Atoli's comment struck at the one injury she had yet to over come. It was not so much that she was insulted by the comment, but the fact she knew Atoli was in a way right. Hilda could no longer physically do many of the things that she was able to do only days ago. She might eventually learn to use her left hand and arm for many of them but it would never be to the same degree. But she could and while she was not capable of fighting, she could still ride and help with the search. But then what? Hilda sat silent as she began to think about after the current situation had been resolved.
Hilda was consumed with such thoughts until the Lord Knight's call to arms broke her from her contemplation. As others went to chase after the two bandits, Hilda glanced around at those who remained before staring at Atoli's unusual move to cover her food. Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Hilda bluntly offers "Atoli...right? Follow after them. If they get away from the others knights chasing them then we may never find them again. Go now.....and I'll buy your next three meals plus one to replace the one you'd be leaving here."
Hilda was consumed with such thoughts until the Lord Knight's call to arms broke her from her contemplation. As others went to chase after the two bandits, Hilda glanced around at those who remained before staring at Atoli's unusual move to cover her food. Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Hilda bluntly offers "Atoli...right? Follow after them. If they get away from the others knights chasing them then we may never find them again. Go now.....and I'll buy your next three meals plus one to replace the one you'd be leaving here."
Tara listened to Iskra's advisory and narrowed her eyes in consideration. Slowly, as to avoid setting the bandit king off, she stood. The warrior would have approached slowly had the interruption not taken place but since it had she hardly waited to even hear lord Pentre's command, snatching her helmet off of the table and rushing out the front door to give chase. Faolan scowled beneath her aventail; this was not going the way she wanted.
But once she was out the door realization dawned on her; the knight was no longer alone. She pushed it ajar once more to call back inside. "Follow me, both of you!" Tara gave a final nod to Merthyr's request and set about her already delayed pursuit.
((Sorry its not much of a post. Waiting on other scenes atm.))
But once she was out the door realization dawned on her; the knight was no longer alone. She pushed it ajar once more to call back inside. "Follow me, both of you!" Tara gave a final nod to Merthyr's request and set about her already delayed pursuit.
((Sorry its not much of a post. Waiting on other scenes atm.))
This was not at all what Iskra had wanted.
Her black cloak fluttered away, the pale woman having ditched the heavy wool to sprint through the snow; with her light skin, hair, and shirt, it made her hard to see as she dashed down the road, weaving between people. Her sash, however, was a vibrant shade of red, and the glittering earrings she wore flashed every so often as they caught the light; even in the snow she would be visible.
Perhaps captive was a little harsh, in her opinion. Yes, she had held Katja against her will, but she had done it for her own good; the Knight was stubborn like a bull, she would’ve worked herself to death with the shape she was in. Or at least worried herself there. Iskra had taken it upon herself to keep the woman where she believed it was safest, her own den, the hideout of the enemy. And now...
the Knight had run off.
Iskra gritted her teeth as she raced for the tree line; her horse waited there for her, along with her bow, if she could just make it there before anyone else caught up—!
Her black cloak fluttered away, the pale woman having ditched the heavy wool to sprint through the snow; with her light skin, hair, and shirt, it made her hard to see as she dashed down the road, weaving between people. Her sash, however, was a vibrant shade of red, and the glittering earrings she wore flashed every so often as they caught the light; even in the snow she would be visible.
Perhaps captive was a little harsh, in her opinion. Yes, she had held Katja against her will, but she had done it for her own good; the Knight was stubborn like a bull, she would’ve worked herself to death with the shape she was in. Or at least worried herself there. Iskra had taken it upon herself to keep the woman where she believed it was safest, her own den, the hideout of the enemy. And now...
the Knight had run off.
Iskra gritted her teeth as she raced for the tree line; her horse waited there for her, along with her bow, if she could just make it there before anyone else caught up—!
The harpy’s eyebrows shot up at Hilda’s offer. “Deal! Make that four meals if I catch them.” She replied with a cocky grin before stuffing one more slice of bread into her mouth and scampering to the open door Tara had just re-opened.
Atoli gave two joyful skipping hops before taking to the air on the third jump, flapping her wings. Being back in the open sky was a feeling beyond comparison, her lungs expanded as if breathing fully for the first time, feeling the crisp air.
When she was at a decent altitude her hawk-like eyes scanned the ground. What naturally drew her attention were those that were running. She followed the direction of where some of the king’s men were running and looked ahead to see a blonde female sprinting further ahead down the road. The harpy’s head cocked to the side as she watched. It seemed like she was not one of the chasers but the one being chased, and looked to be making a break for the forest.
Atoli flexed her clawed feet in preparation and flapped harder to close the distance. All she had to do was trip the little rabbit up long enough for the hounds to close in. Easy. She folded her wings and began a speedy decent to Iskra, and if her aim was true, would pull back to let her feet make contact with the woman, knocking her to the ground from the impact.
(However if Iskra noticed and reacted quick enough, Atoli would make contact with the ground nearby her in a flurry of feathers and talons.)
Atoli gave two joyful skipping hops before taking to the air on the third jump, flapping her wings. Being back in the open sky was a feeling beyond comparison, her lungs expanded as if breathing fully for the first time, feeling the crisp air.
When she was at a decent altitude her hawk-like eyes scanned the ground. What naturally drew her attention were those that were running. She followed the direction of where some of the king’s men were running and looked ahead to see a blonde female sprinting further ahead down the road. The harpy’s head cocked to the side as she watched. It seemed like she was not one of the chasers but the one being chased, and looked to be making a break for the forest.
Atoli flexed her clawed feet in preparation and flapped harder to close the distance. All she had to do was trip the little rabbit up long enough for the hounds to close in. Easy. She folded her wings and began a speedy decent to Iskra, and if her aim was true, would pull back to let her feet make contact with the woman, knocking her to the ground from the impact.
(However if Iskra noticed and reacted quick enough, Atoli would make contact with the ground nearby her in a flurry of feathers and talons.)
