While the remaining miners helped to very carefully escort the wounded Zarth on the long journey back to the road and the cart that would carry him to town, Maiya fingered her mace, nervously eyeing Daniel; clearly in doubt as to how ready he was to venture down below and face a pack of goblins.

Noting his determination, she hurried to follow him. Before either could begin their descent, a hand emerged from below.

"Wait!" Maiya called, drawing her weapon and pointing at the emerging figure. A young man with freckles emerged, and balked as he say Maiya's longsword levelled at him.

"It's okay!" he cried out. "We have them!" Behind him followed two very dirty, terrified looking children, blinking in the bright afternoon sun.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:37, Tue 26 Nov 2019.

As the group progressed upwards, Harbek sought out Karadin and spoke to him in Dwarven. "Stonebrother, I suggest that you and I should serve as the rear-guard until everyone in our group reaches the surface. I think that we have given the Goblins enough of a bloody nose that they shall not trouble us further -- but cowards that they are, if they are of a mind to do so, I suspect that they will try to nibble away at the hindmost of us instead of trying to do battle with the entire group."

"Thus, you and I should put some Dwar steel betwixt any possible trouble and the Humans. We two shall be the last up out of the Goblin-tunnels, as is fitting for Dwarven warriors."

---

OOC: Assuming that Karadin agrees, the Dwarves will be the last two to exit the tunnel.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Mon 25 Nov 2019.

Mari followed Heiber and the children out, desperately subduing her growing need to reach the surface as fast as possible. She distracted her mind with genuine curiosity towards Raven. It was unusual for foreigners to travel outside of the coastal cities, especially to north of Merinthia. Why was she here, what was she looking for? It was mixed with more mundane curiosity of wanting to learn more about Raven and where she was from. She also still carried the readied crossbow, trying to guard the front.

Final push through the tiny tunnel was only bearable for the light that was showing at the end. Hearing Maiya's challenge from ahead, she called out, "Peace, peace, champion of Ellantha. It is us!" But of course the sight of the children was proof enough, even before Mari struggled free of the tunnel.

Squinting against the sunshine, Mari leaned on her knees for a while catching her breath and just enjoying the open air for a while before paying more attention to the people outside.

"Praise Ellantha, we are out, sunshine has never felt so good before!" Mari breathed quietly.

Karadin nodded as Harbek proposed taking up the rear guard. [Language unknown: "Thasi ameencwil eraardous somstrson ac me ul estintoulcom hollle ce setoerstr si neeve, e pa pelaun o ave newer eau con ivncat. Icaeauver, Ss ai ear menthuast pl ineillati ncwi alwer antionthe ioeeev sseiio... man, strhi it. Paat, noaihi voriv!"] he laughed.

When they finally reached the surface, the sun was blinding. The dwar looked around at the other injured. "I see we weren't the only ones to take a beating, but we completed the task at hand. Your young are safe. Not sure about the rest of you, but I could use a drink and some rest."

Emerging in the sunshine again, Raven raised a hand to shield against the glare, allowing her eyes to readjust to the daylight. Being a scholar adapted to the close quarters of stuffy libraries and cramped archives, she was perhaps more used to confined spaces than Mari appeared to be -- but nonetheless the dark and low-ceiling tunnels of the goblins were no place she cared to revisit anytime soon.

She smiled at Mari's comment about being free once more, but made no reply. Instead she moved over to where Daniel was. (laying down? sitting? standing conscious?) He was unconscious and near death when she had ventured down below and she had worried about leaving him in the care of the miners. "This is the tracker I spoke of, Mari," she said to the young priestess, gesturing for her to come over and see what she could do for the man.

When the dwarves emerged Raven hailed them and moved over to speak with them privately...

In reply to Raven (msg # 5):

Harbek turned as the dark-haired Human female approached. He had liked her when they had previously spoken -- mayhap, he had decided, because, as was the case with him, the prevailing Human ways and customs of Merinthia were foreign to her. He found himself liking her even more when she had the good sense to seek out Karadin of the Axebeard family and Harbek himself and speak to them privately, mayhap realizing that the two Dwar would have seen more in the dark underground tunnels than would their Human companions, whose vision was limited to what was within the area lit by whatever light-source they were carrying along with them.

Stroking his beard-whiskers thoughtfully, he listened to her words. When she had finished, he smiled at her and nodded affably. Speaking in the Merinthian tongue of the Humans, he replied "'Tis no trouble at all, Mistress Raven of the city of Arvada of the Sapphire Empire," he replied, repeating the words that she had spoken to him during the time-honored Greeting Ritual. "I am pleased to see that you are well. Seemingly Rahashu favored your efforts in defeating the bnarr-stealing Goblins, as the All-Father favored Karadin and me."

"As for your question about the possibility of other bnarr still being held captive down in the Goblin-tunnels . . ."

After a moment of thought, he shook his head and replied "I neither saw nor heard any evidence of other children being held captive. But that does not mean that none are down there -- for as we have seen, the Goblin-vermin will seize Human younglings and carry them down below whenever the opportunity arises."

"Mayhap, once these two bnarr -- Todd and Ami, as you say -- have recovered somewhat, you might ask them the same question. Mayhap they saw or heard something that I did not."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Wed 27 Nov 2019.

Maiya looked evidently relieved to see everyone safely out of the tunnels. "It is good to see you all safe. The other man who accompanied is already being escorted back to town to rest. This one," she nodded in the direction of Daniel. "Should almost certainly have gone with him, but was determined to head down below to aid the rest of you. I was able to channel enough of the blessings of our Lady to return him to the waking world, but that wound is not fully healed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:05, Thu 28 Nov 2019.

Mari nodded to Raven when she pointed towards wounded man, one that she recogniced to being the exceptionally rude man from earlier when they were travelling to the caves. Now Mari, shame on you, Ellantha's servants shouldn't let their personal opinion affect their willingness to help, she almost heard the words of Mother Eilia in her mind, when she approached Daniel.

It was obvious the man was up and about, it was as obvious that he was worse for wear. But then, so were the two dwar. Mari had nothing to give them other than bandages and getting them to safety to rest.

Karadin spoke of needing rest and Mari agreed, but the place was not safe. "I can bind your wounds, but that is all I can do for now without more supplies and rest. I don't think this is the best place for rest, we better walk away from the immediate area, if not all the way to Criplot. We scared the goblins to fleeing, but who knows if they manage to collect enough courage to come out eventually. Better not be here when they do."

Karadin nodded in agreement. "Yes, you should speak with the little ones. Find out what they saw down there. They ain't likely to talk a dwar covered in goblin innards," he chuckled.



"Ahh, me rest is best had on a bar stool back at the village tavern." Karadin laughed.

"I reckon the goblin scum will be licking their wounds and disposing of their dead for the rest of the day." The dwar spoke up loud enough for all to hear. "There was a unusually large and strong goblin among the runts. He took a couple nasty licks from Harbek and me weapons, but escaped. I plan to stay a few days in town, as I suspect they may try to retaliate once their wounds heal. I welcome any of ya to stay and fight by me side."

Daniel shrugs when it becomes clear he's not worth healing, and goes to recover his arrows from the several goblins he killed.

Mari had been thinking about what the goblin shaman had said and what she had seen from her vantage point on top of the ladder. That large goblin was probably the one called Skliz wanted to 'play' with the children and the room had been covered with blood spatter and torture implements, Mari shuddered at the thought of the kind of play that must mean for those children that were trapped in the room. She sent a fervent prayer to Ellantha thanking that they had been in time to save Todd and Ami.

"I don't have much hope for there being any other captives alive," she said with a sad shake of head and after glancing to make sure that the children were not within hearing range. "I will pray that we didn't abandon anyone there unknowingly. And yes, I agree Karadin of the Axebeard family, we should go back after we have rested. I will see if I can send word to Lord Phelmus of Oterhal, Criplot falls under his fief and maybe he would be willing to spare some help or supplies to our mission." Mari was not so sure that they would receive any help, but it was the responsibility of the nobility to take care of the people on their land, as much as it was the responsibility of the people to pay their taxes and work the fields and mines. She wanted to remind the local lord that the deal should be honored both ways.

Then Mari turned her attention towards the miners and the children, she went closer to them trying to smile soothingly, even as her cheeks reddened again when she saw Heiber. It had been many years since she had seen him and he had also changed, matured, grown more good looking. But probably it was Mari who had changed the most since that one day when she had called down Ellantha's fire for the fist time and then soon sent to Merinth to study.

Putting the personal thoughts aside for a while Mari knelt next to the children. "Hello, I'm Mari. You don't know me yet but I used to live in Criplot before I went to study to become a priestess. Would you allow me to see if you are alright and not wounded? We will take you back to your mother soon, but I would like to make sure you are ok." She smiled at them and held out her hands to invite them to step closer to her. She glanced at Heiber, hoping he would encourage them to do as she was asking.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Fri 29 Nov 2019.

Tod, the younger of the two, was clearly still too shaken to speak. Nervously, he continued to cling to Heiber's leg, avoiding meeting anyone's gaze. Heiber tried to gently encourage him, but the boy remained where he was.

Ami stepped forward, looking into Mari's face with eyes worn red from crying. She spoke in small voice. "Thank you for helping us, miss."

A quick inspection turned up no injuries more serious than some bruising and grazes round the wrists and ankles where they had been tied. Tod, still not speaking, submitted to the same inspection after some coaxing from his elder sister, and also appeared to be mostly unscathed.

