The dwarf was quiet for her part as she listened and watch. The city was far too dense with folk for her to feel much need to chase after two. If they had designs on them, odds were good they'd happen somewhere other than in the midst of an inn anyway. It wouldn't stop her from sleeping with an axe or knife close at hand but that was just being prudent. Once Jareik rejoins them and makes his comment, she can't help but take a swig of her own ale and offer a laugh.

"No time like the present I'd say to learn. He doesn't have the look of a lineman though." the Dwarf added with a gesture towards Gille as if to accentuate that he was a tall and slender sort. Not quite an elf but somewhere in the neighborhood. "As to the job... Konrad never did answer my question but hopefully whatever runes he's talking of are the sort made by a dawi's hand and not the ugly scratches from elsewhere. That's a bad sort of work if it's the case."

Etain gave another sour face and said  to herself before following Marie and the others, one hand on her axe and the other on the handle of her knife. Once outside she glanced around to the thinning streets and not seeing the men they were after and waits for the others before she quits the street and heads back in and follows Marie as she asks about a bath and follows up the question by asking if there is one large enough for two and if it can be extra hot.

Milly for one had been a very busy bee, various stops around the city had kept her busy for the better part of the day. Securing a visit with a capable physician, paying her dues to the colleges and a bit of looking around for certain items meant that the streets had gone rather dark by the time she was done.

After all that walking and chores, a familiar face was a sight for sore eyes for Milly and her still weary body. Having a lock on, it was simple enough to meet the rest so conveniently gathered together. "But if it isn't Herr Jareik and friends! Just as I expected after seeing undeniable evidence that it was them." She greeted them with a bit of her usual bombastic demeanor back in her bones. "I trust your day has been as fruitful as mine. There is no shortage of things to do in this city, provided one has enough coin of course. After out last journey together I was even excited at the chance of paying my dues today, not that it has been that long but felt the urge to get reacquainted with some of my colleagues there." Not like she expected any of them to understand much of the workings and parallel society her kind represented, but her or others not knowing much about a topic had never stopped her when it came to striking a conversation.

"And who is this new person in your small circle? Some Hochlander war buddy of yours?" She inquired gesturing to Gille.

"Sorry about that, guess the man had a lot on his mind. Then again not like most of us in the empire would be able to tell the difference, didn't even know others then dwarves carved runes. Seems we'll find out when we get there." he said to Cecla before catching the arrival of Milly, seemed she had decided to join them after all.

"Ha ha, the prodigal mage returns, good to see you're somewhat back to your usual self." greeted Jareik with a hearty laugh and raising his tankard at Milly's theatrics and motioning her to join them at the table.

"Well we were about to celebrate a bit but remember that business with the watch captain and his sister? Yeah, my mate Konrad was here to us know the cap' wants us on a job related to that. Long story short, his sister's been acting all possessed and he blames the ring, wants us to do some digging on it as well as research some runes. Was kinda hoping you'd be up for giving us a hand with this so what say you? We'll be paid for our troubles of course."

After bringing up the mage to speed, introductions were in order.

"Actually we just met and he's one of Ms Marie's country men. Ms Milly, meet Gilles. Gilles, meet Ms Milly. Don't worry, she hardly ever turns people into toads."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Fri 04 Nov 2022.

I'm in dire need of a room and some rest. Gille thought when heading back into the warm embrace of the taverns interior. Little did he know that rest would have to wait a bit longer.

A lot of thing unfolded in a lot less time that he had expected and there would be much to thing upon before sleep would settle in. Lady Arceneaux her status of a knight errant would have raised a lot of eyebrows in Breton, but here suggestive relation with the short skirted lady Seanait would have been the talk of the evening in all layers of society. Or maybe not, he had not been among the 'cultured' class for a long time.

'Ah, I'm not a lineman but more like ah, euh, common ce dire, a ranger?' Gille answered both the dwarf and the soldier with a question of his own.
'But I can hold my ground if so needed.' he continued, tapping his axe. 'Although I must admit I rather have my bow at hand to ensure that I doesn't come that close.'

