Round 2:
Eira takes a 5ft step diagonally and thrusts her longspear toward the Grippli.
But the position/angle of the longspear was sloppy and she failed to find quarry.
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Round 1: Seeing two of her companions gravely injured, Eira remains behind the party, by the stairs, and touching her hand to Runa (in the shawl pouch), she calls upon her Spirit to heal her companions - a wave of luminescent white light washing over the injured Thorongil and Oliya.
The healing energy fully heals Oliya's wounds and heals almost all of Thorongil's (he's now at 12/13 HP).
Eira stepped forward, and, asking for her companions' assistance, removed the two Halfling corpses from the rubble that once was the Shrine. Taking each of the embedded bolts out, she laid them out flat on a clean part of the wooden floor. "When we are done searching the remainder of the fort, we will return here and bring down their bodies, wrap them and place them in the cart with poor, unfortunate Miss Vanicus. Now, let us proceed with caution across the parapet and investigate there. Thorongil, please lead the way."
Not hearing or seeing any movement or person, Tairin moved and took a closer look at the Halfling bodies. She grew thoughtful and cast another look across the scene/interior. She heard Letswalo speak of the Haunt and she nodded, before quietly speaking, "You are correct about the Haunt, Letswalo. It may also be possible there is a map showing their village location within this fort. If this village is near to the fort, then it makes sense it would be documented." Growing silent again, ruminating on her thoughts, Eira added, "The bolts have been stabbed into their bodies after death. Who is doing this to the bodies of these unfortunate souls? Could it be the Lizardfolk? For what purpose other than cast blame elsewhere? Still, such disrespect for the dead is disturbing. This destruction of life does not sit well with me - I fear for Pridon's Hearth now more so with its militia wiped out."
The compelling voice inside Eira's mind clawed at her, yet she called upon her Spirit and she fought hard against the speaker's harmful words; her resolve burning brightly to remain in control of her actions.
"I do not feel we can be certain of anything at this time, Thorongil. However, since we have seen a number of the Song'o spears about the fort, we can surmise it is they. I wish to know what has happened to them and why the Lizardfolk have attacked Fort Breakthrough. They wish to pit the colonists against the Song'o from the ruin which has transpired here."
"I concur - the head was removed after death. The heads seem to be missing from all the bodies we have encountered thus far. Such gruesome trophies. As to where the body was found, I would say the attacker killed him by the stairs or trying to escape up the stairs and then removed his head and cruelly placed the body in the cot to be discovered." "The taking of the heads is meant to anger the colonists or make them afeared. I feel it is a screen for the aggressors true purpose. They were not here for what little gold was housed in the fort. They were in a rush to cause such mayhem they were not concerned even with the weapons in the armoury. We must finish exploring this fort quickly and return to Pridon's Heath as soon as possible. With the militia gone and the Sheriff shorthanded, the town is under-protected. Come, cover the body for we can do no more for him. I would like to search the area/chamber near the well (A9) before we tackle the other by the gate. (A11)"
"Medical supplies are always beneficial" added Eira quietly from her place by the door leading into the kitchen. "We can always place all the medical supplies into the handy haversack provided by Mistress Mirya for we delivered the farming supplies to the Witterwil's. Thorongil is strong enough to carry it to the mule where we have left the haversack tied to the saddle." Upon hearing that Thorongil may have gotten bitten by one of the centipedes. Eira swiftly bade him to come closer so she could examine his skin/person.
"I cannot see any puncture marks or blood. I do not believe Thorongil was bitten when they first attacked." "Let us leave this room lest there are other centipedes. If they have indeed burrowed beneath and the structure is infested, it will do no good to shore up just this floor. Come, let us move on and investigate the other buildings before we head above." Runa jumped from Oliya's shoulder to Eira's and then moved inside the shawl pouch around the shamaness' body. --- ---
Round 1 Runa jumps from the shawl to land on Oliya's shoulder and bites at the centipede 2.
Her bite fails to break flesh. Eira reaches over and grabs the longspear from her back and attacks the creature with her reach weapon.
and wounds it for 5 pts of damage; killing it.
Eira lifted her head from surveying the map, accepted her share of the coin, and answered Thorongil, "I know not of this tribe. I do remember the Witterwils' speak of the Song'O tribe. They must have a community somewhere close by and are known in this region. Let us carry onward and see if there are any survivours."
