Once everything has calmed down slightly and people started to disperse, Oleg turns to Lex.  I have a couple of Elk hides that are workable, and I will swap those for the wolf skins you were flashing about earlier." The shrewd trader says looking after his own interests in this arrangement.  "And once I have seen the quality of your work, I'll consider your partnership offer.  Good leather is worth too much, out here, to risk on a craftsman I don't know."

"Right you are sir. Thank you, I will accept your offer. If you wouldn't mind letting me borrow the hammer and leather now and again. I'll show you the saddle once it is through and you can decide if my skill is worthy of your leathers."

Lex takes the elk hides and the tools he needs to the stable and sets about measuring another riding saddle that one of the other deputy marshal's had been using.


----> To the Stable

David greets Jack as he approaches.  "I made some agreements with one of the nobles to start working on a space to create shields and armor.  I'll probably spend the day trying to make good on that.  Although, if you're up for a game of cards tonight maybe we can persuade someone to give up a bottle of that wine?  Or a few of their coins."  David winks at Jack.

Zorah leads some of the group to the edge of the trees.  She points out flowers and herbs of note and explains some uses.  "That white flower with six petals can be used to ease pain."  She kneels down and looks at a small red fox that had been walking with the group.  "Murdock, fetch."  Zorah gives the fox a command holding up two fingers clearly for the fox to see.  Murdock trots off into the overgrowth.

Like Bai, the young cleric was up before the sun rose, but that was the usual with him. He noticed her absence, but did nothing else in that regard. He slipped out of the tower with his boots off to remain as quiet as he could. Once outside he put them on and traveled to the pool that he'd heard about from Pipre, lighting the way in the darkness with his holy symbol. He spends the time before the sun rises, with the sky lightening, washing his clothes and his body. He prepares himself for his prayer, using that time to dry off before returning to the trading post. Stopping by the graveyard to see it in the light, he makes a face and notices that the lines he marked off aren't as straight as he'd like.

Mentally adding straightening to his things to do, he rubs at his damp hair to make it dry while checking on breakfast. He does his best to help Svetlana without getting in her way. Seeing Henry appear in a more healthy appearance makes Rook all the happier to see. He actually doesn't eat with the others, and strangely enough never has, but does drink some of his special tea while the plans are discussed. Being deputized is entirely unexpected. Thinking about it creates some uncertainty in his mind, but he expects it's mostly for his protection. The other terms in relation to it go entirely over his head. Hearing his name before Aris'ta's causes him to perk up. The assignment seemed especially suited to those with him and he was thankful for that.

Being that they were likely to encounter the kobolds in the forest again, and knowing the only person who could speak to them would be going elsewhere, Rook mentally noted to be sure to ask Valoria for help before they all set out. As further information was offered, he continued adding to that list until it was so long that he had to actually procure a scrap of parchment and a writing utensil. Sitting at the table, he sipped his tea and wrote in rough script for the first time since he'd left his schooling. He glances at the goods recently returned to Oleg and scribbles more. The effort needed to write looked to be taxing the young man, but he struggled silently.

Finally standing, he rubs his head and approaches Oleg to do some trade in earnest. He forgoes any need for gold, instead asking for some supplies instead. Though it wasn't offered, he requests from Oleg the things needed to create a map of the areas they would be exploring. And remembering that he would be training with Aris'ta today, he also picks out a few of the available weapons, a short sword, the single shortspear from the bandit camp as well as one of the short bows, and one of the handaxes that Oleg spoke of that wasn't part of the returned equipment.

With the list tucked away and his arms full of tools of death, he looks around for the dark skinned half-elf that had been uncharacteristically absent during the morning's business. With everyone else dispersing for other activities, Rook takes the opportunity to go find their missing compatriot.