The sudden new arrival brought some more to think about. Apparently the group was in the company of a wizard as well. Something even more strange was that she was not threaten with fear and social distance. It would seem that there was a lot to get used to.
When Jareik introduced him to Milly he smiled politely. "Mademoiselle Milly, a pleasure to meet you. As Jareik already stated, I'm from Bretonnia and I offered my bow to your service."

The dwarf tilted her head towards Jareik in acknowledgement of the point with a thoughtful sort of look to her expression as she worried at her lip for a moment. If it was something done by a runesmith, there were a lot of questions to be had but she'd be able to make out whose hand was behind it with a bit of time and consultation.

"Runework's a pretty deliberate craft so either way if it comes down to that... It's malice or an unsteady hand. Something for later anyway but working on a plan, either way." the Dwarf replied as the young and bombastic wizard joined them, finally. She raised her own flagon in acknowledgement and let Jareik catch her up to speed before sparing a glance to Gille as he described himself as a ranger. That earned something of a laugh and a grin from the dwarf woman. Her voice carrying in the way of the Dawi for how it seemed to share a little too much with the stone they all seemed to come from.

"If that's what your calling yourself, I expect you to be a creative sort."

Her own experience with rangers from among the Mountain folk were madmen saboteurs, trappers, and all around brutal in how they approached problems. At least if their boasting was anything to go about... Either way, it was a very atypical mix she'd embroiled herself with and wasn't regretting it yet. Inspiration came from odd places, after all, and so far they'd led her to one interesting find when it came to that Oak's bark.

"Milly Minhelm, esteemed member of the Bright Order. I command the red wind of Aqshy and hardly ever turn people into toads. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She introduced herself to Gille. "Another foreigner then. I suppose it isn't too surprising in this cosmopolitan city of ours. But I am not hiring any men, If anyone here is hiring that would be Herr Jareik or one of his soldiering friends." Mimi glanced over the rest. "Not present at this table."

She didn't comment yet on the jobs but she found the story about the ring rather concerning. Had the thing been cursed beforehand? But then who could had known that they would find and retrieve it beforehand? And the deed taking place after the fact presented a whole similar set of problems, not to mention the possibility that the item wasn't cursed at all. Madness came quickly to those grieving, strangers things were heard of daily on these streets. Only one way to know for sure... Taking the job or not, Milly made a point of remembering to pay a convenient visit and find out the truth, it was never good for someone in her 'guild' to leave loose ends pertaining cursed items.

Jareik stroked his beard thoughtfully, coming from a region full of hunters he could respect good bowsmanship but when it came to hunting bigger sport then wild animals he had strong opinions on the topic.

"A bow is all well and good... But you really should try a handgun now that you're in the Empire. Admittedly can't quite keep up the same rate of fire but gunpowder weapons can punch right through the toughest of plate."

Then again from what he had heard, brettonians were reticent to use any sort of the fancy new technology employed in the empire or by the dwarfs, why that is, he had no bloody idea.

Otherwise the mage didn't give an answer one way or another so he continued.
"If you are interested, the plan is to meet up tomorrow morning at Sigismund's gate. Go over there, look over the runes, should be easy money. Investigating the ring might be more a pain but I did tell my mate not to expect miracles on that front."

He should probably also let the mage know about their not to secret admirers although one would have to be a true fool to mess with a pyromancer, even one of diminutive stature like Milly.

"Oh and...Argh, I don't want to sound like a worry wart but but apparently we have had people watching and following us. Didn't get a good look at them myself but they sport moon shaped tattoos. Could be related to our recent antics, or could just be an organised gang of cutpurses, either way best keep your eyes open."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Mon 07 Nov 2022.

Gilles frowned when Jareik suggested the use of gunpowder weapons.

"Well yes, I shall hear of these handguns you speak about. A bit to noise and a foul smell if you will ask me. And they give away you position at once." Gille answered. "I prefer my longbow if you don't mind."

He then addressed the table more in general. "If you all want to excuse me, I need some sleep. I shall meet you all tomorrow at Monsieur Konrad, non?"

"Fair enough." said Jareik with a shrug, he couldn't deny gunpowder made a lot of noise but then he ain't usually worried about discretion.

