Dragon's Egg - Act III

[Steerpike]

Cadell & Liadan

Father Geralt touches his staff to the ground once more. "I do not think the creature will do anything now. It is a juvenile form of the demon. Harmless, in and of itself, which is why this is a perfect time to purify the thing and save whatever soul it might have." He looks at Liadan as well, then at her flail.

"I will wait until tomorrow to talk to the Council. Whatever else may be at stake here, I'll not see the village turned upside down over it. Go back to your friends, and to your demon. Sleep on what I have told you. Tomorrow, I will speak with the elders and we will decide."

With a final grimace, he turns once more in the direction of the temple.

The Maiden's Spear

Burnbright thinks about Mauve's question before answering. "I...I'm not sure. I mean, it does this every so often. It did it a few times while I was in Srilkind, and then again just now. I thought about putting it on, you know, just to see, but I don't know." She looks at Baldhart. "Do we really have to throw it away? It's a pretty necklace, and probably the only thing I ever have of my mother. It's a symbol of Gefjon, so it can't be bad, can it?"

Gisla eyes the necklace thoughtfully, then shakes her head. "You will be safe here, Baldhart. Even if the villagers take it into their heads that something is wrong, they'll seek out Father Geralt before doing anything. I know these people."

Some of the tension has drained from the room. Burnbright hands the necklace to Baldhart, watching her with puffy, red eyes. The metal is hot, though not so much that it can't be held.

On the bed, Branwen looks at everyone and suddenly exclaims "Bwannen!"

 

[Nihal]

"Do not forget this necklace will smell of you-know-what to these villagers. We do not want it, do we?

"If she keeps it she must keep it hidden, we do not want any other incidents, Branwen's was bad enough." I nod, then sigh. "I am glad I was wrong about the elf and things did not happen as I feared, I hope he keeps his mouth shut."

Branwen exclaims what seems to be her own name, prompting me to move her side. I smile and answer, "Good! Good girl. Branwen. Bran-wen." I stroke her hair.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

"As you wish. But let my friends and me speak to the Elders as well, so they may hear both sides of the story."

Geralt leaves, and I sigh and turn to head back into the tavern. A day of peace is something, at least. I suppose I was foolish to ask for three days and nights.

I look at Líadan, and know by the look on her face that she heard everything. She embraces me, murmuring into my ear. "A day is better than no time at all, dear heart. You've done well."

I nod and sigh again, wishing I believed her. We pull apart and head upstairs together; I listen for the others' voices, and pause in front of the door just as a small female voice chimes, "Bwannen!"

I turn to Líadan, a startled smile spreading over my face. Heartened, though only a little, I knock on the door and wait for an answer from within.

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla looks at Branwen with something like shock. "She really is just a little girl, isn't she?" She snorts. "I thought I'd seen everything while living in the south."

At Cadell's knock, she slips her dagger into her waist band and opens the door.

"I'll speak with Aga now, and tell her to prepare rooms for you all, and to get dinner started as well. If you don't mind..." she motions at the doorway.

When everyone is out in the hall, she heads downstairs, passing Masama on his way up. The large man looks at Branwen, then nod at Mauve. "The sun is sinking below the horizon. I go to make my offerings to Asra. I will be outside should anyone have need of me." He turns on his heels and goes back downstairs, the wood of the stairway thumping loudly beneath his feet.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

The others file out of the room, and I address them when Gisla is gone.

"I seem to have bought us some time. Geralt has agreed to speak with the Elders tomorrow, not tonight, and decide what is to be done with Branwen. I asked him to allow us to speak to the Elders as well, but I cannot be certain whether he agreed to that. I know it isn't much -- I was hoping for at least thrice that -- but any amount of peace is to be cherished."

I smile warmly at Branwen and coo to her, pushing aside my worry. "You're a clever girl, aren't you, Branwen?"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"Yes… a lovely girl." I pat Branwen on the head, then pick her up to bring her to my room. She's a little girl who may someday eat cats if we're not careful.

To Burnbright, I add, "No… Gefjon is a good goddess. I suppose if you're not wearing it, it won't do those funny things. But still, you are learning Brynhild's path. Gisla, any chance I can purchase a holy symbol or two? Hopefully not too expensive, as I wish to buy armor—or have new armor made in the next town, since I don't dare stay here more than a night. If we get up before sunrise, perhaps I can head to the temple on horse and grab some beast hide.

