Ori scratches his head, "so no riders with a lass in tow? Well looks like we are going to do some swimming after all mates. Oi bunks sound better then bread at the moment if ye ask me." Looking at the others to see thier reaction to both news and offer.
The double doors to the manor hall are opened and the companions shown inside.
The hall is dark and cold, two large fires burn in open hearths at either end of it, the high chair dominates the room; a great high backed chair of old oak wood.
A number of small tables sit off to the side near an open door, the tables carry a selection of bread, cheese and pickled vegetables.
A number of Men-at-arms stood and sat around the edge of the room looking at the companions with interest; like those without they were a mixture of old and young with few in their prime.
Two huge deerhounds stood up from their places in front of the far fire and regarded Salt with interest.
An elderly woman rushed out of the side door and planted two large pitchers of steaming caudleand a stack of wooden cups onto the table before disappearing through the door almost as fast.
One of the older men-at-arms indicated the spread, " Have at it, if naught else you'll sleep better with a full stomach."
Cainneach figures it will be better to get the introductions out of the way before attempting to settle down for a meal. He leads his eager companion over to the older hounds, slowly and with a firm hand, in case of any sudden ... misunderstandings. Salt is mature enough to respect his elders and to not lean too hard into that puppy energy as he sniffs them over. Satisfied that no trouble will ensue, Cainneach turns to the closest of the men-at-arms and inquires, "So Almeric made it to town? How long since his arrival? I trust he travelled safely."
Famh smiles as she smells the sweet steam from the caudle. "Aye, and it'll no hurt tae be warm either, ser.," she replies to the elder man-at-arms; then turns to Cainneach. "Would ye like me tae pour you a cup while you're tending tae Salt, a ghraid?," she asks him softly, trying to keep a lower profile than heretofore. And after she has poured two cups and brought one to Cainneach, she maintains quite a proper and demure silence ... while she carefully notes any discrepancies in any of the men-at-arms' reaction to his inquiry, or anything else about the room that might show anybody here is bothered by someone asking questions.
=========
Insight Dice rolls not yet available for this section.
Perception Dice rolls not yet available for this section. or Investigation Dice rolls not yet available for this section. ... wasn't sure which one applied more to the second part, so posting both pending your ruling, D_M
(veeery funny, forum dice gremlins. As I was saying, Insight 12; and either Investigation 11 or Perception 6)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The failure to find the missing Morag sits heavily on Vardi's mind, but a searcher who goes without rest and food to continue searching is little help to anyone lost, so she smiles at the sight of a warm room and hot food and keeps her sorrows to herself as she murmurs a grateful "Thank ye ser." to the older man at arms.
Instead, she occupies herself with cajoling Skoggi out of his nest of sheepskins with a handful of dried meat and a bowl of water to dine upon, survey his surroundings and meet the hearthside folk in a better frame of mind.
Mindful of the warning Ser Almeric gave to keep the true nature of their journey concealed, Vardi keeps her eyes on Skoggi, but her ears open to listen for any talk that does not ring true to her ear, grateful that she does not have a cat's tell-tale turn to give away her own curiosity.
Only when the large cat has eaten his fill does the big lass take a cup of the cauldle herself and settle back to eat without competition from a forager feline.
OOC: Vardi listens and gets a total of 5 for her Insight check.
Cainneach figures it will be better to get the introductions out of the way before attempting to settle down for a meal. He leads his eager companion over to the older hounds, slowly and with a firm hand, in case of any sudden ... misunderstandings. Salt is mature enough to respect his elders and to not lean too hard into that puppy energy as he sniffs them over. Satisfied that no trouble will ensue, Cainneach turns to the closest of the men-at-arms and inquires, "So Almeric made it to town? How long since his arrival? I trust he travelled safely."
" Oh....ah, yes. He arrived late last night I believe he's in with Sheriff Brunn currently.", stumbled the young man.
Famh smiles as she smells the sweet steam from the caudle. "Aye, and it'll no hurt tae be warm either, ser.," she replies to the elder man-at-arms; then turns to Cainneach. "Would ye like me tae pour you a cup while you're tending tae Salt, a ghraid?," she asks him softly, trying to keep a lower profile than heretofore. And after she has poured two cups and brought one to Cainneach, she maintains quite a proper and demure silence ... while she carefully notes any discrepancies in any of the men-at-arms' reaction to his inquiry, or anything else about the room that might show anybody here is bothered by someone asking questions.
