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hi Guys I think I'm going to need to bow out.. I'm running out of time between work and other stuff to log onto these boards, and it's simply not fair to keep you guys waiting for my far-too-infrequent posts. Sorry, good luck, and give the stag lord a smack for me!
Keiran will dismount and follow, weapon drawn
"well, we WERE commissioned to explore this land... might be prudent to all stick together.. shall we?"
Keiran is clearly uncomfortable with Rash referring to him as "master", and whinces slightly when hearing the word. He turns to his companions, asking, "How do you want to approach this? From all accounts, this will be much harder than our previous run in. Are we to go in, swords swinging, offering quarter only when we are sure that the battle is won? Or do we offer quarter immediately, foregoing our surprise advantage?"
Aye, I have no desire to stay here and we have places to go! People to kill! Damsels to save! Present company excluded in the damsels remark my Lady. You are much more than a mere damsel. Xan winks at Bisimone at this remark before getting his horse ready to travel. Keiran rolls his eyes. "Really..?"
same, I had figured some of us wanted to hit Bokken for a reason, so I was just waiting for this episode to pass by
Keiran turns to Xan suddenly, "I'm sorry, did she say something..?"
As if he hasn't thought about it until now, Keiran throws up a confused look as he glances at Bisimone, "I.. actually don't know.. it was her suggestion.."
avg. +1 for keiran as well.. I will try and get the character levelled this weekend (I'm off on business next week, posting may be sporadic)
Keiran's eyebrow raises comically as he glances sidelong at Xan.."Umm.. great.. Bokken.. He of the.. ever.. growing.. weeds.. is it..?"
Keiran raises an eyebrow "Keiran. My name is Keiran. And I believe you now have chores to do..
Is there a middle ground? Keiran doesn't necessarily want to *antagonise* the poor kid, but at the same time, he wants to make certain that he's not a "friend" at this point in time, and that if he wants that title, he will have to earn it. Incidentally, I echo Adreccam's sentiments, thanks for the work, Kalizar and Flynn!
Keiran's up early, and has already polished off his armor and prepared his horse before Gehen finally climbs out of his bedroll for his morning piss, "If you sleep any more, your life will be over before you know it. Come over here, I wish to speak with you." Without waiting for a response, Keiran walks over to a quiet corner of the fort, out of earshot of anyone that he can preceive. "Gehen, is it? You are in a very peculiar predictament. On the one hand, it is clear that you have not made the best choices in your life. Unlike some of your companions, your innocence.. or GUILT, I should say, is not up for debate. It is well within anyone's rights here to cut you down where you stand. However, fate has given you a second pass at life. The nature and honor of my companions has essentially bought you a chance at redemption. Whether you choose to make use of this opportunity is up to you, but quite honestly, I don't care. What I do care about, is the safety and happiness of my friends." Keiran looks Gehen deep into his eyes, "So I will say this only once. If you betray their trust, if you endanger any one of them, I will kill you. " Keiran pauses for a moment for the words to set in. "Now that THAT unplesantness is out of the way, let's go over our arrangement. Apparently, I've been given you to watch over. Or, you've been stuck with me, whatever the case may be. You'll find that I'm fair, but my expectations are high. Each one of my companions has proven him or herself time and time again. It is thus your job to prove yourself worthy of their presence. You will start with normal, mundane chores. Groom the horses, clean the weapons, polish the armor before bed every night. Every morning, you will be up at dawn to help brother Simondale prepare breakfast. After, you will help clear the table. Following this, you will join Xan and I in our daily sparring. Should Flynn or Xan need help foraging for food, you will be the first volunteer. You will respect Lady Bisimone, and do whatever she asks of you. You will be careful around Adreccam (that is for your own good, lest you lose a finger.. or worse). Finally, and most importantly, you will watch, and you will learn. You will not speak unless spoken to, but you will listen and hear EVERYTHING. You will learn as much as you can, and you will grasp this opportunity to make yourself a better person. At the end of the day, your redemption will be tied to your effort to change your life. Do you understand?"
Keiran leans forward after the table is cleared, speaking to his companions, "Now that that is out of the way. I heard one suggestion for travelling to Bokken on the 'morrow. Is that our plan?"
I am indifferent either way. At the end of the day, I think Keiran would opt for the more troubled one, and shoulder the responsibility of redeeming him
Keiran shrugs in Happs' direction, "well, can't say I didn't try..."
I also apologize. I'm working on a project at work, and one of the major deadlines is the end of july. I will be better, I promise. Please don't whip me!
Keiran frowns at the events unfolding before him. He realises that these bandits deserve what's coming to them, but he can't shake the feeling that simply hanging one or two of them will set things straight. "Wait. Before you do that. I agree that the word of these men were forfeit the moment they took up arms against the innocent, and that hanging them is just punishment. I DEFINITELY agree that leaving these maggots here based on nothing but their word that they will not revert back to banditry is not an option. However. Death is.. final. These men. They've terrorised the area, taken things that do not belong to them. Some of them have even taken lives, true. But hanging them will not bring back the joy they have taken. I have an alternative solution. They know the area. They know the bandits. Let's put that to use. Let's enlist them. If they are truly repentant, then their service to Brevoy in taming these Stolen Lands and restoring the freedoms that they have taken away will be their punishment. If they are not, Xan's axe is almost never dull.."
