"Yeah. I would like to see that cat taken care of - one way or the other."
"Maybe Noala can find or trap something for it to eat. That might lure it out of the lower area so we can at least see what it is looking like. We can ask her about it when we go 'question' the Sculptor."
"Yeah. I would like to see that cat taken care of - one way or the other."
"Maybe Noala can find or trap something for it to eat. That might lure it out of the lower area so we can at least see what it is looking like. We can ask her about it when we go 'question' the Sculptor."
Rising and assisting Niss up also, "Well, let's go question him then and get this over with. And if he doesn't want to talk, we'll just threaten him with Baradim cutting off his head. And if that doesn't do it, well, then Baradim will just have to cut off his head." He shrugs. "What he created out of that poor guy was just... well... sad, really, and as Baradim said, needs to be brought to justice."
Turning to Niss and smiling, "Thank you, Niss, for saving my hide again. And Baradim's. Honestly, where have you been all my life? I'm actually wondering how I've made it this far without you." He winks, grinning wryly.
When The Princess Guard approaches the edge of the blighted forest, they can see Noala sitting on collapsed tree, watching the net containing The Sculptor with mild amusement. "He's finally stopped wiggling. Seems to realize he's not in control anymore. He's pretty secure in there, but it'd be easy to cut him down." Noala leans back slightly and crosses one leg over the other, regarding the scene with a neutral expression. "Let me know if you need any assistance."
Fin looks at the trapped Sculptor, then back to Noala. "Only cut him down if the drop is more than 80 feet."
"We could use some assistance in finding some more food. Not just for the three of them," he gestures to the others of his group, "but there are some animals still locked up in the pens in there. They aren't safe to just release, but we don't want to just kill them either. We have heard that one is injured. And they probably all need fed."
"Also, if you happen to be better at treating injuries than I am, Drake and Baradim could both use some help. I can take care of it though if needed. I'm just slow at it."
"The man creates abominations. How many lives have been sacrificed in this awful place to achieve their goals? I shudder at the thought." Baradim says after collecting whatever useful things he had found. At the mention of cutting the man's head off, the orc shrugs nonchalantly. "A threat of violence rarely makes the fervent confess and when they do, it is inaccurate. Still, I would like to cut his head off." Throwing his backpack onto his shoulder, he gives a nod to Niss and the others.
"We fight well together and adapt on the field of battle efficiently. We'd make up a crucial element to any town or village's defense. Vilree should be worried we're coming."
Emerging back to the edge of the blighted woods, he studies the Sculptor with a hateful gaze. His attention turns towards the elf and the rest of his comrades soon after. "It seems that this place is highly defendable from attackers. We can camp here, rest, and return to town the next day with the orc in hand." Baradim looks for a decently sized rock, picks it up, and weighs it in his hand for a moment. He then tosses it up and clocks the Sculptor with it.
"Your name. Now."
Turning to Niss and smiling, "Thank you, Niss, for saving my hide again. And Baradim's. Honestly, where have you been all my life? I'm actually wondering how I've made it this far without you." He winks, grinning wryly.
"I'll admit, saving your life was a very selfish gesture on my part. I like having you around. As for where I've been all your life, well, no place I wanted to be." Niss winked at him.
After Baradim pelted the dangling man with a rock, Niss chimed in, for good measure.
"You should answer him. Baradim isn't a patient man, but let me assure you, when someone tries to kill my friends, and my heart, I am even less so." Her words were calm, but she summoned enough power to manifest he feelings towards horrible man, snaking dark electricity tinged with red wrapping around her hand.
He leaves the chamber where the ooze had formed to Finoan to look over, the automaton was more educated in such things than him. His attention instead turns towards the room they had pushed through in pursuit of their enemy. There were secrets to be had and information to learn.
Baradim rifles through The Sculptor’s living space, beginning with the orc’s desk. Within the desk, Baradim finds a small stash of coins worth 18gp and a fine set of silver scales worth about 30gp.
Scattered across the desk are various folios of notes and writing. Most are written in orc, but luckily, Baradim happens to know orcish (imagine that!). They are The Sculptor’s notes on the various experiments he has been asked to perform over the past few months. The Sculptor seemed to be a prolific note-taker and journaler–it would take several hours to go through it in detail. Baradim gathers the folios and notebooks into a neat pile and stashes them for when they have a little more time.
Baradim also finds two lesser energy mutagens and one moderate energy mutagen amongst The Sculptor’s belongings.
—-------------------
Fin looks at the trapped Sculptor, then back to Noala. "Only cut him down if the drop is more than 80 feet."
