Sherwoodshire roleplaying

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Walker still fails to hit, but manages a quick look at the combat alongside him. ‘Saradoc’ looks exactly like the real thing (and ‘Saradoc’s injured opponent clearly is utterly focused on the fight.)
The trooper’s thrust back also misses.

‘Saradoc’ again fails twice to beat the trooper’s defence.
The trooper misses too and calls out “Come on lads – we’ll be here all day!”

Marron looks disappointed as none of his blows strike and his Spirit Hammer spell expires (the weapon simply disappears.)
His opponent cannot land a blow either.

Walker finally does 11 damage (and his opponent gasps “I’m in the Doralis club!”)
The trooper misses.

‘Saradoc’ finishes off his trooper by doing 10 damage.

Marron hits with one Club for 9 damage but misses with the second Club.
The trooper doesn’t hit back.

Aislinn is doing her best to ignore the fact that a man just died--an evil man, according to the others, a dangerous man who was going to attack a harmless (and drunk) hobbit barely half his size. But a person nonetheless. And her fake Saradoc finishes another, surprisingly.

Not easy to maintain concentration with such things going on, but she focuses on Marron's trooper now that he's lost his Spirit Club.

"Give up, varlet!" she has 'Saradoc' snarl as the phantom aims for this soldier's lower regions.*"Your leader and comrades are being easily felled. Surrender and you'll find mercy in gaol." (An idea that Aislinn has no knowledge of being true, but she certainly hopes it won't prove to be a lie.)



* Knees! Ankles! Get your mind out of the gutter! Although if necessary, those other bits will be fair game too.

Marron’s trooper spits back at ‘Saradoc’ “We of the Empire never surrender – to the death!”

Walker finishes off his opponent by doing 11 damage.

‘Saradoc’ strikes for 12 damage, slaying the next trooper.
Marron winks and says “Thanks matey!” to the Illusion.

The last trooper turns round and with a resigned shrug comes towards the party.

DM: Marron makes an Alertness roll.

Marron realises that the trooper is simply irritated at having to kill the party himself. He calls out "Fight on - he's going to fight to the death!"

Realising that the others would prefer a captive, Marron strikes to subdue with both his clubs.
Marron hits with both clubs, doing 9 and 7 damage.

(Although this equates to only 4 real damage the injured trooper still expires.)

The area goes quiet, then gradually the normal forest noises return.

Marron checks nobody else is injured, then casts a Cure Light on himself and is fully cured. (The spell could have cured for as much as 12 hp!)

The party have defeated a fully equipped Empire Patrol (one Sergeant + four troopers) and also have a trussed live sheep in a large wheelbarrow.

Once "Saradoc" finished off a second soldier, Aislinn exhales and sees the other two have been killed as well. Which only leaves the badly injured man, who until a moment ago was leaning/sitting against the edge of the borrow. When he turns, Aislinn spots Marron moving to meet him.

She jerks forward and reaches out, hoping to get "Saradoc" to make some difference, but of course he doesn't and even if he could, before he gets the chance, Aislinn loses her balance and clunks out of the tree onto the ground with a whumpf. With the wind knocked out of her, she takes a second to recover and straighten. By that time her concentration has long vanished, and there's no "Saradoc" anymore.

Aislinn clambers painfully to her feet and calls out "Wait!" but... the last soldier is dead, felled swiftly by Marron's excellent blow.

Aghast, the girl holds her achy stomach muscles and staggers towards the others. By the time she's met them she's recovered. "Why? Why kill all of them?" She looks from Walker to Marron, then the dead men at their feet. The design and colors of their Empire insignia make her ill, but no more so than the existence of their corpses.

"Couldn't we have captured him?" she adds plaintively, pointing at that last badly injured trooper. "Knocked him unconscious, tied him up... anything that left him alive? Aside from it being... unseemly to kill one man at a disadvantage... we could've asked him what their plans were. Why they diverged from their regular patrols. Why they took the sheep."

Aislinn moves away to the wheelbarrow, touching the small animal's fleecy softness and already tugging at the rope that binds its legs. "I'm glad you're both all right," she adds, somewhat belatedly, and she flushes at having forgotten to congratulate them on surviving. "Very glad. As for these fellows... I know Empire men cannot be trusted. I know they might not've answered any questions. Still... we could have shown mercy. They may not know the meaning of the word. But we do. We have standards. Vows." Her face lifts so she can stare up at Marron and Walker. "Don't we?"

Walker sighs heavily and his shoulder slump slightly, partly out of weariness after swinging that staff in a heated combat, but also with regret as he turns to Aislinn,

"He wasn't going to surrender. I'm sorry. We offered him the chance, but he was still all for 'Fight to the death!'... even though it must have been obvious that it was pointless. They all heard your 'Saradoc''s plea and they just.... wouldn't yield. I too hate seeing this unnecessary death."

Trying to be slightly jovial amongst all of this, "Well, in our favour, at least we didn't kill the sheep, hah!"

"Your illusion was ... incredible. It honestly turned the battle in our favour, and he fought just like Saradoc himself would have... possibly landing more blows than I think I saw the real Saradoc dish out in our previous battle, hah! It truly is an impressive and, I will admit, an intimidating ability."

Walker looks a little uncomfortable as now, after the action is over, his mind replays what he had witnessed. The man - no, not a man, a mere illusion of a man, doing so much damage yet taking none him- no, Itself, is truly a scary concept to him. And the battle moves he used... just as the real Saradoc would use. Though obviously entirely grateful for the help in the fight, he cannot help but be wary of this strange magic.

"Ok, so. We have a sheep. And some dead people. Do you think we should possibly untie the sheep and put it on a leash, then put the bodies onto the cart so that we can take all of these back to Farmer Giles' farm? They may be Empire, but there were still human beings and deserve respectful treatment in death. I could use the rope binding the sheep to make a leash so that we can lead it back to the farm, and I'm sure we could manage to fit the bodies on the cart and maybe two of us could manage to lift and push it along, with another being - hah - the shepherd. Thoughts? I don't want to leave them here or out in the woods. As bad as they may have been, any person still deserves more than that."

Aislinn just nods, still unsettled. "Thank you," she murmurs, again late with showing courtesy after Walker's compliment of the illusion. She couldn't see it up close, of course, but it's good to hear it was helpful and credible. "I wasn't sure it would work. I can't fathom how my imagination can actually cause physical damage, but... I suppose that's what magic is. Unfathomable."

Part of her dismay, aside from the general repugnance of ending lives, is the rigidity of the others' beliefs. It's the law, she knows. They'll receive no punishment for killing these men. To the contrary, the party will probably receive some boon. And Aislinn has no love for the Empire, to say the least.

But what if they learn of bad things I've done? Will I be allowed to explain? What if I can't remember the explanations? Will I escape the axe or arrows of the righteous even if I do?

She rubs her forehead, hoping to stave off the headache that's likely not far off. The creation of the false Saradoc was a strain--well, not so much its creation as maintaining its presence. If she can't even concentrate on her time as a captive without great pain, Aislinn assumes the work in performing a believable version of a living being will be equally likely to make her suffer.

"Yes," she says with a soft exhale, stroking the animal's head. "Let's tie up the sheep and take it back to Farmer Maggot. Maybe let it feed on some grass for a while. And I agree we must deal with the bodies, as well." Reluctantly she looks at the slain soldiers. "Perhaps... perhaps we should search them. Maybe there's some document or map or anything to explain where they're from, or what their plans were."

Hoping that Marron will help with shifting the bodies, Walker first unties the sheep, asking Aislinn to hold it down while he tries to tie the rope around its neck, then letting it stand up and (hopefully) hop down from the cart if it is conscious and able to do so, so that the cart is clear and the bodies can be moved to it. Once the sheep is on the leash, Walker would stand by and hold it to watch if the others loot the corpses as they are moved. He knows there might be information there but isn't comfortable rifling through the bodies of people who he just helped to kill. They were bad men. They killed people. They were going to kill more at Farmer Giles' farm, for sure. But also they probably have families. And children. Waiting for them to come home. I hate this.
He would help with lifting the bodies onto the cart if someone else steps in to hold the sheep, otherwise Walker wants no part in looting the bodies.



[DM note: if the sheep isn't conscious, he would prioritise sort of rolling it off the cart and tying it by the leash to a tree, and coming back for it later.]

Aislinn would much rather hold a small sheep to her bosom than rifle through the belongings of the men they've slain, but she's also aware that she's had the luxury of keeping a great distance from the pain, blood and fear her companions endured. Walker doesn't seem very keen on dealing with the corpses, and Marron... Marron may need to do some sort of prayer or ritual or whatever clerics do to thank their Creator for granting them the strength to kill their foes, and so on and so on.

So Aislinn steps away from the lamb, giving its head a final scritch, and kneels down to the nearest soldier. "I'll take care of it," she murmurs. "I'm a fair hand at pick--searching." Muscle memory takes over and her nimble fingers find the appropriate places where this first man (and any others she has a chance to search) might have some useful information or items.

"If there's any coins to be found," she says firmly to the others--and just as much to herself, really, to guard against any temptation--"we ought to give them to the shepherd's family, if he has some. And to Farmer Maggot for any damage."

She scowls. "Maggot," she repeats under her breath. "What a horrid name for a farmer. I'd not find any of his crops very appetizing." The comment is more to keep herself preoccupied from the grim, vulturelike behavior she's undertaking. Thinking of birds makes her gaze dart up at the sky. "Is Eye still there, Master Walker? The road is clear of any others who might be approaching?"

Walker quite gratefully takes the leash and holds the sheep while trying to hide his distaste at his companion looking through the pockets of the men they've just killed, mainly by petting the sheep and checking for injuries on it. If there is extra man (or woman!)-power needed to move the bodies onto the cart he would tie the leash to the cart and help as respectfully as possible.

Flicking his eyes upwards briefly he gets a view of the road ahead and behind from Eye.......

Marron solves the problem of the sheep by casting Speak to Animal and reassuring the creature that it will be returned safely to its flock.

Eye confirms that there is no activity along the forest path.

Marron adds "Sorry I did so much damage to the last opponent - but he wasn't going to surrender. I agree that although they show no mercy, we should set an example by doing so."

He pauses then continues "We're only a few minutes from Giles' farm. One of us can run there and bring back farmhands with spades so we can bury the bodies decently. I will say a few appropriate words over them if you like"

DM: Marron makes an Alertness roll.

He realises his companions are not keen on 'looting' the patrol, but gives a sigh and states "I think we must consider taking their equipment (weapons and armour) and compensating any families of slain shepherds. It's all top-quality. In fact, there might be something magical - Aislinn, can you check for that?"

Aislinn pauses with her hand still in the general's purse. "I will run back to the farm," she offers, sitting back on her heels. "You have both exerted yourselves enough. Taking an overall look at the four soldiers, she lifts a hand in an attempt to Detect Magic as Marron requested. Their swords must have value, she thinks objectively, regardless of any magic attached to them.

After she trie
s to detect magic Walker pauses Aislinn for a moment, saying, "We can travel together back to the farm, it's only 5 minutes, and Farmer Maggot is there anyway so I can pull - heh, hopefully! - this sheep along with us to deliver it to him. Marron here seems to be able to get whatever gear is of use onto the cart, perhaps. Sorry, it isn't a job for me. It is one thing to take a dragon's scales and something entirely different to take a man's clothes. A sheep, however, I can happily return to its owner, hah!"

After Aislinn's detect magic, Walker would aim to head back with Aislinn to Farmer Giles' farm with sheep in tow, as fast as he can make the sheep go.... though he is aware that he might get left behind by Aislinn!

DM: Aislinn casts Detect Magic.

The Sergeant has two magical items: Chain and Sword. (Everything else is normal, but of top quality - as Aislinn thought, it will be well worth taking.)

DM: Marron casts Identify and announces that both magical items are (+1) and therefore worth a lot. He comments "We could add these two items to the Dragon's Hide already sent to the Keep. I'm sure Count Percival would reward us with items that we could make full use of."

Marron is quite happy to stay at the battlefield. He promises the others he will respectfully prepare the Patrol bodies for burial and stack their armour and weapons on the cart.
He adds "Bring back a few farmhands with spades. Also the sheep understands it should follow you and it will be returned to Maggot's farm."

Aislinn, Walker and the sheep are able to hurry back to Giles' farm (the sheep seems happy to consider the two characters as part of the flock!)

When Aislinn, Walker and the sheep arrive at the farm, they are greeted as heroes!

Farmer Giles is very grateful as his farm has been saved and Farmer Maggot states the Patrol got what they deserved. (Maggot also takes charge of his sheep...)

Giles quickly rounds up a few sturdy farmhands with spades and offers to return with Aislinn and Walker to help Marron.

Walker accepts the gratitude from Giles and Maggot but is clearly more bothered about the corpses on the trail. He is sure that Marron will be getting them off the path so that some casual merchant or visitor won't be traumatised by the sight of the dead bodies, but still, the whole thing is sitting uncomfortably with him and though he's not a particularly religious fellow, he really does not like the idea of their bodies being left and so is grateful as well for Farmer Giles' offer of farm hands to help.

As they head out [awaiting Aislinn input of course], he would say to Aislinn,

"Did you find anything on the bodies that might identify them? Sorry I didn't..... I didn't help with that. Sorry. I just find.... yes well, sorry. I had a sheep to deal with, hah! Um. So, yes, did you find any identity tags, official documents, or even personal details that they were carrying? I mean, partly because we need to report this back to the Keep if we can get their identities, but also..... I don't know...... sorry again. I just feel that if there was some way to get news back to their families.... " [he trails off, clearly just not happy about this, his role mainly being dealing with troublesome beasts, not killing people with potential families and whole lives]

OOC: Walker asked a good question there. Do these soldiers have anything identifying them, if not by name or family then maybe regiment or whatever the larger group would be called? The name of their captain or whatever? Actually... I'll have her check for them when we return--I can get around her not knowing yet in-character.

Walking back to the scene of the battle, Aislinn hears Walker's questions and notes his discomfort. She feels sympathy and a little embarrassment. "I didn't look for anything personal. I didn't even really search them, to be honest. I just did that 'Detect Magic' spell and those items--the sword and chain--suddenly sort of looked different. I'll do a more thorough search when we get back."

She gazes at the ground rather than look at her companion. "I hate that we have to kill anyone," she says quietly. "Especially if there's any way to just... capture them. If I could've had that phantom Saradoc just knock them out, I would have. But I don't think they were going to stop. They are brutal."

After a slight pause, she shakes her head and finally looks back up at Walker. "You fought with honor," she blurts. "I hope you're not questioning your own part. If I'd had to be right in front of them, the way you were... I don't know what I would do. I'm afraid I'd freeze. Your regret does you credit, but you did what was necessary."

Walker nods as they head back along the path,

"You did a fantastic job keeping your concentration up on your 'Saradoc' there, and just.... yes. I was questioning every movement I made and regret every blow, but knew that they were bad people, probably. I .... probably. Yes. Anyway, just to say that nothing I did was brave or honorable. You were as close to the battle as we were - don't belittle your involvement - and it really truly was an impressive illusion. Thank you, again. Yes, of course, sorry again, I am just not usually in the business of killing people, and I always get to thinking about who they might hav.... no, sorry. It is different when it's an evil rampant beast, but even then I always have that thought that it might have a family, hah! Sorry. Maybe that young dragon we encountered has a mother that is worried about it? Silly thoughts, I know. Though also concerning if its mother decided to come looking for us, hah! I wouldn't want to encounter her!

"Anyway, to the task in hand, as I said, what is done is done, and perhaps Marron will have found something to identify the bodies as he has been - hopefully - moving them off the path while we've been gone. You spell was very useful, perhaps we can look at these items in more detail.

"Also," [he gives a sideways glance to Aislinn as they walk] "are you ok? I know what... I know what these people might have meant to you."

When Aislinn, Walker, Farmer Giles and the farmhands arrive back at the battle site, they see Marron has carefully laid out the bodies alongside the path.
The Patrol's swords are stacked on the cart.

Marron asks for some help removing the armour and then burying the bodies and Giles nods in agreement (giving those instructions to his farmhands.)

Soon five graves have been dug and the bodies are duly buried. Marron says a few simple appropriate words.

The Patrol armour is placed alongside the weapons in the cart.

Giles points at the equipment and says "Well all that stuff is yours - and thank you for saving my farm from many casualties."

Marron turns to Aislinn and Walker and mutters "How about we just take the Sergeant's magic items and leave Giles the remaining armour and weapons? He can undoubtedly make some use of it and compensate Farmer Maggot for his loss."

Walker helps out with the digging - not the removing of armour - and bows his head as Marron speaks over each body laid to rest, then as Marron mutters to us he just looks at Aislinn and gives a trademark shrug.

"You seemed to get a feeling from a couple of items? They all look the same to me."

Did Aislinn find anything re: their regiment or IDs or whatever when she checked, as mentioned was her intention earlier? They may be irredeemably evil but knowing who they were or who their superior is could come in handy.

Aislinn senses Walker's ambivalence won't make it easy for him to respond to Marron, or the decision to divide the spoils of the battle. "Yes, Master Marron," she says. "By all means let's give whatever we can to the farmer. The armor..." She doesn't want to look at it. "I prefer it out of our hands. The magic items can go to Count Percival. I don't think any of us has experience in swordsmanship to take advantage of whatever it does."

Which is a shame, she thinks, scowling slightly. Her knives are useful but after seeing this fight, she despairs of the idea that she'd be of any value in a physical confrontation, other than defending herself.

To Walker, she finally responds to his question. "I'm sorry I didn't answer before. Truth is, I don't know how to feel. I don't like killing. I mean, I hate that these men tried to kill you, and murdered the shepherd and his dog. Vile behavior deserves punishment. But..." She sighs. There was no choice. "Above all, I hate the--the coat of arms on their armor. It makes me sick. What it represents."

She lowers her voice. "I know there is a reason for it, but the fact that Count Percival has the Empire's crest up in his hall... I don't trust anyone who displays it. I understand what he intends by it. And he's good and an Arthurian and I know everyone finds him and his people trustworthy. But I can't. It's beyond logic. Beyond my control, even. I just can't." Aislinn looks up at Walker. "Please don't tell Marron. I will do my duty but not without qualms. I don't think he'd understand."

With a final shake of her head, she moves closer to Marron, though speaks to both of them. "Then let us to the Keep. We can get rid of these items. There may be danger in our having them. And we need rest. Well, you do. You fought hard this day."

Aislinn and Marron find no identification at all on the Patrol (apart from the Sergeant having a helmet plume and shoulder stripes.)
It seems clear that there is a deliberate policy for the Patrol not carry anything personal.

DM: Aislinn remembers a conversation with Druid Kitty back in the Keep (post 119 of this threwad):

Kitty replies “Aislinn, I understand that a celebration indoors with many folk can be intimidating. I myself much prefer the outdoors with fresh air and friendly animals.
However Count Percival is a fair ruler and I can do achieve a lot basing myself here at the Keep.

You ask about the symbol of the Empire. The Count is NOT allied to them!
The shields on the wall simply denote our closest neighbours: the gnomes of Naugrimshire, the Ocean Barbarians, the Empire and the Druids of Tsarinan Forest.

To avoid conflict - since the Empire are part of the despicable Mordred Cabal - there is a diplomatic agreement between the five Powers not to fight.
This sadly does not stop (for example) sneak attacks by Empire Patrols in the wilderness. If you encounter a Patrol, be ready!

Certainly nobody from the Empire will ever be allowed into this Keep.
I hope this reassures you.”

The Patrol items are all of good quality, but Marron takes just the Sergeant's armour and sword, commenting "Thanks to Aislinn, we can trade these magic items in at the Keep - as Count Percival + Druid Kitty have offered in return to get us items specifically for our use."

Farmer Giles is jolly grateful for the remaining weapons and armour. "I'll make sure my good friend Farmer Maggot gets the lion's share of this, so he can look after the family of the slain shepherd. We can always trade this stuff with the Keep or even sell it to be melted down. Good luck on your travels - you will always be welcome at any of the farms of Sherwoodshire."

Marron nods politely, then turns to the others. "As Aislinn suggested, shall we head back to the Keep?"

Aislinn isn't exactly disappointed over the lack of any identification of the late soldiers. Knowing who they were gives them the obligation--at least the moral obligation, as Walker would probably argue--to inform their families. And while she'd do it, she'd rather not think too much more about them. What if they're somehow connected to... whoever enslaved her? As frustrating as her lack of memory can be, Aislinn's very uncertain as to how she'd react to anything specific she might learn of what happened. She has a vague goal, something she needs to learn, but nothing more than that.

Anyway they're gone now and the farmers are satisfied--likely not the shepherd's family, but nothing will ease their pain except perhaps time. She's ready to return to the Keep, and glances at Walker to see if he and Eye are ready.

(She's still wary about Eye, and how much Walker has seen through his Familiar's vision due to his knowledge of her Ring. But Aislinn finds it very hard to distrust her companions when they're fighting for their lives.)

Aislinn, Marron and Walker say their goodbyes to the farmers (who give them three cheers as a farewell) and head back to the Keep (carrying the Patrol Sergeant's items.)

They reach the Keep safely and are greeted by Saradoc and Druid Kitty (with Woody the Ogre waving in the background.)
Druid Kitty explains that there is an immediate audience with Count Percival, so he can congratulate them!
She accepts the Patrol items and explains she and the Count plan to give each member of the party two magical items in return for their deeds, the Dragon Hide and the Patrol items.

After a brief ceremony where the Count hears about the party's deeds, he makes a courteous speech about the party's heroics. Then the party are invited to adjourn to a meeting room to receive their rewards and get the latest news.
As they depart, Aislinn notices that a couple of Keep Guards are covering up the symbol of the Empire that has been displayed on the wall of the Keep dining hall. Saradoc whispers "The Count says he has to keep it up there for diplomatic reasons - but he will claim it needs to be covered for 'cleaning'!'