> Watch Tower 1

<<<From Watch Tower<<<

Following Rook from the tower, she attempts to focus her eyes on the surroundings around her. Having been up late, the light from the day bothers her more than usual. It is steadily getting better, eventually looking more like the workings of a late night, rather than the harsh glare from her otherwise brilliant gaze. The area is quiet, if quiet was the word for it. People went about their daily business and for a moment Aris'ta felt almost guilty for the unexpected indulgence of allowing herself to gather sleep. Without thinking, she stops in her tracks, lifts her hands upwards. Interlacing her fingers, and pressing up to the tips of her toes, she allows herself to stretch some of the sleep out of her body. Her back arches backwards a bit as she extends her torso, closing her eyes and lifting her face. For a moment, the world is forgotten and she is at peace. Slowly, she lets her hands and arm extend outwards, pressing them back behind her to stretch her back, then releases them with a satisfied sigh.

She casually lifts on elbow above her head leaning to the side, then the other before she opens her eyes, realizing and remembering that she is not alone. "Better," she murmurs, attempting to move the moment further before discomfort returns in their easy return. The urge to stretch further is there, but it can wait for the time being, for now there is an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach she attributes to want of food and raising the back of her gloved hand to her mouth she covers a yawn.

At Rook's suggestion, she seeks out Svetlana in hopes of finding some sort of rations or food she can nimble on, as for all she seems hungry the idea of food is also faintly nauseating to her. Once she has what she needs, she moves to find someplace to sit. "Alright, I've food, now talk." She means it kindly, but she has yet to master that and it comes off somewhat harshly, something she crinkles her nose at, but is unable to fix it out of awkwardness. Instead, she nibbles on her food, turning her face to the side as though disinterested.

< Watch Tower 1

Rook led Aris'ta out of the tower, looking over his shoulder at her occasionally as they approached the center of the camp. He kept one hand on the sword at his hip, feeling as though it would drag his trousers down at any moment. When she stops, he follows suit, assuming she'd forgotten something back in the tower that she needed. But instead she stretches, something he figured she'd done while his back was turned so he couldn't see. Taking the opportunity, he mimicked her movements, though he was considerably less graceful stretching his own muscles. Spreading his arms, he fights the unbalanced feeling and pushes his arms further backwards.

By the time her eyes have opened, he's stopped moving and has gone back to holding the new weight on his left side. "Is that something that's needed before you practice too?" He asks after she's found a place to sit and he has seated himself across from her. Rook sets them both up with water to drink and clears his throat as he tries to recall all that Henry had said before he cluttered up his mind with that list. "Well, I think the first thing is that Henry's come back with a title or something from Restov which is going to give us a title, after we're sworn in by Brother Bart. I believe we'll become Deputy Marshals and we'll get a badge too." He takes another swig of water. "I've never seen a badge before. Do you know what it is? Is it like a shield or a weapon? I heard sometimes town guards get specially made shields with a design painted on them. Anyway, Henry is sending us from our tower to go through the forest south west of the outpost tomorrow. I've been thinking a lot about that since then."

Pipre walks into the trading post's main gate. Without her jacket she really did look more fragile, the protruding lines of her delicate collarbone casting shadows on white skin, the length and slenderness of her neck pronounced, and no extra bulk to her narrow shoulders and slim arms. She moved to the tower she had slept in and returned quickly, claiming one of the large tables for the gear she began to set up.

Small alcohol burners, flat glass dishes, a rubber sheath with a long hose, and several other pieces of equipment. It was all piecemeal but very well kept, even somewhat ingenious how it was made to be portable but still have most of the function that a room full of alchemy equipment normally would. The alcohol she used for the burners was not for drinking, by the way, it was the stuff that would make you go blind- pure grade made from fermented wood. She lit a rolled cigarette with the dancing alcohol flame and then got to work processing ingredients, the roll of burning paper and tobacco smoldering with a rich, natural fragrance as it dangled from her plump, glossy red lips.

Her primary project seemed to be turning the reagents she had gotten into a healing elixir, but she didn't waste time waiting for its ingredients to separate or calcinate or distill. She had a few side recipes going as well, more mundane things and supplies she needed for a long mission. Reagents for catalyst vials, fluids for her extracts, and even a new iteration of the skin cream she used to keep the sun's harshness from her white skin. She looked focused, serene, and really quite happy.

15:42, Today: Pipre rolled 21 using 1d20+15.  Craft Alchemy + Crafter's Fortune.
I saw that brewing potions requires spellcraft or craft alchemy but it doesn't seem there are any actual rolls involved? So I rolled anyways.