=========
Insight Dice rolls not yet available for this section.
Perception Dice rolls not yet available for this section. or Investigation Dice rolls not yet available for this section. ... wasn't sure which one applied more to the second part, so posting both pending your ruling, D_M
(veeery funny, forum dice gremlins. As I was saying, Insight 9; and either Investigation 8 or Perception 9)
The failure to find the missing Morag sits heavily on Vardi's mind, but a searcher who goes without rest and food to continue searching is little help to anyone lost, so she smiles at the sight of a warm room and hot food and keeps her sorrows to herself as she murmurs a grateful "Thank ye ser." to the older man at arms.
Instead, she occupies herself with cajoling Skoggi out of his nest of sheepskins with a handful of dried meat and a bowl of water to dine upon, survey his surroundings and meet the hearthside folk in a better frame of mind.
Mindful of the warning Ser Almeric gave to keep the true nature of their journey concealed, Vardi keeps her eyes on Skoggi, but her ears open to listen for any talk that does not ring true to her ear, grateful that she does not have a cat's tell-tale turn to give away her own curiosity.
Only when the large cat has eaten his fill does the big lass take a cup of the cauldle herself and settle back to eat without competition from a forager feline.
OOC: Vardi listens and gets a total of 5 for her Insight check.
Famh smiles as she smells the sweet steam from the caudle. "Aye, and it'll no hurt tae be warm either, ser.," she replies to the elder man-at-arms; then turns to Cainneach. "Would ye like me tae pour you a cup while you're tending tae Salt, a ghraid?," she asks him softly, trying to keep a lower profile than heretofore. And after she has poured two cups and brought one to Cainneach, she maintains quite a proper and demure silence ... while she carefully notes any discrepancies in any of the men-at-arms' reaction to his inquiry, or anything else about the room that might show anybody here is bothered by someone asking questions.
"My warmest thanks to ya, m'eudail! The hound can be a handful, although it looks like he's not the only pet that is a wee bit demanding," gesturing towards Vardi and Skoggi with a smile. Lowering his voice, Cainneach replies, "I won't forget all your little kindnesses. I hope we may have some time here to relax for a moment and spend some quiet time together."
Cainneach figures it will be better to get the introductions out of the way before attempting to settle down for a meal. He leads his eager companion over to the older hounds, slowly and with a firm hand, in case of any sudden ... misunderstandings. Salt is mature enough to respect his elders and to not lean too hard into that puppy energy as he sniffs them over. Satisfied that no trouble will ensue, Cainneach turns to the closest of the men-at-arms and inquires, "So Almeric made it to town? How long since his arrival? I trust he travelled safely."
" Oh....ah, yes. He arrived late last night I believe he's in with Sheriff Brunn currently.", stumbled the young man.
Cainneach frowns at the response, noting the young man's hesitation. It could simply be that the fellow was unsure of his place among these more grizzled veterans, lacking the confidence that comes with experience. Cainneach can certainly understand that sentiment. But is there something more concerning? "I hope that Almeric is well, has there been news from his journey?"
Insight7 (is the man-at-arms hiding some bad news?)
Almeric emerges from the Sheriffs chambers and enters the hall. Pausing to survey the room, the gloomy shadows are no barrier to the Darksight that runs through the Dayne blood. A quick glance reveals the dishevelled and fatigued state of the Retinue. A night march, to catch up with the riders who were several hours ahead.
Almeric strides over to Ori with a broad smile and a salute. "Morning Sergeant. Report?"
Famh smiles as she smells the sweet steam from the caudle. "Aye, and it'll no hurt tae be warm either, ser.," she replies to the elder man-at-arms; then turns to Cainneach. "Would ye like me tae pour you a cup while you're tending tae Salt, a ghraid?," she asks him softly, trying to keep a lower profile than heretofore. And after she has poured two cups and brought one to Cainneach, she maintains quite a proper and demure silence ... while she carefully notes any discrepancies in any of the men-at-arms' reaction to his inquiry, or anything else about the room that might show anybody here is bothered by someone asking questions.
