Josiah had been in Damara for close to a month by now. His troubles were possibly well and truly behind him and a new life as an arctic hunter was ahead. It was difficult work and the pay wasn't great, but it was enough for him to both sustain himself and turn a small profit on the side. Taking small jobs to hunt for furs and meat for those willing to pay his main clients were merchants and innkeepers. His current employer was a halfling trader by the name of Sten Goodseller. The woman was laid over in Valls while she stocked up on goods for her shop in a small hamlet to the west. Coincidently she was paying for both meat and pelts and if Josiah was successful in supplying her, she even hinted at an offer for him to join as a guard for her caravan as they made their way west.

It was perhaps something to consider, the life of an outdoorsman was vastly more different and difficult in the frozen woods and plains than it was back in Josiah's homeland. Food was not hard to come by but prospering in this land was almost impossible. Game was scarce and even in the month he had been hunting Josiah had to range further and further out from towns to actually have success in finding prey. Ranging further out proved problematic as there were increasing bands of roving goblinoids in the mountains and deeper in the forests. These were difficult to avoid just due to their sheer numbers, but Josiah had not been unsuccessful yet. Fortunately they only proved competition for hunting when ranging very far from settlements.

Josiah now found himself north of Valls, close to the semi-frozen River Pelauvir, and hunting for Sten. Josiah sat behind a hill, waiting patiently and covered in snow. Ahead of him drinking from the edge of the river was an elk, large with long antlers it would be a challenging and risky kill for even the most experienced hunter. Josiah had seen other animals since departing the town, rabbits, badgers and foxes in the distance which were all considerations and far less dangerous than a fully grown elk. Josiah lay in his hole and watched the elk, it did not seem to be aware of his presence and at around 60ft from the rise to the river it was well within range of his longbow, perhaps a bit too close for comfort when engaging such a beast.

Watching the elk Josiah did his best to suppress a shiver. Even after a month he was still getting use to the damned cold, if there was such a thing as getting use to it. The elk was a magnificent specimen and Sten would pay well for the pelt and meat, if he could manage to bring it down. At this range he would get one, two shots maybe three at best if it decided to charge. Even if he was closer he doubted he could bring it down quickly.

Taking a quick moment he looked around the area again, it would be pretty bad if not deadly, to get taken by surprise by a bunch of goblins or worse. Making his decision he nocked an arrow and took aim. The elk was too big a prize to pass up. A random thought crept into his mind that he should have brought along a spear.

Releasing the shot the bow made a soft thwang which sounded especially loud in the cold air, at least to him. Even though the arrow covered the distance quickly it seemed to Josiah to hang in the air for eternity as it flew past his target and into the river.

OOC: 22:31, Today: Josiah Tanner rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Longbow shot.

The surrounds were snowy plains with a copse of pines around a hundred yards to the west. The ground around the small rise Josiah had positioned himself on was fairly flat, allowing for a good view of the area. Josiah could see hare's bounding across the snow, while not as satisfying as an Elk they were always there as an easier option. There was no other movement apart from his targeted prey by the river.

As his arrow flew past and into the river the Elk gave no reaction, its head remained at the water's edge drinking.

There remained no movement in the area.

Josiah couldn't believe his luck the elk had apparently not heard the sound of his bow or the arrow passing by, or had thought it was nothing to worry about. Taking a slow breath and steadying himself he took aim again. If he missed this time he may very well just up and leave the elk be and go seek something easier to hit, like the side of a damn mountain.

It was during hunts like this that he sometimes wondered how thing would be if fate and poor decisions had not been a factor during the past. Things would at least be warmer. Pushing those thoughts aside he concentrated on his current task, determined to make this shot better than the last.

He all but burst out with a vile curse as he watched his second shot go wide. Cursing to himself he clenched his fist and tried to not make any further noise as he waited to see if the elk would run or if by some miracle it was as deaf as he was a bad shot.


OOC:11:18, Today: Josiah Tanner rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Longbow shot.
Okay I'm beginning to think the die roller is cursed.

It may have been the cold settling into his arms or the length of time Josiah had laid on the top of the small hill, but the shots just weren't connecting. The sun was beginning to dip in the sky and a consideration had to be made for the journey back to the village of Valls. Sten would likely be disappointed but it was sure to not be the first time a hunt had been unsuccessful.

This time the elk did hear the arrow clatter to the rocks on the bank of the river. It looked up in a panic and turned to run. Somehow the elk slipped on the stones with its rear legs, even from this distance Josiah could hear something break. The elk collapsed to the ground, struggling to get up. Its panicked barks were loud, travelling far across the open land.

For now, the only movement Josiah saw were the hares fleeing the sound of the injured elk.

Two shots, both missing their target and then when the elk tries to run away it breaks a leg? Either Josiah had just had a bit of luck or some god had decided to give him a break. Or some really bad luck was getting ready to befall him.

Either way he decided to risk it. Rushing in close he intended to end the creatures struggles quickly. Night was closing and he didn't have much time before the elks calls would bring other predators. Half way to the elk he fired another shot hoping to silence it or at least make it a bit easier to subdue once he got close.