"Sigismund's gate, it's the big one south from the Cathedral of Sigmar. We'll see you there then." he corrected and raised his tankard in goodbye.

Cecla raised her own flagon to the latest seeming addition to the crew with that same smile. There was no need to ask a dwarf about their opinion on gunpowder, after all, and it remained to be seen if the man could live up to the title of ranger as a dwarf might understand it. There was definitely no notion of honour but no small propensity for creative mayhem.

"Ancestor's watch over you. Probably ought to get to my own rest and hobbies sooner than later. Have to practice to keep the craft sharp." the Dwarf concluded but for now seemed to be inclined to take her rest after everything that had already come to pass. The quiet trappings of something akin to civilization was certainly a pleasure in it's own after their adventure.

As the morning whisk in over the city of Altdorf, all is calm.
At least, for a while. For Altdorf never truly sleeps, it may rest but never stops nor halt.
When dark comes other interests act and when the sun is out, they vanish again to be replaced by bustling trade, noise and wry for power, activity or simple survival.

As you wake, and reflect on your past days - whatever they held in terms of baths, visits, shopping, grooming, or simply revisiting and recovering, you stand today, outside - having eaten a hearty breakfast and with a warm morning sun above you. The group, with many stories already, and a new inspiring bowman joining in, the day lay before you.
The location Konrad spoke off, was not far away - 10 minutes on foot, albeit leading through two market squares, many rows of houses, shops and taverns and over a few bridges, allows for many sights, sounds and smells to be taken in.
You had enough time to prepare, don whatever needed to be donned, polish and refine and breathe with ease - whenever you saw fit, he would be ready.

As you walk through the streets, you notice posters of help wanted for menial jobs, wanted posters for bounties on scoundrels, plays at the various taverns and social clubs and everything edible and not at display. Altdorf was indeed a metropolis of opportunity.

Near a heavily built stone house, not afar from the watch headquarter you noticed Konrad, patrolling calmly and discussing with a fellow guard, outside the doorway in.
On the side, behind them, you saw a curious sight. Or rather in Altdorf few thing sticks out, but this man did.
His skin was dark, olive colored almost, almost oil-like in texture and with refined features. His clothing light in color, white, sandcolored even and his eyes narrow and stern.
He wears a light plate on his chest and a decorated sword at his side, and eyes you with curiosity.

Konrad turned as you approached.
"Ah you made it! Excellent. It's really strange all this, but I am not the one to speak more on this - the envoy is inside and has only told me sparsely what he wanted. That is his associate by the way behind us - and that is they seek experienced, strong and capable men and women to assist them, be willing to travel and work hard, but also be rewarded many fold for this...It sounds dangerous but also like a chance for those willing...IF you are those - by all means, go inside. I will wait here."
He moved aside and pointed at the doorway which was opened slightly, exposing a well lit room with a large table surrounded by chairs, and drinks, two men akin to the one outside, and a delicately and pricely dressed mid-aged man with short, but kept hair and strong eyes and jaw. Before him lay a book and at his side, a large chest.

As they made their way to the rendez vous, Jareik casually glanced at the wanted posters, you never knew when a bag of gold on legs might stray into you.

"Mornin'" he greeted once they reached Konrad.
The weirdly colored man certainly grabbed his attention, he had never seen someone like that before, the sword also didn't seem like any make he was familiar with.
Seeing the man was looking at them back he pulled on his hat as a greeting before whispering to Konrad.
"Didn't realize we would be dealing with foreigners, will try not to cause a diplomatic incident then." he whispered.
It had already taken him time to adjust to Etain, such was her likeness to the savage northeners. But this man were stranger still, he could only assume he came from some far off exotic land but which one in particular he could not say.
Ah well, first time for everything.

Once let inside, they faced what he presumed to be a paymaster of sorts judging by the book and the chest, flanked by two more of who he assumed to be bodyguards.
"Greetings sir', I hear you are in need of our services?" he said casually as he took a seat.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Sun 13 Nov 2022.

Gille was new to all but himself. New to the Empire, new to this group and new to the job. He had little to none clue what to do or whom to speak to, so he decided to follow Jareik and let the scene unfold.