"Thorongil and Letswalo, I can tend to your open wounds now, if you would like? I am sorry, but I cannot release the venom from your veins, Letswalo. I will do what I can do before you sleep this night and by morning you should regain your full strength." Runa then raised her head from the shawl pouch as Eira raised her hands up to the sun and began to softly chant in Polyglot, "Oh, Grann Lespri, ki gen vwa mwen tande nan van an, ki moun souf bay lavi a tout koute lapriyè m 'ak favè veso mwen ak limyè ou Se konsa, veso sa yo m' ka rapyese ak restore." As the soft words escaped her lips, both Eira and Runa were encased in natural, white light, skin glowing and fur and eyes shimmering. As her hands came down and opened, the light then spread like soothing waves from Eira in a circle around her; caressing Thorongil's and Letswalo's forms in gentle ripples, cleanly knitting their open wounds until they were whole again. Once the wounds were knit, the light receded from Eira and Runa, leaving only their mystical vibrancy.
Translation of Polyglot words: "Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all, Hear my plea and grace my vessel with your light, So these vessels I may mend and restore."
Eira, shielding her eyes from the sun, scanned a eye upward and tried to see if any threat lay above them.
Eira then sent a quiet prayer to the Spirits upon seeing the two dead - especially the young priestess. Looking to Letswalo and Thorongil, she added quietly, "What remains of Priestess Quinn we must return to her temple for burial. If there are many more soldiers like this poor soul, then we do not have the transport to carry them all back to Pridon's Hearth. We bury the dead, here, or burn their bodies lest they attract more scavengers and bring disease to this place. They have been sitting here for at least a week. We must think of the people in town and their welfare - to bring disease in such close quarters would sorely prove detrimental to Pridon's Hearth. Whatever killed these people did so with some intent and not for mere thievery. Poor Quinn may simply have gotten in the way - if she was left, then there would be a witness against the perpetrators of this vile attack. We must see if there is anyone alive in the fortress." The bodies had been torn apart by scavengers - missing eyes, limbs and gaping holes in stomachs. It would not do to bring them back to the town proper. "Let us move the bodies to a covered area and place a cloth over them until we can attend to them. Right now, there is more work to be done, here. We must search." Hearing Oliya speak of the dead animals, Eira then moved to the pen and took a closer look at their injuries. She lifted a scarf over her nose from the smell of rotting flesh.
Gesturing for companions to draw nearer so she could show them and not raise her voice, "See, these claw marks? They caused the fatal blows to these animals. They are roughly the size of a humanoid hand. And, the chucks of meat taken from them have been cut with a knife. The small bites you see over there are more recent and look to be made by the Compsognathus we just killed."
Round 1: Good Guys! Seeing the impending threat before her and not wanting to be bitten or have her allies bitten, Eira decided against loading a bolt into her corssbow with the creature so close and shifting the light crossbow into her off hand, Eira moved to remove the dagger from the sheathe at the hip and attack the creature with it.
and manages to slash through the scaled flesh, but only causing very minor damage to creature.
Quietly, Eira responded, "I believe you may be right, Thorongil. I will secure the mule to one of these log pillars lest there be trouble inside the fort. I would not see it harmed." She then set to the task swiftly and ensured the creature was safely secured until they could come for it. "Thorongil, will you lead us inside? I will steadily and quietly follow behind you." Eira bent down and scooped up her small fox companion and placed her back inside the scarf pouch across her body. When the group were ready to move into the courtyard, Eira moved forward, too, as quietly and carefully as she could, casting her eyes about the space for further threats.
Eira motioned for Runa to come to her and stand behind her. "What could have done this and why? And, where are all the soldiers?" Her voice was low, just as Oliya's had been so as to not draw attention from whatever caused the collapse. Her eyes moved about the broken gate, wondering if the debris would cause them issue or harm. She studied the remaining beams.
Her eyes narrowed and her keen sight took in something, and she pointed to her concern, warning quietly, "There, that beam does not appear to be stable. What do you think?" she asked her companions.