"My warmest thanks to ya, m'eudail! The hound can be a handful, although it looks like he's not the only pet that is a wee bit demanding," gesturing towards Vardi and Skoggi with a smile. Lowering his voice, Cainneach replies, "I won't forget all your little kindnesses. I hope we may have some time here to relax for a moment and spend some quiet time together."
Cainneach figures it will be better to get the introductions out of the way before attempting to settle down for a meal. He leads his eager companion over to the older hounds, slowly and with a firm hand, in case of any sudden ... misunderstandings. Salt is mature enough to respect his elders and to not lean too hard into that puppy energy as he sniffs them over. Satisfied that no trouble will ensue, Cainneach turns to the closest of the men-at-arms and inquires, "So Almeric made it to town? How long since his arrival? I trust he travelled safely."
" Oh....ah, yes. He arrived late last night I believe he's in with Sheriff Brunn currently.", stumbled the young man.
Cainneach frowns at the response, noting the young man's hesitation. It could simply be that the fellow was unsure of his place among these more grizzled veterans, lacking the confidence that comes with experience. Cainneach can certainly understand that sentiment. But is there something more concerning? "I hope that Almeric is well, has there been news from his journey?"
Insight22 (is the man-at-arms hiding some bad news?)
The young man seems more than a little frightened of Almeric for some reason....and hastily makes himself elsewhere when the knight emerges into the hall.
As Ori was shown the hall, he thought to himself about what this all means for the girl. Poor lass. As the heads of those in the hall turn towards Ori and co, he stops for a sec. Blast it all, he can't be seen to retire now in front of all these folk. What in tarnation was the old man playing at. Well Ori could muster up a little showmanship to make it through a meal with all these eyes watching. Trying to recover from his earlier pause, Ori puts his shoulders back, puts the showy weapon up on a shoulder. "Oi a bit grub would hit the spot won't it mates." Ori did his best to be casual and still strut his stuff knowing a lot of weighing eyes were upon him and the crew. Puffing the chest up a bit like he was about to flex, he sat at a table. "So where's the old boy at aye?" Concerning thoughts about the friendliness of those in the hall towards Almeric disappeared somewhat on seeing Sir Almeric enter the hall. Ori stood up but waited for Almeric to come to him. "Well the only trace of the girl was found in the bottom of a well. But on the off chance the riders whose tracks were all about rode off with her, we thought our only hope of catching them while they camp. Which clearly we didn't do."
Almeric smiles at those assembled and nods grimly at the news of the suspected fate of the young girl.
"The four riders arrived here 2 days past. They appear to be Winter Watch; volunteers from around the Duchy who serve as garrison in the border fortresses from All Saints Day to the thaw. This act of service is often used to expunge previous indiscretions, as penitence for a minor crime or even to build reputation among the young nobles. They are billeted in the stables and I was just about the question them. Coming?
We are to continue north, on our primary mission. Before then, take your ease, eat, rest and restore. "
The young man seems more than a little frightened of Almeric for some reason....and hastily makes himself elsewhere when the knight emerges into the hall.
When Almeric enters the room, Cainneach quickly scans the other men-at-arms to see if they have a similar reaction, then looks to the Capellar to see if there is anything perceptibly different from when they last were together.
Insight17 (are the other men-at-arms cowed by Almeric's presence?) Perception8 (anything new with the Capellar?)
The young man seems more than a little frightened of Almeric for some reason....and hastily makes himself elsewhere when the knight emerges into the hall.
When Almeric enters the room, Cainneach quickly scans the other men-at-arms to see if they have a similar reaction, then looks to the Capellar to see if there is anything perceptibly different from when they last were together.
Insight16 (are the other men-at-arms cowed by Almeric's presence?) Perception25 (anything new with the Capellar?)
( They do not appear to be. He looks well rested and at ease, slightly preoccupied.)
Vardi listens but hears naught that rings false to her ears, even if the weight on her mind seems to have settled like a stone in her stomach, and she has little appetite for the cooling cup of stew in her hands. At least it keeps her fingers from twisting in worry as she thinks.