The dark man was a strange sight indeed. If Gille felt himself as a stranger in a strange land, how must the dark foreigner feel, he wondered.

When Marie arrived with her fellow companions at the agreed upon time and place, she practically looked a different person. Gone was the haggard woman with bags under her eyes, a wince in every step, and the stink of the road upon her. Gone were the peasants garb, and gone was the sheer exhaustion on her face. This morning she stood tall and proud, seemingly loosing ten years of age overnight. He hair was shining, trimmed, and held up in a loose bun. Her skin was clear of the dirt from the road, and she smelled of fresh soap.

Her frame was once again encased in her familiar armor. Only now, the plates shone with a mirror shine, and every dent had been hammered out. Every hint of rust from the chainmail had been scoured off in the cleaning barrel, and looked brand new. The surcoat that bore the colors of her House now fell about her person without the numerous mud and blood stains, to say nothing of less savory fluids. The quartered white and blue, to honor the colors of both her mother and father's Houses, the surcoat could be seen from quite a distance, which was the point. Her besagues bore the family crest atop the surcoat, showing a shield quartered and in the same House color scheme, and as with most noble families from Bretonnia, their heraldry was in some way similar to their Duke. As Duke Huebald of Carcassonne had a raised golden sword flanked by two golden fleur de lis, the heraldry of House Arceneaux was a raised silver sword, with a hilt worked into the shape of a fleur de lis. This heraldry was echoed on the heater shield that hung from her guige.

And as always, Lumière D'Argent sat in the place of honor on her sword-belt.

Josette had been similarly pampered, as her coat was shining and recently brushed. The Bretonnian Charger bore new horseshoes, and her caparison had also been freshly laundered, and now bore the same noble colors and heraldry as her rider.

"Bonjour!" she said to everyone by way of greeting in a bright voice.

It seemed her mood had greatly improved since all of them, save Etain, had last seen her. When they entered the building, Marie made a show of giving their potential employers a polite bow.

"Hail and well met," she said diplomatically, switching to Reikspiel for the greeting.

The Dwarf had thumbs hooked into her belt and a finger gently across her coin purse as she moved through the streets of Altdorf. Light fingers had been something she had learned well enough about on her first days in the city and it only took one mistake to set the awareness of it in her head. Still, she let her eyes drift from one poster or another as she ambled towards the agreed meeting point the single mindedness of a proper dwarf on a mission. The crowd parting or her making it part with a bellow or a shove with shoulder and strong army to make space and room for herself.

"Fine morning for a bit of work." Cecla offered with a raise of one hand in greeting to the rest of their group as she fell in with them around Konrad and the man with him.

If she were going to be honest, she had more of an interest in the light plate and sword at his hip than the colour of his skin. Long as she didn't get the impression such was the taint of some rot in the soul, it was the least fascinating part of a man. Beyond a smith's work though... There was the story behind it. Dwarf folk were well travelled in their way but it wasn't often they got too far from the holds of their ancestry that they passed out of reach of the Empire or their kin.

Either way, she left the talking to Jareik for the moment. Best way about it, anyway, as didn't get the message muddled by too many folks talking at once.

As everyone else left the tavern, Marie and Etain got their bath and room, taking advantage of the barber she gets her hair trimmed ever so slightly to get rid of the split ends. Her own clothes had likewise been cleaned, her armour's cuts repaired and a new pair of leather leggings under her long kilt. Her hair she spends a long time tying into a complicated braid down the back, the left side is all folding back into back braid while she left the right long and flowing.

Before they leave the Inn she takes out a bolt of cloth with a heavy metallic object inside and places it on the bed and tells Marie to come over. Once she's there she opens unwraps the item and lying in the sheet is a beautifully wrought warpick, whose head is shaped like a crows head, a fleur-de-lis upon its forehead and blue and white leather wrap around its haft. "I made this for you yesterday" she says looking at her face to see the response to the weapon


Besides the is another axe, not as well made but still exception that she places on her other hip in an axe loop on her hip, the knotwork is exquisite making the shape of a wolf on one side and a crow on the other.

Walking beside Marie and Josette she nods to the others, does a quick greeting to them and nods to the leader of the other party and moves to the side.