Heiber had carefully watched Mari work. "By the Lady's grace, but it's good to see you again, Mari. You have to tell me all that's happened to you these past years. But first let's get these two home safe to Ma Flitfoot."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:09, Sat 30 Nov 2019.

Given the way that Mari of the Taysley family and the miner named Heiber were reacting, it appeared to Harbek that the two children had not suffered any serious injuries -- of the physical variety, any way. The Dwar was not certain how the two Human bnarr would weather the mental strain, however -- he suspected that Humans were not as strong-minded about such things as young Dwar would be in a similar situation.

Glancing away, Harbek's gaze randomly passed over Raven of Arvada, whereupon he started and immediately turned his attention back to the dark-haired Human female. It took him a moment to realize what had caught his eye, but when he did, he pursed his lips thoughtfully.

Harbek tried to remember what he had heard about such things, but found that in that respect, his memory was quite hazy . . .

Daniel puts his scavenged arrow back in his quiver, and strips the broken one of its head and any usable bits of fletching, which go into his pouch.

Raven pursed her lips in thought for a moment and then replied. "Yes, I will. Thank you," she began, agreeing with the pair. "Though I should probably wait until a more appropriate time. They are more likely to open up about the experience when a little distance to time and place robs the terror from their memories." She turned back when she heard Mari speak again...



"Then let us be away from this gods-cursed place," she said, after Karadin had replied. "Letters can be sent more easily from the village and mayhap we all could use a good stiff drink after what we just went through."

"Will you be joining us, Master Tracker?" She said to the one who so far had not spoken. "Pardon me, but I don't believe we know your name..."

Daniel shrugs, "No one has thought to ask, yet. Or offer their own to me, come to think if it. Daniel, now that we are introducing ourselves."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

Mari smiled to Heiber, her cheeks flaming, "It is good to see you, I'd like to talk more and know what has happened to you. At least you seem to have picked up a fatherly visage, considering how the children cling to you." She tried a little clumsily teasing to an old friend. Then realised he might actually already have children of his own, it wasn't too unusual at their age. Deciding swiftly to not dwell on that, since she knew her own mother would be keen to point that out, Mari changed the subject. Meri Taysley would be disappointed if her oldest daughter never produced grandchildren, but Mari had another path now, not many priestessess married. Better not dwell on that either.

"Since you and the other miners were here, I'm assuming we are fairly near to the mine?" Coming throught the hills had made it harder to figure out where exactly they were. "Should we walk that way and take the path from the mines to Criplot or should we take the route that we came from." She pointed towards from where they had approached the goblin burrow.

Leaving the others discuss the path for a while, she went to pick up her travelling pack from the bushes she had left them in. Mari strapped her shield to the pack, but decided to keep her crossbow out just in case. Lamenting briefly after the bolts that she had lost in the tunnels and to corpses of the goblins she had killed, left behind when they hurried to surface, Mari shouldered her pack and was ready to leave.

Raven smiled wryly at Daniel's response. "Well met, Daniel. I'm called Raven. That's Mari," she replied in a clipped tone (one that almost made her drawl disappear) indicating herself and then the blonde priestess. "Here's Heiber, Radek, Ami and Tod," she added, gesturing to the miners and then the children. "And these are Masters Harbek Hardstone and Karadin Axebeard of the dwar," she continued, using the term she'd heard the dwarves use for their own people. She had the fleeting thought that she might have overstepped herself slightly in taking on all the introductions herself, but given Daniel's 'no-one-thought-to-ask-me' approach to getting to know your fellow goblin-hunting allies, she'd have rather not spent until tomorrow evening for him to eventually get around to learning everyone's names.

"So now that we all know each other, are you going to be joining us back to Criplot or not?" She asked, already deciding that it was probably for the best to be as direct with the tracker as possible. Who knows, perhaps all the time spent in the wilds had dulled his social skills. It would have made sense, she'd hardly have thought squirrels and rabbits were good conversation partners.

In anticipation of heading back to the Human village sooner rather than later, after staring at Raven to be certain that he had seen what he had thought he had seen -- ~Or, mayhap more accurately, not seen one of the things that I had expected to see,~ the Dwar thought to himself -- Harbek had angled over to pick up his backpack from where he had set it before venturing down into the Goblin-tunnels.

As he returned after shrugging his shoulders into his pack, Harbek heard Raven of the city of Arvada calling out the names of some of the group to the Human male who had tracked the Goblins to their lair. She was doing a more than passable job of it, but as a Human, she was (as might be expected) not quite following the strictures of the Greeting Ritual -- and Harbek quickly decided to set things aright insofar as his personal information was concerned.

Striding over near to the twosome, Harbek turned to face the tracker. "'Tis Master Daniel, aye? I hope that I just now heard your name aright."

Not quite coming to a military "Attention" stance, but squaring his shoulders and throwing out his chest, Harbek continued, "As Mistress Raven of the city of Arvada has told you, I am Harbek of the Hardstone family."

"More properly, I am Harbek of the Hardstone family of the Stoneshaft clan, hailing from Krak Vestri -- that is to say, 'Westhold', in your tongue."

Completing the Greeting Ritual, Harbek gave a shallow bow -- more a nod of his head, really -- and intoned "The pleasure of the meeting is mine."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:27, Sun 01 Dec 2019.

Heiber visibly blushed at the mention of his 'fatherly visage', and seemed about to speak, but quickly seized on Mari's change of topic. "Why yes - of course. We're mining just over that ridge." He indicated over his shoulder to the North. "I don't know which way you arrived, Mari, but we're quicker cutting straight north till we hit the roads. Going that way we'll probably beat the rest taking your injured friend back on the cart." He briefly looked over at Daniel's wounds "Assuming we're all okay to make it on foot.".

In reply to Harbek Hardstone (msg # 19):

Daniel nods back to Harberk, "If you need a second name for me, Feyblessed seems popular locally. I'm from... You know, I'm not sure it has a name. We never really needed one."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

In reply to Daniel (msg # 21):

Harbek looked slightly surprised to hear the "family" name that Master Daniel told him, for it sounded more like a descriptive term than an actual family name. Seemingly the Human tracker was accustomed to not using -- or giving -- a second name, which was also a surprise to the Dwar, for the Stout Folk were prideful of, and quick to offer up, both their family and their clan names. The concept of someone who did not commonly acknowledge his family's name was quite foreign to Harbek.

~Nonetheless, it seems that Master Daniel is trying to meet me halfway, as the saying goes, and to do his best to honor the traditions of the Greeting Ritual. He should be praised for that, not looked at askance.~

And so it was that after a moment Harbek smiled in response and replied "I believe that I understand, Master Daniel. Thank you for your . . . accommodation of my people's ways. Henceforth, I shall address you as Master Daniel of the Feyblessed family, if that meets with your approval."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:18, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

Daniel clears his throat, "Um, no family, as such. I'm an orphan. Feyblessed is a local title I was given by some villagers, some friends helped me rescue from some goblins."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

Karadin also collected his stowed pack. The pots and pans clanked noisily as the dwarf hefted it upon his shoulders. The bloodied dwarf wandered over to the others as the informal introductions we being made. "Karadin, of the Axebeard family with the Craghaven Dwar," he said with a slight nod of his head. As the group set about to return to the small village, Karadin's movements were slow. With the rush of the fight behind them, the pain of his wounds began to register. "I hope the ale is strong in Criplot," he muttered to those around him.

In reply to Daniel (msg # 23):

"An orphan?" Harbek echoed, looking a little taken aback. "How very unfortunate! You have my deepest sympathy, Master Daniel."

After pausing for a moment, the Dwar offered "Mayhap Master Daniel Feyblessed will suffice, then?"

In reply to Harbek Hardstone (msg # 25):

Daniel shrugs, "Oh, I got by well enough, and yes, the name is fine, although 'Master' might be a little optimistic."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

"'Tis a widely-used term of respect, at least among my people," Harbek replied to Daniel's comment about the term "Master", "just as one addresses females as 'Mistress' or 'Lady'."

"Or, just think of yourself as a master of your chosen craft," he suggested, a smile turning up the corners of his mouth.

His smile broadened into a grin when he heard Karadin of the Axebeard family make his wish for strong ale. "You have the right of it, Stonebrother," he chimed in with a booming laugh, "for no ale is worthy of the name unless 'tis Dwar ale!"

Mari frowned when Heiber motioned towards Daniel and mentioned his wounds. "Well, he refused my help in binding his wounds by just walking away when I offered, so he must be alright." Or stubborn, some were like that, she would be keeping an eye out for him showing signs of slowing or hiding more serious symptoms. "The dwar are not much better off, so let's take the quick route." While she herself was uninjured, Mari was feeling the drain of wearing armmor and experiencing the terrifying cramped tunnels.

After shouldrering her pack, Mari made her way to where the dwar, Daniel and Raven were discussing. Picking up on the tail end of conversation she smiled, little mischievously, "I'm sorry to inform you, master dwar, there is no tavern in Criplot, it is too small to have a use for one. We don't get many visitors even at the best of times." She left it at that, not confirming if she was serious. "It seems our best way back is to go over that ridge to the north and take the trail from the mine. I hope everyone is ready to leave, while I don't want to delay, we don't need to rush either. The children would probably appreciate a more leisurely pace, unless we have the means to carry them both." The mention of children was meant more as means to save face for those that were wounded and perhaps too stubborn and proud to admit they couldn't hold up a good pace.

She smiled at Raven, "Miss Raven, you still owe me that proper introduction, would you mind walking with me for a while. I would like to talk with you." Curiosity, surely it was a blessed attribute for a servant of Ellantha, especially those of the Wisbund.

