With Terry translating back and forth as the undertone, shionne speaks, "it sounds like he is from the outer wilds, even so, he is part of the Fae yes, he may have as much reason as we to see this invasion stopped and return home, but his contact with the corrupted gives me pause, we cannot afford to turn away assistance but at the same time that does not mean trust."
For Gewyn, Sam, and Muir:
There is a hint of arrogance in Shionne's tone, the kind of arrogance that a person exhibits when they are talking about a person lower status, it is particularly evident to you as people have been talking to you like that for a portion of your life and you pick up on this quicker than the others. However the arrogance is not present in Terry's translation.
Muir nods looking at the others to see if they sensed Shionne's tone and body language, despite not being able to understand her. "Well yes trust is difficult in dangerous times but the tree does not want to stay here. The soil is not like yours from home. It takes too much to draw energy from and they would like to return. We plan to scout Hokum and return with a plan. Hopefully reinforcements from the Clerics of Hermes will be here before we attack. Remind everyone to stay in the caves, only come out for food, and don't attack the trees."
Muir turns to Gore and speaks in druidic
"Master Gore, it seems that Thunberg is caught between life and death. Gerwyn saw her with me. She looked proud he said....I....also wanted to speak of the ones they call soulless...I fear the worst has not come from them. Please be careful and vigilant. I do not trust that they are just....being.....I fear there's a more sinister plan for them."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before the refugees show up Neferox seems to alert Vin to them coming as Vin. The boy didn't seem surprised at all as they came onto their current location. As the refugees report more trees attaching them the hound growls again but in the direction Old Thicket went. Vin nods and heads over to Elthana making sure no one else is within ear shot as he says quietly, "You want to know Nef's thoughts... well. The tree said they can only make one a day but how many have been attacking the refugees? Isn't the ratio of trees attacking them too high? Even on our way here they were targeted by the trees but not us. Sam wasn't quiet so why didn't they engage us? She says we are going to regret keeping it around. That's what she told me." Vin seems to think on this a bit and suggests "Could there be an evil version of Old Thicket out there or something else drawing the trees to attack the refugees? Her biggest concern is the frequency and how it seems like its happening a lot."
Vin then moves to where they overhear Gore and Iver talking about Maka helping defend against the new tree attacks. The half-elf pipes up "That was Maka. They are a very sad spirit and normally unmotivated to do anything but they are kind. I'm glad they were able to help out I'm definitely going to commend them next time I need them. They are really good at protecting people. I told them to stay hidden unless there was things about to attack you all. Seem Nef was right and things did attack when we were dealing with stuff ahead." Neferox just snorts in a 'of course I was right' kind of way. "How many trees was it that attacked anyway?"
As Shionne gets annoy Neferox seems to take more note of them suddenly. Somehow this seems to catch their attention. The cunning red eyes boring into her like the hound thought of something. Vin looks over and pets the hound then looks to Elthana with a look of having stuff to tell her but probably not in front of others. Neferox seems on high alert and is closely looking at certain folks. Those paying enough attention to her would notice they seem to be focusing on anyone not from Hokum or from Hokum that seems to be interaction extra with Shionne. Taking a very keen interest in the fey and who they are talking to or looking at as well as the druids. She would be doubly interested if someone is paying too much attention to Shionne.
“I’ve as much reason to trust the tree as the one who lives in the tree,” Sam sneers. “But you’ll be the one sharing the cave with them, so your call…”
Sam doesn’t know what is being said between Vin and Elthana or Muir and Gore, but it’s not hard to tell there be suspicions around…
“It occurs to me, that with the tree danger over, there may be no need for the refugees to go to the cave? Trundlesten may be the better option for them, until we clear out the Red Caps? Faeries yo their portal, people to the neighboring town… Any objection? Distance from the portals may do the soulless ones some good, since naught else has.”
As they continue their walk to the cave, Elthana eventually notices the apparent derision Shionne feels of those that are part of the outer wilds. Still, she agreed with her, trust wasn't something she felt either towards Old Thicket, but was glad they offered to help.
