Kenjis attention filter in and out of following the conversation. They were trading, she knew. Trading the people? Her white eyes fixated upon Iskra and Atoli, her thoughts floating. She didn't know these beings, didn't know the history behind them, but she knew from general history that the trading of living beings never really ended well for one party or the other. Her pale, opalescent skin crawled, bringing goosebumps to life.
Her ears cocked back slightly, like an irritated felines, at the mention of trading dear Taff, and his 'pet'. Oh, these poor, poor fools are badly mistaken if they thought they'd be selling off Taff. The young lad had already been spoken for, his deal with the fae had been sealed. As for attempting to trade his 'pet', it was quite amusing to the little female with the flowing, pale hair. It'd be similar to saying, "I'll sell you the breeze." Or "Trade you the sun from the sky." She was a part of nature, not a thing to be owned.
Her dainty, warm hand placed itself over Taffs trembling one, squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
This whole ordeal was beginning to prick her spine, it made her uncomfortable and eager to split from this realm. The trade of beings was such a human thing, Kenji didn't want to bring herself near to it. This time when she glanced to the harpy and the sharp tongued woman, she felt a bit of remorse.
Her ears cocked back slightly, like an irritated felines, at the mention of trading dear Taff, and his 'pet'. Oh, these poor, poor fools are badly mistaken if they thought they'd be selling off Taff. The young lad had already been spoken for, his deal with the fae had been sealed. As for attempting to trade his 'pet', it was quite amusing to the little female with the flowing, pale hair. It'd be similar to saying, "I'll sell you the breeze." Or "Trade you the sun from the sky." She was a part of nature, not a thing to be owned.
Her dainty, warm hand placed itself over Taffs trembling one, squeezing his fingers reassuringly.
This whole ordeal was beginning to prick her spine, it made her uncomfortable and eager to split from this realm. The trade of beings was such a human thing, Kenji didn't want to bring herself near to it. This time when she glanced to the harpy and the sharp tongued woman, she felt a bit of remorse.
At Atoli's outburst Quintus leapt at her grabbing her quickly before pulling her back roughly, all the while taking care to not actually harm her. Menacingly he growled out loud, "You move again I'll cut you into chick fillet" before looking to Aynor and replying simply, "I've got her, you should focus instead of flirting, merc".
Pulling Atoli back to her spot carefully he placed his hand on her shoulder before whispering simply, "Calm, play along, trust me" before heading back to his spot, along the way he gave a quick nod to Taff, hopefully he'd understand it as one of reassurance. As he returned to his original position he lay against the wall, crossing his arms casually and examining the newcomers. All in all, not much more impressive in his eyes to the ones he'd killed back at the village. That meant if things fell apart, they wouldn't pose much of a threat to them...well, him at least.
"You must be Iskra's men, from her stories of your exploits I thought you'd be a bit more....Impressive. Names Quintus, patron Knight of the village of Alnwick....welcome to the party." he finished motioning to everyone in the barn.
Pulling Atoli back to her spot carefully he placed his hand on her shoulder before whispering simply, "Calm, play along, trust me" before heading back to his spot, along the way he gave a quick nod to Taff, hopefully he'd understand it as one of reassurance. As he returned to his original position he lay against the wall, crossing his arms casually and examining the newcomers. All in all, not much more impressive in his eyes to the ones he'd killed back at the village. That meant if things fell apart, they wouldn't pose much of a threat to them...well, him at least.
"You must be Iskra's men, from her stories of your exploits I thought you'd be a bit more....Impressive. Names Quintus, patron Knight of the village of Alnwick....welcome to the party." he finished motioning to everyone in the barn.
Aynor’s advances had Iskra on edge, the woman’s flustered expression a mix of fear and rage, more than anything. She was, to say the least, greatful for Atoli’s interruption, giving her a moment to breath and look to Alexei.
“I know you aren’t stupid enough to carry zhat much on you.” She said, her expression becoming much more plain; being around her clan did her well, it seemed, gave Iskra some feeling of control, even with the cuffs she wore.
“Afraid not, sir.” Alexei grumbled, “I apologize.” He hardly acknowledged Quintus, though Lev (who seemed to be the youngest of the bunch) did glare at him from the group.