In reply to Mari Taysley (msg # 28):

Harbek stared at Mari of the Taysley family, aghast, when the Human priestess announced the sorrowful news that there was no tavern in Criplot. "Why, that's . . . that's . . . how could such a thing be?" he sputtered, at a loss for words.

Shaking his head mournfully, he muttered "Had I but known, I could have brought a mule carrying a couple of casks of my people's ale with me from Krak Vestri. I would have made a fortune meeting the needs of the thirsty people hereabouts."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Mon 02 Dec 2019.

"Or not," Raven replied to Harbek with her own mischievous smile. "Perhaps the good people of Criplot favor the path of abstinence and there is no tavern because no one drinks."


"Of course, Mari," Raven said, turning toward the priestess at the invitation to walk beside her... and then falling in to walk beside the other woman.

OOC: Mari, do you want to keep things open for everyone to see here or take our chat into the PM threads?

Karadin's shoulders slumped and his pace slowed even more. "I will bring up the rear and make sure no squirrelly goblins decide to follow us," he said somberly. ~What sort of town doesn't have a tavern? Humans are so unpredictable,~ he thought as he moved toward the back.

Mari set a pace that was not exactly leisurely but not too rigorous either, as she was herself burdened with both armor and pack. She wanted to be able to talk to Raven without undignified huffing and puffing. Giving the other woman a smile, little nervous now that she had the chance to satisfy her curiosity and generally in presence of such a impressive figure.

"So, to get first out the proper introduction, the dwar have impressed to me the need of the right ways. I am Mother Mari Taysley, priestess of Lady Ellantha, scholar and student in the Wisbund. Formerly from Criplot but now Merinth is my home." Then she smiled more freely. "Just, please, don't call me Mother Mari, like the formal appellation should go. It makes me feel ancient."

"It is my pleasure to have met you and let the blessings of the Bright Lady be on you. Thank you for walking with me."

---

OOC
I'm fine for it being open discussion, Raven. The only reason I see the need for PM's is to not delay the change of the scene for others. But if it comes to that then we can move to PM's later.

Raven walked beside Mari with relative ease, she was unencumbered with obvious armor and her pack didn't seem overly heavy at all. The pale, dark-haired woman probably could have managed a much quicker pace, but she matched Mari's stride as they talked.

"After what we've just been through, formal introductions seem a bit moot," Raven said with a slight smile. "But as you say, Master Harbek would certainly be vexed if we should neglect the solemnities." She had an almost scholarly way of speaking, and wherever she was from it was clear she'd been well-educated.

"People call me Raven," she began. "Though not the name my parents gave me, I find it suits me," she added with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "Originally, I hail from the city of Arvada of the Sapphire Empire, which lies across the eastern sea and beyond the Acanti coast. Though nowadays, home is wherever in Merinthia I can find a place to lay my head," she continued in her slow drawl.

"Pleased I am to met you, Mari... and I promise to avoid the honorifics, if you'll do the same," she whispered conspiratorially. "The blessings of your goddess are welcome. May Mahna's light bring you comfort in dark times," she concluded, spreading her hands, palms up, in a symbolic act of giving, as she dipped her head slightly toward the priestess.

In reply to Karadin Axebeard (msg # 31):

When Karadin spoke of acting as the rear-guard in case of further trouble with the Goblins, Harbek fell into step with his fellow-Dwar. While the Dwar were superior in most ways to the taller Humans, there was no denying that their legs were shorter -- so bringing up the rear of the group seemed logical, especially since if Trouble came, 'twould most likely be from that direction. And to Harbek's way of thinking, there was no denying that the two Dwar were more battle-worthy than any of the Humans in this group.

Plus, in this instance Harbek was favoring his left hip and walking with a pronounced limp. As he oft-times did (even when perfectly healthy), he was using one of his javelins, butt-end down, as a walking-staff. ~I blame that damned Goblin -- if he hadn't been so twisty and dodgy, I would have landed atop him instead of striking the floor so hard. Ah, well -- all's well that ends well, as a clever bard once said.~

"Do you know the area well?" he asked Karadin as they walked along. "If this gods-forsaken boil on the arse-end of Nowhere that is known to the Humans as Criplot is not even civilized enough to have an establishment that serves ale, mayhap we two should push on to somewhere else -- if, indeed, there is anywhere else near by that 'twould be more hospitable to thirsty travelers."

---

OOC: Daniel, if you make your interest in a walking staff (mentioned in the OOC thread) known to Harbek IC, he will be happy to lend you a javelin to be used as the Dwar is presently using one. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Tue 03 Dec 2019.

So many things to draw her attention, the most obvious being that Raven didn't feel the need to confide in Mari her real name, while Mari had given hers. So was she running from something connected to that name or just preferred something more fanciful, her hair certainly was like raven's wing. Mari put that to the back of her mind, there would be signs to one way or another eventually.

"Very well... Raven." She couldn't help than to hesitate a bit on the name and when omitting calling her 'miss'. However, she nodded towards Raven slightly in return of her greeting.

"Sapphire Empire, I think I remember mention of it from my studies, but I have to admit that I'm woefully uneducated about any more details than that." Actually, it might have been Irando that had told of it, Mari was not sure. "I would be honored to learn about your homeland if you wish to tell me anything. I feel like I have more questions than you will have breath to answer." She let out a half embarrassed chuckle.

She hesitated, not wanting to insult Raven when they had just started to get to know each other, but felt the need to bring up the point. "One of them would be to know more about this Mahna you mentioned. However, and please I don't mean this as an insult, but you should be careful when mentioning unknown entities in presence of Merinthians. I have more open mind than others, but in some places you might be accused of blasphemy for even bringing up any other names than Ellantha." She gave an apologetic smile to Raven. "But you must know this since you have made your way safely all the way to Criplot, when most foreigners keep to the coastal cities. May I ask what brought you here? There is nothing worth studying in here." While Mari loved her home and family, Criplot was just another minor mining village of the north, even with the recent news of rising goblin activity.

A knowing smile crossed Raven's lips. She was well aware of the Merinthian religious peculiarities. "Mahna is the Khandish name for the moon," she replied after Mari had issued her polite warning. The dark-haired scholar left unsaid that it was also the name for the goddess of the moon, but some things were best left unsaid if one were to pick their battles wisely. It was a bit different with the dwarves, for she had learned that they had their own gods, but with the humans of this land Raven had learned to be careful what she revealed and how.

"The learned in Arvada have long devoted themselves to the study of the natural world and the various relationships therein. It has long be observed that women bear a special relationship with the moon and so it a common salute among women to wish the comfort of moonlight to each other. The men of Arvada similarly greet each other appealing to Mahzuru, the sun. I believe a similar and equivalent expression in Merinthian would be when y'all wish each other a 'Good Day' or a 'Good Night'," she explained.

"As to my presence this far north, there is always something worth learning and knowing," she replied with a shrug. "And you never know what that may or may not be unless you first go and see for yourself. Like your desire to learn about my homeland," she added, appealing to Mari's own sense of scholarly desire. "Which I would be delighted to tell you what I know," she said, her voice taking on a slight sly tone. In Arvada bargaining and haggling were exalted to an art form. "And I indeed have questions and a desire to learn more about Merithia. Perhaps we could arrange an mutually beneficial trade?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:27, Wed 04 Dec 2019.

Happy for the company of his fellow dwar, Karadin paused in reflection for a moment. "Ne'er been anywhere outside o' Craghaven. Only left about a tenday ago. Spent me entire life there, cooking and crafting fine drink for me modir and fadir. I'll be honest with you Stone Brother, that was my first real battle back there. Fortune be mine, the power of our langfedgar flows through me veins in times of need. Killing those scum felt better than I expected." Karadin paused for a moment, and laughed. "But had me fadir told o' the horrors of towns without drink, I might never had left."

---

modir - mother
fadir - father
langfedgar - ancestors/forefathers

"The Bright Lady provides for us, we have no need to call on anyone or anything else. All life flows from her breath." It was both the expected answer and also heartfelt, since Mari felt in her body the powers of Ellantha every day. Despite saying this Mari noticed that she was been handled carefully, but then she didn't mind, one learned much more when someone thought you a were a little backward than when you were treated as an equal.

So she said with an interested lilt, "Oh, Khand, another name I've heard but don't know much about. There are so many lands beyond the seas."

Mari chuckled a little, "I still think you might have learned much more visiting the Wisbund library in Merinth and in much more comfort, but then I might have not met you, so I'm happy that you decided to travel."

Again Mari picked up something peculiar about Raven's manner, was her curiosity one of a scholar or one of a spy? But Mari didn't think she knew anything that could harm Merinthia if she revealed it, so she spoke with a smile. "So you would teach me of your home and perhaps other lands that you have visited and I would answer your questions about Merinthia? That sounds like a fair deal to me." She extended her right hand towards Raven, offering to seal the deal with a handshake.

"So Mahna is the entity for moon? I thought the moon is just a rock that Ellantha put in the sky to light our nights and mark the passage of time. Mahzuru is the sun. What are the stars called then?" Mari could go on like this all the way to Criplot, unless Raven interrupted her. The joy of her questioning and learning was almost childlike, even when she was obviously intelligent and serious in bettering herself.

With the sense of urgency somewhat lessened, and with the burden of toddlers and wounded slowing things down, the journey back to Criplot was much more leisurely than the frantic dash in the other direction had been, earlier that morning. It was well over an hour before the raggedy group had made their way back to what passed for a road in these remote parts. The journey was, at least, undisturbed, and the early autumn air, though brisk, remained dry.