At least this shot was true, he had been beginning to wonder if a change in his line of work was needed.

OOC:
09:02, Today: Josiah Tanner rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Longbow shot.
09:02, Today: Josiah Tanner rolled 10 using 1d8+3.  Damage.

Making the most of the opportunity Josiah rushed in towards the crippled animal, for all of his time spent in waiting it was good to be on the move again. He fired at the animal as he moved and while the arrow struck true, hitting the creature in the neck, it did not kill it and only caused the panicked barks to increase in pain. The creature was not going anywhere, its back leg was hobbled and it was unable to stand.

A quick look around the surroundings revealed no other movement, the cries from the animal had not yet gained the attentions of any predators in the area.

The creature would easily be able to be finished with a slice of its neck.

Covering the last thirty or so feet quickly Josiah leaned in and grabbed the elks horn, bending its head back he quickly slit it's throat with his dagger. Holding it's head still as the last of it's life faded away. He always felt a little pang of regret after a kill, but here in the north it was pretty much survival of the fittest. With a deep breath he too another quick look around and then set to work gutting and removing as many of the larger heavier bones as possible from the animal.

Discarding every nonessential pound from the carcass would be important when it came to dragging the beast back to town. He quickly severed the elks large horns from its head and tied them to his backpack. When finished he tied the remaining meat into the carcass, binding it tight as one package leaving enough rope to drag the carcass behind him. At least the snow would make the task a bit easier at times. Maybe he would be able to afford a sled if he managed to get back to Sten with this elk.

Keeping his eyes open for any chance of trouble he headed back toward Valls. It was late and with any luck he may make it back sometime after night fall. He would have to keep an eye out for a good spot to camp if absolutely necessary. The idea of being stuck out in the open at night lending a bit more speed to his walk.

The elk was killed swiftly and while it took time to prepare and pack it was done with swift and experienced efficiency. He turned and began a long trek back to Valls, dragging his kill behind him. Fortunately, any animals he saw were distant and none bothered him on the journey back. Josiah made good time and it was a few hours in the dying daylight that he spent hauling the kill back to the village that he saw the fires in the distance. A couple more hours yet to travel and Josiah would be back in the village.

Fortunately as he hit the road a passing farmer offered a ride the rest of the way and with his haul safely stowed on the wagon it was an easy last hour that Josiah sat at the front of the wagon talking with the farmer. The elderly man mostly complained about the ice and his crop but also mentioned his concern about the goblins returning. He was old enough to have seen the last bounties push the creatures back into the mountains and kill off many tribes and monstrous villages but, he lamented, the goblins breed like flies and he swore they would be an issue again soon enough.

Upon arriving in Valls Josiah saw the old farmer off and enquired at the stables Sten had kept her wagon. He was informed she had retired to the Resting Weasel Inn for her evening meal, she made mention to the stable hand to inform anyone who asked to go see her there.

With the carcass bound and packed with ice Josiah deposited it in the back of Sten's wagon and covered it with a canvas tarp. Thanking the Stable hand for the information he headed up the street toward the Weasel a hot meal and a mug or two of warm mead would be great about now.

As he walked up the street his eye constantly watched the shadows and any passerby's a habit he had picked up over time and his travels. Once he was at the Weasel he paused to knock off some of the ice and frozen mud from his boots before entering, no use making extra work for inn's staff if he could help it. Stepping inside he waited for a moment as his eyes adjusted to the lighting.

Josiah entered the common room of the Resting Weasel. The inn was crowded at this time of night, two humans staffed the bar at the end of the room and a minstrel was plucking away at a lute though the music was lost in the noise of the tavern room. A large fire was burning in a pit in the center of the room, smoke billowing up through a stone chimney. A few seats were available by the bar and as Joasiah cast his eyes across the room he saw Sten hopping down from a chair at a table of three other men.

Sten saw Josiah and waved her arms as she approached. "Ah! Speak of the devil. How was the hunt?"

She approached and continued, "Glad you caught me, I was about to retire for the night." She pointed back ot the table, "The two armored ones are my usual guard, Rodrin and Turiel. The younger fellow's Caleb and has just joined on for the guard tomorrow. I hope you will be joining us. Pay is two gold for the days travel plus a bonus for whatever you brought back from the hunt tonight. Meet me at the Wagoneer's Stables down the end of this street tomorrow at dawn." It was the same stables Josiah had just dropped off the carcass.

She looked up expectantly, waiting any questions.

Josiah managed a tired smile and a nod to Sten, "Surprisingly well, long but well. I brought you back a fairly large bull elk." He reached back and tugged at the antlers still strapped to his pack. "Probably go close to sixx hundred pounds. I left it stashed in the back of your wagon."


He nodded to Sten as she spoke about the trip, "Count me in, has to be easier than dragging an elk through the damned frozen field. See you in the morning then." He stepped aside allowing Sten to pass, it was getting late and he was sure she was as ready as he was to call it a day and retire.

