Just as Drake is about to answer, Fin gives Rolth the lowdown. Thinking that about covers it, "Yep. What Fin said. Although I will add that this 'V' person did call Hallod, 'My darling', in a letter. You wouldn't happen to know of anyone he was seeing, would you?"
Rolth makes a face, shaking his head. "He's not the type to woo women. He paid for his company more often than not."
Baradim listened quietly as they discussed who it could be. The mention of her mother having died from the plague, Baradim would shake his head slightly. Cruelty bred cruelty. The orcs of the hold were merciless because their oppressors were merciless. It was a cycle of hatred, violence, and death that he had barely escaped from. Now it was redirected into something better.
When Tamli asked if they were going to try and find this mysterious woman, Baradim's arms folded slightly and he leaned back in his seat. Brows furrowed, he would stare at her before turning his attention to Rolth.
"The elven woman, Noala, says that this poison has been spreading through your woods and lands for some time. You relegated her to 'watching the trees' rather than investigate into it. Now, whoever this woman is, has enough of this corpse blood to enact her plan. Your town is in grave danger and you let it get this way." While Baradim's words were blunt, they were not hateful. They were as straightforward as ever.
"However, I do not think you were prepared for such a conspiracy. Little events have all come together, coincidences that have become linked. You need help..." His eyes looked over to Tamli, nodding at her as he next spoke. "...and the true mastermind behind Bort's murder is still loose. I cannot ignore the need of your home but I recognize that this all could've been prevented as well."
"We ask for fair compensation for our work at the end of our task. We are all heading west for a new start and your troubles aren't truly our troubles. We won't extort this town blindly but we will be paid. Lastly, we must have the right to move through this town however we wish to save it. We will not commit crimes or take advantage of our power but we will pursue leads how we see fit, no matter the class or status of the person."
"Are these terms fair? If so, I think I may speak for us that we shall protect you and yours." Baradim waited to see what the man would say next. He had a sense of justice but he also knew that they were shouldering something more dangerous than just a murder. This was a conspiracy, a dangerous one at that. Who knew what this 'V' had planned.
Somewhat lacking in skills of negotiating a price for his services, Finoan goes over to his usual spot in the Feedmill. Though instead of curling up and relaxing, he sits up straight and pays close attention to the conversation.
"Yeah, me too. I've had enough of these tight dark tunnels that could collapse on us at any moment."
Niss ground her teeth a bit at the wording, but just gave him a wry look. Her gaze then remained fixed on the ceiling until they emerged.
He'd have to know what's on there, right? It would surprise me if he didn't know. Hopefully we don't have to share that information with anyone. I'd like to keep that from the other caravaners; there's no reason they need to know."
"What if he wasn't the only one who knew?" she asked quietly. "I'm a bit wary of them, honestly. I doubt any of them are trying to destroy this town, but if they know, and kept quiet for the money, and worry that we might discover their connection... We need to stay tight lipped, like you said."
The ranger was careful with the ravaged body, making sure it didn't split more as he wrapped the dead man's arms around his shoulders.
Niss paled a bit at the sight of the body. She'd been focused on her injured friends and her first good look at the carnage that used to be Hallod made her a little ill. She'd seen bodies, but never one so mangled.
When they arrive at the Feedmill, a damp rug is hanging off the edge of the porch, presumably drying during the day. It looks as though it may need a day or two longer of drying to be usable again.
Niss saw the rug and turned a very bright shade of crimson, glancing at Drake then refusing to meet anyone else's gaze for several minutes. She would have to apologize to Delma later
"When you go to bed tonight; take off your armor and as much clothes as you can before you go in. You stink of s&+$ and blood."
This comment dismissed her lingering embarrassment and she couldn't help a chuckle. "You're asking Delma to fill the tub again, not me," she sent Drake, eyes sparkling.
”Hmm…I only know of one person with a name that starts with V. Vilree. We haven’t seen her around in a while…not since her mother died of the plague.
"Well case closed. If that's not the backstory of a criminal mastermind nothing is."
"He's not the type to woo women. He paid for his company more often than not."
"You don't say.". Niss grimaced at the mere memory of the man.
Are these terms fair? If so, I think I may speak for us that we shall protect you and yours."
She smiled at Baradim softly. He was an honorable man, and something about his blunt honesty just made her happy. There weren't enough people like him.
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"What if he wasn't the only one who knew?" she asked quietly. "I'm a bit wary of them, honestly. I doubt any of them are trying to destroy this town, but if they know, and kept quiet for the money, and worry that we might discover their connection... We need to stay tight lipped, like you said."
"You know, I hadn't thought of that. Money does tend to change people. Yeah, I'm thinking remaining quiet is even more imperative now that you mention it."
When they arrive at the Feedmill, a damp rug is hanging off the edge of the porch, presumably drying during the day. It looks as though it may need a day or two longer of drying to be usable again.
Niss saw the rug and turned a very bright shade of crimson, glancing at Drake then refusing to meet anyone else's gaze for several minutes. She would have to apologize to Delma later.
As they make their way inside, Drake's eyes go slightly wide when he notices the rug. Uh-oh. Looking over at Niss and catching her looking at him, he shrugs and turns his focus back in front of him, the memory of the previous night shooting like a rocket to the forefront of his mind. Gods she's beautiful. Focus, Drake, focus. Strangely, the ranger seems to be walking somewhat awkwardly all of the sudden and he finds himself relieved when he finally takes a seat.
