Dalmar narrows his eyes slightly at both Marabir and Aerendir, but makes no comment (since the varim seems to be aware that this, too, would be ignored). However, the varim-- whose keen eyes note well the dozen or so horses partly-concealed at the base of the hill which the distracted Marabir and Aerendir seem to have missed-- also makes no comment on them, apparently feeling that if they do spot Marabir and Aerendir, this is no more than both deserve.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 43. Spot Check

"No sign of anyone," Marabir asserts after a moment in a low voice as he begins to climb over the hill and move stealthily down through the sparse trees towards the town. "I'm going in."

OOC: Marabir Carendil rolled 15. Hide.
Marabir Carendil rolled 15. Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Mon 22 May 2023.

"Indeed," Aerendir agrees, following Marabir, stepping on several twigs as he does so which lie partly-concealed under the long grass. "The sooner we find Taesir, the better."

OOC: Aerendir rolled 10. Hide.
Aerendir rolled 7. Move Silently.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Mon 22 May 2023.

Only an astute observer-- or someone looking behind them-- would notice the slightly cruel smile of anticipation that twists Dalmar's lips as the varim slips into the shadows himself, moving far faster than either Aerendir or Marabir down the slope. (Whether out of an altruistic desire to deal with anyone lying in wait before they spot Marabir and Aerendir, or a desire to make sure he isn't in the way of any stray crossbow bolts sent their way once they are spotted-- a fate Dalmar seems to feel is inevitable-- is anyone's guess.)

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 37. Hide.
Dalmar Argant rolled 49. Move Silently.

Dalmar reaches the outskirts of the town before the others, seeing no sign of anyone at first. However, as he moves through the town he catches sight of several figures picking their way along the rear of the tavern on the far side of town. They appear to be Thanian men, dressed in dark, nondescript leather and armed with an assortment of swords, maces and crossbows.

Dalmar seems to feel these men may be a Marabir problem, not a Dalmar problem (if indeed they are anyone's problem) for the varim does not engage with them, instead climbing up the side of a house opposite the tavern with the grace and silence of a thief, the better to see what goes on down below.

OOC: Dalmar Argant rolled 44. Spot Check.
Dalmar Argant rolled 36. Listen Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Tue 23 May 2023.

Aerendir sends the shadows behind him a dark glare as he follows Marabir down the slope, apparently sure that this is where any varim is going to be skulking.

Marabir reaches the outskirts of the town himself, moving along the rear of the tavern where Dalmar was, moments earlier as he peers out into the streets. The dark clad men appear to be making their way towards the tavern, and by this time even Marabir catches a glimpse of them, quickly ducking back behind the tavern.

"We don't appear to be alone after all," he observes in a low voice to Aerendir.

"Well, I am not leaving Taesir here," Aerendir says, glaring at the men, fingers twitching towards his bow.

OOC: Aerendir rolled 27.  Spot Check.

Marabir seems to feel the same way about Cyralas, as he gives a grim nod in return, carefully unsheathing his blade as he continues to pick his way along the side of the tavern toward the stable entrance.

Even as he moves along the building, a bearded man in his mid twenties appears around the corner of a building to their left, his eyes widening as they alight on Marabir. He swiftly raises his blade, as several more dark clad men appear behind him.

"Who are you?" he demands, his tone wary.

"Where is my horse?" Marabir demands in return, ignoring the question as he raises his own blade, grimly counting the number of men before him.

The bearded man seems a little perplexed by this response, but does not lower his blade.

"I said identify yourself," he repeats.

"...I certainly don't recognize them," Aerendir says, who spends extremely little time in the north, coming to stand beside Marabir, bow notched, an arrow in hand.

The bearded man's eyes narrow at the sight of the elf, giving a gesture as a couple of the men behind him raise crossbows. However, even as the man opens his mouth to speak, a voice sounds from behind him.

"Marabir!"

"Nod? How did you...?" responds Marabir in disbelief, lowering his blade as the minstrel, who has appeared around the corner behind the men, hurries forward with a wide grin.

"Your Highness!" says the bearded man sheepishly, kneeling as he swiftly gestures for his men to lower their weapons.

"I rode to the Vordren Estate," Nod explains lightly, squeezing past the kneeling warriors as he continues to approach. "Lord Vordren and his oldest son are away at the Carnauger front. This is Samnir, his second son, and the handful of men who were manning his estate."

"...Well it's good to know not everyone up north is a Caledormist," Aerendir says sourly. "Though they do seem to score badly at recognising their future king."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Tue 01 Aug 2023.

Vordren murmurs something inaudible as he and his men cough and stare at their feet.

"Cyralas?" Marabir asks Nod hopefully, this seeming to be a higher priority than the men kneeling before him.

"He's here," Nod assures the prince. "I rescued him and Taesir from the stable, and they both refused to remain at the Vordren Estate when we began our journey back here."

"Good man," Marabir smiles approvingly, giving the minstrel a pat on the shoulder as he moves forward to turn his attention to Vordren and his men as he gestures for them to rise. "It is good to know there are still some men in these parts who are loyal to their prince, Samnir. I am well acquainted with your brother, Tyrald. If you are half the warrior he is, your sword will be a welcome addition."

“Here as in where?” Aerendir says sourly to Nod.