'Tace'does indeed speak to Emma of the bow and its magical nature, but explaining he doesn't know exactly how the magic manifested. He will sheepishly ask if she minds him taking the two pieces in case he can find a way to restore it. He will need to explain it to the Sergeant somehow of course.
Whilst the Sergeant is away, he also puts his mind towards creating a fake scar. Perhaps flour and some oil used for cooking could make the structure of the fake scar. He would then need something to stick it to his face. Maybe tree sap? But then he needs to colour match it somewhat. It won't need to match the skin exactly, and he assumes if his skin tone were an issue, the Sergeant, Lieutenant and Commandant would have mentioned it by now. But what could he use as a colouring? Could Emma help here, as some spices were quite colourful. He decides to bring her in on his scheme, after all she already knew is secret anyway.
He is more than aware he is putting a lot on Emma, and will make it quite clear if she doesn't any part of his deception he will drop it.
If Emma at any point turns whilst they are alone together, he will try to communicate with her by means of the whisper technique.
Arrentakes the recipe book from Emma's hands and stands to tuck it securely into his pack, the motion giving her a privacy in her grief. His expression may not reflect it fully, but his chest feels heavier for seeing her like this. Once again, his thoughts turn to the man responsible — and the frustration that they may not be able to keep investigating for lack of evidence. This new discovery only deepens the sense that Hector and Emma's lives would have been entirely different had they never crossed paths with Breithe Staidear.
The Sergeant chooses to keep the book in his pack, not picking it up again while in Emma's presence. In the future days to come, however, he may take it out, work through the jargon, and perhaps even try a few of the simpler simple recipes — the ones requiring fewer ingredients, which they might actually have on hand while travelling.
When Tacesecures the padded manacles on Emma, Arren gives him a small, approving nod. At least she'll be more comfortable now.
The next morning, once he's cleaned up and washed his bloodstained uniform from days before, Arren sits down with Commandant Nattensbarn and Lieutenant Tireur. He listens to the Commandant's reasoning and gives a brief nod of understanding — noting silently that she's carrying the responsibility for closing the case in the eyes of the town. Not that is suprising since they've witnessed her taking the responsibility that comes with her role before.
Same as the Commandant, Arren makes sure no one else is listening before replying quietly, "Understood, Ma'am. And I agree, the whole truth wouldn't help much here. But... if I may—" He pauses. "The cobbler and the smith saw Hector's body. Wyler did too. I'm not entirely sure the townsfolk will simply accept that Emma did this on her own." Arren leans forward slightly. "Perhaps we could add something more to the official statement? Not the whole truth, but close enough. For example, that Emma was in league with someone else who committed the murder, and that the actual murderer has been dealt with. That might give them some closure, and put an end to the talk of the monster."
He leaves the suggestion there, not pressing the point if the Commandant decides to keep her original idea. Truth be told, the thought of accusing Emma of intentional murder sits poorly with him, but right now he's thinking of the townsfolk and their more than probable need for quiet and peace after everything that has happened.
Arren doesn't need really to do anything else in particular until the day the convoy arrives. He does, though, ask the Commandand for permission to buy a dagger. He wants a simple backup weapon in case he can't use his longsword, or javelins aren't the most practical choice.
Emma once more explains that she doesn't expect to need anything in the house anymore and that, for that reason, he can take anything in it—her father's broken bow included. Since the bow is broken at the moment, Bryn thinks he could hide it in his backpack, and as long as it stays there, it is unlikely anyone would notice.
Emma says she doesn't know much about using cooking ingredients for disguises - nor anything about disguises in general - but can suggest that, since Bryn himself is alraedy quite paler than the real Tace and that the rest of the crew must have seen his skin tone on any parts of him that aren't covered, he'd be best off matching his own tone, since a sudden change could raise suspicion. Since most spices are quite colourful, she thinks it'd be best to leave as flour - if it works - and claim that the scar is a little paler because it's a scar. If Bryn doesn't seem convinced, she'd suggest the use of paprika - preferably the non-spicy kind - to mix in and make it seem closer to pink, as some scars appear on Humans.
Arren can roll an Intelligence or Wisdom check (his choice) with the Cook's Utensils (add proficiency if you have it in those tools). If he asks Emma for help, he can roll with an advantage.