...Who is going ta tell tha father what little were found, let alone help gather up tha herd with his hands full already wi' two young uns then, Kingswoman? nags at her mind, a troubling whisper of scorn in the title, as if she is undeserving of it for her own poor work thus far, along with ...Where did she get to? She vanished yestermorn, how can tha fresh winter watch have a hand in it? Unless they were later than expected, maybe... and lastly ...Be she alive or dead, where is Morag? Tha King would want ta know of tha', surely? Everything's tha Crown's beewax, as tha other Morag would say...
Despite the respite these questions give her from a previous more personal worry over a mysterious lack in her helm-smithing, it is honest relief that crosses her face when Ser Almeric enters the hall, glad to see that he is well after a jaunt by himself through strange territory. The Lyften lass puts one worry aside at the sight, and shoulders the rest of the load more cheerfully.
Ori: "Well the only trace of the girl was found in the bottom of a well. But on the off chance the riders whose tracks were all about rode off with her, we thought our only hope of catching them while they camp. Which clearly we didn't do."
Vardi flashes a sympathetic glance to the man tasked with giving a disappointing report, and stoically awaits the reaction from command.
Almeric: "The four riders arrived here 2 days hense. They appear to be Winter Watch; volunteers from around the Duchy who serve as garrison in the border fortresses from All Saints Day to the thaw. This act of service is often used to expunge previous indescretions, as penitence for a minor crime or even to build reputation among the young nobles. They are billeted in the stables and I was just about the question them. Coming?"
Vardi steels herself for the task that must be done sooner than sleep, stands up, and looks to Ori then Almeric as she asks "By your leave Sers, if they may have any further knowledge of tha missing lass and her movements, may I observe tha inquiry? I'll sleep better for tha knowing tha' all that can be done ta find her is done."
Yawning as she sips her caudle, Famh is at first only dimly aware of Sir Almeric 's entrance. She looks up and blinks, then recognizes him and bows her head respectfully if somewhat sleepily. When she hears Ori's report and the knight's response, she goes over to them and gives Sir Almeric a quick glimpse of the embroidered gravat, choosing a moment none of the men-at-arms can see. "This is the clue we found, at bottom o' a well that wis in a ruinit broch the girl's tracks lit us tae.," she says in a low voice. "" If the guilty men are among the watch wha are here, perhaps seein' it suddenly revealit might scare thaim intae betrayin' their guilt wi' a look? Or wad that only show thaim whit we know?"
"I' any case, I'm wi'' Vardi. I'm na climbin' doun an seein' this poor scrap sousit i' the death-cauld water, only tae no come along tae see whan whoever did it realizes justice ha' found thaim."
Almeric is preoccupied, as usual, with thoughts of strategy, tactics and diplomacy at play in this far off land. He takes a cup of soups and steps towards Vardi, drawing in Ori and Famh close while talking in a lowering his voice.
"Sergeant - you exhausted the search and could not have done more, well done.Vardi,your assessment of the Sheriff was accurate, well done. Sir Robert is Stoic, disciplined, straight forward and well used to dealing with Reavers. When it comes to Beasties and Bogies, he is out of his depth. This is our our speciality now, given what we have faced in the past. Famh,you can start the questioning of the riders, soft and gentle to begin with. If we don't get what we want quickly, I'll finish the questioning. Lead on"
Almeric releases his backpack, uncasing the Silver Chased Black Drum of the Deep. A grim countenance crosses the Capellar's face once he is holding the instrument of the damned. This powerful and dangerous artefact was perfect for interrogations, however.
Ori, exhausted but now with a little grub in his tum, "Aye, we'll go with ya. Who knows the state of those fellas and wouldn't want anything eventful to happen without the lot of us." As the group regathers themselves to interrogate the riders, Ori pulls Almeric to tbe side a bit and whispers:
"Look, the crew is exhausted, and emotional. Famh went through great lengths to recover what she did in that well and the trackers and been on alarm and hunting all night. These riders, just as likely had nothing to do with anything as the chance of being the cow cutters we are looking for. Just know that we are all seeing a bit red, myself included, when it comes to the possibility of their involvement and wanting justice. Keep that in mind with having any of us leading the questions."
Leaning back from Almeric, now realizing what the man had withdrawn from his pack. "You sure you ain't already judged too?" He says quietly but no longer a whisper. Without waiting for an answer Ori returns to the spot at the table he was eating at to grab a last bite or two and pick up his remaining gear he had set down.
