Above & Below

With the last shadow dissipated, Wakka quickly turned to the wounded woman, and thinking back to some of his early lessons had when he was younger, attempted to do what he could to save her.

• Medicine: 23

With a little patience, you're able to stabilize her and at least slow down the bleeding. She still hasn't woken up and is still in pretty bad shape, but you at least put off her death for the time being.

"Let's get her on the wagon and continue onwards, before the blood attracts any more unwanted visitors," Effort demands.  She pulls out her quarterstaff and places it on the wagon next to the woman, unable to carry it comfortably while weakened by the shadow's attack.  "I suppose we all need to get to the safety of town to recover," she grumbles, before shooting a dark glare at the two remaining guards.  "Don't get any smart ideas, though.  Your lives are just as much on the line here as ours."

"Yes agreed.  She will need more medical attention then I can give her at the moment."  Wakka replied slightly pained as he felt for the wound across his chest, the pain returning now that adrenaline was no longer coursing through his system.  For the rest of the short trip back towards the safety of the town (assuming there's no other threats), Wakka kept the energy out and active; it had been a long day and he would not be surprised again.  I am learning Ryuu, he thought to himself as he walked.  

Brask gives a loud whoop when Pip gets in the final shot, and claps the little goblin on the back.

Let's get going, he adds to the others.  This place really sucks, he mutters under his breath as he sets off, a wary eye on the guards to make sure they are not trying to escape or cause problems.

The remaining guards are clearly not a threat at this point - to attack nor to run. They sheepishly continue helping the caravan along, now struggling at times without a third. But the trees that were already thinning soon open up into the large clearing that leads up to the town walls. It's noticeably darker now, with night having clearly fallen. As you march into the dim torchlight, you can hear the faint sound of voices on the wall. Finally, a horn blows and the gate begins to open. You're relieved to be back inside the walls, getting at least a glimpse of what this strange place has to offer during the night.

A group of guards arrives to greet you, taking the two prisoners by spearpoint and leading them down a easterly path along the side of the main hill. Two others take the cart with the injured woman and begin hauling it up the hill where you presume there's some medical help for her. The other woman follows, probably not knowing where she should go.

Finally, another pair approach you. "Baron Whiteroot will see you now, unless you need medical attention first." He gestures up the hill.

Effort is sure to take her quarterstaff back before the wagon departs, though she leans on it heavily as she considers the hill, sweating a bit as she considers the hike.  "My wounds are not so bad that I need to stop, but we should stay together," she tells the others.  "We should get this unpleasant business over with as soon as possible, and obtain the information we came here for, though.  We worked hard enough for it," she grumbles.

"Agreed.  And for the baron's sake, I sincerely hope he was truthful with reward.  After everything we've been through today, I am in no mood for tomfoolery..."  Wakka the one and only Kurama replied.

When they finally returned into the city proper and were approached by the pair, Wakka signaled for them to lead the way and followed the couriers back towards the baron's estate; tired but ready to receive their reward more than well-earned.

(Kurama's his name XD)

(Dammit I hadn't messed up in a while XD)

You're brought back into the baron's home, down the same hall, and into the back dining room. He's standing, looking out a window into the dark countryside beyond the fence. As you enter, he turns and smiles. He seems about as jovial as you can imagine him ever being.

"Ha! There they are!" He comes over to greet you, and then turns to the guards. "Have they been offered food and drink? Go, GO!"

The guards nod, and hurry back down the hall. Whiteroot sits down at the table, extending an open hand and gesturing for you to join him. A few moments later the guards return with a platter of bread and meat, as well as tankards of a murky, brownish-gold drink that somewhat resembles ale. 

"Please, eat up. You look like you've been to hell and back! I take it the plan went smoothly?" He tears a piece of bread, wraps it around a hunk of meat, and sits back. "Eat, and rest up tonight. If you're so determined to still find the Sister, we'll send you on your way tomorrow with full bellies."

Feel free to ask the baron any questions you have, RP, or just go ahead and take a long rest. I know you all need it! :)

"It did not."  Kurama replied plainly as he looked down at the baron.  "But the deed is done.  There were a few that we brought back with us: a pair of women and a pair of surviving guards.  I would ask for you to take care of them all.  The women are innocent and deserve their freedom, while I'm sure the guards can be of some use; I highly doubt they will try anything after what we've all been through today."  Kurama continued before pausing for a few long moments.  The events of the past day had left a sour taste in Kurama's mouth, and as far as he was concerned, the sooner their business with the baron was concluded, the better.  "And yes we are still determined to continue our mission and find the Sisters.  Could you share with us now all the information you have on them and their location before we rest for the evening?"    

"Hmph," Effort says, helping herself shamelessly to the baron's repast.  She taps her finger against her chin, giving herself some guidance.  "I could care less what you do with the guards.  But I expect we'll be receiving some compensation for all that work we did.  We got you your food, two new recruits, and thinned your enemy's numbers for you.  A bit of coin or some healing potions for our trouble wouldn't be remiss," she murmurs.