Iskra’s brow wrinkled in thought. In her heart, Iskra was a bandit, a merciless Killer. She had killed women, and children before (though the latter usually left her quite a bit shaken and with nightmares, and it was a task she left to Dunsten usually). She had burned down homes and raided castles and betrayed her own nation for gold. For glory. But if there was one thing Iskra did that was remotely good, it was paying back favors.
Truthfully, she hated owing people. And the idea that, had Atoli not come across her body, Iskra might’ve died...that she owed her life to a harpy, of all creatures... it brought a faint flush of shame to her face. That wouldn’t do. She payed Quintus back for his help, by doing his best to keep Pentre off his back.
But then, came the comments about the prince. Iskra’s slate eyes suddenly widened, and it was like life had been breathed into her for a moment. She looked at Alexei in awe, “You caught prince...zhe prince?!”
“It appears so, Sir.” Alexei grinned, though the happiness of his smile wasn’t exactly pure. A ransom for a prince could be worth a lot...and a dead prince would cause pure chaos, that was certain. Iskra’s face twisted into a sneer that oozed confidence, the look of a King who had won his war and all its battles.
“Zhey shall pay 100 gold, for harpy. Zhat is all. More zhan you could get for her at any market.” Iskra nodded firmly, looking to Alexei to secure the payment. While Alexei complied without thought, her men stared, a bit awestruck at their leader’s behavior.
“Boss, we could kill these boys instantly, we can cut down eve—“
“Just obey my orders and be quiet.” She growled, already thinking. Iskra was sly, horribly so, and her eyes slid to Taff, “Alexei, if I am handed to Pentre, and I do not return, execute zhe prince and deliver his body to Pentre’s estate...I am going to barter with that prince and you’re going to help me, servant.” Her grin was like that of a cat, but a big one, ready to strike at a moments notice. This was the bandit king. Rash and overzealous, brutal and merciless. Sickening.
“I know you aren’t stupid enough to carry zhat much on you.” She said, her expression becoming much more plain; being around her clan did her well, it seemed, gave Iskra some feeling of control, even with the cuffs she wore.
“Afraid not, sir.” Alexei grumbled, “I apologize.” He hardly acknowledged Quintus, though Lev (who seemed to be the youngest of the bunch) did glare at him from the group.
Iskra’s brow wrinkled in thought. In her heart, Iskra was a bandit, a merciless Killer. She had killed women, and children before (though the latter usually left her quite a bit shaken and with nightmares, and it was a task she left to Dunsten usually). She had burned down homes and raided castles and betrayed her own nation for gold. For glory. But if there was one thing Iskra did that was remotely good, it was paying back favors.
Truthfully, she hated owing people. And the idea that, had Atoli not come across her body, Iskra might’ve died...that she owed her life to a harpy, of all creatures... it brought a faint flush of shame to her face. That wouldn’t do. She payed Quintus back for his help, by doing his best to keep Pentre off his back.
But then, came the comments about the prince. Iskra’s slate eyes suddenly widened, and it was like life had been breathed into her for a moment. She looked at Alexei in awe, “You caught prince...zhe prince?!”
“It appears so, Sir.” Alexei grinned, though the happiness of his smile wasn’t exactly pure. A ransom for a prince could be worth a lot...and a dead prince would cause pure chaos, that was certain. Iskra’s face twisted into a sneer that oozed confidence, the look of a King who had won his war and all its battles.
“Zhey shall pay 100 gold, for harpy. Zhat is all. More zhan you could get for her at any market.” Iskra nodded firmly, looking to Alexei to secure the payment. While Alexei complied without thought, her men stared, a bit awestruck at their leader’s behavior.
“Boss, we could kill these boys instantly, we can cut down eve—“
“Just obey my orders and be quiet.” She growled, already thinking. Iskra was sly, horribly so, and her eyes slid to Taff, “Alexei, if I am handed to Pentre, and I do not return, execute zhe prince and deliver his body to Pentre’s estate...I am going to barter with that prince and you’re going to help me, servant.” Her grin was like that of a cat, but a big one, ready to strike at a moments notice. This was the bandit king. Rash and overzealous, brutal and merciless. Sickening.
Jalsinter had hoped more would happen to help him understand what transpired there but what happened only increased his confusion. Clearly there was an exchange taking place (one that the knight felt at odds with) but without proper context the man suspected an interruption would only make matters worse. He glanced away while he tried to translate Quintus' words, settling on the assumption that the other 'knight' was demanding an explanation from him. It was just as well that he couldn't respond, then.