Eira listened to the rain fall outside; dripping off the edge of the old porch. The homestead was not overly large, yet it did not feel closed in and was clean and comfortable. She gracefully reached over and selected a thick cut slice of the crusty bread, a slice of the pale, sweet smelling cheese and some of the smoked boar. Buttering her bread with the smooth, creamy butter, she added the other fillings and took a small bite enjoying the repast. Eira looked over at the elder child, Alice, and she marvelled at the girl's courage and sufficiency - Alice reminded her of herself at such a young age and all she had personally endured. The little boy, Aedan, seemed somewhat enamoured with Thorongil for the child's eyes were still large as saucers as he stared at the Northman. It was good to be around family, once more. She had left hers behind and she missed them; yet knew her path was separate to theirs, for now. Listening as Letswalo and then Thorongil spoke, Eira smiled, half lost in thought and added in her quiet, accented voice, "You have been most gracious to us for simply delivering what you what was owed you. If you would permit us to stay until the morning, then we can help around the farm or with chores in recompense. In truth, I have missed a sense of community since leaving my home. Breaking bread with you and my companions around the table has eased my heartache a little and I am grateful. It can be hard being a stranger in a foreign land, yet you have only shown us kindness. May the great spirits protect you and grant you prosperity."
Upon Letswalo's and Thorongil's words, Eira nodded at the Halfling woman's request, "Indeed, we shall see what plants we can find and bring back for you, Mistress Heri. We will return another day. Farewell."
"If you do not require new weapons, then we can visit the Smithy another day and we can set off for Fort Breakthrough now."
"Good day, Mistress Heri. The Sheriff and Mistress Mirya bade us to visit your store and become acquainted. Both send their regards. I am Eira and my companions and I are new arrivals. It is a pleasure to meet you."
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Eira had simply listened to the exchange between Mirya and Oliya and they seemed to respond well to each other - perhaps possessing similar natures? Or wit. I don't believe Mirya is a bad person - sad, bitter and enjoys a little squabbling. She had heard Thorongil's quiet words and gave a slight shake of her head at the suggestion of leaving abruptly. Quietly, she answered briefly, "We purchase what we can afford now. The rest we can buy when we have earned more coin. Best we have something to aid us in case we find ourselves trekking through the jungle." Then focusing her attention to Mirya Oyin, she continued, a polite smile gracing her lips, "Mistress Mirya, I have no issue with taking your haversack to carry the supplies for the farm, for it is on the way and will not inconvenience us. The free four flasks of alchemist's fire are gladly accepted. Thank you. I would like to purchase one tub of the vermin repellent and one flask of the acid, please." Eira carefully removed the coin pouch with the 25 gold pieces she received from the banker and counted out 12 gold coins and handed them to the elder woman before tying the pouch and putting it securely away. ===== Oliya hearing what Eira had purchased nodded and added, "I'll take the same as the Princess, and sure, we'll take the Witterwil's their supplies," taking out the required coin and handing them across to Mirya.
"Mistress Oylin, we have come to enquire after some salves or remedies against vermin, swarms and diseases such as the plague. Also, if you have any garb or netting suitable against swarms. We have heard of the parasites and diseases in this region. We do not possess much in way of coin, but we have some and we wish to strike a reasonable bargain with you."
Turning her head and looking at Oliya upon her words of encouragement, she whispered to Runa to keep still and quiet so she could speak without issue. There was a Mosa elder woman in the village who possessed a particularly sharp tongue and Eira discovered that deep down it simply masked a kind heart. Perhaps this woman is the same..., garnering her confidence before speaking. Stepping forward and placing a polite smile on her face, Eira addressed the scolding woman; keeping her voice pleasant to the ear, even with its uncommon accent, "Good day. We've been in town only a day and the Sheriff has kindly instructed that we seek out Mistress Mirya Oylin at this emporium. We are in need of certain equipment and it is said that the merchandise here is of quality. Would you be Mistress Oylin?" Eira folded her hands before her as she waited for the woman to respond.
Eira nodded; the gesture affirming the observant Zenj's assessment. "Thorongil and I, too, noted the storm clouds during our sea voyage. If we leave for the fort in the afternoon, we are sure to be beset by the rain and the roads will be even muddier. Best we do not carry too much and become bogged and slowed."
Eira looked at Oliya and she wondered at the young woman, who appeared only a few years younger than her. She appears to be driven by coin. I'm not certain if that bodes well. Eira politely made her way to the counter and signed her name to the parchment the priestess had left for her there. She assured the priestess banker, "We will look for Quinn and do what we can to bring her home," one way or another, the last thought she kept to herself for there was no need to further concern the elder lady.