Does/did "Fifth" reliquish said freedoms when he took up banditry?
Keiran will stand back and see what Happ has to say in response to Adreccam's.. prodding.
Keiran will walk up to Happs, sword drawn, and demand his surrender. He will ready an action to strike if he or any other man does anything hostile from this point on
Keiran will obviously wait until after Bisimone casts her sleep spell. He draws is longsword and points it at Happs, "Your days of banditry and tomfoolery are numbered! Face me now, you vulgar smelling, tick ridden daughter of a steaming lump of cat excrement!" Cavalier challenge issued as a swift action (I get +1 damage vs. Happs, and +1 attack if Happs attacks anyone other than me). At this point, Keiran will lean over to his friend, "Xan, I think I just heard him call your mother unwashed swine...", and then stand back as hulkamania here goes apesh!t...
So we attempt to get the jump on them; what shall our signal be? "die bandit scum"?
Keiran thinks for a moment. "I would be tactically advantageous to have a second "exit" from the complex. Perhaps even a rope ladder or some such off the wall. Xan, Flynn, can the two of you do a quick scour of the walls to see where the best place to put something down would be, emphasizing discretion? My plan is to have the two of you circle around the fort when the bandits arrive, and effectively flank them from the rear. What do you think?"
"you mentioned Svettie's garden behind the fort, is there a backdoor? Do the bandits know about it?"
"can we get a layout of your compound?"
Keiran tries to calm everyone down, wincing noticably at his companions understandable reactions, however, he breathes a sigh of relief when Simon attempts to be diplomatic, "Good Oleg. I apologize for the banner. My name is Keiran, and yes, you are correct. Rostland has no juristiction here. However, we come representing her and her interests, and thus, at least for now, we will hold the banner with pride. You have asked for aid against the bandit menace. Rostland has answered!" Keiran says the last bit with a dramatic flare, while spreading his arms wide in an introductory jesture for the group. "May I present Xanthan Lebeda, whose axe could split a mountain, and his charm, win over an army! The pious brother Simondale, who wields the power of the Dawnflower, Saranrae, for to cross him means facing the wrath of a god! Flynn Steelheart, silent as Death herself, and every bit just as deadly, he'll kill you twice before you even know he's coming. Adreccam Surtova, his strength is legendary, as is his temper, woe to those that stand in HIS way! And last, but certainly not least, the Lady Bisimone, who's flames could scorch the clouds, while her wit burns all of heaven behind them." Keiran will pause in between each introduction to give each character ample time to throw up a pose.
Keiran glances at Xan, then back at Bisimone, then back at Xan, "just be careful she doesn't singe your eyebrows off, k?"
Oh good, no need to rush it, then. Keiran raises the Rostland banner and urges his mount ahead
Keiran spends the time keeping a close eye out for trouble. He'll attempt to get to know his new compatriots, while keeping his sword arm prepared with daily training alongside Xan. He seems to have developed some sort of rash, and tries hard not to scratch, but some times it is simply too itchy to ignore. He wonders where that came from, but is too embarrassed to bring forth to the group...
Keiran nods and thanks the Sheriff for his hospitality "I am in agreement with Flynn. I say we ride hard at first light to Oleg's. Empty forts and bandit eradication aside, our first order of business is to ensure the safety of our people. Simon, you are also correct. However, "main option" is a matter of opinion. If we can take them alive, I say we do. But their salvation is in their own hands, and since you seem to be the one out of all of us that possesses the most level head, I say we defer to your judgement as to whether or not each case can be redeemed. But keep in mind that the safety of your friends and the innocent, honest people of the land are paramount, and if we had to choose between the safety of those people and having mercy on a hardened criminal, then I should hope that the choice would be obvious to all of us."
Keiran listens carefully, eyeing flynn, silently hoping Xan wasn't being a bad influence on the kid. "When was the last missive you got from Oleg? How is he faring? with the bandits? What is the military complement there?
Keiran accepts the satchel in both hands, with a curt bow. He reads over the writs and commits as many names to memory as he can. He hands the stack of parchment to Xan, "Looks like we have our work cut out for us. I didn't know there were this many people in all of Restov.. Does anyone on this list ring a bell?"
Keiran bows, "The shack will be plenty hospitable for most of my companions and I, for it I thank you. However, we also travel in the presence of a lady. Surely, you can make for some better accomodations for her and her servant" Keiran jestures to Bisimone and Xan.
