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Before the small flotilla sails, Mandrake manages to find some time with Richard Briganda, to ask about his new duties, Who responds "Yes, Hire a scribe - who ever suits you - just remember that who ever you hire needs to be up to the job though. She needs to do more than sit on you knee and take things down." He says with a wink, drawing laughter from those around him. "As for the seal - yes I will get one made up - you will need it to authenticate patents and other documents." Callum touts his new dagger around the good and the great, asking them if there is any significance in it. Most look at it and declare that it is a nice blade and should have some value, and couple of them suggest that it is of remarkably fine manufacture. Eventually it is Jesse, who participated in the ceremony and was with you when you slew the dogheads after the hunt that looks at it closely. After careful examination, Jesse casts a spell and comments "It definitely has some power in it and is mystical after a fashion, although I can tell you no more than that. It seems you earned a well deserved trinket during the hunt." Finally, you are ready to board the Curragh. Kerim is already there trying to learn the ropes of this new craft and soon Ravn joins him. The three-man crew don't seem to mind too much, even though there are a couple of extra hands and things don't always go right, they get the vessel underway. There is room aboard for Laddie, but the horses and mules must be left on the mainland, and one of the men has been detailed to make sure they are all right while you are away. As you climb aboard you notice there is a woman already sitting on one of the plank seats, she is wearing a pale green dress, with a darker green cloak thrown over the top and has creamy caramel skin and dark hair. She seems to be mumbling something to a bulge in her cloak..... She joins you as you disembark It doesn't take long and in about 30 minutes you are at the island, the Curragh pulls up to a quay - still functioning, but seen better days - and you disembark. At the end of the quay is a statue of a Gnome in armour, short sword drawn and stabbing at an imaginary for. At the other end of the Quay is a gravelled area with a number of buildings off of it, all of which are fairly dilapidated. Most of the walls are still standing but there are holes in the roofs and plants growing where they shouldn't be. There is a single fortified building with three towers, a couple of roundhouses and a couple of square form buildings. OOC map on the web site or at http://www.romain.dircon.co.uk/RolePlay/GaliniaGame/TasBardonRuin.jpg |
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In the beginning, working the ropes of the curragh in the salty breeze makes Ravn feel significantly better after the moist trials of the previous evening. Compared to the knarrs that he is accustomed to the curragh is an uneasy vessel, though, not at all shearing the surf like a slender longboat but rather ramping it, hopping from wave to wave like a cork in a boiling cauldron the instant it leaves the shore. At least to Ravn, it feels that way. The trip, thank Odin! is but a short one, and when he sets foot on the island’s pier his bowel still holds his entire breakfast, just barely. By all the leaves on Yggdrasil! How do these Celts manage to negotiate longer distances? And today was still weather! In an effort to regain his focus and balance Ravn looks at the gnome statue at the end of the pier. Impressive detail. Surely, this image must represent some creature of legend, some hero of the past? He searches his mind for stories of heroic gnomes, not really his keenest area of interest, but then again... Maybe that Mandrake fellow knows? He scratches his thin beard as he looks at Mandrake with visible thoughtfulness on his frowned forehead, then returns his gaze to the statue to look for inscriptions or anything identifying the motif and/or the sculptor. |
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Kerim takes note of Ravn's dislike for anything that is not Odin or of his nations origin, and being himself an outsider in anothers lands he offers advice, though unsought. "Ravn, follower of Odin, if it is your duty to bemoan all that is seen then I believe you must intend to keep your eyes shut, a perilous activity in these hostile lands. Whilst I may not understand or indeed may never understand these cultures it does not mean I cannot benefit from them where I can. My peoples teach pity for those who's fate it is to never know other than that which they already know." It is obvious the comments are not meant as insult or reprimand from the tone of Kerim's voice, however it lacks the charismatic eloquence the more poetic in the party display, though this of course could simply be cultural interpretations. |
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His attention turned from the intricacies of the statue by the travelling merchant’s gentle voice, Ravn first studies the dark stranger before answering. Although of smaller stature than himself the Midani gives an impression of bodily strength and his green eyes look very aware and intelligent. Rather than rewarding Kerim with the response a more ferocious believer would doubtlessly have given to someone suggesting that a follower of Odin be a whining moaner, the runecaster repays the merchant’s gentle manner with an equally gentle smile. "If one does not understand peoples’ minds then perhaps one should not preach to their spirits, either, merchant, but settle for their purses until one does." Ravn reaches his hand to Kerim in greeting - he is, after all, the Constable's hirdsman and thus must be worthy of some respect. "Telling the blind man that he cannot see only mocks his loss. As for that which I do not already know, I suggest you open my blinded eyes by telling me your name?" |
