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Post by Fyrra Na'Limndra on Mar 1, 2016 22:30:53 GMT -5
Fyrra listened to both of their questions and considered them thoughtfully before providing an answer. At this point, catching up to the rest of the initiative members would be impossible without a horse. They were likely already a day behind and Fyrra did not enjoy the idea of hard travel.
"Yes, we could use the uh... safe harbor? Yes. Safe harbor."
-"What's happening?"-
-"They offered a place to stay here. We will need to get horses to catch up to the others. Which are probably expensive."-
-"Azuloth. Why does this happen to us?"-
-"Clearly to save his life, not his time yet. Don't look at me like that."-
-"I support you completely. Just don't forget me."-
-"I won't."-
Fyrra chose a place to sit, Merrake found a place to lean against. From there the Kalimbra started to speak again, this time for the Hanneth to understand. Telling the story of how things led to Astris' husband being carried in by strangers was going to be difficult.
"We were delayed from rejoining the rest of our group the prior afternoon. Her weapons and armor were picked up when they left. But the delay was from some men looking at me uncomfortably. We waited until the tavern became full of drink and mirth. The people I mean. Singing and drinking. Yes. Then we snuck out the back. We wandered the market looking for a place friendly to our kind. Found Ikram. The bandits tried to rob us and take me. He stabbed one. The other stabbed him. Merrake kicked that rogue twice, killing him. No... he wasn't dead. Uhm. Broke his head. And maybe his mind. Then we stopped Ikram's blood and eventually came here."
Fyrra shifted when the subject of the story turned to violence. She was used to the stares from the Hanneth. Their culture was strange to her. She looked to Merrake. The warrior looked back but did nothing else. Her ears had only twitched when she heard her name. The rest was gibberish to her.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 13:01:18 GMT -5
I sit, listening attentively and nodding when I felt it was appropriate. So I understood that they were separated from their allies, that the one who was naked was the one who dispatched my would-be murderer, and that she didn't seem to understand what was being said. I felt similarly. Yesterday came on too quickly, and was a painful day—now I understood that it was for all involved. Another fact that did not escape my notice was that they were both without any weapons or armor, and it was something they sought. They may have had coin, and perhaps they could be persuaded to put that coin to better purpose if aided. I decided to speak.
"You may stay with us as long as you like." I commit. This would be a most favorable arrangement that could work well for my own house's welfare. "And more, I have heard no small talk of a fine smith who can make arms and armor, should you have the coin. The smith is about a day's walk, or a few hours' ride south, in Morith. I've been meaning to..." My eyes wander to my own equipment, which could now be called old, as the armor bore a hole in the chest and the head of the spear was somewhat shaky on its haft. "bring my own business there. Sadly, our finances aren't quite ready for the spending—I was, in fact, looking for work most of the day yesterday. It was luck that I found either of you, in fact."
I'm unsure still, if they might feel I owe them a debt, or even if the naked one could have killed both of those men on her own. Kalimbra certainly seemed frightened, from what I saw. Perhaps she doubted her guardian. Perhaps she was drunk. There was a mysterious wine bottle off to the side in the parlour which was half-empty. It was not an impossible theory, but then again, I don't know much anything about Half-Drokagr tolerance for alcohol. Even so, I was the one carried home in the night, unfortunate as it was. I still wasn't sure myself, if I felt a debt to these women, but the least I could do regardless was open our shabby home to them.
If they wanted to find safe harbour, then they stumbled upon the most likely candidate readily.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 16:43:13 GMT -5
"I'm grateful that you brought my husband home. If you don't mind waiting, I can ensure that a room is prepared for you. As you can see, we are in the process of...remodeling, so one room is all I can offer at the moment. I hope this won't be an inconvenience." She smiles at the young Drokagr who appears to have a grasp of their language. At least, she thinks she is young. It is truly impossible to tell.
She pulls Ikram's sheet up higher over his bandaged chest, and looks back and forth between the two. Drokagr are supposed to have a greater understanding of magic, yes? Or is that racist to believe. She wished she knew more.