In a quiet moment, Walker would like to speak with Druid Kitty.

"Druid Kitty, greetings again! It's been an.... eventful week or so, I'd say. I have brought back these herbs from the Crag, I hope they'll be of use. It's blooming fairly well up there, but I'll admit it did take a bit of a scorching from the dragon, hah! I think we managed to mitigate the damage and here," [he holds out the satchel of herbs gathered] "is what I managed to pick while we were there. Some of them might be a little.... frazzled, but hopefully still useful. We did get a fair bit of dragon hide as well, I'm not sure if you or perhaps some of the leatherworkers in the Keep could use it. It's certainly tough - I can attest to that after hacking away at it!

"We didn't really find a use for your potions too much this time so don't feel the need to brew any more up on our behalf........ unless you have something a bit more spicy hah! I don't know what else you have in your recipe book!"

He pauses, unsure how to broach the next question.

"Uhmm. My new companion, I... she... she has this ability to summon ... I think? ... summon illusions of animals or people. At first it was just a wolf, and it seemed so real, just like Eye, but she didn't seem to know how it appeared and couldn't talk to it as I talk to Eye here." [He reaches up to ruffle her feathers - Eye's, not Kitty's! - and in response she leans into it and while enjoying the scritches (again, Eye, not Kitty!) she gives him a mental nudge, "Get on with it, idiot."]

"But it seems that it's not even real. But it is real. Sorry, I'm not making much sense, you know me and magic, hah! It... I don't... I saw her conjure a man... well you know him: Saradoc... and he fought and killed as if he were real. I am just... I don't know... unsure of this magic. I don't want to bother Aislinn with my questions because I think she is unsure herself, to be honest, about how this works, and I think you are the one person I know and trust who can explain it. Or maybe help her to understand it? She seems troubled by it and was even visited by Nimue (who, apparently, wasn't very helpful in the explaining department) to help her, but I .... I don't know where I'm going with this, sorry. I just know that I don't understand it, and frankly it's a scary ability and I don't know if it's good or not... seeing Saradoc there on the path and killing the patrol... I .... it can clearly be used to make people see what isn't there, and hear what isn't real, and it can harm them too... I just..... I don't know. But also I don't think Aislinn understands either, and I've noticed........ I've noticed sometimes she holds her head as if there's a pain there. She says she's fine. But..."

Walker gives one more trademark shrug as he finishes, "I don't know what I'm asking for. Do you know anything about this, or could you help her maybe? I know I'm just lumping all of you who can do magic stuff into the same basket here hah! I promise, I don't think you all look the same!"

It's strange indeed to see the real Saradoc, and Aislinn keeps sneaking glances at him both to see how well she remembered his features, and--though she knows full well the truth--to make sure he's real.

She thanks him for going to the Keep ahead of them, which in retrospect was rather a brave thing to do, with at least one Empire patrol known to be about. The way had been checked by Eye, but... well, birds are not perfect. Empire soldiers can be crafty and duplicitous, as she's been told, and may have spells of concealment.

(Aislinn doesn't actually know what sort of enchantments are common among Empire soldiers. From what she's heard, and the few flashes of recollection she has... they didn't need enchantments to work their evil. But those who actually do possess such powers? The possibilities are terrifying.)

When she reaches the meeting room, she excuses herself briefly to find a place with a wash basin. Aislinn's soft tread is quick, keeping her head ostensibly down but her gaze darting about to check her surroundings. She touches her bandaged cheek and sighs grimly. The cloth wrapping she wears is much like the one on the Count's crest. There's no way to forget what lies beneath: the designs persist both in reality and her mind's eye. Others may be blind to them; she cannot be. What exists beneath a veil still exists. And at least in her case, probably always will.

Except... Nimue's gift.

Aislinn feels the need to see if she can use it. She's still a little fuzzy on how much control she has or even how much spiritual energy is left, after having expended so much creating a simulacrum of Saradoc. The Keep feels a relatively safe environment for her right now, expecting no further adventures or enemy encounters this eve. Which means she will dare to risk using more power, even if it's the last she has for the rest of the day, to try out what could seem miraculous.

She knows she may regret this decision should something unexpected occur, but... her curiosity must be sated.

Thus Aislinn continues to pad swiftly through the corridors to seek out a washroom--and specifically, one with a looking-glass.

Saradoc tells Aislinn “It was a great idea to send me ahead with the Dragon Hide! The hobbit merchant I escorted understood the concept of ‘second breakfast’ and also we faced no difficulty on the journey.”

Saradoc then happily informs the party that he got a +2 arrow (+10% to hit and +2 damage) as his share of the reward for slaying the Dragon.
He continues “I was able to see magic items being made from the Hide.
Oh, and our boss Lestrade has sent reinforcements from the Scout Guild. He wants me to tell you that he’s very pleased with our progress and thought you would welcome another Scout.
Her name is Eluned and she’s currently in the orchard with Woody.”

Druid Kitty then says “Yes, that Dragon Hide was most welcome! Here’s some benefits from it.”
She hands a pair of new boots to Walker, explaining that they are Boots of Elvenkind.

(DM: These give Walker a permanent 90% chance to Move Silently and work in harmony with his Cloak.)

Marron gets a leather Helm of Detect Evil (1/day.)

Kitty offers Aislinn a choice of a magical item.

(DM: Message sent to Aislinn.)

Kitty then draws Walker aside and thanks him for the usual herbs and plants.
She adds “I’ve heard of folk who can conjure up illusions.
I myself can do a Faerie Fire, which outlines opponents with glowing flames. It does no damage, but makes them easier to hit. Another of my spells is Obscurement which creates a fog to hide me from opponents. Incidentally I remember some similar effect when Aislinn left the Hall after the banquet.
I’d be happy to help with advice and information – but I think it better if Aislinn approaches me. I don’t want to put any pressure on her.”
Kitty smiles at Walker and continues “There are several ways to cast magic. I use my Druid power mainly for animal, plant and weather magic. Cleric Marron has healing, protection and spells to combat evil. Magic Users have the widest range of spells – combat, movement, gathering information and so on are all part of their repertoire.”

Aislinn has no problem finding a washroom – and within there is a shiny metal trophy (similar to the one in Farmer Giles’ farmhouse.)
This trophy is for ‘Rudest Vegetable’ - apparently there is considerable competition between the farmers in all sorts of categories…

Aislinn smiles slightly at the award, vaguely curious to know precisely what happened to the winning vegetable. Then, after the hesitation that always takes place in these circumstances, she unwinds the bandage from her face, including the topmost portion that she never reveals. The black ink somewhat crudely stamped on her cheek greets her, with its oars and betraying Empire crest. Proclaiming her status as property. Not human, not sovereign over her own self. Just property.

On her temple, above and separate from the standard slave tattoo, is the one she didn't show even her companions. It's more intricate, with an outline made from inks of midnight-blue and shining gold. It's also far more skillfully applied. This mark was paid for by someone with access to a true artisan as well as a great deal of money--gold ink is precious, and anyone willing to waste it on a skin decoration for a slave must have a perverse sense of pride and an overfull purse.

It's elegant, artistic, ornamental. Even beautiful. And Aislinn despises it.

Neither she nor any of the Lizardfolk who met her knows its meaning. But the shaman warned her that it is likely more dangerous to possess. Someone spent time and money on it, and thus any offered bounty might be higher.

Aislinn bends to splash her face and hands with water, after which she uses a clean cloth to pat herself dry. Then, staring into the mirror-bright metal at her reflection, she trembles before daring to try the spell Nimue gave her last night. What if it doesn't really work? Nothing else has. Will this do it?

She was told she could ask for almost any effect, within certain parameters. All she imagines is the most simple: to look like herself. Closing her eyes, she whispers the words to cast Alter Self.

When she dares open them again, her eyes widen. In the the reflection she sees... a girl. Not a great beauty, not even striking. But a normal, pretty girl as she must have looked before. Smooth, unmarked pale skin. Dark brown eyes that seem even darker without the bandages or tattoos to distract from their shining depths. Her hair, now untangled, falls below her shoulders in wavy mahogany locks. (She doesn't recall having imagined anything related to her hair, but supposes she must have envisioned a much more... groomed appearance.)

Aislinn suddenly gasps and peers closer to the plaque, touching her fingers to the edge of her right eye, then down to her throat. Why, her scars are gone. Near her eye had been a slight puckering, as if cut by something uneven and sharp. Around her throat was usually a round band of reddish, scaly skin--such as might have been caused by a too-tight collar. They might be recent, they might have been from childhood. Now both are absent too, erased just like the hated ink.

Blinking hard, she stares at herself in disbelief, and quickly covers her mouth with her hand when a sob threatens to burst out of her. "I'm free," she blurts despite her muffled voice. "I look free."

The effect lasts just one day, Nimue told her. And it takes up another spot that could be used for vital combat, defense, mission purposes. Life or death purposes. But this could be life or death, if someone sees what's really here. It's a slight rationalization but probably not far from the truth.

She's about to dispel it when she decides... maybe not. Maybe being seen in public, by many people here at the Keep, without any dangerous, tell-tale tattoos, is a good strategy. Others will see that the girl traveling with her companions must be a freewoman, no escaped slave. Even the new companion, this Eluned, need not know what the others saw.

So there will be no need for bandages this night. Aislinn realizes that to feel the cool air on her skin would be glorious.

But temporarily, she wraps the bandages back around her head, deciding that she'll uncover them when others are around to see. Otherwise they'll not even recognize her.

Finished, Aislinn wipes the tears from her eyes and, her expression brighter, leaves the washroom to return to the meeting chamber.

Walker inspects the boots, then takes off his own worn boots and put these on, finding that they fit his feet perfectly.

"Why, thank you, Druid Kitty. And thank you for your advice as well. I... well, you know I'm a bit wary of this magic stuff, but I know that even now the boots you have given me must have some magic in them - I've never once managed to buy a pair of boots that I didn't have to wear in for a week before they stopped giving me blisters, hah!

"And yes, I know that you, and Marron, and others have magical abilities. I was just unsure for Aislinn, as she seems to not understand her own magic. But I wouldn't presume that, maybe she is fine. I don't know, I think it's that the illusions were just unsettling. I think I should go back now to find her anyway. Thank you again for these fine boots."

He clicks his heels together smartly and head back to find Aislinn in the Keep. When he finally spots her he notices that she looks more cheerful and confident than he's seen in a while, with her head held slightly higher and something in her posture. It's to be expected of course, being welcomed back here in the Keep as heroes and given gifts rather than camping out in the cold and damp!

"Aislinn, look!" [Walker clicks his heels together again, showing off his new boots.] "This is what I was given as my reward! They are so very comfortable, and also, they match my cloak!" [He swooshes it majestically. They do, indeed, match his cloak.]

"What did you get for your reward?

"Oh, also... sorry if this was out of line... I talked to Druid Kitty about your magic because she is the only person I know who really understands this, heh. No offence intended, sorry, I didn't mean to suggest you don't. I just thought that she might be able to help you understand it better as well, I don't... I don't know, just it seems to me that sometimes you seem confused, unsure, or maybe surprised by what you can do. Maybe she can help. She's very talented. I'm not saying you're not! Sorry! I just meant... Never mind. She would be a fine person to talk to for any advice, if you needed it, not that you need it, hah! You have talked to your own god! I'm just waffling on here, sorry. I hope you know I didn't reveal anything about you that would be personal, if you get my meaning. I just said mainly that I didn't understand your magic - which she knew would be the case of course - and that you might maybe want to talk to someone.... I don't know. Sorry."

Walker shrugs and then shuffles awkwardly.

"I... um. Yup. So, previous question, hah. Did you get a reward as well?"

Aislinn can't help smiling at how pleased Walker is with his boots and cloak. "Yes, Master Walker. They lovely and fit you very well," she says after a moment of wearing an expression of somewhat exaggerated judicious thought. And it is no lie. He has a becoming appearance that seems quite suited for such finer objects, as humble and plainspoken as he is.

Though about to answer his question about Druid Kitty's gift, Aislinn is cut off by Walker's continuing at length to reveal his concerns and above all, his act of speaking to Kitty. The girl's mood grows more distant, even remote, as she considers this. First the Ring, now he seeks out information about her magic... Why does he need such details about her? She wants anonymity, she doesn't want to be known.

Swallowing, she does her best to keep from any unpleasant display. It takes her some time to gather herself, but when she does she's able to speak without ire or tension.

"You're right, of course," she says at last, slowly. "I don't know my magic very well. I'm sorry you find it uncanny; I do as well, if that helps. I don't think there's anything destructive or harmful to it. Even if there were I'd only use it against an enemy."

Aislinn blinks as her gaze falls to the floor. "I do wish though, sir, that you wouldn't speak to others about me. At least--I can't tell you what to say or not, but one never knows what you might unintentionally reveal, even with a mere question. There are certain people who can glean more meaning from a question than a whole host of answers. Yes, Kitty is trustworthy, I know you, and Marron and Saradoc, believe that. And I sense you are likely right. But in my situation I simply can't accept second-hand trust--as if it's a gift passed from Kitty to you, thence to me. I must see and weigh it myself. Directly."

She paces a few steps, hugging herself. "It's just... when pieces of me are shared with near-strangers, 'tis they who reform those pieces into a whole. Like a puzzle. And they might get the picture wrong or right. Either way, I want to be seen simply as I appear. As I choose to appear." Pivoting, she lets her eyes meet Walker's again, hopeful. "You understand, I think? That scrutiny is not always welcome?"

After trying to lighten her mood, she sighs and clasps her hands together. "As for the gift... yes, I received one. A potion. I'm not sure how useful it is, to be frank. Mistress Kitty endeavors to grant me something of what you have, with Eye. She knows how I feel about Wolf..." Now that Aislinn and everyone else know the animal is but her imagination made manifest, she's embarrassed at referring to it with a name, even as basic as she's already done. "I mean, about that illusion of a wolf. But finding another--a real Winter Wolf--would mean traveling so very far north. We won't be in such lands for some time, belike."

Aislinn bites her lip, then sinks down into a chair and adds softly, "I don't mean to be churlish. I am very grateful for it, as no one need give me anything at all. It's why she gave it to me. I feel such a fool, having believed myself to find friendship in a mere phantasm dragged out of my mind."

Walker is absolutely aghast at Aislinn's reaction; she is clearly distraught and he notices her seem to draw into herself just as he'd thought moments ago that she had seemed so much more bright and confident. Shit.

"I, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry into your personal details or to share them without your consent. Sorry, I genuinely..... I genuinely, and this is the truth, sorry, I find your illusions quite terrifying. I ...... that illusory Saradoc was alarmingly believable and I trust you wouldn't use this skill for harm... well, I think those Empire patrol-men might beg to differ, hah! But I mean, I just see... I just SAW how this mental image can be used for harm. You were using it as a force of good, I guess... as we're assuming those men were bad.... but ..."

[Walker trails off again, trying to get the words right and feeling terrible for possibly unwittingly betraying Aislinn.]

"I think... no, I KNOW you mean only good with your illusions, but the fact is that I've never seen anything like this at all. My mind can't help but jump to how this might be used for less-good endeavours. Even just as minor as pranks or making someone think they are seeing or hearing things that aren't there... all the way up to fully attacking and damaging or killing a person. You could do this. Well, I've seen you do the latter, but one with ill intentions could use it for any sorts of mischief or harm, however major or minor. This is truly, to me, scary stuff. I think it would be scary even if I DID understand it, hah!

"By asking Druid Kitty, I apologise again, I mainly wanted to get some reassurance about how it works. Which, admittedly, I didn't get. Or if I did, I didn't understand it. My question to her regarding you was simply that my travelling companion seemed unsure of how it worked as well, and if she could help. That was all. I'm sorry that this overstepped the boundary, I shall not do it again. It was only out of concern, and I would never knowingly put you in danger. It's true what you say, you can't pass on trust second-hand. I trust Druid Kitty, but I understand that you haven't had that time to form your own judgement yet, as it your right. It's not for me to tell you to trust her."

Walker cocks his head as he processes the information about Aislinn's gift.

"Kitty gave you a potion? That is what she gave to me when I found Eye. I would warn - probably as she has done - that having a companion bound to you as that potion does is very different to your Wolf. If your Wolf is harmed, he can return... if you are to find a true wolf and use the potion, he is a true, animal wolf. If Eye were to be slain in combat or by other means, then she would be dead, for good, I cannot just call her back, and her death would harm me... and not just emotionally. This is why I usually have her flying high above us out of harm's way. Of course, I have the benefits of talking to her in my mind and also seeing through her eyes.... So, it is something to consider... positives and negatives, hah! If you're set on getting a Winter Wolf then you're right, I think a trek might be in store for that, unless it comes to you? When I summoned Eye she came to me, so maybe a wolf will appear to you? Are you particularly set on a Winter Wolf?"

While Walker speaks, at times most fervently, Aislinn remains seated, gloved hands tightly curled over her knees. His forthright words--he is either sincere or a remarkably deft performer--penetrate her own fear. She's ashamed for a few reasons, unable to articulate them to herself.

"I understand your...discomfort...about my magic. Both the form it takes and my inexperience with it. Ignorance can cause as much harm as malice. I may mean no real harm but in the end... does that matter? If someone's hurt?" Aislinn keeps her focus on Walker's new boots as she murmurs, "If you are to trust me, I should be truthful. I--I did use some of my skill to fool you. Ventriloquism, at the farm square."

She quickly explains the prank where she tricked him into believing that the women were praising him. "I'm sorry. I thought you'd enjoy it, that you'd laugh or feel proud, and maybe even go to them and try to..." Her face is burning. "I truly am sorry, Master Walker. I'd only just remembered that voice ability, because one of those tricksters used it, and I wanted to practice. I... I didn't know it would disturb you. And it did." Aislinn finally looks up. "It did, didn't it? You didn't like their attention very much. I should've known better. I avoid it myself. I'm just not used to that sort of feeling in a man."

There's more she needs to explain, especially if she expects to be trusted, as she said. But Aislinn suspects it all might be too much at once, too many flaws to reveal in one flood of admissions. Perhaps tomorrow. So she just stands up, keeping respectfully distant, just as she prefers from others. The thought of someone being afraid of her is terrible.

Is it?

A dark little spot, a coal ember of ugliness, flares within her. No, it's not entirely terrible. Part of her is actually secretly, angrily, gratified. Not that she's frightened Walker... not him. But it's a kind of strength, isn't it? The ability to daunt others? A kind of power Aislinn doesn't think she's ever known--not that she remembers, anyway.

Now she's just daunted herself. With a little inward shudder she pushes the thoughts away. "I hope you'll forgive me. I won't do it again, definitely not to you. The soldiers and the fake Saradoc... I didn't think I had a choice." Aislinn twists her fingers together, her usual habit of anxiousness, but something feels different. Physically different. She glances down, a little confused, but shrugs and returns to Walker. "The potion, I have the same concerns as you. I was reluctant to put a phantom wolf at risk. I don't know if I'd dare do anything to put a companion in danger. I'm content to wait. If we meet some animal that seems to take to me, and I to her, I'll see. It needn't be a Winter Wolf, but I... the child in me wants one."

Again she gives an embarrassed shrug. "Well. Will you forgive me? I forgive you, for sharing your fears with Mistress Kitty, and will try to trust--and earn yours." To show her trust of him, she slips off her right-hand glove and holds it out to him, to handclasp if he is of a mind to.

...Which is when she discovers the source of that curious physical change she'd felt earlier. The glove, when she'd been twisting her hands, moved against her without snagging even slightly on her rough, callused hand--and now she sees it's because the calluses are not there anymore. Her skin is as smooth and unblemished as a gracious maiden who never did a moment's work. The red, ridged callus on her palm is gone.

The Alter Self spell. It even changed my scars.

Since it's too awkward to withdraw, she just stands there, face still hot and hand still extended.

Walker is slightly taken aback by this sudden burst of confession, both of her prank and then her unsure-ness that she may inadvertently harm someone.

Seeing her outstretched, ungloved hand, Walker steps forward and clasps it firmly, holding on for just a moment, "I... um... thank you. Thank you for your honesty, and for your forgiveness. I honestly did not mean to expose you to attention or danger." He steps back and bows his head slighty,

"Regarding the ventriloquism... I'll admit it unnerved me. I think that you can understand not liking attention. However, it does seem like a very useful trick to have in our skillset, hah! ... but I think maybe I would have felt better if you had said it was you. Thank you for confessing now to it, you could have easily let me go on thinking it was real, but instead you told me... thank you for that. Of course I forgive you. You didn't know that I wouldn't like it, perhaps others would have found it amusing.

"As to your potion, I would have to ask Druid Kitty (AKA. GLee) for more information, as I don't know how Eye came to me exactly. Perhaps you won't have to go out searching for a wolf, hah! It doesn't sound particularly safe..."

(Read: Both Walker and Ping don't know how familiars work.. I'll ask in the other thread!)

"So, I assume we will take our rest here, then see if Saradoc and Marron will be continuing on with us, and what particular tasks Count Percival might have, what issues might have come up that would require our skills, hm? And it seems that we may have a new companion as well."

Aislinn is relieved by Walker's gracious acceptance of her apology, though she's a little unnerved at the handshake--it's been quite a long time since she's had physical contact, hand-to-hand, with another person. Of course, she initiated it, and there's nothing untoward in the least in Walker's manner.

"I'll ask Mistress Kitty more about the potion. I don't think it's a true Familiar, though. I'm not sure how close we'll be, or how much it would do what I say. I wouldn't really want something that must do as I say. That's no better than..." Her mouth closes in a tight, thin line, and she shakes her head before abandoning the thought. "I'd rather it be a bond of affection, as you have with Eye."

