Mae suddenly got very somber, as if her own natural glow was muted. She shuffled the letters back together into a fairly neat pile and took a deep breath. "It has always been like this for me. Everywhere I go, adoring fans. But not all of them have been so...gentle." She took another deep breath, "Some got jealous of my growing fame, such as it is, some were angry at my refusal of their advances. There were threats against my family...so I began to travel." A single large tear tumbled slowly down her face. "I left so they would live...and yes, I accepted someone...once. They are the one who gifted me my lute when we had to part...Kiersa...for all the joy I bring to others..." she cut herself off and wiped her face. "I'm sorry, that was too much. I probably just need a good sleep tonight." She tried a halfhearted smile.
Kiersa's face falls as she realizes she's unwittingly touched on a painful subject for Mae. "I'm so sorry," she says softly. "That must have been terrible to have to leave like that." She leans forward a bit towards Mae, lightly touching her shoulder. "It's a shame that people are like that."
As Mae mentions needing a good sleep, she straightens up and starts to sip off the bed. "I should probably let you sleep then Mae." She looks at the woman, sees the tear. Kiersa has to fight her curiosity, as she had many questions run through her mind. She really wanted to ask who this person was. Such a tragic tale but she wanted to know more. She resigned herself to the fact that Mae would share more if Mae wanted to. It wasn't right to pry.
I've not heard of this 'Red Hand' you speak of. Does it have something to do with the raids?" Soranna asks, her hard, grey eyes narrowing.
"They are the raiders." Iravon says plainly. "The name these scum give themselves, or have been given, one we questioned on the road told us. Like most hobgoblin tribes they are led by a general, but they worship this general like a god which is..." He holds back on expounding his true feelings which would perhaps have cast an eye of suspicion on him. "Unusual. Perhaps unheard of."
As the mayor seems content with her rightful claim to Vraath keep, Valeria again puts the deed away into the scroll case and stashes it into her backpack again. "So there is no road leading to Vraath keep then?"She says with an incredulous look. "That I would have to take care of. I would need to reach the surrounding settlements quickly if I am to give them my protection once I get settled in that keep." She says, going quiet for a moment before continuing. "I'm not sure if the name Vraath keep holds any importance to you but it sounds a bit omninous to me. I will likely rename it once it is properly retaken and consolidated."
"I think we will use that guide you mentioned." Valeria continues with a nod as the mayor lays out the map in front of her and Iravon, and then she listens attentively to the information that he provides them with regarding the movements of the Hobgoblin raiding parties.
As Iravon steps into the conversation and answers the question about the Red Hand, Valeria hopes he will not give away his ancestry as that likely would complicate things right now, but she stays silent, confident that the strategy minded Hobgoblin would ask the questions they needed answers to in order to deal with the threat of the Red Hand.
Mae clutched Kiersa's hand for a long moment before letting go and wiping her face off and standing up with her, following her to the door. "Thank you for sitting with me, Kiersa. If you all need me I'll be here, and otherwise will see you in the morning." She offered her one last smile, with a glint of her normal gleam in her eyes as she looked at the other woman, and then closed the door behind her once she had left.
Mae would spend a bit longer working on new tunes and melodies that night before going to sleep.
Kiersa gives Mae a happy smile in return. "Good night then. And sleep well," she says. When the door closes she lingers for just a second, whispering a prayer to Selûne, "Our Lady of Silver, please watch over Mae, and bring her back to happiness." She then slowly walks over to the room she will share with Valeria and ducks inside.
"Naturally, we would be very interested in facilitating such a construction," adds Norro. "So it's settled then. I will speak to Kellin about your arrangements - will you all be requiring supplies for your journey into the Witchwood?"
Valeria nods approvingly to the mayor. "Thank you, I greatly appreciate the help offered with future efforts to make the keep a shining beacon of hope and safety to the people of Elsir vale." She says a bit importantly. "We have recently resupplied so I don't think we are in need of anything right now. Thank you for seeing us, we will begin our campaign against the Red Hand at dawn." She adds, getting up from her seat, nodding at the mayor and the captain. "I think my trusted servant Iravon will be able to sort out anything else of interest, good night."
