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Svetlana smiles at the enthusiasm. "That will do. Ging, will you help me make some bread?" The woman leads Ging by the hand, the way a mother might lead a toddler, and let's him watch as she mixes the ingredients together in a bowl. Ging watches with amazement: the way one views magic for the first time.
Svetlana pales visibly. "Oleg just left for the well. He says there's something stuck, cause the pump here in the yard stopped working not an hour ago..."
Meanwhile.... After about an hour of jogging, the group sees a single man tearing for the tree line. He will be on you in less than 10 seconds, and he doesnt appear to have seen you yet.
Svetlana flicks a dismissive hand. "I don't understand melodrama. Go inside and get me the big serving bowl."
Theodric: She nods slowly. "I have. I think all taking of life is deplorable. I know that it is sometimes necessary to protect those of us who love life, but it still makes me sad." She sits up straight and looks Theodric in the face. "I thank you for what you did. You made sure it wasn't my Oleg under some bandit's knife or worse. You did what you had to, and what it it didn't go as planned, you saw it through anyway." "You have the stuff of kings and great generals young man. Temper your fire with these sobering moments, and you will rise to wear the mantle of authority with dignity and honor to the benefit of all who cling to your protection." "Do not forget today Theodric. But neither should you dwell on it."
Theodric: Svetlana appears from around a corner and smiles sympatheticly at the young knight. She removes the mostly empty wine skin and sets down two, small, fried fish, a loaf of sweet, dark bread, and a mug us weak ale. "How are you feeling, sir?"
Svetlana looks back to see Oleg climbing off the roof. She leans in conspiratorially. "We are beset and blackmailed by bandits. They'll be here tomorrow to take their 'payment for protection'. You have to stop them." She raises swiftly to walk away as Oleg approaches, but she spins back briefly. "Oleg will have to decide about the ogre."
"You don't have a plan?" She looks worried, but shrugs it off and puts on a false humor. "You don't have to tell me: I understand." "But, do you need any information? How they do it? When? etc?"
"Greetings! You are most welcome! Thank the gods you've come! I have prepared supper. Come and eat." She pulls on Dyrm's shirt sleeve and motions vigorously to the rest to follow. A trestle table is set in the yard and an aromatic stew, fresh bread, and two bottles of win sit on the table. "Do you have a plan already, or do you need more information?"
"Thank you for the help Wraith. In truth, Oleg has been worried we'll run out of wood. Now he can get it. Your help is appreciated." When the bandits and the thieves guild are mentioned Svetlana's face turns pale. "I doubt they're similar. I wouldn't know though." She adds a hasty question to change the subject and her composure returns. "Oleg has been under too much stress lately. This subjugation is killing him. If you happen to find any moo radishes while you're out, please bring me some. They're his favorite. I can make soup for all of you." "Oh! Before I forget. On the side of the barn are some posters. They explain some more dangers in the area. Some even offer rewards from the swordlords!"
Svetlana purses her lips in thought. "Ya know, They weren't here long. They seemed too eager to kill and control things. They made me nervous, especially the Orc. Be wary of him if you see him. There was a devil-spawn with them too, and a hobgoblin. I wouldn't put a copper piece against that creature in a sword fight. Still, rough men that they were, I hope they're alright."
Svetlana laughs. "Oh, don't pay too much attention to Oleg's moodiness. It is not you that makes him cross. In truth, I do not even think it is the ruffians that have plagued us so often. I believe he is sullen because he fears that Brevoy's rekindled interest in the Stolen Lands will bring swells of people to the area. I sure he's right." "Oleg moved us here to to trade and for the quiet. For our part, we have the better portion of the fur trade in Brevoy and that garners us some protection from the crown, but lately..." Her voice trails off and she glances at a wagon in the yard. The wheel is off for repairs. She snaps back. "Forgive me. The "first wave" as you called it arrived some 10 days ago. The morning after they arrived, some bandits came for what was our 5th extortion. We were to pay them in coin and goods for protection from themselves. However, these newcomers fought them off: killing all but their leader." "They tracked him the next day and have no returned. I fear yesterday's drizzle might impede your finding them." She smiles. "Listen to me, rambling on like a giddy girl. You lot'll be tired I think. Beds have been prepared and I can have breakfast for you anytime after first light. Is there anything else you need at present?"
Svetlana is too awed to be offended and eagerly shows Thaegrin where the "Office" is.
When Svetlana returns, looks at the knight. "And you Sir? I do not recognize your heraldry. Who might you be?"
Svetlanna laughed nervously and looked to the elf to change the subject. "That is quite a tome you carry! Are you a big reader? What's that book about?"
As Oleg stalks off, red with rage, his wife reenters the yard. She senses the mood and sees the shocked look on Wraith's face. "Excuse my husband please, he really is a good man. We have..." She pauses, thinks, smiles. "We have had some troubles recently, and he blames himself. I am Svetlana Leventon, but I am afraid I don't know any of you." She looks to Wraith first. "Forgive me if this is rude, but, what is your parentage? I have never seen one such as you before." |