When Vin lets her know what Neferox was thinking, "That is exactly the type of intel that is good to know. It is curious and I'm glad you brought it up. Do we know how long this Old Thicket has been here though? They could have been making trees the entire time, so I'm not as worried about the amount. The fact they were attacking the refugees and not us, is curious though. Do you have more you want to discuss? Let's let the others know about this then we talk out of earshot of the others?"
She walks over to the rest, "There is a concern as to why the trees were attacking the refugees on our march here, but did not attack us? If we were to leave the refugees in this cave with several trees guarding them, what if they turn while we are at Hokum? They would be sitting ducks in the cave. I wonder if Sam's idea of the guards taking them back to Trundlesten is a good idea? At least then they wouldn't be stuck in the cave, but it sure is a long ways to go. How does everyone else feel about this?"
Once the discussion is over or at least paused as ideas are considered, Elthana heads back to Vin and takes him further to the side of the group, out of earshot. If Nef follows, it doesn't bother her, "So, what else is on your mind?"
“Even if not fully to Trundlesten, away from the portal,” Sam adds. “That first faerie we found? How far was he? If they did die solely from distance from portal, that could be far enough…”
"I am no great tactician," Gewyn pipes up, "And I do not claim to understand all the ins and outs of what is going on here, but whatever we are to do, it should be decided quickly and confidently. Any wavering, any doubt, and the people will turn that into fear and distrust, which will inevitably cause division. And right now, I think unity is paramount."
Muir listens to the others and although he disagrees offers to aid them in their plan"If you wish for the people of Hokum to travel along the road instead of waiting it out in the cave that is fine but we will need to split ourselves to accomplish our goals. If that is your wish, I will travel with them and Master Gore. They will need a lot of aid once in Trundelsten which I don't believe Trundelsten can provide. Plus Trundelsten will need to hear about Hokum and the devastation. They will want to prepare for whatever is to come. If we bring the refugees there I will convince Trundelsten to provide backup for the siege of Hokum if that is the plan. With Trundelsten's troops, the Clerics of Hermes who are on their way, the trees and the rest of us perhaps we can take back Hokum. Scouting without someone going to Trundelsten to aid the refugees and ask for help won't do us very good I don't believe"
“You’d be shocked what Trundlesten can provide,” Sam tells Muir while narrowing his eyes, trying to read the fellow. “They are home to the dehydrated meals and have many stockpiled for just such an emergency… They also already k ow something is wrong here. I’d think hearing just what from the words of the people of Hokum would be enough without your presence. No offense, if it was Gewyn with the fancy words and persuasive manner I could see his point but…” Sam shrugs.
“You’re not on the same mission we are. You haven’t been declared a Champion of Northmorrah… So if you’d rather babysit refugees than save the world, you’ve that right,” Sam goads. “Personally… I think you’d do more good with us than them.”
"Yes I don't understand the push for Trundelsten but if that's what you all desire fine but remember we don't know how far these dangers push from the woods. We don't know what impaled your friend on the tops of trees either. However, submit the new plan to Goldsheaf...If they accept then off they shall go...But what of Shionne and Terry? The handful of druids who have helped thus far? Are they to go to Trundelsten as well or cast aside? I know you care little for these fey and trust them even less but they have provided help...As "Champions of Northmorrah" are you champion for the select or for all I wonder.....I will await everyone's decision" Muir walks toward Gore and begins conversing in Druidic
“I swear, the faeries are eating their minds,” Sam mutters as Muir walks away.
“I don’t care if the head for Trundlesten or just away from the portal, I just don’t know which faeries to trust so I trust none of them,” Sam points out to the others. “In theory, every danger in forest is killed, heading to the cave, or the theoretical thing that impaled them on the tree… and that could have been Okd Thicket or Shionne for all we know…”
“They have the guards they had before us. The druids are of course welcome and encouraged to go with them. I’m unclear why the druids would want to go to the portal with the faerie kind? If they’d rather do that than help refugees then I find them suspect as well…”
“I’m not a tactic genius, I don’t know the right call,” Sam says in summary. “I’d rather be hitting stuff than be thinking. But my gut tells me there’ll be fighting in these caves… If Shionne and Thicket are on our side or not, I think there’ll be fighting. Do we want a lot of innocents around when that happens?”