"Maybe Grim's runner will have that delivered, but—oh! New clothes! If we stay the night, I need to see a tailor." I whisper to Gisla, "A female one, I hope. It's embarrassing, but… my undergarments smelled of fish demon entrails from my first kill, so I tossed them overboard. This dress is all I have." I look at my bare feet. I need to get my boots from the boat.

"I'll bathe while you prepare the meal."

Finally! I take Branwen to my room as I exit. I look back at Gisla's cat.

Eight left.

 

[Nihal]

"We shall set a watch," I tell Cadell. "It is good news, but I do not trust them."

I prick my ears at the word 'bath', looking at Baldhart in disbelief. With a scowl I mutter, "Unbelievable."

"At least did you—oh, forget it!" She's already going away. All it takes to her to become an ungrateful arrogant is a little taste of civilization and people more like her. I march my way out the building, looking around for stores still open. I have much to do and I don't expect we will have another peaceful day to do this.

Of course my soft-headed companions didn't think about this. They also won't consider the possibility of the nearest towns being aware and afraid of us when we reach them. Useless gits!

I sigh. The ranger was hateful, but at least he had his head on the right place. Probably he's dead by now, depriving me from the joy of being the one responsible for his demise.


((@SP - She's looking for places to buy:

- rations and extra meat pieces;
- a blacksmith or weapon dealer, anyone who can modify her spear;
- a place to buy clothes and needle and thread;
- bandages;
- a leatherworker to get new boots and repair her badly repaired backpack, belt etc;
- a place to buy writing materials;
- somewhere where she can buy candles and oil for lanterns.

And somewhere to buy soap, mirror and a comb. xD

I don't expect to find everything, but it won't keep her from attempting.))

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I nod to Mauve, and smile when Baldhart mentions bathing. A bath does sound nice... and I can think of a thing or two that would be nicer. But do we have the time? The sun is already setting. And I shouldn't put my personal wants before the needs of the group.

Everyone goes their separate ways. I look to Líadan with a sigh. "If you'd be so kind as to see Aga about getting a room for the two of us, I'll pay you back for it. I should get ready for my watch."

She smiles and shakes her head, taking a step toward the stairs. "No need to repay me."

((Where is Aldar at the moment? Kinda need to know so Cadell can keep an eye on him... and so I know whether I need to go downstairs to look for him, or can stay up here if Aldar is.))

 

[Keitsumah]

A smile splits my face when Branwen says her name, and when everyone begins going their own ways, I slip out unnoticed. I have other needs to attend to that the others would only distract me from.

It takes me several minutes before i make it out of the village and to the edge of the forest. Batos bursts from the trees, tackling me. I laugh, trying not to be smothered by his slavering tongue, but still end up wiping away drool from my face.

"Come on, boy." I say, rubbing his ears affectionately. "Let's find some materials that we may need later on." i pat the bag of berries, considering gathering more, but i will only pick any if i happen to chance upon them. Right now, i need to get wood for a new staff, and long grass to make into rope, as well as some other things if i am lucky. Others may consider me strange to gather the raw materials rather than just buy what i need, but as its the only way I've lived, i am not about to change it. Also, being a druid demands that i get daily practice.

As i walk down a thin deer trail, i sweep the trees with my eyes for any branches that may be suitable. Batos, used to this routine, scents the air for anything out of the ordinary:

Alert for Any Enemies [1d20] = 15

Nothing can get past his nose at the moment, and a wry smile tugs at my mouth when he pounces on a mouse, but misses. He'll eat just about anything we can find, as our life used to be unpredictable when it came to food.

Looking for Wood[1d20+0] = 15+0 = 15

My eyes come upon a long, thin branch that is just right for what i need. Reaching up, i tug at it and it comes free easily. perfect.

Now to find grass, and some stones . . .

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I take Branwen into my room. "Stay there, Branwen. Good girl. I'm watching you."

And finally… cleanliness! Now I can think of what I need:

- A new outfit, tailor-made as usual, or two
- Armor repair if I can't afford to wait for beast hides
- Baby clothes! There must be someone in town who has a one-year-old girl who outgrew some dresses
- Oh, and a babysitter… that big guy, Masama! He loves Branwen!
- A week's rations… maybe two weeks' this time
- Beauty products… and…

I get out of the tub.