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Elsbeth, the newest Squire in Richard's service, is deep in thought much of the short voyage. Although its obvious that the maiden dislikes sea travel, she merely sits and ignores her own discomfort, humming softly to herself. Her eyes miss little, from her good friends to the newcomers. The darker skinned woman catches her eye, but at the moment the druid is too in her own thoughts to bother to approach her. Perhaps later. Once on the island, she steps off the boat and sees the Gnome statue, admiring the craftsmenship. Like others, she wonders who it is. From where she stands, she cannot help but overhear the conversation between Kerim and the Norseman. At the Norseman's response, she can't help but giggle as she stands nearby and listens. |
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The statue is is obviously old and slightly weathered with lichen and moss growing on it, but of good craftsmanship. It stands on a simple rock plinth, that is obviously of different manufacture. There are no markings that might indicate the sculptor or purpose of the statue. |
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Madelyn climbs aboard the curragh after the others, and places her backpack in the centre of the boat, out of people’s way. She settles herself down on one of the benches. She notices the newcomer opposite, and is about to say something when a bout of shame overcomes her as she remembers the black rag that she must wear. She sits silently her eyes darting between these people that have become her friends. Just as they arrive at the islands dock, her eyes settle on Elsbeth. She has not had much chance to talk to the young woman of late, and with everything that has happened over the last day or so, she feels a pang of guilt at neglecting her. The young woman doesn’t look happy, she looks as if the weight of the world rests on her shoulders. As the curragh docks, she lifts her pack and climbs ashore. Looking around she walks over to the statue, which seems to have caught everyone’s eye. Standing next to Elsbeth she gently puts her hand on her arm, so as not to startle before asking, "are you OK Elsbeth? You seemed to be miles away back there on the boat, and I have been so wrapped up in my own trials of late, I feel that I have let you down" |
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Climbing out of the boat proved a lot easier than getting into it for one so small and Mandrake jumped onto the jetty. Seeing the statue his curiosity is immediately tweaked, but this time he manages to keep a check on himself and rather than rushing off to investigate, he holds back and awaits Rolf’s orders, and perhaps also for some more beefy warriors to check secure the beachhead. As others venture to and past the statue, Mandrake is just behind them, stopping to examine the curiosity closely, to check the workmanship and to look for any writings in the statue or plinth. The interesting pose strikes him, especially in the absence of a counter to the gnome, the terrifying opponent to balance the composition and the thought crosses his mind that perhaps this is a poor unfortunate turned to stone by the opponent who then simply walked past it. |
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Peter takes the boat trip quietly, sitting amidships keeping the supplies stable and then oversees the unloading as they dock. When that is done, he walks over to where the rest are inspecting the statue. |
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Elsbeth turns and embraces Madelyn, meeting her eyes before pulling away. She steps back a few steps from the other two so as not to bother them. "You've not been letting me down," Elsbeth replies almost in a whisper, shrugging. "Miles away? Perhaps. I've alot to be thinking about." Elsbeth looks as if she is about to say something, stops herself and then starts again. "And are you and Rolf finally getting along?" If possible, her voice is even quieter. |
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Madelyn smiles as the young woman embraces her, this is the Elsbeth that she knows and loves. "I've a lot to be thinking about." "Can I help you out with that thinking? I should be here more for you", she says before adding, "I’m sorry, maybe soon we will find time to sit and talk, but that seems to be a problem at the moment". With this she looks inland at the dilapidated buildings that they have yet to face and sighs, before turning back to face Elsbeth. "Time really seems to be something we haven’t had of late" "And are you and Rolf finally getting along?" "It seems to be better, but again we need to find the time to get to know each other better. He was very upset at hearing the truth of what happened back at the swamp, and I don’t know if he will ever trust me again", her fingers unknowingly finger the end of the black rag tied around her head! |
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"Rolf's an honorable man," Elsbeth replies quickly. "Though being lied to is something that strikes such a lad deep, he'll be comin' around when he sees you accepting your blame and workin' to be makin' it better. He'll see what I see and be comin' around, I promise." The woman hesitates, not meeting Madelyn's eyes. "I... I'm not sure you can be helping me with the thinkin' part though," she admits. "I'm not the kind to be wanting to interfere, if you know what I be meaning." Elsbeth bites her lip. "I mean, I don't want to be getting between the two of you. Rolf and you, I be meaning." |
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A look of concern crosses Madelyn’s face and seeing the difficulty Elsbeth is having she takes the woman’s arm and guides her away from the others, so that they may talk without being overheard. "What do you mean Elsbeth, what is it that is troubling you?" |
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Elsbeth blushes a deep red, darker than her auburn tresses. She still looks at the ground, not meeting the other woman's eyes. "I be meaning... I mean, I'm not..." Her voice breaks off as she takes a breath. "I'm meaning that... when ye be attracted to one, and ye be knowing that the other likes someone else... then ye don't be wanting to get in the way of them just for yourself..." she stammers softly. |
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Madelyn is uncomfortable with the young woman’s embarrassment, but listens intently to what she has to say … "Oh Elsbeth", she gasps before throwing her arms around the young woman. They stay like that for what seems to be an eternity, just holding each other like they are the last people on earth. A tear falls from Madelyn’s eye, but she is not sure if it is of joy or of sadness. "I never knew you felt this way", she says quietly, "You should have told me sooner" |
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Elsbeth buries her face in the other woman's shoulder, shaking. "I... I didn't know for sure," she whispers. "Maybe it was... back in the swamp. I'm not sure what I know or what I be feeling." She takes a shuddering breath. "I've never been one to be liking the girls before, but I... I don't know now. And I couldn't be telling you because you're liking Rolf and I'm not sure and I'm so confused..." She holds Madelyn tighter. "I'm so sorry," she whispers. |
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Stroking the young woman’s hair in the hope of calming her down. "It’s OK", she whispers gently, "it’s OK, we will work this out. There is nothing to be sorry about". She lets go of Elsbeth and steps back to look at the young woman she is so beautiful she thinks to herself. Gently wiping the tears from Elsbeth’s face she says with a flutter to her voice, "Elsbeth I have felt … I feel the same way about you too. I have been so confused, but I care deeply for Rolf too …", a quick glance over to check that they aren’t required before continuing, "I do not know what to do for the best" |
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Elsbeth meets Madelyn's eyes, still flushed, trying to breathe normally. *Don't lose control, Marva,* she mentally scolds herself. "I... I don't be knowing either. I've never felt this way and that's why I be acting... acting so confused." She sighs, a brief look of resignation on her face. "Maybe you should be working this out with Rolf. After all, he's one of your clan and not... and not..." |
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"Elsbeth, that is silly talk", she gently scalds the young woman, "but you are right, I do have to work things out with Rolf, but first I want you to promise me one thing …", she pauses as if thinking on what she is about to say. "Promise me that whatever happens we will always be here for each other?" |
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Elsbeth nods. "I promise, Madelyn." She leans forward and kisses her gently. "I always will be there." She hesitates, clearly nervous. "I always will because I think I love you, Madelyn. I can be doing no other." |
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As the ship comes to a halt, Rolf spends some time leaning on the rail and looking over the island. The buildings speak of lack of care, but nothing worse. That bodes well, as far as that goes. His mind wanders as he considers what awaits them in this place. Seeing most of the others disembark, Rolf shakes off his wool gathering and hoists himself over the rail. Some inspect the statue, Elsbeth and Madelyn pair off and Rolf looks at the restored paladin with a gleam in his eye. She was such a lively lass, though he wished she hadn't slain that doghead, or that it had attacked her first, or anything else that would allow the stain on her honor, and his, to be cleansed. Still, she was well on her way. The two seem entrenched in some matter of moment though and he had things to tend to. Seeing if everyone has left the ship, Rolf see's the woman in the pale green dress, as though for the first time. He wonders at her, as she didn't seem part of the crew and as she wasn't tasked with any mission on the island, at least none known to Rolf. He decides to wait, to let her actions speak of her intent. "The day's getting on. We'll start with that three towered fort. Callum and I will go first. Yuri, Mandrake and Edgar next, then Peter and Ravn, Elsbeth, and Madelyn and Kerim will be rear guard." Rolf steps forward, studying the place as he approaches. |
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Yuri is very quiet on the boat trip over, having never been on one before he keeps very still and takes deep breaths in an attempt to make the journey in one piece, stomach contents and all. Fortunately for one and all it works. Reaching the other side, Yuri quickly disembarks before examining the surroundings. Feeling more like his old self than the somber one he has of late, he approaches the 'unknown' woman and with a smile introduces himself. "Good morning", he starts in a fairly unimaginative manner, "a nice morn for a boat ride for you and your hidden companion", he adds with a smirk, eyeing the bulge in her cloak. "I'm Yuri, newest member to this rather mixed group... err, except for Ravn... Are you supposed to be accompanying us or are just journeying in the same direction?" |
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Edgar's eyes flick over the other occupant of the boat, as he and Mandrake enters (and thank what gods you will for sharp talons, for the gnome's agility at entering the craft leaves much to be desired, and had he not so firm a grip, for certain he would have fallen off, mayhap to soak feathers unsuited to aquatic pursuits). The stone Ravn attatches to the mast causes him much puzzlement, as the small Curragh gets underway and elicits a low remark meant for ears other than the formidible Norse priest, "The ships of his people must indeed ride low in the water if they share his need to bring rocks aboard ... I'm sure I would not be a keen sailor either, if this were so !" As Madelyn and Elsbeth huddle together, he at first glance their way ... and then looks away again, respecting their privacy - something he knows that humans and their ilk appreciate, though it is an almost unknown concept in the animal kingdom. Amongst those creatures that fit in, anyway ... perhaps not so for those that are of both worlds. Indeed, as the ladies emotions get the better of them, and their voices rise, he abruptly tries to get a sea shanty going amongst the rest of the passengers and crew. Surprisingly he knows a fair few ... The statue of the gnome invites some comparison betwixt itself and Mandrake, and Edgar peers back and forth between the two, looking for any likeness ... though when Rolf speaks up, he takes care to listen to the Constable and nods in acquiescence, though he notably becomes more wary now, when danger may beckon. |
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The woman looks Yuri over for a moment, before giving him a bright smile. "Hello, I'm Zhiri. I'm not specifically here with you, I'm just seeking my fortune. I am told you are brave and bold adventurers." Her expression is eager as she indicates his companions with a toss of her head. |
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At the Constable’s command, Ravn pulls his cloak to one side to reveal his armor and the longsword hanging at his side as he dons his spangenhelm in preparation for the coming exploration. "Truth be told, Rolf, I am not all that happy at being stuck with guarding the rear. I know well the use of both spear and scramasax, I wear well-crafted armor that will protect me from our enemies’ blows, and I yearn to test my mettle before Odin’s judging eye." There is evident anticipation in the way his voice speeds his words, and he becomes aware of it, slowing their charge across his tongue as he continues. "You may think that an unproven warrior is a dangerous man to bring into the foremost line, and you are probably right. Still, I am no rash impetuous boy but rather a well-considered man of wisdom, and in battle I will follow your commands, agree with them or not, for so must it be among siding warriors that one leads and the others follow." Ravn looks determined but prepared for disappointment, resignation in his voice. "But if you will have me guarding the women then that is your command *sigh* and I shall follow it." |
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Grinning at the 'brave a bold adventurers', Yuri replies, "oh they might all well be, I know most are, however I'd hardly include myself. But adventuring is what we are doing, by and large. I'm sure Rolf would welcome along another if you asked", he continues indicating who Rolf is, "as long as you abide by his rules. He can be quite strict, but I guess this is regarded as an important mission..." Yuri smiles as he overhears Ravn's words, wondering if he'll get his surprise now or later. |
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Kerim considers Ravn's reply, wondering if the man is making a mockery of his culture, particularly the blind man bit as the wisdom of his people is metaphorical and not literal as the Norseman had interpreted it. He is spared the need to reply by Rolf's intercession to the conversation and is happy to fall in at the back, though he seems no less uncomfortable around the women's talk of honour, Rolf, concern for each other, and so forth. He tries hard to hide his feelings by looking at the land about him but has to move quicker when he keeps finding falling behind the others slightly. |
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Squeezing Elsbeth’s hand gently and smiling at the young woman, Madelyn turns to head back to the rest of the party. "Shall we grace them with our presence, before we are missed?", Madelyn says with a smile. Not waiting for the young woman to reply she (assuming Elsbeth doesn’t let go of her hand) pulls Elsbeth gently and heads back to the others. |
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All of the party, and the strange woman in green, has disembarked from the Curragh and are standing studying the statue. Madelyn and Elsbeth are further along the quay from the rest of the party nearer to the buildings (which is the only place they could have gone). The curragh starts to pull away with shouts of "Good Luck" and "See you same time tomorrow", echoing from the crew. Suddenly out of the building on the left there is an angry shout and a human-like face appears over the edge of the hole in the roof. Then out of the hole flies an awful sight, the winged upper torso of a human woman with eagles claws, all topped off by a human head. As she flies up she start to sing, its a sort of soft crooning tune, who's words you don't recognise. OOC- Madelyn and Elsbeth - I need Savings throws Vs spells before either of you post again. |
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Elsbeth keeps a firm hold on Madelyn's hand and goes with her, still quite red-faced, still somewhat nervous. "Aye, we'll not want the others talking," she manages as she follows, the words somewhat lighter than their meaning. big miss- rolled a 4 :o |
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The dark man’s uncommanded interference and rude refusal to reveal his name combined with Rolf’s equally unwelcome order has brought a dark cloud over Ravn’s head. Treading the Bifrost, eh? Feels more like sogging mire... The shout from the other end of the quay draws him from his sinister thought as he spins to look in the direction Madelyn was heading. "BEWARE!" He does not stop to think but immediately rushes along the pierlike structure to their aid, grabbing his spear with both hands and preparing for the worst. But how could he possibly have been prepared for the sight that meets him? He stops in brief hesitation, shocked at the abomination before him. By the Alfather’s empty socket! What is this horrid creature??!? |
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Rolf notices the woman comes ashore and is left behind as the ship returns to the waves. He frowns somewhat, unsure what to make of the woman. He decides it best to resolve matters and moves in her direction, only to hear Ravn complain about being stuck somewhere other than at the forefront. "As you will, Ravn." Rolf motions to a place near Callum as he continues on his way to speak with the woman. Suddenly, an angry shout draws his attention. As he spins, his hands bring his bow to the fore and as he studies the female face, the feathered torso. Almost by magic, he finds an arrow drawn and notched, the string pulled taut. "Approach," Rolf calls to the creature, "If it is peace you seek." |
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Saving throw vs spells please Ravn :) |
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The sound of the abomination’s singing voice penetrates Ravn's mind, stunning him by the intricate patterns of notes it weaves, like a spider reeling its sticky strands around a paralyzed victim. How beautiful yet horrible tones, harmonies trapped in discord and vice versa, like the metallic taste of a silver spoon cutting through the yellowishly tender sensation of soft-boiled yolk on the pallet. |
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In case I need to roll at some stage, I rolled a rather poor 7. Taking into consideration the effect the creature is having on those down near the pier and Ravn Kerim decides it is perhaps not the wisest time for Rolf to be offering his hand in friendship. Preparing for a shot with his sling he looks at Rolf, no small amount of incredulity, not to mention preconcieved stereotyping of the creatures intent, showing through. "Effendi, tell me indeed you are not serious! Such is not the behaviour of the intelligent seeking peace." |
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Elsbeth, Madelyn and Ravn stand towards the landward end of the quay swaying gently in time to the singing .... |
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Zhiri watches the excitement intently for a moment, and then stands up, swirling her cloak around to reveal a tiny figure, with a lick of flame red hair. She bends down to speak to it, and Yuri hears the murmured conversation. "Magic missiles, you know the bright ones ? We can play with fire later." The figure disappears. She straightens up, a gleam in her eye as she regards the drama unfolding before her. |
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Elsbeth came to a halt, her eyes unfocused as the singing came to her ears. She no longer felt the ache of her emotions, nor the hand of the woman beside her clasped in hers. All she heard was the music... |
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Yuri gives Zhiri a strange look as she talks to the red haired thing, but getting the jist of the conversation, steps out of the way as to not obstruct her view of her target. |
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Edgar is most intrigued by the appearance of one who is part bird, part human. "What a strange creature," he notes. "She must be very lonely," he reflects, as the melancholy tune she croons wafts across to where the advance guard stand, carried by the sea breeze. The sudden drawing of weapons startles him somewhat, as he had been concentrating on the birdwoman's song. "Why do they fear her ?" he asks the gnome, the puzzlement evident in his voice.
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