Valeria then heads upstairs with her gear, about to knock on Mae's door as previously suggested, but deciding instead to go to her own room, finding Kiersa there. "Oh, I didn't expect you back here, already finished with those letters?"She says, a bit surprised.
"Oh yea, there were quite a few. But didn't take too long to go through them," Kiersa says as she sits on the edge of one of the beds, having removed her chain mail. "It was so strange, all the people she'd never really met writing to her about how much they loved her. And she's always having to look over her shoulder to make sure someone doesn't try to take things too far and come after her." She shakes her head, remembering how sad Mae looked talking about the person she'd had to leave. For a moment she almost mentions it to Val, but it seemed more like Mae's story to share, if she wanted. "A couple of the letters were rather trite. But OH! One was so romantic. I mean, from someone you'd never met I guess it is a bit creepy. But had it come from a true suitor it would have been really cute."
Soranna seems impressed. "So you managed to catch one. I hope you killed the lot of them. How is it you came to know so much of their savage ways?"
Iravon's fist clenches a little around the tankard he holds. Savage?! These people were the savages, their society had so little order to it he could laugh. They would fall apart at a concerted attack from his legion. No wonder they were so scared of these Red Hand heretics. But he held his tongue. This human was clearly also shaped by military discipline, emphasised by Mae's message in his head. She would only ever see his kind as the enemy.
So all he said in response was "I spent many years learning their ways. I know how they think."
After Valeria expresses her trust in Iravon and departs, Iravon points to the map. "Where we entered town, there is currently a gap in their forces. They will send more troops there to strengthen their siege of the town. These troops will come from the north and west, from the Wyrmsmokes. You cannot hope to stand against their combined forces that way. Your best hope is to combat their forces to the east, allowing a route of escape to..." he traces with gloved finger along the road to the next town "...Terretton. If the town should fall. I will suggest this to Valeria in the morning. For now, please show me to the servant's quarters."
Valeria drops her gear at her by her side of the bed with a sigh, starting to undress as she listens to Kiersa, smiling to herself as she mentions the romantic letter. You couldn't have guessed but Kiersa had alway been something of a romantic. "Well, perhaps it came from a true, hitherto unknown, suitor. It wouldn't be that surprising considering the absolutely magnificient performance Mae gave this evening. And she is quite lovely too, don't you think?" Valeria said a bit casually, but discreetly glancing over at Kiersa as she said it.
It was certainly not the first time Valeria had shared accomodations with Kiersa, sometimes from necessity, other times for company, but Valeria had tried to find separate rooms for everyone whenever that was available. After changing into her exquisite nightgown Valeria moved over to Kiersa by the window where they watched the moon for a moment, silently praying to the Moonmaiden, Valeria laying her hand on the still somewhat singed skin of Kiersa's shoulder, letting the divine warm soft light of Selûne flow over it to restore her. It wasn't the first time Valeria had stood like that to let the goddess heal her companion, and would likely not be the last. After a long and arduous journey all the way from Waterdeep they had finally arrived in Elsir vale, and yet Valeria feared this was only the beginning of their trials.
(Cure wounds 1st level: 9 )
Valeria would soon go to bed and sleep, dreaming of Hobgoblin legions marching towards the settlements of Elsir vale.
"I suppose she is lovely," Kiersa replies absently. "But I really like her songs and stories. They're always so interesting. And she's always so nice, so happy. And she's been so helpful to us. I'm so glad she's with us."
Kiersa simply removed her tunic and pants, remaining in her underclothes. Not that she didn't have proper sleepwear, she just didn't usually bother. Seeing Valeria move to the window and pray, she quickly joined her, silently saying her own prayer in her mind. When Valeria healed her by Selûne's light, she turned and smiled at her friend. "Thank you."
As Valeria slipped into bed she would as well, eventually falling asleep.
(No worries EMIW! I know the mobile access for beyond is a little frustrating from experience)
Soranna nods. "I concur, Norro. Did you prepare those dispatches yet? I can have some of my men escort a rider out that way in case they need to prepare for us to move more refugees. The town is bursting as it is."