Eira tilted her head upon Thorongil's offer to carry his coin; the golden light of the temple glinting off the ice blue shards of her eyes. Accepting his share, she assured him quietly, "I shall protect your coin," and placed both coin pouches inside her fine pack. She shifted the tiny form of Runa inside the shawl pouch to better distribute the kit's weight.
"Well met, Priestess Banker," bowing her head respectively to the venerable holy woman of this temple. "I am Eira of the Thirty Trees and my companions and I have recently settled in the colony town." Eira's pale eyes then settled on the holy pair to either side of the the woman and inclined her head in respect to them. "We have been instructed to seek you out. Sheriff Adaela Praet has given us a note to give to you. It is to settle funds."
Eira looked to the Northman warrior and subtly gestured for him to take out the credit note; in much lowered voice saying, "If you would kindly hand over the note, Thorongil, please."
Eira gave a quick nod to show her understanding that they would leave for the fort directly from the store. Hearing Letswalo say he had his belongings with him already, Eira nodded again and looked to Oliya, who seemed to be on her feet and heading for her chamber above floor. "Your offer is most kind, Thorongil, yet I would like to freshen up before we leave for the bank and other shops. I can manage with my belongings, thank you." Eira's voice was steady/polite and you believe her earnest in saying she wanted to tidy up a little before departing Stone Hall.
Eira could not determine the truth of the man's motives and inclinations, yet she felt compelled to defend the drunkard, Theos Votto, "The local man who punched Gallio Menius, he appeared brokenhearted and bitter. He lost his entire family due to illness and then watches new colonists come ashore, possibly to take what little remains of his home and livelihood. His drunken state only emboldened him, unfortunately. It is a shame. I am glad he came to see reason and simply returned to his home." After a moment's pause, Eira added thoughtfully, "If one is unaccustomed to such heat and humidity, it can certainly play havoc with mind and body, you are correct, Letswalo. A penchant for drink plays havoc with one's soul. It appears spread of illness is a major factor in this colony, as well, and can only be aggravated by close proximity and climate. Let us try to remain hale in this new home of ours." And with that, Eira politely inclined her head and moved to leave for her room so she could ready herself to go to the bank and later the fort. She patted tiny Runa through her light coat.
Thorongil and Letswalo, toss up where you'd like to go first and then we can proceed. Tomorrow is my Saturday and I have my niece's baby shower pretty much all day. I won't update this game until my Sunday morning (your Saturday). Thanks! :)
Eira inclined her head upon Letswalo's disclosure and added simply, "I was raised by the elder Shaman of the Mosa and his warriors."
Upon Thorongil's modest introduction, Eira wondered on the warrior's reserve, yet it was not her place to bring it up in this newly formed company. Perhaps later she would ask him why he chose not to share his story - even simply.
"Might I suggest we see the Banker, Baldra Sifreth, first? I will admit openly that I do not have much in way of coin at present and if we are to purchase supplies, then I think it best we have the coin in hand to save time for we must leave for the fort this day, as well." Her cheeks' flushed at the admonition of being almost penniless, yet that was the truth of the matter and the Sheriff had given them a credit note to use for such purchases. "Shall we pack up our gear and bring it with us now, or, will we return here to collect our belongings before we leave for Fort Breakthrough?"
She politely smiled at Letswalo and shook his hand steadily before responding warmly, "Well met, Letswalo." Eira's pale, crystalline eyes took in Letswalo and then Oliya in turn; listening intently to their words and ruminating on her initial assessment of them both. "Greetings to you, Oliya. You have such a pretty name." Again, Eira smiled with no guile in her eyes or general manner. "My name is Eira and I was raised among the Mosa of the Mwangi Jungles. I was not born of them, yet I am one of them." Giving a light tap to the tiny bump beneath her light coat, she prompted Runa to peek out at the unfamiliar two. "This my beloved companion, Runa." The fox kit sniffed the air, its little whiskers twitching in the endeavour. Its dark eyes fixed first on Letswalo and then Oliya; holding the gaze and then it slipped back down into Eira's coat and out of sight. "Some proprietors and patrons cannot abide having animals in their establishments, so I keep her out of sight." The disclosure was spoken more quietly. "I am a healer by trade. I am at home in any jungle and people and animals take to me very well. I am good foraging off the land and making my way across it. I favour ranged weaponry and have a light crossbow which I use when threatened. I am capable with a spear, also."