As the party moved onwards, Ami visibly relaxed, and as they neared the village her demeanour became noticeably brighter. Her pave picked up and she began speaking more. Little Tod remained quiet and ashen-faced, clinging to Heiber, who carried him most of the way.

Maiya spoke little on the journey, but hovered close by to Mari and Raven, listening intently to their conversation with a stony expression. Her right hand periodically fondled the pendant she wore around her neck, crafted in the shape of an ear of wheat - symbol of the goddess Ellantha.

The shouts were audible almost before the rude structures of the village came into view, as local children ran back and forth excitedly alerting the village's womenfolk to the returning group. A delegation of frantic housewives came marching excitedly out of the village, Kare Flitfoot running ahead of the pack to scoop up her daughter and son; eyes flowing with tears and babbling out barely coherent expressions of gratitude.

With slightly more composure, but with tears still moistening her eyes, a younger blonde woman strode forward and grasped the hand of each of the group one by one.

"The Lady bless and keep you! You've brought them back to us. We can never repay you this kindness."

"Building a proper tavern would be thanks enough for me," the battered dwarf grumbled to Harbek.

Mari noticed Maiya's disapproval but was so engrossed in the discussion that she didn't let it interfere. If it was needed she would talk with Maiya later.

When they reached the village Mari stayed little behind the group, not wanting to be the center of attention. She smiled warmly at the blonde woman when she came to shake her hand in turn, grasping it while speaking, "Having them safe is reward enough for me, Mrs. Eirfot." She leaned to whisper to Emi's ear. "However, if you could offer some ale from your cellar to the two dwarves, I would be very grateful. They came down to the goblin tunnels with me without any hesitation and fought bravely. Quenching their thirst is the least we can do."

---

OOC
Raven, if you want to continue the discussion, we can do some timejumping and continue in PM's.

In reply to Karadin Axebeard (msg # 40):

"Aye," Harbek replied with a nod of his head, "me too."

The Dwar was leaning against his javelin that he had pressed into service as a walking staff, using it to take some of the weight off of his left leg and hip. He tried not to be too obvious about it, though. ~After all, we can't have these Humans thinking that I have come back battered and bruised after tangling with a few Goblins.~

Raven graciously accepted the woman's hand-clasping and expression of gratitude, though to the astute observer she appeared uncomfortable being the center of attention -- if even briefly.

"We were just lucky to be in the right place at the right time to be able to help," she said in her obviously foreign drawl. "I'm very happy y'all have the children back home safe and sound."

One by one the inhabitants of the village came running up to the party. Some of them attempted  to fuss over the children, though Kara kept them close under her protective eye. Others clustered around one or another or the returning group, peppering them with questions about the what, when, who and how of everything that had happened since that morning. One young lady managed to monopolise the foreign sailor, pulling him away from the rest of group - a situation he did not appear to view with displeasure.

The sound of a man clearing his throat repeatedly failed to cut through the din, as the town bailiff bustled up to insert himself into proceedings. Seeming to address the women of the village almost more than the band of adventurers, he began to declaim in a timorous tone.

"Thank you brave warriors! I knew my faith in you was not misplaced. Please allow me to open the hospitality of our village to you. What is in our power to give, we shall grant!"

"I'm glad you agree husband," cut in the first woman to thank the adventurers. "I already sent young Ruk to bring up all the beer and wine you have stored in the cellar. As the colour drained from the bailiff's cheeks, she turned to the rest. "Come, this calls for a celebration! Our home is open to you this day."

"Thank you, goodwife!" a beaming Harbek boomed from the rear of the column.

"Your gesture of goodwill is much appreciated!"

"Seems you got lucky, Master Harbek," Raven quipped. "Not a village of abstainers after all. Come on," she added with a smile, moving to walk alongside the dwarf toward wherever this house of hospitality lay. "Let's see if we can wrangle a meal out of all this too. I'm starving!"

Mari shook her head when Todrik Eirfot started to speak. How in Bright Lady's Light was it possible for someone to be so obnoxious? Still his words gave the opening needed, so she approached the bailiff even when the others walked towards the forming celebration.

"Bailiff Eirfot, I need your assistance as you promised. I need to borrow some writing implements to write letters to Lord Phelmus and Mother Amelin, then I need you to find me a runner that can take those letters there today." Mari straightened and faked confidence she didn't completely feel, but hoped that her changed appearance and gear might fool the man. "It is urgent." It might be that her best option would be to speak to Emi about the runner, but at least the man had writing tools. Any plead for assistance would be needed to be delivered soon if they planned to go back and eradicate the goblins.

Todrik seemed at first not to catch Mari's words, his usual self-possession temporarily knocked out of him as his eyes stared blankly in the direction his wife was leading the crowd; lost in thoughts of how long it would be before he'd see such a fine, Evandan vintage again; or whether he would ever be able to afford genuine Dwarven ale in future.

He turned to focus on Mari at her insistent tone "What? Letters? Oh, yes! yes!" Seizing an opportunity to reassert some authority, he straightened his back and squared his slumped shoulders. "Come Mistress Mari, you shall tell me what you have seen and I will pen a missive to his Lordship this instant!" at which he strode imperiously in the direction of his cottage, in the midst of being converted to makeshift tavern.

He is going to write a report? Mari sighed silently. Well, couldn't blame the man for trying to do of his job, at least she would be there to make sure the facts would be right and all the helpers would be mentioned by name.

"Very well, bailiff. While you write your report, I'll write mine to Mother Amelin." Technically there was no requirement for Mari to report to the older priestess, but she thought it was only polite to make sure she would know all the facts. Well most of the facts, Mari thought as she remembered the jade figurine that was still in her belt pouch. Somehow she didn't think that Mother Amelin would be as open to studying goblin religion as she was. Mari wanted to back also for taking a closer look at the room they had found the goblin shaman in, there had been something unnerving but also interesting about it.

When Ellantha had breathed life in the world, hadn't she also created the goblins? Their evil was not off of her, but surely they retained some of the blessed breath still in them? That was the type of debate that had the current Wisbund in suspicion from the other branches of the church.

Mari's mind was filled with theological theories and debate as she walked after the bailiff toward their cottage. She had a small frown on her face and she was oblivious to the celebrations around her.

Todrik lead Mari through the rapidly filling living room to a tiny, little room off the side, casting a wistful look at the drinks being poured as he went. Despite living in the largest building in the village, excepting the shrine, space was still at a premium, and it was already crowded and noisy out the front.

"I don't think it's necessary for you to write anything, my dear. Todrik said with a certain sniff, as he fastidiously arranged his materials on the single small desk. "I would be happy to include whatever additional details you want to share with the good mother."


More noise and commotion out the front signalled the return of the remaining miners with the wounded Zarth, sparking another round of greetings and interrogations. With the discovery that the bailiff's private booze stash was opened, all thought of work and chores were forgotten, and the whole village was soon acting as if it were a festival day; a festival of thanksgiving for the return of their children.

Accepting Mistress Raven's invitation to accompany her to what turned out to be the baliff's home, Harbek walked alongside the Human female, following the lead of the villagers who knew the way.

Once he had moved inside the house, he was quick to spy a barrel that had seemingly already been brought up out of the cellar -- one that was marked with Dwarven runes.

"Look here, Stonebrother!" Harbek cried out gleefully.

"They have Dwar ale here! Real Dwar ale -- not just that prot-laus rakki-ausi* that the Humans seem to prefer."

---

OOC: *weak dog-water (stream, flow) = colloquially, weak dog-piss.

"I would appreciate if you would not interfere with me performing my duties to Lady Ellantha and her church," Mari bristled. While she was fairly laid back in many regards, nobody liked to being talked down to like they still were 10 years old. "My report to Mother Amelin has nothing to do with you."

Taking a calming breath, she continued with a more soothing tone. "Let me get us both a drink while you sharpen your pen and then I'll tell you what happened, so you can write your letter to his lordship. When you are done I can do mine, it will not take long."

Turning around without waiting for an answer, she braved the crowds to go pick up a mug of ale for the bailiff and wine for herself.

Muttering quietly to himself, Todrik looked at Mari with a slightly worried gaze, but one tinted with a respect she had never seen from him before. He accepted the ale and looked at his quill silently for a moment. Eventually he held it towards Mari. "Perhaps it's best if the story comes direct from the source, Mistress Taysley. I must, of course, review what you write to Lord Oterhal before we send it."


Stepping away from the study with a frown on his face, Todrik was intercepted by the recently returned Zarth, still slightly pale from his wounds, who placed a hand on the bailiff's chest. "I seem to recall talk of great rewards if we returned with the children."

The blood rushed to Todrik's face, his eyes darting everywhere but looking directly at Zarth, thoughts evidently rushing one after the other through his head. "Why, er... yes.. that is.. I mean..." Zarth leaned in a little closer "I am sure his Lordship would be happy to arrange a reward!"

"Thank you, bailiff. You can take a look at the report as soon as I finish it." Mari gave a nod of appreciation towards the man, before taking the quill and then a seat at his desk. When she gathering her thoughts she heard the talk between Todrik and the wounded man, she felt a momentary pity for the bailiff who had promised more than he had the means to give.

So she called out, "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard your name before, could you come here and introduce yourself so I can include it accurately to my report. I could also inspect your wounds, although I think rest will be the best remedy."

