Maverick seemed slightly absent and his mind was trying to put the pieces together, but naturally someone else was faster. He didn't mind. He was thankful for that. "Quite the story. a Thassilonian sword in a vault in a forest stone house. I'm sure the sheriff will like this. And the girls and guys in the tavern, too.", he said with a smile.
After a few minutes of ride, he thinks out loud. "Are we now working for the late Sir Roderick? Are we some ghost's henchmen?"
"More like a posse," she smirks. "I'll never consider myself someone's henchman." There is a sharp defiance in her tone and a playful smile on her lips. It is clear she has a bit of a rebellious spirit in her, but is a good, law-abiding-minded woman. "Although, such a group of obvious legend such as us should have a nickname to be written about in history books." She wonders idly if Kynae has any thoughts on this? "That is...if we can or all wish to continue in this. I myself am not sure that I can."
She is already hesitant about missing a day of work at the sheriff's request. If she were to miss many more, would the owner of the inn become violent with her. She already knows he is drowning his sorrows by pounding sand (drinking whiskey) at the loss of income by having her gone. The thought of this sends chills down her spine. She hates being hit by disrespecting men; especially those with the means of paying her. Looking at her in her beauty and independence right now, one wouldn't think she does what she does. She seems confident and powerful--like a mighty ancient-lived elf of grand importance. However, in the saloon, she's much less.
Higgins gets back up on Midnight to ride back, then tips his hat to Kynae. "Be seein' you 'round, boy.". And flips him a gold coin.
On the ride back, Wiggins is fine being quiet. But starts chatting once the others do. "Ain't nothin' wrong with bein' Roderic's posse," says Higgins, as they contemplate what this strange group had become. "Settin' things right in the cove. Hope you consider stickin' with us, Bella. We'd be both dumber 'n uglier without ya."
The saddle is a bit less comfortable on the way back due to her wet clothes, but she endures it the best she can.
"You're sweet, darlin'," she replies with a smile to Wes. While said on instinct as a "lady of the night", it may actually be meant. "Roderick's Rangers were what the good Captain's band was called back in the wars. Alliteration. Action. Speaks to being lawmen. Has authority in its phrasing over a posse. Might strike fear into those we come after."
As they ride toward the sheriff's, it is clear that Nempura is elven. The group would see her marvel at the beauty around her. She may be inspired by what she sees, but unlike a nymph or other fae, she is not inspired to sing. She may point out various patches of flowers and explain what their magical use may be, she may explain past wars fought on what are now rolling hills, and explain how certain tree rings seen seem to hold more arcane focus power than other areas of the forest. She is truly knowledgeable, but one would never guess it if they saw her in the inn. There, she is all kindness and manners in order to turn customers.
"Roderic's Rangers, huh? I like it--let's bring it back," agrees Higgins.
Higgins keeps to the front, keeping an eye out for any more trouble, and also keeping a good pace on the horses--maybe a bit faster than Bella would like if she's trying to enjoy the scenery. The business with the Order of Resplendence has him a bit more on edge. Wes is seen going after a bit of chew to stay awake.
He'll let someone else explain what's happening to the Sheriff if they want, but it's clear that Wes is in a hurry to get back.
Myrandya smiles, briefly charmed by the notion of belonging to a posse of rangers. She opens her mouth to respond, but finds that others say what she is thinking better, and catches a fly. She coughs and hacks a few moments and then tries to look inscrutable as they ride back.
She wonders, does she really have a place with all these big folk? They are all so intimidating, though they have been nice enough to her. And the brief adventure in the crumbling, haunted mansion was the most exciting thing that has happened to her since she arrived in the area. If this is what traveling with them will be like, she is excited to continue even if they don't want her involved. But she hopes they do; she wants to see the ghost's quest through to the end if nothing else.
The ride back to town is uneventful, especially in comparison to your supernatural encounters in the house.
The sun is setting over the water by then, and the fog that often fills the streets has begun to creep into town. The scene is like something out of a silver novel.
If it were any other spirit, she'd be far more uncomfortable than she is. She's lived a long time and seen many strange phenomena. Arcane summoning of otherworldly beings in her youth at school showed her that there were other planes of existence out there, so the notion that some dead may not have passed on was not new to her. Instead of filling her with fear, because it was him, while it was terrifying, the task given to them fills her with purpose. There is a desire to accomplish justice for their town's founder. Whether that is what these shorter-lived races she rides with feel, she is unsure. Some of them she can see saying something like they "just need a drink". Not her. She will be ruminating on what she saw all night, regardless of the carnal tasks she will be forced to endure upon returning to the inn. First was the sheriff's home, fortunately.