Jal shifted and frowned idly, not paying much attention until Aynor manhandled Iskra. The lights that had emanated from his armor were fading until he looked up; once he'd noticed they flared a bit and he moved a bit closer to the bandit. That was when Aynor stepped back, allowing Robin to lecture the bandit king. Then the first man moved right back to her and did it again, prompting the knight to speak bluntly in his own language; a demand that Aynor stop. He'd glanced in Atoli's direction when she started tossing things at him but looked away just as quickly; feeling that despite the language barrier the two at least had an understanding on this matter.
Then the Onyx bandits entered and Jal reluctantly resumed his observations, curling his hand into a fist (an effort to stop himself from trying to pick up Aynor and throw him out of the barn.)
((I know this post is a bit late to the party, sorry.))
Jal shifted and frowned idly, not paying much attention until Aynor manhandled Iskra. The lights that had emanated from his armor were fading until he looked up; once he'd noticed they flared a bit and he moved a bit closer to the bandit. That was when Aynor stepped back, allowing Robin to lecture the bandit king. Then the first man moved right back to her and did it again, prompting the knight to speak bluntly in his own language; a demand that Aynor stop. He'd glanced in Atoli's direction when she started tossing things at him but looked away just as quickly; feeling that despite the language barrier the two at least had an understanding on this matter.
Then the Onyx bandits entered and Jal reluctantly resumed his observations, curling his hand into a fist (an effort to stop himself from trying to pick up Aynor and throw him out of the barn.)
((I know this post is a bit late to the party, sorry.))
Robin smiled broadly and greedily as the heavy pouch was handed over
"Tell you what, I'll cut you a good deal then, seeing you're a regular customer. I'll have these one hundred for the lot then, Alexei. You can keep them all, 2 knights included" concluded Robin whistling at the men to depart at once
"Well, Onyx... pleasure doing business with you... madamme" muttered Robin saluting Iskra and Alexei and walking away, gutted and weary to actually be proven wrong and far too eager to make themselves scarce
Haldor and Glendale, Rufus and Bart, Matthew and Robin nodded more than satisfied with the sum, taking the 100 gold pieces and walking out of the door leaving them all behind to their luck and fortune and leaving no trace, quick to disappear into the wilderness
The ropes went up and across and they wandered away, back to the city's tavern. They had the sale done, there was no need to linger and make the female Onyx leader mad enough to have them swiftly killed.
Aynor remained behind in a sigh shaking his head at their quick disappearance, only to realise they had forgotten to hand over the keys to the shackles.
Aynor knelt before Iskra, taking her hands and wrists gently and sliding out the lock picking tool, quickly preying open the wrist and ankle cuffs and remove the chains.
"I ... believe... this is yours..." muttered Aynor returning her the weapons that the rogues had taken from Iskra and handing them back
"Tell you what, I'll cut you a good deal then, seeing you're a regular customer. I'll have these one hundred for the lot then, Alexei. You can keep them all, 2 knights included" concluded Robin whistling at the men to depart at once
"Well, Onyx... pleasure doing business with you... madamme" muttered Robin saluting Iskra and Alexei and walking away, gutted and weary to actually be proven wrong and far too eager to make themselves scarce
Haldor and Glendale, Rufus and Bart, Matthew and Robin nodded more than satisfied with the sum, taking the 100 gold pieces and walking out of the door leaving them all behind to their luck and fortune and leaving no trace, quick to disappear into the wilderness
The ropes went up and across and they wandered away, back to the city's tavern. They had the sale done, there was no need to linger and make the female Onyx leader mad enough to have them swiftly killed.
Aynor remained behind in a sigh shaking his head at their quick disappearance, only to realise they had forgotten to hand over the keys to the shackles.
Aynor knelt before Iskra, taking her hands and wrists gently and sliding out the lock picking tool, quickly preying open the wrist and ankle cuffs and remove the chains.
"I ... believe... this is yours..." muttered Aynor returning her the weapons that the rogues had taken from Iskra and handing them back
When Taff saw himself sold to Onyx yet again he trembled in fear, taking the fae's hand into his own and stroking her cheek gently
"Y.. you... will be fine... I promise." whispered Taff unsure if to send her away but longing to keep her, probably the only friendly companion he would have until they got to the bandit's lair.