"When you go to bed tonight; take off your armor and as much clothes as you can before you go in. You stink of s&+$ and blood."
This comment dismissed her lingering embarrassment and she couldn't help a chuckle. "You're asking Delma to fill the tub again, not me," she sent Drake, eyes sparkling.
Cutting his attention to her and wearing a wry grin, "That's not fair. Gods I hope she doesn't ask." He covers his mouth, trying to refrain from chuckling himself.
"The elven woman, Noala, says that this poison has been spreading through your woods and lands for some time. You relegated her to 'watching the trees' rather than investigate into it. Now, whoever this woman is, has enough of this corpse blood to enact her plan. Your town is in grave danger and you let it get this way." While Baradim's words were blunt, they were not hateful. They were as straightforward as ever.
Rolth has the grace to look embarrassed by this accounting of his failures; the older gentleman’s face was burning and drawn with shame, but he stayed quiet while Baradim continued.
"However, I do not think you were prepared for such a conspiracy. Little events have all come together, coincidences that have become linked. You need help..." His eyes looked over to Tamli, nodding at her as he next spoke. "...and the true mastermind behind Bort's murder is still loose. I cannot ignore the need of your home but I recognize that this all could've been prevented as well."
"We ask for fair compensation for our work at the end of our task. We are all heading west for a new start and your troubles aren't truly our troubles. We won't extort this town blindly but we will be paid. Lastly, we must have the right to move through this town however we wish to save it. We will not commit crimes or take advantage of our power but we will pursue leads how we see fit, no matter the class or status of the person."
"Are these terms fair? If so, I think I may speak for us that we shall protect you and yours." Baradim waited to see what the man would say next. He had a sense of justice but he also knew that they were shouldering something more dangerous than just a murder. This was a conspiracy, a dangerous one at that. Who knew what this 'V' had planned.
Rolth nodded slowly, mulling over what the orc had just said to him. ”You are correct. I dropped the ball…and I am in over my head. You all have done, in the span of a few days, what would take me weeks…if I had taken it seriously.” He meets Baradim’s eyes, frustration apparent on his face. ”Not much happens in this town. It is easy to miss the details that are obvious in hindsight,” he says, trying to explain away his incompetence. He sighs and shakes his head, covering his face with one hand and rubbing his eyes. ”Of course, you deserve compensation. I will need a day or two to put together the funds, however.”
At this Tamli leans forward, pulling a coinpurse out of the bag strapped to her belt. ”The caravan pooled funds. Add ours to it. We put together fifty gold.” She sets it on the table and leans back in her seat. She takes a pull from the ale Rolth ordered, nodding gruffly towards The Princess Guard in gratitude.
Rolth leans forward again. ”I do suspect the ‘V’ in the note is Vilree. She…did not leave the town on good terms. As for that story, you really should talk to Delma’s father. Targen can…ramble…” Rolth makes a face, trying to be polite, ”But he knows Vilree’s story better than most. I was not born here, so all of my knowledge on the topic is secondhand from him, anyway.”
Rolth adds, "And yes. You are no longer bound by needing to stay within town. You have the right to move through town. Go and do what you need to do. I will make sure people know."
You are no longer bound by needing to stay within town.
Niss's heart leapt to hear this, but she reined it in. Baradim was right. These folks needed help, and the Princess Guard had the ability to help them. As much as part of her wanted to run...she knew the others would want to stay and see this through. And she wouldn't leave them to do it alone. Whatever consequences came about as a result of her delay, she knew they would face those, too -- together.
She asked one the the severs for a round of drinks for the table, Rolth and Tamli included. She didn't plan to drink much of hers, but once the mugs came she smiled and held hers up as a toast. "To progress! May we continue to make more... And to going a whole day without destroying my dress," she tacked on with a grin. She took a token sip of the beverage.
The deal was made and Baradim's smile widened. He had secured a better future for his friends and for this town. When the mugs came, he would take it in hand and lift it up for the toast alongside Inniska's.
"To progress. To justice." He would tap his mug against the others and drink deeply from it, putting it down once done. He would look back towards Tamli and bow his head to her quietly before motioning his head to the side away from the others. When the conversation had lulled for a moment, he would step aside with the strong orcish woman.
"Will you be staying then, until this is done?" Baradim asked, his eyes looking to the side as he quietly asked the unsaid question; would she still be here with him. It was almost sweet if it wasn't for the naturally intimidating aura they both resonated from the dimly lit shadows of the tavern.
The deal was made and Baradim's smile widened. He had secured a better future for his friends and for this town. When the mugs came, he would take it in hand and lift it up for the toast alongside Inniska's.
"To progress. To justice." He would tap his mug against the others and drink deeply from it, putting it down once done. He would look back towards Tamli and bow his head to her quietly before motioning his head to the side away from the others. When the conversation had lulled for a moment, he would step aside with the strong orcish woman.
"Will you be staying then, until this is done?" Baradim asked, his eyes looking to the side as he quietly asked the unsaid question; would she still be here with him. It was almost sweet if it wasn't for the naturally intimidating aura they both resonated from the dimly lit shadows of the tavern.