"We could use some assistance in finding some more food. Not just for the three of them," he gestures to the others of his group, "but there are some animals still locked up in the pens in there. They aren't safe to just release, but we don't want to just kill them either. We have heard that one is injured. And they probably all need fed."
"Also, if you happen to be better at treating injuries than I am, Drake and Baradim could both use some help. I can take care of it though if needed. I'm just slow at it."
Noala grins, gesturing toward the net. ”Alas, it is much closer to the ground than 80 feet.” And indeed, the net does hang only a good 7 feet above the ground. The Sculptor is quiet, but his glare bores into the group through the holes in the net with hatred.
”As for the animals, I can go look at them while you all handle him.” Noala walks off, back into The Pen, leaving you all with The Sculptor.
Baradim looks for a decently sized rock, picks it up, and weighs it in his hand for a moment. He then tosses it up and clocks the Sculptor with it.
"Your name. Now."
After Baradim pelted the dangling man with a rock, Niss chimed in, for good measure.
"You should answer him. Baradim isn't a patient man, but let me assure you, when someone tries to kill my friends, and my heart, I am even less so." Her words were calm, but she summoned enough power to manifest he feelings towards horrible man, snaking dark electricity tinged with red wrapping around her hand.
The Sculptor shifts uncomfortably in the bag. He has witnessed Baradim’s strength and Niss’s telekinetic powers and wants no part of it, especially not now that he is trapped and at their mercy.
”Ogran.” He says, staring daggers at the other orc. He doesn’t add anything to it; only answers what he has specifically been asked.
Finoan walks around the room, trying to stay out of the puddled remains of the blood ooze. He inspects the chains and implements for securing creatures - including the thoroughly abused and mangled table that Inniska was throwing around.
He doesn't do a very thorough job of it though and quickly hurries back out of the room. "Maybe I'll check this out more later. Once it doesn't smell quite so bad."
~~~~~~~~~~
”Ogran.” He says, staring daggers at the other orc. He doesn’t add anything to it; only answers what he has specifically been asked.
Fin sighs and shakes his head. "This is going to take forever at this rate."
He looks at Ogran again, then back to Baradim. "Well, since I am technically deputized, and the suspect has been subdued, I probably shouldn't just let him die while in custody." He looks towards Noala as she is still walking away. "But it looks like Noala could use an escort and perhaps some assistance with those animals." He grins at Baradim. "If this guy happens to die during a daring escape attempt, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it."
Finoan hurries and catches up with Noala as she is leaving.
In the Ooze Chamber
Luckily, despite the mouse that Finoan felt compelled to chase across the Ooze chamber rather than search the room thoroughly, the Orcs had left one very obvious thing: a map leading from "Hallod's drop-off stump" to a place in the northwest hill ranges called "Spite's Cradle." Finoan remembers gathering directions to that drop off stump after they arrested Hallod and now has a good idea as to where the main hideout might be. Perhaps the notes Baradin gathered could have more informationm...
----
With Noala
"Well, if you're joining. Point me where to go." Noala follow's Finoan's lead to the icy rats, inspecting them carefully. The rats look miserable even as they sleep in a pile by the stone wall the pen was built into.
Then, the cave that Kebbek claimed led to the leopard. Noala heads in, leading the way, and suddenly pauses. "Gods, what did they do?
Before you both is a shape curled up against the back of the cave, a steady blaze of flame flickering in the dim light. A thick cloud of smoke floats along the ceiling, swirling sedately along the stone. The cat stirs as you enter, unfurling from its curled up position and glaring at you both. A leopard - burning eternally. It looks injured and weak, a conclusion backed up by the pathetic snarl that turns into a plaintive yowl on your approach.
"It's hurt...and looks dehydrated." Noala holds out a hand and steps carefully toward the cat, murmuring soft, comforting sounds. The leopard cringes away from her touch, but doesn't stop her from laying a hand on the flaming pelt. Noala immediately removes her hand, hissing in pain. "Well, it's definitely real flame, not an illusion..." Noala flaps her burnt hand, wincing.
"Dehydrated, huh. Maybe if we had a small lake it could drink from that. Fresh out of lakes though."
"Maybe some ice would work. Fresh out of ice too though."
Fin pulls out the lesser healing potion that he got from Noala earlier. "Well, I haven't needed this yet. Here's hoping that I don't need it after trying to give it to this poor thing."
"And hopefully this doesn't all evaporate too. Or at least it works first."
Finoan goes and administers the potion to the flaming cat. "Yeah, that is definitely too warm. I'm going to smell like burnt fur for a month after this."