These rogues had sold him, Quintus, Iskra and Atoli back to Alexei and Dunsten from whom he had barely managed to escape not a day before. Talk about bad luck turning more sour. Still he remained pressed against the dark corner, hoping to be overlooked by them all.
Strangely enough Aynor was still there, which puzzled him. Why wouldn't he leave too now that the trade was done?
"Y.. you... will be fine... I promise." whispered Taff unsure if to send her away but longing to keep her, probably the only friendly companion he would have until they got to the bandit's lair.
These rogues had sold him, Quintus, Iskra and Atoli back to Alexei and Dunsten from whom he had barely managed to escape not a day before. Talk about bad luck turning more sour. Still he remained pressed against the dark corner, hoping to be overlooked by them all.
Strangely enough Aynor was still there, which puzzled him. Why wouldn't he leave too now that the trade was done?
Iskra allowed herself to be freed, flexing her wrists and arms once she was able to. Her slate eyes moved to Aynor, an eyebrow quirked up at his lingering presence, and she accepted her weapons, securing them back on her body.
“Zhank you...” The woman mumbled, before straightening up and backhanding him. It was harsh, but judging on the confusion across her bandit’s faces, it was uncharacteristically gentle, “Zhat vas for zhe kiss.”
”He did what.” Dunsten had already moved for his weapon, but Iskra’s raised hand kept him from taking his action further.
“Vell, vhat are you vaiting for? Free the harpy. Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.” She regarded the half-charred shed with little care, and her voice made it clear she loathed the idea, but Iskra would not allow herself to be indebted to this creature.
“And zhen you may go....Unless you have ozher reasons for staying....?” Iskra folded her arms as Alexei removed his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. The exhaustion was beginning to become clear on her face, and with her damp clothes she was certainly cold. Her eyes slid to Taff in the corner, “Dunsten, seize zhe man over zhere. He travels vith us, but keep shackles on.”
Dunsten’s grin was wicked as he straightened up; he was a big man, towering over Iskra and wielding a rather brutal looking set of daggers, “My pleasure, Sir.” He quickly moved to grab Taff.
“Zhank you...” The woman mumbled, before straightening up and backhanding him. It was harsh, but judging on the confusion across her bandit’s faces, it was uncharacteristically gentle, “Zhat vas for zhe kiss.”
”He did what.” Dunsten had already moved for his weapon, but Iskra’s raised hand kept him from taking his action further.
“Vell, vhat are you vaiting for? Free the harpy. Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.” She regarded the half-charred shed with little care, and her voice made it clear she loathed the idea, but Iskra would not allow herself to be indebted to this creature.
“And zhen you may go....Unless you have ozher reasons for staying....?” Iskra folded her arms as Alexei removed his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders. The exhaustion was beginning to become clear on her face, and with her damp clothes she was certainly cold. Her eyes slid to Taff in the corner, “Dunsten, seize zhe man over zhere. He travels vith us, but keep shackles on.”
Dunsten’s grin was wicked as he straightened up; he was a big man, towering over Iskra and wielding a rather brutal looking set of daggers, “My pleasure, Sir.” He quickly moved to grab Taff.
Aynor lowered to unlock Atoli with as much quickness and easiness, clearly a very skilled man.
"I am here on the task of seizing Pentre, alive, on behalf of Mercia... and you, dearest, are the only reason that might lure him further into the forest and away from the crew and the knights. I figured my job is so much easier if I stalk the prey as it comes to the bait" simplified Aynor now talking the quest
"Two reasons hold me back, my commanding woman and my demanding job" informed Aynor placing another kiss and offering the other cheek
"Little price to pay for such great reward darling... few powerful like you go so easy." grinned Aynor hand to dagger in case her crew tried anything
"I am here on the task of seizing Pentre, alive, on behalf of Mercia... and you, dearest, are the only reason that might lure him further into the forest and away from the crew and the knights. I figured my job is so much easier if I stalk the prey as it comes to the bait" simplified Aynor now talking the quest
"Two reasons hold me back, my commanding woman and my demanding job" informed Aynor placing another kiss and offering the other cheek
"Little price to pay for such great reward darling... few powerful like you go so easy." grinned Aynor hand to dagger in case her crew tried anything
Hardly a moment passed after she kicked out did Quintus grab her. Pain throbbed through her sore wing at the rough movement. Without hesitation, the harpy snapped at the grabbers hand, her fangs clacking together ominously as she nearly sunk her teeth into him.