Eira cast her gaze between the two confident speakers - the Sheriff and Thorongil seemingly coming together in some conditional agreement. She wondered if the Norhtman lacked faith in the local militia or their leader, Adaela. Runa wriggled against her chest; instinctively sensing Eira's emotions and she could feel the little fox lick lightly at her chest to reassure her. Eira drew in a quiet, deep breath and Runa settled immediately. When Thorongil's gaze fell upon her, Eira reassuringly smiled at him and turning to the Sheriff responded in her own steady, accented voice, "Indeed, we each must learn to trust the other and we have time. We are new to the colony and we must aid it in any way we can so it may prosper. I accept the task of investigating what has happened at Fort Breakthrough, Sheriff Praet," giving an assenting nod.
Upon the Sheriff's question, Eira waited until the others had spoken before she took her turn to answer, "I had a comfortable night - it felt good to sleep without the rocking and swaying of the ship. Thank you. I hope you managed to get some rest after your long, full day, Sheriff?
The symbols inked on the Sheriff's forearms held no meaning to Eira, yet she wondered what it meant to Adaela. Eira thought of the ink pattern across her own forehead and knew such things had to have some significance. Perhaps in time, Adaela would come to tell them. When she trusts us, she mused silently.
Eira smiled and acknowledged the Northman with an incline of her head. Greetings, Thorongil," she received him in quiet, accented voice. Looking to the others present around the table, Eira then continued, "Good morning, Sheriff Praet, Mister Longroad and friends." Eira found a vacant chair next to the exotic young woman with dusky skin and sat down. Hearing Thorongil raise question as soon as he had sat down made Eira close her eyes for a brief second. His impatience will be his undoing some day, she mused silently. Eira felt Runa wriggle inside her coat and hoped the fox would settle and remain quiet lest she draw attention. The two people yet introduced to them looked somewhat familiar - they must be colonists like she and Thorongil. Smiling she added, "I am Eira, it is good to meet you."
Eira rose early, around dawn, having slept fitfully at first and then more restfully as the night deepened. Runa's eyes flicked open and the little fox kit rose from the bed, shook herself and looked at Eira with her dark eyes. "Alright, let us ready ourselves." She set Runa on the floor and the little fox kit ran to the corner with the straw bundle set for her to relieve herself on. Eira rose and began her own ablution; ensuring she looked her best for the meeting at seven. She poured water for herself and Runa and when they finished their drink, Eira found a spot on the wooden floor and sat down, crosslegged. Runa joined her and the fox lay its front paws on Eira's hands and each closed their eyes and lifted their minds and hearts to the Life Spirit; forgetting the mundane world around them. Eira released her energy and drew from the energy of the world around them - of the Life Giver - and she prepared her spells for the day ahead. They sat in such sacred commune for an hour, as was their custom. Upon completion, Eira opened her eyes, picked up Runa and opening the shutters of the small chamber window, breathed in the air and felt the growing life energy caress their faces. They bowed in reverence and then Eira closed the shutters and set Runa to the floor, again. Eira placed her dagger in its sheathe at her hip and elected to leave her pack and other weapons to collect once the meeting had concluded. Eira placed the light coat over her linen shirt and then placed tiny Runa inside the coat, out of general sight. From the position of the morning sun she had just looked upon, it appeared close enough to seven, so she left her chamber, locking the door and began to descend down to the tavern; the lovely smells greeting her as she descended.