"They're on my desk as we speak, already signed. We'll send in the morning. Good luck, sir. Our prayers will go with you and the lady Valeria."
With that, Soranna and Norro depart, politely speaking with Kellin before leaving as they came.
As you all settle in for the night (assuming no further rp/questions to follow up), rest takes you after a long, long journey. So close to your goal, yet now with these new obstacles in the way. Still, your rest is untroubled, the inn quietly thrumming with the rising breath of full occupancy, the sounds and smells of life of every stage all around.
Dawn breaks with Iravon already alert and attired, as is his wont. After he and Kiersa check the horses (freshly scrubbed and well fed) the four of you gather in the common room as the sun's rays break upon the east-facing doorway. Kellin, as dapper and chipper as ever, personally appears to wish you well, providing fresh bread and butter, with a variety of other local meat and dairy goods, as a farewell breakfast.
"The Ferry will start up in the next twenty minutes or so. Our prayers, well wishes, and hearts go with you. Be safe, dear travelers!" Kellin exclaims, wiping away an avuncular tear.
Rising early Valeria washes up, gets dressed and lets Kiersa redo her intricate braids before sending her to check on their horses. She gracefully descends the stairs down to the common room, taking a seat with the others, giving Kellin an appreciative nod. "I hope you all slept well, we have a long day ahead of us." she says to Kiersa, Mae and Iravon, then starting to take part of the served breakfast slowly and with dignity. "Iravon, let us hear what our strategy should be. Do we take Vraath keep first to have a strategically placed base to strike from, or do we deal with this Red Hand immediately?" She says, looking at her Hobgoblin strategist, taking a sip of her fresh coffee.
Mae was a mite slow coming down in the morning, but she looked her usual golden self with her winning smile back on her face and her traveling cloak over her arm. She sat gently in a seat and began to eat the food and drink offered without saying much though, until she was about done. "Alright then, what is the plan? I assume you managed to gather some more information last night, Valeria?" She looked at her and then her eyes caught Kiersa briefly and a faint blush came to her cheeks before she looked down at her food again. "Does anyone know about your Keep?" She drained her cup and pulled on her cloak as she listened to the reply.
Kiersa, a bit later than she'd hoped, heads out to check on the horses. When she sees Iravon already out there, she heads over to him. "Good morning," she says in a cheery voice. "Everything look good with the horses?" Once she is assured that they are well cared for, she heads inside. She is very appreciative to Kellin for the food and eats sparingly of the bread but makes sure to eat her fill. She gave Mae a smile and brief nod in greeting as she entered the common room. But as the woman seemed focused on eating she didn't bother striking up a conversation.
Kiersa sat in silence as Valeria asked Iravon about strategies. Having not stayed for the rest of the previous night's discussion, she honestly didn't know enough to even offer an opinion. She had the same questions that Mae did.
As Mae spoke, Valeria turned to face her, noticing a faint blush as she lookad at Kiersa, quickly glancing at Kiersa too before answering. "Not much Maevla, but we know the Red Hand has made several incursions into Elsir Vale, possibly threatening to encircle this settlement. Iravon will show you a map we were given by the mayor, and we also have some information on the movements of the Hobgoblin raiding parties." She said, turning to Iravon to let him expand on what she said. "We were told where to find Vraath keep but were also adviced to get a guide to help us find our way there."
Rising early Valeria washes up, gets dressed and lets Kiersa redo her intricate braids before sending her to check on their horses. She gracefully descends the stairs down to the common room, taking a seat with the others, giving Kellin an appreciative nod. "I hope you all slept well, we have a long day ahead of us." she says to Kiersa, Mae and Iravon, then starting to take part of the served breakfast slowly and with dignity. "Iravon, let us hear what our strategy should be. Do we take Vraath keep first to have a strategically placed base to strike from, or do we deal with this Red Hand immediately?" She says, looking at her Hobgoblin strategist, taking a sip of her fresh coffee.