Vin pipes up as Neferox continues to watch everyone in the area but seems to glare accusingly at the druids and Shionne. Vin says "The original plan was to get them to Trundlesten but I think the major issue was not abandoning those who can't leave like Shionne or don't want to like Muir and the druids. I just figured we were going to the cave so the druids and Shionne could fortify it up but now it sounds like the source of the portal and all this starting is from this cave. How did we not know about this until we are already on our way and traveled a lot? Why was it not mentioned?" Vin seems to be looking to Neferox a bit and those who Know Vin as the trusting naïve boy they are might know it is Nef bringing up these inconsistencies. The Hound clearly not trusting anything about the situation at all. Vin seems to think these are good questions as well as they add "Nef has been pointing out a lot of things like this. Sorry... I for one want to go towards the source of all this. I think there is sound benefit to closing off a way into and out of this portal and we might be able to just collapse the other end to make it safe for them still but we might want to check out the portal too. I want to find out what has been making the soulless and stop it. There might be a clue at where this all began. What its done to those kids and people... its cruel. Why would... wait... Nef? Could?" Nef looks towards Vin seems to tilt their head a bit then nods. Vin looks extremely worried suddenly but looks around to make sure none of the soulless are in earshot or looking their way. "I just had a terrible thought... but... what if... Hold on. I had a terrible thought but we can clear it up quick." Vin seems to look around at the refugees gathering with this dreadful thought. Nef seems to be keyed on it. The hound looking troubled as well as they look around at the soulless in the distance. Vin goes over to the closest soulless and asks them to come over to the rest of the group away from the other soulless listening or hearing then Vin asks "Tell me what was the first command you were given when you became like this?"
As the group discuss, there are several times either Goldsheaf or Iver interjects tidbits of information, "there are many caves that enter these mountains, not just this one, however the others are to the direct north of Hokum, where the redcaps and the giant invaded from, they took a direct path to the town to cause as much damage as quickly as possible, but with this network of tunnels, I'm sure they meet up at some point or another, this cave we head to now is one of the very outermost connections, we have not ventured into the tunnels much, I only wish Favian was round, he knew the caves a little, the only one stupid of perhaps brave enough to try farming on the mountain..." Goodsheaf says, obviously trying to help in any way she can, "the druids also leave these caves and tunnels alone, sorry that we can't be of help" Gore adds before Goldsheaf continues. "I'm against moving my people so far when it will take so long to reach our destination, but I understand the need for us to be as far away from danger as possible, Master Muir suggested yesterday that scouts from Lyvander may reach the town within a week, their possible counterattack is another reason I wish for us to be closer to our homes."
Iver pipes up that whatever the decision, his guards would concentrate their forces on protecting the survivors, though if needed for the counter attack, himself and two others would be willing to lend their aid.
Terry continues to look worried and goes to Gewyn to speak to him privately.
The thousand yard stare of the soulless child that Vin speaks to never gets easier to observe, the child listens to Vin's question and pauses for a moment before answering, their stare never leaves their eyes as they answer but they do move their hands to grab at Vin in a panic, mimicking the very first order they were given, then they scream out a single panicked word, their first order, "RUN!"
At first Vin seems very troubled and worried, they just say to the child "I'm sorry. That must of been really scary. I know you probably don't want to think about that time. You and the other kids ran into something terrifying. I know you have to answer me and I'm sorry to force you to but in getting these answers we might be able to help you return to normal. Hang in there a little bit longer okay?" Vin gives the kid a hug then lets them go. "Alright we are all working to help you okay. Here comes the hard questions. To start with I'll ask you to do something then I'll ask a hard question. First one: Describe what you were running from when you were given your first command." Vin will wait for them to answer that question then they will ask "Tell us, did that thing you were running from give you any commands?"