He then maneuvered to one of the seats at the bar. Sitting he rested his pack on his feet against the bar and propped his bow beside him. Waving Duncan over when the man got a chance, "Evening Duncan. What ya got in the kitchen tonight? And can I get a good hot cup of mead?" He was pretty sure it was most likely a hearty stew of some sort. But he always liked to give Duncan a chance to talk.

Sten nodded in appreciation of the kill as she looked up to the antlers. "Mighty nice. Glad to hear you're on board. I'll get you all squared away for that when we get to Barrow's Edge." She sighed, "Well, stay warm and get some rest. That's what I'm planning." With a pat on Josiah's thigh she walked past and into the night.

Duncan arrived shortly after Josiah sat down, while the common room was crowded it appeared almost all the patrons were well settled into their meals and drinks. "Josiah." He greeted the man with a nod, "Rabbit stew tonight, I'll get a bowl and a mug of mead for you."

It was a minute later that Josiah had a steaming hot bowl of rabbit stew and a mug of mead set down in front of him, "Workin' for Sten eh?" He asked, "Just noticed the two of you talking is all."

Josiah had just finished removing his gloves as Duncan returned with the food. "Ah, great. After today this should really help warm me up." He took a sip of the mead and grinned as the warmth hit his stomach.

At Duncan's question he nodded. "Yeah, been supplying he with meat and pelts for he trip. Managed to bag a big bull elk for her today. Should make her happy. Probably join up as a guard as she heads west tomorrow. Little more coin never hurts."

He took a couple bites of the stew savoring the taste before continuing. "Wouldn't happen to know anyone around town who would be interested in buying the antlers by chance? Thought about keeping them for carving or handles but they are rather big and I probably won't have room or time for it."

Duncan nodded as Josiah spoke, "Sten's a good sort. Always been honest, a little too trusting."

At the mention of the antlers he looked over Joshia's shoulder at them, "Good size. Some of the general merchants around may want them, failing that you could try in Barrow's Edge if you're headin' back to Sten's village." Called by a dwarf at the end of the bar Duncan left and was quickly caught up in conversation with the dwarf but did cast the ocassional glance around the room to see if anyone needed attention.

He left the dwarf with a nod of his head as a table needed attention and, after having seen out some patrons and wiped down a few tables, returned as Josiah was near finished his meal. "Need a room or got a place for the night?"

Josiah nodded to Duncan as he pushed the empty bowl back across the bar. "I'll have to check in the morning if I have time. If not your suggestion of selling them in Barrow's Edge sounds pretty good."

Draining the last of his mead he stifled a yawn, "A room sounds pretty good about now."

The barman nodded. "Someone'll take 'em I'm sure. Good trophy to boast about without having had to have gone to the effort." He gave a wry smile. "Almost tempted by them myself. That'd be quite the tale to tell the wife; Ser Duncan, retiree of the Resting Weasel and now hunter of the frozen wastes."

Duncan gave a chuckle and turned to take a key off the wall behind him, of the seven on the board there was a single key left after Josiah's was removed. He dropped it on the counter in front of Josiah, "Room seven. Stairs to the right of the bar, follow the hall and room's on the right." He looked up to Josiah, "Eight silvers."

Josiah grinned at the thought, "Hmmm, wonder if she would believe such a tale." His grin turning to an actual smile. He liked Duncan, the man had always been honest and friendly with him while he was her. He really had no need of the antlers at the moment, he would need to work on his carving skill before wasting such a trophy.

"Tell ya what Duncan, shave three silver off the eight and the antlers are yours. Heck I'll even back up you story should the wife ask around." Josiah laid the antlers on the bar along with eight silver as he picked up the key and waited to see if Duncan liked the deal.

Duncan gave a nod, "Deal." took the antlers and placed them at the end of the bar. He returned and picked up five of the silvers, leaving the three remaining for Josiah.

The rooms of the Resting Weasel were among the warmest that could be found in Valls. The large stone chimney kept all rooms at a temperature above freezing all year round, the rooms could almost be called warm during the summer months. The beds were clean and while the other amenities were sparse the rooms all had a basic functionality suitable to travelers. The common room downstairs had quietened during the night, the minstrel having ceased her music and many of the patrons having left after their meals.

Josiah nodded, retrieved his three silver and headed up the stairs to his room. Once inside he locked the door before hanging his pack on a peg. Looking around the room he headed over to the bed which would be far better than having to curl up next to a fire somewhere outside.

Laying his bow and quiver next to the bed and hanging his sword from the bed post he then began removing his armor, sure he could sleep in it but that was always an uncomfortable option. Once done he pulled his cloak along with the blankets provide over him and drifted off to sleep.

The night passed uneventfully, the warmth of the room kept steady the entire night and Josiah woke just before dawn.

There was a single staff member leaning against the far end of the bar as Josiah returned the key to his rooms. Josiah was not familiar with the man who just gave a nod to him, barely glancing up from a sheet of paper he was studying. Josiah placed the key on the counter besides another which had been returned even earlier ni the morning.

The first rays of morning light had started to defrost the village and pools of water were forming over the streets as the night time frosts melted away. The walk to the stables was a short one and familiar with its location it didn't take Josiah long to arrive.

Please continue in the PROLOGUE - Josiah & Silvui thread.