After learning Zarth's name, she composed the report. She tried to be as informative and brief as possible, taking note of those that had helped and the amount of goblins that they had killed in total. She described the goblin tunnels and how close they were to the mine. She explained the things they had learned about the goblin shaman and the big one, Skliz.

At the end she stressed that it was utmost urgency to return to the tunnels to get rid of the rest of the goblins, so they could not continue to terrorise Criplot and other villages, that some of the same people were willing to help again. She also mentioned that help and supplies, even some monetary reward might be in order to compensate for danger that they had been and were willing to face again, even when it was not their duty. She herself would not need compensation.

Mari then copied the report to Mother Amelin, only leaving out the plea for payment.

Finally she spent some time sketching out a map of the tunnels, leaving blank space and room to add more in the directions they had not explored yet. Of this she made one copy to attach to each letter and one for herself.

Spending few moments in thought checking the report, Mari allowed herself to enjoy few sips of the wine, before she raised from the seat and went to look for the bailiff.

---

OOC
22:19, Today: Mari Taysley rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Calligraphy Tools check to make the letter extra fancy and official (with dex mod.).
22:21, Today: Mari Taysley rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Cartographer's Tools check to make map sketches (int mod).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Sun 08 Dec 2019.

Harbek's ears perked up when he heard the Human whose name he remembered as Zarth, of the Willowstriker family speak to the Human bailiff about a reward for chasing down the Goblins and freeing the Human younglings -- actually, "great rewards" were the words used.

The Dwar could not hear the bailiff's quietly-spoken response, but from the Human's body language, it did not sound as if the bailiff was eager to honor the arrangements that had been made.

Now that Zarth of the Willowstriker family had jogged the Dwar's memory, Harbek did recall the short-of-stature bailiff rather self-importantly standing there in his bright red leather coat before the group of rescuers set off and speaking in those very words -- "great rewards".

Seemingly the entire village had turned out to help consume the bailiff's supply of ale and wine, and it took Harbek a moment to wind his way through the press of people to where the compensation was being discussed. By the time that the Dwar arrived, Mari of the Taysley family had also joined the discussion, only to step away again, seemingly to work on some sort of a report -- then to return again a relatively short time later.

~Most commendable,~ Harbek thought to himself, ~to render reports to one's superiors above oneself in the chain of command. Truth be told, even having a recognized chain of command is quite commendable for these Humans, who are oft-times inclined towards being a bit too breezy and spur-of-the-moment oriented for my tastes.~

"I am delighted to hear that you plan to honor your promise concerning the compensation, good sir bailiff," Harbek intoned, addressing the Human who was not that much taller than the Dwar himself, his deep voice sounding rather formal amidst the hubbub of background conversation in such close quarters.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Mon 09 Dec 2019.

Downing his beer and rapidly refilling the glass, with much of his braggadocio gone and a wide-eyed look of panic, Todrik took the papers from Mari and quickly scanned them, before sitting down at the table himself and raising the quill. He paused a few times, and absent-mindedly smoothed his red coat, before finally adding a few lines with a shaking hand.

"I've... erm.. added a note about your due compensation" he said without meeting anyone's eye. Stepping back into the common room he grabbed a boy of about 14 by the shoulder "Eron - hurry and run these notes over to Oterhal. If you don't hang about you can be there by dusk. His lordship will see you with a meal." After some brief protestations about missing the party and a clout around the ear, Eron was off.

Todrik nodded respectfully at Mari. "They have certainly taught you well your letters at that temple, Mistress Taysley. Though obviously they taught you little about maps." So saying, he poured himself a rather full tankard of ale and set about downing it with great rapidity.

Mari kept an eye at the bailiff to see how he reacted to the report.  She didn't blame him for being nervous when confronted by people expecting to honor his word, although she knew that he hadn't really thought that he would need to do so, or really had the means to reward anyone by himself without Lord Phelmus.

"Indeed, they taught me many things, Bailiff Eirfot." Mari wasn't going to let herself feel insulted over a quick and rough sketch, she would be able to make a proper map of the goblin tunnels after more proper exploration and measurement. For now the version would suit to remind them about the tunnels, especially those left unexplored.

"But where are my manners..." She said to change the topic and also because Harbek joined the conversation, "Master Harbek, let me introduce you to bailiff Todrik Eirfot, he is the representative of Lord Phelmus Oterhal in Criplot." Quickly explaining in dwarvish the human habit of introducing those above you, [Language unknown: "Ee m me us lelitr ceomfo maha-peli folios. Utpoll ichli ntpr dayhisame pe usmo n oskor somarestathu etos re niri essmanmantha one theeauoul."]
"Bailiff Eirfot, this is Master Harbek of the Hardstone family of the Stoneshaft Clan from Krak Vestri."

After the men had greeted each other, she said with a light chuckle, "I must apologise my prank earlier, master Harbek. While there indeed is no tavern in Criplot, there still are those that appreciate a proper dwarven brew, as you can see." She took a sip of her wine glass, marking her not belonging to that group.

"I'm not sure if there will be others offering, there might be, but if you find yourself without a roof to sleep under tonight, come to the shrine of Ellantha. While it will not be comfortable, since the only cot is meant for the visiting clergy, it will at least be protected from the elements." Mari felt the growing need to separate herself from the ever more loud growing party and wanted to spend a little time in the silence of the shrine. However, if the visitors didn't get invited to the homes of the people of Criplot the shrine was the only building large enough to accommodate them all. "This invitation extends to all of those that helped in the tunnels." Technically the shrine was part of Mother Amelin's duties, but since she was not present at the moment Mari felt justified in using it.

~Hmmm -- seemingly this one does not plan to honor his previous pledge of compensating those who put themselves in harm's way to rescue the bnarr -- rather, he is looking to his lord to do so -- if it is to be done at all. This bailiff is a weak, poor leader -- a weak leader, indeed,~ Harbek thought to himself.

The Dwar inclined his head to Mari of the Taysley family in recognition of the Human female's quite commendable recitation of the Greeting Ritual. Harbek then turned his attention to the slippery bailiff. "The pleasure of the meeting is mine, Bailiff Todrik Eirfot of Criplot, local representative of Lord Phelmus Osterhal," he intoned formally. The fact that the Human's shillyshallying on the matter of fair compensation had left Harbek with a poor opinion of the bailiff did not, to the Dwar's way of thinking, excuse him from honoring tradition and the time-honored formalities.

Harbek smiled when the priestess made the offer of a cot in the local shrine of her goddess. "That is most generous of you, Lady Mari of the Taysley family. And 'tis most commendable that you may be relied upon  to honor your own commitments, instead of merely hoping that your superior will do so."

The Dwar gave the bailiff a sidewise glance, curious as to whether the Human male had understood the intended slight. Now that the formalities of the Greeting Ritual had been satisfied, Harbek felt that he was justified in airing his personal opinions . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Mon 09 Dec 2019.

Entering the house with Harbek, Raven was content to let the dwarf wander off and mingle while she herself went looking for a meal and perhaps a nice pot of tea. She eventually found her way to the kitchen, where a pair of elderly, grandmotherly-looking women were more than willing to set her up with a plate of bread, cheese and cold mutton, along with a promise to bring the tea out to her when it was done brewing.

Balancing the plate in one hand, Raven wove her wave through the rapidly crowding room to find a chair at a table which had been just set up near the fireplace, snagging a glass of white wine along the way. 'Twas probably not the best pairing, white wine with a red meat, but she had found herself avoiding red wine of late and she really wanted to steer clear of anything that might cause the good folk here to unnecessarily exercise their imagination -- especially where she was concerned.

Settling into her spot by the fireplace, she politely engaged with those few who approached her -- mostly mothers thanking her for her aid in rescuing the children -- but for the most part the folk tended to avoid the pale-skinned, dark-haired foreigner... and Raven was pleased to just let that particular quirk of social gatherings happen naturally.

Enjoying the state of having effectively faded into the background, at least in the minds of the locals, she ate and drank slowly as she watched the people around her with careful interest...

Reddening noticeably at the obvious slight, the bailiff cleared his throat nervously and mumbled a serious of generalised pleasantries and gestures of respect towards the group, while simultaneously trying to vanish into the throng and escape any further questioning.


Todrik's embarrasment and despondent mood were at complete odds with the rest of the villagers, however, for whom the party was in full swing. Karadin was quickly surrounded by a gaggle of curious boys who, after overcoming their initial nervousness, were now peppering him with questions about his tattoos, his scars, and what life was like in a Dwarven city. Was it true that dwarfs ate rocks? And that dwarf girls had beards?

Daniel was cornered by a crooked backed old man, missing most of his teeth, who introduced himself as Erich and expressed enormous interest in the craftsmanship of his bow.

Mari found herself rapidly intercepted by her family, smothered by her mothers hugs and a panoply of rejoicings that she was safe and admonitions for putting herself in harm's way. Her father remained oddly quiet, eying her with what seemed an odd mix of respect and worry.

Daniel thanks Erich, "Its not bad, according to Fletcher. He allowed as how it was adequate to protect me when I left home. I was happy with it when I finished it, but I'm nowhere near as good at this sort of thing as he is."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Thu 12 Dec 2019.

Meeting her family was lovely, but also a reminder of how the time in Merinth had changed her. She smiled at Morfyn, who gave her a quick hug, then went with the other kids to crowd around Karadin. The twins were little more reserved and soon disappeared to be with other teenagers, leaving Mari to deal with with her parents alone.

Meri tried to treat her daughter like she had not changed from before at all, but Mari could see how Michael was trying to cope with the new situation. "No Mama, it was not unnecessary risk. I could not have left the children in trouble with good conscience," Mari replied with mild annoyance to her mother. "Lady Ellantha has blessed me with abilities and I need to use them to help those that are less fortunate than I am."