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Post by Fyrra Na'Limndra on Mar 2, 2016 17:33:52 GMT -5
"It would be most appreciated. We can travel to Morith together if that's your destination. That is where our companions are bound. There's more safety in numbers. Sorath has some services available I believe. We saw plenty of shops when we were giving food to the poor and looking for a place to stay. Perhaps one of those places can assist you?"
Fyrra continued to have quick flashbacks to the moments of violence they had suffered through maybe mere hours before. She watched the spearhead in her minds eye plunge into the bandits chest again. She watched the sword point go through Ikram's chest. Her flashback was triggered by Ikram's own eye wanderings. Hers had tracked his directly to the bloody weapon. Merrake came up behind her, so her presence could be felt. She dared not touch the Kalimbra without permission. That was a crime. A grievous crime. Then she remembered to translate for Merrake.
-"They're offering a bedroom. We'll be fine to share it, unless you have something else in mind."-
-"I will likely stay awake all night. Just in case those bandits had friends. I do not want anyone to come here and murder us in our sleep."-
"Merrake has volunteered to stand guard over the house while the rest of us sleep. She is a capable warrior."
Capable indeed. She managed to permanently disable a man with two kicks. There was no question what she could do with a weapon in her hands, and she had one now. Two if necessary. Fyrra would gladly hand over the ax that was on her person. She had no true use for it.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 17:43:41 GMT -5
So Merrake was the naked one's name. It was good to know the names of your guests. Especially if they were foreigners, one of which was a mage while the other was a capable warrior.
I nod in agreement. "I intend to set off for Morith in just a few days' time. I would not be there long. But I cannot yet. I haven't got enough money, and don't want to take away the funds for our home." I shake my head, and raise a hand to indicate dismissing the notion of the idea. Our financial situation wasn't really the business of strangers, but I still hoped for a reward. Their staying for a few more days might give us more opportunity to eke that possibility out.
"For now, please feel free to make yourselves at home. There is food, you can help yourselves to the pantry." I look to my wife. How could I ask her, without speaking, to show these two to their rooms? Ah well. I may well have to volunteer. There was still much I wanted to discuss with her in private after they retired. An idea strikes.
I smile at the two. "The pantry is to the door behind us. Afterwards, we can show you to your room, if that situation is preferable to you both."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 18:18:40 GMT -5
Astris looks from her husband's glance, to the others and back again. "Uh..oh, room. As I stated, we have a room." She looked at her husband again. "It's a lovely room. I can show it to you, if you give me a moment to get it ready. I'll do that now." She smiles at the two and stands, heading that way.
She hurries to get fresh linens on the bed in the room they were to inhabit. At least -some- furniture of note came as part of her wedding gifts. She thinks for a moment, and realizes that these two might find it insult to bunk together in the same bed, even though this could not be helped. Well...didn't one say she was not going to sleep?
No matter, no use worrying about what I cannot change. She freshens the room, makes the single bed, and steals firewood from their own bedroom to start one in the fireplace in theirs.
Finally, she pulls water into the basin set on a low table in their rooms, fresh towels next to it, and a pillow and blanket on the couch in the room in case the warrior changed her mind.
She surveys her handiwork with a bit of a breathless worry. She desperately missed servants, and while she was never disrespectful, she never fully appreciated the work they did either. If she was ever in the position again to have another, she would know differently.
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Post by Fyrra Na'Limndra on Mar 2, 2016 19:35:41 GMT -5
"We ate earlier. Thank you though."
Fyrra took the hint that they were to be ushered out of the living room where the man had been situated. Merrake didn't like it, but she would follow the Kalimbra. She was more concerned with her charge's safety than the other two. If only the Hanneth were visible from the door perhaps whatever other cronies the bandits had would go looking elsewhere. If that was a thing that was happening out on the streets. Merrake had a wild imagination for violence and potential danger. Fyrra on the other hand was more preoccupied with attempting to help make the room up, and then subsequently getting in the way and backing off entirely.