Fin turns back to Noala. "So any idea how to get ice or something that won't evaporate once it gets within 10 feet of the cat? Ray of Frost maybe? I don't remember how to cast that one though."
Smiling at the truth of Niss's words, he focuses on the hanging orc and says, "You know, Organ..., mind if I call you 'Organ'? Good. Thanks. Anyway, you really shouldn't piss her off. Or him," he motions toward Baradim. "Or even the cat-machine. He may not look like it but he can get pretty ticked off. Now me? Heck, I'm a teddy bear compared to those three so no worries there. But here's the rub, you've got a good-looking gal that can blast you with her MIND and you've got an orc here that has a thing for removing heads. DID YOU HEAR THAT, ORGAN? THAT PART ABOUT 'REMOVING HEADS?' Just making sure you heard that. Remember, I'm just Teddy Bear. Which would be Mr. Teddy Bear to you and probably your best chance of survival out of the four of us, which, if we're honest, totally sucks for you. I mean, who are we kidding, right?" He shrugs. "Anyway, probably best you just start telling us what we want to know and without all the difficulty. Please. And you'll notice I said please."
"If this guy happens to die during a daring escape attempt, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it."
Grinning wryly, Drake cuts his eyes toward Baradim and simply shrugs. "I wouldn't lose any sleep over it either. Just sayin'. Not over this psycho."
"Ogran. We know about Vilree. We know why she's doing this. What about you? Are you in this for the money? For sadism, hurting these creatures? Did the town wrong you as it did her?" She still toyed with the power in the palm of her hand. She hid the smile that threatened to spoil her act when Drake played 'good cop'.
Finoan steps back from the leopard. "Well, I have done all I can for the moment." He walks back out of the cavern and the corral that the leopard is in.
"So how are these rats doing then?"
"I wonder if they would freeze water if it was brought close enough..."
"Dehydrated, huh. Maybe if we had a small lake it could drink from that. Fresh out of lakes though."
"Maybe some ice would work. Fresh out of ice too though."
Fin pulls out the lesser healing potion that he got from Noala earlier. "Well, I haven't needed this yet. Here's hoping that I don't need it after trying to give it to this poor thing."
"And hopefully this doesn't all evaporate too. Or at least it works first."Finoan goes and administers the potion to the flaming cat. "Yeah, that is definitely too warm. I'm going to smell like burnt fur for a month after this."
Fin turns back to Noala. "So any idea how to get ice or something that won't evaporate once it gets within 10 feet of the cat? Ray of Frost maybe? I don't remember how to cast that one though."
The leopard, after the potion takes effect, rolls from its side back to its stomach and regards Noala and Finoan carefully before laying its head down onto its massive paws and huffing weakly at them both.
Finoan steps back from the leopard. "Well, I have done all I can for the moment." He walks back out of the cavern and the corral that the leopard is in.
"So how are these rats doing then?"
"I wonder if they would freeze water if it was brought close enough..."
Noala kneels down next to it and speaks quietly to it in a calm, reassuring tone. ”We’re going to try to help you,” She says, placing a hand near it comfortingly, as she can’t touch the big cat without hurting herself.
Noala follows Finoan out, the leopard letting out a surprisingly soft “mrrrrowr” as they walked away, unable to do much more than lay where it was at.
The rats seem like any other kind of rat, hale and healthy save for the fact that, well, they’ve been exposed to icy mutagens and seem to be rather aggressive and unintelligent, unlike the fiery leopard.
Noala kneels down in front of the pen and makes some odd chittering sounds, trying to call the creatures over.
The pair of rats shyly approach, reluctant to get near enough to be touched, but curious of Noala rather than hostile.
”Seeing if they’ll freeze the water isn’t a bad idea, if you can find some clean enough water.”
Finoan thinks about the problem of fresh water for a bit. "Yeah, not sure I would trust anything just laying around in this blight area. Well, they probably need water as a basis for making these potions and mutagens. I'll take a look around in there."
Finoan comes back with a quantity of water that he personally feels is dismally small. But hoping that it will be enough for the moment. He also brought a few bowls that he made sure were empty and clean.
"OK. The rats probably need water too. Let's see if it freezes while they are drinking it."
Fin does as he suggests and pours some of the water into one of the bowls and sets it inside the rat enclosure. Once it freezes from proximity to the rats, he replaces it with a fresh bowl of liquid water and runs the frozen one into the leopard enclosure.
He sets the bowl of ice in front of the leopard, watching as the heat immediately starts melting the ice. "Here. Drink up quickly before the ice all melts and it starts evaporating."