When her mother was distracted for a while taking care of Morfyn, Mari whispered to her father, "Is everything alright, father?"

---

OOC
I've got couple of conversations with NPC's I'd like to have, but those can be done in PM's or the next day, if everyone else is keen to move on.

Michael took hold of Mari's shoulders and forced a smile, speaking in a low tone. "Everything's fine daughter, now that you're here again." He sighed, and looked down with a wistful expression."But I'm fearing that you may not be here too long. You've changed so much, Mari - it's hard to believe you're still my little girl. My girl - hunting monsters! He gave a short laugh that didn't have a lot of mirth in it, before fixing her with a serious look. "I'm worried what's going to happen to you."

Across the room, Erich nodded approvingly at Daniel's handiwork while chewing on a dirty fingernail with his few remaining teeth. "Fine work, young fella!" he observed with a fine spray of spittle. "We ain't 'ad a decent fletcher in town since the Lady took old man Berik. You plannin' on staying a spell?"

Daniel shrugs, "For a bit, I suppose. I am curious about the goblins hereabouts. We didn't have them back home."

Mari gives her father a hug, then looks at him directly and sighs. "That is one of the reasons I came to visit. Of course I wanted to see you all, but I also needed to tell you that I would be going back and staying in Merinth. There is still so much more to study." She sighs again. "You'll need to help me explain this to Mama. I... I would not really fit in here anymore."

Michael glanced across at his wife while she struggled with her unruly brood and nodded. "I think in her heart she knows, lass. It's clear the good Lady has different plans for you." He looked back to Mari. "But I'm worried what they are. Studying in the Temple is one thing, daughter, but I don't like the idea of you hunting down goblins!"

--

"Filthy little things!"| Erich exclaimed, before spitting out of gobule of yellowish phlegm. "I'd steer clear of the little buggers if I were you!"

Karadin was exalted to find the dwarven ale that the bailiff had stored in his basement was actually a good quality. "This will certainly lessen me pain!" he exclaimed. The injured dwar relished in the attention the children had in stories of his home. It reminded him of the many years he spent working in his ma's tavern, cooking all sorts of meals and experimenting with different brews for their patrons. The more he drank that night, the less his wounds pained him and the wilder his stories for the children became. He was quick to share many of the tall tales he heard other dwar telling one another while enjoying tankards of his ale and plates of the meals he had cooked.

While refilling his ale, he over heard Mari's family raising concern over her involvement in the goblin tunnels. "Ya know, without yer daughter in those tunnels with me and my Stonebrother, we would both be dead. And those children would not be home either. She has a gift. I felt it first hand."  He winced as he touched his wounded chest. "If she wants to continue down this path, I swear to ya that I will stay by her side and keep her safe. It's the least I could do for her saving me life."

Mari was about the reply to her father when she heard Karadin. Instead she smiled to the dwar and gave him a nod, "Thank you, master Karadin. I'm sorry that I could not do more to your wounds later, but hopefully there is enough rest to be had."

Turning back to her father, she continued more seriously, "I understand what you are saying, but it needs to be done. And I don't think there is anyone else nearby that will do it. The goblin burrow is so close, it's just next to the mine and within reach of many villages. If Lord Phelmus sends men to deal with it, then I'll be happy to let them do it and only provide them with healing, but if he doesn't... Who is there to keep all of you safe?" Mari was genuinely worried about the well fare of her family and other people in Criplot and nearby villages if the goblins would keep getting bolder and bolder.

Michael nodded in the direction of Karadin, his expression clearly showing he was not at all comforted by his words. "I thank thee kindly, master dwarf, for your praise..."</Brown>

He was interrupted by his wife, who placed a protective arm around her daughter and tried to steer her away from Karadin. "Oh, what rot, Mari! His lordship and his soldiers are the ones to deal with this sort of thing. You're not going anywhere near that horrible nast place again."


-----

The festivities continued late into the night, much to the chagrin of Todrik as he watched his precious supplies run thin, but one by one the revellers returned to their homes, aware that work still awaited them in the mornings as ever.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, to the sound of hoofbeats churning up the turf. The shepherds and miners had already departed for their days' work, and the square was occupied only by children, those not obliged to rise early having opted for a few extra winks after the night before.

A foppish young man rode into the square, long black hair ruffled from the quick ride, and glanced about with a look of sullen irritation. Fixing his eyes on the nearest child, he nodded in his direction. You, boy! Where is the bailiff of this place! Chop chop, I haven't all day!" As the young lad started to head towards Todrik's home, the rider raised a hand. "Oh, and also fetch me.." He paused for a moment while he consulted a crumpled parchment in his pocket. "Er.. Mistress Toylesy."

After finishing her conversations with family and friends, Mari retired to the shrine for night. She did some praying and meditating, before finding the cot in the tiny back room that was reserved for members of the clergy that found themselves in need for sleep in Criplot.

In the early morning she found water for washing before going out to gather autumn flowers and some wheat stalks from the edges of the nearest field. These all she arranged in the altar of the shrine, before settling down for her morning prayers.

That is where the boy found her, running excitedly to tell her that Lord Phelmus' son was there demanding to see her. Mari was disappointed that the lord didn't think the goblin situation was important enough to visit himself but she couldn't refuse to meet nobility. For a moment she thought about gearing up first, but in the end decided against it.

So when Mari approached Lord Anton, what he could see was a young woman in simple green dress, with single long blond plait and bare feet. The only thing that set her apart from the other villagers was the holy symbol that marked her as one of the clergy of Lady Ellantha.

"You asked for me, Lord Anton. Blessing of the Good Lady be upon you this morning." Mari spoke formally to hide her nervousness that was never the less revealed by her flaming cheeks.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

During the dark hours of the previous evening, after finishing his conversation with Mistress Raven, Harbek had made his way over to the Shrine of Ellantha. Since Criplot had no proper inn or other public accommodations, he had decided to take Lady Mari of the Taysley family up on her offer of sleeping-space. He had wondered briefly if the All-Father might be offended by his sleeping in the shrine of a Human goddess, but after a moment's thought he had decided that his own deity would realize that he was not wavering in his devotion; rather, he was taking up the Human priestess on her kind offer.

Still, in order to show proper respect, he bowed towards the small altar when he entered the shrine. Finding an out-of-the-way spot over in a corner, he spread out his bedroll and set up his backpack as a pillow. He could still feel some aches and pains from the set-to with the Goblins, but they were not bothersome enough to keep him awake. What did so were a whole host of thoughts that were roiling around in his head after his conversation with Mistress Raven. It took him a while to clear his mind and to reach a decision, but some time tossing and turning he finally dozed off.

It was past dawn when Harbek awakened, and he had started to mentally chide himself for his laziness when it occurred to him that most likely his sleeping in had been a result of his tired and battered body claiming its due. ~'Tis a fair enough recompense, I suppose, all things considered,~ he had concluded. When he tentatively tested his left hip by putting weight on that leg, he was pleased to discover that it was feeling much better, although he still walked with a slight limp, favoring his left side.

Soon enough  a Human bnarr came rushing into the shrine, clamoring for Lady Mari of the Taysley family, shouting that Lord Phelmus's son had arrived and was demanding to speak to her. That sort of rudeness towards a priestess did not sit well with Harbek, but this was not the first time that he had been somewhat surprised to note how different the ways of the Humans were from those of his own people.

A short while later Lady Mari had left the shrine, clad in a simple green dress. It did not surprise Harbek that she had not noticed him, since the spot that he had chosen the previous evening was still wreathed in shadow and he well knew how weak the Humans' eyes were.

~Well, now, Harbek-me-lad,~ he thought to himself, ~'tis well past the time of the morning that you should have bestirred yourself. Why don't you walk out and see what this Human lord is all about.~

And so, he did just that. Wearing his armor, with his warhammer hanging in its loop and dagger sheathed at his side (but having left his other gear behind in the shrine), he strolled over and stood off the side of where Lady Mari had halted near the Human noble. ~Hammer and Anvil!~ he thought to himself, casting an appraising eye over the fellow whom Lady Mari had just addressed as "Lord Anton".

~Did I hear aright that this wet-behind-the-ears fop is a Human Lord, and the son of Lord Phelmus of Oterhal himself? Why, he does not look as if he even has the strength of arm to raise my warhammer, and I would wager a tidy sum that he has never led troops in battle. Indeed, methinks that 'tis a good thing that seemingly neither squirrel nor rabbit crossed his path this morn, lest he piss his breeks in alarm.~

~If this is the manner of noble whom the Humans suffer to lead them, I am scarce suprised to find that they are troubled by Goblin infestations within a stone's throw of their villages.~
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

Anton looked down as Mari approached with a look of boredom. "Ah, yes, Mori Toysley, I presume." He squinted at the little piece of paper. "Odd name. Anyway," he continued in a dismissive tone. "Mother Amelin requests your presence in Oterhal at your earliest convenience."

As he spoke, Todrik Eirfot came frantically jogging out of his cottage, trying to simultaneously don his red coat and touch his forehead in a gesture of respect, succeeding at neither very well. With the coat still half hanging from one arm he spluttered out word of greeting. "Blessings of the Lady be upon you, Lord An.."

"Yes, yes, yes, blessings and all that." Anton interjected. "Bailiff! My father is most concerned by your message, but regrets to inform you that his soldiery are all occupied protecting the passes to Northkeep. There is a large increase in banditry of caravans arriving to Northkeep these past weeks, and Lord Norward has requisitioned all the troops he can to protect the harvest devliveries. My Lordship requires the people to look to their own safety."