"I do not think we should be travelling at night in unfamiliar territory so far from the settlement proper. We do not know the condition of the roads between here and the garrison at present and I have no need to pay homage to the gods as I commune with the spirits each morning during my meditations with Runa, which I like to undertake early. If the spirits were displeased with me, then I would know it well and true enough. And that is not the case, so far." Eira's voice was low, discreet as she meant the conversation only to be heard by the Northman. She gave the man a little smile to show him she was not angry, but unsure of why he was in such a hurry when he knew so little of the colony, its people, customs, laws, roads and wildlife. Eira was very used to jungles, but she did not know what lived and stalked or preyed within the jungles of this settlement. "We have not been assigned tasks in this land, so perhaps it would be better to hold off on weapon or gear purchase until after we speak to Adaela Praet. She will guide us both and then we can meet with whomever we need to and then begin learning the lay of the land. The ship voyage here did not leave me with much rest and I am sorely in need of it this day. After we are done, here, I shall return to Runa in my chamber, and lay down on the bed to rest. I cannot command your actions, but I do entreat you to take a breath and enjoy this unproductive time for I believe tomorrow will bring many things into our lives and little rest perhaps. Come, let your mind enjoy the food, drink, music and company. There's time for other things tomorrow." Eira nodded and then picked up her wooden spoon to sup on the fragrant fish soup before her.
Eira thoughtfully studied the Northman a moment or two before responding to him in a steady, accented voice, "We are newly come to this settlement and we are strangers to these local people. Perhaps it would be more prudent to wait for the Sheriff to advise us on where we should go and make any introduction on our behalf to smooth the way for us. I, too, would like to know more about this place, yet I am wary of crossing the superiors of Pridon's Hearth or stumbling on some place we are not meant to intrude on." Taking a small sip of her Blackberry wine, she then added more quietly, "I do not want to leave Runa on her own for too long. I could take her, but being she is a fox, not many proprietors would take kindly to having a wild creature on their premises, among their paying patrons or goods. I will have to be mindful of how to bring her with me until I know more about this land and its customs." Eira's cheeks slightly flushed, hoping the Northman did not believe her to be a coward or overly reserved. She was neither - she simply was not impulsive and did not undertake ventures on a whim. Eira understood they had time now before their meeting on the morrow, yet she was in no rush to start - she simply wanted to settle in with Runa, rest properly in a bed and start afresh in the morning after her daily communion with Runa to prepare her spells.
"I agree - we drew the instant attention of the locals and the Sheriff with the incident on the dock. We did manage to save two lives, those of Gallio Menius and Theos Votto. I was glad when the scuffle did not escalate into real bloodshed." Her eyes turned serious briefly as she contemplated a different outcome.
A growing smile lit her face as she turned upon the man's fair words. "Together, with Runa, we shall prevail." As Thorongil etched notes in his ledger, Eira wondered at the bits of knowledge he had collected and catalogued over the years.
"I am not offended or bored by your attention to your book of account. I find it interesting. I have never kept such a book - my memories and accounts I keep in my head. I used to scribble in the dirt, sand and etch in rock in the jungles. Never on parchment as that was not the tribe's way." When Meli approached with their drinks and meals on a large wooden tray, Eira smiled and accepted her share. She took the tall mug and sniffed gently and then sipped the wine, tasting the rich and sun-sweet blackberries on her tongue. "Thank you, Meli."
Eira sat down on the chair Thorongil pulled out for her; surprised and pleased with his manners. She thanked him quietly. She then proceeded to answer his question; her light eyes never leaving Thorongil's face, "Being this is a growing colony, I am certain we will find some employment. There is a militia, here, yet the Sheriff said she is undermanned. You have the build and I presume fighting skill to be a guard or deputy. I am a fair healer, so I can tend to wounds or assist the local shaman or priest. The lady Sheriff did say she would speak to the new colonists on the morrow. Mayhap she has assigned us duties?" Eira gave a little, graceful shrug and smiled; casting her eyes about the interesting tavern. "Even so, I can aid you in gathering information." When the Halfling named Osrin delivered a note and Thorongil handed it to her, Eira discreetly read its content, before rolling it up and keeping it in her closed hand.
"I suppose the Sheriff does have some duties in mind for us. I wonder if any of the other new colonists received a similar missive." Eira's lips puckered prettily as she silently contemplated the meaning of the note. "I am happy to meet with her in the morning. Will you be attending?" As the Halfling serving lass joined them to take their orders, Eira smiled. "Well met. I am Eira and this is Thorongil. What is your name? And if you have it, I will have a Blackberry wine to accompany the bowl of fish soup with bread. If you have some smoked ham I would like some carved slices, wrapped in parchment, please. It is for another companion of mine. Thank you." Eira smiled brightly/warmly at the Halfling.