Smiling at the truth of Niss's words, he focuses on the hanging orc and says, "You know, Organ..., mind if I call you 'Organ'? Good. Thanks. Anyway, you really shouldn't piss her off. Or him," he motions toward Baradim. "Or even the cat-machine. He may not look like it but he can get pretty ticked off. Now me? Heck, I'm a teddy bear compared to those three so no worries there. But here's the rub, you've got a good-looking gal that can blast you with her MIND and you've got an orc here that has a thing for removing heads. DID YOU HEAR THAT, ORGAN? THAT PART ABOUT 'REMOVING HEADS?' Just making sure you heard that. Remember, I'm just Teddy Bear. Which would be Mr. Teddy Bear to you and probably your best chance of survival out of the four of us, which, if we're honest, totally sucks for you. I mean, who are we kidding, right?" He shrugs. "Anyway, probably best you just start telling us what we want to know and without all the difficulty. Please. And you'll notice I said please."
"Ogran. We know about Vilree. We know why she's doing this. What about you? Are you in this for the money? For sadism, hurting these creatures? Did the town wrong you as it did her?" She still toyed with the power in the palm of her hand. She hid the smile that threatened to spoil her act when Drake played 'good cop'.
”I’m trapped in a net meant for an animal. I have no intention of arguing with you. All you asked for was my name.” The Sculptor, a.k.a. Ogran, glared at them through the net, shifting uncomfortably. He was slightly twisted up, legs bent oddly in such a way as to be rather painful in the long term. He shifts his attention to Niss, his eyes following the manifestation of her power, and grumbles before answering her question.
”Vilree owns me. And everyone else who was in The Pen with us. I just enjoyed my work. My creation was going to be a gift.” He glares at them. ”I’m sure you’ve already gone through all of my things. All my notes are there.”
—----------------
He sets the bowl of ice in front of the leopard, watching as the heat immediately starts melting the ice. "Here. Drink up quickly before the ice all melts and it starts evaporating."
The rats easily freeze the water, including their own, but they seem content to noisily chew on the ice as Finoan walks away with the container.
When Finoan presents the water to the leopard, it laps up the rapidly-melting water with a desperate speed, noticeably perking up as it takes in the liquid. The leopard picks itself up into a sitting position, staring at Noala and Finoan for a moment before stepping tentatively toward them, its eyes darting between the exit and their position. It lets out a small ‘mew’ as it approaches the pair, keeping away just enough that they can only feel a comfortable warmth in proximity to the creature.
Noala looks at it and then back to Finoan, raising an eyebrow. ”It wants to leave.”
Noala looks at it and then back to Finoan, raising an eyebrow. ”It wants to leave.”
"Well, I did mention that this place needs a good forest fire. I'd just prefer to not be in it at the time. And maybe keep it contained to these blighted areas."
"What do you think? You seem to have a way with animals in general. Do you think you could keep fireball here from burning down half the countryside? Personally I would rather have all these animals freed. If not that, at least cared for properly."
"Suffering animals. That horrible blood monster. Those human sacrifices. You enjoyed that? That was a gift?" Her disgust was plain on her face.
"Thank you, Ogran. I was starting to feel bad for how painful it must be, hanging up there. I was even a bit nervous at the idea of Baradim ending you. I'm not a very violent person, when given the option, and I believe in redemption. Now my conscience is clear."
"Save us some time. We have your notes, but reading them will take a while. Why don't you give us the abridged version. If you cooperate, Baradim may let you die with a shred of honor. If not, Drake and I can go for a walk, and then we'll bring what's left of you back to town to face the mob justice that drove Vilree to such measures in the first place."
Noala looks at it and then back to Finoan, raising an eyebrow. ”It wants to leave.”"Well, I did mention that this place needs a good forest fire. I'd just prefer to not be in it at the time. And maybe keep it contained to these blighted areas."
"What do you think? You seem to have a way with animals in general. Do you think you could keep fireball here from burning down half the countryside? Personally I would rather have all these animals freed. If not that, at least cared for properly."
Noala looks at the leopard, arms crossed, considering it carefully. It returns her gaze, huffing slightly, ears flattening. Noala cocks an eyebrow at it, but eventually turns to Finoan and nods. "I'll take care of the leopard. As for the rats..." She shrugs, pursing her lips slightly.
"The rats are a nuisance on their own. You add elemental damage to the mix?" Noala shakes her head. "I do not think they should be left alive."
"Suffering animals. That horrible blood monster. Those human sacrifices. You enjoyed that? That was a gift?" Her disgust was plain on her face.