Firstly she didn't want to be touched by another person, she didn't think Merrake would take kindly to that regardless if it was an accident. Second, it was another woman's household. Despite the fact that the man was not quite a servant, she didn't know how the relationship worked, and perhaps this was a normal thing. She didn't want to insult by any further attempts at helping.
"This looks most comfortable. Thank you."
Merrake sat on the couch, elbows resting on her knees, head in her hands for a moment. Fyrra went over to the window, peered out of it, and then went back to the bed. There was no one in the street at all. The moon was still up though. Day would not arrive for some time.
-"So. I assume you don't trust them."-
-"Of course not. They're Hanneth. They do not know us. They do insane things because they lack so much."-
-"It is not their fault their government suppresses them so."-
-"Feh... I don't want to talk about this, Kalimbra. It is not my place to argue about politics."-
-"Could you have a more charitable or at least open mindset."-
-"No, my mind is set on protecting you, as is my duty."-
Fyrra sighed and climbed on top the bed. She didn't feel like getting under the covers. It was summer. Summer was too hot for that.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 19:47:59 GMT -5
((I am working under the shared assumption with Astris that she has returned to the parlour))
I watch the proceedings going on from my seated position. I still was sweating like I may as well have been under the sun. Fortunately, a summer breeze drifts freely through the house. Never once had I thought I would be thankful for broken windows and a poor job done boarding them up. My sanity might have been lost, otherwise. As my wife returns, I smile at her. "You are wonderful. Thank you. I'm sorry for... all of tonight." I look around at the blood ruining my clothes and the couch. That would need to be replaced.
A thought springs to me, as they are wont to do. I recall briefly the woman attempting to heal me using magic, which reminds me of my wife's own predicament. I smile at her. "Those women, Lady Kalimbra? She, I'm sure, is a mage." I drag myself into a sitting position. Doubtlessly, she would be either pleased or completely shocked to hear that. Hopefully pleased, knowing that they would not be so surprised or hostile if they suspected her of magic use.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 19:57:35 GMT -5
Astris blinks at the news. "A mage? Really..." She looks over her shoulder, back at hall that would lead to their room. What she wouldn't give to have both the confidence to casually share her secret and the ability to discuss some of the questions she's had for awhile regarding magical practices. She shakes her head and comes back to herself, looking back at her husband.
"All the more reason for them to be here, quietly. It wouldn't do for people who brought you home to fall afoul of hunters. But they don't need to know about me. We certainly don't know much about them." She tilts her head and furrows her brow at Ikram. "How do you feel? I'm sorry your armor is ruined."
She walks over and sits on small space left on the couch, near him.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 20:18:59 GMT -5
"Ah..." I nod in agreement. "You're right. And it was my fault for trusting the armor. You... and they, saved my life tonight. They did not need to do that." I reach up, then pull my hand away, hesitating. Honestly I'm absolutely filthy and disgusting with blood. I need to wash, and shortly. I shake my head.
"But I understand, I think. I don't want you harmed by this. Not anymore than you already have been." I regret, deeply, having lost. Nearly died. They were bandits, untrained and painfully lucky. I should not have survived. I look at my wife. "Thank you. You are wonderful." Again, I find myself wishing for greater and more meaningful words. With a heavy sigh, I sit up. I feel weighed down. Most importantly, I need to wash up.
"I should go." I say while attempting to do inventory in my head. Were there any clean towels remaining? Did we only have the few? It's possible. We were not well provisioned by our heritage. On top of all of that, I realize I hadn't eaten since the early afternoon. I could clear out the pantry and put away a few horses while I were at it. Then there's the mess drug all through the house. I had no intention of letting Astris care for that on their own.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2016 20:33:35 GMT -5
She furrows her brow and watches him get up, then suddenly says "What -do- you think you're doing?" It came out harsher than she intended.