Thatch accepts the offered food and drink eagerly, eating as someone who had marched the night through without rest, pausing only to look up as Sir Almeric entered the room. Brushing the crumbs off of his leathers, he stands and joins the others as they report, offering a nod of the head and a“Mi’lord” in greeting. He whispers to Cainneach “It doesn’t make any sense, if those riders were the Winter Watch, why were they off the trail back there? How did they get so far ahead of us? If they were not the watch, did we miss sign of them leaving the trail?”He stops as Sir Almeric gives his instructions and prepares to move to the stables. He is interested in examining the horses and men more closely to confirm his thoughts, even as he fights exhaustion.
( Slight time correction due to an inexact exchange that was my fault many posts ago. The Winterwatch riders ( 4) arrived at Marrowglen in the afternoon the previous day. Sir Almeric arrived midnight on the same day. The rest of the companions all arrived here about 0700 today. Morag had been missing about six-seven hours by the time her father worked out something was wrong as she often stayed in the fields most of the morning and left home about 0500.)
Ori scratches his head, "so no riders with a lass in tow? Well looks like we are going to do some swimming after all mates. Oi bunks sound better then bread at the moment if ye ask me." Looking at the others to see thier reaction to both news and offer.
The double doors to the manor hall are opened and the companions shown inside.
The hall is dark and cold, two large fires burn in open hearths at either end of it, the high chair dominates the room; a great high backed chair of old oak wood.
A number of small tables sit off to the side near an open door, the tables carry a selection of bread, cheese and pickled vegetables.
A number of Men-at-arms stood and sat around the edge of the room looking at the companions with interest; like those without they were a mixture of old and young with few in their prime.
Two huge deerhounds stood up from their places in front of the far fire and regarded Salt with interest.
An elderly woman rushed out of the side door and planted two large pitchers of steaming caudleand a stack of wooden cups onto the table before disappearing through the door almost as fast.
One of the older men-at-arms indicated the spread, " Have at it, if naught else you'll sleep better with a full stomach."
Cainneach figures it will be better to get the introductions out of the way before attempting to settle down for a meal. He leads his eager companion over to the older hounds, slowly and with a firm hand, in case of any sudden ... misunderstandings. Salt is mature enough to respect his elders and to not lean too hard into that puppy energy as he sniffs them over. Satisfied that no trouble will ensue, Cainneach turns to the closest of the men-at-arms and inquires, "So Almeric made it to town? How long since his arrival? I trust he travelled safely."
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
(veeery funny, forum dice gremlins. As I was saying, Insight 12; and either Investigation 11 or Perception 6)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The failure to find the missing Morag sits heavily on Vardi's mind, but a searcher who goes without rest and food to continue searching is little help to anyone lost, so she smiles at the sight of a warm room and hot food and keeps her sorrows to herself as she murmurs a grateful "Thank ye ser." to the older man at arms.
Instead, she occupies herself with cajoling Skoggi out of his nest of sheepskins with a handful of dried meat and a bowl of water to dine upon, survey his surroundings and meet the hearthside folk in a better frame of mind.
Mindful of the warning Ser Almeric gave to keep the true nature of their journey concealed, Vardi keeps her eyes on Skoggi, but her ears open to listen for any talk that does not ring true to her ear, grateful that she does not have a cat's tell-tale turn to give away her own curiosity.
Only when the large cat has eaten his fill does the big lass take a cup of the cauldle herself and settle back to eat without competition from a forager feline.
OOC: Vardi listens and gets a total of 5 for her Insight check.
" Oh....ah, yes. He arrived late last night I believe he's in with Sheriff Brunn currently.", stumbled the young man.
Famh notes nothing unusual....
And neither does Vardi...
"My warmest thanks to ya, m'eudail! The hound can be a handful, although it looks like he's not the only pet that is a wee bit demanding," gesturing towards Vardi and Skoggi with a smile. Lowering his voice, Cainneach replies, "I won't forget all your little kindnesses. I hope we may have some time here to relax for a moment and spend some quiet time together."