No doubt their horses can be heard from afar off. Such a sound might give a normal sheriff cause to worry (as some gangs might try to take her out from time to time). However, Nempura will call out to the sheriff before they get too close so they don't end up getting shot.
"Lo! It's us, sheriff."
"You know, I ain't scared of nothin', but I almost soiled my britches twice seein' Roderic--at least until the last time when 't seemed like he didn't wanna scare us." Higgins wouldn't have ordinarily admitted this, but there was no hiding his panic from his fellows here. His head hangs down when he says this, but then he clutches his fist in determination. "I ain't no coward, though. Won't be lettin' Roderic or his Rangers down."
As they come up on the Sheriff's house, he chimes in as well. "We saw a ghost, alright, and more besides."
At your approach, the sheriff's door opens and she appears on her covered front porch, raised off the ground in case the frequent heavy rains should bring flooding. She half sits on a crooked rail, a hand moving to pull her jacket away, revealing the gun on her right hip. Not threatening, but prepared for trouble.
"Not hard to find a ghost in this cursed town. But no need to talk out here in the street. Looks to rain soon. Come in, I'll put some coffee on. I'll have someone take care of your horses."
She moves into the house, hanging up her long coat and gun belt in pegs on the wall. You find an iron stove warm against the evening chill and, soon enough, coffee in sturdy clay mugs, with a splash of whisky if that is your taste.
When everyone is seen to, she says, "So, you learned something..."
It was humorous to her to see Wes get all riled up over his weakness. Strangely, men often wouldn't have ever admitted to it. The fact Wes does, impresses her.
Nempura was wet on the ride over. In fact, they all were after the events of the closet unloading on them. The wind surely would have dried them off, but Nempura was fairly chilled by the time they arrived at the sheriff's home. The night's cold setting in made her wish she was underwater where temperatures rarely fluctuate so fast, so when she is offered not only fire but coffee with whiskey, she will take advantage of all.
"Many thanks, dear. I knew there was a reason I liked you."
Her harmless flirtations show favor to the woman, despite there having been dozens of sheriffs in her lifetime in charge of this town.
When the sheriff asks what happened, she doesn't jump at the chance to explain it but instead warms herself right near the fire and sips gingerly at the offered coffee. Strangely her pale blue skin has turned a touch darker over the ride. As she warms, that soft blue returns, and the hidden shiver from her lower jaw fades.
Higgins hands off Midnight to one of the helpers. "Don't be too pushy with him--he's got a mind of his own." The black stallion snorts derisively, almost as if understanding the man's words.
As Higgins sets down his things and removes his hat, it's hard to not notice that he has seen some years, his hair starting to look thin and worn. He soaks in some heat and sips some coffee, just enjoying the warmth return to his bones. Eventually, he starts it off.
"Well, Roderic's house is still haunted fer sure. Saw his ghost not once but twice. And he weren't too happy, neither. Seems like he lost some magic sword o' his to some looter--one that might be causin' a bit o' trouble in town. Ever heard o' the Order of Resplendence?" He pauses to see what his companions or the Sheriff might have to say on the matter.
Sherriff Freson nods. "Sounds like the ghost is good and stirred up then. That hasn't happened since I've been in town. Sure, some kids see him every once in a while, but something must be going on to rile him up. I've heard of the Order. Run by Professor Rostrata. They study all of this Thassilonian hooey. Talk about self fulfillment and whatnot. Somewhere between a school and a tent revival."
Nempura tries to not take offense at the mention of "Thassilonian hooey", but a scoff can be heard from the warming sea elf. The point is driven home though:
"Well, something needs to be done about them. They've already murdered someone and disposed of the body, according to eyewitness testimony, and are seeking to do so again. You're sheriff. What are your intentions?"
The sheriff leans in, giving you her full attention, "Who is it they murdered? And who are they looking to murder? Hard to hang someone for a killing that didn't leave a body. And who's yer witness?"
"To answer ya, we don't know. Our witness is not from a trustworthy family or source, and there is no evidence."
Hopefully, that will appease the sheriff's attentions.
[b]"I am not lookin' to prove a court case. Nor am I sayin' you aren't doin' your job. I'm askin' what you intent to do. I believe that when you hear me say someone got murdered, ya believe me. And it doesn't help to doubt me. What can we do about it. How do you plan to catch 'em? As a citizen of this town, I don't want them here. What can we do about it?