- More woad paint. Can I get that here? Or do I need to make it?

Oh! And Burnbright has nearly half of my money, including the pretty gems! I hope that didn't get left behind!

"Now… don't run off," I tell Branwen. I don't go far, but peer out the window, intent on asking a party member if anyone's seen Masama. But he's there! I call down from the window, "Masama? Can you come up to my room, please?"

Baldy! What the hell?

Oh… shhhh—! I don't wait for an answer, but get away from the window and hurry up and dry off, half-hoping he's on his way, but mostly-hoping I can get my dress on faster than he can arrive.

 

[Steerpike]

The Maiden's Spear

Gisla breathes a sigh of relief at Cadell's words. "That's something to be thankful for then. If the Council doesn't meet until tomorrow, it will be some time before they render a decision. Geralt does not rule the Council, nor does he decide who speaks before them. We will request that you be allowed to speak, and the Elders themselves will decide. It would be unusual for them to deny such a request. Besides, not much happens around here, and they'll probably be happy to add as much to the spectacle as possible."

She grins. "Nice work. I knew there was something I like about you besides, well, you know..." she holds up her severed arm, chuckles.

Gisla is about to head downstairs to speak to Aga when Mauve speaks up, asking about what provisions may be purchased in Arendal. "You'll have no trouble finding tailors and blacksmiths in Arendal, as well as other vendors. You won't get the selection of a larger city, of course, but we make do with what we have. The town is laid out in a 'U' with this inn and the stairs to the docks connecting the upper portions. Just set out down the main path through town and you'll eventually come across every merchant we have, before returning back to near where you started."

"And now, I must attend to Aga!" With that, she hurries down the stairs.

Burnbright stares at the necklace, leaning against the wall in the hallway. When Mauve is finished with Gisla, she says "No, it does that heating up thing even when I'm not wearing it. I don't put it on anymore because it makes me see thing." She shrugs. "Maybe we can use it to help my mother. Maybe whatever made her go bad can be fixed." She looks up at Mauve hopefully.

Baldhart sees Masama out her window. The man is on his knees, back erect in a formal posture. His axe lays on the ground beside him. His hands are pressed together in front of him, at chest height, and he is mumbling words as he watches the sun set. When Baldhart calls to him, he holds up one hand for quiet. Then, digging into his pouch, he pulls out a small gold bowl and sprinkles some kind of dried herb into it. He leans over, doing something with the bowl that can be seen because his body blocks his motions. When he straightens up again, the herbs in the bowl are smoking. Masama gently stirs the smoke with his hands, taking up his murmuring again as he watches the sun. After a moment, the bowl stops smoking. He empties the ash on the ground and returns the bowl to his pouch. Masama takes up his axe, securing it to the straps on his back, and makes his way back into the inn. He knocks at Baldhart's door.

Keitsumah

The hunt for raw materials is a success. Arendal is further from the Taint than Srilkind, and plants appear to grow better here, and without some of the deformities you saw near the temple. You come across a few bushes of small, blue berries. There is enough for a pouch full of them, if you decide to pick any. Wood is prevalent. Long grasses are more problematic, as much of the growth around town is comprised of rough, stunted blades that are wide and thick. Stones are easily found.

Batos senses no enemies as you gather materials. He scares up a few rodents, but apart from that you see no other wildlife except the occasional bird flitting from one tree to the next.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I smile when Gisla speaks. "That is a great relief. I hope these Elders will be more willing to listen to reason than others here."

I grin back when she comments on our similarity, and follow her downstairs and into the common room. "Thank you. If we have time, and if you're willing, I'd like to hear the story behind that. I can tell you mine as well."

Gisla speaks of the town's layout, and I listen carefully, getting a feel for the place in my head. If the worst happens, it may very well come in handy. I have some ideas, I just need the time to let them coalesce into something workable. They may not be needed at all, but we cannot be too careful at a time like this.

 

[Steerpike]

Gisla laughs warmly and smiles at Cadell, placing her good hand on his shoulder and drawing a subdued smirk from Aga, who teasingly says "Hide your men!."

Gisla ignores the girl. "The story of my hand is one I like telling, and one I'm sure the people of Arendal have grown weary of hearing." Aga grunts, and Gisla says "I'm going to have to do something about her."