"Thank you, Ogran. I was starting to feel bad for how painful it must be, hanging up there. I was even a bit nervous at the idea of Baradim ending you. I'm not a very violent person, when given the option, and I believe in redemption. Now my conscience is clear."
"Save us some time. We have your notes, but reading them will take a while. Why don't you give us the abridged version. If you cooperate, Baradim may let you die with a shred of honor. If not, Drake and I can go for a walk, and then we'll bring what's left of you back to town to face the mob justice that drove Vilree to such measures in the first place."
Ogran, The Sculptor, snorts in response to the threats, shifting uncomfortably in the net. "No matter the outcome, I still die. Enjoy rifling through my notes." He relaxes into the net, closes his eyes, and says no more.
"The rats are a nuisance on their own. You add elemental damage to the mix?" Noala shakes her head. "I do not think they should be left alive."
Finoan nods. "Not long term at least. Currently they are useful for getting water for Fireball. But there are other ways of getting ice."
He turns back to the leopoard. "Maybe with a bit more studies in magic I can at least be able to touch you long enough to do an examination and see what happened - and if it is reversible."
"But I think that is going to have to be a job for a different day."
Fin remembers something. "I'll be back. I remember seeing a map that looked interesting and useful." He goes back and collects the map from the torture room with the blood ooze remains.
When he gets back, he asks Noala, "Have Niss and the others returned yet?"
Baradim gives a curious look towards Inniska as the woman threatens the trapped orc, promising him a cruel death at his hands if he does not comply. Ogran appeared unfazed, leaving them to scrutinize his notes and work to understand the purpose behind it. Putting his shield upon his back, his fellow orc nods at the others and draws his blade.
"Very well." It only takes him a moment to scrutinize the captured man's body before he takes his sword in both hands and thrusts it upwards. His aim was to make the kill quick and efficient; not out of mercy's sake but out of the sake of efficiency. The blade twists in the orc's body, stilling his movements before he draws it out once more. "A slave that enjoyed his work. Pathetic." Whisking the blood on the ground, he'd sheath his weapon once more and look to the others.
"What you have threatened has been done. Let us return."
Finoan nods. "Not long term at least. Currently they are useful for getting water for Fireball. But there are other ways of getting ice."
He turns back to the leopoard. "Maybe with a bit more studies in magic I can at least be able to touch you long enough to do an examination and see what happened - and if it is reversible."
"But I think that is going to have to be a job for a different day."
Fin remembers something. "I'll be back. I remember seeing a map that looked interesting and useful." He goes back and collects the map from the torture room with the blood ooze remains.
When he gets back, he asks Noala, "Have Niss and the others returned yet?"
When Finoan returns, Noala is sitting near the leopard, who does look rather antsy. "You can hang around these woods if you are careful. We will figure something out to help you. Maybe the ringleader of all of this has notes on some kind of cure." The leopard huffs in response and begins to move away. The leopard darts past Finoan, climbs over the bramble fence, and disappears into the forest. Oddly enough, it doesn't seem to burn the vegetation it touches.
"No, they haven't returned yet. Might as well head that way." Noala waits to see if Finoan has more to add, then leaves the leopard's cave and heads back to where they left Baradim, Niss, and Drake.
Niss paled a bit but nodded at Baradim. "I was hoping he'd dislike the idea of being brought back to town enough to talk. I'm sorry, Baradim. I didn't mean to make you into an executioner. I just thought he'd be more afraid of you than me. But a man who would enjoy the disgusting things he'd done..." She shook her head. "We couldn't leave him alive, could we? There was no remorse there. He'd have found other terrible things to do if we didn't stop him for good."
She was clearly conflicted about being in a position to decide whether a man lived or died. Defending oneself in a fight was one thing, but seeing Baradim carry out her threat was something else.
Fin watches the leopard leave. "I still think that cat is going to burn something down," he calls out as Noala leaves through the bramble wall. The iris opening closes behind her and Finoan mutters to himself. "Though people have often said the same thing about me." He grins a bit. "They are often not wrong."
He gets up and follows Noala through the bramble wall and out towards the rest of the group.
About half way to the edge of the blight area, Finoan and Noala meet up with Baradim, Inniska, and Drake headed back.
"Since you don't have a bound Orc alchemist with you, I assume that his escape attempt went poorly."
"It is getting a bit late. I don't think we could make it all the way back to town before nightfall. Do we want to camp out here at the edge of the blight at our previous campsite, or camp in the kennel area inside the blight? I would rather camp outside the blight area. Though that leopard is likely to need water again. Unless it can drink from a stream or something large enough."