As Quintus’ threat rang in her ears she froze; the haze of rage lifted and her eyes widened with realization as she saw who grabbed her. Her breath came out in shallow puffs, listening as he whispered. Atoli sat where he placed her and stayed quiet, though she eyed Quintus after he walked away, her expression unreadable.
As the deal settled to 100 gold, Atoli watched the proceedings and remained pensive and silent.
“Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.”
Her eyebrows quirked up as Iskra spoke, and gave a small nervous smirk. “I think that’s the first time you’ve said my name.” As she was freed, she glanced to Quintus and wondered if this was his intended plan.
As Quintus’ threat rang in her ears she froze; the haze of rage lifted and her eyes widened with realization as she saw who grabbed her. Her breath came out in shallow puffs, listening as he whispered. Atoli sat where he placed her and stayed quiet, though she eyed Quintus after he walked away, her expression unreadable.
As the deal settled to 100 gold, Atoli watched the proceedings and remained pensive and silent.
“Atoli vill be staying vith Onyx for vinter...call it favor, for burning down...home.”
Her eyebrows quirked up as Iskra spoke, and gave a small nervous smirk. “I think that’s the first time you’ve said my name.” As she was freed, she glanced to Quintus and wondered if this was his intended plan.
Nope, that was not at all what he'd been expecting. Not necessarily a bad result, but not a great one either. Though the thought that the bandits had actually thought they had a say in the selling of him and the strange knight did give him a light chuckle it presented a new problem, the Prince. The reveal that Iskra's people had the Prince left Quintus with only a few choices for a future without Pentre or the bandits constantly harassing him. He'd have to follow the Bandits, play babysitter and negotiator, ensure the freeing of the Prince and then finally make it back home in time to do.... Town defense? trading? he'd cross that bridge when he got to it he supposed
Looking at the nervous wreck that was Taff he spoke up in a casual tone, "Relax, once we get back to their territory we'll negotiate the freeing of the Prince, after that I'll escort you both back and then we'll part ways." With his piece done he figured it was time to try to communicate the next step to the knight, moving towards the Knight he mimed a follow close motion as best he could before repeating himself in German. "In der Nähe folgen" he said, probably not fully correct but close enough to make sense of, he hoped.
That language barrier was going to be a problem, he could tell, though it did give rise to a second thought, The accent Iskra's voice carried had also seemed strangely familiar.....perhaps Russian? or a close dialect? in any case it would probably be prudent to listen in to any conversations she may have with her crew.....Which reminded him...
Moving over to her and her underlings he spoke up, "You know, you caused me a LOT of trouble today.....why didn't you just stay in the room like I told you? Pentre bought the bait and you would've been home free...Instead you made the situation go F.U.B.A.R......and broke my windows" he finished with a tired sigh and a frown hidden behind the visor. He'd have been angrier had he run into her earlier, but the long chase and escalation had resulted in his anger subsiding....he WAS still annoyed about his windows though.
Looking at the nervous wreck that was Taff he spoke up in a casual tone, "Relax, once we get back to their territory we'll negotiate the freeing of the Prince, after that I'll escort you both back and then we'll part ways." With his piece done he figured it was time to try to communicate the next step to the knight, moving towards the Knight he mimed a follow close motion as best he could before repeating himself in German. "In der Nähe folgen" he said, probably not fully correct but close enough to make sense of, he hoped.
That language barrier was going to be a problem, he could tell, though it did give rise to a second thought, The accent Iskra's voice carried had also seemed strangely familiar.....perhaps Russian? or a close dialect? in any case it would probably be prudent to listen in to any conversations she may have with her crew.....Which reminded him...
Moving over to her and her underlings he spoke up, "You know, you caused me a LOT of trouble today.....why didn't you just stay in the room like I told you? Pentre bought the bait and you would've been home free...Instead you made the situation go F.U.B.A.R......and broke my windows" he finished with a tired sigh and a frown hidden behind the visor. He'd have been angrier had he run into her earlier, but the long chase and escalation had resulted in his anger subsiding....he WAS still annoyed about his windows though.
Atoli’s words had distracted her enough that Aynor could slip his next kiss in, and her face flushed red. Lev mumbled something about her last lover getting murdered in his sleep, but surprisingly, no one moved. Maybe it had something to do with the wild smirk that had begun to grow on her face.