Maverick was surprisingly quite on the ride back and when the meet with sheriff started. They hadn't known him for long, but this didn't fit him.
He was weighing his options here. Pursuing further into the matter would certainly derail him from his obligations and he hadn't done so very often since his ordination. What are you thinking, Nivi? What are your plans for me here?
I am somewhat of a lawman, but I don't do murder. So I have no advice for you here, sheriff, but I, too am interested in how you're going to handle this.
Myrandya listens wide-eyed as Nempura and Wes describe what happened. Even though she participated in the events, it still awes her to hear them described. Like I'm part of a grand story! she thinks. Going over the mysteries in her head, she becomes more excited and enthusiastic-- she wants to see this through, she realizes.
"Well, we got an angry ghost, a 'murderous' Professor, a gang of highwaymen, and a gang of dockworkers and laborers. I got me and a deputy. Two of us not carrying enough iron to stand against all of that at the same time. I reckon we need more information."
"If you want help gathering information, well, I can help do that. But you know my situation, sheriff, that I have no time to live nor breathe without a man or woman tryin' to get some 'ruff'. And my situation is not one that I can just walk away from easily neither." Perhaps indicating the abusive nature of her boss.
"That means I'd have to quit...if I even can. But even if I can, I applied for deputy years ago but there's just been no need, as your predecessor made clear. If you want my help, you'll have to hire me, and not just for some simple mission. I need a steady income and as low of risk as possible."
She shifts uncomfortably, as she doesn't like to let her plights be known to strangers.
Higgins' ears perk up as Bella explains a bit about her situation. He considers whether to add anything but doesn't want to interfere until he's heard what the sheriff has to say. He takes a slow sip of coffee, but it's pretty obvious he's paying attention.
The sheriff straightens her back, possibly as if she is playing out a confrontation in her mind..."I reckon I could do something about that situation. Seems like the town might need to hire on a few extra deputies what with all of the trouble that's brewing."
Higgins nods as the Sheriff offers to hire some deputies. He turns to the elf with a grin. "Well then--would ya rather be Deputy Bella or Deputy Nempura?"
Peering around the room, Higgins spies what he's looking for. He stands and grabs a handful of shot glasses to go with the bottle of whisky on the table; then he starts filling them up. "Let's drink to Roderic's Rangers," he says, handing a shot glass to each of the assembled. He takes a sniff of his glass, smiles, and looks to see who will drink to their newly formed posse.
Myrandya looks warily about at Wes's invitation, almost as if she's not sure he's talking about her. But she shyly sidles forward and takes a glass. "To Roderik's Rangers!" she says good-naturedly, also sniffing it to see if it is potable.
"Hah, it's often last names that get used...and I definitely wouldn't want my stage name to linger with me as I head into law and order. Deputy Babblebrook is fine, or just Nempura."
She will take her glass and cheer with it at the celebration of their new title.
"To Roderic's Rangers," she then adds, "Here's hopin' that just the increase to the sheriff's available lawmen and women will encourage some lesser convinced to leave the gangs they've joined."
The Sherriff raises a glass of her own. "Rokerick's Rangers, is that what you are calling yourselves?" She chuckles affably. "That seems about right..."
"You lot don't look too much like scholars aspirant to me, so maybe it'd be best if I head up to Peacock Manor and do some asking around."
"Right, Deputy Babblebrook!" agrees Higgins warmly, as she seems to strengthen her resolve. "Is Peacock Manor where the Order of Resplendence holes up? Guess it could be worth headin' up there . . . but . . ." Higgins trails off and looks around, as if asking for permission to continue or inviting someone else to do so instead.
Myrandya nods, understanding the sheriff's intention. "Peakok Manor-- Zhat is vhere Proffeshor Roshtrata liffes, ja? You are sinkink if ve go vis you, it vill shpook her and her followers? I do not shee vhy ve kannot akkompany you as your deputies, though zhat may look like a bigger deal zhan you vant. I do not supposhe she komes to Town Hall meetings any more, now that she hash shuch a large group of ferffent dishiples. Oh! Ve should tell you about zhe map!" She briefly tries to explain the map they found, hoping that her fellow Rangers can help the sheriff understand what she is saying despite her strong accent.
"Yes...the map."
She will produce it and lay it out for the sheriff to see. It seems that the sea elf is starting to become a little warmer now as she actively shows where the location of this other area is, a place her and Myrandya sorted out.