(( OOC king Merthyr is at the tavern with Lwyncelyne and other characters ))
Merthyr sighed resigned at Pentre's well made point and walked to the barracks to retrieve his items quickly, escorted by the knight who watched his every move like a hawk, and returned together to the tavern back to Otso
"I think I need a very stiff drink... I may have inadvertently put my friends in greater danger..." muttered Merthyr, feeling like he had been too naive to trust the stranger and perhaps, he had just let Taff's chances and Katja's chances at freedom slip through his fingers unawares
Once he had placed the order Merthyr returned his attentions to yet another customer now that Ave was at the tavern and beconed over tot he counter, he would have to question her too. He came to collect the parchments that he had carefully drawn about Grum and Taff and Katja, picking them up carefully from the now empty table and walked over to Ave and Otso's counter.
"Greetings villager, you're Ave... right? I was told by lord Pentre that you're at the bookshop... I know we are not very acquainted for royalty rarely visits every forsaken village in the realm but you have nothing to fear from me, if you could so kindly answer a question or two... have you seen any of these three? There is a bounty paid for information and a higher one for details on this bandit's chieftain called Grum..." explained Merthyr politely, laying down the three drawings side by side, the pictures facing Ave in the hopes to juggle her memories, tensely holding a breath as he awaited for a positive or negative answer.
"They have been gone about three weeks now... I know it is quite some time but if you can cast your mind back to the battle and war that happened here, maybe you can remember seeing their whereabouts, how many travelled with them? or the direction by which they left? any details are most helpful in our search" assured Merthyr. He had to hold his peace and give her time to examine the faces, the clothes, the colours and features and, more importantly, remember.... for all this happened quite a few days ago.
As he remained silent his eyes became fixed on Asgoth.... he would most definitely be questioning this shady character, who had every aspect of being a bandit and who knows, perhaps he was one of Grum's own bandits in disguise, perhaps one of Katja's men, or at least a traveller well acquainted with the area so as to know of lairs and caves, safe haven and hidden outposts where Grum could have taken Taff and Katja too. The young king was obviously assuming Grum was responsible for the absence of the pair of friends, Katja and Taff, and was keeping the both together.
Lwyncelyne left a poultice for Otso to give to each of the wounded warriors that had rushed to the chase, should they return, they had obviously rushed out in the name of duty and to escape from being bed bound and tied down to the cots at the medical infirmary.
She didn't have a lot of time, she had to return to the infirmary to focus on the groaning patients, well aware her hard work was never done until the last fallen man, woman and child were fully healed. A few had died but a good portion of patients were showing clear signs of recovery and improvement, her concealed magic having much part in that.
She had the king's word that the wounded knights and warriors would be sent to the healing house for inspection and that was good enough a bargain for now.
She locked her eyes on Asgoth, her elven magic warning her of dark forces at play with this particular customer but her curious nature and the desperate help needed at the infirmary, urged Lwyncelyne to come over to Asgoth and take a seat at his table to establish a conversation. If he was a magic wielder, he was needed at the healing house.
"Well... hello and welcome to Aftbide... I am lady Lwyncelyne, the healer... are you new to town? are you hurt in any way?" asked Lwyncelyne offering her services first and foremost
Merthyr sighed resigned at Pentre's well made point and walked to the barracks to retrieve his items quickly, escorted by the knight who watched his every move like a hawk, and returned together to the tavern back to Otso
"I think I need a very stiff drink... I may have inadvertently put my friends in greater danger..." muttered Merthyr, feeling like he had been too naive to trust the stranger and perhaps, he had just let Taff's chances and Katja's chances at freedom slip through his fingers unawares
Once he had placed the order Merthyr returned his attentions to yet another customer now that Ave was at the tavern and beconed over tot he counter, he would have to question her too. He came to collect the parchments that he had carefully drawn about Grum and Taff and Katja, picking them up carefully from the now empty table and walked over to Ave and Otso's counter.
"Greetings villager, you're Ave... right? I was told by lord Pentre that you're at the bookshop... I know we are not very acquainted for royalty rarely visits every forsaken village in the realm but you have nothing to fear from me, if you could so kindly answer a question or two... have you seen any of these three? There is a bounty paid for information and a higher one for details on this bandit's chieftain called Grum..." explained Merthyr politely, laying down the three drawings side by side, the pictures facing Ave in the hopes to juggle her memories, tensely holding a breath as he awaited for a positive or negative answer.
"They have been gone about three weeks now... I know it is quite some time but if you can cast your mind back to the battle and war that happened here, maybe you can remember seeing their whereabouts, how many travelled with them? or the direction by which they left? any details are most helpful in our search" assured Merthyr. He had to hold his peace and give her time to examine the faces, the clothes, the colours and features and, more importantly, remember.... for all this happened quite a few days ago.
As he remained silent his eyes became fixed on Asgoth.... he would most definitely be questioning this shady character, who had every aspect of being a bandit and who knows, perhaps he was one of Grum's own bandits in disguise, perhaps one of Katja's men, or at least a traveller well acquainted with the area so as to know of lairs and caves, safe haven and hidden outposts where Grum could have taken Taff and Katja too. The young king was obviously assuming Grum was responsible for the absence of the pair of friends, Katja and Taff, and was keeping the both together.
Lwyncelyne left a poultice for Otso to give to each of the wounded warriors that had rushed to the chase, should they return, they had obviously rushed out in the name of duty and to escape from being bed bound and tied down to the cots at the medical infirmary.
She didn't have a lot of time, she had to return to the infirmary to focus on the groaning patients, well aware her hard work was never done until the last fallen man, woman and child were fully healed. A few had died but a good portion of patients were showing clear signs of recovery and improvement, her concealed magic having much part in that.
She had the king's word that the wounded knights and warriors would be sent to the healing house for inspection and that was good enough a bargain for now.
She locked her eyes on Asgoth, her elven magic warning her of dark forces at play with this particular customer but her curious nature and the desperate help needed at the infirmary, urged Lwyncelyne to come over to Asgoth and take a seat at his table to establish a conversation. If he was a magic wielder, he was needed at the healing house.
"Well... hello and welcome to Aftbide... I am lady Lwyncelyne, the healer... are you new to town? are you hurt in any way?" asked Lwyncelyne offering her services first and foremost
Iskra looked back, only for a moment, her pale eyes widening at the sight of Atoli. "God da--!"
She brought her arms up quickly to brace herself, but Atoli's feet hit her arms square on, and the woman went falling backwards into the snow, her pale eyes staring dazed up to the sky. This was really going to be a pain in the neck to explain. And with the King there too...Iskra shut her eyes and let out a deep breath.
Maybe she should've just skipped the alcohol for once.