Gazing at the Northman, she said, "I will meet you in this hall, once I am settled." Seeing Thorongil enter into his own chamber, Eira shifted her gear and then moved into her room, shutting the door behind her; though not locking it. Laying her pack atop the hand-made quilt of her bed; careful not to dirty it with her belongings, Eira placed her fine crossbow and longspear under the small bed and gently removed Runa from the inside her travelling coat. Placing Runa on the wooden floor, Eira opened her pack and took out a small wooden bowl, a few berries, nuts and the last of the smoked fish from the ship. Pouring fresh water from the provided urn into the bowl, Eira set it on the ground for the fox kit to drink. She then set the morsel of food down beside the bowl. It didn't take Runa long to sniff out the food and nibble on the morsels. There was a small bundle of fresh straw in the corner of the room - she supposed if one wanted to plump up the mattress. She took a couple of large handfuls, setting it on the floor by the window and close to the bed. Runa could rest there until she returned to the chamber. Rising, Eira smiled at the fox kit and then moved to the hand-carved dresser by the cot. Pouring water into the faded wash bowl, Eira removed her travelling coat and her grooming kit. She dabbed some of the scented soap on a cloth and washed her face, removing any trace of grime and salt. She cleaned her neck as well; the quick sponging would do until she could find a suitable bathhouse. Eira brushed out her long platinum hair and pulled some strands up into fine braids on each side. Her clothing was still clean, for she dressed in fresh attire before disembarking the ship earlier in the morning. She wore a white cotton shirt, with loose sleeves against the heat and sun and a long, dark green skirt belted at the waist. She kept a dagger in the top of her boot for safety. Eira looked presentable and clean enough to return and sit in the tavern below. Her fingers moved up to press against the precious locket tucked away inside her shirt. Satisfied it was still there, she breathed out and then looked down at her fox companion. "I will be down in the tavern for a little while, Runa. You rest, here, and I will return to you. If someone tries to enter, then hide beneath the bed and remain hidden until it is safe to come out. The straw is for you to rest upon, for the bed is too high for you to jump on and down from." The fox kit's dark eyes shone and she gave a simple nod of her small, grey head before moving to the makeshift straw bed and settling down in it. Soon her eyes closed. Satisfied the fox was content enough, Eira placed her pack/general gear beneath the bed and then walked to the door, opened and withdrew into the hallway; locking the door behind her and securing the key in the deep pocket of her skirt. Seeing Thorongil waiting for her there, Eira blushed slightly before speaking in her accented voice, "I hope you have not been waiting long. I was settling Runa. Let us go below and meet some of the local folk." Smiling, she began to descend the stairs with Thorongil before her.
Both mistress and fox kit listened to the Northman's life tale in reverent silence. The dark eyes of the little fox looked deeply at Thorongil's face, and, even for their dark depths, the Northman felt warmth radiating from the obsidian pools. The fox kit stared a moment or two and then turned to her mistress and rubbed her little nose against Eira's chin; making the woman smile at the familiar gesture. Then in soft, hymn-like Celestial, Eira whispered to Runa, "אנחנו יכולים לבטוח בו." Celestial translation: "We can trust in him."
Glancing across at the Northman, Eira smiled, "For now, I think I can carry it well enough, thank you Thorongil. However, if it starts to become too heavy, I shall call upon your service." Eira watched as the nobleman, Gallio, pushed his way to the front of the line of colonists, just behind Deputy Seius Nasio. "I must be first due to rank and title." The punch he'd received not that long ago had not slowed the noble nor his arrogance. He gestured wildly for his labourers to stay toward the back of the line and carry all his belongings. Eira's brow quirked at the man's discourtesy, however did not remark upon it openly.
Eira observed how Thorongil followed the noble with his eyes and she grew ever curious. Leaning nearer to the tall Northman, she asked in much lowered, discreet voice, "What has the wealthy one done to earn your particular attention?" And realising she had yet to answer his question regarding her purpose in Pridon's Hearth, she added, still quietly, but not as discreetly, "My life path to this day has been directed forcefully or guided mindfully. To come to this new colony and begin my own life - this is a path I have chosen for myself. We shall see where it leads me. And you, Thorongil of the North? Why have you come to Pridon's Hearth?" As soon as Eira had asked him, the fox kit poked her head out from the top of the travelling coat/cloak and the little creature's dark eyes settled on Thorongil as if eager to hear his answer.