She agrees with him about Saradoc and Marron, though she thinks it more a case of whether she and Walker will be joining the two clearly committed Scouts. After looking at Walker, as well as a little more thought and a great deal more doubt, she inhales, holds her breath, then says in a rush: "If it helps earn your trust in my magic use--or me in general--I should tell you that I was given another powerful spell. Something I never thought I--you might not approve since it too involves deceit of a sort, and illusion, but--"

Running out of words, Aislinn takes another second to prepare herself. Then her fingers reach up and clumsily unwind her bandages. At last her entire face is bared--visible to another for the first time since leaving the Lizardfolk.

She stares somewhere in the vicinity of Walker's left shoulder, nearly as awkward as if she's torn off her clothes. "This is what I look like. Looked like," she admits more softly. "Without the scars and markings. I didn't think I remembered but I guess the spell..."

With a shake of her head, she twists the bandage in her hands. "Nimue said I can change to anyone I've seen, or at least can imagine. I think even an animal, but I don't remember. Just for a day. Anyway I thought I'd try it, just till we leave here. To let others think I wear the bandages for some other reason.

"I was going to find some reason to unwrap at our meal, in front of the rest, but I..." Finally she meets his gaze. "I didn't want you to be surprised by this, too."

As she reaches up, Walker is unsure what Aislinn is about to do, knowing how fervently she checks her bandages are in place. When she pulls them away he has to stifle a short gasp. "She's beautiful" he thinks, followed by a rush of hot anger at what must have been done to her, followed closely by a deep feeling of sorrow that she needs to, or feels the need to cover up with bandages or magic to hide what was done. Not pity, never that - he knows she must have extreme strength to be here, and courage to now show herself as she was... no, as she should be.

"I... wow, I... I'm sorry. I don't have words. This is an amazing gift to you, but.... I am just so sorry that you have to use it. You said that it is just for a day... but, you can do it again, right? Or is this just the one day that you get?

"You are right in that nobody actually knows why you wear the bandage, I had assumed that you might have some healing wound or something from a fight. I would assume, with all of the scout work you do that it would be the assumption most here would make. Having just returned having been away for a while, and now having a chance to 'freshen up', so to speak, hah, it wouldn't be beyond believable that you have taken some time in the washroom to unwrap them and people will likely assume that whatever injury you were nursing has healed. Would that not be better than unwrapping it in front of the others? I don't know, I just... it would seem to me to make sense that you checked your injury in private and saw that it was healed enough to remove the wrapping, and you can walk in head high looking as you would have... sorry, SHOULD look." [Characteristic shrug] "I don't know, you do whatever feels right to you. Just don't over-think it, the assumption I am sure that everyone will have had is that you have just been healing from an injury, nobody would be thinking of what you've gone through."

Less self-conscious thanks to Walker's response, Aislinn's now able to smile shyly as she glances down at the crumpled bandage knotted in her hands. "I hope you are right. For the spell, I can cast it once a day. But it takes up energy, I think, and thus I wouldn't be able to use any other of that type of advanced spell until the day is done. What if we are set upon, or must perform some dangerous duty? There are possibly more useful things to use in a battle. Stronger Illusions even than the phantom Saradoc." Knowing this might make him uncomfortable again, she pushes forward.

"That is why I'd rather save this..." She sort of circles her hand around her face, then continues, "...for when it's truly necessary. I think it best to keep myself bandaged otherwise. I was just thinking that if anyone here saw me with a bandage, then unwrap it, if they see me with it again it won't seem... odd. I don't know. I may be overthinking. The awful thing is I think I've grown used to hiding under these. It's a strange feeling."

Flushing, she stuffs the bandage into the pocket of her skirt. "But I haven't asked you about your gift. The boots have some special magic to them? And have you been rewarded for your skills as well? I don't know how non-magical people receive benefits from their... whatever they believe in. Deity, I suppose."

Which makes her wonder if Woody, as a believer in Nimue now, has been visited by her as well. He deserved some gift for helping them with the thieves. If she has a chance, she'll visit him before they leave, just to see how he is faring so far. I'll warrant Walker might like to meet an Ogre to whom we showed kindness. I shall ask him later.

Walker shrugs yet again. It's a noticeable habit when he seems a bit lost in a situation.

"For me personally, it would seem more strange to publicly unwrap your bandages than to just show yourself without them, as if, as I said, you'd gone and cleaned yourself up after our adventure, but you do what you feel best. I do get the potential problem if someone were to see you again, but it could easily be explained away with a minor injury that you are covering.

"As to my boots, well, as I said, they match my cloak, hah!" [Walker swooshes majestically again and clicks his heels together]. "You saw how well my cloak was able to help conceal me before, in the ambush, so that I was hardly able to be spotted.... well, I believe that level of concealment is beyond even my capabilities of hiding. And, not to be boastful but even without it I am *quite* good at not being seen in general when necessary, heh, so I assume the cloak has some magic to enhance that. These boots... they don't only match the cloak in looks but I think, from what Druid Kitty said, that they will work in harmony with my cloak as well. So yes, they appear - I think - to also be magical in nature and that if I choose to not be seen I'll not only be able to just hunker down and blend in as my cloak allowed, but I should also be able to move silently so that potentially I could gather information without being detected more effectively, or... I don't know... sneak up on people if needed. I don't know, hah! Not been field-tested yet! We will have to see! To be honest, aside from them matching my cloak in colour and style, my only hint towards them being magic was that they fit perfectly the very first time I put them on. Almost as if they shaped themselves to my feet. No rubbing, no stiffness, just a perfect fit. It is an odd feeling; I've never once had a pair of boots that fit me so perfectly. Maybe I've just been buying the wrong boots, hah!"

Walker pauses a moment as his brain catches up with what's been said.

"Wait. You can change into an animal?!"

Aislinn enjoys Walker's pride in his gifts and his own skills. "The cloak was extraordinary at keeping you hidden--I don't think I'd've known you were there at all. I suppose it too is a sort of Illusion, in a way. I hope the boots serve you just as well. I expect they already are. Comfortable boots are a rarity."

His shock takes her aback slightly, but it also makes her uncertain. "Well... perhaps not an animal. I could become an Ogre, though. Anything that's on two feet, I think? Which does let out most animals. At least any I've seen. And I think that's a necessary part--I have to be familiar with whoever it is I turn into." Again she hesitates. "Not really turning into them, just looking like them. They'll still exist, obviously. And I'm still me. Just like I'm still an escaped--" She darts an anxious look towards the door, then returns to Walker. "Well. You understand."

Her hand lifts to touch her cheek, where her primary tattoo was. Is. She has a very, very vague memory of the sharp pain of whatever needles created the brand-like design, but pondering it makes her head hurt as well. She backs away from the discomfort, something she's quite good at.

She's quick to depart the subject, and also offer her companion some reassurance. "I promise I won't change without telling you. I mean, I won't try to pretend to be someone else to you, or the others. That is--" Aislinn reflects for a few seconds before amending her words. "I suppose there could be some odd reason that might be necessary sometime. Having to disguise myself without your knowledge, I mean. But I can't imagine what such a circumstance might be."

Given how strange this magic is, Aislinn decides against sharing the most unusual abilities connected to it. She looks around to see if there's a window, that she might judge the approximate hour by the sun or moon. "I haven't heard any bells here. I wonder if we're to find our own meal, or if we should be off before then?" A thought occurs to her, and she turns inquiringly to Walker. "Do you know, I am very unaware of your life details. I know you roam a great deal, but you're considered the Keep's ranger. Have you been in this noble position long? Perhaps over dinner you will tell me something of your background. And family, if you have one."

Walker is curious about this ability but seems slightly comforted that Aislinn isn't imminently going to turn herself into a mountain lion or something. One illusory animal is quite enough, thank you! He notes her reach her hand up to her face and wonders, "Does *she* still feel the scars when she touches her face? Are they gone or just hidden behind an illusion to trick the eye but not the hand? Her illusions so far have seemed solid, so maybe she feels smooth skin? If she were to become an ogre, as she says, then would I feel the skin and size of an ogre? I think it would be inappropriate to ask."

"I, umm, I think we were invited to dine here. Perhaps we just head back to the main hall? I can hear them preparing so that would probably be the best plan. And I'm happy to share any details you would like from me, I've not had a particularly interesting life, hah!"

(I assume that, without DM intervention, they would head to dinner - I'll await input!)

A servant knocks politely to invite the party to dinner.

When they enter the Dining Hall, they see Druid Kitty is hosting the informal buffet meal and that they are initially joined by Marron, Saradoc and even a slightly embarrassed Woody.
Kitty explains "I have a lot to tell you. Firstly Count Percival is busy arranging for some more powerful magical items! They are your reward for saving his loyal farmers from Dragons and (she coughs) 'Patrols'.
Next I am pleased to pass on news of a re-organisation by your Guild officer Lestrade.
So Saradoc will be staying with the hobbit trade caravan that he has been escorting."

Saradoc says "It's a great opportunity for me. I get plenty of second breakfasts, responsibility and a chance to travel beyond the city of Drannasmoor. I shall miss you all - but Lestrade tells me he's sent reinforcements."
Saradoc shakes hands with the party and waves as he departs.

Kitty adds "And Marron has accepted a position here at the Keep. He will be the Keep Priest serving under Bishop Geraint.*"

Marron smiles and states "I couldn't turn the offer down. A chance to help others and pursue the Arthurian Tradition. And I have Lestrade's permission to join you occasionally if you need Clerical support."
Marron bows to each member of the party.

Kitty continues "Now Lestrade tells me that you will be getting one or two new colleagues. One is already here. I am pleased to present Eluned!"

*see companion thread post 64 for some NPCs

Aislinn is quite happy to see Woody, and starts toward him before Druid Kitty stops to reveal both good news about some rewards--yes, were we not to get dragonskin armor that protects against fire?--and bad:

A complete upheaval of the party Aislinn's trained and traveled with for months.

She barely had a chance to get to know much about Marron or Saradoc--curiously, it's Walker who's been most friendly despite the others' knowing her for a considerable length of time. Still, the Guildmaster's choice to split up their original group of three feels... rather like being abandoned.

She's quiet when she congratulates both men and fares them well for their new paths. Her good wishes are genuine; one certainly can't blame them for taking such unique opportunities when offered. Nevertheless, the part of Aislinn that had become more open over the past few days withers, shrinking inside herself like an underfed, desiccated plant.

They know. I told them my secret and now they're going. And I have to meet others who'll need to be told too.

A swell of anxiety makes her stance stiff as a poker. She even puts her hand in her pocket in an instinctive need to touch the bandages that have been her one consistent companion, a safe haven for her. If she were wearing her cloak right now she'd gladly disappear beneath its hood.

Under the circumstances, her decision to remove the bandages is even more regretful. This woman is meeting her without her tattoos. That will require explanation. Aislinn darts a somewhat helpless glance at Walker before turning to the stranger. Her voice is as quiet as it was when she first met Saradoc and Marron. "Mistress Eluned," she murmurs with an instinctive, deferential curtsy and bowing of her head. After all, a slave's trained behavior will not die easily. Conditioned to behave as if everyone is her social better--even among the party--Aislinn says no further and waits for the other to address her.

Stepping into the room is a fairly short, slight woman who walks straight to Druid Kitty and gives a small deferential bow. She is shorter than Kitty but holds herself with a confidence that suggests she knows this woman well, and also that she has a strength both physical and mental within her.

"Thank you for your invitation, Druid Kitty. I understand you have a group that I might join with?"

She turns and you see that, as she turns to you, she has pale hair that seems sometimes to almost shift to a greenish-blue in the light. Her clothing is fairly simple but functional leather, well worn but well-kept. A keen eye might spot that there is a tiny butterfly just sitting in her hair. Occasionally it flutters up into the air and then lands again.

Noting Aislinn's greeting, she responds, "Hello, Aislinn. I believe we've met before. And you... you are Marron? Or Walker? Or one of the others? Apologies, I was told a list of names but not descriptions. I've met Aislinn but I apologise, I've not met the others here.

"But anyway, I'm Eluned, pleased to meet you. You can just call me Lynn for short, most people do. Apparently I'm to travel with you for a while.

"I know Druid Kitty here, she taught me most of what I know, and if she says that you are going to be trustworthy companions then I trust that she is correct. [she nods towards Druid Kitty, who nods back]

"I understand that you might be wary of a stranger entering your group, so please, ask anything you would like of me. I have no secrets. I will say now that I hope to be of use to you with my connection to nature; I can help you if you are wounded and... I should probably mention that I - ahem - I have a rather large bear who is waiting outside. The guards did not seem keen on him joining us in here. I promise you that he is perfectly friendly. Well, to MY friends, at least. I don't want you to be alarmed when you meet him.

"So, are you currently working on a particular job or task?"

Aislinn hesitates and this time takes her gaze off the floor to look more closely at the other woman. She does look familiar, with the butterfly being the most unusual (and therefore most memorable) attribute to Aislinn.

She looks lively and yet grounded, too. If she's older, it's probably not by much--though Druids may have some ability to age slowly, Aislinn has no idea. Most important, her demeanor appears friendly and not overly intimidating, which is a relief.

The same may not be said of a bear. The mountains and forests she remembers from her early childhood had both Winter Wolves and Winter Bears, but Aislinn has only knowledge of the former. It's instinctual to have some fear of such beasts. Still, Eluned doesn't have much more height to her than Aislinn, and she has confidence in a bear's friendliness, so perhaps it won't be as scary as it sounds. But she does wonder what reaction it might have to the wolf illusion.

Out of politeness she'll respond, "I apologize if we've met. My memory often fails me, mistress. But looking now, I do think we may have been in training at the same time. As far as I know we haven't any direct plans yet. Patrolling and... trying to help others, I suppose." It sounds weak to Aislinn even as she responds, so she defers to Walker. He can greet the new comrade properly.

Walker, having just taken in several revelations; Aislinn's openness, her confession, her face-reveal, Kitty's announcement that Marron and Saradoc won't be joining them but a new person will........ and lo, there is suddenly the new person.... is a bit on the back-foot but recovers as he assesses the newcomer.

A quick check over with keen eyes has Walker see what initially appears to be a fairly short and unobtrusive woman stride up - is that a butterfly? - in a very forthright manner and get straight down to business.

"Hmm, ok, well, she seems.... capable I assume. no nonsense. Having someone who could heal would be certainly useful now that Marron is leaving us. And any friend of nature is a friend of mine. Wait, did she say she has a BEAR??"

Walker coughs slightly then bows, "Thank you, Druid Kitty, for introducing us to our new companion. And greetings to you, Eluned... Lynn. It seems you and Aislinn here have met? I..... I'm Walker. shrug it's what people call me anyway, so it will do. Aislinn and I have actually just returned from a couple of rather interesting adventures, hah! We have only just returned to the Keep here, and we don't currently know where our skills will be needed next. Our two previous colleagues have just parted ways with our group on their own next adventure or job, so we will certainly be grateful for an extra pair of hands. Or paws, hah! A BEAR, you say?

"Anyway, shall we go through to dinner, and perhaps the Count or one of his advisors will have news that we might need to act upon? Otherwise, as Aislinn says, we can just patrol and look out for trouble. I usually have a route I take through some of the nearby villages to check in with the locals and see if there's anything particularly bothering them, like Empire patrols unchecked, or -hah- a dragon! .......I'm not joking."

With a slight bow to Druid Kitty, Walker would gesture through towards the buffet table, while keeping a close eye on Aislinn to gauge her reaction to all of this.

"She seems a bit.... ruffled... unsure. Perhaps it's being exposed without her bandages? That is a brave move, but now aside from that, there are so many changes. She hardly knows me. I don't know how long she'd been with Marron and Saradoc, but they seemed like good companions... I get the feeling they had travelled if not trained together... it must be a bit of an upheaval to lose both of them and be lumbered with me. And she doesn't ever seem that comfortable with me anyway. Am I intimidating to her? I've tried but maybe I'm just not very good at being a gentleman in company? It IS fair that I should earn her trust and not expect it. And now this new person... at least perhaps that's a friend from the past? Oh gods, I wish I was just out walking on my own with Eye!"

Eluned would raise an eyebrow at Aislinn seemingly not remembering their training time together, and also notes that whatever injury she had been nursing before to her face appears to have healed. It's been a while, so that is to be expected, of course.

She nods to Walker, "Apologies, Mr Walker. I had just heard of a group of scouts and was given names, I was not aware that two of them were to leave your group. It is a pleasure to meet you both. You will meet Denzil soon."

And with a quick bow of her head to them both and Druid Kitty, Eluned strides straight off to the buffet, loading a plate with a selection of meats and some fruit and vegetables which she passes to one of the servants with a quiet comment, then goes on to fill her own plate with a similar variety but smaller amount of food, then goes to stand in the corner to just observe the room.

"These new companions are.... odd. I recall Aislinn from training here at the Keep, but it seems my face is not so memorable. Actually, though I know the name, without that I don't think I would have recognised her either, without her bandages. I hope she's well, she seems healed at least. This Walker seems a bit stuffy maybe? I get the scent of the outdoors from him so maybe he is connected to nature, and he seems uncomfortable. Hmm, they BOTH seem uncomfortable. What have I got dropped into here?"

She swats at the butterfly which seems to have magically gained the companionship of a tiny moth that was fluttering around the torches, and, ignoring her gestures, they both settle in her hair. The moth is occasionally distracted and flies back up to the torch-light before Lynn tuts and it flutters back.

Aislinn exhales in some relief. It's been difficult learning to interact with humans--or human-like beings--aside from the Lizardfolk.

"Well, she has a hearty enough appetite," she murmurs after watching Eluned pile up on food before turning to Walker. "Best we follow quickly so we can be fed at all."

She walks, waiting for Walker to follow, toward the food. The array is impressive. Even now she's not used to such abundance, much less the ability to take however much food one wishes. While she selects some sort of roasted meat, she glances unobtrusively toward Eluned, standing in a corner, her plate far less full than it was before. "A fast appetite, too. We'd better bring provisions to spare."

When her plate is full of the meat--she can now tell that it's mutton--along with barley bread and a heap of spinach, Aislinn waits for Walker, at which point she'll head to any free space at one of the long tables where the two of them can sit. Once seated, she exhales again and lets her shoulders slump from their previous stiff position.

"I'm sorry to see Marron and Saradoc go. We weren't especially friendly but they were, at least, familiar. I got used to them. When we were first assembled I barely spoke two words together. Now just as I relaxed, they are gone." She picks up the bread, absently swirling it in some of the savory juice from the mutton. It takes her near a full minute before she finally looks up at Walker. "I think I've spoken more words to you than anyone else since I left the Lizardfolk. I wonder why."

The question seems too introspective and she shakes her head. "What powerful items would you wish for, when the Count offers them?" Aislinn hesitates, then her lips curve in a rare smile. "A doublet to match the cloak and boots, I trow?"

Walker notes the heavily-laden plate of food heading out of the door, carried by the servant, and their new companion taking a more modest amount onto a second plate for herself. Hmm.

As he moves over with Aislinn to the buffet table he picks a varied selection of meat, bread and fruit, quietly pleased for once to be back in civilisation. While it's wonderful to be away from all of this peopling out on his journeys, a mug of spiced wine and a plate of something that you didn't have to harvest or kill and cook for yourself is quite pleasant.

Following Aislinn to the table he notes her comments about Saradoc and Marron, "I only knew them for a short time but they seemed trustworthy companions from what I saw. Were you with them for long? I'm sorry for you that they've moved on. And, I was just thinking a few moments ago when we heard the news, hah - now you have been lumbered with me, it seems. I don't know whether you wanted that or not. I'm sensing perhaps not. You don't have to speak if you aren't comfortable, if that's what you mean. I.... I don't want you to feel uncomfortable if that's what you mean, if you feel I've been making you talk more than you would usually.... sorry, I know I talk too much. I do hope that you will be able to relax with me, if we're to travel together. Or, I imagine, you could ask to be transferred, hah! See, there I am talking again and probably making you uncomfortable."
[Walker mutters something under his breath that probably isn't a particularly polite word]

"Anyway, sorry. Please tell me to shut up when I'm rambling on. Regarding any reward, I don't think I was expecting anything else from the Count, to be honest, aside from these boots. They are surely reward enough? If we are to get something more then... I don't know, my staff is pretty decent, I love my cloak and boots... maybe I could get a slightly more shiny dagger? Or maybe some ring or pendant? I don't know what's on offer or what resources the Count might have. What are you hoping for?"

Eluned watches from the side of the room. Having sent a meal to Denzil - she'll check on him later - she nibbles at her own food while gauging these new companions.

I'm not sure. They look uncertain... Is that regarding me or did I just break up a group? Are they comfortable with each other? Not comfortable with me joining? Should I just go over and plop down next to them on their table or stay back here? I'll stay back here. It looks like they're talking about something serious. They both seem quite intense. Best to stay back for now and see what happens. I've been sent here and assigned to their group, so I'll see how that goes.

Watching with keen eyes, Eluned might occasionally see Aislinn reach up to her face or rub her hand, as if this is a habit. Understandable, if she has recently healed... And Walker, when he seems to be saying something intently, he reaches up to that pendant... Is that a holy symbol? Not one I recognise.

Hovering in the corner of the room, Eluned doesn't take a seat, but instead stays standing with her back to the wall while she nibbles, just watching the room and particularly the behaviour of these new people to pick up what she can.

(She does note that this Walker fellow has very good fashion sense in pairing his boots and cloak. Very smart! She also would probably spot a hawk up in the rafters, who is similarly gazing back at her, and looks her straight in the eye.)