Iravon had slept well enough. The divider between the beds had given him some privacy, and he had felt comfortable enough to remove his helmet. The damned thing. It performed its job admirably, preventing the more hostile type from attacking him, or at the least rejecting the group. But eating in it was awkward, and sleeping in it where there had been no alternative was uncomfortable. So he was glad to set it to one side. Nevertheless, his sleep had been long but light, some part of him expecting to wake to a shout of alarm as one of the inn's servants came to check on him. Thankfully no such thing had happened, and he woke early, feeling refreshed. He redressed, placed the helmet back on his head, and went to check the horses. (See next post.)
"We will have to face the Red Hand in either case," Iravon's deep voice echoes gently from the depths of the black helmet. He spreads the map they were given on the table, moving cups and plates aside to do so. As he speaks, he gestures on the map with gloved finger to supplement his thoughts. "Their raiding groups encircle the town. The Keep is to the north and west - the Red Hand will have passed through there to reach this place, and more forces will be on the move as we speak. If we even reach the Keep, we may well find it ransacked, and used as a camp by a number of Banner units."
He takes a hunk of seeded bread from the table, and uses it to wipe grease from his plate, left over from the cooked meats already eaten. The actual bite is unseen, but the bread comes away from beneath the helmet with a good chunk missing. He continues, "Perhaps we should make for the Keep, to reclaim as much of your treasure as possible before the Red Hand sack it completely. Or we give up the Keep as lost, and we focus on combatting the Red Hand around this town. If you choose the latter, I suggest we focus on the east road, clearing a way for a retreat to Terretton should this town fall to a direct attack. I proposed this approach to Captain Soranna last night, who agrees, though of course she does not know about the treasure at the Keep."
The two red glows from deep in the helmet focus on Valeria. "As my Captain, the decision is yours, and I will follow your lead without question."
Kiersa, a bit later than she'd hoped, heads out to check on the horses. When she sees Iravon already out there, she heads over to him. "Good morning," she says in a cheery voice. "Everything look good with the horses?" Once she is assured that they are well cared for, she heads inside.
(This would be an earlier conversation than what I have just posted.)
Animal handling: 21
Iravon finishes brushing the flanks of Valeria's horse, though it jinks and moves away from him. He huffs a little. "They have been well bedded, and well fed. This is a comfortable stable, though I have had trouble with them this morning. I suspect they sense the tension around this town, the imminent danger. They will be happier on the road."
Mae suddenly got very somber, as if her own natural glow was muted. She shuffled the letters back together into a fairly neat pile and took a deep breath. "It has always been like this for me. Everywhere I go, adoring fans. But not all of them have been so...gentle." She took another deep breath, "Some got jealous of my growing fame, such as it is, some were angry at my refusal of their advances. There were threats against my family...so I began to travel." A single large tear tumbled slowly down her face. "I left so they would live...and yes, I accepted someone...once. They are the one who gifted me my lute when we had to part...Kiersa...for all the joy I bring to others..." she cut herself off and wiped her face. "I'm sorry, that was too much. I probably just need a good sleep tonight." She tried a halfhearted smile.
Kiersa's face falls as she realizes she's unwittingly touched on a painful subject for Mae. "I'm so sorry," she says softly. "That must have been terrible to have to leave like that." She leans forward a bit towards Mae, lightly touching her shoulder. "It's a shame that people are like that."
As Mae mentions needing a good sleep, she straightens up and starts to sip off the bed. "I should probably let you sleep then Mae." She looks at the woman, sees the tear. Kiersa has to fight her curiosity, as she had many questions run through her mind. She really wanted to ask who this person was. Such a tragic tale but she wanted to know more. She resigned herself to the fact that Mae would share more if Mae wanted to. It wasn't right to pry.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"They are the raiders." Iravon says plainly. "The name these scum give themselves, or have been given, one we questioned on the road told us. Like most hobgoblin tribes they are led by a general, but they worship this general like a god which is..." He holds back on expounding his true feelings which would perhaps have cast an eye of suspicion on him. "Unusual. Perhaps unheard of."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Soranna seems impressed. "So you managed to catch one. I hope you killed the lot of them. How is it you came to know so much of their savage ways?"