“Capturing Pentre? Lord Knight, Tron the Terrible? Oh goodness, vhy didn’t you just say...” The woman’s eyes glittered, their normally plain appearance brought to life by the prospect. She hardly paid attention to Quintus, instead her eyes were glued to Aynor; it seemed the kiss remained forgiven, for now. She couldn’t waste time, with this idea. No, it was far too tempting to assist in such a capture.
“I zhink Onyx vould be thrilled to assist in such manner...” Her eyes moved to Taff again, “And don’t vorry, if zhis all goes vell, I vill release prince vithout hesitation.”
Alexei, obviously seeing that Iskra wasn’t paying attention, turned to address Quintus, “Sir Iskra is...odd. I would say forgive her...”
“But she’ll do it again.” Lev cut in, shrugging, “it’s the kind of woman she is.”
“Capturing Pentre? Lord Knight, Tron the Terrible? Oh goodness, vhy didn’t you just say...” The woman’s eyes glittered, their normally plain appearance brought to life by the prospect. She hardly paid attention to Quintus, instead her eyes were glued to Aynor; it seemed the kiss remained forgiven, for now. She couldn’t waste time, with this idea. No, it was far too tempting to assist in such a capture.
“I zhink Onyx vould be thrilled to assist in such manner...” Her eyes moved to Taff again, “And don’t vorry, if zhis all goes vell, I vill release prince vithout hesitation.”
Alexei, obviously seeing that Iskra wasn’t paying attention, turned to address Quintus, “Sir Iskra is...odd. I would say forgive her...”
“But she’ll do it again.” Lev cut in, shrugging, “it’s the kind of woman she is.”
Aynor was suprised at her immediate cooperation. Her wild smirk was clear proof that she was certainly willing, nay, keen to partake in the capture of the infamous lord knight.
"Uhmm I just need you and some ropes and a net, the rope around your wrists is to lure Tron, the net is to toss it at him. Don't worry I promise you will not be harmed... too much..." assured Aynor calmly
"Play the captive well, let me seize him securely, and you won't have to put up with me or him further than strictly as necessary" assured Aynor in a clear Mercian accent as he felt more relaxed
"Uhmm I just need you and some ropes and a net, the rope around your wrists is to lure Tron, the net is to toss it at him. Don't worry I promise you will not be harmed... too much..." assured Aynor calmly
"Play the captive well, let me seize him securely, and you won't have to put up with me or him further than strictly as necessary" assured Aynor in a clear Mercian accent as he felt more relaxed
Atoli’s eyebrows remained raised as she watched Iskra and Aynor, surprised the woman wasn’t tearing the man apart for his brazen actions. The harpy girl got to her feet, picked up the single satchel she had saved from the fire, and stood by Quintus as he spoke to the wizard. She followed after him like a duckling as he moved around the barn.
When he stopped, and spoke with the others, she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a piece of jerky to gnaw on. After a brief pause she hesitantly took out a second piece and tapped it against Quintus’ armor, offering it wordlessly before asking, “So you’re coming with too, then?”
When he stopped, and spoke with the others, she rummaged through the bag and pulled out a piece of jerky to gnaw on. After a brief pause she hesitantly took out a second piece and tapped it against Quintus’ armor, offering it wordlessly before asking, “So you’re coming with too, then?”
Quintus frowned behind his helmet, part of him wanted to respond but her underlings words probably had merit. Watching her begin scheming with Aynor, Quintus simply nodded to the two bandits before a soft tap brought his attention to Atoli's outstretched offering. Taking the jerky he stated a simple thanks before thinking over whether to remove his helmet or not.
"So you're coming too, then?" the small harpy asked him. Removing his helmet and taking in the fresh night air he simply stared forwards before responding, "yeah, I suppose I am" before taking a bite out of the jerky. It brought him pause, he had to admit, it was damn good. Smiling he turned towards Atoli deciding to offer some praise, "Did you make this? It's really good. Haven't tasted something this delightful in ages"
"So you're coming too, then?" the small harpy asked him. Removing his helmet and taking in the fresh night air he simply stared forwards before responding, "yeah, I suppose I am" before taking a bite out of the jerky. It brought him pause, he had to admit, it was damn good. Smiling he turned towards Atoli deciding to offer some praise, "Did you make this? It's really good. Haven't tasted something this delightful in ages"
“Rope and net? Simple enough,” she snapped her fingers at Alexei, who huffed in response and went searching around.