She steps forward and puts a shoulder up under his arm, speaking more gently. "The only place you're going, is to the kitchens, so I can warm some water so you can eat, and we can clean the worst off you, and then you're going to bed. I'll see if we can get you in better shape. I'm still learning, but I seem to be making progress with your wound."
She has no idea what he means by her being harmed. She decides to let it go in favor of getting him what he needs, for now. Truthfully she rarely understands some of his self-depreciation. He was in combat tonight and to her understanding, through no fault of his own. She'd be less understanding if he'd gone out looking for trouble. A puzzle for another time. She thinks as attempts to guide him into the kitchen.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2016 18:04:41 GMT -5
I stare, wide-eyed with surprise at her. "O-okay." I stammer. I actually manage to stammer. I must seem an utter fool for her to be so angry.
"I, um." I hesitate. "...had intended on, or I should say, um—perhaps I might go fetching water and warming a bath first... before eating that is. If that's okay." I find myself not only hesitating like a fool, but actually demuring. Her healing had done wonders for my body, but it seemed my head needed time to catch up as I was feeling uneasy on my feet. Her aggravated insistence had nearly toppled me entirely, and there still rested a question between her and I.
"Did I do something else wrong?" I ask softly, hopeful that whatever it was I'd done it wouldn't be too bad.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2016 18:45:41 GMT -5
She looks at him, holding his arm over her shoulders, looking somewhat bewildered at the question. "You've just been run through. You're not fetching your own anything." She smiles slightly at him. "Honestly. Come on. I'll heat your water first then."She attempts to guide him into the kitchens, so he won't have to go far to be cleaned, and eat.
***
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2016 20:39:35 GMT -5
Astris found herself stymied. The last couple days of practice had yielded little result. At least she didn't have to hide the fact that she was practising literal magic from her husband anymore. That was difficult and had lead to her study being somewhat waylaid.
She stared at the sack of straw sitting primly on the table, taunting her. Ikram's idea was flatly silly. Train like a warrior, he'd said. He really had no idea what he was talking about, but honestly, it was worth the try. If she was to at all accompany him into danger, she'd need to be able to defend herself.
She breathed, attempting to calm her frustration and reach for her inner resources. She tried to visualize the active bolt of energy that would lance from her into the sack. She followed through with the motions, trying to impale it with her will.
Skill/Spell Name: Arcane Bolt Type:Spell Active Description: Astris casts magic missile at the darkness thing Damage: 55 magical damage Cost: 30 MP Applicable Knowledge Schools: Thaumaturgy/Arcane
3 bolts. MP: 83/173 (Threshhold: Power 20, Thaumaturgy 5, Arcane 5 = 30)
ngsd0Pbf Success Failure Failure
She felt the strain of her energy burn through her as she loosed the volley of violet tinted light at the target. The ruined target sizzled as the burlap's edges curled in on itself slightly, a singular bolt having streaked from her. Huh. How about that?··
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2016 20:54:05 GMT -5
She hadn't anticipated the immense drain. She braces herself to try at least one more time...just to prove it wasn't a fluke. Ikram is like to be smug when I tell him what happened. Still, it's useful. Just a little more and then I can rest.
Skill/Spell Name: Arcane Bolt Type:Spell Active Description: Astris casts magic missile at the darkness thing Damage: 55 magical damage Cost: 30 MP Applicable Knowledge Schools: Thaumaturgy/Arcane 2 bolts. MP: 23/173 (Threshhold: Power 20, Thaumaturgy 5, Arcane 5 = 30) V_C9asdo Success Success
She yelps and hops back as the table splinters. She hadn't meant to hit that low. She'll have to work on that. Still, it's not a bad amount of damage. The thought of actually firing something like this at something, or someone...it's disconcerting. If you get to that point, you'd best follow through, because you don't want anyone running home and telling tales. It's a disheartening thought. Hopefully, she'll never need this particular skill. ***
Astris barely felt the pillow as she fell into bed. Who cared that it was five in the afternoon? ·
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