"No." The Commandant rules out Arren's idea after hearing it through. "I don't want to paint her as a malicious person. The townsfolk won't accept that. But acting in self-defence after bearing such cruelty for a while, that's something they can sympathise with. They'll claim she's innocent, or at least that she shouldn't be punished, but I believe they'll also accept that the military cannot just overlook something like this. At least some of them might. Regarding the monster, I'd rather not mention it at all. Once the attacks stop, most people will reason that there was never any real danger, or that it passed all the same. I could be wrong about this, but we don't know if the other options are better."
Commandant Nattensbarn says Arren may buy any weapon he wishes at the smith's, but since Arren is already well armed and since their carry-on expenses are running low due to the unexpected delay in Ersta, she cannot pay for it at the military's expense.
The third day passes quietly, Emma staying as Emma for her relief. During the night, however, during Bryn's watch and after Arren had fallen into a deep slumber, she turns into the beast Emma again. She seems to turn in her sleep, but awakens as she does. For that reason, she is unable to provide Bryn with any warning, and yet once the process of growing the tail had finished, which to Bryn looked less painful than it did before, she flees out of the tent and climbs one of the nearest trees. Emma stays on the tree and observes the soldiers' reactions - does Bryn wake Arren up?
If they do not approach her, Emma stays in the tree this time, on a branch a few metres high. If Bryn tries to whisper to her, she'll reply in her fragmented message: "Stay... and... will... here..." As long as the soldiers keep their distance, she'll eventually climb down from the tree but keep a safe distance from the tent, and not long before sunrise, turn back to her Human self. Having missed almost the entire night's sleep, Emma will be exhausted for the entire following day.
'Tace' will make plans to retrieve the broken bow and perhaps take a cloth large enough to wrap it in. If he can't find one, he will look to purchase one. He will then stow it in his belongings the next chance he gets.
He will also take note of Emma's advice around his fake scar, and look to collect the things necessary next time he has the opportunity.
During the night, when Emma changes unexpectedly, 'Tace' freezes in place ready to reach for his weapons and call for the Sergeant but not doing so unless absolutely necessary. Relaxing as she immediately leaves. After she replies to him, he will whisper again.
"We will stay away, don't worry. You are gaining more control, it is encouraging. Perhaps you could test the bounds of that control?".
Once the conversation is over, he will wake the Sergeant gently, to let him know she has changed but isn't a threat. He will explain she left immediately and he thought it better to give her a moment before waking him.
The Corporal doesn't need to insist much for Arrento stir. Even from deep sleep, his eyes open almost immediately. But, for a few seconds, he just blinks at Tace, as if shaking off something that clung to him during his rest. He rubs his temple before focusing on the Elf's words. "What? She turned? In her sleep?”
He sits up, already focused. "That's new. She never said anything about turning in her sleep." His brow furrows. "Could it be the recipe book— Hector's gift. I can see how something like that might get under her skin."Or it could be something else entirely, he thinks, shrugging."We can her when she returns, if she feels like talking."
Arren falls quiet after that. There's still time before dawn, but it's clear he won't be sleeping again. He gets to his feet and starts readying his gear. For a long while, the only sounds are the faint clink of metal and his measured steps across the forest floor.
Then, without looking up, he says, "It's happened again. That feeling of being watched. I haven't felt that since the night at the inn after leaving Tus."
The discomfort is evident in the Sergeant's voice, as though he isn't entirely at ease speaking of this, yet feels the need to do so anyway. "I can't explain, but I'm certain it's not you. Or Emma. It's… something else."
He pauses. "I've also been having nightmares since we started sleeping in the forest. I can't remember anything when I wake up. Now, an occasional nightmare? That I can understand. But one each night?" The Sergeant shakes his head, "Something isn't right."
At this point, Arren looks towards Tace. "Tonight, could you keep an eye on me while I sleep? Maybe you'll notice if something's amiss."
Later, changing topics, Arren makes sure to relay to Tace what the Commandant intends to tell the townsfolk, so he stays informed.