She brought her arms up quickly to brace herself, but Atoli's feet hit her arms square on, and the woman went falling backwards into the snow, her pale eyes staring dazed up to the sky. This was really going to be a pain in the neck to explain. And with the King there too...Iskra shut her eyes and let out a deep breath.
Maybe she should've just skipped the alcohol for once.
He looked at the healer with a vacant expression. "I do not require healing," he spoke, "though I hunger for more than men can give. That alone may be why I have come; to find what I require to exist." Continuing to eat his pottage, he made reference to the blade at his side. "You must be very brave, or very foolish, to have come at this time," he warned, "there are things to happen that are beyond your understanding, and I shall have no part in saying to stay or leave."
(( OOC Taff is at a random refuge / house found by Grum - unknown woman in the property as well as Grum - body switching spell still ongoing ))
Taff swallowed hard at Grum's half finished questions that contained a clear accusation in its intonation
"I did what I had to do given the circumstances... you were badly injured, you collapsed due to your serious wounds and blood loss, I had to do something quick... there is a beast outside, you know?... and your body is far too heavy for me to move you all by myself and drag you indoors into safety. So... I did what any healer would do... take over the patient's welfare first and foremost, by doing what sorcerers do, cast a spell and force a body switch. Don't panic though, it can be reversed.
Trust me, it was for the better, I have been able to heal your body much faster than you ever could heal by yourself, though I must admit that I feel somewhat clumsy in this bulky body of yours, and it is not used to holding magic inside either which makes me itchy... and..." trailed off Taff having given his explanation in a babble but lowering the voice for the important part
"I had to wake you up because we're in trouble and danger... in case you haven't noticed yet... not only I don't know how to fight... but... there's a stranger lurking around inside this very house, perhaps... you should do something about them?" whispered Taff wide eyed and alarmed
"You can't expect me to take up arms, I'm out of comfort zone on this one, admittedly with a large dose of fear too because I'm not good at fighting face to face... I'm a servant.... not a warrior... I am quite comfortable following orders, and I have no trouble tackling undead wraiths, lich and what not, countering magic is relative easy for me, but, this... stranger... this is flesh and bones, alive, talking and breathing, with a sword that cuts, bow and arrows that actually hurt" whispered Taff jabbing the thumb towards the direction the woman had gone towards
"If you don't sort it out... I can't concentrate... and if I can't concentrate... then you can't have your healed body back and you will be stuck inside my skinny scrawny body, feeling the bitter cold in the poor rags that cover it. A body which happens to contain magic too, to a lesser extent." simplified Taff his hands mildly but visibly shaking. "And if you don't know how to control magic then you could wreck havok by mistake and lands us in a whole new trouble... better you go over there and tackle this danger to give me an opportunity to calm down, relax, concentrate and put things right..." urged Taff mumbling quickly and lowly
"Lucky for you, magic enhances the senses and skills, including hearing, unfortunately for you, you just lost your bulky mass of muscles, swords will feel heavy never mind axes and the rest, so think of other ways to keep the both of us safe, the more nervous I get the more I chat away... in case you haven't noticed" murmured Taff turning to warm up his hands by the fireplace and cringing at the thought of how badly would Grum react to all that
"I don't know why I am telling you all this, why I helped you in the first place, well... I guess I am a coward and there was a beast out there... there may be more beasts out there, and if I try to run from you, they will get to me instead and tear my limbs apart and the fear of that forces me to seek refuge under your grasp and command. I am not sure why I am trusting you... a traitor to the crown... since consorting with you is now rendering my guilty of high treason by means of assisting a wanted criminal, but we are too late for moral and political discussions, we are in danger and we are in this together until we can switch bodies and part ways..." muttered Taff casting a spell to make the flames higher and tackle the bitter coldness, as casual as if blowing air.
Taff swallowed hard at Grum's half finished questions that contained a clear accusation in its intonation
"I did what I had to do given the circumstances... you were badly injured, you collapsed due to your serious wounds and blood loss, I had to do something quick... there is a beast outside, you know?... and your body is far too heavy for me to move you all by myself and drag you indoors into safety. So... I did what any healer would do... take over the patient's welfare first and foremost, by doing what sorcerers do, cast a spell and force a body switch. Don't panic though, it can be reversed.
Trust me, it was for the better, I have been able to heal your body much faster than you ever could heal by yourself, though I must admit that I feel somewhat clumsy in this bulky body of yours, and it is not used to holding magic inside either which makes me itchy... and..." trailed off Taff having given his explanation in a babble but lowering the voice for the important part
"I had to wake you up because we're in trouble and danger... in case you haven't noticed yet... not only I don't know how to fight... but... there's a stranger lurking around inside this very house, perhaps... you should do something about them?" whispered Taff wide eyed and alarmed
"You can't expect me to take up arms, I'm out of comfort zone on this one, admittedly with a large dose of fear too because I'm not good at fighting face to face... I'm a servant.... not a warrior... I am quite comfortable following orders, and I have no trouble tackling undead wraiths, lich and what not, countering magic is relative easy for me, but, this... stranger... this is flesh and bones, alive, talking and breathing, with a sword that cuts, bow and arrows that actually hurt" whispered Taff jabbing the thumb towards the direction the woman had gone towards
"If you don't sort it out... I can't concentrate... and if I can't concentrate... then you can't have your healed body back and you will be stuck inside my skinny scrawny body, feeling the bitter cold in the poor rags that cover it. A body which happens to contain magic too, to a lesser extent." simplified Taff his hands mildly but visibly shaking. "And if you don't know how to control magic then you could wreck havok by mistake and lands us in a whole new trouble... better you go over there and tackle this danger to give me an opportunity to calm down, relax, concentrate and put things right..." urged Taff mumbling quickly and lowly
"Lucky for you, magic enhances the senses and skills, including hearing, unfortunately for you, you just lost your bulky mass of muscles, swords will feel heavy never mind axes and the rest, so think of other ways to keep the both of us safe, the more nervous I get the more I chat away... in case you haven't noticed" murmured Taff turning to warm up his hands by the fireplace and cringing at the thought of how badly would Grum react to all that
"I don't know why I am telling you all this, why I helped you in the first place, well... I guess I am a coward and there was a beast out there... there may be more beasts out there, and if I try to run from you, they will get to me instead and tear my limbs apart and the fear of that forces me to seek refuge under your grasp and command. I am not sure why I am trusting you... a traitor to the crown... since consorting with you is now rendering my guilty of high treason by means of assisting a wanted criminal, but we are too late for moral and political discussions, we are in danger and we are in this together until we can switch bodies and part ways..." muttered Taff casting a spell to make the flames higher and tackle the bitter coldness, as casual as if blowing air.