She moves to the table where Deputy Babblebrook lays out the map. She places her porcelain cup on the table and runs an index finger over the worn and water damaged vellum. "This looks like the Churlwood...here is the mill east of town, the river, the hanging tree. Don't know this stone house."
She raises her gaze to take you all in. "What does this have to do with the matter? Something the ghost told you?"
Wes nods. "Roderic says there's some gauntlets in a vault there that'll help get his missing sword under control. Might be the sword's messin' with whoever's got it. Seems like our best lead."
"Good Myrandya recalled that some easterners long ago built some relics there. Old Roderick mentioned that when he took up the sword, there was a great heat and he grew afraid. He left the gauntlets. Perhaps a deadly trap too? I'm thinking there must be a ruin, not a house."
"Sounds like we need to head out there and check out the Order. I'll take the Order and you folks head out and check out that spot on the map. Tomorrow, of course. Get a good rest. Deputies get 5 silver a day. Since you are dealing with more than local thugs and varmints, I'll double that for you lot."
"Alright, Sheriff. It's a deal."
She will offer a cool hand to shake before returning to the warmth of the fire.
"We'll meet up with horses in the morning at the town center and head out from there, if no one objects?"
Later that night, she would return to the inn and be forced to work for some time. It wasn't ideal to be forced to sleep with someone but it was better than fighting with her boss and probably getting hit. While she normally can't get much sleep under the arms of another, this time, she passes out quickly. It is the next morning when she rose early, and like normal, she takes a bath, gets dressed, kicks her paying customer out of bed, and pretties herself up. What is different though was that after doing so, she takes up all of her belongings in a case, and then leaves word with the inn that she is leaving and starting occupation with the sheriff's office. She'll have to figure out where she is resting her head later, but she is not staying there a moment longer. It being the chief inn for Roderick's cove might be a problem, but perhaps some kind soul will house her (or if there is another inn, she can go there).
Before the sun rises, she ties her small case of belongings to her saddle and then rides out to meet the others in the center of town. There she will wait, facing the entrance to town by the road so she can the inn in the distance. Who knows the reaction of her boss? Would he wake up and come after her?
Nempura wears a slimming dress of pure whites, cyans, and golden filigree. It is exceedingly feminine. Not of the most expensive make, but one that is pretty and innocent. Her larger bust and curves might make it seem more alluring than it is, but it makes her certainly seem far more innocent than her previous outfit. There is a distinct elven glow about the blue-skinned woman that mirrors the outfit. It is a statement of how she feels.
"Don't forget our pay for searchin' Roderic's home," mentions Wes as the evening runs down. "Be needin' some coin for the card tables." He looks to Maverick as he says this last bit, expecting his new partner would be up for a game or two.
He then checks on the elf. "If you be needin' anything, Nempura, we got yer back."
Only because Wes offers to help her, she intends to take him or one of the others up on it. It is clear she is not limiting this to the men.
"I'm certain I'll be made to work when I get back. These are prime hours. One of you could 'pay' for my services through the night. I can pay you back what I earn from it and what you'd lose. Shouldn't be much. It'd keep a stranger off of me and let me get a better night's sleep for tomorrows challenges. Then I can quit in the morning and sail on out of there. That is, if you don't mind a warm bed to sleep in."
That day dawns overcast and misty. The stone of The Circle is slick with the remains of overnight rain.
You will want to ride upstream about 5 miles to Hallen's Ferry. Hallen is an older woman who runs a Ferry across the river. She will get you to the side the stone house is on.
Myrandya chirps excitedly to the others when they leave. "Zhis ish a fortune! I haff neffer been paid sho much for my efforts in zhe past. Deputies! I like the shound off zhat! I vonder if ve could all afford to leashe a house togezher, if ve vere to pool our reshources? Zhe plashe I've been stayink ish out by zhe Pharasmin temple and shemetery, vhere my shpooky friend Audrahni suggested I go. Shay, maybe Desil has anozher house zhat he could let out to us? Shomezhink to inffestigate vhen ve return to town, maybe."
The sheriff puffs on her cigar. "Of course I'll make it worth your while. How about 10 bucks for the day, and double that if you run into the ghost himself?"
"Guess we could fix up an old shack and make it a deputy's office," suggests Higgins. "Cheaper than stayin' at Creekside forever if we're gonna be here fer a while. Keep an eye out fer some options while we head ta Hallen's Ferry."
"I am okay with fixin' up some building for that purpose, but what I really was planning on doin', was setting up my own saloon and inn here. That is what I was doin' when ole Roderick showed up." She gestures toward town. "Perhaps I can shift my plans. But whatever property or properties I invest in, I need it to make money."