Once the child finishes screaming the word 'Run', they return back to the docile state as before, eerily instantaneous, like turning off a switch, "I'll hang in there." They respond in a monotone voice to vin's first prompt. "We were running from a very loud noise, a rumbling coming from inside the tunnels... The rumbling did not speak to us."
Vin sighs as they see this is going to be harder to get the information they want then they thought. Everything is a bit literal and might even be confusing. Vin is sure someone has asked what did this to them but they are also positive they would just say I don't know because the child wouldn't know. They haven't had much time to ask the kids anything either though so its possible no one has done this because they been too focused on saving lives. A good thing but also means this information was missed. They won't volunteer any information but at this point Vin is sure the others might be thinking the same thing he is thinking. Why change these kids like this is not to make them do what you want? Also, the kids returned first then the attack happened. It was also way too fast and through an attack. How did the redcaps and giants know how to attack so quickly when they are from another world, how they know where most folks were, and how did they know how to supplant any defensed Hokum had. They used the kids. Its a solid theory but how does one prove it. If Vin can nail the identity of the one that did this to them Vin can simply ask what other commands did that thing/person give you? How to do so. Methodically of course.
"Alright, here comes a lot more questions. I'll try to make it quick and brief as possible. I want you to know. No one blames you for anything you were forced to do. You are not in trouble and you were and are a victim of whatever did this to you. You are still loved." Vin pats them on the shoulder and then takes a breath to ask several more questions, "Please answer my following questions. Were you given commands from something or someone not from Hokum before Hokum was attacked?" They wait for an answer then ask "Have you been given commands you did not want to follow?" The second one was a question worded in a way that Vin wants to know if the child was still in there. They may have no will but are they still feeling things? If they have an opinion on any command they were given it would tell them that the soulless have to follow orders but they are not truly soulless. Perhaps more of a horrifying thought to be trapped in one's own body unable to resist anything but Vin wanted to confirm how much of them was in there. The next one is a follow up order for if the child confirms they were given orders before Hokum was attacked "Describe who or what gave you the commands that were before Hokum was attacked."
"Have you been given commands you did not want to follow?"
"I... I do not. I... Do not want." This answer comes with a slight amount of vocsl confusion from the child, as if questioning the commands had never occured to them, though their face remains resolute and unreactive, the child's eyes begin to water.
Muir steps behind Vin, smiles, and quietly says "You are doing great. If I may offer a suggestion....Keep the questions simple. Whose voice told you to run. What did you see in the tunnels....short and simple perhaps?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As they say they were give no orders from some outside force this had implication to Vin that he wasn't sure what they meant. He didn't want to think someone in Hokum was to blame but then who gave the children orders to return to town after the rumbling? it was already clear that the child couldn't act freely in anyway. Vin is both sad and relieved to see the child react in such a way. The tears both absolutely saddening and terrible to consider. It tells Vin that the soulless are still in there but trapped in some way. Vin kneels in front of the child a look of remorse and sorrow. They use a small cloth to wipe the corner of the child's eyes. The emotions are there but they seem unable to act on them, Vin's heart tears at the seems as they know they are on to something but this poor child is suffering so much in answering these questions, "We are almost there, I knew you were in there. This must be horrible for you but it's not going to be forever. Answer my next question: before the rumbling and the first order you were given, you saw something or someone that was not one of the kids or a part of the scenery. What or who was it you saw?"
Neferox seems to be taking a keen interest in the people listening. As Vin brought the child over to the key players listening Nef was watching all those gathered and listening. Their keen red eyes seeking any sign to further distrust them. They are looking for any signs of nervousness or sense of fear or if they might be hiding the use of some kind of magic.
before the rumbling and the first order you were given, you saw something or someone that was not one of the kids or a part of the scenery. What or who was it you saw?"
"We saw the thing we were looking for, we found the floaty fruit" the half elf boy answers.
As Neferox looks around she spots one other person taking watchful and terrified notice of the interaction, from within the still moving group of survivors a human girl, perhaps 9 years old and not one of the ones recognised as an effected soulless, stares at the group as they question the half-elf boy, her eyes are reddened and she appears to be sobbing.