Tamli offers a small smile and nods in response to his question; spoken and unspoken. "Yes. Bort was family." She shifts her weight slightly, taking a drink from the mug of ale Niss had bought for them all. She looks at Baradim with a critical eye, taking stock of his battered shield and lingering injuries. "You're still hurt." She leans forward, inspecting the wound on his shoulder from Hallod's strikes, touching it lightly to assess the damage. "I can help with this. Kit's back at the caravan."
The hint of a smile spread across his face, his tusks lifting as she made it clear that she was staying. With it came a held breath, one he had not realized that he was holding in when he awaited her answer. She took in his injuries and the orc instinctually stood a little taller, a little prouder, despite the ache his shoulder gave.
"Man had a kukri. Nasty weapon. He got a good hit in..." Baradim's grin grew a little more. "...I got in a better one." A low growl rumbled in his throat as she gently touched his shoulder. Like her body, it would be another scar to be added to his story. He would nod, forcing the smile from his face as he returned to the table with the others.
"I am going with Tamli to the caravan...she will finish your work Finoan and it will let me keep an eye on them all." If it was this Vilree, he imagined that she would not be pleased that her alleged lover was cooling in a basement cellar now. They, and the people they began to care about, would be in danger. There definitely was no other reason. Not at all. Ignore the pretty orcish woman.
Finoan nods at Baradim. "I'll be over there before too long to keep an eye on things too."
The hint of a smile spread across his face, his tusks lifting as she made it clear that she was staying. With it came a held breath, one he had not realized that he was holding in when he awaited her answer. She took in his injuries and the orc instinctually stood a little taller, a little prouder, despite the ache his shoulder gave.
"Man had a kukri. Nasty weapon. He got a good hit in..." Baradim's grin grew a little more. "...I got in a better one." A low growl rumbled in his throat as she gently touched his shoulder. Like her body, it would be another scar to be added to his story. He would nod, forcing the smile from his face as he returned to the table with the others.
"I am going with Tamli to the caravan...she will finish your work Finoan and it will let me keep an eye on them all." If it was this Vilree, he imagined that she would not be pleased that her alleged lover was cooling in a basement cellar now. They, and the people they began to care about, would be in danger. There definitely was no other reason. Not at all. Ignore the pretty orcish woman.
Tamli grins widely at his boast, certain enough of his prowess not to question it, even teasingly. She moves her hand from his shoulder and runs it down his muscled arm before dropping it at her side, nodding appreciatively at his change in stance under her yellow-eyed gaze. "You might need stitches. You'll tell me about the fight as a distraction." Her tone of voice made the request sound more like an order, and she touched the talisman at her throat lightly before watching him move away to say his goodbyes.
When he comes to leave with her, she would raise a hand in farewell to the table, an amused smile stretching across her tusks. "'Night, everyone."
If Finoan sees Noala, he would go over and talk to her.
Afterwards, Fin curls up on his usual spot at the hearth, resting for a few hours. He then wanders over to the caravan campsite and prowls around outside for the rest of the night.
If Finoan sees Noala, he would go over and talk to her.
Afterwards, Fin curls up on his usual spot at the hearth, resting for a few hours. He then wanders over to the caravan campsite and prowls around outside for the rest of the night.
Noala is, in fact, present--you see the elven woman sitting at the bar, chatting with Delma whenever Delma isn't occupied with customers. She smiles as Finoan approaches, turning on the stool to face him. "Evening. I take it your hunt went well?" She asks, grinning.
She asked one of the servers for a round of drinks for the table, Rolth and Tamli included. She didn't plan to drink much of hers, but once the mugs came she smiled and held hers up as a toast. "To progress! May we continue to make more... And to going a whole day without destroying my dress," she tacked on with a grin. She took a token sip of the beverage.
Drake smiles and nods, raising his glass to her.
The deal was made and Baradim's smile widened. He had secured a better future for his friends and for this town. When the mugs came, he would take it in hand and lift it up for the toast alongside Inniska's.
"To progress. To justice." He would tap his mug against the others and drink deeply from it, putting it down once done. He would look back towards Tamli and bow his head to her quietly before motioning his head to the side away from the others. When the conversation had lulled for a moment, he would step aside with the strong orcish woman.
Still smiling, he raises his glass once again, drinking deeply.
When he comes to leave with her, she would raise a hand in farewell to the table, an amused smile stretching across her tusks. "'Night, everyone."
"'Night, Tamli, Baradim."
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Emptying his mug, he looks over at Niss with a peaceful countenance. Smiling at her as he fiddles with the handle of his mug, "Well, I guess I should ask Delma about replacing our rug. Hopefully, she wasn't too upset. Accidents happen and all that, right?" He says to her, winking. "You know, I'm still curious as to what your other dresses look like. You'll have to show me later." Rising, "I'm going to go talk to Delma. I'll be back."
Making his way over to the bar, "Hey, Delma, sorry about the wet rug. I don't suppose you have another one, do you? Also, have you got any men's clothing handy that I can buy? Something that looks a lot like what I'm wearing now would be great. I'm fairly certain I'm going to have to burn these." He grins wryly, shrugging.
"Evening. I take it your hunt went well?" She asks, grinning.
"Well enough. Could have been better. Could also have been a lot worse though, so I'm not complaining."