The being considered the matter for just a second before deciding exactly what it wanted to do. The central house which according to Kerik held a small library sounded exactly like something they would want to see. Both Tom and Zafira loved knowledge, as they felt that the more they knew the easier it would be to avoid the one thing they feared above anything else.
Consequently, they nodded emphatically at the suggestion, giving the older man a huge grin as they did so. The smile was meant to be one of reassurance, however coming from the dual souls it could easily be interpreted in a more sinister fashion. Adding to the attempted reassurance they began to ask a few questions, trying to give an air of normality. "So how was life when you last came here? Was there lots of fun to be had or were you bandits rather boring when it came to moving around?"
Consequently, they nodded emphatically at the suggestion, giving the older man a huge grin as they did so. The smile was meant to be one of reassurance, however coming from the dual souls it could easily be interpreted in a more sinister fashion. Adding to the attempted reassurance they began to ask a few questions, trying to give an air of normality. "So how was life when you last came here? Was there lots of fun to be had or were you bandits rather boring when it came to moving around?"
The bandit nudged the brim of his collar against his neck after the chilled breeze nipped what was exposed. He smiled to his best ability back at the two; though he wasn't sure what they were thinking he was not a complete stranger anymore, and thus was doing his best to figure out what each smile meant. It still seemed creepy to him but at least it was getting easier.
"Uh... Well, that depends on who you are. Or were." He glanced back toward the tavern, catching sight of steel glinting in the morning gray. "Most of the fun had here was at others' expense. And I knew a lot of folks who had no problem with that." He grinned briefly; after all, as a bandit (or former bandit) he was supposed to enjoy that sort of sadism. Images resurfaced two seconds in and the smile faltered. He never could find the pleasure the others found in it.
"Uh, moving around? You mean before Aftbide was taken? Because, uh, we mostly just hid in the woods and stole from traders. I guess it isn't so fun after all, is it?"
_
Otso frowned with compassion towards the young king's plight but it was cut short by his mixed request. The old man scratched his chin as he tried to make sense of it, glancing at the dark ale he'd produced for the bandit king. And he had claimed he wouldn't serve a bandit again after this. As Lwyncelyne left the poultice he thanked the young woman and added, "A round on the house waits for you here, miss, for all the help you've been; especially for my Gabriel!"
"Your majesty... would you like it if I mix something in with your tea to ease the nerves?" Otso did not expect a response from the king to be immediate, since he was so busy with the other patrons but he did go to brew some tea. He took the dark ale with him, wondering what to do with it a moment before sending one of his daughters upstairs with it. The old man returned shortly with the piping hot beverage as well as a separate container of strong alcohol; something he figured might mix well with the hot drink.
_
As Tara sprinted across the muddy path she felt a repetitive sting from her shoulder. It would likely be bleeding by the time the chase was done. That was fine, she thought; the warrior would tend to the injury once Iskra was either captured or escaped. She didn't see Atoli soar overhead but did spot the harpy's shadow while she begun her descent and looked up just in time to see her new squire reach her quarry.
The sight of Iskra falling encouraged the warrior to pick up the pace; soon after she closed the distance and reached down to grab the collar of the bandit king's cloak. "Stay!" Tara warned. She could hear the footfalls of guards and knights behind her. She turned her head, reaching with her free hand to rest on the hilt of her blade, and called to them. "Do not attack her!"
Then she looked back at Iskra and spoke evenly. "Up. I need your help."
_
The minotaur-in-a-manservant's-body grimaced as Taff explained their situation and continued his tangent. Despite his intimidation being in a much smaller body the chieftain found it no easier to handle his own impatience. He reached down to brace himself against the hovel's floor and look around for the stranger.
The place was too dark to see much but he was certain nobody else was inside. Then he saw it; a blur of red hair racing across a window facing the back of the hut. He scrambled to get up, thoughts racing on his limited options. He hissed softly, "I don't know what you want me to do; you're the one with the big body now! Just-- just grab her or something!" But the figure was beyond the window, beyond the wall, near where the bear had gone to hide.
The bear rumbled with agitation but didn't vocalize the same way it had when it first saw the two. The stranger uttered a string of tsks and soothing whispers, kneeling beyond Taff and Grum's view to inspect the beast more closely. The bear growled again, pained. Still out of sight she began tending to the animal's injuries; with a moment passed the agonized noises the bear made lulled into silence.
Then the flash of red hair moved across the back window again. Then the front window. And then the shadows of the stranger's feet blocked the blue-gray light of the outside from peeking in beneath the door to the hovel. The chieftain spotted a stool near Taff and grabbed for it, holding it up as an improvised weapon and creeping beside the doorway in preparation.
"Uh... Well, that depends on who you are. Or were." He glanced back toward the tavern, catching sight of steel glinting in the morning gray. "Most of the fun had here was at others' expense. And I knew a lot of folks who had no problem with that." He grinned briefly; after all, as a bandit (or former bandit) he was supposed to enjoy that sort of sadism. Images resurfaced two seconds in and the smile faltered. He never could find the pleasure the others found in it.
"Uh, moving around? You mean before Aftbide was taken? Because, uh, we mostly just hid in the woods and stole from traders. I guess it isn't so fun after all, is it?"
_
Otso frowned with compassion towards the young king's plight but it was cut short by his mixed request. The old man scratched his chin as he tried to make sense of it, glancing at the dark ale he'd produced for the bandit king. And he had claimed he wouldn't serve a bandit again after this. As Lwyncelyne left the poultice he thanked the young woman and added, "A round on the house waits for you here, miss, for all the help you've been; especially for my Gabriel!"
"Your majesty... would you like it if I mix something in with your tea to ease the nerves?" Otso did not expect a response from the king to be immediate, since he was so busy with the other patrons but he did go to brew some tea. He took the dark ale with him, wondering what to do with it a moment before sending one of his daughters upstairs with it. The old man returned shortly with the piping hot beverage as well as a separate container of strong alcohol; something he figured might mix well with the hot drink.