Fine town, bah. I'm no noble, an this ain't no town. But we Nivaktan's are proud all the same. We knews ta look for folks from Restov. Be you those folks? "Indeed we are. Open your gates, and I shall show your captain the charter"
Keiran silently wonders at which point in the past few days he was apparently voluntold to become the leader of this expedition, but quickly shakes away the self doubt when he notices his companions were all staring at him, expectantly. He turns to Xan and Flynn, and gives a quick wink as if saying, "I got this", before approaching the gate. "Hail Sir! We are neither bandits nor.. Varlot..ists", Keiran leans over to Bisimone and whispers, "that means whores, right?" before turning back to the guard "We come from Restov, with a charter from the Swordlords to assist in the exploration and elminiation of bandits in the Stolen Lands to the south. We kindly request entry into your fine town to rest and replenish our supplies"
Keiran tilts his visor at Bisimone and then punches Xan on the arm again, "that's for being a "ruffian." He ponders for a split second and punches Xan in the arm one more time "that's.. just because I'm still mad at you for pointing me in the wrong direction", before letting out a guffaw and slapping his friend on the back, "now! how far are we from the crossing?"
An hour later, Keiran casually trots up beside Xanthan, punching him in the arm.. HARD, "That's for point me in the wrong direction.."
Welcome Aboard!
Keiran turns red at the announcments and shakes his head at Xan, "heh, I'm pretty sure he handed the writ to me because I'm the only one here that looks like he knows how to read.. " Keiran says dryly" Flynn, Adreccam, the pleasure is mine, the more hands, the better, I always say!" Keiran winces slightly as Adreccam pronounces the family motto, before quickly recovering, "Indeed." Quickly changing the subject, Keiran muses, "I suppose we should be on our way. I am Keiran Surtova, you've already met Xan here, our resident troubleseeker (or maker.. I haven't quite figured out whether the trouble he finds was present before he got there, but alas, he makes things.. interesting), The sarcastic cleric there is brother Simondale (at least, I think he's being sarcastic.. most of the time..) and milady Bisimone (be careful of that one. Her wit is sharper than Xan's axe), " Keiran turns to Xan, "Nivakta's Crossing, eh? That way?" A slight smile crosses Keiran's lips, "LAST ONE THERE BUYS THE ALE!" Keiran shouts, as he spurs Crusher into a full run.
Keiran gives an over the top sarcastic knowing look at Simondale, "I couldn't agree more! This one always thinks with the wrong head!" With a slap on Simondale's shoulder, Keiran walks past, but not without some parting wisdom whispered, "I would be careful with that one, however Brother Simon, he might see your annoyance as jealousy, and I've.. heard rumors..." With a wink, Keiran leaves...
Keiran tries to hide a laugh as Bisimone walks by, "I like her. I give her 2 months before she has you branded and fitted with a saddle, bwahahaha!! Let's go, my friend! Adventure awaits!"
Keiran gives Xan a sharp nudge towards Bisimone, "You want to make an impression on the lady, now's your chance. But hurry up before my honor compels me to to step in before you!"
Keiran chuckles a bit, and rubs his arm while shaking his head, "hehehe" before following Xan in
Keiran wakes up at 5 bells, and dresses himself before going to Xan's door. "I bet he isn't even up yet" Keiran bangs on the door. And again. And again. He tries the knob and finds it unlocked. Looking inside, he sees that Xan not only isn't in his room, but his sheets are untouched. "Sigh. He hasn't even been in tonight. Gods, I hope he hasn't gotten into trouble.. well.. much trouble, at least" Keiran goes downstairs and orders 2 eggs, scrambled, with a side of bacon and water. As he sits down to his breakfast, he reviews the plans he made last night, carefully making minor adjustments and contingencies. At almost 11 bells, Xan finally stumbles back into the inn. Keiran notes that Xan still has some strands of hay in his hair, as well as cheap lipstick.. everywhere. As Xan finishes his coffee and heads up to his room to prepare his things, Keiran yells, at the top of his lungs, "DON'T FORGET TO WASH, YOU SMELL LIKE AN OX!" Upon arriving at the shop, Keiran gives gracious nods to each of the other groups. As he moves past Master Pero, he whispers, "Master Pero. My friend Xan had an unfortunate accident last night with some allergies. He.. has some trouble hearing this morning. Can you please let the others know to speak louder when addressing him. Or just to be louder in general. Oh, and he's.. very senstive about his.. condition. So try not to mention that you're doing so." Keiran bows, and moves on.
Keiran has kept silent since being given the task at Oleg's fort. He accompanies Xanthan to the tavern, but is clearly pre-occupied, and soon loses track of his more worldly friend. He mulls over the Lords' words carefully over a mug of warm cider. "Bandits. No telling how many, and only 5 of us. This won't be easy. I know what Xan can do, but the others.. And this Oleg. Does he possess any combat prowess? " As the night goes on, Keiran develops half a dozen combat manoeuvers for the group before looking up, half heartedly trying to find Xan to keep him out of trouble. Giving up rather easily, he retires to bed.
Hi guys, I'm out of town on business, and internet is shoddy.. I should be back on wednesday, sorry for the inconvenience.
Keiran tries, in vain, to hide the smile slowly crossing his lips, "My shield is yours."
Keiran looks around for someone to answer before he clears his throat, "A swath of land just south of here, whose claim has been the topic of debate for quite some time now. In the absense of authority, however, bandits have taken to running amok." |