I'm hoping tomorrow to be able to investigate the blighted forest a bit better. For our case with Hallod we are a bit stuck at the moment until we find out more information about this 'V' person. So we will be talking with Targen in the morning. Assuming he doesn't ramble until evening, I hope to leave for the forest after that."
"You know, I'm still curious as to what your other dresses look like. You'll have to show me later." Rising, "I'm going to go talk to Delma. I'll be back."
Niss smiles mischievously. "I'll put them on for you... if you take them off for me..." she sends him right as he was walking towards Delma.
"Evening. I take it your hunt went well?" She asks, grinning."Well enough. Could have been better. Could also have been a lot worse though, so I'm not complaining."
I'm hoping tomorrow to be able to investigate the blighted forest a bit better. For our case with Hallod we are a bit stuck at the moment until we find out more information about this 'V' person. So we will be talking with Targen in the morning. Assuming he doesn't ramble until evening, I hope to leave for the forest after that."
Noala perks up, pleased at the news they would be pursuing the blight problem. "Targen can ramble a tad, but he's not an all-day rambler. I think you'll be safe." She chuckles, shaking her head. "In any case, I will be here at the Feedmill when you need me to guide you. What do you mean about a 'V' person?"
"In any case, I will be here at the Feedmill when you need me to guide you. What do you mean about a 'V' person?"
Fin almost dismisses the question, but decides against it. Noala is familiar with the people here after all.
"Someone was working with Hallod in both the alchemy trafficking and the poisoning of Bort, but the only thing we know for certain is that the person signed the one note that we have with just the letter 'V'. From some of the language in the note, I also assume that the person is female and was at least pretending to be romantically interested in Hallod."
Emptying his mug, he looks over at Niss with a peaceful countenance. Smiling at her as he fiddles with the handle of his mug, "Well, I guess I should ask Delma about replacing our rug. Hopefully, she wasn't too upset. Accidents happen and all that, right?" He says to her, winking. "You know, I'm still curious as to what your other dresses look like. You'll have to show me later." Rising, "I'm going to go talk to Delma. I'll be back."
Making his way over to the bar, "Hey, Delma, sorry about the wet rug. I don't suppose you have another one, do you? Also, have you got any men's clothing handy that I can buy? Something that looks a lot like what I'm wearing now would be great. I'm fairly certain I'm going to have to burn these." He grins wryly, shrugging.
Delma crosses her arms and gives Drake and Niss both profoundly unamused looks. "It's not the rug, it's the water damage." She shakes her head and points upwards furiously. "Water damage can make buildings collapse. Do you want to fall through the floor? I'll let you know the extent of the damages in a day or two when things dry out." She aggressively dries out a mug and then sets it down gently to avoid breaking it.
"Next time, fill the tub halfway. You get to have fun in the tub without having to pay for repairs. And yes, I have some men's clothing. Please do not lay in any of the beds wearing what you are wearing." Delma makes a face, and then shows Drake her selection in the other room.
Niss takes a second sip of her drink, just to avoid looking at the grouchy tavernkeep, feeling a little bad for Drake who was facing her alone. Not enough to go join him, though. She smiled into her cup.
"In any case, I will be here at the Feedmill when you need me to guide you. What do you mean about a 'V' person?"Fin almost dismisses the question, but decides against it. Noala is familiar with the people here after all.
"Someone was working with Hallod in both the alchemy trafficking and the poisoning of Bort, but the only thing we know for certain is that the person signed the one note that we have with just the letter 'V'. From some of the language in the note, I also assume that the person is female and was at least pretending to be romantically interested in Hallod."
"Interesting." Noala leans forward, chewing on her lip in thought. "Knowing Hallod, it's someone pretending to be interested. Did you find anything other than Hallod and this letter?"
Fin shrugs. "A bunch of alchemical supplies - that is also what Bort had been shipping them here for a year or two. Several dogs that had been nearly starved to death. A giant electric snake. Traps all over the place. Anything in particular that you are expecting to hear about?"
"One other thing the letter mentioned specifically was Corpse Blood. Not entirely sure what that even is. Or what it would be used for."
Fin shrugs. "A bunch of alchemical supplies - that is also what Bort had been shipping them here for a year or two. Several dogs that had been nearly starved to death. A giant electric snake. Traps all over the place. Anything in particular that you are expecting to hear about?"
"One other thing the letter mentioned specifically was Corpse Blood. Not entirely sure what that even is. Or what it would be used for."
"Corpse blood? That's...obscure." Noala furrows her brows. "I only really know of that as a rather frowned-upon ingredient, but not what it's really used for. But if people aren't a fan, there's a reason."
"Corpse blood? That's...obscure." Noala furrows her brows. "I only really know of that as a rather frowned-upon ingredient, but not what it's really used for. But if people aren't a fan, there's a reason."
"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about too."
"Well, that and the modified wildlife. So far we have run into an acidic wolf and an electric snake." Fin sighs a bit. "But that is a task for tomorrow. I don't think I will get much done during the night. I'm certainly not going to go wandering off into danger alone."
"You know, I'm still curious as to what your other dresses look like. You'll have to show me later." Rising, "I'm going to go talk to Delma. I'll be back."Niss smiles mischievously. "I'll put them on for you... if you take them off for me..." she sends him right as he was walking towards Delma.
Chuckling before pausing and looking back to her with a wide grin, "You don't have to ask me twice. Gods, sweetheart, I'm thinking you might only get to one. Maybe." He winks, grinning wryly.