Cainneach frowns at the response, noting the young man's hesitation. It could simply be that the fellow was unsure of his place among these more grizzled veterans, lacking the confidence that comes with experience. Cainneach can certainly understand that sentiment. But is there something more concerning? "I hope that Almeric is well, has there been news from his journey?"
Insight 7 (is the man-at-arms hiding some bad news?)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
Almeric emerges from the Sheriffs chambers and enters the hall. Pausing to survey the room, the gloomy shadows are no barrier to the Darksight that runs through the Dayne blood. A quick glance reveals the dishevelled and fatigued state of the Retinue. A night march, to catch up with the riders who were several hours ahead.
Almeric strides over to Ori with a broad smile and a salute. "Morning Sergeant. Report?"
The young man seems more than a little frightened of Almeric for some reason....and hastily makes himself elsewhere when the knight emerges into the hall.
As Ori was shown the hall, he thought to himself about what this all means for the girl. Poor lass. As the heads of those in the hall turn towards Ori and co, he stops for a sec. Blast it all, he can't be seen to retire now in front of all these folk. What in tarnation was the old man playing at. Well Ori could muster up a little showmanship to make it through a meal with all these eyes watching. Trying to recover from his earlier pause, Ori puts his shoulders back, puts the showy weapon up on a shoulder. "Oi a bit grub would hit the spot won't it mates." Ori did his best to be casual and still strut his stuff knowing a lot of weighing eyes were upon him and the crew. Puffing the chest up a bit like he was about to flex, he sat at a table. "So where's the old boy at aye?" Concerning thoughts about the friendliness of those in the hall towards Almeric disappeared somewhat on seeing Sir Almeric enter the hall. Ori stood up but waited for Almeric to come to him. "Well the only trace of the girl was found in the bottom of a well. But on the off chance the riders whose tracks were all about rode off with her, we thought our only hope of catching them while they camp. Which clearly we didn't do."
Almeric smiles at those assembled and nods grimly at the news of the suspected fate of the young girl.
"The four riders arrived here 2 days past. They appear to be Winter Watch; volunteers from around the Duchy who serve as garrison in the border fortresses from All Saints Day to the thaw. This act of service is often used to expunge previous indiscretions, as penitence for a minor crime or even to build reputation among the young nobles. They are billeted in the stables and I was just about the question them. Coming?
We are to continue north, on our primary mission. Before then, take your ease, eat, rest and restore. "
When Almeric enters the room, Cainneach quickly scans the other men-at-arms to see if they have a similar reaction, then looks to the Capellar to see if there is anything perceptibly different from when they last were together.
Insight 17 (are the other men-at-arms cowed by Almeric's presence?)
Perception 8 (anything new with the Capellar?)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
( They do not appear to be. He looks well rested and at ease, slightly preoccupied.)
Vardi listens but hears naught that rings false to her ears, even if the weight on her mind seems to have settled like a stone in her stomach, and she has little appetite for the cooling cup of stew in her hands. At least it keeps her fingers from twisting in worry as she thinks.
...Who is going ta tell tha father what little were found, let alone help gather up tha herd with his hands full already wi' two young uns then, Kingswoman? nags at her mind, a troubling whisper of scorn in the title, as if she is undeserving of it for her own poor work thus far, along with ...Where did she get to? She vanished yestermorn, how can tha fresh winter watch have a hand in it? Unless they were later than expected, maybe... and lastly ...Be she alive or dead, where is Morag? Tha King would want ta know of tha', surely? Everything's tha Crown's beewax, as tha other Morag would say...
Despite the respite these questions give her from a previous more personal worry over a mysterious lack in her helm-smithing, it is honest relief that crosses her face when Ser Almeric enters the hall, glad to see that he is well after a jaunt by himself through strange territory. The Lyften lass puts one worry aside at the sight, and shoulders the rest of the load more cheerfully.
Ori: "Well the only trace of the girl was found in the bottom of a well. But on the off chance the riders whose tracks were all about rode off with her, we thought our only hope of catching them while they camp. Which clearly we didn't do."
Vardi flashes a sympathetic glance to the man tasked with giving a disappointing report, and stoically awaits the reaction from command.
Almeric: "The four riders arrived here 2 days hense. They appear to be Winter Watch; volunteers from around the Duchy who serve as garrison in the border fortresses from All Saints Day to the thaw. This act of service is often used to expunge previous indescretions, as penitence for a minor crime or even to build reputation among the young nobles. They are billeted in the stables and I was just about the question them. Coming?"