"No," she said after she realized what he was asking, "It helps though, certainly." She falls silent again as he begins speaking, chewing occasionally when she could stomach a bite. She ran a gloved finger over her bottom lip, turning her face towards him and looked at him seriously. "I'm not very familiar with customs, an emblem seems likely, something to identify yourself to others in the area."

Peering at him more seriously, she lifts some water and takes a sip before narrowing her eyes. He seems distracted, preoccupied. "Thinking about what, exactly? The task De La Maistre has set for us, or the role you play in what is unfurling now?" she sets the water down and sits herself up, running her eyes over him as if sizing him up. "If you're worried-- I mean, surely--" she falls short of answering, and stops herself unsure of how best to proceed. "It sounds simple enough. This action he's sending us out on. We've some time today to help you... prepare is not the word I want here, but it works as well, prepare yourself some. I'll be there, I already promised to look out for you as well."

She shifts, uncomfortably. "What goal do you have, from all this? You've mentioned a little, of course. But think of your goal, your purpose, if it's nerves, that goal will give you something calming to steady yourself. At least, I would hope it does. "

"Ah, okay. I see it now." He paused. "Seems a little silly, though. I mean, if I don't know what it's supposed to mean and I'm carryin' it, how's a stranger supposed to know? And how does it carry any weight if it don't have any meaning? Seems like it's more to cover our asses than anything else."

Rook meets her eyes and narrows his own in reply before opening them back up, breaking into a smile. "No, that's kind of worrying is over with now. I prayed on it and I know what has to be done. I've got to keep whoever I'm with safe from anything that might come up." He glances over Aris'ta's shoulder at Pipre doing her strange cooking. "That was just being faced with a notion I hadn't considered before. Which is why I'm thinkin' so hard about tomorrow. I want to try and make sure we're going to have everything we need. I don't reckon we'll be able to ride horses in the woods, so we might end up walking the whole time. That's gonna limit how quick we move and what we can take. If we meet up with them kobolds again, I want to make sure we can tell 'em we don't want to fight. So I gotta get help with Valoria to make a note before we leave."

Shifting on his seat, he took another swig of water before continuing. "And we need to be mapping. I can write, barely, but I never drew a map like what we need to bring back. I'm hoping that Bai will know a little bit more about it. And then I need to figure, well, how far do we go? And when do we turn around and come back? Is it a set amount of time or just when our supplies run out? I mean, if we can find fresh water, between me and Zorah, I bet we could last a while out there. And I still want to get my hands on that Stag Lord." Rook finishes with a tensing of his jaw.

He finished the water off and put the cup down on the table, rolling it around on the bottom edge. "After we get everything mapped out and start people settling, I'm hoping to get a good piece of land somewhere near a river myself. Start a farm, then a family. Build up around me, find neighbors. Make a community from nothing." He releases the mug and puts his elbows on the table to rest his chin in his hands. "You got any goals?"

Valoria walked in to the trading post and begins looking for Brother Bartholemew in get sworn in. In truth, her mind was on Cyrus, Andalon and the mission ahead. Still she wanted to get any business done and behind her. She paused for a moment and looked at the display of Pipre's Craft on one of the tables. She then drew notice of Rook and Aris’ta. “Greetings. Have you seen Brother Bartholemew around here? If not, would you mind if I sat here and waited?”

"That is very true. No one would know until they had seen it, but I do not think we are likely to point it out and demand others understand it. Going forward; however, it would make things easier for some. " she lifts the water and takes a sip, she no longer bothers to even nibble or play with the food before her. A question shows on her face for a moment at his mention of prayer and peaceful reconciliation of terms, but whatever it is she doesn't ask it, instead taking care to listen. Her eyes easily catch his gaze slip over her shoulder and though she tilts her head to peer, she never overtly looks in the opposite direction. She also maintains her positioning, her face one of deep contemplation, consternation, or possibly both.