Delma crosses her arms and gives Drake and Niss both profoundly unamused looks. "It's not the rug, it's the water damage." She shakes her head and points upwards furiously. "Water damage can make buildings collapse. Do you want to fall through the floor? I'll let you know the extent of the damages in a day or two when things dry out." She aggressively dries out a mug and then sets it down gently to avoid breaking it.
"Next time, fill the tub halfway. You get to have fun in the tub without having to pay for repairs. And yes, I have some men's clothing. Please do not lay in any of the beds wearing what you are wearing." Delma makes a face, and then shows Drake her selection in the other room.
Nodding and feeling fairly guilty, along with a little embarrassed, he holds up a hand as if defending himself. "Yeah, okay, Delma, thanks. I'll be right back. And I'll be quick!" He hurries to the back and searches with a purpose, quickly finding this, this, and this.
Taking very little time, he slaps a gold coin on the bar as he continues past. "Thanks, Delma! Keep the change." Returning to Niss with some new clothing in his left arm that he holds away from himself, "Okay, sweetheart, shall we?" He offers his right hand to take. "I've got some clothes I'm wearing that have got to go."
Baradim walks quietly through the town, keeping in step with Tamli despite the harm he still carries. It was equal parts bravado, stubbornness, and a desire to be strong. She had lost as much as he had and had lost it far sooner. His breakdown was unacceptable in his mind, even if she had forgiven him that night.
"I forgave Drake. We had a fight. He didn't understand how he slighted me and we let anger get the best of us. Taught him a small lesson today, a useful one I think." Baradim said, grinning slightly as he looked back at the woman. "Will you take over the caravan now? You had some time to think about it."
"Okay, sweetheart, shall we?" He offers his right hand to take. "I've got some clothes I'm wearing that have got to go."
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" she laughed playfully and hurried up the stairs ahead of him and into their room.
Baradim walks quietly through the town, keeping in step with Tamli despite the harm he still carries. It was equal parts bravado, stubbornness, and a desire to be strong. She had lost as much as he had and had lost it far sooner. His breakdown was unacceptable in his mind, even if she had forgiven him that night.
"I forgave Drake. We had a fight. He didn't understand how he slighted me and we let anger get the best of us. Taught him a small lesson today, a useful one I think." Baradim said, grinning slightly as he looked back at the woman. "Will you take over the caravan now? You had some time to think about it."
Tamli snorts with laughter, shaking her head. ”What lesson did he need to learn? That one is…interesting.”
She pauses at Baradim's question, taking a deep breath and touching her talisman. ”I don’t enjoy the thought of leadership. However, the rest of the crew insists that I am the correct choice. Even with all of their complaining about the work they do.” She shrugs, looking uneasy. ”I think I will. I know many of Bort’s contacts. It would survive.” She huffs a sigh, crossing her arms again, obviously conflicted. ”It’s a lot of being diplomatic. That is not my strong suit.”
"Okay, sweetheart, shall we?" He offers his right hand to take. "I've got some clothes I'm wearing that have got to go.""Well then, what are we waiting for?" she laughed playfully and hurried up the stairs ahead of him and into their room.
As Drake and Niss enter their shared room, bereft of a rug for the moment, Niss picks up on an odd feeling in the room–an emotion that she can’t quite name, that itches at the edges of her paranoia. When she moves over to the bed, the uneasy feeling growing, Niss sees a smooth, thin, metal collar laying on the pillow with a red ribbon tied in a pretty little bow around it. Nothing else accompanies it, but Niss recognizes it immediately.
Grinning and shaking his head as he watches her take off, he hurries up after her, closing the door behind him. "Finally! Now I can get out of these things." Throwing the new clothes upon a chair, he immediately sheds his gear and the clothes he's wearing and tosses them in a corner, reminding himself to burn them tomorrow.
Wearing nothing but his skivvies, "Okay, I need to get clean," he says, looking at her with a raised eyebrow and a sly grin.
Niss didn't hear him. Niss didn't see him. She was frozen in panic, a spike of which he felt to his core. Tears were streaming down her face and she was hyperventilating.
"We have to go. We have to go. Now!" she whimpered. She belatedly looked around the room, searching for hidden enemies.
"They found me." The fear on her face was plain to see, even if he wasn't bound to her. "You're all in danger."
Niss doesn't see any hidden enemies, but she does notice something on the ribbon wrapped around the all-too-familiar collar. Upon closer inspection, she notices a rolled-up piece of paper.
Inniska,
On a certain level, I'm proud of your ingenuity.
Enjoy your freedom for a while longer, my pet.
With love,
Lady Palina
Niss drops the note and her knees give out on her. She thumps heavily to the floor, barring Drake's assistance, and just rocks back and forth, shaking. She feels like she might be sick, swallowing back bile. The fear leaves her face, and she wears a blank, resigned, numb expression.
It was a lovely dream. The four of us. Drake. I should have known it couldn't last. But it really was lovely, for a while.
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Niss didn't hear him. Niss didn't see him. She was frozen in panic, a spike of which he felt to his core. Tears were streaming down her face and she was hyperventilating.
"We have to go. We have to go. Now!" she whimpered. She belatedly looked around the room, searching for hidden enemies.