Persuasion: 6 (5 +1 guidance)

(these rolls hurt my soul, LOL)

"I believe," the baron raises an eyebrow, "the payment for your services today was the whereabouts of the Sister. And that you will receive. I don't know what repercussions await me for sharing this information...if the Sister is somehow even watching us now. You took a risk. I will take a risk."

He nods at the food and drink. "And I don't believe I've heard any complaints about the food, drink, and lodging I've provided you. Now then, I do thank you for your help today. And the women you brought back will be tended to and treated as one of our own, if they decide to stay. They're free to return home, of course, although I doubt that is an inviting option for them. The guards will be questioned, and their fates will hinge upon their answers and helpfulness. But you have more important concerns now."

The baron takes a swig of his drink. "As I mentioned, two of the Sisters are transient. They will find those they want to find. The third Sister, however, operates in different ways. She lives...or exists in whatever manner they exist, in an old stronghold way up on the northeast coast. It's not terribly far from here, but it's not terribly close either. You can move through the forests and marshes, always keeping the morning sun to your right. It should take you about two days of relatively fast-paced travel. Or you can head up the valley road - the way you came into our town - and wait until you find the main road heading east. It's a longer route that will add an extra day or so to your journey. The roads can be much safer, although at night it doesn't matter much where you might find yourselves."

"There aren't many towns on the way. A few small communities trying to live in isolation, but they shouldn't be much of a problem for you. And hell, as far as I know, they're all gone at this point." The baron gulps down what was left of his tankard. "You all seem like a capable bunch, but do not underestimate the Sisters."

Brask sits through the meeting mostly silently, keeping an eye on Pip and managing to stifle a snort of laughter at Effort's very unpersuasive request.  Just pay us, baron.  And remember us if you have work in the future.

Oh wow, posted at the exact same time almost. :)

Satisfied with the Baron's answers for the time being and quickly feeling a heavy fatigue from all the fighting they've experienced today, Kurama replied to the man, "Thank you for the information.  It will be most helpful to our current endeavor.  Regarding this stronghold, does it have a name?  And is there anything else of note we should know?"   

If/ once his and any other questions were answered, Kurama looked to the baron and said, "I think this is where I shall take my leave for the evening.  As is plainly evident based off the current state of our attires, we've had a rather draining day and I believe a long night's rest is needed for all of us."  As he made his way to the door, he stopped himself and asked the baron, "If it would not be too difficult, would it be possible to get a new set of cloths before we left?  Mine are... no longer satisfactory." he commented as he looked down at the ruins he was currently outfit.

"I'm sure it had a name once," the baron looks stares off into the distance for a moment. "No longer. Perhaps the Sister knows it. There's a small clearing surrounding the old ruins...or at least there was. I suspect she'll know you're coming. Not sure how she'll greet you, but I advise you not to try and sneak up on her. But that's up to your own intuition. Not much else to tell. The eastern road leads right to the ol' place. Can't miss it. If you decide to take the more...scenic route, well, if you hit the shoreline and don't see it, keep heading north along the coast. Unless you've already crossed the big river. Then head south. It sits at the point where the water flows into the sea."

"We can get you some clothes, sure. They won't be anything fancy, of course."

Effort nods and silently finishes her meal.  As she's wiping her mouth, she says to the baron, "The women we rescued.  Apparently it wasn't out of the ordinary for them to be traded like chattel.  If at the very least you protect the citizens of your barony from such treatment, I consider you to be the most worthy leader of this place.  I understand the realities of a harsh world, that sacrifices sometimes must be made, and that often, there is no moral high ground for any party to take.  Nonetheless... a ruler who presides over a wasteland holds nothing but empty power.  Of all your resources, your people are the most valuable ones you have.  Care for them as the treasure that they are, and not only will you hold on to your power... it will grow, as will your barony.  The ability to make a people loyal enough to sacrifice everything for their leader isn't something you can buy with wealth, or even food, in the end."  She sniffs.  "Well.  Take my advice, or leave it... I care not."

Brask watches the baron, curious to see how Effort's speech is received:  Insight 20

For himself, he keeps mostly quiet and offers the baron a smart salute before leaving when Kurama leaves, making sure Pip is coming along too.  Busy day, he says as they walk (to the inn?).  Time for a good rest, right Kurama?  Gonna need our strength for whatever weird crap tomorrow throws at us.

The baron nods as Effort speaks, although Brask can't decipher how genuine it is. He smiles as she finishes, letting out a brief laugh. "I am sure you do not. Now then, rest up. I have a feeling you are in for quite a journey."

You're escorted back to the inn, and left there by the guards after your rooms are taken care of. 

Long rest time! Everyone levels up to 5! Hooray!