"La Dame du Lac..." Marie breathed when she saw the masterful weapon.

Gently removing the weapon from the cloth the noblewoman ran her gloved hands over the war pick, hefting the weapon to feel its weight and point of balance. It was magnificent. Tears started to form in Marie's eyes, ruining the refreshed look she'd been sporting.

[Language unknown: "Ei, unwiiv ted th strca, at iv oerartmanall! It nd ent ecevne ta wewe we, icaounicaeen, ver ronabe! P nc en isanec, Io ti erablehis intte versanare...Os ivnias one!"] she managed to choke out.

"Does...does it have a name?" the Bretonnian asked, looking up into her lovers face, recognizing a masterpiece when she saw one.

[Language unknown: "One ai her, we o ilutin ulers meera prchntnd Ce sheainset oer pr" ] she says leaning in and kissing Marie then rests her head on her armoured shoulder and responds to the question of its name and says "I haven't picked one yet, but I was thinking of maybe stailc an fhithigh, it means Raven's Strike. As you know the Raven was my mother's family sigil, as well it is also seen as one of the messengers of our goddesses Mórrígan, a goddess of war, fate and victory."

The man nodded and presented but a hand for you, urging you to sit at the table before him.
Upon doing so, those who did, the door was closed by a servant of similar origin as the rest.
The man had strong, stern eyes and while of some age, shone through in authority and presence.
He was obvious to anyone, trained and experienced and knew well of his worth and means.
He eyed about as the door closed with a heavy thud.
"So, you are those who I was advised about and I am not left disappointed.
Let me introduce myself, I am Behrin Actovia, envoy of the honorable Lord Levrellian, high prince of the borderlands, hailing from Zenres, situated between the Badlands to the south, the world edge mountains to the east and the northern reaches past the skull river.
A harrowing land, yet controlled and kept peaceful through his leadership.
Why are we here? Easily stated, but better seen. The land is under attack, and most of our forces is thus ill disposed for anything but maintaining order and keeping the threat away. As it stands, more is needed, forces that are beyond politics, stigmas and causes but rather pragmatically can take whatever may come their way and harness and defeat it - strong in mind and force if needed, capable of adapting and doing what must be done to to set things right and to solve what needs to be solved, without hesitation."

Some deep dark wine is poured from a bottle depicting writing none of you have seen before.
"So what do I need for you and why here? Firstly, Altdorf is renowned for having everything or means to find what you need - as I was here on official business anyways, I asked if mercenaries, sellswords, whatever name was acceptable were to be found here and even more so...had reputation and proof of ability. Finding a fool to swing a sword is easy. Finding someone who can use every tool they have, every wit and come back with a solution...that is a more tricky proposition. I heard of you, the cult, the aid of the poor womans man and how you came back, stronger than before and with intent to not back down. Proper heroes...and more than fitting for what I seek."

A shrine was placed on the desk, or rather it was an adorned chest, large.
So heavy two men placed it with a thud.
"In here, is what I offer.
75 gold now, 75 when you succeed initially. 150 gold for the first round of tasks. Hence room for more.
But...what is the task you might wonder. Truth be told, it is a series of many things.
Initially you need to head south, to the town of Zevres and meet with the The lord and his advisor. Here you will learn more. Things are...difficult as we speak. The area controlled by the Lord Prince is just north at Zevres to the skull river and stopping south of the town of Mirstadt. It is a dangerous and long trip. Get there and be advised and you have well earned your pay. I suggest, the sea road to Nuln and from there down through Wissenland to the Peak Pass in Karak Kadrin. A good solid thousand miles at sea. If all goes well, thats 13 to 15 days by river with refilling and handling port authorities along the way. If you agree, I can have that arranged for department of a large vessel today or early morning.
The offer might seem like much - but given the length of the trip, the requirement for utmost effort and professionalism and the willingness to adapt and work at whatever goals are placed make it a fair price...and as any of you know the lands are not the friendliest around in terms of surroundings. Before I continue...do advise if any of you have changed your mind and if so, are welcome to leave. But do so, now! Those who remain, will be provided with a few key bits of additional information."