"They found me." The fear on her face was plain to see, even if he wasn't bound to her. "You're all in danger."
Hastily looking around, "Wait... WHAT?! You mean they're here?! NOW?! LIKE RIGHT NOW?!" His anger rising, he quickly dresses in some fresh clothing. As he's busy with that, "Now, let's just think about this a minute, Niss. There's really nowhere for us to run. I mean, this town is like the worst town to hide in. But we need to find Fin and Baradim quickly and let them know. We're going to need the team for this because there's no way in HELL they're getting you back. And I beg to differ, my love, we aren't the ones in danger ... THEY are."
With his focus on getting dressed, he turns just in time to notice she's about to collapse. "Whoa whoa whoa!!!" he hollers as he takes two big strides and just manages to catch her. Falling to the floor with her, and allowing himself to be her cushion, he wraps his arms around her strongly. "Hey, Niss, stay with me, sweetie. You've got to stay with me." He begins to rock her gently, giving her a kiss on the head as he strokes her hair reassuringly. "We're going to get through this, okay? I promise you. But I need you to be strong for me. I need you to be the Niss that I know you are. We need to find Fin and Baradim, okay? And I need you to come with me. I'm not letting you out of my sight. You have to come with me, Niss. Please. Can you do that for me?" He continues to rock her gently, laying his cheek upon her head as he does.
Fin hears the muffled crash of two people falling to the floor of the upper level. He looks over to Delma. "Are they always this ... rambunctious ... when going to bed?"
Fin hears the muffled crash of two people falling to the floor of the upper level. He looks over to Delma. "Are they always this ... rambunctious ... when going to bed?"
Delma pauses washing the counters and shakes her head no, looking up at Drake and Niss's room with concern. "No. That sounded...worrying." Delma sets down her washrag and moves from behind the counter to head up the stairs, waving for Finoan to follow.
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"You don't understand..." Her words are muffled as she falls apart in his arms, her face against his chest. She looks up at him, a sheen of tears coating her eyes. "She's powerful. She could have this entire town erased, if she wanted to. I know you'll fight to protect me, but that will end with her killing you. All of you. It's why she did this. She is playing with me. She can show her hand like this and it doesn't even matter. She'll win anyway."
"Hey, Niss, stay with me, sweetie. You've got to stay with me." He begins to rock her gently, giving her a kiss on the head as he strokes her hair reassuringly. "We're going to get through this, okay? I promise you. But I need you to be strong for me. I need you to be the Niss that I know you are. We need to find Fin and Baradim, okay? And I need you to come with me. I'm not letting you out of my sight. You have to come with me, Niss. Please. Can you do that for me?" He continues to rock her gently, laying his cheek upon her head as he does.
Gods above. Why does he have to be so wonderful? It makes this so much harder.
She mustered every bit of control she could to nod in response, and block him from sensing her lie. "You're right. We need to find them. I can be strong." She clutched him tightly and tried to sound sincere. Like she believed him. But she had decided.
She would find a way to surrender herself, so it did not come to a fight. She'd go peacefully so long as no harm met her friends.
And once they were far, far away, and the Princess Guard nothing more than a happy memory... Inniska would rob Palina of her prize.
"A body weighs less than a head. S$%!s less too." Baradim mutters with a chuckle, the memory of the poor man straining and the look the first time that the corpse farted while it was on his back. "He comes from a gentler, kinder life. It leads to complications but...it is a good viewpoint to have. Not every life needs to be like ours."
He listens to her worries for a moment, nodding softly in agreement. Diplomacy was most certainly not their strong point. Yet his arm would wrap around her shoulder as he spoke.
"No...but neither are most dwarves. Bort learned, so will you. I'll be the meaner one and they'll prefer you." Baradim said jokingly before he realized really what he said. A flush came to his cheeks before his lips pressed together and a frown slowly spread across his face.
"Tamli, I...I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I have a debt to pay, many of them." He would look to her, stopping just outside of the caravan's encampment before he spoke. "I am going to ask a foolish question, a question no wise man should ask. Why me? You are strong, proud, fierce, and clever. While we are what we are, I do not think others would miss your beauty. Why me? What do you want from this?" It was more serious than Baradim wanted to be but he would feel guilty using her kindness and warmth when he wasn't sure he could return it. A mate deserved better than that.
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"You don't understand..." Her words are muffled as she falls apart in his arms, her face against his chest. She looks up at him, a sheen of tears coating her eyes. "She's powerful. She could have this entire town erased, if she wanted to. I know you'll fight to protect me, but that will end with her killing you. All of you. It's why she did this. She is playing with me. She can show her hand like this and it doesn't even matter. She'll win anyway."
"Like hell. I don't care how powerful she is, she's not taking you back. Why? Because I believe in us over them."
She mustered every bit of control she could to nod in response, and block him from sensing her lie. "You're right. We need to find them. I can be strong." She clutched him tightly and tried to sound sincere. Like she believed him. But she had decided.
She would find a way to surrender herself, so it did not come to a fight. She'd go peacefully so long as no harm met her friends.
And once they were far, far away, and the Princess Guard nothing more than a happy memory... Inniska would rob Palina of her prize.