With Terry translating back and forth as the undertone, shionne speaks, "it sounds like he is from the outer wilds, even so, he is part of the Fae yes, he may have as much reason as we to see this invasion stopped and return home, but his contact with the corrupted gives me pause, we cannot afford to turn away assistance but at the same time that does not mean trust."
For Gewyn, Sam, and Muir:
There is a hint of arrogance in Shionne's tone, the kind of arrogance that a person exhibits when they are talking about a person lower status, it is particularly evident to you as people have been talking to you like that for a portion of your life and you pick up on this quicker than the others. However the arrogance is not present in Terry's translation.
Muir nods looking at the others to see if they sensed Shionne's tone and body language, despite not being able to understand her. "Well yes trust is difficult in dangerous times but the tree does not want to stay here. The soil is not like yours from home. It takes too much to draw energy from and they would like to return. We plan to scout Hokum and return with a plan. Hopefully reinforcements from the Clerics of Hermes will be here before we attack. Remind everyone to stay in the caves, only come out for food, and don't attack the trees."
Muir turns to Gore and speaks in druidic
"Master Gore, it seems that Thunberg is caught between life and death. Gerwyn saw her with me. She looked proud he said....I....also wanted to speak of the ones they call soulless...I fear the worst has not come from them. Please be careful and vigilant. I do not trust that they are just....being.....I fear there's a more sinister plan for them."
Before the refugees show up Neferox seems to alert Vin to them coming as Vin. The boy didn't seem surprised at all as they came onto their current location. As the refugees report more trees attaching them the hound growls again but in the direction Old Thicket went. Vin nods and heads over to Elthana making sure no one else is within ear shot as he says quietly, "You want to know Nef's thoughts... well. The tree said they can only make one a day but how many have been attacking the refugees? Isn't the ratio of trees attacking them too high? Even on our way here they were targeted by the trees but not us. Sam wasn't quiet so why didn't they engage us? She says we are going to regret keeping it around. That's what she told me." Vin seems to think on this a bit and suggests "Could there be an evil version of Old Thicket out there or something else drawing the trees to attack the refugees? Her biggest concern is the frequency and how it seems like its happening a lot."
Vin then moves to where they overhear Gore and Iver talking about Maka helping defend against the new tree attacks. The half-elf pipes up "That was Maka. They are a very sad spirit and normally unmotivated to do anything but they are kind. I'm glad they were able to help out I'm definitely going to commend them next time I need them. They are really good at protecting people. I told them to stay hidden unless there was things about to attack you all. Seem Nef was right and things did attack when we were dealing with stuff ahead." Neferox just snorts in a 'of course I was right' kind of way. "How many trees was it that attacked anyway?"
As Shionne gets annoy Neferox seems to take more note of them suddenly. Somehow this seems to catch their attention. The cunning red eyes boring into her like the hound thought of something. Vin looks over and pets the hound then looks to Elthana with a look of having stuff to tell her but probably not in front of others. Neferox seems on high alert and is closely looking at certain folks. Those paying enough attention to her would notice they seem to be focusing on anyone not from Hokum or from Hokum that seems to be interaction extra with Shionne. Taking a very keen interest in the fey and who they are talking to or looking at as well as the druids. She would be doubly interested if someone is paying too much attention to Shionne.
Neferox Perception: 18
“I’ve as much reason to trust the tree as the one who lives in the tree,” Sam sneers. “But you’ll be the one sharing the cave with them, so your call…”
Sam doesn’t know what is being said between Vin and Elthana or Muir and Gore, but it’s not hard to tell there be suspicions around…
“It occurs to me, that with the tree danger over, there may be no need for the refugees to go to the cave? Trundlesten may be the better option for them, until we clear out the Red Caps? Faeries yo their portal, people to the neighboring town… Any objection? Distance from the portals may do the soulless ones some good, since naught else has.”
As they continue their walk to the cave, Elthana eventually notices the apparent derision Shionne feels of those that are part of the outer wilds. Still, she agreed with her, trust wasn't something she felt either towards Old Thicket, but was glad they offered to help.