Only because Wes offers to help her, she intends to take him or one of the others up on it. It is clear she is not limiting this to the men.
"I'm certain I'll be made to work when I get back. These are prime hours. One of you could 'pay' for my services through the night. I can pay you back what I earn from it and what you'd lose. Shouldn't be much. It'd keep a stranger off of me and let me get a better night's sleep for tomorrows challenges. Then I can quit in the morning and sail on out of there. That is, if you don't mind a warm bed to sleep in."
Higgins nods. "Sure thing, Nempura. Least I could do for ya, and just so happens I'm staying in Creekside anyway. I won't be lettin' the boss man stop ya from leavin' in the morning, either."
That night, Higgins welcomes Nempura to his room. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't tempted by the beautiful elf, but he knows she's not doing any of this willingly and chooses to be a gentleman. "Mind if I undress a bit for the night?" he asks for politeness sake, before taking off his everyday clothes. As he undresses, he exposes a raven tattoo on his back, in an Indian style. "I snore sometimes, just nudge me if yer havin' trouble sleepin'."
"You're a gentleman, Wes. A good soul in tales for the rest of my life."
They will ride out together, but Nempura will arrive after Wes does, allowing him to find her alluring and seek to purchase her for the evening. Nempura starts to fight with her boss about having the night off, but then relents when he starts to raise a hand in the back office. It is then, that she goes to work and can be hired by Wes.
"That won't be a problem, darlin'..."
She hasn't had a man snore in bed in years. She's become quite learned about the form and pattern of sleeping men (or women) and how to let them breathe better. It was a matter of self-preservation so she herself can get a good night's sleep from time to time.
"Remind me to ask about that Raven of yours one of these days..." she gestures to his back. Her tone is curious, urging him to explain it further, but not so needy that he must do so now. As she speaks to him, she herself undresses and puts on a nightgown. There is no reservation in her modesty. It is almost hard to not undress seductively given her past in this room. In fact, the arrangement was quite odd to her senses. She has not slept in a bed for a few years without some stranger occupying it for his enjoyment.
She will put some perfume on and rub lotion over her dried-out, blue skin. He will see her legs and bare arms in all of their glory, not to mention some other things should he spy her, but eventually, she seeks the modesty of her blankets. It is there she will gladly join him under her covers, but as she does so, regardless of the way he is facing her, she will give him a very soft kiss. It is not meant to be alluring or tempting, but gentle. Her voice is soft on his body.
"Thank ya for this."
Wes would fall asleep to the smells of lavender and a subtle woodsy-and-sweet-smelling oil. It is impossible to place except to those with underwater knowledge. Bella Blue would just as willingly intertwine with him and keep him warm as enjoy her own corner of the bed. The end result would be the best sleep she's gotten in months, if not years.
-----
The next morning, she is out and ready, feeling capable and packed for whatever destiny arises. First, she wants to at least see some kind of note or legal binding order that they are official by the sheriff before she heads off to the Order and they set out into the unknown.
In the morning, you are met in The Circle by the Sheriff. She smiles and looks to each or you in turn. "I had to have Lyndwyn work overnight to get these made, but it seemed right to make you official. So here is your Tin Star. Each of you is now a deputy sheriff of the town of Roderic's Cove. That won't help you much when it comes to the bandits in the Churlwood, but around town here it will buy you some credibility."
For anyone who needs a horse, she has provided a fine piece of horseflesh.
Myrandya gratefully accepts the use of the beast with a florid bow.
He occasionally looks toward Bella and her alluring body as she prepares herself for the night, all too conscious that he ought not to stare. "Hard work stayin' that pretty for so long," he quips, wondering just how old she might be given that she was an elf.
Higgins is just looking up at the ceiling in bed when he smells lavendar-like perfume, skin brushing over his beard, and a soft kiss. "Ain't nothin' to it," he says, turning to look at Nempura. It'd been a long time since he'd been with a woman, and it felt nice. He finds himself holding Nempura protectively as they settle in for the night's rest.
* * *
In the morning, Higgins is a little disappointed that Nempura is already awake and dressed--no doubt a habit of her profession. "Should've woke me if we're slippin' outta here early," he mentions, while pulling his things together.
Higgins shows up walking alongside Midnight--the black stallion didn't much like being "in tow." He picks up a star and just looks at it for a while. "Wasn't expectin' ta go from bounty hunter to sheriff's deputy," he says. But as he sees the others start to don their stars, he puts it on too. "Guess we're a real team now, eh?"