Gisla laughs again and heads for Aga. "We've a busy night ahead, lass. Lay to it, as the sailors say!"

Aga just shakes her head good-naturedly and continues arranging room and board for the party.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I slip into my dress, then answer the door.

"Please. Come in."

I say to Branwen, "This is Masama."

"I am Baldhart, if you didn't catch my name when I was running around before trying to do… too much. Masama, I wish to shop for a few things, but someone must remain with Burnbright at all times. You seem quite fond of her, so I was wondering if you'd mind staying with her.

"Did you eat yet? If not, I can bring some food up. The other thing I might ask… if you are planning to join us in our travels. It seems to be the case, but having split with the group to arrive on horseback, I missed out on getting a chance to know you."



I stop myself from prattling on, and await his answer. I also watch Branwen to see her comfort level around this man. I trust this man, Masala. I trust him enough. Not as much as Gisla, but she will not follow us. At least I hope she doesn't. Her joining our group could only be made possible if she lost everything Arendal has to offer, and I don't want that for her. I am happy to see one who followed Brynhild's path and lived to have gray hair. I guess there may be gray-haired valkyries after all.

Of course there are. Just not in paintings. And they're vastly outnumbered by the young. Make no mistake about that.

 

[Nihal]

I nod at Gisla, turning to Burnbright when she talks. I take a deep breath, holding her hands and leaning to stay at her height.

"I do not know. I believe Baldhart has something to show you. I have something as well, a secret, but the sun is almost gone and I must hurry, I do not think I will have another chance to resupply for the journey that awaits us. Until then, hold on. I am sorry.

"Do you need something? Oh, you could accompany me if you wish." That would keep her busy. "If not do your best to stay with someone of our group—the original group. Baldhart, Aliron, Cadell, you know. A little caution does not hurt."

I straighten up, holding my hand in the air. If she accepts I take her with me, being careful to keep her at my side all the time and looking around from time to time, searching for someone who would look particularly interested in her.

***

Heading towards the blacksmith, I scan his store before moving to the counter. I place my spear over it.

"Good evening. Forgive me for appearing so near to the closing time, but I am in a hurry and I am willing to compensate you for your trouble.

"You see, I need to adjust this spear for a fighting style I have been just learning. I have some ideas in mind, however, I do not know if they are viable. I need to connect the blade to the end of the shaft with metal. I know it sounds odd, it is a fighting style quite uncommon in these parts." I smile.

"I was thinking in either gouge a path along the shaft and place a rod, but I am afraid it would compromise the shaft's flexibility if not its very strength.

"I have yet another idea: A sturdy but thin chain attached to the blade and the end. It could be attached by some metal rings along the shaft, not many—as you can see it is not a long spear, fitting for my height. Leaving the chain slightly loose would not not compromise the shaft flexibility and also allow the chain to slip away when I parry a blow, avoiding damage. It would also require less work.

"What do you think? If you could also work on the blade, improve it somehow I would not complain at all."

I glance nervously over my shoulder, watching the growing shadows.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I chuckle. "I suppose a fresh audience is something to appreciate, then.

"You spoke of the layout of the town already, but is there some way I could acquire an actual map? Memory alone is only so reliable, after all." I don't want to let slip my real reasoning yet. I may need to find some more ink as well... having more than one color would be quite useful. If not, I can always improvise.

 

[SomethingToPonder]

I think I may as well get some work done and take a look around before we leave.
"Im going to take a walk over to the blacksmith as well, I heard mauve was heading over there, I think I'll take a trip over there and see what I could get done."

Walking across the small town I get a few strange glances, However when I look away and keep walking they seem to take no notice.As I approach the blacksmiths I can feel the heat burning off my skin, As i approach mauve Is just asking about upgrading her spear.

"Hello there, I also require some work to be done on my weapon,However I do not require as much work as my friend here, Of course I would be willing to pay you for your work done, Should you be able to undertake this minor job. I have a quarterstaff, And I was thinking of adding a blade to the tip, Or perhaps have a hidden blade inside the staff which I can get to "pop out" at a point when a confrontation arises, This would be the preferred weapon , If you are skilled enough to craft it."

 

[Steerpike]

Baldhart

Masama clasps Baldhart's hand in his own, which is every bit as large as hers. "I am pleased to meet you, Baldhart. I have not yet eaten. I do not take my evening meal until after my observances to Asra."