When Vin lets her know what Neferox was thinking, "That is exactly the type of intel that is good to know. It is curious and I'm glad you brought it up. Do we know how long this Old Thicket has been here though? They could have been making trees the entire time, so I'm not as worried about the amount. The fact they were attacking the refugees and not us, is curious though. Do you have more you want to discuss? Let's let the others know about this then we talk out of earshot of the others?"
She walks over to the rest, "There is a concern as to why the trees were attacking the refugees on our march here, but did not attack us? If we were to leave the refugees in this cave with several trees guarding them, what if they turn while we are at Hokum? They would be sitting ducks in the cave. I wonder if Sam's idea of the guards taking them back to Trundlesten is a good idea? At least then they wouldn't be stuck in the cave, but it sure is a long ways to go. How does everyone else feel about this?"
Once the discussion is over or at least paused as ideas are considered, Elthana heads back to Vin and takes him further to the side of the group, out of earshot. If Nef follows, it doesn't bother her, "So, what else is on your mind?"
“Even if not fully to Trundlesten, away from the portal,” Sam adds. “That first faerie we found? How far was he? If they did die solely from distance from portal, that could be far enough…”
“Even bringing up the idea could be interesting…”
"I am no great tactician," Gewyn pipes up, "And I do not claim to understand all the ins and outs of what is going on here, but whatever we are to do, it should be decided quickly and confidently. Any wavering, any doubt, and the people will turn that into fear and distrust, which will inevitably cause division. And right now, I think unity is paramount."
Muir listens to the others and although he disagrees offers to aid them in their plan"If you wish for the people of Hokum to travel along the road instead of waiting it out in the cave that is fine but we will need to split ourselves to accomplish our goals. If that is your wish, I will travel with them and Master Gore. They will need a lot of aid once in Trundelsten which I don't believe Trundelsten can provide. Plus Trundelsten will need to hear about Hokum and the devastation. They will want to prepare for whatever is to come. If we bring the refugees there I will convince Trundelsten to provide backup for the siege of Hokum if that is the plan. With Trundelsten's troops, the Clerics of Hermes who are on their way, the trees and the rest of us perhaps we can take back Hokum. Scouting without someone going to Trundelsten to aid the refugees and ask for help won't do us very good I don't believe"
“You’d be shocked what Trundlesten can provide,” Sam tells Muir while narrowing his eyes, trying to read the fellow. “They are home to the dehydrated meals and have many stockpiled for just such an emergency… They also already k ow something is wrong here. I’d think hearing just what from the words of the people of Hokum would be enough without your presence. No offense, if it was Gewyn with the fancy words and persuasive manner I could see his point but…” Sam shrugs.
“You’re not on the same mission we are. You haven’t been declared a Champion of Northmorrah… So if you’d rather babysit refugees than save the world, you’ve that right,” Sam goads. “Personally… I think you’d do more good with us than them.”
Órga yawns almost as if in agreement.
"Yes I don't understand the push for Trundelsten but if that's what you all desire fine but remember we don't know how far these dangers push from the woods. We don't know what impaled your friend on the tops of trees either. However, submit the new plan to Goldsheaf...If they accept then off they shall go...But what of Shionne and Terry? The handful of druids who have helped thus far? Are they to go to Trundelsten as well or cast aside? I know you care little for these fey and trust them even less but they have provided help...As "Champions of Northmorrah" are you champion for the select or for all I wonder.....I will await everyone's decision" Muir walks toward Gore and begins conversing in Druidic
“I swear, the faeries are eating their minds,” Sam mutters as Muir walks away.
“I don’t care if the head for Trundlesten or just away from the portal, I just don’t know which faeries to trust so I trust none of them,” Sam points out to the others. “In theory, every danger in forest is killed, heading to the cave, or the theoretical thing that impaled them on the tree… and that could have been Okd Thicket or Shionne for all we know…”
“They have the guards they had before us. The druids are of course welcome and encouraged to go with them. I’m unclear why the druids would want to go to the portal with the faerie kind? If they’d rather do that than help refugees then I find them suspect as well…”
“I’m not a tactic genius, I don’t know the right call,” Sam says in summary. “I’d rather be hitting stuff than be thinking. But my gut tells me there’ll be fighting in these caves… If Shionne and Thicket are on our side or not, I think there’ll be fighting. Do we want a lot of innocents around when that happens?”