As the mayor seems content with her rightful claim to Vraath keep, Valeria again puts the deed away into the scroll case and stashes it into her backpack again. "So there is no road leading to Vraath keep then?" She says with an incredulous look. "That I would have to take care of. I would need to reach the surrounding settlements quickly if I am to give them my protection once I get settled in that keep." She says, going quiet for a moment before continuing. "I'm not sure if the name Vraath keep holds any importance to you but it sounds a bit omninous to me. I will likely rename it once it is properly retaken and consolidated."
"I think we will use that guide you mentioned." Valeria continues with a nod as the mayor lays out the map in front of her and Iravon, and then she listens attentively to the information that he provides them with regarding the movements of the Hobgoblin raiding parties.
As Iravon steps into the conversation and answers the question about the Red Hand, Valeria hopes he will not give away his ancestry as that likely would complicate things right now, but she stays silent, confident that the strategy minded Hobgoblin would ask the questions they needed answers to in order to deal with the threat of the Red Hand.
Mae clutched Kiersa's hand for a long moment before letting go and wiping her face off and standing up with her, following her to the door. "Thank you for sitting with me, Kiersa. If you all need me I'll be here, and otherwise will see you in the morning." She offered her one last smile, with a glint of her normal gleam in her eyes as she looked at the other woman, and then closed the door behind her once she had left.
Mae would spend a bit longer working on new tunes and melodies that night before going to sleep.
Kiersa gives Mae a happy smile in return. "Good night then. And sleep well," she says. When the door closes she lingers for just a second, whispering a prayer to Selûne, "Our Lady of Silver, please watch over Mae, and bring her back to happiness." She then slowly walks over to the room she will share with Valeria and ducks inside.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Naturally, we would be very interested in facilitating such a construction," adds Norro. "So it's settled then. I will speak to Kellin about your arrangements - will you all be requiring supplies for your journey into the Witchwood?"
Valeria nods approvingly to the mayor. "Thank you, I greatly appreciate the help offered with future efforts to make the keep a shining beacon of hope and safety to the people of Elsir vale." She says a bit importantly. "We have recently resupplied so I don't think we are in need of anything right now. Thank you for seeing us, we will begin our campaign against the Red Hand at dawn." She adds, getting up from her seat, nodding at the mayor and the captain. "I think my trusted servant Iravon will be able to sort out anything else of interest, good night."
Valeria then heads upstairs with her gear, about to knock on Mae's door as previously suggested, but deciding instead to go to her own room, finding Kiersa there. "Oh, I didn't expect you back here, already finished with those letters?" She says, a bit surprised.
"Oh yea, there were quite a few. But didn't take too long to go through them," Kiersa says as she sits on the edge of one of the beds, having removed her chain mail. "It was so strange, all the people she'd never really met writing to her about how much they loved her. And she's always having to look over her shoulder to make sure someone doesn't try to take things too far and come after her." She shakes her head, remembering how sad Mae looked talking about the person she'd had to leave. For a moment she almost mentions it to Val, but it seemed more like Mae's story to share, if she wanted. "A couple of the letters were rather trite. But OH! One was so romantic. I mean, from someone you'd never met I guess it is a bit creepy. But had it come from a true suitor it would have been really cute."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Iravon's fist clenches a little around the tankard he holds. Savage?! These people were the savages, their society had so little order to it he could laugh. They would fall apart at a concerted attack from his legion. No wonder they were so scared of these Red Hand heretics. But he held his tongue. This human was clearly also shaped by military discipline, emphasised by Mae's message in his head. She would only ever see his kind as the enemy.
So all he said in response was "I spent many years learning their ways. I know how they think."
After Valeria expresses her trust in Iravon and departs, Iravon points to the map. "Where we entered town, there is currently a gap in their forces. They will send more troops there to strengthen their siege of the town. These troops will come from the north and west, from the Wyrmsmokes. You cannot hope to stand against their combined forces that way. Your best hope is to combat their forces to the east, allowing a route of escape to..." he traces with gloved finger along the road to the next town "...Terretton. If the town should fall. I will suggest this to Valeria in the morning. For now, please show me to the servant's quarters."