Chewing the tender mutton while listening to Walker's flow of words, Aislinn is quietly pleased both by the food and the talk. By focusing on his voice, she can ignore the others surrounding her. Once she swallows and washes the food down with some cider, she shakes her head.

"No, please don't worry. I don't mind your conversation. At all. When I said I speak to you more, it wasn't..." She gives a one-shouldered shrug. "It's not a complaint. If I wasn't comfortable I wouldn't talk."

She stabs idly at the spinach. "I am quieter--harder--with the rest. Always was. We didn't know each other well. I trained for about a year, at the same time as they. And, I suppose, Mistress Eluned. She doesn't seem happy that I don't remember, but... I can't help it. If we met early in my time at the Guild, I wasn't in the best of health. My memory," Aislinn adds in explanation, though she understands it's not all that illuminating.

"Anyway, we began as this Guild together but a month ago. At the most." A frown lowers her brow. "Do you know, I've already forgotten how much time has passed. I think it's much less than a month, actually. But yes, I think they were trustworthy. I hoped so. But not friends." Aislinn looks down at her plate in thought. "I wonder if I'll forget them, too, as time goes on."

She takes another sip from the cider--which warms her, being fermented and thus inclined to make one drunk if overindulged. "I don't mind when you talk at length, in truth. You feel safe to me. I admit earlier you didn't, but... I don't know. It changed. Anyway, the longer you talk, the less I have to."

Again she gives a fleeting smile and shakes her head. "As for the gifts. I would be happy with anything. Especially if I could sell it. There must be a tradesman here who could offer--that is--well, if it's powerful enough it would be better to keep it," she hastens to add, a little flush warming her cheeks at how obvious she's made her interest in coins.

Well, at least this shows why I don't talk. Perhaps drink less of the cider, she warns herself, and sets the flagon down. "You mention a pendant. Do you collect them? You have that one already." She nods towards the pendant he touches so often. "Is it... is it some Arthurian symbol? A talisman for good luck? A family heirloom? You don't have to answer," Aislinn blurts, embarrassed. "If it's too personal."

Walker instinctively reaches up to briefly touch the pendant again, then realises he's done it, and thinks, "How often do I do that? It's obviously noticeable."

"Well, firstly, I'm pleased to know I'm not terrifying to you at least, and that you don't think I talk too much, hah! In truth, when I'm out on my own I do talk a lot, to myself or to Eye [he gets a mental sigh from the hawk up in the rafters, 'Yes, that's true.'], and I think I'm probably worse when I'm actually with people because my words just sort of run away with themselves when I've not planned what to say, hah! I promise that in civilised company - ah, no, I don't mean you're NOT civilised company - crap - sorry - I mean, if I have to talk in front of a village elder or to the Count, stuff like that, I have time on my travels to plan. Talking here with you, you can probably tell, hah, I have not particularly planned my words so they're just sort of coming out."

Walker realises as he is saying this, that it is exactly what is happening so he promptly shuts up to take a swig of his drink and a mouthful of mutton.

After a moment of silence he says quietly, "Do you know, some of the locals gave me the nickname "Walker the Talker". I hate it really, though I know they are probably just saying it kindly or in jest, but still. It's nickname I would rather not have earned."

He reaches up deliberately to his pendant this time and holds it out. It is a symbol of a round table, enameled in red and blue.

"Anyway. It's fine for you to ask. This pendant was my father's. It's basically the Round Table symbol of Arthurian tradition... but it's not a holy symbol such as Marron wears. It was given to my father as a sort of... medal. A recognition of valour, if you like.

"I should probably explain; my whole family have worked for the Count and the Keep our entire lives. My grandfather was Keep Steward for the previous Count Versifal and then for a short while for Count Percival after Versifal passed, then my father was the Keep Huntsman under our current Count, and now I am ... I suppose... his main ranger? It doesn't come with an official title, hah. But anyway, my grandfather had a very strong sense of duty, which he passed on to my father, and I suppose then to me.

"My father actually saved the Count's life when they were attacked by a boar on a hunt, hence this [he holds the pendant/medal a little closer] symbol of recognition for his bravery and dedication to his duty. After my father passed away the Count formally give me sort of ... permission, I suppose, to wear this. I wouldn't presume to wear another man's earned honours without earning them myself, which is why I had it made into a pendant rather than wearing it as a medal.

"My grandfather's words, passed on to my father, and then to me, were "My Word is my Bond". They're the words they lived by while working for the successive Counts here, and which I live by too. I don't have a religious symbol I can swear upon, but this is as close as you - or anyone - will get to a true oath, without needing any gods. If I give my word, whether that is to protect someone or to keep a secret, my pendant is a reminder of my father and my grandfather, and the oaths they gave and held for their whole lives. When I say to you or to anyone that I give my word, this symbol reminds me that my father and grandfather would hold that as Truth, and it is just a reminder to me that... well, hah... my Word IS My Bond. Otherwise what purpose is a man giving his word?"

Walker realises that he's been talking a LOT, probably about stuff that isn't relevant, "Ok, she only asked if my pendant was an heirloom or a religious symbol, and now I've just lectured her on my family history. I'm really not good at this. And YES, Eye, I know, I can feel your eyes rolling from down here."

"Umm. Anyway. I do feel like I'm talking too much, even though you said it was ok. I don't want to pry, but I'll just say that I - along with Druid Kitty - have helped treat people with memory issues and, again I won't ask you for details that you don't want to give, but sometimes people who have experienced a trauma... and that could be such as a physical blow to the head, or a mental trauma... can have problems with memory. They often get better with time as the brain heals itself. So... I suppose what I'm saying is... if you had a blow to the head or some traumatic event, maybe it is just that your brain is healing. It might take some time, but I'm sure you won't forget Marron and Saradoc, at least. I hadn't realised you'd only been together for such a short time. I suppose, when I joined you, you seemed like such a cohesive group that I assumed you had been working together for some time."

He looks over at Eluned in the corner, and after a mental nudge and the mental equivalent of a sassy eyebrow from Eye, notices that this newcomer has clearly spotted the hawk.

"Hmm. I don't know if our new companion is comfortable to join us. She and Eye have spotted each other and seem to be locked in some sort of staring contest. Note: don't get into a staring contest with a hawk. You won't win. I know this from experience, hah!"


In his mind he just says, "EYE! Stop that. She probably feels uncomfortable enough without you glaring at her!"

Eluned tries her best to stare down this hawk that seems to be glaring at her, but eventually gives up and breaks her gaze, looking back to the table where her two new companions still appear to be in intense conversation. Looking elsewhere, she sees a figure she recognises appear in the doorway.

Having said farewell to Saradoc and Marron, Druid Kitty says "May I have your attention, everyone? It's like the Gladiator Arena here ... a newcomer every moment! Lestrade has asked me to introduce Lydia Vaz from the Scout Guild. He reckons you can form an efficient party.
So I suggest you chat among yourselves, especially to learn how to work together.
Afterwards the Count is personally going to give you all a tour of the Keep. That is quite a sign of respect!
I'll come back for you soon."

Kitty departs with a cheery wave of her hand.

A bulky female figure about 6'5 walks trough the doors. Dressed in her useal attire of Bearskin armor wearing the head of the bear as a proud trophy headpiece. The various scars on her face and piece missing from her ear makes it feel like she captured this bear herself. And if that wasn't creepy enough her facial expression at that moment was like she could snap every second and furniture will go flying. But for now the only thing in her hands is a chickenleg as she tears of the flesh with her teeth. As after that she finally lets out a rough sounding deep voice with not too much emotion.

"Hello... or something like that"

She would also nod to Eluned, Kitty who just walked passed her as those so far they are the only two she really knows and trusts next to Walker. Even though she joined the Scout Guild, she never fully felt like a safe spot. Like every moment she lowers her guard something or someone is there to backstab her back to the past.

With her appreciation for storytelling, Aislinn is rapt in Walker's tale of his family history. She nods and listens in awe when he describes the remarkable responsibilities his grandfather had, and the act of courage on his father's part to save the Count.

And given Walker's own sense of... gallantry? Honor? Aislinn can't really put words to it, since she's not particularly used to such traits herself... it's no wonder this man seems so trusted by the Count and the people of Sherwoodshire they've met. How must it feel, being so rooted in one place and people? To have such a sense of history, tradition and just belonging?

Aislinn thanks him for his remarks about memory. "I was hit on the head, you're right, and obviously all this--" Her fingertips again lightly brush her cheek."--What I escaped--was awful. Mostly I don't remember. I don't think I'm meant to remember. It's painful to try. I mean actually painful. If I make any real attempts, my head feels like some beast is trying to claw its way out. I've mostly stopped doing so. The only thing is, I don't want to be surprised. Someone might now me, and I wouldn't necessarily recognize them, and it could be dangerous--"

As she says the last word, she chokes it off since a sort of danger has just arrived, emanating from the form of the newcomer just walking in. She's large and imposing, and somewhat to Aislinn's dismay, wears a bear on her head. Aislinn inhales sharply and darts a horrified look at Eluned, only seconds later feeling rather foolish since it's clear the unfortunate dead creature couldn't be Eluned's companion. Druid Kitty, in her introduction, takes it all in stride so Lydia Vaz must hold no fear for her. And Lestrade trusts her as well.

Still. She is to join us? Aislinn opens her mouth to ask Walker, then clamps it shut. There was an Ocean Barbarian--perhaps more than one?--at the Guild, but Aislinn never noticed any details because she kept her distance. They were all twice her size and she always felt like a tiny rodent when they were near. Her gaze can't help noticing the scars on the beautiful woman's face. She wears them with pride, it seems. Not the marks of submission--they are something she earned.

When Aislinn recovers herself she stands hurriedly, performing the same respectful gestures of greeting to the stranger. "Mistress Vaz."

Eluned notes the nod from her old ... friend? ... fellow trainee? And cocks an eyebrow at Lydia's choice of headwear, knowing fine well that Lydia has met Denzil. There is a flash between them of a sort of friendly rivalry which could be read as "Hah, look at me! I killed a bear!" versus "Well, you're wearing one, I've got one as a friend!

Eluned sees the barbarian's nod in her direction, and studiously ignoring the hawk's continuing stare, goes over to greet her.

"Lydia. You made it here. It's good to see you again. I... I myself have just arrived. You look well? And, again that's a fine headpiece you have. [she raises an eyebrow] Still wearing it, I see.

"Um, the food here is quite excellent if you'd like something before you meet the rest of the group we're to travel with? I have only met them myself a few minutes ago. I don't know if you know them already. I'm not sure what to make of them. That hawk up there [she gestures to Eye] is watching me. The man seems to talk a lot. The woman seems intense and nervous. I know that WE have worked together in the past so I'm sure we can deal with this.

"I trained briefly with the woman here, Aislinn... though... I don't know, something is a bit different. She was injured I think, when I met her before. At the scout guild I don't think I saw any particular skills from her other than what we were trained to do, but she seems a bit different. I can't put my finger on it. The other fellow is apparently known as "Walker". From the bird up there giving me the eye I assuming she is with him."

Noting that Aisliinn has risen to greet Lydia, Eluned turns to the two at the table and make a sort of gesture of "...myehhh?"



(All Eye-related puns fully intended)

Aislinn notices the gesture from the blonde woman--it seems to indicate Aislinn and Walker, somehow, but she isn't sure how to interpret it*, so she shifts her gaze back to the Ocean Barbarian. In her seventeen years--no, eighteen, Aislinn always forgets the years missing from her recollections--she's never seen one up close. She doesn't think so, anyway. Perhaps there was one on the ship. Likely would be prized for their obvious strength.

Well, if she's to be on our team I might as well act like it. In fact, she thinks with a little lift of her chin, the Druid, Barbarian and even Walker are, technically, all on her team. She was chosen for it before the others. It may seem absurd to them, a girl with little physical strength and no immediately apparent magic, having been picked for such an assignment. (It felt rather nonsensical to Aislinn herself at the time.) But Lestrade chose her for a reason, she assumes, and that alone should give her confidence to meet the older and seemingly more experienced partners.

Doing her best to clamp down on the painful lessons of subservience, Aislinn steps from the table and walks with (perhaps poorly) hidden trepidation toward the Ocean Barbarian. Who is almost comically taller than she is.

"It is a pleasure to greet you aboard our team, Mistress Vaz. Of the first group of the first-ever Dannesmoor Scout Guild patrol, I alone remain. Then Walker here, joined," she adds with a palm gesturing to the ranger. "He who slayed a dragon and a group of Empire soldiers by our side. Mistress Eluned--well, it's clear you know her."

After a tiny hesitation the girl suddenly blurts, "--oh and I'm Aislinn. An Illusionist," she adds with a ring of relief. At last she knows what she is, even if she can't yet do very much. I should tell Master Lestrade.

The thought of the Guild leader jogs her memory and she turns to take in Walker and Eluned as well. "I forgot to mention an important part of what we're supposed to do. Meet up with the Thieves Guild, if we can find them. See if they want to join forces. Master Lestrade believes their skills could greatly help ours. I think that's very important..."

She can't quite explain why this idea suddenly flashed into her memory, nor why its importance needs to be stressed. Aislinn shrugs and, her desire and ability to speak aloud spluttering out like a spent candle flame, she murmurs, "If that's what you heard, Mistress Kitty," before falling silent.



She's not the only one. What's the vibe behind "myehhh?" :)

Lydia would eyes would squint a little towards Aislinn as she goes in for the handshake. She herself wasn't really of the human contact thing. At least not this type, but she would not refuse it as they told her to be nice to the others. She would finish her drink for the goblet that was handed her and throw it behind her, as she seems not quite understand the idea of "tables". Then she would finally move towards the hand first spitting in it and then firmly grabbing it (well chrushing would also come to mind) and holding it while giving this look in her eyes off 'if you try anything funny I will personally put you in a crate and ship it back to here'. To strangers this might seem very odd and hostile. But she has her reasons. It is something they would not expect and make them off guard, focussing more on that specific hand and her face then the rest of her body. Giving herself the upper hand.

After a while she would take a few steps back and then let go. Grabbing her goblet from the ground and throwing it back in the air to signal for a refill as she also looks to Eluned "Of course I am wearing it, Only a fool would not take it as a reward for a fight that caused me this" She points to her ear that was missing a bit.

Aislinn didn't know what to expect when the other woman grabbed her outstretched hand--which had merely been meant to indicate Walker. But now what started as presumably a handshake has turned into... pain. Brutal pain. And a hostile glare that makes Aislinn freeze from the outside in, into her very core.

She is in a cold cell, with tears running down her cheeks as the only thing to warm her. A gnarled hand yanks her chin forward until she's staring into the face of the old woman in front of her. "Stop that whinging. They like it when you weep or fight back." The stranger returns to stitching up the raw wound on Aislinn's temple. "Give them nothing. It'll only get worse from here on out, but mark me: Give them nothing."

The undesired memory causes an angry headache, as if the hand wasn't enough. So now, with perspiration beading on her brow, Aislinn just accepts the pain and outrage and compresses them until they form a cold, leaden ball in the pit of her stomach. Similarly she lowers her gaze from Vaz's, because to meet such a look indicates challenge or defiance; those, too, were advised against. Instead, the girl remains expressionless.

At least it's her right hand. If Vaz had taken hold of her left, the ring might have pressed itself into her bone, causing even more agony.

The "greeting" over, Aislinn backs away wordlessly and watches Vaz lower to pick up the goblet. Without hesitation Aislinn moves even farther back, trying to stretch her sore fingers out to see if they're broken. Meanwhile her left hand dips beneath her cloak to surreptitiously grab the hilt of one of her knives. This--paired with her returning to Walker's side--gives her some sense of comfort.

She turns to Eluned, white-faced. "You are both capable of Stealth?" Her tone, though weak, indicates she highly doubts the Ocean Barbarian's skill at subtlety.

Walker notes this and gives a slight frown. Aislinn had been so... in control... like a leader... and now she seems to be somehow ... smaller? He gives a quick concerned glance down to the hand that she is holding, then steps forward to offer his own hand (with slight trepidation) to the newcomer. "Lydia Vaz. It is a pleasure to meet you again. I'm not sure if you remember me, but we met a few years ago when I guided you to the caravan travelling to Drannasmoor. After the pirate thing. I'm pleased to see that clearly your job application in the scout guild was was successful, hah!

"As Aislinn here just said, there were only two of us left after our recent adventure. I mean to say the others moved on to other roles, hah! Not that they died! So we have also just met Eluned here as well. It seems you two know each other? Is that from the guild as well?"

As he waits and steels himself for a similarly crushing handshake he mentally pings Eye to say, "What do you make of this one? I am correct in thinking this is the one we helped out in that pirate attack, yes? I think I recall her being fierce but honest and trustworthy when we travelled together. Certainly someone you would rather have on your side than against you."

There is a slight pause before Eye's response comes, "That must have been before the time I came to be with you. I will agree with you about the fierce part. Don't worry, I'll be keeping my eye on both of these newcomers."

Eluned steps aside slightly as the others approach and watches the exchange with some small amount of concern. She knows Lydia from training and knows that she can be a bit, well, a bit of a lot to take in. She rolls her eyes as Lydia discards her goblet "No changes there then...!", and watches as it is Aislinn who approaches first. "She looks so small when standing in front of Lydia, but she seems confident. Is she the leader of this group? Oh, Nimue, Lydia's giving her the Handshake and the Look." She glances up to the rafters and see that the hawk has shifted its piercing gaze to the newcomer, which is slightly relieving. She's been on the receiving end of Lydia's intense stare and wonders how she would fair against that hawk...

Lydia would look towards Walker with a soft smirk on her face. This is the first time her facial features weren't resting angry face. Finishing quickly her goblet and throwing it behind herself she turns towards Walker spitting in his hand and giving the same type of handshake as she did before. Not breaking eye contact "I never forget a face, call is a curse or blessing." She replies in her useal fashion as she then lets go and is about to grab some more food and her goblet back as she notices the hawk look straight at her. "Last time someone looked like that to me something bad happened, better not let that happen again..."

"What are you looking at?!"

She dislikes people (or animals that work with people) staring like that to her as she would return the favor with a kinda pissed off look. Not breaking eye contact until the hawk would stop looking at her or someone forces her to look away as she even doesn't look away to eat.

Walker notices Lydia's attention go to Eye, who is doing her typical glare, and as he surreptitiously wipes his palm on his tunic (knowing that it is a sign of mutual respect, and not wanting to offend), he mentally says, "Eye, come down here. And be POLITE." There is a mental disgruntled "hmph" before Eye glides down to perch on Walker's shoulder, flitting her gaze between the two newcomers but clearly looking keenly at this large one who keeps throwing their cups away and doesn't seem afraid to hold her gaze. "I could still beat this one in a a staring contest." she murmurs mentally.

Walker coughs, shaking his hand slightly. "Lydia, it really is good to see you. This here is Eye, I believe she is a new addition since I met you previously." He nods to Eluned as well, "Don't pay attention to her glaring at you, hah! She is just trying to get a measure of you... she's quite protective. She says that she thinks should could possibly have a worthy competitor in a staring contest with you, Lydia. No offence, Eluned." Eye just stretches her wings slightly and gives a soft caw, then returns to looking at Lydia.

"So, to both of you, it has been a while since any of us have met, I believe? Aislinn here has introduced herself as a very capable - impressively so - illusionist, and I myself am good at scouting, hiding and hitting stuff, hah! Generally I am just a ranger around this parts, so I know it well. I know I have seen both of you at the scouts guild, so I assume you have some training in stealth, as Aislinn asked, [Eye raises a bird-eyebrow at Lydia] but what other skills do you specialise in? It would be good to know before we encounter anything.

"And, as Aislinn reminds us, we are heading out soon to look for members of the Thieves' Guild as it's better to have them on our side than against us, hah!"

While she is somewhat relieved to have the hawk's gaze shift away from her she is intrigued. "This Walker apparently said he'd *talked* to this bird? And yet I heard nothing. He must be communicating mentallly... but he did not mention magical abilities in his list of skills. In fact, he seemed to suggest he wasn't magical at all, and yet, when I talk to Denzil I literally have to speak in Bear to him, which I assume does sound a bit strange to anyone around! So, if he can communicate with this bird, I will need to be sure that the bird is not watching my every move, as I assume she will be watching and listening, and reporting back. Hm.

To the group she would step back up again next to Lydia. "I think as you probably gathered from my introduction earlier, I am a Druid and follow Nimue's way. I have a strong connection to nature - possibly similar to yours, Master Walker - that has allowed me to befriend Denzil. That's my bear-friend, by the way, he's outside, and although I don't have the same connection as you seem to have with your bird... Eye?... here, we can communicate and he is also loyal, as Eye seems to be. She does seem very intense, doesn't she?" Eluned notices that the hawk has fixed her gaze once more on Lydia, and while she is rather relieved to be out of the focus of that piercing gaze, she hopes Lydia won't take this as a challenge.

The second spitting-handshake causes Aislinn to blink in repulsion--normally she'd grimace, but right now she has no desire to show any feelings to anyone. She rubs her hand on her tunic, needing to wipe herself clean of it even though she was protected by her glove. It seems a disgusting tradition, albeit one she's seen before. To her it shows more disrespect than any friendly attempt at a greeting.

She can't help looking in the direction Marron and Saradoc went as they each departed. The Arthurians may at times be over-pious and stubborn, but their congeniality will be greatly missed.

Of course, Walker is an Arthurian, and he shows no such judgmental behavior. He's as courteous to these women as he is to anyone. A good peacekeeper. She's glad for him to take the lead in handling these newcomers, and the group in general if it comes to that. Right now Aislinn feels as fractious and tentative as a fawn, reverting to the helpless little girl who woke surrounded by Lizardfolk while tended by their Shaman.