_
As Tara sprinted across the muddy path she felt a repetitive sting from her shoulder. It would likely be bleeding by the time the chase was done. That was fine, she thought; the warrior would tend to the injury once Iskra was either captured or escaped. She didn't see Atoli soar overhead but did spot the harpy's shadow while she begun her descent and looked up just in time to see her new squire reach her quarry.
The sight of Iskra falling encouraged the warrior to pick up the pace; soon after she closed the distance and reached down to grab the collar of the bandit king's cloak. "Stay!" Tara warned. She could hear the footfalls of guards and knights behind her. She turned her head, reaching with her free hand to rest on the hilt of her blade, and called to them. "Do not attack her!"
Then she looked back at Iskra and spoke evenly. "Up. I need your help."
_
The minotaur-in-a-manservant's-body grimaced as Taff explained their situation and continued his tangent. Despite his intimidation being in a much smaller body the chieftain found it no easier to handle his own impatience. He reached down to brace himself against the hovel's floor and look around for the stranger.
The place was too dark to see much but he was certain nobody else was inside. Then he saw it; a blur of red hair racing across a window facing the back of the hut. He scrambled to get up, thoughts racing on his limited options. He hissed softly, "I don't know what you want me to do; you're the one with the big body now! Just-- just grab her or something!" But the figure was beyond the window, beyond the wall, near where the bear had gone to hide.
The bear rumbled with agitation but didn't vocalize the same way it had when it first saw the two. The stranger uttered a string of tsks and soothing whispers, kneeling beyond Taff and Grum's view to inspect the beast more closely. The bear growled again, pained. Still out of sight she began tending to the animal's injuries; with a moment passed the agonized noises the bear made lulled into silence.
Then the flash of red hair moved across the back window again. Then the front window. And then the shadows of the stranger's feet blocked the blue-gray light of the outside from peeking in beneath the door to the hovel. The chieftain spotted a stool near Taff and grabbed for it, holding it up as an improvised weapon and creeping beside the doorway in preparation.
"Onyx has been helping this town while Katja was ill, but don't think I'm above sending my men in to burn this place to dust." Of course, the woman jumped to threats first. Iskra never was the type for pleasantries, captured or not, and she gazed up into Tara's eyes before the other told her to stand. She did so, glaring, with her own hand on the hilt of her daggers, "You ought to let me go, voman, Katja may have liked you but I have no attachment. That woman is stubborn as a mule, she would have worked herself to further injury, or even death. Holding her captive was only way to get her to start recovering. And I know if I would've told you damned people I had her, those Knights would've been swarming my woods in search of my hideout."
Her blue eyes shifted to Atoli, and she sneered at the creature; while Iskra had her fair share of elves and orcs amongst her men, beings like nymphs and harpies were game to be hunted, only animals in her eyes (though after a run in with a rather powerful unicorn, she had since stopped hunting them). To the Bandit King, Atoli was a lesser being, "Harpy feathers make for rather nice quills, so I've heard. Not to mention your claws can go for quite a bit on the market. I'd watch your back if I vere you, beast. I'm quite talented with a bow, I'll knock you right out of the sky."
Iskra was on the offensive; the man who had come for her was running away, but there was always the possibility he would be bringing reinforcements now that she was in this situation. She glanced towards the trees where the man had run off to, and a smile crossed her lips, though much more sinister than any regular grin. Once again, she focused in on Tara, straightening her shoulders and turning her chin up at the woman, "Truthfully you don't deserve my help, knight. You deserve a blade to the gut, and a boot to the face." Even surrounded, Iskra was cocky and, truthfully, very egotistical. Though it was no doubt the Bandit King just might have the skills to back up her words; this was the woman Katja called upon for help, after all. The way she carried herself was very reminiscent of royalty, despite her rather.... rough appearance, she had the high-and-mighty attitude you would expect of someone born of a powerful family. Or in this case, a cold-blooded killer.
Her blue eyes shifted to Atoli, and she sneered at the creature; while Iskra had her fair share of elves and orcs amongst her men, beings like nymphs and harpies were game to be hunted, only animals in her eyes (though after a run in with a rather powerful unicorn, she had since stopped hunting them). To the Bandit King, Atoli was a lesser being, "Harpy feathers make for rather nice quills, so I've heard. Not to mention your claws can go for quite a bit on the market. I'd watch your back if I vere you, beast. I'm quite talented with a bow, I'll knock you right out of the sky."
Iskra was on the offensive; the man who had come for her was running away, but there was always the possibility he would be bringing reinforcements now that she was in this situation. She glanced towards the trees where the man had run off to, and a smile crossed her lips, though much more sinister than any regular grin. Once again, she focused in on Tara, straightening her shoulders and turning her chin up at the woman, "Truthfully you don't deserve my help, knight. You deserve a blade to the gut, and a boot to the face." Even surrounded, Iskra was cocky and, truthfully, very egotistical. Though it was no doubt the Bandit King just might have the skills to back up her words; this was the woman Katja called upon for help, after all. The way she carried herself was very reminiscent of royalty, despite her rather.... rough appearance, she had the high-and-mighty attitude you would expect of someone born of a powerful family. Or in this case, a cold-blooded killer.
Ave walked up to the bar and said to the bartender, "Give me a pint of the black stuff." Kich immediately objected,
"No. You know how you get when it comes to alcohol." Ave rolled her eyes,
"I haven't had anything in a long time and I wish to enjoy my night."
"No. You know how you get when it comes to alcohol." Ave rolled her eyes,
"I haven't had anything in a long time and I wish to enjoy my night."
Once the harpy made contact with Iskra’s arms and successfully knocked her over, Atoli landed neatly on the ground nearby. She put her hands on her hips victoriously and looked smugly at Tara when she arrived, giving her room as she spoke to the female bandit and told the other guards off.
Atoli met eyes with Iskra then, and when sneered at, she gave a toothy grin in return, clearly feeling superior. Her smile vanished as Iskra’s threatening comments sunk in, before crowing out a single harsh laugh; her emerald gaze was fiery. “Haw! You’re one to talk, who knocked over who? Who hunted who?” She sneered back at her, nose crinkling slightly as she bared her teeth in a much more menacing smile. “You’ve got pretty eyes... I bet you’d be surprised how easy it'd be to pluck 'em out. Good luck shooting anything outta the sky then.”