(ooc: Added a dagger to Arren's inventory and removed 2 gold. He doesn't ask Emma for help with the recipe book. WIS check: 9+1+7 from Tactical Mind = 17)
'Tace' does indeed speak to Emma of the bow and its magical nature, but explaining he doesn't know exactly how the magic manifested. He will sheepishly ask if she minds him taking the two pieces in case he can find a way to restore it. He will need to explain it to the Sergeant somehow of course.
Whilst the Sergeant is away, he also puts his mind towards creating a fake scar. Perhaps flour and some oil used for cooking could make the structure of the fake scar. He would then need something to stick it to his face. Maybe tree sap? But then he needs to colour match it somewhat. It won't need to match the skin exactly, and he assumes if his skin tone were an issue, the Sergeant, Lieutenant and Commandant would have mentioned it by now. But what could he use as a colouring? Could Emma help here, as some spices were quite colourful. He decides to bring her in on his scheme, after all she already knew is secret anyway.
He is more than aware he is putting a lot on Emma, and will make it quite clear if she doesn't any part of his deception he will drop it.
If Emma at any point turns whilst they are alone together, he will try to communicate with her by means of the whisper technique.
Arren takes the recipe book from Emma's hands and stands to tuck it securely into his pack, the motion giving her a privacy in her grief. His expression may not reflect it fully, but his chest feels heavier for seeing her like this. Once again, his thoughts turn to the man responsible — and the frustration that they may not be able to keep investigating for lack of evidence. This new discovery only deepens the sense that Hector and Emma's lives would have been entirely different had they never crossed paths with Breithe Staidear.
The Sergeant chooses to keep the book in his pack, not picking it up again while in Emma's presence. In the future days to come, however, he may take it out, work through the jargon, and perhaps even try a few of the simpler simple recipes — the ones requiring fewer ingredients, which they might actually have on hand while travelling.
When Tace secures the padded manacles on Emma, Arren gives him a small, approving nod. At least she'll be more comfortable now.
The next morning, once he's cleaned up and washed his bloodstained uniform from days before, Arren sits down with Commandant Nattensbarn and Lieutenant Tireur. He listens to the Commandant's reasoning and gives a brief nod of understanding — noting silently that she's carrying the responsibility for closing the case in the eyes of the town. Not that is suprising since they've witnessed her taking the responsibility that comes with her role before.
Same as the Commandant, Arren makes sure no one else is listening before replying quietly, "Understood, Ma'am. And I agree, the whole truth wouldn't help much here. But... if I may—" He pauses. "The cobbler and the smith saw Hector's body. Wyler did too. I'm not entirely sure the townsfolk will simply accept that Emma did this on her own." Arren leans forward slightly. "Perhaps we could add something more to the official statement? Not the whole truth, but close enough. For example, that Emma was in league with someone else who committed the murder, and that the actual murderer has been dealt with. That might give them some closure, and put an end to the talk of the monster."
He leaves the suggestion there, not pressing the point if the Commandant decides to keep her original idea. Truth be told, the thought of accusing Emma of intentional murder sits poorly with him, but right now he's thinking of the townsfolk and their more than probable need for quiet and peace after everything that has happened.
Arren doesn't need really to do anything else in particular until the day the convoy arrives. He does, though, ask the Commandand for permission to buy a dagger. He wants a simple backup weapon in case he can't use his longsword, or javelins aren't the most practical choice.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Emma once more explains that she doesn't expect to need anything in the house anymore and that, for that reason, he can take anything in it—her father's broken bow included. Since the bow is broken at the moment, Bryn thinks he could hide it in his backpack, and as long as it stays there, it is unlikely anyone would notice.
Emma says she doesn't know much about using cooking ingredients for disguises - nor anything about disguises in general - but can suggest that, since Bryn himself is alraedy quite paler than the real Tace and that the rest of the crew must have seen his skin tone on any parts of him that aren't covered, he'd be best off matching his own tone, since a sudden change could raise suspicion. Since most spices are quite colourful, she thinks it'd be best to leave as flour - if it works - and claim that the scar is a little paler because it's a scar. If Bryn doesn't seem convinced, she'd suggest the use of paprika - preferably the non-spicy kind - to mix in and make it seem closer to pink, as some scars appear on Humans.
Arren can roll an Intelligence or Wisdom check (his choice) with the Cook's Utensils (add proficiency if you have it in those tools). If he asks Emma for help, he can roll with an advantage.