As a result she masks this with wary, stiff watchfulness, just as she did when she started her work with the Guild. "Mistress Kitty will return soon. Master Walker and I are to receive rewards for our deeds yesterday," she adds in explanation, her voice hardened with a quiet edge. "And then I suppose we'll leave."

Lydia would keep gazing at Eye. Not breaking eye contact for a second. Something just felt like she had to keep looking at it. Was it the eyes, the appearance, the fact Walker has him as a pet. Who is to tell. All she knew was that her goblet is empty and she would really like a refill as Eluned appeared next to her. 'Why does she always have to sneak up like that'

"Eluned, Walker. Walker, Eluned" She responds doing her best to sorta introduce them in her own ways. Even though she is rough around the edges. Her heart is in the right place as she does care about the life in the oceans. Something that quite conflicted with the other tribe members. She is sure she could have been the first female chieftain with her strenght if they allowed her. But sadly this was not the case. Luckily she met both Eluned and Walker or else her life would be way less alive so to say.

"You know Eluned hugging bear is not as dangerous as fighting one" She smirked a little knowing the small rivalry they have.

Walker reaches up to scritch Eye's neck, noting that the staring contest is ongoing (DM: we're going to have to roll for this at some point!) but steps back and nods in slight relief that the general tension seems to have abated slightly.

"So, shall we go to seek out Druid Kitty? I've had my fill here and wouldn't say no to a comfortable nights' rest before we head out on whatever we're expected to do next, hah! Especially if it's going to involve more long days and dangerous nights!

"Anyway, have any of you had dealings with any members of the Thieves' Guild, or know much about them? I only know that they exist and to be perfectly honest, they can't be getting much pickings from the farms and settlements around here, hah! The folk barely get by on their own, they're hardly a treasure trove! But anyway, I can't say I've ever met a known member... they tend to stay out of the way when I'm visiting the villages, and they've certainly never tried to steal from me, hah!"

Walker looks around to see if any of the others seem to have more knowledge, thinking, "We all know they exist. I just haven't seen any. Eye? Have you? [mental silence] Urghh. You're going to have to stop this at some point. I need you to be watching out, not trying to stare people to death. Anyway, I don't think that either of us have come across the Guild, but maybe one of these others has? Can you please TRY to pay attention to the conversation to see if you can pick up anyone being cagey?? [There is a sort of mental *tut* in his head as Eye replies, eyes still on Lydia, "I'm perfectly capable of multitasking. This large one is not going to beat me."] Walker sighs mentally after this millisecond conversation in his head with the bird on his shoulder, whose eyes are, indeed, still fixed on Lydia's, and focuses his attention on the others.

Eluned rolls her eyes at Lydia. "Yes, well, we shall see how your bear fares in a fight when he's in ... that... state. I don't doubt he might have been fiercesome in life. Alas. Chances lost. Oh well.

"I can, of course, observe the bear's mighty prowess first-hand, as Denzil is somewhat more... how to put it... alive. Hmm."

She gives a slight smirk and then turns to shake her head in response to Walker. "No, sir, I've not met them. Well. As you know of course, I, as a druid, follow a neutral path. There are people who do what they must, and it does not make them evil. I could of course not give any information about anything of a guild of thieves that I haven't met. They have certainly never visited our grove for healing. No, not at all. And anyway, if they had, I would prefer to hear about what the intentions of our mission regarding them is going to be. That is all."

Druid Kitty returns and says cheerfully “All good news. The Count is ready to personally give you the Keep Tour – a real honour.

Also I am arranging for Aislinn and Walker to receive their second magic items for their part in Dragon Slaying. (I can tell you that Marron and Saradoc have already made their choices.)
Walker, may I borrow your Staff? It will be upgraded tonight and returned to you tomorrow. Here is a temporary replacement.”
Kitty offers Walker an oak staff.

The Druid continues “Aislinn, first thing tomorrow morning we can offer you a choice of jewellery. Do you require me to provide Detect Magic and Identify?”

Lydia and the hawk continue to stare into each other's eyes.

[DM: I've gone for Constitution +d20 and given Eye Walker's stat (as they are magically linked.) Lydia rolls 17 + 20 = 37; Eye rolls 18 + 17 = 35.]

Eye blinks first and decides to clean her feathers instead...

The question about any personal knowledge of the Thieves Guild turns Aislinn's gaze to ice, but she says nothing. For once her vague memories are an advantage. Her inexplicable desire to find someone is connected with the Guild, but a mere instinct that she can't explain is hardly worth a mention. And any less-than-legal activities she undertook with...someone, indeed possibly that same someone...back in Freeport couldn't be of much use so far south, anyway.

Eluned's remark about not judging thieves does incline Aislinn to be a bit less defensive, and she can't help a look of reappraisal toward the Druid. It is a change from the Arthurian way.

Druid Kitty's arrival and information about rewards captures her interest at once. Jewelry? Could be of great value and perhaps magical to boot. Her demeanor brightens somewhat. "No, thank you, Mistress, I can Detect Magic myself. And thanks to Nimue--I mean--well, I believe I can Identify too."

During all this, the staring contest between Eye and Lydia Vaz is irksome. Worse when the Hawk looks away first. The woman is impressive and intimidating, there's no doubt about that. Likely remarkable in a fight, too, which Aislinn can't deny will be tremendously valuable, especially since she herself is only useful by hiding and casting figments of her imagination. Doesn't seem very brave.

Nevertheless. Regardless of Lydia's fighting prowess, Aislinn doesn't approve of intimidating animals. Or wearing them either.

With a slight lift of her chin, she turns to the Hawk. Does she remember how much she liked my scritches before?

"Eye?" she asks softly, fingertips patting her cloak-covered shoulder.

Eye finds looking at this warrior-woman boring and decides that time would be better spent making sure her feathers are pristine as they're about to meet the Count. She breaks the gaze casually and begins to preen when she notes Aislinn quietly saying her name. She leans out slightly towards her and stretches her neck in a way that suggests, "Scritches here, please."

In Walkers mind he hears, "I like this large woman. But she is not so good at staring. Not worth my time. I have better things to do."

Walker rolls his eyes at the hawk. He hands over his staff to Druid Kitty and checks with her quickly, "Druid Kitty, just to check... any upgrades here, they won't remove the carvings, right?"

Kitty nods at Aislinn and Walker. "I'm glad you will be getting a suitable reward for your bravery. Aislinn, good to hear Nimue has granted you those spells. Walker, I promise you that your Staff will be returned in tip-top condition - it will simply have an extra power!"
The Druid now ushers the party out of the door to where the Count is waiting. He announces “It is my pleasure to show you around my father’s Keep and to introduce you to my trusted staff. My goodness, we haven’t had this much excitement since the last ‘rude vegetable’ contest!”

The Count leads the party out into the courtyard in front of the main gates, then turns West towards the Workshop and North through the gardens towards the Orchard.

https://btcloud.bt.com/web/app/share/invite/IbZx8W5sP1

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The party see a group of people waiting in the Orchard.
A little way behind them is Woody the Ogre – who waves at Aislinn.
Count Percival smoothly introduces his senior staff:

- Lady Marian, Steward of the Keep (an elegant, well-spoken female human)
- Sir Littlejohn, Captain of the Keep Guard (very tall, burly male human)
- Bishop Geraint, Keep Cleric (solemn, thoughtful male human)
- Elaine Garlot, Keep MU (thin, graceful female human)
- Taliesin, Keep Bard (energetic, jolly male gnome)
- Bedivere, Keep Huntsman (tall, weather-beaten male human)
- Maria, Keep Jockey (young, agile female gnome)
- Violet, Keep Stablegirl (thin, long-haired female human)

The Count beams at everyone. "Do feel free to have a little chat and ask any questions. We shall next pass by the Mill and visit my stables."

A little overwhelmed by the importance and grandeur of the people before her, Aislinn performs her usual automatic head-bob and curtsy, keeping her gaze low. She can't think of what she might say to any of them, though she'd be happy to hear the Bard sing or play. But when she rises she smiles toward Woody. He seems to be fitting in quite well. She darts a glance toward Lydia Vaz, worried that the sight of an Ogre might cause some anger or fighting instinct. But Woody is clearly friendly, and she will likely pick up on that.

She had better, Aislinn thinks grimly, although it's a hollow threat. What would she possibly do to prevent an attack? Well, the others will surely handle things if it ever comes to that--right now they're surrounded by powerful and experienced members of the Count's staff, who would be more than capable.

Would it be rude to bypass the staff and head to Woody? She hesitates to see what the others in her party will do.

Seeing Woody standing behind this group - many of whom she's met before - Eluned wants to head straight over to him. She gives him a quick friendly wave and a nod as if to say, "I'll come see you in a moment!"

She doesn't really have a lot she specifically needs to ask of the Keep staff, except for one. She approaches Violet and asks quietly, "Is Denzil ok? I trust the food I sent arrived? Where is he ... umm... 'stabled'? I assume the arrangement is as we have had before. [She give s brief chuckle/snort.] Yes, I think we learned from that experience there that a rather large bear, however friendly, is not necessarily welcomed by horses!"

Woody waves back at Eluned. He gestures at the Orchard and grins.

[DM: Eluned makes an Alertness roll.]

She realises that the Ogre is proud of his work!

Violet replies quietly "Yes, Miss Eluned, your Bear is quite happy in Druid Kitty's Grove. There's always a plentiful supply of food as Druid Kitty casts Goodberry daily. And it really is a good thing to keep that Bear away from the stables. Argent Blaze, the Count's prize stallion, was quite upset last time!"

Unwilling to be fearful (or more accurately, to be so obviously fearful) of someone who's a member of her party, Aislinn makes an effort to give Lydia Vaz a pleasant smile. At least, it's not unpleasant. Then, gathering still more strength of spirit, she heads to perhaps the least likely member of the staff for her to engage in conversation.

"I beg your pardon, Sir Littlejohn," she says quietly after another quick bob/nod--although lowering herself is perhaps not very necessary given yet another person massively larger than her in stature. "After our battle against the--the Empire soldiers, I have wondered if such malicious activity was long rumored, either about that group specifically or others."

She glances around before speaking further. "Only I thought there was an understanding. Not a treaty, exactly, but... forgive me, I am new to Sherwoodshire. Do such things happen here often? I mean--" Oh, don't be such a cowardly squirrel! " Aislinn swallows before blurting, "Are there many such violent bands here who break My Lord Percival's peace?"

Sir Littlejohn responds confidently. “Well Miss Aislinn, the military situation is that the Empire are part of the evil Mordred Cabal. They practice slavery and treat everyone else as inferior. They (and the Ocean Pirates) are a threat to all decent folk.
However the diplomatic situation is different. To avoid war and allow trade, all the Powers have agreed that the town of Freeport (and the Empire’s Galley route across the Empire River) are safe places where Sherwoodshire, the Empire, Naugrimshire, Tsarinan Druids and Ocean Barbarians can all negotiate in peace. (Note that Pirates are not part of this agreement.)
Now you have met an ‘Empire Patrol’ outside Freeport. They are violent and dangerous. The Empire claims these ‘patrols’ are rogue soldiers and does nothing to either help or avenge them. I believe that these ‘patrols’ are deliberately sent out for the toughest training possible and that they must be dealt with severely - as they fight to the death.
I hope this explains the state of affairs.”

Aislinn has learned to keep her face immobile--her bandages necessitate that skill--and she doesn't betray any frustration at another lecture about how the Empire soldiers are evil and must be killed. Yes, of course they are, and yes, perhaps most of them do deserve such a grave consequence. But that's not what she's asking.

Arthurians are everything noble, good and pure, and Aislinn longs for such certainty of heart and clarity of mind. But their strong beliefs sometimes make it difficult to speak of nuances. She struggles to find a better way to get the details she wants.

"Thank you, sir," she says, arms straight at her sides while her impatient gloved hands clutch and unclutch the material of her cloak. "I phrased my question poorly. I was wondering whether you hear word of specific groups. These men we met... they came across Farmer Maggot's farm and killed there, and were prepared to do the same on the way to Farmer Giles's land.

"But they must have been elsewhere before Farmer Maggot's. Unless they were--" Aislinn waves a hand in a vague, conjuring gesture. "--Unless they were Summoned from out of the air, and I don't know if that's even possible, or why anyone would do so--this band of men began elsewhere and likely committed evil acts prior to now. Had anyone reported such news to you? Described any incidents or people who might match the villains we fought? Or different ones? Where are they coming from? If our party knows where some other groups are, we would be better prepared to av--to find them."

She takes a breath, her face flushed. She nearly said better prepared to avoid them, which is certainly what she wants. But if she remains on this course, that's not possible. The others seek these enemies, not hide from them.

It's hard to speak at such length--much less speaking to a stranger, a huge male stranger of high rank, with nothing covering her features. "Is there a pattern to these attacks? Who's fought them, and did they learn anything? We meant to keep one soldier alive to question, but Marr--but we couldn't."

Her words grow more intense. "Next time we should, or someone should try. Empire men--the powerful ones--aren't mere brutes with no strategy, not all of them. They plan their evildoings quite thoroughly, craftily, and have a larger goal, something more destructive...or cruel...or something that could lead to--"

Aislinn's head has begun to hurt and she raises a hand to her forehead, taking a second to massage her temples. Now that she's paused, the pain subsides and she's not entirely sure what she's been saying. Like the pain, whatever logic of what she meant to convey to Sir Littlejohn has ebbed from her mind.

Blushing even more hotly, she shakes her head as if to clear it, and backs away. "I beg your indulgence, Sir Littlejohn. My thoughts ran away from me. I just want to know--I think all of us should know--if there's some strategy, if these seeming rogue attacks are a distraction. Or whether there's a pattern you and your men might track, perhaps finding these groups early in their travels, before they've harmed anyone. To do something. Anything."

Walker sees Aislinn talking to Sir Littlejohn and, hearing the beginning of his speech, which is so similar to the rhetoric he has heard many times before, gives a mental nudge to Eye to pay attention to the conversation in case anything new is said (unlikely from Littlejohn, but he's interested to see what Aislinn might respond with... she has shown some sparks at times... hmm), then heads over to Lady Marian and Bedivere, who hold the positions in the Keep that his grandfather and father once held. He gives a very respectful bow to both.

"Lady Marian, Bedivere, it is a pleasure to see you both again. How are things going with the Keep? I trust you have all of these scoundrels in order, hah! I understand that the Count is about to send us out on a mission, but is there anything we - I - can do to help around here? I trust that you both have it all covered, but you know that I'm happy to help out if needed."

While waiting for their response, Walker checks in quickly with Eye, who give him a rapid data-dump of Aislinn's conversation, or lack thereof. Hmm. She makes some interesting points. These people didn't just come out of nowhere, have they left a trail of sacked farms across the land? I suspect we won't get anything from the Arthurians as they have the same mentality as the Mordred Cabal - kill the enemy first and ask questions later. Hmm. Eye replies, "I don't think there is any reasoning with either side here."

Eluned thanks Violet, then takes her leave to head over to Woody.

"Woody, friend. How are you doing? It is good to see you again."

She notices his gesture towards the orchard. "Is this yours? You grew these? This is very impressive. We had trees like this back home, I used to talk to them, you know? It sounds silly, but I think they listened. Looking at these fine specimens I think you have probably been doing some fine speeches."

It is clear that while Eluned is actually very interested in Woody's reply, and these fine trees, her attention is also split as she thinks of the Grove where Denzil is.

Sir Littlejohn looks concerned. “Your views do you much credit, Miss Aislinn. Let me reply by first explaining that the Arthurian Tradition demands many things. We try to be chivalrous, brave, honourable, generous, faithful, gallant and protect the weak.”
He wipes his brow. “Of course this asks a lot of us – but we do try to live up to those ideals. And we happily find that the Nimue Way agrees with much of this.
However the Mordred Cabal are the opposite. They want power and riches for themselves – and do not care who they have to hurt to achieve their goals.
You rightly ask about previous incidents. Sadly there have been many over many years.
We get reports of Empire ‘Patrols’ who must have slipped out of Freeport and gone on a trail of destruction. They have attacked Ocean Barbarians on the Crow Coast and a lot of farms here in Sherwoodshire.
Druid Kitty can tell you more about Druid and animal casualties in the Tsarinan Forest. We get little information from Naugrimshire, but I’m sure our Keep Jockey Maria can help us there.”

He beckons over Druid Kitty and Maria.

Druid Kitty looks sad. “Sir Littlejohn is correct. The Nimue Way has much respect for the Arthurian Tradition, but none for the accursed Cabal. My colleagues in the Tsarinan Forest tell me of repeated incursions by these so-called ‘Patrols’, whose sole aim is kill and plunder.
The amazing thing is that the Empire has a tremendously powerful army and yet it sticks to trade agreements and diplomatic immunity in Freeport. These ‘Patrols’ are left to fend for themselves and show no sign of furthering any overall plan.”

Maria looks at Sir Littlejohn, who encourages her to speak. “Although I have had the pleasure of working here for some time, I know that Naugrimshire gnomes have been attacked also by Empire Patrols. They even threatened the town of Nevrast once.”

Woody listens attentively to Eluned's words, but only grins without saying anything in reply.

Eluned remembers that Woody only knows a few words of Common and probably didn't follow everything she said.

Listening carefully to each, Aislinn tries to rein in her confusion and concern. Littlejohn and Kitty... they have reiterated the implacably evil nature of the Mordred cabal numerous times now, and how united the other two groups of followers are against them. Why do they feel the need to repeat this to her?

Is it possible...

The girl takes a deep inward breath and places a steadying hand on her abdomen, still listening but unable to keep herself from thinking:

Is it possible they think I don't understand? Or--or worse, that I'm sympathetic to the Empire? Why? She searches her memory desperately to see what she might have said to them to give such an impression.

"Y-yes, thank you, all. I do appreciate your explanation of Arthurian beliefs, Sir Littlejohn. I do hold your ideals in high regard. And the same for you, Mistress," she adds to Druid Kitty. "It doesn't sound as if we know enough to predict where these groups are traveling. The roaming bands appear to be almost everywhere--except Freeport. Where you've not heard of any breach of this agreement."

Aislinn looks across at Walker, if for no other reason than to find a calming presence. She knows so little about what happened to her. But she thinks Freeport is where she was back when... everything changed.

Trying to smile, she thanks the good gentlemen and ladies for their time. Then, if they will give her leave, she'll move quickly away, a little dizzy and a great deal disturbed. Seeing Woody with Eluned, she watches them together before hesitantly moving near. It suddenly strikes her that he might not recognize her without the bandages. He did wave back to her, but he's a sweet, friendly creature. He might greet anyone kind enough to engage him.

If she notices a pause in the discussion (she isn't close enough to realize they haven't exactly had a discussion), she'll take a tentative step nearer and lifts a hand in greeting before saying, in Ogre, Woody, how are you faring in your Orchard? I can't tell if you recognize me--I'm Aislinn. Without my bandages. For now, she adds hastily, giving Eluned a very quick glance. This disguise spell will wear off by tomorrow, and it might be strange for the other woman to see her putting them on again.

She looks from Eluned to Woody and back. "I'm sorry if I interrupted you. We met some time ago, and I wanted to see how he is making his new life here."

Woody beams at Aislinn and replies (in Ogre) "I nearly didn't recognise you! You've healed up nicely. Oh, please tell Eluned I'm happy to see her again. She knows a lot about plants and trees. I like working in this orchard - much better than attacking people..."

Eluned, hearing Aislinn approach and address Woody in Ogre, flushes slightly and hopes that her message was conveyed. "My apologies for leaving the group. I know Woody from before, it seems you do too. I have very little of the ogre tongue myself but we have always managed to make ourselves understood. You are fluent. I think he got the message, but I just wanted to say that it really is an impressive orchard. Also, I would like to find Denzil, if you will excuse me."

Seeing that Aislinn and Woody appear to be conversing, and herself only picking up one word in ten or so - her grasp of Ogre is limited to a very few words she picked up while working with Woody - decides to slink off towards the Grove and leave them to it.

Woody pauses speaking to Aislinn as Eluned turns to go and says hesitantly in Common "Eluned and Woody ... friend!"

...

Druid Kitty's Grove is only a short distance away from the Keep (to the NW) and Eluned soon finds her companion Denzil within, resting comfortably by the stream that runs through the Grove.
Although Denzil grumbles a bit ("I'm comfy here!") ... when Eluned asks him to come with her, the brown bear dutifully follows the Druid.

[DM: Eluned uses her natural Druid training.]

On her way out, Eluned notices:

- most of the edges of the Grove have been enhanced to form a formidable natural barrier of briars, bushes, trees, thorn and vines, leaving just a single entrance
- some of the surrounding forest is actually an illusion
- a very large tree standing by the Grove entrance winks at her as she leaves

[double post]

"See you soon, Friend." Eluned says to Woody, giving him a quick smile.

At the grove she notes the usual magics in place which make it seem almost impenetrable - unless you know, of course - and finds Denzil. She gives him a hug, enjoying the feel of his thick fur and, rubbing her face into his shoulder, the earthy, musky, homely scent of Bear. Leaving the grove she notes the tree's wink and gives it a smile and a wink back, enjoying the connection with nature that is all around her here, and is just so much more comfortable than the stuffy Keep with its walls and uncaring stones.

Regretfully heading back towards the Keep she keeps one hand on Denzil's shoulder as they walk. His shoulder is roughly at the same height as her own, so she has to reach up to lay her hand there. As they walk she talks to him in Bear. If anyone were listening they would hear a strange guttural series of growls and snuffles from her - very different to her usual soft voice - and similar responses from the large brown bear.