(Fixed the bold issue.)
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
Valeria drops her gear at her by her side of the bed with a sigh, starting to undress as she listens to Kiersa, smiling to herself as she mentions the romantic letter. You couldn't have guessed but Kiersa had alway been something of a romantic. "Well, perhaps it came from a true, hitherto unknown, suitor. It wouldn't be that surprising considering the absolutely magnificient performance Mae gave this evening. And she is quite lovely too, don't you think?" Valeria said a bit casually, but discreetly glancing over at Kiersa as she said it.
It was certainly not the first time Valeria had shared accomodations with Kiersa, sometimes from necessity, other times for company, but Valeria had tried to find separate rooms for everyone whenever that was available. After changing into her exquisite nightgown Valeria moved over to Kiersa by the window where they watched the moon for a moment, silently praying to the Moonmaiden, Valeria laying her hand on the still somewhat singed skin of Kiersa's shoulder, letting the divine warm soft light of Selûne flow over it to restore her. It wasn't the first time Valeria had stood like that to let the goddess heal her companion, and would likely not be the last. After a long and arduous journey all the way from Waterdeep they had finally arrived in Elsir vale, and yet Valeria feared this was only the beginning of their trials.
(Cure wounds 1st level: 9 )
Valeria would soon go to bed and sleep, dreaming of Hobgoblin legions marching towards the settlements of Elsir vale.
"I suppose she is lovely," Kiersa replies absently. "But I really like her songs and stories. They're always so interesting. And she's always so nice, so happy. And she's been so helpful to us. I'm so glad she's with us."
Kiersa simply removed her tunic and pants, remaining in her underclothes. Not that she didn't have proper sleepwear, she just didn't usually bother. Seeing Valeria move to the window and pray, she quickly joined her, silently saying her own prayer in her mind. When Valeria healed her by Selûne's light, she turned and smiled at her friend. "Thank you."
As Valeria slipped into bed she would as well, eventually falling asleep.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
(No worries EMIW! I know the mobile access for beyond is a little frustrating from experience)
Soranna nods. "I concur, Norro. Did you prepare those dispatches yet? I can have some of my men escort a rider out that way in case they need to prepare for us to move more refugees. The town is bursting as it is."
"They're on my desk as we speak, already signed. We'll send in the morning. Good luck, sir. Our prayers will go with you and the lady Valeria."
With that, Soranna and Norro depart, politely speaking with Kellin before leaving as they came.
As you all settle in for the night (assuming no further rp/questions to follow up), rest takes you after a long, long journey. So close to your goal, yet now with these new obstacles in the way. Still, your rest is untroubled, the inn quietly thrumming with the rising breath of full occupancy, the sounds and smells of life of every stage all around.
Dawn breaks with Iravon already alert and attired, as is his wont. After he and Kiersa check the horses (freshly scrubbed and well fed) the four of you gather in the common room as the sun's rays break upon the east-facing doorway. Kellin, as dapper and chipper as ever, personally appears to wish you well, providing fresh bread and butter, with a variety of other local meat and dairy goods, as a farewell breakfast.
"The Ferry will start up in the next twenty minutes or so. Our prayers, well wishes, and hearts go with you. Be safe, dear travelers!" Kellin exclaims, wiping away an avuncular tear.
Rising early Valeria washes up, gets dressed and lets Kiersa redo her intricate braids before sending her to check on their horses. She gracefully descends the stairs down to the common room, taking a seat with the others, giving Kellin an appreciative nod. "I hope you all slept well, we have a long day ahead of us." she says to Kiersa, Mae and Iravon, then starting to take part of the served breakfast slowly and with dignity. "Iravon, let us hear what our strategy should be. Do we take Vraath keep first to have a strategically placed base to strike from, or do we deal with this Red Hand immediately?" She says, looking at her Hobgoblin strategist, taking a sip of her fresh coffee.