He grins broadly at Branwen and touches her head with his hand. "I would be honored to look after the child. As I told you companion, Mauve, such as her are holy to my people, though we have not known them for many centuries. I believe she is an aspect of Asra."

Branwen seems comfortable enough. It is rare that she is scared or nervous around anyone, contrary to what you might expect from a child. Around most, she is calm but indifferent. She has warmed to members of the group, however - particularly Aliron, Mauve and Baldhart.

Mauve

Burnbright listens to Mauve, her eyes still puffy from crying. When Mauve says she doesn't know if Aslaug can be help, Burnbright rubs the symbol of Gefjon on her necklace with a thumb.

As the mention of a secret, she perks up a little. "A secret? And Baldhart has something too? Um...OK, I'll go with you. Will you tell me on the way?"

Burnbright trails Mauve to the blacksmith. Most of the items laid out in the blacksmith's shop are tools for harvesting wood, fishing, or building. There are a few knives, and Burnbright runs a finger along the hilt of one hanging from the wall as she enters. This earns a look from the blacksmith. Burnbright says "It's OK, I'm training with a sword. I'm going to be a shield maiden."

The blacksmith grunts and turns his attention to Mauve. After she is done explaining, the blacksmith pulls out a piece of parchment and a stub of charcoal. "Can you sketch what you want?"

Aldar

Aldar enters the blacksmith shop just as Mauve takes the parchment and charcoal. Burnbright glances at him, then goes back to perusing the blacksmith's wares. The blacksmith leaves Mauve a moment and greets Aldar, listening politely to what the elf wants. "I can put a blade on a staff, to be sure. As fer havin' it hidden so it comes out only when you want it, well, might be I could come up with somethin'. Ain't never tried to make nothin' like that. I reckon the switch and the workins of how the blade pops out an all will take some doin', but if you give me a week or so I could have a first try at it done fer ye."

Cadell

When asked about the map, Gisla says "I could sketch it out for you. Honestly, there's not much to remember though. We're going to have folks coming in for supper soon, and I've still got the rooms to see to. There'll be too much for Aga to handle on her own. When we get settled in for the evening, I'll see what I can put together for you."

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I nod. "That will be fine, thank you." The remaining time until dinner will give me the chance to pull my plan together before I tell the company of it. And a bath wouldn't go amiss, either. Heavy rainfall in Aelwyd Eirian and a dive in the underground lake are the closest I've come since leaving Srilkind the first time. Perhaps I can persuade Líadan to join me.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Shopping!

Muave and Burnbright already left. Oh well. That makes it easier…


* * *


I leave the leather-worker, and am not looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow afternoon after that kind of talk. Make it worth his while, indeed! I oughtta make-it-worth-his-while RIGHT IN THE FACE!

What does that even mean, Baldy?

Nothing. I can handle his ogling.

Well, the dress is a bit short.

Must be Gisla's size. But also made for her age. I like how it fits me. How do you like yours?

Right size. Age is way off.

Anyway… let's see what the temple has.


* * *


The temple shopkeeper finishes his pitch with the most expensive holy symbol.

"…solid gold, with a likeness of the goddess!"

I gasp! Nissa, does she really look like that?

No.

"That's not what she looks like," I say. "As for those two you had trouble selling… I'll buy both for the price you're asking. It's rather steep for one."

((CHA check - bargaining attempt

Wow!))


* * *


I enter the smith's shop. I see Mauve, Burnbright and Aldar there. I can't help myself as I twirl, showing off how my new white 'mini' looks with my old leather armor and boots (which I almost forgot were in the boat). My limbs look so clean without the woad paint!

"How do I look?" I ask the girls. Then to the smith I say, "Well… I look better than this I bet," showing him the puncture in my armor. "A six-legged beast held me in its jaws." I laugh. "How much to repair it?"

Seriously? I slap three gold on the counter. "I know you have to get on it tomorrow. My friends are already keeping you busy!"

I tell the others, "Don't be late for dinner." Then I come closer to the girls, giggling, "And I shopped alone for a reason… it doesn't mean I wasn't thinking of you!" I hug Mauve and Burnbright, then I'm about to run off. "Oh… I just have food shopping left. If you haven't already, shall we go together?"