Iskra turned to Dunsten and the others, speaking quietly to them in her home language; she felt more comfortable now that Quintus had taken his strange helmet off, but she wasn’t risking it, so she kept their words between them. But judging on her hand motions, she was explaining the plan to them.
When Alexei had managed to find what they needed, he came back, handing the net to Aynor with a hesitant glare. Lev bound Iskra’s hands together carefully, lacing the rope up around her neck to make it extra tight, and also convincing. After all, a woman like Iskra had already displayed her prowess at running and escaping, “This will look more believable. Careful you don’t choke her too much.” Alexei said firmly, again not too pleased with Iskra’s cooperation in this scheme.
“She might fall in love with you, if that’s the case.” Lev snorted, to which, again, the younger man received a few elbows and a good punch to the gut as a response. He was the youngest of the bunch, and had a loose mouth like Iskra did. Whatever came to mind, he seemed to spit it right out.
Iskra grumbled at being bound once more, being cautious of how she moved so she didn’t choke herself, “V-Vell...get zhat mage and fae to drop vall... before I drop instead.”
Iskra turned to Dunsten and the others, speaking quietly to them in her home language; she felt more comfortable now that Quintus had taken his strange helmet off, but she wasn’t risking it, so she kept their words between them. But judging on her hand motions, she was explaining the plan to them.
When Alexei had managed to find what they needed, he came back, handing the net to Aynor with a hesitant glare. Lev bound Iskra’s hands together carefully, lacing the rope up around her neck to make it extra tight, and also convincing. After all, a woman like Iskra had already displayed her prowess at running and escaping, “This will look more believable. Careful you don’t choke her too much.” Alexei said firmly, again not too pleased with Iskra’s cooperation in this scheme.
“She might fall in love with you, if that’s the case.” Lev snorted, to which, again, the younger man received a few elbows and a good punch to the gut as a response. He was the youngest of the bunch, and had a loose mouth like Iskra did. Whatever came to mind, he seemed to spit it right out.
Iskra grumbled at being bound once more, being cautious of how she moved so she didn’t choke herself, “V-Vell...get zhat mage and fae to drop vall... before I drop instead.”
The knight kept his eye on Aynor as the mood of the negotiations turned. He did hear Quintus' words, however, and put it together well enough to fall behind the smaller man. He mumbled something, perhaps only loud enough that he might hear, though his words were still unintelligible. The tapping Atoli made against Quin's armor drew his attention briefly but he just as quickly looked away.
Then he actually smelled what the two were trading. Jal looked down again, watching the two eat rather closely. He reached for his belt impulsively, finding an emptiness where something (perhaps a bag?) used to be, and sighed. He lowered his hands again and continued to observe.
((Blart))
Then he actually smelled what the two were trading. Jal looked down again, watching the two eat rather closely. He reached for his belt impulsively, finding an emptiness where something (perhaps a bag?) used to be, and sighed. He lowered his hands again and continued to observe.
((Blart))
Taff immediately stiffened at her command to make the wall disappear and shook his head in refusal, crossing his arms in clear defiance at the given orders.
"Not happening. The wall will not vanish until I have seen for myself that the prince is still in one piece, alive, and in your care. For all I know these thugs could have killed him already for his refusal to follow orders or sold him off for the matter. You, yourself have yet to see his face.
I do not trust slavers, tricksters, thugs, thieves, bandits, assassins, torturers, rogues, dubious lords, corrupted guards... and the rest of them" informed Taff refusing to budge on the matter
This would make the trip back to the bandits lair all the more... interesting... with Iskra bound as she was, but it was imperative for Taff to ascertain the prince was still there, alive and breathing. If Aynor failed and Pentre turned tables on them he may well kill Iskra this time round and then Merthyr might pay the ultimate price. No no, stakes were much too high to simply endanger Iskra.
"Not happening. The wall will not vanish until I have seen for myself that the prince is still in one piece, alive, and in your care. For all I know these thugs could have killed him already for his refusal to follow orders or sold him off for the matter. You, yourself have yet to see his face.