"You can't prepare for everything, no matter how hard you try Master Rook. " she says with a half-hearted grin. From any other angle the smile would look bitter and insincere, but from what he can see, it merely looks sad and forced. "I think it best to simply take the journey one day at a time. If you've concerns, speak with De La Maistre about them and gain clarification. It is the surest way to resolve those particular lackings of insight. " As the conversation continues, she turns her view further away, the contemplation returns, sometimes to the point of closing her eyes. Releasing a breath that almost trembles in it's escape she considers his remarks and questions and finds she is unsure how to answer.

Lifting the hand closest to him, she closes herself off by crossing it and rubbing at her neck and just behind the ear in the nervous gesture. Her lips have thinned some and at one point she may even bite down, surprising even herself as she runs her tongue over to find she's made herself bleed. Opening her mouth to speak, she finds no words form, and shakes her head.

When she does finally manage to get the words out, they are not the idealistic romanticism's of youth many have, but a bleak, weary outlook that leaves no doubt of the truth she feels behind it.

"Goals?" she questions again, almost as if the question surprises her, only laughably and unexpectedly, as though she were more surprised at the interest rather than the meaning. "At one time they were very similar to the ones you described. A remnant of my mother, I expect." A sadness creeps along her features as she looks down, lowering a tightly balled fist to her side. "But those... dreams," the last word said with a sharpness, as if the fantasy of the word itself were abhorrent, "They were not meant for the likeness of me." The fist relaxes and is quickly and nervously grabbed by the other, absently rubbing at the same area of covered skin between the thumb and forefinger of her left hand.

"I suppose when all is settled here I will return to the forest as I was before."

Making a sharp gesture, similar to a sharp jerk of her head she rises pacing a moment before closing her eyes and releases a breath. "It is-- nice to know that this time, I will still have friends to visit from time to time," she adds, looking off. The conversation has taken an unexpected turn and lack of sleep has caught her off guard. Her discomfort is noted in every jerky gesture and unsteady breath. The stance is familiar to anyone who has hunted before. The deer just before the strike, ready to bolt at a moments notice.

Which is exactly what happens the moment Valoria shows up, through no fault of her own. "No, no. Of course not, I was just in need of air. If you'll excuse me. " she gave a smile and curt nod to both Valoria and Rook and made a break for the nearest exit.

>> Graves/Outside area>>>
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Mon 13 June 2016.

Pipre tilts her head to return the greeting, the confident, concentrated expression on her face not breaking. "Brother Bartholemew. No, not recently. Please do sit," she turns her dark, luminous eyes over to Valoria for a moment. She pointed out a bottle amongst several other, "This is the only thing currently safe to drink, if you need refreshment." The bottle was frosted slightly, somehow chilled ale that is condensating thanks to the heat of the sun. She also offers a tin of rolled cigarettes, puffing contently on her own as she worked carefully and precisely. "I'm still waiting for you to show me some cool spells," she says with an offhand wink targeted at the other woman.

Not sure if Valoria is talking to Pipre or Rook and Aris'ta, if it's the latter than we can scratch this

"Bart is in with Henry at the moment.  They were discussing a mass investiture at dinner this evening." Tib says in response to Valoria's overheard question.

"Anyone seen Big Job?  I need to check  his equipment out, if we are going out on hunting together."

Pipre smirks, "His equipment is pretty good," she says in her usual smoky, sultry tone. "But I'm no expert, he should be around."

Tib looks puzzled for a moment and shrugs at Pipre's comment, before turning to see if Valoria or Rook have any suggestion.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:56, Mon 13 June 2016.

As evening starts to fall Svetlana serves up a big pot of stew – There are two or three different meats in there, certainly rabbit, meat from some sort of bird as well as various vegetables and a generous helping of barley to thicken it and bind it all together- and there are even a few honey cakes for dessert.

Before it is served, Brother Bart carries out a swift and very informal investiture ceremony that seems to entail him handing over a badge and writing down the recipient’s name – but no oaths or swearing or even anything similar.  At the same time, Henry reminds you of the teams and seach areas.

”Bai, Rook, Aris’ta, Pipre and Zorah I would like you to take the Gnarlemarche.  Start at the closest point and work your way down.  Andalon, Valoria, Cyrus, Percy and Vik  - I would like you to take the area east of here.  Apparently there is a hermit  about a dozen miles east – start there and work your way down, but stay this side of the river for now.