Atoli looked away, putting on an air of apathy towards the bandit; but despite herself the feathers on her shoulders had begun to bristle. She looked to Tara and asked, “Are you really asking for help from this she-wolf? Give me a day and I’ll suss out her little den of thieves.” Atoli followed Iskra’s gaze towards the woods and continued, “Judging by how easy she was to take down, it shouldn’t be too difficult.” She waved a hand dismissively at the bandit, but subtly changed her stance in case the female decided to attack; she didn’t like where the bandit had her hands.
Atoli met eyes with Iskra then, and when sneered at, she gave a toothy grin in return, clearly feeling superior. Her smile vanished as Iskra’s threatening comments sunk in, before crowing out a single harsh laugh; her emerald gaze was fiery. “Haw! You’re one to talk, who knocked over who? Who hunted who?” She sneered back at her, nose crinkling slightly as she bared her teeth in a much more menacing smile. “You’ve got pretty eyes... I bet you’d be surprised how easy it'd be to pluck 'em out. Good luck shooting anything outta the sky then.”
Atoli looked away, putting on an air of apathy towards the bandit; but despite herself the feathers on her shoulders had begun to bristle. She looked to Tara and asked, “Are you really asking for help from this she-wolf? Give me a day and I’ll suss out her little den of thieves.” Atoli followed Iskra’s gaze towards the woods and continued, “Judging by how easy she was to take down, it shouldn’t be too difficult.” She waved a hand dismissively at the bandit, but subtly changed her stance in case the female decided to attack; she didn’t like where the bandit had her hands.
Taff's jaw dropped open at Grum's words.
"Grab her? grab a woman?! Of course not! Crown slaves and royal servants are not allowed to lay a finger upon any maiden or damsel of the realm, I mean, what if someone was to see me doing such dishonest deeds, it would most definitely cost me my position for bringing the royal household into disrepute." gasped Taff horrified at the dishonourable suggestion
"Besides... there's also the matter of weaponry. Whilst I have no trouble tackling that which is of magic, wraith, lich and all, what we are looking at, is a living body, a woman of flesh and bones, that walks, thinks and talks and has bow and arrows that truly hurt. Don't know about you... but I rather not anger anyone who happens to hold a sword with a nasty pointy end" mumbled Taff
"Why don't we just walk away the both of us and get out of here? Your body is healed and so is mine, there really is no need to lurk around here any more... let's just go back to the village of Aftbide and surrender to the king.
If you hand me over alive and well, as I clearly am, the king will be merciful towards you, you'll live, I can... I can plead and intercede on your behalf and all" urged Taff
"I would have run away sooner, you know, but with bandits and beasts crawling through the forest it felt safer to stay with a wounded bandit. You were the lesser danger and now, being as you are... a scrawny bandit... you feel far more approachable..." determined Taff seeing a silver lining to the misshap.
"Take me home and I will return you, your body and have mine back, surely the reward is worth the effort? Don't you miss the warmth of your furry skin?" tempted Taff
"Till then and in the meantime, watch what you say and what you do, nobody would ever believe that body isn't me and you could... you know... compromise my honour..." muttered Taff talking to Grum as he layed down the proposal
"Grab her? grab a woman?! Of course not! Crown slaves and royal servants are not allowed to lay a finger upon any maiden or damsel of the realm, I mean, what if someone was to see me doing such dishonest deeds, it would most definitely cost me my position for bringing the royal household into disrepute." gasped Taff horrified at the dishonourable suggestion
"Besides... there's also the matter of weaponry. Whilst I have no trouble tackling that which is of magic, wraith, lich and all, what we are looking at, is a living body, a woman of flesh and bones, that walks, thinks and talks and has bow and arrows that truly hurt. Don't know about you... but I rather not anger anyone who happens to hold a sword with a nasty pointy end" mumbled Taff
"Why don't we just walk away the both of us and get out of here? Your body is healed and so is mine, there really is no need to lurk around here any more... let's just go back to the village of Aftbide and surrender to the king.
If you hand me over alive and well, as I clearly am, the king will be merciful towards you, you'll live, I can... I can plead and intercede on your behalf and all" urged Taff
"I would have run away sooner, you know, but with bandits and beasts crawling through the forest it felt safer to stay with a wounded bandit. You were the lesser danger and now, being as you are... a scrawny bandit... you feel far more approachable..." determined Taff seeing a silver lining to the misshap.
"Take me home and I will return you, your body and have mine back, surely the reward is worth the effort? Don't you miss the warmth of your furry skin?" tempted Taff
"Till then and in the meantime, watch what you say and what you do, nobody would ever believe that body isn't me and you could... you know... compromise my honour..." muttered Taff talking to Grum as he layed down the proposal
Tara wrinkled her nose at the bandit king's threat to burn the village but she strongly suspected the words were empty. It would hurt the bandits more to destroy Aftbide than it would to simply raid it, and after recent events the place had little to offer in plunder. She was well aware of Iskra's wandering hands but chose to keep her grip on her cloak anyway. When Sokol implied Katja's wounded state Tara's grip only tightened, though her expression beneath that helmet remained stoic.
"I don't expect courtesy from you, then. That's not important." She glanced at Atoli, nodding at her attentive nature though she was displeased by her fighting words. "I'm sure you could find it in the hour, if you followed that man, aye? And then we could tear it down and the village would have nothing to fear of Onyx again."
She looked back at Iskra, her tone stern rather than threatening. "There are thousands of soldiers in Aftbide. Rest assured that they won't hesitate if they find your camp. I wouldn't be able to stop them. You could be obstinate, stab me now and ruin your claim if you like, or... we can talk. I'm thinking maybe even strike a deal? And then if it suits you, you can try and stab me after all this business is settled." It was never something Faolan would admit but she rather admired Iskra's straight shoulders in the face of death and imprisonment; if she tried to do that, the warrior figured she might just look awkward instead.
One of the other knights scoffed nearby. "You're trying to strike a deal with this ruffian? We should just wipe them out and bring Katja back to the infirmary!"
_
Grum gawked at Taff while he explained why grabbing the red haired stranger was a bad idea. His nostrils flared-- a somewhat more comical expression on the manservant's face-- and he waved at the other wildly. "Who cares!? You are me right now, stupid! You're supposed to be dishonorable!" He hissed.