"We have some new friends, Denzil. Well. We shall see. New companions at least. We've met a couple before but it's been a while. There is Walker, the ranger we met before with Druid Kitty. He hasn't much changed. And the bandaged one, the one who seemed meek before? She has changed somewhat. I think she is their leader. She smells of magic. There is also the large barbarian woman. If I recall; often drunk, always loud, mostly surprisingly effective. Oh, and Walker has a bird with him now. A hawk. He talks to it, but not how I'm talking to you. In his mind, I think. Anyway, it is good to have you by my side again. When we get to the Keep you will remain outside. Sorry. And try not to bother the horses. Everyone else should expect you."

Denzil grunts softly and makes some snuffly sounds, "You know I didn't intend to scare them. Horses are such weak and flighty creatures. I will wait outside and stay away from them, worry not."

As Eluned and Denzil approach the Keep Gate, the gate guards keep a careful eye on them and the Ballista crew in the SE battlements also pay attention.

Eluned salutes the guards graciously and picks out a suitable tree for Denzil to sit and lean back on. Denzil rubs his back a few times and grunts with pleasure.

As Eluned enters the Keep, the guards smile and nod their heads politely.

Once the Scouts and Walker have rejoined the Count, the tour proceeds.
Most of the senior staff have departed to their duties, leaving Druid Kitty and Sir Littlejohn with the group.

As Percival leads the party eastward towards the Keep Mill, Woody waves farewell and resumes working on the Orchard.

[DM: The Count makes an Awareness roll]

Count Percival says smoothly "I sense some unease about the Patrols. I won't repeat myself about the Empire ones, but let me cheer you up by telling you about our Keep Patrols. Littlejohn, would you kindly elucidate?"

Sir Littlejohn nods. "Of course Sire. Now we don't have the manpower to send out as many patrols as we would like. Therefore we tend to respond to requests from the peasants.
Each of our patrols is made up of volunteer soldiers who usually have a former trade. So we can send out a patrol with carpentry experience to mend fences, or include a blacksmith to help in some way. If there is an injury, a patrol can include a trained Arthurian Cleric or a Nimue Druid. We are also pleased to offer our Patrol services for weddings, blessings or funerals!"

Moving back in step with the group, Walker nods in response to Sir Littlejohn and the Count, and having overheard Aislinn's conversations too, and also having had time to compose his thoughts carefully, says,

"Thank you, sir. I hope you understand that we mean no offence, but I do agree with miss Aislinn here in her concerns. We both understand that you have patrols out on the roads, but this was an Empire group who - and this is all that we know of - slaughtered civilians on a farm in your lands, and were heading to repeat this act at Farmer Giles' homestead. As Aislinn said, how can we track whether they had performed similar crimes elsewhere before we were able to get the alert from Farmer Maggot about them approaching? If not for his swift riding, we would have had no idea of the impending attack on the farm, and, indeed, had we not been successful in that case, would never have got word back to the Keep about either of the farms.

"Have people been sent out to check, or plotted a possible route that they may have taken? The route from Farmer Maggot's to Giles' farm was fairly direct so my question is this: can someone follow back along the most obvious routes to see if the farms and homesteads earlier on their possible path are ok?

"I am happy to do this if I am not required elsewhere. But regardless, I am very much of a similar mind to Aislinn in that these people did not come from nowhere, and their attacks were not just random or spontaneous. They are targetting the vulnerable; the farmers and workers of the land in smaller and more remote places who are not expecting to deal with a fully-armed military patrol. It is worrying that they are roaming our paths and terrorising our -your - people, and I understand that your Keep Patrols help out with the day-to-day upkeep (hah! - sorry) of the local areas, but I am concerned that these patrols, as capable as they may be at fixing fences, might not be prepared if there are indeed more of these Empire patrols looking for a fight. And also, again, I assume they may not check in frequently, so we may not know if there has been a problem in the outer villages or farms until it is too late.

"Also, I do just wonder what their purpose is. I mean no offense to the farmers of the land here who are all fine people, but I am just not able to figure out why Empire soldiers would risk their lives - and, well, in this most recent case, lose their lives - over some meagre pickings, and a sheep!"

Walker coughs slightly, aware that he has been talking quite a bit,

"Apologies, no disrespect intended."

Walker glances quickly through Eye's eyes. The hawk is hovering above the Keep and has spotted the large brown bear scratching himself up against the tree.
"Hmm. He looks comfy to sit upon." she murmurs in Walker's head.

Nodding almost imperceptibly, Aislinn is grateful indeed for Walker's taking the lead in such questions. She hadn't even thought about how very petty the theft of a sheep was. Well, she had, but only in the belief that it was so seemingly petty that the poor creature must be in service of some nefarious purpose--to be sacrificed for an evil spell or potion, some such foul art.

But what if it was, indeed, just the desire for lamb chops for lunch? What if the stop at Maggot's farm was incidental to something even more nefarious they'd already perpetrated?

She shares this thought aloud, though hesitantly. "We ought to be able to track where they've been. Master Walker, your skills should help there. If they've left destruction in their wake we will likely see or hear of it."

Aislinn's brow furrows in thought. "Or perhaps... perhaps their purpose lay ahead. Obviously Farmer Giles's estate might have been their next target, but... is there ought else nearby that would have been of even greater interest?" She bites her lip, uncomfortable at processing such ideas in front of others. Especially the Count and others from the Keep.

"I suppose their future plans can't be known. Unless they made mention of them in their travels. If they were in their cups at a tavern, they could have been incautious. Maybe they spoke of some destination, or event taking place shortly. The timing might be significant. If--"

She stops abruptly when another thought strikes her like a frigid wind. But this she won't speak aloud. Not in front of the strangers. To her party... or even just to Walker if the others don't earn her confidence.

After swallowing back her fear, she moves on without raising its origin, instead looking at Druid Kitty. "If our master Lestrade spoke of any specific tasks for us next, we won't be able to pursue this line," she says slowly, before letting her gaze reach the Count before she averts it out of respect. "If so, my lord--I mean, if we must go elsewhere instead of tracing this group's past path--perhaps that's something one of the Keep's patrol groups might undertake?"

Realizing it might be impertinent to make such suggestions, she makes a quiet request for forgiveness and holds her tongue.

Walker blinks as Aislinn's words hit.

"Yes. I had not thought of that. I was thinking to the killings and looting they might have left in their wake, not to where they might have been heading. As you say, it might be good to trace the path they took to get to where we encountered them, but also to plot that potential path onwards to see what they might have been heading for. It does just seem very strange indeed that they are just randomly roaming from farm to farm for the sake of killing people, risking their lives and for what? A sheep? An adrenaline rush? I can see that they might take advantage of places as they pass through if they see it as an easy win, but that would suggest they have a destination in mind and these are just side-jaunts to them."

He nods again deferentially to the Count. "I understand that Master Lestrade had some mission for us, but I think that this is also a serious issue for your people to look into. I had been thinking about potential harm back along their route, but I think Miss Aislinn makes a very good point and perhaps you could have people study your maps and see what that route might have been aiming for. I have a good map in my head - hah! - but I've not seen one on parchment for a while. Perhaps seeing it laid out, and piecing together any news we have from other sightings from travellers or residents, we might be able to build up a larger picture." He gives a signature shrug. "I would not presume to tell you your jobs, of course, but just... we are concerned with what we encountered and their boldness............... I do wish we had managed to talk to one of them."

Lydia hasn't really spoken as talking is not really her thing as she is still eating and drinking as she had followed the group like this silent wall of a person. Only talking when spoken too as she kept her eyes locked on everything going on. This whole place was still very odd for her. And the others seemed to know each other way better then she did.

"So what is the plan now?"

She glanced at Walker, Eluned and Kitty as she threw another chickenwing bone behind her.

Count Percival nods at the suggestion that the Empire Patrols might be tracked. He turns to Sir Littlejohn. "You have some records of previous attacks?"
The Knight replies "Yes Sire. Sadly what they reveal is that these accursed Patrols must arrive regularly from the Empire homeland on their Galley Route. Naturally we cannot do anything at that stage since they might simply be relieving soldiers guarding the Empire Consulate in Freeport.
Then, as I mentioned earlier, the Patrol slips out of Freeport and sets off on some disgraceful 'training' mission by attacking others without mercy.
Honestly, we can find no pattern to these movements.
The only thing I can suggest is that if these brave Scouts (here he nods at Walker to show he is included!) were to travel to the outskirts of Freeport and use the astounding eyesight of their hawk, they might spot a Patrol leaving on its murderous errand and be able to ambush it."
The Count nods gravely. "Perhaps that is something for the future. In the meantime, I wish to continue my tour."

Percival shows the party the Mill in passing. "There is the Keep Miller, Much and his assistant Sandyman."

Much smiles and waves at the party. Sandyman just grunts.

The Count continues eastward towards the Keep walls.
The party can see a Ballista Tower on the battlements to the North of the Keep's side gate.

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Aislinn looks politely at the mill and the two men who are introduced. The Ballista Tower is of genuine interest, as she doesn't quite know what it is. Clearly some sort of weaponry, but the girl isn't familiar with such things. Maybe once, but not now. Her curiosity is piqued but she isn't sure they'll be taken there without prompting. She mutters her thanks the Count for each piece of information he provides.

Every now and then her gaze slips to the side to look at her companions. Especially Walker, since he seems to have the same concerns as Aislinn. She didn't say a word at the conversation between Percival and Littlejohn. It would be like fishing in a lake that's proven barren. They either don't understand or don't care to. She's antsy to find out what Lestrade wishes of them, if anything. And thereafter to pick up their rewards and leave.

She tries to match Walker's long-legged pace. "I shouldn't think it useful to argue further," she says very softly, though her tone betrays her frustration. "We ought to talk amongst ourselves, the four of us. But the Count had a good notion. Would it be possible to send Eye up towards Gies's farm and a little beyond? Or is that too far for her?"

Aislinn points to the sky, in the vague direction of the Mill as if she's noting something about it, and continues in her murmur. "It's just... if the villains attacked anyone prior to the Giles farm, there could be slain victims--or worse, desperately wounded but alive--left in their wake. And no one will know of their plight because-- no one is looking. They may hope for help but none is forthcoming."

To let Walker think on that suggestion, and to hide her disinterest, the girl walks a little faster to address the Count. "By your leave, sir, may I ask a question? What is that tower?" Aislinn points out the Ballista Tower. "It's new to me. What is it for, and has it been used? I don't suppose we could see it?"

Walker nods ever so slightly at Aislinn's comment and murmurs back, "Yes, agreed. I am with you on this. Talk perhaps after this tour."

And then, more loudly, as Aislinn comments on the ballista, "Why, Count, that is impressive! Has it seen any use? I can't imagine what you would need a ballista to take down, except perhaps a dragon, hah! Would have been mighty useful up on the Crag!"

He looks over his shoulder to see how the two newcomers are fairing.

Druid Kitty politely interrupts the tour. "My Lord, if I may, I think you and Sir Littlejohn have overlooked a couple of important questions by our friends. They wanted to know if anyone had checked on other farms that might have been attacked by this recent Empire Patrol. Also what could the motive behind such violent behaviour?"

The Count stops the tour and thinks briefly. "Thank you Kitty - I see that Sir Littlejohn and I have not made ourselves clear. We are so concerned with defeating with these evil Empire Patrols that we have not covered other matters."
He turns to the party. " So let me reassure you that Sherwoodshire inhabitants are well aware of the dangers over the years and have set up a sensible system of alerting each other to such threats. Farmers, traders, our Keep Patrols and even some Lizardmen all swiftly pass on sightings of dangers such as Empire Patrols or monsters. In the recent case, the attack on Farmer Maggot was the first we knew of the incursion."

He continues "As for the purpose of these reckless Empire Patrols, they fight to the death and confess nothing. However the word from Freeport is that occasional orders have been overheard. Apparently these soldiers are told to risk their lives for training, glory and promotion. I have no words to describe this."

After a moment the Count adds "Finally, Sir Littlejohn, would you like to explain our Ballista Towers?"

Sir Littlejohn nods. "Of course Sire. Aislinn, you are all welcome to visit our battlements - reached by climbing up one of our two Ballista Towers.
A Ballista is classified as a siege weapon, but unlike a Catapult or a Trebuchet, it is not intended to break down a Keep Gate. Instead our skilled crew of four fire a large spear! This can certainly damage a dragon (he grins at Walker), but can also be used against a human-sized opponent - particularly a spell-caster or an archer."

Gratified beyond measure to Druid Kitty for interceding, Aislinn thanks her and, then, the Count for elaborating at last. She feels somewhat better. She does wish there were more... she can't think of the word for it, but if nothing else more concern about what might have been done along the route--after all, if some family in a cottage in farmland has been slaughtered, how would such news have worked its way to the Keep?

But she listens to the information about the ballista and squints to see if she can spy more detail even from here. "So it's like a... a giant bow and arrow, my lord?" Aislinn turns back to her party, wondering if she is the only one unfamiliar with such weaponry. She probably should have listened better to her trainers back at the Academy, assuming such weaponry was part of her training. It might have been in the earliest months of her time there, when it took a great deal of repetition for her to retain knowledge.

Could a healer help her understand what happened to her mind? Why she has memories of childhood and hazier ones of her time as an older girl in Freeport, but then nothing until she awoke with the Lizardfolk. Nothing except brief flashes that cause her pain in every sense of the word, and vague sense that she needs to seek someone out.

In any event that's for some other time. "Yes, please sir, I should like to see the tower, if it would not cause delay. And if the others would too...?"

Count Percival smiles at Aislinn. "I'm sure our Ballista crew would welcome visitors! Although they have an important job here in the Keep, they are rather ... remote from passers-by. Unlike our gate guards (the Count points towards the two guards at the Keep Side Gate) ... who are just as watchful, but have far more conversation during their shift of duty."
The Count now adds “So you will get a tour of the Ballista Tower and the Battlements – but first I have a surprise for you! Follow me to our Kennels and Stables.”

As the party turn the corner and see the stables, the hounds in the kennels all start barking.
“One of my security precautions”, explains the Count, grinning. “Any strangers approaching the stables set off a warning by my trained dogs.”
Bedivere the Huntsman appears, turns to the dogs and quietens them with a friendly command.

The Count now turns to the Northernmost stable, where a stallion is housed. (There are six other stables, with several other brown stallions and mares peering out over the stable door.)
The Count explains “You may know that I like to breed horses and this is my pride and joy - my superb brown stallion, Argent Blaze. I named him that as you can see that he has a narrow white marking down the front of his face.”
Argent Blaze whinnies and moves restlessly in his stall.
“Aha” says the Count “He is unsettled because of your presence. Only five people can handle him safely: myself, Steward LittleJohn, my Huntsman, my Jockey and my Stablegirl.”
At this point, an elderly, efficient female Elf and a servant appear. The Elf is carrying a large toolbox, which she opens to reveal paint pots, paintbrushes, charcoal sticks, a palette and a canvas. The servant holds an easel, which he erects facing Argent Blaze’s stall.
Next Jockey Maria and Stablegirl Violet arrive.

The Count smiles at the party and remarks “I hope you don’t mind a small surprise. In honour of your achievements, I have commissioned a painting to remember you all by. This is Mrs. Hudson, my Keep Artist.”
Mrs. Hudson organises everyone into position. The Count, LittleJohn, the Huntsman, the Jockey and the Stablegirl stand in a row just in front of Argent Blaze’s stall. The Stallion is easily tempted by a carrot from the Jockey and leans his head over the stable door, in between the five humans. Upon the Count’s request, the party kneel down in front of the others and Mrs. Hudson swiftly makes a preliminary outline sketch in charcoal.

Thoughts of the ballista fade when Aislinn sees Argent Blaze and the other horses. She can hardly fathom how thrilling they must be to ride. If she dared she would ask leave to pet any of the horses (other than the Count's loyal steed, of course).

When the surprise is announced she doesn't pay much attention, only absently following directions and kneeling as ordered while still admiring the stable residents. Only then does her gaze focus on the artist. A wave of anxiety crashes over her. While she has grown more used to having her face bare, especially among a small group such as this, the thought of her likeness hanging on a wall...possibly visible to anyone...

With her tattoos hidden, random strangers wouldn't know her from any other unremarkable girl. But it's not beyond the realm of belief to fear that someone else, someone who knows her--knew her--and whom she wouldn't want tracking her--could one day appear at the Keep.

Aislinn bows her head slightly, hoping to obscure her face at least a little, but if the artist's skill is true, this won't make much of a difference. Swallowing, she decides she has to speak up. "Begging your pardon, my lord, but may I ask the... the destination of this work? Will it be somewhere... private?" Desperately she searches for some reason for the question. "It's a great honor, it's just... we're already a noticeable group. Especially with a bear and--" And a woman who wears a bear's head for a hood. "And so on. We're trained for stealth, most of us anyway, but it might not be to our advantage to be revealed as... doing what we do."

She darts a look at Walker beside her, then looks back at Kitty with a silent plea.

Upon hearing Aislinn’s plea, Count Percival looks concerned. “Dear me!” he says with an embarrassed air. “I’m not doing too well, am I? Of course you are right – your identities must be protected. Littlejohn, Kitty – any suggestions?”

Sir Littlejohn remarks “Well the party could be left out of the portrait – but that would be a real shame. Perhaps instead a disguise … how about Mrs. Hudson paints them all wearing masks?!”

Mrs Hudson nods “Yes, I can do that.”

Kitty agrees “Now that’s a good compromise. We celebrate their achievements, but help them in future endeavours. How about animal masks? Wolves, bears … even a shark?!”

Count Percival invites the party to each pick a disguise and asks Walker if he would like one too.

Aislinn is so relieved she gives a rare open smile, and looks at the others to see if they're as pleased as she. She then turns back to Count Percival. Of course her inclination is to pick a wolf, but something prevents her. She's shown herself able to summon a wolf, and will likely do so again. Being too identified with the animal might not be wise. Still, she picks something not too far from a wolf, a creature known for cunning. "I should like a fox mask, Mrs. Hudson, if you please. And if the others haven't any desire for it."

Hearing the Count's "surprise", Walker is indeed surprised, bemused, and marginally terrified at the thought of a portrait, but also quite likes the idea, actually. He never thought to be sketched, though he knows that in the Keep there are portraits of his father and grandfather, so it would be certainly an honour to join them for all to see! Ah. He immediately looks to Aislinn, wondering how she will take to this idea, knowing that she has only just revealed her face at all so recently. It will be a huge jump to have her face not just revealed here without her bandages, but put up on a portrait and displayed to everyone......

He doesn't have to wonder for long as she almost instantly blurts out a very clever excuse to get around it, hah. Aside from generally finding it a bit pretentious, Walker doesn't really mind sitting - kneeling - for a portrait. After all, his face is generally well-known anyway around the Keep and the surrounding villages, and it would be quite nice to have three generations of Walkers up there for posterity... but Aislinn clearly doesn't feel comfortable, and makes a fair point. Hmm. What mask to pick?

"That is a very good idea, hah! Thank you for this portrait opportunity, Sir. And I think," [he nods to Druid Kitty] "that it would be most fitting for me to have a hawk mask. For obvious reasons! And with Eye beside me as well, if that would be permitted? She will be on her best behaviour of course, and I am sure the horses are familiar - hah - with her by now."

He does raise an internal eyebrow at Aislinn's choice. A fox would look good, for sure, but why would she not go for a wolf? Baffling. It would be the obvious choice, being her sort of spirit-animal almost. Hmm. Maybe she just likes foxes? Maybe she really does just want to conceal her identity? Is a wolf too recognisable? Maybe we should all be foxes?

Eluned is surprised and flattered by this opportunity, having never considered being immortalised in this way. And especially as she hasn't actually done anything heroic as part of this group yet.

"Sir, my lord. Thank you. I will assume that Denzil will not be partaking, so I would like to have my mask to be a bear. If, Mrs Hudson, you need a reference, he is just outside by the tree. If you could make the mask in his likeness that would be much appreciated."

She looks to the others. "This Walker's choice is obvious, as his hawk is clearly visible up in the rafters watching them as it was before in the hall. The woman - Aislinn - hmm, a fox. Perhaps a cunning and wily creature? A reflection of her character? Or maybe she just likes foxes." - she thinks, unaware that her thoughts are almost identical to Walker's, and that wolves were anywhere in the equation! "What will Lydia choose? Probably another damn bear. Or maybe, it wouldn't surprise me, she will just wear that stupid head-dress and won't have a mask."

She smiles sweetly at the large barbarian, "Lydia, friend. What mask would you choose for this honour? I was thinking that you would look good as a hamster, perhaps?"

It takes too long for Aislinn to realize that she's been selfish. The others might wish to have their portraits painted. And they deserve to be commemorated. At least, Walker does. The other two are being treated as heroes without having done anything yet. Then again, Aislinn feels like an imposter herself, so she can hardly judge. Maybe the Druid woman and Ocean Barbarian are being feted for some past achievements.

She says quietly to Walker, "If you three would rather have portraits, you ought to have that chance. As for me... I suppose it would look odd for just one of us to be masked. I can back out. I'll pretend to be ill. But you've earned a place of honor, after all you did to vanquish the dragon and the soldiers. Your face should be seen. It would look well on a canvas."

"What? No, I like the mask idea!" Walker says, somewhat stunned, then quickly assesses her thought process to change so quickly from wanting masks. "Does she think a mask isn't enough? It can cover her whole face, she won't be recognised. Or maybe she thinks she doesn't deserve it for some reason? No, she fought a darn dragon, she deserves to be in this."

"I think this is a wonderful gift and you deserve to be in it... plus," [he lowers his voice] "I think it would be quite fun to see what this Mrs Hudson can do given the challenge, hah! She was far too quick and confident in her sketching, I would like to see what she does with our masks!" [raising his voice to normal levels he addresses the whole group] "I think we can all agree that we would be good in masks? Perhaps I could just have the type that cover your eyes, like for a masquerade ball - I went to one of those once, here at the Keep, actually! I had a very dashing (in my opinion) highwayman style mask, you know the type they wear just covering the eyes but everyone knows who it is really? It was black silk. Maybe I could go with that, but I think I'd prefer the fun of having a hawk, hah! Mrs Hudson, please could you make it perhaps just the top part of my face, so that I am sort of mysterious and yet still will be recognised up alongside my family?" He tries not to sound a little bit hopeful at the last part.