Leave first thing in the morning, and report back here in one week’s time.  Svetlana has some dried supplies for you, although you will want to supplement it as you travel.  Borric, Adoven, Oleg and Rusty will be taking the wagons to Restov tomorrow.  I know some of you have spoken with them already, but anyone else who wants something brought back from the city needs to speak up this evening.

Later in the evening, Borric confirms that he is to bring back some sort of portable forge for Cyrus and two sets of tools (Leather Working and Wood Working) for Lex.

---

OOC1:  Other tools and raw materials can be ordered so long as they can be paid for.  Remind me if I have forgotten anything :)
OOC2:  Time for the last personal storyline posts at Oleg’s and then into the Exploration Threads.

"Thank you Henry. We are honored to be your deputies." Cyrus says after being deputized.

Hearing the locations of their search area, Cyrus is reminded of an idea he had earlier. Looking across to Vik and Percy who were seated with he, Andalon and Valoria, Cyrus spoke  up saying, "Vik, has Lolli mentioned anything about the area we are designated to search? I wonder if Oleg or any of the other bandits is familiar with the area we have been assigned? I have another matter to discuss with David, would you or Percy mind asking around?"


Cyrus stands, he smiles at Valoria as he leaves their table to find David. Finding the man, he tells him the news he has about the forge and asks, "Are you interested in resuming your craft? I will pay for the temporary forge and a more permanent fixture in the future when my coin allows, but I will expect a favorable rate on any items I commission and I will expect you to commit to this profession. What do you say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:20, Mon 13 June 2016.

After the announcement and reminder of search areas is complete, Lex approaches Zorah and hoping he's not interrupting the deputies planning for departure, asks tentatively "Zorah, is it ok if your saddle is ready for you when you return? I've started the frame and cut the skins, but it will take me a few more days to complete it. I'm sorry it won't be helpful on this journey."

"I wouldn't dream of charging you for items after all you've provided.  At least, not until I've paid off my debt to you.  I will commit all of my attention to this task."  He glances down at his food at his last comment but passes it off as taking a bite and looks Cyrus in the eyes after chewing the bite of stew, uncertain if the lord believes him.  Either way, David knows Cyrus will be unconcerned if he returns to David with a pocket full of coins won at the card table to pay off his debt earlier than expected.


14:11, Today: David Hart rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  bluff check for lying about his intentions

"Of course!  I didn't expect it to be done before I needed to leave again.  Take your time and make it right, I'd rather it take longer and be well made than fall apart on the ride back."

Before heading to bed for the night Zorah spends some time training Wilson near the stables.  He's able to grip the bottle now, but it having trouble taking off while keeping ahold of it.

In reply to David Hart (msg # 123):

"Of course. If you are able to raise the funds for either the temporary or permanent forge on your own, I would be happy to see you do so. This will be your forge, your livelihood. Make of it what you will. I hope to see that hammer in action when I return."

Cyrus leaves the old man with those parting words and moves back to his group.

In reply to Zorah (msg # 124):

"I will make sure it is the best saddle I have ever made!" Lex says with a smile. He then pulls his cloak around his shoulders and arms and says "What a chilly night. I'm glad Pru returned with my cloak. It was torn but Pru mended it. She's quite good with a needle and thread. If you ever need anything mended or want someone to make you a new dress, she's your girl."

Lolli spoke before Vik could answer

"I don't know much, like I was saying to Lady Viktoria previously, but what I do know is this Stag Lord. I've seen him, been around him. He never takes off his armour. Strong too, able to kill a man with nothing but a mailed fist. And a dead eye with a bow. I'd recommend we keep a watch out, that armour is like as not to stand out. And we'd best be ready to run, or to put him on his back. Nothing in between will go our way."

Zorah hides a smile with her hand as she turns her head so as not to embarrass Lex.  "That's quite a glowing endorsement Lex.  I'll be sure to ask her should I need anything.  maybe you could introduce me before I head over to the stable to work with Wilson."