At the mention of giving up the chieftain folded his arms defensively. "Well, as long as you aren't up to violence I have no reason to listen to you. I'd be better off just fleeing and letting them kill you while I go into hiding."
The stranger's knuckles rapped loudly against the front door before a shuffling noise marked their movement away from it. Grum frowned; they hadn't opened it, as he had hoped. Getting a closer look at it the minotaur-in-Taff's-body realized that nothing was keeping it closed, however. He glanced at the servant before reaching for its handle and swinging it open carelessly, ducking back to its side.
And if Taff looked up he would see the woman from before, bow and arrow in each hand, flanked by a quieter, wounded bear. The creature lingered close to her side, so close that its ear brushed against her elbow gently. She stared at him with a furrowed brow, wide eyes betraying hurt and a frown.
"I don't expect courtesy from you, then. That's not important." She glanced at Atoli, nodding at her attentive nature though she was displeased by her fighting words. "I'm sure you could find it in the hour, if you followed that man, aye? And then we could tear it down and the village would have nothing to fear of Onyx again."
She looked back at Iskra, her tone stern rather than threatening. "There are thousands of soldiers in Aftbide. Rest assured that they won't hesitate if they find your camp. I wouldn't be able to stop them. You could be obstinate, stab me now and ruin your claim if you like, or... we can talk. I'm thinking maybe even strike a deal? And then if it suits you, you can try and stab me after all this business is settled." It was never something Faolan would admit but she rather admired Iskra's straight shoulders in the face of death and imprisonment; if she tried to do that, the warrior figured she might just look awkward instead.
One of the other knights scoffed nearby. "You're trying to strike a deal with this ruffian? We should just wipe them out and bring Katja back to the infirmary!"
_
Grum gawked at Taff while he explained why grabbing the red haired stranger was a bad idea. His nostrils flared-- a somewhat more comical expression on the manservant's face-- and he waved at the other wildly. "Who cares!? You are me right now, stupid! You're supposed to be dishonorable!" He hissed.
At the mention of giving up the chieftain folded his arms defensively. "Well, as long as you aren't up to violence I have no reason to listen to you. I'd be better off just fleeing and letting them kill you while I go into hiding."
The stranger's knuckles rapped loudly against the front door before a shuffling noise marked their movement away from it. Grum frowned; they hadn't opened it, as he had hoped. Getting a closer look at it the minotaur-in-Taff's-body realized that nothing was keeping it closed, however. He glanced at the servant before reaching for its handle and swinging it open carelessly, ducking back to its side.
And if Taff looked up he would see the woman from before, bow and arrow in each hand, flanked by a quieter, wounded bear. The creature lingered close to her side, so close that its ear brushed against her elbow gently. She stared at him with a furrowed brow, wide eyes betraying hurt and a frown.
The hybrid smiled back, the whole investigation of the town sounded like a huge amount of fun. Something it had sorely been lacking in when surrounded by the reanimated corpses back in the base. Lacking the knowledge to create any self sentient creations they all remained mostly puppets continually doing whatever task was assigned to them.
It considered Keriks answer for a second before shrugging, the whole movement flowing into a small excited jump. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
The words spoken and seeing no further reason to dawdle, the hybrid leapt into action. Marching off into town with the confident stride of someone who expected to be followed. For it did, since Kerik was in it's head the hybrids lieutenant, it just had forgotten to actually tell him that.
It considered Keriks answer for a second before shrugging, the whole movement flowing into a small excited jump. "What are we waiting for? Let's go!"
The words spoken and seeing no further reason to dawdle, the hybrid leapt into action. Marching off into town with the confident stride of someone who expected to be followed. For it did, since Kerik was in it's head the hybrids lieutenant, it just had forgotten to actually tell him that.
Taff raised an eyebrow at Grum in his body
"Given your permission to use aggression... I might just take you up on your offer and return you to the king, in the same forceful manner in which you took me from Aftbide and brought me here in the first place" smiled Taff as if merely following Grum's orders and ideas, opening his arms wide with every intention to grab Grum, swing him over the shoulder and carry him back by force, as if dragging a sack of potatoes over the shoulder. After all, he had the stamina and now the stronger body between the two of them.
If he was successful at that, he would seize Grum in his scrawny body, offer his apologies to the lady and march him back right away. Admittedly he was fearful of the beast and the woman, the house gave him the creeps and he just could not wait to be out of that uncomfortable shelter and situation altogether.
This stranger had walked into her house, without even addressing them, wandered about and now was returning the the beast as if it were a tamed hound... who knows if she was a witch and if they would be in greater trouble if they remained there any longer, Taff certainly was in no eagerness to find any of this out. The sooner they left, the better for them all.
"We can go to your other lairs, we will find other shelters along the way, right? Just tell me where your followers are hiding, I´ll take you there, switch, and walk away..." urged Taff making the plan already
"Given your permission to use aggression... I might just take you up on your offer and return you to the king, in the same forceful manner in which you took me from Aftbide and brought me here in the first place" smiled Taff as if merely following Grum's orders and ideas, opening his arms wide with every intention to grab Grum, swing him over the shoulder and carry him back by force, as if dragging a sack of potatoes over the shoulder. After all, he had the stamina and now the stronger body between the two of them.
If he was successful at that, he would seize Grum in his scrawny body, offer his apologies to the lady and march him back right away. Admittedly he was fearful of the beast and the woman, the house gave him the creeps and he just could not wait to be out of that uncomfortable shelter and situation altogether.
This stranger had walked into her house, without even addressing them, wandered about and now was returning the the beast as if it were a tamed hound... who knows if she was a witch and if they would be in greater trouble if they remained there any longer, Taff certainly was in no eagerness to find any of this out. The sooner they left, the better for them all.
"We can go to your other lairs, we will find other shelters along the way, right? Just tell me where your followers are hiding, I´ll take you there, switch, and walk away..." urged Taff making the plan already
Iskra’s grin was predatory, amused at the now tighter grip this Lady Knight had on her, “Oh? Little voman, you think I keep all my men in one hideout? Onyx is far more than just this. I simply spearhead everything from the mountains. Destroy that and you’ve got a couple tens of little groups, all without a leader to keep them under control.”
She had gone and flat out ignored Atoli, though her eyes flickered every so often to the beast, and she wrinkled her nose a bit at the idea of a proposition. Iskra never liked working in groups, or even cooperating with anyone; relying on others was too tedious, not to mention irresponsible. If you couldn’t do it alone, why try at all?