Vin pipes up as Neferox continues to watch everyone in the area but seems to glare accusingly at the druids and Shionne. Vin says "The original plan was to get them to Trundlesten but I think the major issue was not abandoning those who can't leave like Shionne or don't want to like Muir and the druids. I just figured we were going to the cave so the druids and Shionne could fortify it up but now it sounds like the source of the portal and all this starting is from this cave. How did we not know about this until we are already on our way and traveled a lot? Why was it not mentioned?" Vin seems to be looking to Neferox a bit and those who Know Vin as the trusting naïve boy they are might know it is Nef bringing up these inconsistencies. The Hound clearly not trusting anything about the situation at all. Vin seems to think these are good questions as well as they add "Nef has been pointing out a lot of things like this. Sorry... I for one want to go towards the source of all this. I think there is sound benefit to closing off a way into and out of this portal and we might be able to just collapse the other end to make it safe for them still but we might want to check out the portal too. I want to find out what has been making the soulless and stop it. There might be a clue at where this all began. What its done to those kids and people... its cruel. Why would... wait... Nef? Could?" Nef looks towards Vin seems to tilt their head a bit then nods. Vin looks extremely worried suddenly but looks around to make sure none of the soulless are in earshot or looking their way. "I just had a terrible thought... but... what if... Hold on. I had a terrible thought but we can clear it up quick." Vin seems to look around at the refugees gathering with this dreadful thought. Nef seems to be keyed on it. The hound looking troubled as well as they look around at the soulless in the distance. Vin goes over to the closest soulless and asks them to come over to the rest of the group away from the other soulless listening or hearing then Vin asks "Tell me what was the first command you were given when you became like this?"
As the group discuss, there are several times either Goldsheaf or Iver interjects tidbits of information, "there are many caves that enter these mountains, not just this one, however the others are to the direct north of Hokum, where the redcaps and the giant invaded from, they took a direct path to the town to cause as much damage as quickly as possible, but with this network of tunnels, I'm sure they meet up at some point or another, this cave we head to now is one of the very outermost connections, we have not ventured into the tunnels much, I only wish Favian was round, he knew the caves a little, the only one stupid of perhaps brave enough to try farming on the mountain..." Goodsheaf says, obviously trying to help in any way she can, "the druids also leave these caves and tunnels alone, sorry that we can't be of help" Gore adds before Goldsheaf continues. "I'm against moving my people so far when it will take so long to reach our destination, but I understand the need for us to be as far away from danger as possible, Master Muir suggested yesterday that scouts from Lyvander may reach the town within a week, their possible counterattack is another reason I wish for us to be closer to our homes."
Iver pipes up that whatever the decision, his guards would concentrate their forces on protecting the survivors, though if needed for the counter attack, himself and two others would be willing to lend their aid.
Terry continues to look worried and goes to Gewyn to speak to him privately.
The thousand yard stare of the soulless child that Vin speaks to never gets easier to observe, the child listens to Vin's question and pauses for a moment before answering, their stare never leaves their eyes as they answer but they do move their hands to grab at Vin in a panic, mimicking the very first order they were given, then they scream out a single panicked word, their first order, "RUN!"
At first Vin seems very troubled and worried, they just say to the child "I'm sorry. That must of been really scary. I know you probably don't want to think about that time. You and the other kids ran into something terrifying. I know you have to answer me and I'm sorry to force you to but in getting these answers we might be able to help you return to normal. Hang in there a little bit longer okay?" Vin gives the kid a hug then lets them go. "Alright we are all working to help you okay. Here comes the hard questions. To start with I'll ask you to do something then I'll ask a hard question. First one: Describe what you were running from when you were given your first command." Vin will wait for them to answer that question then they will ask "Tell us, did that thing you were running from give you any commands?"