Eluned looks between the other party members with a rather bemused look on her face, not sure what underlying tensions are going on here. There's clearly something. Aislinn so quick to ask for her face to be concealed, and then to try to back out all together, it seems, if the small clips of her words to Walker that she caught seemed to convey, and now Walker trying to push her back into it. Curious. And he muttered something to her. Trying to convince her, perhaps? Hm. "I don't know what's gone on in this group. Did they do something bad that they need to hide, that the Count is unaware of? Or has maybe just one of them done something they need to hide, or has some past history they don't want shown? Walker seems to be oblivious to Aislinn's discomfort. If she doesn't want a portrait then why should he push her into it? Can he not see that she is uncomfortable? He just blusters on through with no regard to anyone's feelings; it seems he is quite self-absorbed. And clearly wants his own portrait even when others do not. Typical man."

She just adjusts her clothing and puffs up her hair a little, just to be ready in case this sketch is going ahead.

Lydia who mostly just stood there, unsure really what to do, nor this fortress would be a good enough protection for what was surely about to come their way would finish her last drink and turn towards Elund who asked her about an creature mask. "Tarrasque" She would easily reply without to much thinking and not even caring if it was an valid awnser and then looked to Aislinn who seemed less excited by the idea

"I doubt you would end up here for being good at cleaning the floor after our battle." As she swings her axe on her shoulder. "So what is your strenght besides feeling you aren't worthy as it seems from my point" Sure this might not be the best way to comfort anyone, but it is the best Lydia could do. And quite rare for that.

Count Percival looks a little bemused at the party’s reaction to his portrait idea. Are they just bantering? An idea comes to him.
“Mrs Hudson, let’s have two portraits! One can be of the Dragon Slayers – I know you met Marron and Saradoc, so you can include them. Walker, that one can be full-face for all as I will hang it in my room.
The other will be the one I envisaged in front of Argent Blaze with this new group all wearing masks. That one can hang in public.”

Mrs. Hudson nods. “No problem my Lord. So for the stable portrait we have one fox (she indicates Aislinn), one hawk - Master Walker, I will make that mask in Eye’s image, thus killing two birds with one stone.” Mrs Hudson giggles, then continues “A bear for you (she gestures at Eluned) and a Tarrasque … err what is that?”

Sir Littlejohn suggests it is a fearsome but legendary monster.
Count Percival offers Lydia a Dragon mask instead.

Aislinn nods at the Count's ideas, grateful that she hasn't been too forward in asking for favors.

The words from Lydia do not come across as supportive, at least to Aislinn's ears. It sounds to her as if the other woman is mocking Aislinn's weakness. She can't think of what she said or did to imply that she doesn't belong--admittedly, it's not far from her secret belief. And an angry heat bubbles within her, burning her cheeks with a flush.

Once the nobles and so on are otherwise occupied with preparations for the portrait, Aislinn snaps her gaze to Lydia and asks quietly, "What strengths have I, madam? Enough so that I was one of Master Lestrade's first three choices to found this very guild. I expect he had his reasons." She takes a steadying breath. "More than that, I will have to show you later."

"Hah! An excellent solution for everyone, I think. I will not lie, I was quite hoping to one day have my portrait up alongside my family who served you. So thank you for that.

"And a separate portrait for our new group, with masks, sounds fantastic. Thank you so much for this, it is a double-gift now, thank you for your generosity. And thank you Mrs Hudson, for the extra time this will take you. And the skill for the animal masks, hah!

As Lydia's comment and the reply filter in, he turns to her, "So, Ms Lydia, you must tell us more about this Tarrasque! Was that the name of a dragon you encountered, perhaps? ..... Hmm........ Thinking on that, we didn't really get a chance to ask the name of the one we met... We probably should have asked... We think it was young. Would have been good to know its name. Even if it's a beast doing evil, it still deserves its name to be known."

Walker pauses for a moment. "Wait. Do we even have a name for our own group? I suppose I should have checked, but there must be something to put on the portrait...?"

OOC I genuinely don't know if we have a group name already, but either way it seems we have changed significantly enough as a party to give ourselves a name...?

After Mrs Hudson signals she has done enough preparatory work to complete the Stable portrait, Druid Kitty, Bedivere (Hunstman), Maria (Jockey) and Violet (Stablegirl) leave the party.

Meanwhile the Count leads LIttleJohn and the party up a winding staircase on the inside of the Northern Ballista Tower. Sir Littlejohn remarks "You will note as we ascend that these stairs wind clockwise. This means a right-handed attacker coming up has their sword arm hampered by the inner wall. No such difficulty for the defenders."
The party duly arrive on the battlements and have a marvelous view across the fields. The Ballista crew nod in turn to the Count, but stay alert and watchful.
It is clear that reloading the Ballista will require all four of the crew.

The Count leads the party out onto the walkway around the Battlements. There are delightful views of the surrounding countryside and the Count points out Druid Kitty’s Grove and the south-facing Ballista Tower.
As the wind whistles, the Count looks grave. "I would like to explain some more about why I am so focused on defeating Empire Patrols - and why I perhaps appeared so callous earlier. My father, Count Versifal, who built this Keep, was foully murdered by such a Patrol."
The Count pauses for a moment and sighs heavily.
He continues "Versifal's Keep had only just been completed and my father was inviting recruits to be trained to work as soldiers, cooks, gardeners and so on. He led out a Keep Patrol personally - and they ran into one of the first-ever Empire Patrols. Without realising that the countryside was not covered by the diplomatic agreements of Freeport, my father approached in a spirit of peace ... and was cut down."

Sir LittleJohn puts a hand on the Count's shoulder. "I am here, my Lord."

Following the others up the tower to the battlements, Eluned half-listens to the Count's explanation but is mainly looking at the spectacular views from up here. The forest and grove are beautiful always, but seen from this perspective are stunning. Nature is always so surprising and beautiful. She looks out across the orchard, which is even more impressive when viewed from above... so neat and well cared for. Peering over the edge, she tries to spot Denzil and sees him at his tree, slumped slightly in a grumpy or bored manner. She hops up and down a little to catch his attention and then when he notices her and looks up, she gives a sort of apologetic shrug and a "I'll be back soon" wave. She then realises that she's been completely ignoring the conversation and leaning over the battlements and waving at a bear while it seems the Count has been saying something rather weighty and serious. Oops.

She stands back down from the edge and turns to try to catch the end of what she missed, as Sir Littlejohn appears to comfort the Count. "Oh. Count Versifal. I think I recall hearing something about that." She nods along solemnly and hopes that it didn't look too disrespectful, jumping up and down and not paying attention.

Walker raises an eyebrow at the small druid jumping up and down and waving over the parapet, then listens closely to the Count, and bows his head respectfully. When he has finished speaking he says,

"Sir. You father was a great man. I know my father and grandfather served both him and you, and I know he was greatly respected in this whole land for his fairness and generosity to the people. I had heard of the ... circumstances... of his demise, and I understand your feelings towards the Empire because of that. I just think that myself and Aislinn here, and..." [he glances over to see the druid paying no attention] "...well, the two of us encountered a patrol and I don't think we were quite prepared for them to be prepared to die rather than surrender, hah. Hence our earlier comments. My apologies if they brought up memories you would rather not have had to think about. We just... I think we were both just unwilling to take a life, whereas they seemed to have no such qualms, and they seemed to care little for their own lives either. ........ I still wonder about that sheep though............

"Anyway, this is a fine machine!" [he pats the ballista and surreptitiously tries to peer over to see who the druid was waving at] "Does it get much use?"

Appreciating the strategic good sense that went into building even the stairs around the tower, Aislinn, lagging a little behind, surreptitiously practices a swing of her right arm, then her left. She regrets trying the latter immediately, since it brings her a little too far to the edge of the stairs. Quickly she leans to the right again, scurrying up to the top with the rest.

She's gapemouthed at first the massive weapon, and then more astonishingly, the view from such a height. Then the Count speaks of his loss, and she immediately pays respectful attention. Walker speaks most elegantly offering condolences and an explanation that does, pretty much, express her own reason for wishing they hadn't killed quite all the soldiers.

When she can, Aislinn murmurs her agreement with Walker's apology, and adds "I am truly sorry for such a senseless tragedy, Sir. Your father Count Varsifal met the enemy with goodwill and noble conscience, and surely was rewarded by the High King you worship."

If she is free to look at the ballista without being rude to the Count, she'll try to figure out how the thing works. She'd love to see it shoot at some target, but, needless to say, doesn't ask. Such a weapon would only be used in dire emergencies. And perhaps practice, if there are new guards to train.

She is interested in Walker's question to Lydia, having a very vague recollection of hearing the word 'Tarrasque' before, maybe even seeing a picture somewhere, but as soon as she tries to imagine it, it eludes her. She shrugs and listens, and in the meantime tries to see what Eluned is looking at. She'd be curious to see her bear companion.

Finally, making her way to the south side of the battlement, she pauses and relishes the feeling of the wind in her hair, blowing around her face. She imagines that at one time, she would probably have found this annoying, her hair tossed around like wild feathers and blocking her view, needing to be pushed away from her eyes. But now it's a blissful sensation.

Smiling, she tucks her hair behind her ears and leans over to look down toward the bottom of the winding stairs. And soon regrets it. Seeing them from so high up--when she'd only just been standing there thinking of those huge horses--fills her with both awe and unease. The tower's height seems more unnerving when a place she's just been now seems so very small.

Placing a hand on her stomach to, somehow, settle it, she turns away. "How often have these ballista been used?" she asks, clearing her throat. "I hope there's been no use for them recently."

During his emotional explanation, the Count has not noticed Eluned’s lack of attention. However Sir LittleJohn gives the Druid a careful look, but decides she wasn’t being rude.

The Count thanks Walker and Aislinn for their sympathy and says sadly “Yes, my hatred of Empire Patrols must have come as a shock. Your party’s thoughtfulness and mercy does you credit.”

As Walker catches a glimpse of Eluned’s Bear in Druid Kitty’s Grove, Sir LittleJohn answers the party’s Ballista enquiry. “Our crew practise a lot, but thankfully we have not needed to fire a large spear much … we did once hit an attacking White Dragon, which then crash-landed, so we were able to finish it off. Also I’m sure just having our two Ballistas acts as a deterrent to marauding Bandits or Ogres – not Woody, of course!“
Sir LittleJohn continues “When convenient, I would be happy to show you a Ballista in action! I’m sure our crew would both gain from the practice and also enjoy the attention. Although they can aim it themselves, if they had an experienced Fighter in charge (he indicates in the direction of Walker and Lydia), they would do even better.”

The Count pauses again, this time for much longer.

DM: Lydia makes a Hear Noise roll.
She hears a Ballista crewman call out “Are you seeing this too? It’s coming straight for your gate!”
(Looking back towards the Ballista Tower they just came from, Lydia sees a crewman leaning over the inner wall, presumably speaking down to the gate guards.)

Count Percival continues "Since then there have been more such attacks - it makes us realise that Sherwoodshire is a border province. We face Empire Patrols, monsters from the Badlands and even Pirates. Still we endure - and having you Scouts join with Walker means a lot to the folk who live here."

At the prospect of seeing the Ballista at work, Aislinn nods and looks with encouragement toward Walker, then Lydia. Since the latter appears to be focused somewhere else, Aislinn suggests Walker lend a hand, if he's a mind to. "It never hurts to practice. I've never seen anything like this. I don't believe," she adds honestly. She turns back to the Count. "Milord, how often do Pirates make landfall? I only thought of them as sharks--restricting their hunt for prey to the sea. Have you ships patrolling the nearby shores?"

Lydia would turns to Walker crossing her arms in the process thinking back to all the stuff she knows from an Tarrasque and the dragon they fought, it was no easy battle but way more easy then if she had to fight an Tarrasque.

"A Tarrasque is a creature so horrible no one who fought it lived to tell the tale. It has..."

She would stop as her attention move to the person shouting. Without to much to think and not caring about fancy chit chat right now she grabbed her great axe and half shouted to everyone

"We are about to have company!"

The words are simple enough. It's the Ocean Barbarian's tone--and especially that great axe now wielded in her large hands--that turn Aislinn's stomach into a knot. Without a word, she twists around to look over the barrier toward whatever Lydia Day is seeing.

Count Percival replies to Aislinn. "You ask good questions!
Firstly the Pirates do indeed mainly infest the Empire Ocean. However occasionally they raid the Crow Coast. I also remember a unique Pirate incursion up the Empire River ... that actually reached Cardiff Bay before being defeated.
You see I have no ships myself and the Empire only use Galleys - which means the Pirates battle with the Ocean Barbarians."

Next, hearing the Barbarian's warning, the Count and Sir Littlejohn immediately spin round looking for who or what is coming.
However they and the party are on the West side of the battlements and therefore cannot see whether anyone is approaching the gate on the east side.
Sir Littlejohn speaks urgently to Lydia "What is happening?!"

"Something is coming right at the gates!" She would rush towards the Ballista side readying her greataxe in battle position and even as possible go up the wall as fast as she can to get a better look of what danger is coming using her handaxes as climbing tools. Even though stairs might have been quicker. She hates ladders and stairs...
"What do you see?" She would yell to the guards near the Ballista as already the bloodlust of war enters her body as if it was poured down her face like she did with the goblets.

Aislinn watches Lydia in alarm, and glances at the others before following in that direction--only far enough to try and figure out what the other woman might be seeing. She looks up at the guards, since they seem to be what Lydia is reacting to. Then she turns to Walker. "Can Eye notice anything out of the ordinary?"

Hearing Lydia's warning Walker immediately communicates to his familiar, mentally asking her to take off from his shoulder and fly up to get a better view from above where Lydia had gestured to. He then flicks his eyes to Eye's eyes, seeing what she sees, steadying himself with his hand on the parapet as his vision shifts.

[edit: he is aiming to see if he can spot what Lydia called out about]

Lydia runs back across the battlements, drawing her two Hand Axes as she approaches the Ballista crew.
Lydia sees that two crewmen are looking out to the east of the Keep, whilst the other two are looking down into the courtyard by the Side Gate.
Spotting that Walker has sent Eye to fly above the Ballista crew, Lydia decides to study the courtyard, leaving the keen-eyed bird to observes events to the east of the Keep. (The crewmen hastily make room for the Barbarian / Scout.)

DM: Lydia makes an Awareness roll (so can interpret the gate guards’ behaviour.)
Lydia sees a brown stallion galloping out through the open gate, whilst the two gate guards cower in terror. Although there is clearly a ‘rider’ on the horse holding the reins, there is nothing to be seen on the stallion’s back!

Violet (Keep Stablegirl) is near the gate as the stallion thunders out. She screams ““Argent Blaze is loose! ‘Ghost Rider’ is stealing him!” and faints.

Aislinn carefully walks after Lydia and finds a spot where she can see down into the courtyard and the stables.
Whilst waiting for Walker’s report on what Eye sees, Aislinn notices that Mrs Hudson is not in sight (although her easel is still in place.)
The northernmost stable (which housed Argent Blaze) has its door wide open. All the other stable doors are shut (and there is no sign of any horse within peering into the courtyard.)

Walker in turn follows Aislinn, making certain that he does not slip off the battlements whilst viewing events through the eyes of Eye.
Eye sees a brown stallion with an invisible rider (!) racing towards the forest east of the Keep.
Looking ahead of the animal, Eye spots a horsebox parked on the edge of the forest. There is a gnome lying on the ground next to the horsebox. As the gnome shakily gets up, the brown stallion suddenly disappears!

Shaking his head to get his bearings as his vision comes back to himself - it's always slightly disorienting to go from Eye's almost zoomed-in birds-eye view to his normal vision - Walker calls out to the others, "It's Argent Blaze. Some invisible rider... horsebox near the forest... the horse is gone! Invisible! There's a gnome down there, possibly injured?"

He turns to the Count and says, "Sir, it seems your horse has been stolen. We should go to check if the people in the stables are ok."

Aislinn nods and notes that checking on the staff and the stable is a good idea, since Mrs. Hudson isn't where she was before. "And I'm not sure where the other horses are, either. I can't see them from here, at least." As she jogs down the winding stairs, she is overwhelmed to consider what level of magic one must probably possess to perform invisibility, not just on oneself but on a huge horse!

The Count and Sir Littlejohn lead the party down the ballista tower stairs, arriving in the courtyard.
Almost at the same time, Mrs. Hudson, Druid Kitty, Bedivere and Maria also appear.

Count Percival orders the gates to be shut, muttering "Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted - but I'm not risking any more of my precious horses!"
As the gates are closed, the Count continues "Everyone, please keep the courtyard clear - there may be evidence like tracks showing what has happened."

He thinks for a moment as everyone stands still, then announces "This is a worrying matter. It must be investigated! But I will not have spells cast on my loyal staff - at least until there is evidence to support it."
The Count turns to the party. "Since you were with Sir Littlejohn and myself, I know you are not involved. Therefore I wish you to find what happened and recover Argent Blaze. I hereby appoint you all Sheriffs of Sherwoodshire. This gives you the power to ask anyone in Sherwoodshire questions and to arrest anyone if there is evidence to justify it."
He sends a servant for Sheriff badges and tells everyone to stay nearby, ready to assist the party.

Aislinn notes that there are horses in some of the other stables.

At that moment, the door to Argent Blaze's stable slams shut - although there is no sign of anyone...
One of the gate guards gasps "Ghost Rider did that!"

Count Percival says grimly to the party "You have your work cut out for you. May Arthur and Nimue protect you."

The servant returns and the Count hands out the Sheriff badges.

Eluned turns away from the parapet where she was waving at Denzil to see what the commotion is about. Seeing Walker's eyes snap back from their rolled-back state - which she assumes means he was looking through his familiar - she listens to the others but focuses on the mention of a possibly-injured gnome.

"You all seem competent. You go to the stables. Check out whatever is there. I will go to the edge of the forest and see if I can help this gnome. Perhaps they will also have something to say."

She glances over to where Walker had gestured, accepts the Sheriff badge with a half-distracted nod of thanks to the Count, then says, "I have some abilities with healing, if this gnome is wounded. Also, there might be other evidence out there to check on. Denzil has a keen nose as well."

Without a glance back or waiting for the others to respond, Eluned leans over the parapet in the direction of where Denzil was leaning dejectedly against his tree and gives a distinct whistle *weee-woo-weh* and watches as the bear, seemingly more cheerful, gets to his feet and heads towards the gate. Eluned, still not particularly bothered about what the rest are doing, heads down to meet him and then they would head together towards the spot where Walker had indicated the horse-box and gnome.

Eluned's whistle brings Denzil out of Kitty's Grove and the Druid speaks in Bear to bring the bear to the side gate.
As Denzil arrives, Count Percival orders the gate to be opened briefly to let Eluned out.

One of the the Ballista crew calls down to Eluned "That gnome seems to be all right now. He got thrown in the air by some invisible being!"

As Eluned and Denzil approach the gnome and the horsebox on the edge of the forest, the gnome moves to stand on front of the carthorse which is in the shafts of the horsebox.
The gnome calls out "Please don't let that bear eat my carthorse - I've already lost my mount to the Ghost Rider!"

"'Ghost Rider,'" Aislinn repeats, looking around at the others. "Have any of you heard the like?" She turns to the guard who spoke, trying not to let her discomfort for soldiers outweigh the secret disbelief (and no small sense of irony) that she's among those being tasked with upholding the law. If there's already some local legend about this... person... there must be other incidents to have cause the tales. What you you tell us, sir?"

After Aislinn's enquiry, everyone looks to Count Percival.

The Count, Sir Littlejohn, Druid Kitty, Bedivere and Maria all reply in turn that they have never heard of a 'Ghost Rider'.
Violet says "I've definitely heard of 'Ghost Rider' - it's an Invisible Being that steals horses!"
Two of the Ballista crew call out from above "That gnome out to the East first mentioned 'Ghost Rider' - he yelled the name when he was thrown off his horse."
(The two other Ballista crew say they only heard the name just now.)
One of the Gate Guards says he heard Violet say 'Ghost Rider'.
(The other Gate Guard says he only heard the name just now.)

Aislinn scowls at the variety of answers, and naturally turns to Violet. "Has this... rider... been known to steal other horses? I wonder how long this person has been performing such bold deeds--especially from the Count himself. With so many potential witnesses."

She mulls over how such a theft might be accomplished. Fairly certain that she's performed such 'tricks' in her distant past, but surely nothing that would be nearly as complicated or audacious. Especially since she wouldn't have had the capability back then.

Expanding her focus to the other staff as well as Violet, she adds, "I wonder if one or more of you might help us search in ways we cannot. Can you share if you have any magic skills yourselves?"

GM: In post 531 you mention that Bedivere, Hudson, Maria and Druid Kitty "appear." Where did Aislinn see them appear from?

As Violet prepares to answer Aislinn's question, the party naturally turn to look at her.

DM: Aislinn makes an Alertness roll (she notes that Violet is extremely nervous)
DM: Lydia makes an Alertness roll (she notes that Violet glances at the stable next door to Argent Blaze's)

Violet stutters "I ... don't remember where I heard about Ghost Rider. I can't think of any other horses ... it has stolen."

In answer to Aislinn's request, Kitty speaks up immediately. "I am the only Keep spell caster here for now. I can currently cast these spells that should be useful: Detect Magic, Identify and Speak with Animals."
She adds "So I can talk to the Count's horses and dogs, as well as Walker's Eye and Eluned's Denzil."