Before the woman could speak up, the Knight had put his word in; she sneered and laughed coldly, “Well, look who finally got the guts to speak up! I’ll let you all in on a little secret. While you’re holding me here, making a big fuss over my presence after everything Onyx has done for this town, including helping that bumbling magic man who came to find me in the vood, what that man came to tell me is Katja escaped. Currently, there is a very sick woman riding alone, heading god knows where- it certainly wasn’t here, or her camp. And considering her current state, I give that old hag maybe a week by herself. Unless the creatures of the wood get to her first.” Her next smile was much more coy, and she shrugged, “But what a shame, you’d rather entertain yourselves with a harmless Bandit, I don’t think those Knights are going to be too fond of Aftbide after their Knights allowed their sick leader to die alone, eaten by bears or attacked by the fae spirits at night.”
Iskra’s eyes glittered with joy, in the anger of others— especially at something she could not really be accused of — she found a special sort of pleasure, because the just and noble kind often would turn to take their anger out on something else, knowing she was not guilty.
She had gone and flat out ignored Atoli, though her eyes flickered every so often to the beast, and she wrinkled her nose a bit at the idea of a proposition. Iskra never liked working in groups, or even cooperating with anyone; relying on others was too tedious, not to mention irresponsible. If you couldn’t do it alone, why try at all?
Before the woman could speak up, the Knight had put his word in; she sneered and laughed coldly, “Well, look who finally got the guts to speak up! I’ll let you all in on a little secret. While you’re holding me here, making a big fuss over my presence after everything Onyx has done for this town, including helping that bumbling magic man who came to find me in the vood, what that man came to tell me is Katja escaped. Currently, there is a very sick woman riding alone, heading god knows where- it certainly wasn’t here, or her camp. And considering her current state, I give that old hag maybe a week by herself. Unless the creatures of the wood get to her first.” Her next smile was much more coy, and she shrugged, “But what a shame, you’d rather entertain yourselves with a harmless Bandit, I don’t think those Knights are going to be too fond of Aftbide after their Knights allowed their sick leader to die alone, eaten by bears or attacked by the fae spirits at night.”
Iskra’s eyes glittered with joy, in the anger of others— especially at something she could not really be accused of — she found a special sort of pleasure, because the just and noble kind often would turn to take their anger out on something else, knowing she was not guilty.
“I bet I could.” She replied to Tara and crossed her arms in front of herself, getting the vibe that the Woman Knight didn’t actually intend to send her off to follow the man into the woods. She listened to them and stayed where she was, and whenever Iskra glanced her way the harpy would leer back at her; at one point opening her mouth and sticking out her tongue in a “I can eat you” manner.
When Iskra brought up Katja’s name once more, she tilted her head and looked to Tara, asking, “Why is everyone making such a fuss over this ‘Katja’? She paused as Iskra continued, and blurted out afterwards as all the pieces came together, “Ohh! I see. She’s the Captain of the Knights? Huh. So many people to find... I have my work cut out for me.”
Atoli yawned and stretched casually. “Want me to go look for her now? You wouldn’t mind if I knock her off her horse if she runs like this one did, would ya?” She asked Tara, nodding towards Iskra as she did so. The harpy looked confident in her skill at finding what she wanted, and hoped she would be paid extra for tracking more people than what was agreed upon.
When Iskra brought up Katja’s name once more, she tilted her head and looked to Tara, asking, “Why is everyone making such a fuss over this ‘Katja’? She paused as Iskra continued, and blurted out afterwards as all the pieces came together, “Ohh! I see. She’s the Captain of the Knights? Huh. So many people to find... I have my work cut out for me.”
Atoli yawned and stretched casually. “Want me to go look for her now? You wouldn’t mind if I knock her off her horse if she runs like this one did, would ya?” She asked Tara, nodding towards Iskra as she did so. The harpy looked confident in her skill at finding what she wanted, and hoped she would be paid extra for tracking more people than what was agreed upon.
Kerik's eyes followed the confident hybrid as they made their decision and begun their march into town. He reached his right hand behind his collar, tucking it closer to his neck (more as a means to test if it could cover his head than anything comfort-related). It proved, just as before, not to be enough. So he scanned the horizon one more time and moved to follow them on their journey to the manor. Who knew if the soldiers would even allow their entry?
As the two made it partway from the edge of trees to the outer village some of the guards (those not occupied by the commotion elsewhere) begun watching them. The former bandit could see one of them not-so-subtly pointing at them to show their comrade on the dirt path. A few collected further down the way and watched, though otherwise didn't seem to have hostile intent.
_
Grum sputtered at Taff's sudden will to return him to the village. He grimaced at the servant occupying his body and waved his hand defensively in the other's direction. "You wouldn't!? Hold on now, you little--!" That was when he was unceremoniously scooped from the hovel floor and manhandled by his traveling companion. The chieftain did not hesitate to bark curses at him then, his cheeks red with anger and indignation. He pounded Taff's back futilely.
The movement out of the home did not seem to please the stranger. She took a step back-- her companion giving her room to finish the motion-- and nocked the arrow. Her aim seemed off however, and she didn't move to rectify it. The bear growled at them, more a warning than an act of aggression, as it shuffled and its lower lip quivered.
((This is all I have for now, will work on Tara's post soon.))
As the two made it partway from the edge of trees to the outer village some of the guards (those not occupied by the commotion elsewhere) begun watching them. The former bandit could see one of them not-so-subtly pointing at them to show their comrade on the dirt path. A few collected further down the way and watched, though otherwise didn't seem to have hostile intent.
_
Grum sputtered at Taff's sudden will to return him to the village. He grimaced at the servant occupying his body and waved his hand defensively in the other's direction. "You wouldn't!? Hold on now, you little--!" That was when he was unceremoniously scooped from the hovel floor and manhandled by his traveling companion. The chieftain did not hesitate to bark curses at him then, his cheeks red with anger and indignation. He pounded Taff's back futilely.
The movement out of the home did not seem to please the stranger. She took a step back-- her companion giving her room to finish the motion-- and nocked the arrow. Her aim seemed off however, and she didn't move to rectify it. The bear growled at them, more a warning than an act of aggression, as it shuffled and its lower lip quivered.
((This is all I have for now, will work on Tara's post soon.))
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