I do not trust slavers, tricksters, thugs, thieves, bandits, assassins, torturers, rogues, dubious lords, corrupted guards... and the rest of them" informed Taff refusing to budge on the matter
This would make the trip back to the bandits lair all the more... interesting... with Iskra bound as she was, but it was imperative for Taff to ascertain the prince was still there, alive and breathing. If Aynor failed and Pentre turned tables on them he may well kill Iskra this time round and then Merthyr might pay the ultimate price. No no, stakes were much too high to simply endanger Iskra.
As Quintus took the jerky, Atoli gave a small satisfied smile. She glanced at Jalsinter as she felt his eyes on them. Her eyes narrowed at the tall knight for a moment before she clutched her satchel protectively and scooted around to the other side of Quintus, using him as a barrier.
She looked back to Quintus as he gave her praise for the jerky and perked up proudly as if she had actually made it; rather than stole it from a town’s store house. “You can have more if you like. I did have more than just this bag until recently…” She looked pointedly at Iskra.
When she looked at the woman and saw her tied up, the harpy guffawed noisily. “Hawhaw! All trussed up like a turkey dinner! What a plan this is.” She grinned, looking amused and amiable now that she was no longer considered a captive.
She looked back to Quintus as he gave her praise for the jerky and perked up proudly as if she had actually made it; rather than stole it from a town’s store house. “You can have more if you like. I did have more than just this bag until recently…” She looked pointedly at Iskra.
When she looked at the woman and saw her tied up, the harpy guffawed noisily. “Hawhaw! All trussed up like a turkey dinner! What a plan this is.” She grinned, looking amused and amiable now that she was no longer considered a captive.
Quintus chuckled at Atoli's protectiveness over her food, "thank you Atoli, though it might be best to save it if it's really all you have left...." her pointed look directed at Iskra placed him into thought, a question rearing its head in his mind causing a small frown to be born. Looking at the burnt out barn and back at Atoli he placed two and two together. Her home or at least food stores had likely been there.
"The barn was your home I'm guessing?" he said whilst mulling over his next words carefully, "any plans for it when this is all done?"
Whilst waiting for a reply his eyes traveled back to Iskra and the others, regardless of what their plans were Quintus would see that they made it through. he spoke up, "It would be prudent if we made a choice sooner rather than later. Every moment wasted is another that Pentre has to find a way past the wall."
"The barn was your home I'm guessing?" he said whilst mulling over his next words carefully, "any plans for it when this is all done?"
Whilst waiting for a reply his eyes traveled back to Iskra and the others, regardless of what their plans were Quintus would see that they made it through. he spoke up, "It would be prudent if we made a choice sooner rather than later. Every moment wasted is another that Pentre has to find a way past the wall."
Iskra glared at Taff, But when Atoli made her jeer the woman shifted, letting out a harsh cough when she yanked on the ropes that bound her, the coughing and struggling only making it worse as she eventually just lowered herself to the ground, sitting and attempting to calm down. She was used to having ropes around her neck, but with it attached to herself, it made it difficult to be impulsive and threatening.
“How much does that prince weigh? Maybe Wyvern can carry him...?”
“Not vith chest bound...” Iskra grumbled, “Zhose vounds he carved arent healed yet. And I vill not let the damned brat open zhem up. Again.” She sighed, “Vell, a deal must be made. In order to get out and see your prince, zhis wall must be dropped.
If you drop vall, ve can all head to horses before Pentre sees. Pentre vill give chase, and ve split up. Quintus, Lev, and ozhers vill guide you to hideout. I promise on my own life zhey vill cause no harm. Aynor, Alexei and myself vill lure Pentre away. Sadly, ve do not have time to entertain you nobles.” Iskra scowled, “But zhis is only vay I agree. Or ve can all vait for Pentre comes for my neck and your prince loses his own.”
“How much does that prince weigh? Maybe Wyvern can carry him...?”
“Not vith chest bound...” Iskra grumbled, “Zhose vounds he carved arent healed yet. And I vill not let the damned brat open zhem up. Again.” She sighed, “Vell, a deal must be made. In order to get out and see your prince, zhis wall must be dropped.
If you drop vall, ve can all head to horses before Pentre sees. Pentre vill give chase, and ve split up. Quintus, Lev, and ozhers vill guide you to hideout. I promise on my own life zhey vill cause no harm. Aynor, Alexei and myself vill lure Pentre away. Sadly, ve do not have time to entertain you nobles.” Iskra scowled, “But zhis is only vay I agree. Or ve can all vait for Pentre comes for my neck and your prince loses his own.”
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