's apparently ideological commitment to a lifestyle involving part-time banditry. As the conversation goes on, Marius' expression has morphed from polite interest to incredulity to open amusement at Gurta's demands. "Ms. Thresh, I'm flattered by your apparent confidence in me but I am not the Count of Meratt; I have no authority to issue pardons to you and yours for whatever...unspecified crimes...you've committed." Nor would I, even if I held such power.
He pitches his voice to carry, so that the common folk nearby can hear. "What my companions and I can commit to is investigating and clearing out the spiders--and anything else--that have infested Jambis. We can even pledge some coin to rebuilding the place, for those who want to return to their prior prosperity. You are all squatting on the Count's land, and by your own admission engaged in at least occasional banditry--legally, the Count has every right to seek you out, and then what? You'll fight, or you'll flee, and in either case you'll be on the run for possibly the rest of your lives. Perhaps you prefer such a life, Ms. Thresh, but these people deserve a better choice." Marius waves off any attempt at interruption and presses on.
"If you say and the people here under your protection have been forced to do things you're not proud of, I believe you. But once Jambis is safe to return to--or Stachys, for those who prefer--staying out here becomes a choice, and my sympathy for whatever crimes might result starts to run dry. Please understand I'm trying to do what's best for everyone here, and I hope you'll join me in this effort."
Lotti pets Wobblekins and watches the shouting match two folks speaking loudly at each other from opposite sides of a meadow with an expression of neutral politeness. Is she testing the waters, seeing how much the nobility is willing to give right away? Open high and negotiate down is a classic market technique for a reason. Sounds like she’s a stranger in these parts too, so what brought her here, and what’s keeping her here? Money seems unlikely, but possible. Fervent belief in abolishing the monarchy and living free? Not the right place to have significant reach - unlikely, but possible secondary objective. Fleeing? Most probable. From what? Based on requests for clemency, crime would be likely. But if that’s an unnecessary request she’s using to bait the nobles, then likelihood reduced. Destruction of home? Possible. Did she state region of origin?
And what of her fellow leaders? Lotti glances slowly at each of them in turn, like a comfortable cat. United, or barely holding cohesion by force of will? Further observation required.
Konstiantina listens in grave silence, slowly checking each and every person present for the sanctity of their morals.
The Four Hoods glance at each other as Marius makes his offer, although they tense further when they notice Konstiantina doing... something.
As the minutes drag on and none in the group offer violence, Gurta relaxes a fraction and nods. "That's fair enough. We just don't want to see people starve. A safe place to live is the least they deserve." She fixes Marius with her gaze. "And no, you're not the count, but you have his ear. But," she gestures as to concede a point, "why would you stick your neck out for the likes of us? I can't say that the four of us'll be happy to live as serfs on your land or some other noble's, but if you take care of these people we can live off the land if we're left alone." She opens her hand in an offering gesture. "And we'll leave everyone else alone as well."
After glancing at Konstiantina for some sort of confirmation, then turns back to the Hoods and nods. "It sounds like we have an arrangement then. Shall we shake on it, or is shouting across the clearing sufficient?"
Konstiantina nods subtly to Marius when he glances her way, but otherwise remains watchful.
Gurta grins and steps forward to stand in front of Marius, reaching out her hand. "Good luck in Jambis, your lordship." The last bit is clearly mocking, but not in a malicious way.
"I'd question how bad it could possibly be following the Iron Lash, but I wouldn't want to invite misfortune," Rose quips, observing the handshake with a half-smile.
Just as the group is about to leave, she looks back at Gurta. "Oh, you asked why we would do this - other than it being the right thing to do? Perhaps we simply like having friends in many places, especially ones close by. One never knows, do they?"
Gurta acknowledges Rose with a nod as the group takes their leave.
They return to Stachys and the Betony manor to make preparations, then go to find the old man who had poled them to the pump house - with all its functions restored, Stachys is once more connected to the canal network of the county (and beyond), which means that the vicinity of Jambis can be reached in a day and a half, rather than three.
The barge leaves them at the foot of the bridge where the road south crosses the canal, and from that point there is less than half a day's walking to reach Jambis itself. The Telus estate is visible long before the town of Jambis comes into view - a fortress of sturdy stone and crumbling white plasted that overlooks the valley below.
As the group draws closer, half-collapsed and soot-blackened houses come into view, all that is left of a once prosperous town. The ground is covered with sticky webbing and strands are hanging between buildings, fallen leaves and the corpses of small birds caught in them. Dozens of hand-sized spiders skitter through the ruins, swarming over bones stripped of flesh - some animal, some not. They give the living a wide berth, scattering at their approach.
Marius pauses, startled by the thoroughness of the decay. "I've seen towns that have been bombarded that looked better," he exclaimed. "Gods above and below, small wonder those poor folks left. With that much webs, be wary of the big ones--I've heard tales of spiders bigger than wagons, and sometimes the smaller ones will swarm."
"I don't consider myself particularly squeemish," Rose says, moving up the front. "But Desna... this looks like something straight out of a nightmare," She shudders, takes a deep breath at seeing the scuttling swarms of even rat-sized spiders in front of them, and loads Dignity's Barb.
"I... brought fire - lots of it," The Talbor scion then states. There was doubt in her tone, as if wondering whether *any* amount of that would be enough. "And a scroll to help a bit on the poison front. I just hope this webbing doesn't catch fire too easily, or the entire ruin might just burn leaving nothing but scorched bricks. Though... perhaps it's better that way and just rebuild the rest?" She wonders aloud, as she opens a backpack and hands out some useful items.
She produces two small ornate cases containing twenty or so vials of yellowish liquid, which had been very carefully inlaid and seperated in what looked like specialised compartments. "Alchemist's fires. I'm sure most of you know, but throw these and they will explode and set fire to whatever it hits. Should be enough to at least scare masses of spiders away. And Lisa dear, if you would? This scroll should make us immune to poison for an hour... but after that, it will hit all at once, so do remember to drink the antidotes, everyone."
While the smaller spiders fortunately do not swarm, the group does come across a pair of giant black widows that attacks them, no doubt hoping for a meal. The arachnids are swiftly defeated with only minor cuts and scratches, and the party continues on towards the Telus estate.
The plaster is crumbling in places, revealing the stone masonry underneath, and ragged banners fly over the former fortress. The martial structure has been covered in expensive paneling and gilding, rendering it an opulent and extravagant home for a noble. The sturdy wooden doors, carved with elaborate hunting scenes, stand ajar and swirls of dead leaves and debris are piled up around their bases. A tree has collapsed into the eastern bastion, partially caving in the wall there.