So saying, he relaxed as if a weight was removed, and began turning his horse to depart.

Karadin winced as the dawn's light broke over the horizon. He opened his eyes to find that was lying on his bedroll under a tree near the town center. Looking to his left, he saw his axe and pack close at hand. As he sat up and stretched, he was pleased to find that the only aches and pains he had were from the pointed rock under his bedroll. The wounds from yesterday's battle seemed distant. ~Wonder what healing herbs that ale was brewed with? I feel great this morning.~ At the thought of the ale, several memories from last night flashed through his mind.

He clearly remembered praising young Mari Taysley and then getting in to a debate with her family about being too protective. ~Hope I didn't offend Mari. She's only trying to do what's right.~

The dwar recalled telling a wild story to the young bnarr about some great battle fought by his ancestors. ~I've never heard that tale before. Where did it come from? Perhaps my imagination is enjoying the freedom of being on the road.~ The story ended quickly when his flailing arms spilled ale all over one young lad and his ma rushed him away, cursing at Karadin about corrupting her boy.

The last memory he had was thanking the Todrik and his wife as he was being ushered out the door. "Stayed far past me welcome again," he said to the baliff. "That was a fine ale. Here take this to restock yer supplies," the dwar reached in to his pouch and shove a handful of gold in to the baliff's hand. As he recalled this last memory, he quickly opened his pouch to see how much he had given the man. ~Five gold? Well at least it was dwarven ale!~

Karadin opened one of his ration packs and sat back down. As he chewed on the bland mix, he daydreamed about cooking a nice hot breakfast in his ma's kitchen. As the dwar began packing his bedroll, an important looking young human rode in to town demanding the presence of both Mari and the baliff. The dwar slowed his packing and lingered about to listen in on what this was about. When he saw Harbek arrive on scene, he noticed a slight limp.

Karadin made his way to Harbek's side. "Twas a good night, no? I swear that dwar ale is a healing elixir for me blood. How ya feeling, Stone Brother?" he said as he clasped the dwar's shoulder.

In reply to Karadin Axebeard (msg # 74):

"Good morning, Stonebrother," Harbek turned, smiling as he greeted Karadin. "I am glad to see you."

Which was true, for Karadin's arrival gave Harbek the opportunity to think about something other than his mounting irritation with the prissy young lordling and the message that he had brought from the do-nothing Lord Phelmus.

"And I also feel much better this morn," he continued, his smile broadening. "Although not in the same measure as you, methinks. Mayhap I did not consume enough of our people's ale last eve."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

Mari hadn't had much contact with Lord Anton, other than seeing him in festivals and thinking he was good looking. Time had passed after that and it seemed she had changed much more than he had. That was beginning to be the theme of her encounters in Criplot.

It was obvious that Lord Anton thought that the task his father had send him do was beneath him and was trying to get away from it as soon as possible. He had not delivered all the answers to the questions in Mari's letter and it seemed like the nobles were just going to ignore not only the plea for help but also for recompense.

It didn't sit right with Mari. It was one thing for her to help the innocent, her duty in fact, but the others didn't have such obligation.

So, when the lordling started to turn his horse, Mari formulated a quick plan, "You must be thirsty after your ride, Lord Anton, let us fetch you and your horse some water." She stepped closer to the horse, making sure that it could see her coming to not get kicked at, grabbing hold on the reins. It would not do to interrupt a noble when they had decided something but disguising it as subservience might get a better result.

"If you would not mind, there was some other... matters in the report that I didn't hear resolved yet. Did Lord Phelmus give any message regarding them?" Mari wriggled her hand towards the nearest gaggle of children that were listening in on the encounter, saying to them, "Fetch water for Lord Anton, be quick now."

As the children hurriedly dashed off to the village well, Anton glared down at Mari with a look of annoyance; but with a sigh he reached back into his pocket for the crumpled paper. "Let's see here, blah blah, blessings, his lordship regrets, etc.. Oh, you are all invited to attend the harvest celebration in Oterhal a week hence; at which my father will see that your efforts are amply rewarded." He took the beaker of water proferred by one of the boys and took a gulp, before chucking the beaker with a slight grimace. "Anything more I can do for you, my good woman? Discuss the village gossip, perhaps?"

Daniel blinks at Anton, "I'm sorry...did you say the man responsible for keeping the peasants safe from goblins is not going to do so...because he wants to shut down some mountain roads? Does that mean the peasants can spend their tax money on someone that WILL protect them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

So she had been right, the young lordling couldn't care less about the task he was sent to do. Mari couldn't help the unpleasant smile that rose to her face, when her anger was roused. "I would not know of the village gossip, having just arrived from Merinth." She was fairly sure that Anton had never been that far. "Maybe you can help me with that, since you've been around here for longer." She let go of the reins. "I'll be sure to thank Lord Phelmus for sending you to deliver the message when I come to the festival." She was almost certain that Lord Phelmus would be disappointed about the off hand manner his son did his duties. "Please tell Mother Amelin that I will come as soon as my duty to the villagers of Criplot allow."

Mari gasped in surprise when the rude woodsman appeared from seemingly nowhere to question Lord Anton, never the less following the exchange with interest.

Anton's brow furrowed slightly as he tried to figure out whether or not Mari had just insulted him, but his attention was distracted by Daniel's words. He turned a withering look at Daniel. "The responsibilities of government are a little above your understanding. Would you have my father let the people of Northkeep starve for your benefit?" He narrowed his eyes. "And I would be very wary of such seditious talk. I will remember your face, man."

So saying, he put his spurs to his horse's flanks and rode off back the way he had come.

Mari looked at Daniel with a shrug. "For what it's worth, Lord Phelmus is known to be a reliable man. So when he writes that he will reward those that helped in the goblin matter if they come to the Oterhal harvest festival, then he will. I included everyone's name in the letter I sent."

She continued talking to Daniel, "I'm planning of gathering everyone that went to save the children together to ask if they would like to go back and see if we can find and eradicate rest of the goblins. You are welcomed to join. If you are interested, please come to the shrine as soon as you are free, but before noon." She nodded politely but neutrally to him and turned to walk where bailiff Eirfot was standing.

"Bailiff, I hope the village is able to help us at least with some basic supplies that can come handy in tunnels. Lanterns, pickaxes, shovels, ropes. Those we can return. Maybe some bandages, too, that will hopefully go unnecessary."

Daniel shakes his head and speaks to....well, no one, as everyone seems to have left, "It amazes me how people that have just met me know so much about what I do and don't understand. Such wisdom and insight... Fiddler warned me of the power of the certainty and ignorance of closed minds. But he was talking about elves and priests. I guess he'd never met a noblemen."

Daniel wanders off into a corner with good sight lines and works to replace his broken arrow.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Fri 20 Dec 2019.

Todrik looked slightly shellshocked by the lighting visit, and still had red rings around his bleary eyes.

"What? Oh, er yes, Mari. You know we don't have much here, but I will gather what I can!" The thought of making a useful contribution appeared to have somewhat revitalised the man's spirit, and he was soon bustling around the village exerting unnessecary and unrecognised authority to requisition goods the villagers were happy to provide.

This being a mining village he had soon, rather overzealously, amassed a pile of about 10 shovels, 7 picks, four lanterns, several dozen feet of rope, a couple of buckets, two hammers, three trowels, a very long pole and some old linen suitable for bandages, over which he stood proudly with his arms folded.

OOC: Make sure to let me know what, if anything, you take with you - I've got a spreadsheet tracking how much weight you're each lugging around).

While Todrik was gathering supplies, Mari made her way to the two dwar that were observing the situation from the sidelines.
"Good morning, master Harbek, master Karadin. If you are still willing, would you please come to the shrine in few moments, so we can discuss a plan for eradicating the rest of the goblins."

Looking around with a slight frown, she continued, "Have either of you seen miss Raven? I would like her to be part of this, too." Mari looked worried and thoughtful for not seeing her around.

Mari gave bailiff Eirfot a genuine smile, when he turned up to announce about the gathered supplies. While she knew it was more the villagers volunteering than him doing a good job, she was pleased that he at least was eager to help.

"This is more than we will need, or be able to carry, but I think some of it will be put to good use." Mari helped herself to some of the bandaging, since she had left Merinth without any.

---

DM, would you allow the bandages to be used as Healer's Kit uses (If you do, how many uses)? Or are they more just there for flavor? Also. how much would bandaging weigh?

(Continuing where the conversation with Harbek left off the night before...)

Raven sat by the fire, staring into the dying embers for awhile after Harbek went off to find a place at the shrine. She had always been a bit of a night owl and lately she found that her sleep was often troubled by bad dreams. She was in no hurry to get to bed herself at all.

Eventually though she grabbed her pack from the floor by her chair and crept outside, quiet as a church-mouse on worship-day. Making it outside, she saw that the village was shrouded in darkness. The waxing moon having already set, the stars providing the only light -- but for her cursed eyes it was more than enough.

She walked slowly through the village, a wraith alone in the dark, and soon made her way out to the gentle hilltop that sat just outside of the village, along the main road. The exact spot where yesterday she'd seen the gathering leave the village to look for the children. Wrapping herself in her warm cloak, she lay down in the grass and gazed up at the beautiful expanse night sky, littered with stars, Mahna's Children.