"No." The Commandant rules out Arren's idea after hearing it through. "I don't want to paint her as a malicious person. The townsfolk won't accept that. But acting in self-defence after bearing such cruelty for a while, that's something they can sympathise with. They'll claim she's innocent, or at least that she shouldn't be punished, but I believe they'll also accept that the military cannot just overlook something like this. At least some of them might. Regarding the monster, I'd rather not mention it at all. Once the attacks stop, most people will reason that there was never any real danger, or that it passed all the same. I could be wrong about this, but we don't know if the other options are better."
Commandant Nattensbarn says Arren may buy any weapon he wishes at the smith's, but since Arren is already well armed and since their carry-on expenses are running low due to the unexpected delay in Ersta, she cannot pay for it at the military's expense.
The third day passes quietly, Emma staying as Emma for her relief. During the night, however, during Bryn's watch and after Arren had fallen into a deep slumber, she turns into the beast Emma again. She seems to turn in her sleep, but awakens as she does. For that reason, she is unable to provide Bryn with any warning, and yet once the process of growing the tail had finished, which to Bryn looked less painful than it did before, she flees out of the tent and climbs one of the nearest trees. Emma stays on the tree and observes the soldiers' reactions - does Bryn wake Arren up?
If they do not approach her, Emma stays in the tree this time, on a branch a few metres high. If Bryn tries to whisper to her, she'll reply in her fragmented message: "Stay... and... will... here..." As long as the soldiers keep their distance, she'll eventually climb down from the tree but keep a safe distance from the tent, and not long before sunrise, turn back to her Human self. Having missed almost the entire night's sleep, Emma will be exhausted for the entire following day.
Varielky
'Tace' will make plans to retrieve the broken bow and perhaps take a cloth large enough to wrap it in. If he can't find one, he will look to purchase one. He will then stow it in his belongings the next chance he gets.
He will also take note of Emma's advice around his fake scar, and look to collect the things necessary next time he has the opportunity.
During the night, when Emma changes unexpectedly, 'Tace' freezes in place ready to reach for his weapons and call for the Sergeant but not doing so unless absolutely necessary. Relaxing as she immediately leaves. After she replies to him, he will whisper again.
"We will stay away, don't worry. You are gaining more control, it is encouraging. Perhaps you could test the bounds of that control?".
Once the conversation is over, he will wake the Sergeant gently, to let him know she has changed but isn't a threat. He will explain she left immediately and he thought it better to give her a moment before waking him.
The Corporal doesn't need to insist much for Arren to stir. Even from deep sleep, his eyes open almost immediately. But, for a few seconds, he just blinks at Tace, as if shaking off something that clung to him during his rest. He rubs his temple before focusing on the Elf's words. "What? She turned? In her sleep?”
He sits up, already focused. "That's new. She never said anything about turning in her sleep." His brow furrows. "Could it be the recipe book— Hector's gift. I can see how something like that might get under her skin." Or it could be something else entirely, he thinks, shrugging. "We can her when she returns, if she feels like talking."
Arren falls quiet after that. There's still time before dawn, but it's clear he won't be sleeping again. He gets to his feet and starts readying his gear. For a long while, the only sounds are the faint clink of metal and his measured steps across the forest floor.
Then, without looking up, he says, "It's happened again. That feeling of being watched. I haven't felt that since the night at the inn after leaving Tus."
The discomfort is evident in the Sergeant's voice, as though he isn't entirely at ease speaking of this, yet feels the need to do so anyway. "I can't explain, but I'm certain it's not you. Or Emma. It's… something else."
He pauses. "I've also been having nightmares since we started sleeping in the forest. I can't remember anything when I wake up. Now, an occasional nightmare? That I can understand. But one each night?" The Sergeant shakes his head, "Something isn't right."
At this point, Arren looks towards Tace. "Tonight, could you keep an eye on me while I sleep? Maybe you'll notice if something's amiss."
Later, changing topics, Arren makes sure to relay to Tace what the Commandant intends to tell the townsfolk, so he stays informed.
(ooc: Added a dagger to Arren's inventory and removed 2 gold.
He doesn't ask Emma for help with the recipe book. WIS check: 9+1+7 from Tactical Mind = 17)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra