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The reptiullian stands holding the document proudly, waiting for the Gnome to advance. As Mandrake draws closer the reptillian will hold the parchment out for reading, although it is clear from his posture that he does not intend to let anyone else hold the parchment. The parchment itself is old and the writing has faded somewhat. There is the remains of a seal in the bottom right hand corner. Two of the reptillians at the back of the group seem to be having an arguement in hissed undertones and some of the other reptillians glance their way occasionally. The only one, seemingly, unaffected by all this is the speaker, who now holds the parchment. ------------------------------- OOC - The parchment in on the website, linked from the Galinia features page or from the update page. Wait for Mandrake to describe it to you, and then comment on his comments please :) |
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Mandrake reads the document aloud, noting as he does so the reaction of the other Gila. Finishing, he says aloud to Rolf and the others "These are obviously an honourable people with a good and wise leader, my council is that we pay the levy and if the leader allows it, we talk with him over a little bacon and other food." Then he approaches Rolf and the group more closely and says quietly "The document looks pretty old to me and though I am no expert on old Norse documents, I’d say it’s a genuine writ, it has the remains of an official looking seal. "One thing I am certain of, these people and, I’d imagine, their ancestors have neither the means nor the incline to create it and go through this pretence to get the money. They have the advantage here and could as easily have ambushed us and taken everything. "I am also getting a little nervous about the behaviour of the others in the band. I suggest that we resolve this quickly before the leader looses enough face for the others to replace him by force. At least he seems reasonable and if we pay then he keeps face. "We can then update him on a little history and renegotiate the contract in a more private audience. I have the means to write a new document, even in several languages and wax for a seal which you have I believe Rolf." |
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Callum visibly relaxes "I'm after agreeing with Mandrake there - they deserve to have their honour returned!" |
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Glancing at the document over Mandrake's shoulder, Rolf gives up trying to make out the message. It's good enough for him that Mandrake is willing to accept it. He nods at Callum's point. In response to Mandrake's suggestion, Rolf shrugs. "I have no such seal, only the badge of office given me by the earl. Nor do I feel empowered to make such a bargain on the earl's behalf. We will pay the toll and bring this matter to earl Richard upon our return." Rolf reaches into his pouch and pulls out some money. Making a quick count, he hands over the money to the chief Gila with a friendly nod. OOC: I'm not sure how much the toll would be. 8 SP for us humans, and what, 7 SP for the horses and mules? |
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And 1 for the Doghead prisoner |
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OOC: Doghead Prisoner … What Dog Head Prisoner? Madelyn gets frustrated with the situation, the Dog Head, is causing her major problems! It is more than obvious that he doesn’t want to be here, and it is taking all her strength to stop him from running. In her vain efforts to hold him still, Keldon is becoming unsettled at his behaviour. Madelyn, again pulling the dog head back from another attempt of escape takes a quick look over at her companions. They are engrossed in conversation, and seem to be looking at some scroll of some sort that the lizard type thing is showing them. She glances at Peter, he is not paying her any attention, seems to be engrossed with watching his companions, with occasional sideways glances to the swamp. Madelyn secures her spear, freeing both hands before jerking hard on the rope holding the Dog Head. She pulls him in close, and wraps the rope around his neck once more for good measure. Using all her strength she pulls tight, and holds the position until the Dog Head ceases his struggling beneath her. She unwinds the extra loop she made around his neck, before letting him fall to the floor, and resuming her watch over the surrounding swamp. OOC: Rolled successful proficiency for staying on Horseback throughout. |
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Knoll |
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Smilo notices that Madelyn is having a problem with the doghead and moves closer toward her. "You havin problems, miss," he asks, though he isn't quite sure of what he would do if she was. |
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Elsbeth watches the goings on, wishing she were close enough to read the document, but that is impossible from where she is. Maybe the little fellow will tell her later what it says. Obviously Rolf is happy with what he say as he reaches for coin. "Have you enough for everybody then" she asks, unaware of the other goings on in the party. |
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Peter stands holding the mules, fairly intent on what is happening down by the fallen log. Occasionally he glances out across the swamp and shudders slightly. |
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Madelyn lets the rope slip through her fingers and drop on top of the dead Dog Head. She takes another look around the swamp. Quite suddenly she breaks out in a cold sweat, and then starts to tremble uncontrollably. Tears form in her eyes. "What have I done?", she whispers to herself |
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Even as she asks her question, Elbeth's attention moves over to Madelyn and the Doghead. The woman's eyes widen and she puts a hand to her mouth. Dismounting, she moves foward to the collapsed Doghead, bending down quickly to examine the creature. The woman slips her fingers under the rope coiled about the dead creature's neck, then looks up at Madelyn, her eyes wide. (OOC: Made my perception roll) |
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A tear falls silently down Madelyn’s cheek, she is vaguely aware of Elsbeth at her side, as she stares blankly out into the swamp. "Is he dead?" she mumbles quietly, already knowing the answer to the question. She dismounts shakily, and avoiding the body, collapses onto the pathway. Head buried in her hands quiet sobs shake her body, "What have I done?" she asks no one in particular. |
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"Is he dead?" "Aye," Elsbeth replies softly, removing her hands from the creature. She watches Madelyn dismount, biting her lip at her own dismay. She stands, looking at the creature. She bore it no love and honestly would shed no tears at its death. She looks over at the armored woman, seeing the pain in the other woman's stature. Indeed, what has she done? Not knowing what else to do, Elsbeth walks over and puts her hands on Madelyn's shoulders, looking into the other woman's face, herself numb with shock, unsure what to say, unsure how to feel. Facing her, she whispers gently. "Madelyn?" she asks hesitantly. "Why?" |
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"If you think best" Mandrake replies with a nod. "That being the case, then can I make another suggestion. "You agree that they are honourable, but there may well be other travellers this way before we return to report our findings to …. and those travellers may not wish to pay and when they hear of this Duke, like us may not recognise the significance. "They may not however be as patient or be able to read the document as we. I suggest therefore that we tell the Gila to say to travellers that ‘Earl Richard Briganda agrees according to you his sheriff Rolf Leifson’. If the Gila ask why, we can say that he is the new Duke and that his people will be along to make a new writ. "That way at least, we have tried our best to prevent any violence." |
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Madelyn looks up at Elsbeth, and stares directly into her eyes, searching! Searching for some form of emotion, of distaste, before lowering her head again, "Oh Elsbeth, Rolf is going to be so angry, what am I going to tell him?" |
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Rolf nods at Mandrake's suggest, "Change sheriff to warden and I think it's a fine idea. Please pen a note along those lines and I shall sign it." Rolf turns, counting up the cost of the toll. Only then does he see the fallen doghead. He looks on puzzled. He doesn't see any blood, any sign of a conflict, but he notices that Elsbeth seems to be comforting Madelyn about something. He hands over 15 silver pieces to Mandrake with instructions to pay the Gila when they're ready to move on. Stepping back, he asks Kerim to move over to watch Mandrake's back. Stepping over to the two ladies, Rolf bends down, checking to see if life remains in the doghead. Only then does he see the abrasions about the creatures neck. Standing, he looks at Madelyn. Confused, he asks "What happened?" |
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Madelyn hears footsteps approaching and out of the corner of her eye sees Rolf bend down to check for life in the Dog Head. She shrinks back into her self, torn with emotions, in anticipation of his questioning. "What happened?" Madelyn wipes her face, before raising her head to lock eyes with her leader. She searches his face for a long moment, before responding, "H-h-he’s dead", she stammers, "H-h-he was struggling, a-a-and I feared for my life!" she pauses, before continuing, "H-he didn’t want to be here, in the s-swamp, and kept pulling. He got twisted in the r-rope, and I pulled too hard!" Madelyn briefly looks down at the floor before returning her gaze to Rolf. |
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Elsbeth is surprised at the fear and confusion on the woman's face. Its not the face of a killer. Her observation is interupted by Rolf's question and Madelyn's answers. As she finishes, Elsbeth puts her hand on Madelyn's arm comfortingly. "There was not she could do," she adds, her voice very neutral. "It was an accident. I was seeing the whole thing." The druid looks up at Madelyn, meeting her gaze for a moment. "I know what its like to be scared," she tells her softly. |
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"It was an accident. I was seeing the whole thing." Madelyn covers Elsbeth’s hand with her own, and meets her gaze. She knows that Elsbeth saw what happened, why is she lying for her. She gently squeezes Elsbeth’s hand before returning her gaze back to Rolf, and reflecting on what his response with be. |
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Rolf nods in response to the ladies' stories. The story doesn't quite ring true, if the creature were only trying to pull away, why would Madelyn's life be at risk? Of course, if he'd seen the doghead fleeing, he'd have tried to put it down rather than allow it to escape. Besides, he had no just cause to doubt the story, even if Madelyn's behavior is rather odd, the stammering, the darting eyes. She hadn't seemed squeamish in combat. Out of the warrior types, he'd figured to give her the duty as he and Kerim would both be distracted by other things, Kerim his trade goods, Rolf with leadership. And Callum would probably slay the thing just to add to his collection of heads. Perhaps he'd left her on the duty too long, not allowing her a break and the beast had been acting up a bit. Having spent a couple of minutes thinking it through, Rolf pushes down that persistent little doubt. He turns his thoughts outward, "Rather stupid of the beast, but as you had no choice...." there's the slightest hint of an unasked question. Rolf continues, "Madelyn, are you alright, you seem troubled?" OOC: Sharon, Lance, interesting defusing tactic. :) |
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Madelyn watches him nod, and searches his eyes for some sort of response. The silence seems to be lasting forever, and unknowingly she forces out the breath that she had been holding. "Rather stupid of the beast, but as you had no choice...." He seems to hesitate there, as if he wants to say more, Madelyn stiffens in her position, squeezing Elsbeth’s hand resting on her arm. Quickly aware that she may be hurting her young friend, she loosens her grip. "Madelyn, are you alright, you seem troubled?" Madelyn nods her head, "Sorry", she says trying to put some strength into her voice, "I am just a bit shaken, that’s all!" |
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When Madelyn answers his question, Rolf conveys a mixture of confusion and sympathy. He looks around at the dismal swamplands, "When we find a place to camp, I want you to take it easy. Elsbeth, I place her in your care until then." He pauses, still unsure as to the cause of Madelyns distress. Still, this is not the time or place. |
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Elsbeth winces as the taller woman squeezes her hand painfully but leaves it on her arm. She hears Madelyn's answer and Rolf's response, but her mind is elsewhere. *What were you thinking, lass?* she asks herself mentally. *You're not the lying type, yet you lied. All for a Norse woman you hardly know. Why?* And why was her heart beating so hard at what she had just done? "I'll see to her," she tells Rolf, pushing her thoughts aside. "Are we going to be leaving this swamp soon, you think?" |
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"Are we going to be leaving this swamp soon, you think?" Rolf considers the question. "I'm unsure exactly where we are. This road should lead to Mistation. At a guess, it'll be late tonight or maybe tomorrow morning if we meet no mishap." |
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Callum wanders over to see what all the commotion around the fallen doghead is. He walks up and kicks it in the ribs. When it doesn't move he turns to Madelyn. "Dead, is it? You might hae used a blade on the beast - throttling's no' a way to kill anything." He shrugs and wanders off. |
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"When we find a place to camp, I want you to take it easy" Madelyn nods at this suggestion, and looks towards Elsbeth with deepest regret in her eyes. When Rolf suggests Elsbeth should look after her, a flicker of a smile breaks on her lips, and when Rolf walks away, she says "Thank you Elsbeth, thank you for everything", and gently squeezes the hand that still rests on her arm. Madelyn's smile drops, and she looks up in curiosity as Callum approaches, and flinches as he kicks the Dog Head, she cringes at his words, and again buries her head in her hands and begins to weep. |
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Elsbeth flinches at Callum's words as well. She frowns at the barbarian's back as he leaves, places her arms around the woman. "You're really broken up over this, aren't you?" she comments gently. "Don't be paying that one no mind. He's a mite rough, to be sure. He means no harm by it." The druid pulls the weeping warrior close, unsure how to make her feel better. |
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Kermim hands Rolf 4 SPs (himself, 2 mules with trade goods and the donkey) "It's not fair for you to pay for my pack mules and the donkey I acquired". He turns to see the dead Doghead, Madelyn & Elsbeth. Obeying Rolf's last order he watches Mandrake's back. |
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