The servant goes to the door, holds the handle and eye around.
Assuming no one leaves, he continues.

"Excellent. Let's make plans. Know this - while the ship you are on is likely offering some protection, it is hostile and risky lands you fare through. So be alert. Even when doing restocking. Secondly, once you arrive getting to Zevres is going through hostile territory and thus present even more to be alert about. The City of Karak Kadrin is well equipped to offer you assistance but at a price and with some effort. Once you arrive, use the official decrees within this chest. Do so, and you will be wealthy and well off for the time being."

Marie kissed the top of Étaín's head and gave her a tight hug with her armored arms. Not only out of gratitude, but because the kindness and generosity of this fair smith still surprised her every day. And she was truly happy.

"Hm...stailc an fhithigh...I will treasure it. Thank you again mon amour..." she whispered softly.


"Bonjour. My name is Marie Arceneaux, granddaughter of Rodolphe Arceneaux, Baron of Martialis. It is my very good honor to meet you," the young woman said formally to Envoy Actovia.

"Is there a specific threat at hand to Lord Levrellian's lands? Or is this simply a matter of raising a peace-keeping force of mercenaries? Because while I have no issue riding into danger to strike down some vile foe, I do not plan on making the Borderlands my home for the foreseeable future," the noblewoman said seriously.

Etain accepted the hug and kiss readily but held it as long as she could before looking out the window and says "we should get going I guess the others will be on their way"

---------

"Beannachtaí agus maidin mhaith" Etain says to all of those present inside the room "I am Etain Seanait of Albion, and I must concur with Marie is this a more short term threat or a long term policing?"

Jareik scratched his beard thoughtfully as he listened, a small smile creeping on his face as the man described the long route they would take.
He had never travelled so far before, let alone to dwarven territory, and with so much gold to sweeten the deal, he was definitely interested.

It was also pleasing to see the watch captain had been recommending them to other employers, a bigger reputation meant bigger contracts and therefore bigger payment, as this encounter was proving.

But the lure of travel and profits aside, Marie raised a good point.

"Aye seems to me you could hire an entire mercenary company if you wanted to, heck I could recommend a few good ones if you're looking. But what sort of threat are we talking about that you'd need a smaller team of...shall we say, specialists?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Sat 19 Nov 2022.

Cecla had settled herself as she wasn't about to break word and bond with the folk she'd happened onto and through so much thus far with... but she did have her own responsibilities and duties to consider. This left aside ambitions but if her master had let her do it once, he'd probably not be too opposed to another wide roving trip as long as she returned again with a prize or three worth the effort to fill out the store room. That said, every minute not at the forge or at his side felt like a minute slipping away that could used to finally getting it all... just so and forging her first rune.

"Have to wonder what kind of mess has been brewing if the Slayers' keep isn't willing to throw more than a few of their own at it on principle. Dangerous trip is one way of presenting it, I'll give you that. "

It was a pointed comment and one that was in agreement with Jareik. They wanted flexibility and ingenuity, that was something they had given the odd collection of folks and talents that had pulled together. The question was what sort of staying power they wanted? She didn't fancy the idea of figuring her way from apprentice to journeyman and maybe one day something more out in the midst of no where far from kin and kind... Let alone in campaign distance of a more than a few festering grudges.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Sun 20 Nov 2022.

Gille took a seat, placing limb of his unbraced longbow against the table. He waited in silence while the  door closed with a heavy thud. As the envoy Behrin started talking he listened. There was a keen interest in the whine being poured, even more as the thing he had drunk last night came nowhere near even the lesser amongst the wines of his homeland.

And as he had hoped yesterday, this was a job that offered more then the stupid errants listed at the mercenary guild here in Altdorf. The amount of gold that was proposed was more then he would have ever earned, should he never had decided to leave Bretonnia. The envoy made no effort in hiding the obvious: the risk was equal or more to the coin offered.

Gille had made up his mind, he would take the offer. He had no intent to go back to his homeland, neither in near nor far future. But then Marie popped the question on the duration of this job, a question that was more or less backed up by Etain and Jareik.

Gille only hoped that the rest would not bail out and that the offer from Behrin was over even before he could accept.