Having listened and observed silently, Eira stepped forward as the Sheriff looked to leave and smiled, "Well met, Sheriff Praet. It is good of you to see the carpenter returns home safely. Mister Votto appears to be suffering greatly and the drink has certainly muddled his wits. I am Eira and I look forward to speaking with you on the morrow. Good day, madam." Eira inclined her head respectfully and then looked to Thorongil. Runa had kept inside the coat the entire altercation and conversation; cleverly electing to remain out of sight. "Let us go to Stone Hall and settle in, Thorongil of the North." She smiled and her pale blue gaze felt warm upon him. Then she moved behind the deputy named Seius and started walking toward the inn.
As the longboat drew ever nearer to the small dock, Eira's mind turned over Thorongil's words and she responded in low voice, "Adoran and Razmiran are both unfamiliar to me. I have a vague memory of snow - as a child I used to stand by the shore to catch delicate snowflakes in my open hand or attempt to. There is no snow in the jungle. If you have questions once we enter the jungles here, then I can advise you. This is my first visit to this settlement, so I, too, have much to learn of its people and customs." Eira then grew silent as the dock was in sight and soon they would disembark and catch sight of their new home.
Her eyes sparkled bright blue with the light shining down from the cloudless sky over the harbour. "Learning helps us survive. I am a fast learner and will not take up much of your spare time. Thank you, Thorongil." Eira gave him a small, polite smile. The female kit lifted her head up again and her strange, deep, dark eyes fixed on the Northman beside her mistress. Runa gave another *yip* and then she yawned widely and her small tongue lolled out of her mouth. The image was rather delightful.
"In the eastern Mwangi Jungle lies the village of Thirty Trees, home to the Mosa. It is named so for the grove of thirty mango trees. The trees are protected by all in the village." Eira paused briefly before looking Thorongil squarely in the eye and asking, "Where in the North do you come from? What is it like?"
Runa's nose twitched in the air as if harnessing the man's scent as he drew nearer to lock eyes with her. The small fox's dark eyes took in the man before it. Eira grew a little nervous at the Northman's proximity since the kit's head was at her chest. Thorongil was showing the fox spirit courtesy and she could not fault the Northman. Yet, it was where she had Runa tucked away that made the encounter somewhat awkward for Eira. The young fox gave a short *yip* and settled back down in the warmth of Eira's coat come den. The sound was more friendly than not, and, something other. Eira cleared her throat quietly before speaking, "I possess a vague memory of the woodlands as a child. I have heard of the tongue of the Fey, yet in the Thirty Trees we have no need of it. It is pleasant to the ear, that is certain." Eira gave a gentle smile. "Perhaps you may teach it to me in this new colony." Eira let her free arm hang over the side of the longboat; the tips of her fingers just brushing the moving water; which was clear and pleasant to the touch. She closed her eyes for a moment, losing herself in the feeling of the water and sway of the longboat. Her alabaster skin seemed to glow brighter, with a deeper vitality. A few moments had passed when she remembered herself and opened her eyes only to find the man's eyes on her.
The man's question surprised her a little; yet she answered him as succinctly and politely as she could, "My maternal ancestors come from the most northern lands. I was born there, yet was raised in the Mwangi jungles. I am Eira of the Thirty Trees. You may call me Eira. Well met, Thorongil of the North."
Eira turned her wide, light-hued eyes toward the large Northman seated beside her on the longboat; her hand absently moving up to touch the familiar Ulfen-forged locket she always wore about her neck, "I have moved about since I was a young child." She paused momentarily as a memory came bidden and she shook it off before continuing. "I am not quite used to sailing; yet my father taught me how to traverse and forage off the land. And you?", her voice still contained a foreign aspect - as if the inflection was a blend of cultures. She spoke to him quietly, for she was conversing with him and not all situated inside the boat ferrying them to Island Town. She felt Runa move against her from her inside the coat/cloak, and then the young female kit lifted up her head and nose and sniffed the air as the Northman began his song in a tongue Eira did not understand. "A pretty melody; yet I admit I do not know the tongue. What is the song about? Runa seems to have enjoyed it."
Upon his remark and seeming tribute, a soft smile lit up her light blue eyes, "We are a part of the other. Without Runa I would not be who I am." Or carry out my spirit's blessing, she mused inwardly.
DMNPC checking in. ;) |