"Anyway, I am rambling a bit. I have a map, and Baradim, you mentioned finding notes, yes? Maybe something useful will come of reading through those."
"It is better this way. The town does not have the space nor the competency to hold this many dangerous figures for justice. He has murdered and tortured countless others. We send him to be judged by Pharasma." Baradim said quietly, cleaning his blade before bringing down his body. By the time that he had cut down the man's body and placed it down, the two would meet some distance between the blight and deeper into this hedge-guarded safety.
"He would not cooperate." Baradim offered simply enough. "I concur, we should rest soon enough and this place is quite defensible." Reaching into his backpack, he would present the notes to Finoan. "They are written in Orcish. I will translate them for you while the others rest."
"I don't think our fiery friend will be returning tonight. At least, that's the impression I got," Noala says to Finoan, gathering up a few things in preparation for the trek back to their previous camp.
Whenever The Princess Guard is ready, Noala will lead them back to their campsite and get a small fire going with some food and clean, edible game that she had gathered while patrolling the outskirts of the blight as they ventured throughout the Pen.
About two months ago, something changed, and Vilree stopped asking him to perform experiments without any kind of explanation. The Sculptor took it upon himself to continue the work without much help from her directions, which resulted in varied and unpredictable results, such as the leopard, the strange vine bushes, and the rats. A number of the creatures escaped, like the acid-ridden wolves that had attacked you.
One of the most recent notes reads: "THe coagulant thing is finally taking shape. It might not be what she has been asking for, but she is sure to be impressed with my prowess. When it is ready, I will take it to Spite's Cradle and show it to the mistress myself. Then, she will truly see my value."
As the group sits around the campfire after dinner, Fin takes a look at the notes. "I can't read Orc, so you will need to translate for me. I can hopefully get a general idea of these shortly. More detailed information can wait for later though. I don't want you to have to stay up all night."
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Niss is exhausted, and is content to leave Fin and Baradim to the work of reading and translating orcish. She finds a spot to curl up with Drake to get some rest. She looked into his eyes and laid a hand on the side of his face. "I thought I was going to lose you today," she said softly.
Fin spends the night keeping watch over the group. And nervously looking at the treeline for signs of fires being started.
The next morning he heads out with the group making their way back to the town.
"Well, it is definitely Vilree that is stirring up trouble. But we do at least have a location to go check out next." He pulls out the map that he took from the wall of the Sculptor's lair. Pointing to the map, "Spite's Cradle." He shakes his head. "Seven thousand years later and people are still naming their hideouts dramatic names like that. If I ever create a secret lair, all of the maps that point to it are going to have it labeled something like 'broken kitchen gadget disposal facility'. And that is only if I ever create any maps to it."
Baradim explains what he can to Finoan, some of the more scientific terms troubling him but he does answer what he can. Soon after, he goes to sleep on his own and rests until the morning comes in the eerily quietness. Packing his things up and readying himself, he nods with Finoan.
"She also has gone silent. Ogran was acting on his own with what he believed she wanted. It has been two months of silent." Baradim says as he shifts his pack onto his back. "We will need to find this Cradle and eliminate her before she brings more horrors to this place."
Niss is exhausted, and is content to leave Fin and Baradim to the work of reading and translating orcish. She finds a spot to curl up with Drake to get some rest. She looked into his eyes and laid a hand on the side of his face. "I thought I was going to lose you today," she said softly.
Looking back at her, he places a hand upon hers, and a tired smile forms. "It's going to take more than a blood monster to pull me away from you, my dear Niss." He turns his head to kiss her hand. "If I'm honest, though, I've never dealt with anything like that. I mean, who has, right? Still," he shakes his head as his eyes look away, "we were overmatched badly. Thank the gods they were on our side... albeit only barely it feels like."
Cutting his eyes back to her, the ranger reflects a moment on what would happen if he weren't around to be there for Niss, and a feeling of heavy guilt and concern washes over him if he were not here to aid in stopping those who are in pursuit of her. As his eyes dance toward her lips, he gently strokes her cheek before leaning in, slightly angling his head, and kissing her tenderly for a long moment.
Reluctantly pulling away, he smiles. "I told you, Niss, I'm never going to leave you. I won't. No matter what. And, if I'm honest, I owe it all to you in every way."
The group nears the town as night is falling. He suggests gently, "Let's not announce our presence back here too much yet. How about we all stay with the caravan tonight? We can get baths in the morning."
The group nears the town as night is falling. He suggests gently, "Let's not announce our presence back here too much yet. How about we all stay with the caravan tonight? We can get baths in the morning."