Vardi steels herself for the task that must be done sooner than sleep, stands up, and looks to Ori then Almeric as she asks "By your leave Sers, if they may have any further knowledge of tha missing lass and her movements, may I observe tha inquiry? I'll sleep better for tha knowing tha' all that can be done ta find her is done."
Yawning as she sips her caudle, Famh is at first only dimly aware of Sir Almeric 's entrance. She looks up and blinks, then recognizes him and bows her head respectfully if somewhat sleepily. When she hears Ori's report and the knight's response, she goes over to them and gives Sir Almeric a quick glimpse of the embroidered gravat, choosing a moment none of the men-at-arms can see. "This is the clue we found, at bottom o' a well that wis in a ruinit broch the girl's tracks lit us tae.," she says in a low voice. "" If the guilty men are among the watch wha are here, perhaps seein' it suddenly revealit might scare thaim intae betrayin' their guilt wi' a look? Or wad that only show thaim whit we know?"
"I' any case, I'm wi'' Vardi. I'm na climbin' doun an seein' this poor scrap sousit i' the death-cauld water, only tae no come along tae see whan whoever did it realizes justice ha' found thaim."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric is preoccupied, as usual, with thoughts of strategy, tactics and diplomacy at play in this far off land. He takes a cup of soups and steps towards Vardi, drawing in Ori and Famh close while talking in a lowering his voice.
"Sergeant - you exhausted the search and could not have done more, well done. Vardi, your assessment of the Sheriff was accurate, well done. Sir Robert is Stoic, disciplined, straight forward and well used to dealing with Reavers. When it comes to Beasties and Bogies, he is out of his depth. This is our our speciality now, given what we have faced in the past. Famh, you can start the questioning of the riders, soft and gentle to begin with. If we don't get what we want quickly, I'll finish the questioning. Lead on"
Almeric releases his backpack, uncasing the Silver Chased Black Drum of the Deep. A grim countenance crosses the Capellar's face once he is holding the instrument of the damned. This powerful and dangerous artefact was perfect for interrogations, however.
Ori, exhausted but now with a little grub in his tum, "Aye, we'll go with ya. Who knows the state of those fellas and wouldn't want anything eventful to happen without the lot of us." As the group regathers themselves to interrogate the riders, Ori pulls Almeric to tbe side a bit and whispers:
"Look, the crew is exhausted, and emotional. Famh went through great lengths to recover what she did in that well and the trackers and been on alarm and hunting all night. These riders, just as likely had nothing to do with anything as the chance of being the cow cutters we are looking for. Just know that we are all seeing a bit red, myself included, when it comes to the possibility of their involvement and wanting justice. Keep that in mind with having any of us leading the questions."
Leaning back from Almeric, now realizing what the man had withdrawn from his pack. "You sure you ain't already judged too?" He says quietly but no longer a whisper. Without waiting for an answer Ori returns to the spot at the table he was eating at to grab a last bite or two and pick up his remaining gear he had set down.
Thatch accepts the offered food and drink eagerly, eating as someone who had marched the night through without rest, pausing only to look up as Sir Almeric entered the room. Brushing the crumbs off of his leathers, he stands and joins the others as they report, offering a nod of the head and a “Mi’lord” in greeting. He whispers to Cainneach “It doesn’t make any sense, if those riders were the Winter Watch, why were they off the trail back there? How did they get so far ahead of us? If they were not the watch, did we miss sign of them leaving the trail?” He stops as Sir Almeric gives his instructions and prepares to move to the stables. He is interested in examining the horses and men more closely to confirm his thoughts, even as he fights exhaustion.
( Slight time correction due to an inexact exchange that was my fault many posts ago. The Winterwatch riders ( 4) arrived at Marrowglen in the afternoon the previous day. Sir Almeric arrived midnight on the same day. The rest of the companions all arrived here about 0700 today. Morag had been missing about six-seven hours by the time her father worked out something was wrong as she often stayed in the fields most of the morning and left home about 0500.)
" All finished up here?", the cook said as she emerged again from the side entrance.
" Or are we still going?"