As she lay there, the field of stars began to blur as her eyes filled with tears, and she gave into the sorrow that so often weighed on her heart of late. As she lay there in the grass she wept for all the loss she'd recently endured -- her lover, her master, her family, her home, her people... and finally she cried herself to sleep.

As she slept on the hilltop, laying in the soft grass, a family of opossums wandered by, a jill and her joeys, and paused for awhile staring at the sleeping woman. The mother possum, in the quiet communication animals seemed to share, took the opportunity to instruct her young about humans and the danger they posed. And as she led her brood away she had to chastise the youngest for playing with the human's hair.

Soon afterward, as the eastern sky started gaining the slightest pink tinge, a trio of raccoons happened on the sleeping Raven. They too paused to stare in bewilderment at the human female, creeping close enough to sniff at her prone form. Evidently they didn't like what they scented and quickly moved away, the last pausing long enough to fling shreds of grass on the human's head with a few backward scratches to the grassy earth.

As the sun rose and life returned to the village of Criplot below, it so happened that by chance Raven had chosen the western side of the hilltop on which to lay. So while Mahzuru climbed in the sky, Raven slept on, for once enjoying a peaceful sleep. It was the sound of galloping horse-hoofs that woke her... and for a moment she had no clue where she was. She sat up in the grass in time to see a rider enter the village and briefly wondered who they could be. Then realizing that she'd spent the night sleeping outside, she quickly gathered her things and made her way down to the village. In her haste it didn't even cross her mind what she must look like, having spent the night in a field.

She passed the rider again as he rode out and back the way he'd come, and was puzzled on what was happening. She spotted Mari talking with the two dwarves and began walking in their direction...

OOC: FYI, For those of you who spot Raven coming toward you, please note her current appearance. Her clothing is rumpled and looks like she slept in them. Her cloak and hair are littered with specks of grass, and her long black locks are wild and unkempt, looking like rats had perhaps enjoyed playing in them during the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Sat 21 Dec 2019.

Maiya emerged from the village shrine already fully clad in her armour, looking fresher than most of the villagers this morning. She had taken little part in the evening's festivities. Overhearing Mari's question regarding Raven, she nodded at the dishevelled figure returning to the village with an expression of distaste "It seems ideas like sleeping under a roof having caught on much in foreign parts."


Treat the bandages as a healer's kit with 5 uses.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:53, Sat 21 Dec 2019.

Daniel looks over at Mari, "You don't seem to be an elf, so you must be a priest."

Harbek watched with a sour expression as the lordling put spurs to his mount, seemingly eager to leave Criplot and its common people behind. Without speaking, he spat into the dust as an expression of his disdain for the prissy, self-important young noble.

He watched with a rather bemused expression on his face as the bailiff delivered various and sundry bits of equipment (most seemingly more useful for farmyard purposes than Goblin-hunting, to Harbek's way of thinking), with the Human beaming all the while as if he had gone out and slain all the Goblins by himself.

The Dwar shrugged his shoulders noncomittaly when the priestess spoke of going down into the Goblin-tunnels once again. On the one hand, slaying Goblins was always a good thing. But on the other, this was obviously Human doings, and the only reason that Karadin of the Axebeard family and Harbek himself were still in the mix was that the local Human nobility was apparently unwilling or unable to perform their duty and protect the common people of the area.

Plus, Harbek seriously doubted that he would find any answers -- or even any clues -- regarding the matter that was troubling Krak Vestri if he spent his time rooting around inside Goblin-tunnels. ~Nay, going Goblin-hunting hereabouts will merely delay me and keep me from doing what I need to be doing, which is traveling about and speaking with knowledgeable people who might have some answers for me.~

As all of these various thoughts bounced around inside Harbek's head, Lady Mari inquired about Mistress Raven. Glancing around, the Dwar spied the dark-haired Human female just now walking into the outskirts of the village.

"There she comes, now," Harbek replied to the priestess's question, gesturing towards Raven. "As a matter of fact, if you will excuse me, Lady Mari of the Taysley family, I need to speak with her afore giving you an answer regarding my participation in the next chapter of Criplot's Goblin-hunt. I can meet you and my Stonebrother at the shrine in a short while, if you like."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:05, Sat 21 Dec 2019.

Mari startled, when the woodsman that had been standing in the corner of the village square suddenly appeared next to her again. How can he move so unseen and quietly, I need to learn that skill. "Yes, I serve Lady Ellantha." She didn't have any idea of why he came to ask that now, but it was her duty to educate the masses, so she continued, "Do you have questions? I'm not really the assigned clergy for the area, but since Mother Amelin is not here, I can answer in her stead. Come to talk to me in the shrine later, if you wish."

----------

When Maiya pointed outwards, her attention was turned to approaching Raven. When Raven walked out from a shadow of a building, Mari gasped slightly, her frown deepening. Then she replied to Harbek, "I will come to speak to her now, too. Might as well get the question out for her also."

She did not wait for Harbek's permission to join him, instead she approached Raven with a serious expression on her face. Her hand raised to clutch at her holy symbol, while she whispered something fervently. Insightful Lady, grant me your unerring vision. Marking Lady Ellantha's answer to her prayer, the holy symbol flashed briefly and there was a quick golden glow in Mari's eyes, before it faded away.

Walking in steady pace but with purpose, until she came to a halt maybe five paces away from Raven. She spoke, "Good morning, did you not find the shrine an acceptable sleeping place?" It was clear that her attention was not in her words or Raven's answer, as she was looking at Raven, and around her, intently.

Zarth emerges from the shrine, holding his pack slightly awkwardly as he he clearly tried to favour one side. He paused and nodded only briefly as he passed Mari. "I thank you and the Lady for the hospitality, my Lady, but I have pressing business elsewhere I must attend to" Pulling up his hood, he sets off with a purposeful stride in the same direction Anton had left. Maiya looked after him with a slightly puzzled expression.

"Good morning," Raven replied amiably as Mari and Harbek approached her, still apparently oblivious to her appearance. "I'm sorry," she continued sheepishly, hearing Mari's question about the shrine. "I must have fallen asleep when I went to yonder hilltop to look at the stars," she explained. "The noise of the rider...woke...me...," she trailed off as it became apparent Mari wasn't paying attention and was seemingly looking at something around her. The dark-haired woman turned to look behind herself and then up in the air just above each shoulder. Not spotting anything that would so capture the priestess' attention, Raven returned her gaze to Mari with a puzzled expression. "Are you okay, Mari?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:06, Sat 21 Dec 2019.

Mari must have left bad last impression on Zarth as he left, since she did not pay his words any mind. Instead she swayed on her feet as if feeling weak for a moment, her expression portraying revulsion, "I... I'm fine..." She spoke slowly, distantly. Her expression turned slowly to one of... pity? "You are not. I can see it around you. And I can see what is not." She had tried to draw this power only once before and then it had been in the main temple. It had not prepared her to this moment.

Inexplicably, Mari turned her eyes from Raven for a brief moment, glancing backwards to where she had left moments ago.  Maybe it was to clear her head, since when she looked back, her voice and manner was more normal.

Mari started politely enough,"It was a beautiful night, so I can't blame you," like she was continuing the conversation. "I would wish to speak with you privately. If you would come with me to the shrine." An uncharacteristic look of determination and command filled her face, clashing with the plain green dress and bare feet that spoke of a simple village girl. "Now." Her hand went to touch Ellantha's symbol hanging around her neck, maybe she was seeking comfort of the familiar feel or maybe she was ready to call on the goddesses' power again. "I would imagine you don't want everyone to hear."

Raven looked confused as Mari spoke, until she uttered the phrase, ... And I can see what is not." At that moment the dark-haired foreigner visibly tensed and shot an accusatory look at Harbek. "You promised!" She exclaimed, her fierce whisper almost a hiss.

Clutching her pack tightly to herself, she took a step backward, away from the threatening priestess, but otherwise held her ground. "No," she answered firmly, refusing Mari's order to go to the shrine. "If you wish to speak with me privately, we can go back to yonder hilltop and talk there," she continued, keeping her voice low and pitched for only Mari and Harbek. Whatever else happened now it was clear Raven wasn't about to go anywhere with the priestess where she didn't have a clear route to flee, if worse came to worse...

Harbek looked offended at the unspoken accusation inherent in Mistress Raven's tensely whispered words. "I have revealed nothing . . . to anyone," he rumbled in his basso profundo voice.

The Dwar did have an inkling of the meaning behind Lady Mari's words, since he had previously noticed the "what is not" around Raven -- although it also occurred to him that the boons provided to Lady Mari by her goddess might have revealed even more to the priestess than he himself had noticed. Since he was unfamiliar with the doctrines and dogma of the goddess whom Mari served, he was unsure how the priestess would react to what she had just discovered, so he decided to accompany the two Human females to whatever venue they chose in order to have their conversation . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Sun 22 Dec 2019.

Mari held a hand up when Raven acted threateningly towards Harbek, even stepping between the two. "Whatever you have told master Harbek, he has not revealed to me. I admit it took me long enough, but I do have eyes to see, miss Raven." And Ellantha had provided the means to see even more.

She held her ground when Raven refused to follow her. Mari would have preferred being in the shrine, since it was her stronghold, but Good Lady's power reached everywhere. Shrugging, she said, "Very well, maybe it is for the best." That you are not close to other people or my family, she continued in her mind.

"Walk with me if you would," she settled to walk next to Raven, so neither of them would need to show their back to the other.

OOC: Whoops, this post was meant for PM's. That's what I get for having multiple windows open at the same time. Apologies to anyone who saw what they weren't supposed to...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Sun 22 Dec 2019.