Once the child finishes screaming the word 'Run', they return back to the docile state as before, eerily instantaneous, like turning off a switch, "I'll hang in there." They respond in a monotone voice to vin's first prompt. "We were running from a very loud noise, a rumbling coming from inside the tunnels... The rumbling did not speak to us."
Vin sighs as they see this is going to be harder to get the information they want then they thought. Everything is a bit literal and might even be confusing. Vin is sure someone has asked what did this to them but they are also positive they would just say I don't know because the child wouldn't know. They haven't had much time to ask the kids anything either though so its possible no one has done this because they been too focused on saving lives. A good thing but also means this information was missed. They won't volunteer any information but at this point Vin is sure the others might be thinking the same thing he is thinking. Why change these kids like this is not to make them do what you want? Also, the kids returned first then the attack happened. It was also way too fast and through an attack. How did the redcaps and giants know how to attack so quickly when they are from another world, how they know where most folks were, and how did they know how to supplant any defensed Hokum had. They used the kids. Its a solid theory but how does one prove it. If Vin can nail the identity of the one that did this to them Vin can simply ask what other commands did that thing/person give you? How to do so. Methodically of course.
"Alright, here comes a lot more questions. I'll try to make it quick and brief as possible. I want you to know. No one blames you for anything you were forced to do. You are not in trouble and you were and are a victim of whatever did this to you. You are still loved." Vin pats them on the shoulder and then takes a breath to ask several more questions, "Please answer my following questions. Were you given commands from something or someone not from Hokum before Hokum was attacked?" They wait for an answer then ask "Have you been given commands you did not want to follow?" The second one was a question worded in a way that Vin wants to know if the child was still in there. They may have no will but are they still feeling things? If they have an opinion on any command they were given it would tell them that the soulless have to follow orders but they are not truly soulless. Perhaps more of a horrifying thought to be trapped in one's own body unable to resist anything but Vin wanted to confirm how much of them was in there. The next one is a follow up order for if the child confirms they were given orders before Hokum was attacked "Describe who or what gave you the commands that were before Hokum was attacked."
The answer comes monotone, and with the usual stark lack of eye contact as the thousand yard stare endures "No."
"I... I do not. I... Do not want." This answer comes with a slight amount of vocsl confusion from the child, as if questioning the commands had never occured to them, though their face remains resolute and unreactive, the child's eyes begin to water.
Muir steps behind Vin, smiles, and quietly says "You are doing great. If I may offer a suggestion....Keep the questions simple. Whose voice told you to run. What did you see in the tunnels....short and simple perhaps?"
As they say they were give no orders from some outside force this had implication to Vin that he wasn't sure what they meant. He didn't want to think someone in Hokum was to blame but then who gave the children orders to return to town after the rumbling? it was already clear that the child couldn't act freely in anyway. Vin is both sad and relieved to see the child react in such a way. The tears both absolutely saddening and terrible to consider. It tells Vin that the soulless are still in there but trapped in some way. Vin kneels in front of the child a look of remorse and sorrow. They use a small cloth to wipe the corner of the child's eyes. The emotions are there but they seem unable to act on them, Vin's heart tears at the seems as they know they are on to something but this poor child is suffering so much in answering these questions, "We are almost there, I knew you were in there. This must be horrible for you but it's not going to be forever. Answer my next question: before the rumbling and the first order you were given, you saw something or someone that was not one of the kids or a part of the scenery. What or who was it you saw?"
Neferox seems to be taking a keen interest in the people listening. As Vin brought the child over to the key players listening Nef was watching all those gathered and listening. Their keen red eyes seeking any sign to further distrust them. They are looking for any signs of nervousness or sense of fear or if they might be hiding the use of some kind of magic.
Nef Perception: 22
"We saw the thing we were looking for, we found the floaty fruit" the half elf boy answers.
As Neferox looks around she spots one other person taking watchful and terrified notice of the interaction, from within the still moving group of survivors a human girl, perhaps 9 years old and not one of the ones recognised as an effected soulless, stares at the group as they question the half-elf boy, her eyes are reddened and she appears to be sobbing.