Feeling a bit trepidatious about her words, the ranger decides there's no time to discuss it now. "Okay. Okay. Good. C'mon, let's get up and go find the others." Taking her hand with his left, he rises and helps her do the same. "You okay?" he double-checks. "I don't want you falling again." Making sure it looks like she's stable, he leads the way to the door, grabbing his pack with his other hand and throwing it over his shoulder as he does. Opening it, he looks back and makes sure she's still okay, and then heads downstairs.
Running into Delma and Fin halfway, "Fin! I need you to go find Baradim. Please. And quickly." He looks to the cat with grave concern before simply saying, "They've found her."
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"Like hell. I don't care how powerful she is, she's not taking you back. Why? Because I believe in us over them."
He doesn't know. How could he? I have to protect him.
"Okay. Okay. Good. C'mon, let's get up and go find the others." Taking her hand with his left, he rises and helps her do the same. "You okay?" he double-checks. "I don't want you falling again."
She nodded and rose with his assistance. She'd fallen when the shock of reality struck her. Now shock had faded into hollow, empty acceptance, and the shaking has ceased. She didn't let go of his arm after he rose, and he could she she was clutching his sleeve so tightly her knuckles were white, but her face was just a blank slate, mouth hanging agape as her nose had stuffed up. Only her eyes conveyed her pain. Bonded to her as he was, feeling what she felt, he knew something was deeply wrong, but as he'd already decided, that was a topic for future conversation.
When they made to leave the room she stopped suddenly, and let him go, moving to the bed and picking up the collar. She turned it over and over in her hands. It was the same one. The one she'd left in the dungeon, beside the dead guard. She pulled off the bow and slipped it into her pouch, then returned to Drake's side and clung to him once more. She glanced back at the room. She'd been so happy in here, with him... She followed Drake into the hall.
Niss felt like she was in a haze. It was almost like when she'd had too much to drink. She saw Delma and Fin coming towards them in the hall. She'll kill him, too. Just for the pleasure of breaking what's left of me. The thought came sluggishly. She didn't speak when Drake explained, just stood passively, face splotchy from tears.
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"A body weighs less than a head. S&$+s less too." Baradim mutters with a chuckle, the memory of the poor man straining and the look the first time that the corpse farted while it was on his back. "He comes from a gentler, kinder life. It leads to complications but...it is a good viewpoint to have. Not every life needs to be like ours."
Tamli snorts along with him, but nods in agreement. "No, they don't need to be like ours were." She looks at him meaningfully at the last word but doesn't push further. A healthy sense of caution and awareness never went amiss. She knew that things would get easier. Calmer. The horror that made a home in his psyche would eventually fade into the background.
He listens to her worries for a moment, nodding softly in agreement. Diplomacy was most certainly not their strong point. Yet his arm would wrap around her shoulder as he spoke.
"No...but neither are most dwarves. Bort learned, so will you. I'll be the meaner one and they'll prefer you." Baradim said jokingly before he realized really what he said. A flush came to his cheeks before his lips pressed together and a frown slowly spread across his face.
"Tamli, I...I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I have a debt to pay, many of them." He would look to her, stopping just outside of the caravan's encampment before he spoke. "I am going to ask a foolish question, a question no wise man should ask. Why me? You are strong, proud, fierce, and clever. While we are what we are, I do not think others would miss your beauty. Why me? What do you want from this?" It was more serious than Baradim wanted to be but he would feel guilty using her kindness and warmth when he wasn't sure he could return it. A mate deserved better than that.
Tamli leaned into his touch briefly, smiling briefly at the image of her negotiating a mercantile deal, Baradim looming behind her. She shook the image away as he continued to speak. She stepped out of his embrace, turning to face the larger orcish man with a slight, huffing sigh, her expression neutral but carrying a tension that suggested she was working to keep it that way.
"I have never been good at answering that question. Truthfully? At first, because I was drinking, and you looked like a man who could handle me the way I liked. I was not wrong." She allowed herself a brief smile, then continued on. "You call me strong, proud, fierce, and clever as if you are somehow lesser." She raked her gaze along his form, leaning back slightly as she does so, assessing more than just his own physical appeal. "You are the embodiment of ferocity; of survival; a bastion. Your presence drowns out the screaming." Her tone is matter-of-fact, as if she is listing off things that should seem obvious.
"As for what I want?" She stared at him searchingly, arms crossing over her chest with mild discomfort. "It doesn't need to be more than it is. More than you're comfortable with. But I find a sense of peace with you that I haven't felt since Elek was killed, and I am reluctant to let that go." Tamli's arms tightened around herself slightly, displaying a vulnerability that was unusual for their kind, but she held his black-and-yellow gaze steadily.
She stood at the gates of the walls she had built around herself, calmly inviting him in.
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There was a quiet tension between the two of them, a moment of silence where a decision needed to be made. Looking at the woman who understood what he had been through, there was a softness that was so welcoming. It wasn't hard to imagine a simpler life, a life with less blood and death in it. A life where he could be simply happy and simply be.
Yet there was his quiet obligation, a promise made in the field of battle that was only heard by the ghosts of the dead. Baradim's hand slipped to his chest, holding the many symbols that hung from around his neck. His eyes had drifted away as he grew lost with thought but when they returned, he looked into the softness that her human parent had given her in those large eyes.
"I made a promise back in Vigil, back before it fell to the Whispering Tyrant." Baradim said, his voice unconsciously a whisper. "Their deaths saved me, spared me, and hid me in my cowardice. I made a vow that I would make amends to them."