Mae was a mite slow coming down in the morning, but she looked her usual golden self with her winning smile back on her face and her traveling cloak over her arm. She sat gently in a seat and began to eat the food and drink offered without saying much though, until she was about done. "Alright then, what is the plan? I assume you managed to gather some more information last night, Valeria?" She looked at her and then her eyes caught Kiersa briefly and a faint blush came to her cheeks before she looked down at her food again. "Does anyone know about your Keep?" She drained her cup and pulled on her cloak as she listened to the reply.
Kiersa, a bit later than she'd hoped, heads out to check on the horses. When she sees Iravon already out there, she heads over to him. "Good morning," she says in a cheery voice. "Everything look good with the horses?" Once she is assured that they are well cared for, she heads inside. She is very appreciative to Kellin for the food and eats sparingly of the bread but makes sure to eat her fill. She gave Mae a smile and brief nod in greeting as she entered the common room. But as the woman seemed focused on eating she didn't bother striking up a conversation.
Kiersa sat in silence as Valeria asked Iravon about strategies. Having not stayed for the rest of the previous night's discussion, she honestly didn't know enough to even offer an opinion. She had the same questions that Mae did.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
As Mae spoke, Valeria turned to face her, noticing a faint blush as she lookad at Kiersa, quickly glancing at Kiersa too before answering. "Not much Maevla, but we know the Red Hand has made several incursions into Elsir Vale, possibly threatening to encircle this settlement. Iravon will show you a map we were given by the mayor, and we also have some information on the movements of the Hobgoblin raiding parties." She said, turning to Iravon to let him expand on what she said. "We were told where to find Vraath keep but were also adviced to get a guide to help us find our way there."
Iravon had slept well enough. The divider between the beds had given him some privacy, and he had felt comfortable enough to remove his helmet. The damned thing. It performed its job admirably, preventing the more hostile type from attacking him, or at the least rejecting the group. But eating in it was awkward, and sleeping in it where there had been no alternative was uncomfortable. So he was glad to set it to one side. Nevertheless, his sleep had been long but light, some part of him expecting to wake to a shout of alarm as one of the inn's servants came to check on him. Thankfully no such thing had happened, and he woke early, feeling refreshed. He redressed, placed the helmet back on his head, and went to check the horses. (See next post.)
"We will have to face the Red Hand in either case," Iravon's deep voice echoes gently from the depths of the black helmet. He spreads the map they were given on the table, moving cups and plates aside to do so. As he speaks, he gestures on the map with gloved finger to supplement his thoughts. "Their raiding groups encircle the town. The Keep is to the north and west - the Red Hand will have passed through there to reach this place, and more forces will be on the move as we speak. If we even reach the Keep, we may well find it ransacked, and used as a camp by a number of Banner units."
He takes a hunk of seeded bread from the table, and uses it to wipe grease from his plate, left over from the cooked meats already eaten. The actual bite is unseen, but the bread comes away from beneath the helmet with a good chunk missing. He continues, "Perhaps we should make for the Keep, to reclaim as much of your treasure as possible before the Red Hand sack it completely. Or we give up the Keep as lost, and we focus on combatting the Red Hand around this town. If you choose the latter, I suggest we focus on the east road, clearing a way for a retreat to Terretton should this town fall to a direct attack. I proposed this approach to Captain Soranna last night, who agrees, though of course she does not know about the treasure at the Keep."
The two red glows from deep in the helmet focus on Valeria. "As my Captain, the decision is yours, and I will follow your lead without question."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos
(This would be an earlier conversation than what I have just posted.)
Animal handling: 21
Iravon finishes brushing the flanks of Valeria's horse, though it jinks and moves away from him. He huffs a little. "They have been well bedded, and well fed. This is a comfortable stable, though I have had trouble with them this morning. I suspect they sense the tension around this town, the imminent danger. They will be happier on the road."
DM - Storm King's Thunder
DM - Torosevia (WIP homebrew world)
Kelytha Meliamne - Matti Silverstorm - Silver - Star-Setting-In-The-East - Tor Baltos