Looking to the others before turning back to Fin, Drake shrugs. "Sounds fine with me. I just need to remember to get myself some new armor in the morning. I won't bother Tamli with it tonight. "
"It'll be good to see Tamli. She will be angry that I put myself at such a risk." Baradim says, though the smile on his face shows that the warrior was less fearful and more excited to see the woman. His body still ached from their battles in the forest and the warmth of her hands sounded like the perfect salves.
Upon your arrival at the caravan, Tamli, Cooky, the twins, and Gregor are all sitting and enjoying a savory meal that Cooky has made for the crew. They are more than happy to welcome all of you, and Cooky has made more than enough for everyone to partake, should they want to. He has made a savory stew, flavored with fresh greens, turnips (always turnips in Etran's Folly), and a mixture of fresh and dried meats. He's added in some grains for bulk, and it is heavily spiced in the Elven fashion. It smells incredible.
Tamli looks over The Princess Guard with a critical eye, taking in their exhaustion and general tattered appearances. "Looks as though the battle was hard-fought. Eat and rest." It was more of an order than a request.
"There's drink, too, if you would like." Tamli smiles, and it is easy to tell that she has indulged just a tad--her cheeks are flushed. She gestures at the older elf with a smile, who is currently engaged in quiet conversation with Gregor. It's more than you've ever really seen the caravan's cook speak. "It's Cooky's birthday. We are eating his favorite meal and drinking some of our reserve wine to celebrate. He prefers things a bit low-key." Tamli says the last in a mildly conspiratorial tone, pitching her voice low so the elf didn't hear.
She turns to Baradim, arms crossed, and regards the battered orc with a mixture of annoyance and affection. "I've missed you. I can tell I'm lucky to have you back in one piece."
"Thank you." Baradim says, sitting down at the fire beside her as the fire flickers in the darkness. He eagerly takes a bowl full of stew, the rich aroma soothing him as he begins to eat. The richness of the meat mixing with the greens made it nearly fall apart in his mouth. Try as he might, he cannot stop himself from gorging upon the meal.
"hmmpy bmmmmfdeer" Baradim tries to say with a mouthful of stew, bowing his head in thanks. Swallowing the meat, he reaches for her reserve wine and takes a swill of it to wash the warmth down. He slowly puts the bottle down as she noticed the series of bandages and fresh stitches that Finoan had done to keep the orc in the world of the living.
"The fighting was fierce. We have not yet cut out the true cancer but we are getting closer." Baradim says, his hand reaching over to grasp her knee. "We will find the master behind his death soon. She will be brought to justice." His grip tightened on her for just a moment, a level of reassurance there as his eyes graced over the rest of the guard. "They would never let me go, it seems. Not even if Pharasma herself came for me."
Niss smiled at Baradim. She'd been quiet during much of the trip back, contemplative. Drake's words had troubled her -- that he wouldn't leave her, but owed it all to her. To often, she was all that stood between her friends and death. She needed to be stronger for them. So, she'd spent the trip practicing... Sort of.
Her power was fueled by emotions. They were like a river. The more she felt, the stronger the current. More power, but also more danger and more difficulty controlling it. Like a real river, she could nudge it where she wanted it, guide and direct it, like people building levees. If she wanted to safely wield more, she had to build new ones, and tear down the old.
So Niss let herself feel, on the trip back. She let the torrent erode the banks of her mental guards, and tested new limits. She focused on her passion for Drake, her warm fuzzy love for Fin and Baradim, her fear of her mistress what might await then in town, her disgust with the Sculptor, and she let each one channel through her in an almost meditative fashion.
And it worked.
She hadn't had any occasion to test it out yet, but she knew. She was stronger now than she'd been. She could do more to keep them safe. And so, she smiled at Baradim, and then looked to Tamli as she spoke. "Pharasma can't have you, Baradim. You belong to someone else. I'd rather take on the Goddess of Death than an angry Tamli."
Tamli briefly rests a hand over Baradim's before taking the wine back from him, taking another drink herself. "You have another big fight ahead, then," She says, nodding slowly. She looks around at the rest of The Princess Guard, the combination of alcohol and proximity to Baradim making her a little more comfortable; smiles coming more easily to her normally stoic face.
"Delma says another caravan is due to pass through tomorrow. Merchants. I may be able to get some trade with them, and you all may be able to get some things that we can't provide," Tamli says, setting her empty bowl down and leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees and clasping her hands. "You should do what you can to be fully equipped for the battles ahead." Tamli glances at Drake's armor, a bemused expression stretching her lips in a smile over her tusks. "Maybe take an extra set of armor, next time."