"I planned on heading westward, into Andoran, and joining the knights there. A dozen men saved me; I would be a hero a dozen times. I-I cannot break that vow. I could not live with the shame." He said softly, stepping closer towards her.
"I am going to throw myself into danger again and again. I do not know if I will ever stop. If...if you follow me, I may one day never come home from a horror too great to stop. I am no farmer or a merchant. I do not sow seeds nor do I make crafts. I make war. I battle. I slay horrors in our world...so I may slay horrors in my mind." His hand reached out for her, slipping around Tamli's wide hip before pulling her closer slowly. Baradim's head dipped down, his forehead resting against hers. "I would love...no...be honored to accept your peace, your warmth, you...if you can accept my war, my battle, the future I offer." His grip tightened slightly, clinging to her like a beast caught on a branch in the river. It could be the moment that the branch broke free and he was swept in the current again. Rather than mourn the safety, it was better to relish the comfort it brought.
"They've found her."
Fin doesn't have to ask who 'they' are. At least not in general terms. "Well, so much the worse for them then."
He looks at the shocked and somewhat dazed look on Inniska's face and decides not to ask her too many questions directly. He instead turns back to Drake. "Did you see someone? Hopefully I am not so incompetent that I missed hearing an entire battle where they tried to abduct her and failed. What do we know for certain so far?"
Fin doesn't have to ask who 'they' are. At least not in general terms. "Well, so much the worse for them then."
He looks at the shocked and somewhat dazed look on Inniska's face and decides not to ask her too many questions directly. He instead turns back to Drake. "Did you see someone? Hopefully I am not so incompetent that I missed hearing an entire battle where they tried to abduct her and failed. What do we know for certain so far?"
Shaking his head, "No. We've seen no one. They just left a message in the room on the bed. That's it."
Fin looks over at Niss again and notices the collar she still has clutched in her hands. "Well, that is quite the message."
He turns to Delma. "Did you direct anyone to their room? Anyone you noticed asking around town about her? Also, is there anywhere else that she could stay for the night?"
Finoan finally turns back to Inniska. "My previous thoughts on this still stand. They will absolutely not get you back. And I know every trick there is to make good on that promise."
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Fin looks over at Niss again and notices the collar she still has clutched in her hands. "Well, that is quite the message."
He turns to Delma. "Did you direct anyone to their room? Anyone you noticed asking around town about her? Also, is there anywhere else that she could stay for the night?"
Finoan finally turns back to Inniska. "My previous thoughts on this still stand. They will absolutely not get you back. And I know every trick there is to make good on that promise."
Drake finds himself loving the mechanical cat more and more. He nods at him and says, "Thank you, Fin."
Turning his focus to Niss, he places his hands on her cheeks and looks her in the eyes with great compassion. "Hey? You still with me? C'mon, my love, stay with me. You're safe. You're going to stay safe, okay? I give you my word, Fin gives you his word, and Baradim will too knowing him. Speaking of which, I need you to stay here with Fin and Delma, okay? I have to inform Baradim, he's going to want to know about this, okay? Okay?" He looks into her eyes deeply, the pain within them as clear as day.
. They will absolutely not get you back. And I know every trick there is to make good on that promise.
Fin is like... Hundreds of years old. Maybe he knows a way? Maybe I should believe them... She wanted to. Gods, she wanted to. But at what cost, if they were wrong?
. "Hey? You still with me? C'mon, my love, stay with me. You're safe. You're going to stay safe, okay? I give you my word, Fin gives you his word, and Baradim will too knowing him. Speaking of which, I need you to stay here with Fin and Delma, okay? I have to inform Baradim, he's going to want to know about this, okay? Okay?"
This scared her enough to snap her out of her fog somewhat. "You're going alone? If they found my room, then they know about us. About you. It's not safe. "
He turns to Delma. "Did you direct anyone to their room? Anyone you noticed asking around town about her? Also, is there anywhere else that she could stay for the night?"
Delma shakes her head, looking alarmed. "I would never tell someone where one of my customers was. And no, I haven't seen anyone...as for where to stay, I don't know." She rubs her temples with her fingers, sorting through her thoughts for an answer that would work. "The Feedmill or the Caravan would really be the safest places. We don't have a robust guard here. Stay surrounded by your friends, and I can ask Noala to look around in the surrounding forests..." Delma shrugs, looking and feeling rather helpless.
. They will absolutely not get you back. And I know every trick there is to make good on that promise.Fin is like... Hundreds of years old. Maybe he knows a way? Maybe I should believe them... She wanted to. Gods, she wanted to. But at what cost, if they were wrong?
. "Hey? You still with me? C'mon, my love, stay with me. You're safe. You're going to stay safe, okay? I give you my word, Fin gives you his word, and Baradim will too knowing him. Speaking of which, I need you to stay here with Fin and Delma, okay? I have to inform Baradim, he's going to want to know about this, okay? Okay?"This scared her enough to snap her out of her fog somewhat. "You're going alone? If they found my room, then they know about us. About you. It's not safe. "
Staring at her and in deep thought, another idea comes to mind. Snapping his attention over to Delma, "Hey, Delma, do you think Noala would mind informing Baradim for us? Before she checks out the area? He's with Tamli at the caravan. Please."