"Delma says another caravan is due to pass through tomorrow. Merchants. I may be able to get some trade with them, and you all may be able to get some things that we can't provide,"
"That could be very useful. I could use an expansion on my spellbook."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the gathering begins to wind down, Fin goes looking for Grunda. Or if she isn't available, one of the twins.
"Have you seen anyone new in town since we arrived? I haven't been here for a couple of days and I am trying to get a feel for what has changed."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After talking with the people of the caravan, Fin will rest for a bit and take up his normal night time prowling around.
"Delma says another caravan is due to pass through tomorrow. Merchants. I may be able to get some trade with them, and you all may be able to get some things that we can't provide," Tamli says, setting her empty bowl down and leaning forward, resting her elbows on her knees and clasping her hands. "You should do what you can to be fully equipped for the battles ahead." Tamli glances at Drake's armor, a bemused expression stretching her lips in a smile over her tusks. "Maybe take an extra set of armor, next time."
Pointing and nodding in a matter-of-fact manner, "Now that is a good idea. I am going to do that for sure."
As the gathering begins to wind down, Fin goes looking for Grunda. Or if she isn't available, one of the twins.
"Have you seen anyone new in town since we arrived? I haven't been here for a couple of days and I am trying to get a feel for what has changed."
When Finoan approaches, Grunda looks surprised, but she, too, has been a tad loosened up by drink and manages to reply to the automaton without too much panic in her voice. "Ummm... nobody that I'm aware of. Erda didn't mention anything, and she would have known...just that trade caravan that's coming tomorrow." She shrugs and offers a shy smile, her face flushed a tad.
Fin smiles back at Grunda. "OK. Thanks."
He nods and takes his leave.
Baradim bowed his head at the praise from the smaller woman. Inniska had appeared to be the gentle waif and had played the role perfectly along their trip. Since then, he had seen the strength that she truly had and the kindness that manifested from it. She had a hard life, each of them did, but it was in these quiet moments that there was solace to be found.
"Same for you. You are strong of mind and of heart. Together with Drake, your children will be formidable when the time comes." Baradim nods, quietly leaning against Tamli. "If I am around, I would be honored to train them."
"Az előttünk álló út egyre veszélyesebb. Győződjön meg arról, hogy a lakókocsi készen áll az indulásra, amikor csak kell." Baradim said in his strong, native tongue. The gold of his eyes sought out Tamli's, holding them. "Ha elbukunk, nem tudom elképzelni, hogy elveszítelek. Ígérd meg, hogy készen leszel."
"Same for you. You are strong of mind and of heart. Together with Drake, your children will be formidable when the time comes." Baradim nods, quietly leaning against Tamli. "If I am around, I would be honored to train them."
Niss had learned her lesson about overindulgence, but was enjoying a single drink as the caravan celebrated Cooky's birthday. At Baradim's words she swallowed wrong and spent the next half minute spluttering and coughing, face flushed from more than just the hacking.
Gods. It was a prospect she hadn't considered, especially given her reason for finally fleeing Palina. She took another drink once the coughing settled and refrained from making eye contact with literally anyone. Awkwardness aside, Baradim's words were high praise, and she felt warmed by them.
Tamli watches the exchange between Niss and Baradim with mild amusement, especially when Niss chokes on her beverage. She leans against Baradim in return, glancing over at him as he speaks, her pleasant expression fading slightly at his words.
"Nem fogsz kudarcot vallani. Nem azzal a hárommal az oldaladon. De a lakókocsit készen fogom küldeni, ha kell. Gregor veszi át a parancsnokságot, én pedig megbosszulom," Tamli replies in the same language, her expression turning serious.
Deciding to peruse some of Tamil's armor several moments ago, he finally makes his way back to the others. "Hey, Tam...," is all he manages until Niss explodes into a coughing fit. Quickly moving over to her, he pats her on the back. "Drink go down the wrong pipe?" he asks, staring curiously hard at her. "You know, you're looking a little flushed, Niss. I'm guessing that's just from the coughing though," he surmises. "Got to be careful, sweetheart. We have enough stuff in this place trying to kill us." He winks, grinning.
Baradim nods towards Tamli after hearing her words. There was no point in arguing with the woman; he'd have better luck making a stone flee from a glare. He returned her lean though, resting his head against the inside of her arm and taking a deep breath. Tomorrow, the war for this place would continue. For now though, there was peace to be had.
A little grin came to his face as Drake returned clueless of the conversation. Humans were always so shy about what they wanted and what they sought. Perhaps it was the brutality and the relative shortness of his own ilk's lives that spurred him on to be so direct.