Although Aislinn has politely turned to face Kitty, Lydia has kept watching Violet.
DM: Lydia makes an Alertness roll (she notes that when Kitty mentions the Speak with Animals spell, Violet goes pale and looks briefly again at the stable next door to Argent Blaze's.)

Aislinn saw:

- Mrs. Hudson and Bedivere appear together from the South. Bedivere is holding a can of paint (so they probably came from the Workshop.)

- Maria coming from the North. She finishes chewing something and swallows it.

- Kitty came from the South (she is carrying some plants, so presumably visited her Grove.)

Keep (ground) https://btcloud.bt.com/web/app/share/invite/IbZx8W5sP1

Biting at her lower lip, Aislinn glances around, very curious about Violet's overall demeanor. "Mistress Kitty, this may seem an odd request. Could you... well, ask the stable horses if they saw anything? Or if they're not that talkative, just discern their state of mind? Frightened? Confused?"

She turns to the steward. "Sir Littlejohn," she says, intimidated by his size. "I know the gates are closed, but I should very much like to look at the Gnome's horsebox. Very much," she adds with slight emphasis. She'd like to take a look in the stable, but for the moment, whichever horses remain in there are not likely to leave with the gates shut.

At the treeline Eluned quickly checks over the gnome to make sure he is ok, while reassuring him that Denzil is a friend.

"Are you ok, sir? Do you need any aid?" [She would offer him a Goodberry.] "...Don't worry about Denzil here, he won't harm you. Please, tell me anything you remember. From my companions in the Keep it seems that an invisible rider stole a horse? Can you give me anything you recall? Maybe anything strange from earlier today? Or past rumours, even?"

Turning to the bear, and conscious that he is probably making the horse and gnome both uneasy, says in Bear, "Denzil, be a love and go sniff around. See if you can find any trail we might follow."

Following Aislinn and Lydia downstairs to the stables, Walker listens carefully to the exchanges between them. He is well used to picking and learning traits in conversations and something here feels a bit off... a bit *not* like how people speak unless trying to hide something. Something he is aware that he's not good at - yet - but he can recognise it when he sees it. As the others question the staff and the Count, Walker's vision transfers through to Eye and he mentally asks her to give a quick flight over the other stalls to check that the other horses are all present and healthy. (Assuming he might have been part of the alertness rolls Ping will edit this when she finds out what Walker saw and whether or not he would be asking Eye to focus on a particular stall. If not, just assume Eye is scanning over all of the stables with no particular scrutiny of that one)

Lydia has already put her two hand axes over her shoulder as she just stands back and listens. It might be odd indeed that an person just randomly dissapears with a horse. But how could this be? How did they get in. People don't just show up out of thin air. Something is not right. Either they have a mole or someone here is not telling us the truth.

Kitty nods at Aislinn and casts Speak to Animals (choosing horse.)
The Druid starts on the stable next to Argent Blaze's.
After a brief conversation, Kitty blurts out "What?! Where's your marking?! Who did?!" - then spins round to the party and demands "Arrest Violet!"

Violet looks panicked and prepares to run - but seeing Lydia is on guard, the Stablegirl surrenders.

Meanwhile Eluned sees the gnome only had a slight injury and offers a single Goodberry.
The gnome thanks the Druid, eats the berry and his wound is cured. He replies to Eluned's questions. "Well you do seem in total control of the bear - most impressive. Here's what I remember."

The gnome thinks for a bit, then rattles off a sequence of events. "I brought my brown stallion in this horsebox to the Keep in case the Count wanted to buy it. I led the horse out of the horsebox to show how well it rode. However before I even got my feet in the stirrups, I was pulled off by an invisible being. :o It was the Ghost Rider! :woowoo:
Ghost Rider rode my horse towards the Keep - I could do nothing except shout that Ghost Rider was stealing my horse."

The gnome pauses for breath, then continues. "As Ghost Rider rode my stallion into the Keep, I was thrown into the air and took a little damge when I landed. It seems there are two Ghost Riders! :woowoo::woowoo:"
The gnome shudders at the thought.

Meanwhile Denzil has been sniffing around the horsebox and the route from the horsebox to the Keep.
DM: Denzil makes a tracking roll.
The bear tells Eluned (in bear, naturally) "This is very odd. The only horse I can smell is the large one pulling the horsebox. There is no scent of either the brown stallion from the horsebox, nor Argent Blaze."

Aislinn thinks a moment before turning to Druid Kitty. "Mistress, what did the horse, or horses, tell you? I thought I heard you say something about a marking...?"

Unless there is something to immediately follow up with, Aislinn will take a peek into Argent Blaze's stall and perform a Detect Invisible. And if possible, she'll repeat her request whether she may go to the gnome past the gates.

Out near the edge of the forest Eluned hears what Denzil says to her and seeing the gnome healed bids farewell to the him, and then without thought of consequences gestures her bear to follow her back to the Keep as she talks to him to clarify what he had said.

"So, you can't smell anything different here? Just the same scent of the horse puling the horsebox? You've been here at the Keep before and seen the Hunts go out - even if they didn't want you too close! - so you know the other horses here, and just horses in general, and you don't sniff out any of them? You know it's the Count's prized mount. Nothing?"

As they walk back and talk together in Bear language, Eluned would be trying to be alert to tracks, knowing what the cart-horse and cart would look like, and also probably what a large stallion's prints would be like, and also obviously be able to pick out her own and Denzil's (one should hope).

Kitty smiles at Aislinn "An excellent idea of yours to use magic."
The Druid explains to the party that Argent Blaze never actually left the Keep! Instead, when there was some shouting outside the Keep, Violet led Argent Blaze from his stable to the one next door. She then used some 'brown stuff' to cover his silver marking.

Mrs. Hudson interjects "That must be why I suddenly ran out of brown paint and had to go to the Workshop for more."

Kitty turns to Violet and says sternly "Tell us everything you know."

Violet is mesmerised by everyone looking at her (especially the Barbarian) and blurts out her confession.

"Earlier I was exercising a horse as usual when a gnome came along near the Keep with a horsebox. He told me I could be rich if I helped him.
I know I shouldn't have done it but his plan seemed foolproof.

He coached me about a non-existent 'Ghost Rider', who would be blamed for everything.

I was to steal Mrs. Hudson's brown paint (this luckily was easy when there was a portrait being painted) and then listen for the gnome shouting "Ghost Rider is stealing my horse!"
At that moment (with everyone distracted) I would lead Argent Blaze next door (leaving his stable door ajar) and paint over his marking.
Next, as soon as the 'Ghost Rider' came into the Keep, I was to scream "“Argent Blaze is loose! ‘Ghost Rider’ is stealing him!” and pretend to faint.
The gnome said that immediately afterwards a 'fake' brown stallion would leave the Keep ... then simply disappear outside.
Oh, and as a 'finale', Argent Blaze's stable door would slam shut.

Then when everything had calmed down, I was to lead the disguised Argent Blaze out of the Keep and hand him over to the gnome."

She sobs and says to the Count "I'm so sorry."

Aislinn casts Detect Invisible and sees an Unseen Servant relaxing in Argent Blaze's stable.

(This is a widely used spell and Aislinn recalls that the Servant is harmless. It just does simple tasks - like riding a horse or shutting a stable door!)

Meanwhile the Count states that a plan must be made to deal with the gnome - who may not realise that his nefarious plan has been discovered. (He thanks Aislinn for offering to do this, but adds that there may be danger...)
He quietly tells the Ballista crew to calmly signal to Eluned outside that she (and Denzil) should come back to the Keep, then turns to the party and says "I'd like you lot to capture the gnome - obviously you'll need to be subtle!"

Outside the Keep, Denzil tells Eluned (in bear) that there are plenty of horse smells - but they are not very recent.
If there was a horse here just now, it did not leave any smell.

(Eluned realises that spotting tracks is a job for Walker, who is trained to do it.)

Looking back at the Keep, Eluned sees that the Ballista crew are beckoning her to return.

Aislinn tells Sir Littlejohn about the Unseen Servant in the stable, uncertain if it is capable of being questioned. She'll say, privately to the Steward and with the tiniest nod in Druid Kitty's direction, that if any further questions or accusations are to be made, it would be better not to allow anyone to do so aloud, in public.

"With the greatest respect, sir, if this Violet had more confederates, they're now aware just how much we know. I don't mean to presume... it's just... well, I've been in situations where I--where I understand thieves were able to create alibis using information spread about unwisely."

But that advice is, as the Count said, closing the barn door after the horse has bolted. Nothing to be done about it now. She turns back to Violet, then the Keep gates, and shakes her head. Even though she pretty much guessed the plan between Violet and the gnome, along with Argent Blaze still being in the stable, she's still confused.

The plan as Violet described it seems absurd--Violet and/or the Gnome thought they'd be able to simply walk the real Argent Blaze (disguised or not) out of the stable and the Keep, after everyone was already alerted to their being a horse thief around?

"I don't understand where the second horse went," she says quietly to Walker. "I understand how it was taken--there's an invisible servant in the stable, so he must have ridden it--or another similar servant, since I'm not sure how he'd have returned so quickly to hide here. But how did the horse disappear? Unless the gnome has the ability to turn things invisible himself."

She shrugs. "We must capture him to find out, I suppose. Surely the bear would be able enough to subdue him? Once Mistress Eluned returns, perhaps you might suggest that?"

Presumably no one other than Eluned knows yet that Denzil only scented the Gnome's horse, so Aislinn can't use that calculation in her mind yet.

Eluned, walking with Denzil and trying to piece together what his scent-tracking means, sees the gestures from the guards on the Keep walls but looks over her shoulder again to check on how the gnome is doing.

"Denzil, did you sniff anything off with him? I know he's probably just injured and a bit shaken. Anyway. We should head back to the Keep and tell them about the scents."

She heads back to the Keep with Denzil alongside, forgetting to ask him to wait outside, they both approach together and see the others inside.

"Hail! Count! Mistress Kitty! I have tended to the gnome. He is now well. He told of an invisible being that pulled him from his stallion but Denzil here [who, by the way, is VERY MUCH here] however cannot sense any smells of horse, other than the one pulling the cart. There are no recent tracks. If Argent Blaze rode out of here, he did not leave a trace. Have you found anything?"

Eluned's message about the mysterious horse leaving no traces is duly received.
The Count suggests that Eluned join the party inside.
Kitty prompts the Count saying "The bear Denzil could wait in the stream to the NE of the Keep - there's some fish there for him to catch!"

Count Percival nods at Aislinn. "You are right - we need to check for other conspirators - and be discreet too. Fortunately, since Violet has confessed, I can now allow spells to be cast on her to find out the whole truth."
He turns to Kitty "What Potions have you got for veracity?"
Kitty replies "I have an ESP Potion - you drink it, ask Kitty up to three questions and read her mind for complete accuracy - even if she doesn't reply."
"Excellent" says the Count. He drinks the Potion.

"Violet, name everyone involved in the plot to kidnap Argent Blaze." (The Count announces that only Violet and the gnome were involved. Violet didn't ask anyone else in the Keep to help as she believes they are all loyal to me!)
"Violet, how were you going to smuggle Argent Blaze out?" (The Count announces that Violet and Maria exercise horses daily, so taking out a 'plain brown stallion' to the gnome would happen tomorrow.)
"Violet, where did the horse that left no tracks go?" (The Count announces that Violet was told by the gnome that the horse was a spell - similar to the Invisible Stalker - and the gnome simply ended the spell. The spell leaves no trace - either of tracks or smells.)

Count Percival says " Violet, you are guilty, but you did confess. I sentence you to cleaning the Keep Privies for a week."
He turns to the party. "Very good! You have saved my precious Argent Blaze. Now we know the gnome is expecting Violet to ride out tomorrow on a brown stallion. I would like you to think up a plan to capture the gnome. Bear in mind he has used spells - and may have hidden reinfocements. Any ideas?"

Gradually the Keep returns to normal...

Ill-pleased by the use of magic to forcefully rip information out of someone's unconsenting mind--there's something unseemly and violative in it--Aislinn doesn't watch the interrogation and moves between Walker and Lydia Day.

"Mistress Day," she says quietly. "Have you fought against gnomes before?" She glances over her shoulder to see Eluned. "Between you and the bear, we've enough strength to capture him. Mistress Eluned and Master Walker provide canniness and skill too. I... I don't know what I can do. I can be a lookout, I suppose."

Aislinn scoffs to herself. It'd be amusing to use Invisibility herself to create a fake "Ghost Rider" and teach the Gnome a lesson.

Walker also looks slightly uncomfortable at the use of magic to probe someone's thoughts without consent, but turns and nods at Aislinn's plan.

"It seems that Eluned and the bear... Denzil?... have met the gnome and from what she said he should be quite grateful to us, hah! And of course he doesn't know yet that WE know of the plot, so if Lydia - Ms Day - and Eluned and Denzil were to approach him I would think he wouldn't be spooked, and then I have no doubt that they'd be able to grapple him and bring him back here to the Keep. Miss Eluned, I assume you would need to be there to instruct Denzil? I can communicate over distance with Eye but I've noticed that you talk verbally with your bear companion... so unless you plan on shouting at him across the distance to the horse box, hah, you should probably accompany him? Or could you just give him instructions and let him trust his instincts in the moment?"

To the Count he coughs slightly for his attention and then says, "Sir, I think we have enough people here to deal with Violet, and we have a plan to bring in the gnome accomplice. Do you need any other help in here? I am fairly competent at washing horses, if you would like that Argent Blaze back, hah!"

Lydia still kept her weapons out standing guard near Violet. One wrong move and it would be the last thing she did as Lydia awaited further instructions. "Even though already punished Violet might play dumber then she is, or I am overthinking it. No it can't be, I would never overthink. Violet is hiding something, she knows more then she says she does. This is all part of a global masterplan to bring them down. And I am not gonna let that happen, soon Violet will confess. If she wants to or not!" Lydia thought never stopping to think how most unlikely this is.

Aislinn chews on her lower lip and listens to Walker's comments. Lydia doesn't seem to respond to her--maybe Aislinn is too insignificant to an Ocean Barbarian? But Walker's ideas about whom the Gnome trusts give Aislinn a little shock of an idea.

"If we want to catch the Gnome unprepared," she says slowly, her gaze examining the prized horse, "We know the Gnome trusts Violet. You all could sneak up after Violet goes to meet with him, riding Argent Blaze as expected. Well, any brown horse could be disguised as him."

Aislinn absently raises her fingers to tuck some wind-tossed locks of hair behind her ears, touching the temporarily unmarked skin with the same wonder she's had all day. "And of course.... I'd be disguised as Violet."

Walker gasps slightly, not yet fully comprehending the breadth of magical ability Aislinn has. A magical wolf? An illusion of an unscarred face? A Saradoc? He's managed to fit these things into his world-view and somehow never thought that this could be used to make Aislinn look like an entirely different person.

"So, uhmhm, well, do we think the gnome out there assumes it's all going to plan? I see Eluned tended to the gnome and clearly she had no idea of what we've just found out. Eluned, the gnome is part of the plot, a scheme to steal Argent Blaze! Does he suspect you at all? Did he seem suspicious? Violet here was going to head out to meet with him, and Aislinn is thinking of ... um... being Violet, hah!" He looks a little discomforted still as he says this out loud.

Aislinn catches the slight hesitation from Walker, and a quick glance shows that he's gallantly but not entirely successfully concealing the fact that he's unnerved by something she said. She tugs at her sleeves so they stretch over her hands, a habit from traveling during colder days.

"Maybe I was too confident about that. The disguise," she adds, in a low tone hopefully not audible to Violet or the others. "I've no experience at it. Nimue told me how last night, and I already used one type of spell for... you know." She tucks her hair behind her ear near where her tattoo would be. "I don't really know how exact I'll be. I might need practice, but I can't waste the spell on tests. I suppose it should be good enough from a distance. Nimue wouldn't steer me wrong, would she?"

Aislinn sneaks another look to assess Violet. "We seem to have similar coloring. She's much more..." The girl makes a vague gesture toward her face that somehow successfully gets across her meaning of 'pretty', "--And maybe a little taller. Can I even get taller?" The sudden prospect of being taller, stronger--not so easily loomed over or physically intimidated--makes this seem like the most wondrous of all Nimue's gifts.

Not wanting to get ahead of herself, Aislinn sighs and shakes her head. "I suppose I'll find out. I'll make sure to wear a cap or cloak or something. Maybe it's in a shady area, too." What about voice? Oh! I can use ventriloquism perhaps? Or maybe not. I'll have to tally the number of spells and in what combinations I must use.

"What a lot to remember," she says, unthinkingly adding, "Keeping track of which card or die is in what sleeve, belt or bodice... that's easy in comparison." She looks up, realizing she's been nattering on like a magpie, and hurriedly asks, "Do you have any experience with gnomes? Or you, Mistress Eluned?" Aislinn raises her voice in hopes that this time the Ocean Barbarian will hear her. "Lydia Day? Have you fought gnomes before?"

Eluned reaches the party and overhears the end of this conversation, quickly picking up on the details of what has happened.

"Ok. So. I healed the gnome. I think he trusts us. Well, me at least. He doesn't know that you know the plan. We could go back out there. He met Denzil and wasn't too sure about him at first but I think it's fine now. I don't know how your illusion works, Miss Aislinn, but I would think we might not need it to be perfect. I have met this gnome already. He is expecting Violet. We just need the others to be unthreatening and further back so as not to spook him. You, I, and Denzil could approach. Between us and the others... " [Eluned's eyes flick over the barbarian and the ranger] "... we can probably subdue a gnome. We just need to keep him from running. So, what you do you say? You probably don't even need to talk. Just be there as a face he isn't going to be running away from."

Aislinn concentrates while looking at the ground, mulling over how she would react in the gnome's position. Hypothetically.

"But he'll be expecting Violet to hand off a horse they're both stealing. Anyone with her would be joining in the theft too. I'm not sure he'll accept new cohorts. A sudden swap almost always means the jig is up and someone's twigged our scheme. You don't singlehandedly change plans on your fellows or you'll be marked a--"

When her gaze moves up to meet Eluned's, then to the others, she awkwardly switches to a less experienced tone. "I just think--maybe it might need more stealth, is all," she murmurs.

Walker looks between the two, unsure.

"Well, at the moment, from what Miss Eluned says, it seems that the gnome is unsuspecting of her and her bear, and had no idea that we know of the plan. Surely if you were ... umm... disguised? ... as Violet, then you would be able to ride Argent Blaze as planned, but with Eluned alongside as she is a friend to him... get close and maybe make some story to explain... maybe... I don't know... perhaps Eluned came back to the Keep to let us know that he was ok, and told Violet to bring his horse back? So he will think that it's all still going to plan and it's just Violet and the person who just healed him, but in reality it's you, Eluned, and a bear. And the rest of us behind...? Far behind. Or in the trees."

Aislinn doesn't want to go too far into explaining her doubts--and after all, that's all they are; thieves and tricksters may play the same tune, but most change the melody to suit the situation. And it isn't my horse, besides, she thinks pragmatically.

She has little fear that a single Gnome poses a great threat, as the others seem confident--perhaps due to their experience. Well, their possible experience. Her party members clearly wish to keep whatever knowledge they have about Gnomes' fighting capabilities to themselves. They all must have their reasons for avoiding Aislinn's repeated questions, and if Aislinn respects anything it's the preciousness of a secret.

"Yes, of course, sir; mistress," she says with hasty, dutiful nods to Walker and Eluned. "I'll follow through however you think best."

"Well, hah! You are the star of this show I suppose!" Walker says, still clearly a little off-kilter with the idea of Aislinn becoming an entirely different person. "Umm. Will... will Violet here see you change? Does you being her affect her at all? I don't know how this works, hah! It's not like you are taking anything from her, no? Umm.

"So, plan. You .... do your thing... and then, umm... well, I guess you and Eluned ... and the bear... head out with the horse. You get to the gnome, pretend everything is going as planned, and then when he is accepting the horse we can all attack and subdue him. I suppose Lydia and I could be further back just pretending to be normal people. - Sorry Lydia, not saying you're not normal, hah! - and we can rush in if you are having problems. I'll have Eye in the sky (hah!) to be watching to see if it's going badly. From what Eluned says it seems like the gnome is here to pick up the goods, so to speak, not to fight, so I don't think you'd have a problem bringing him in, but it would be best to have Lydia and I, and Eye in the sky (hah!) to be ready in case he's ... feisty.


"... Oh. Can you ride? Or are you good with horses?"

Walker looks to Aislinn realising that there might be a flaw in the plan.

Aislinn stares stupidly at Walker, realizing she's not sure of the answer. She doesn't think she would have volunteered so quickly, so instinctively, if she's never been on a horse. True, she wanted to so very much when she first saw Argent Blaze. Maybe that was the simple source of her choice to offer to ride whichever horse gets disguised as the steed.

The truth is, if she has ridden, it's not in her conscious memory. Except a vague impression of looking up at a horse seemingly the size of the Lake Ness monster. Aislinn must have been very small indeed.

"I'm sure I can do well enough," she says without any true sureness at all. "I've little way to go, anyway. Or... or I could always just walk and lead the horse on the path, if that's not... suspicious. Argent Blaze is likely known to be barely ridable by anyone other than the King."

Count Percival nods happily and says he will leave the party to deal with the gnome horse thief tomorrow.
He promises that the Keep will act as normal - i.e. as if Violet's plan had actually succeeded. That should allay any suspicion the villain may have.
Sir Littlejohn adds that the Ballista team will stay alert - if things go really badly, the party are welcome to run back to the Keep and the Ballista crew will fire upon any pursuers.

Violet is gently led away and Keep folk return to their duties.

Whenever they return to the castle and Aislinn can find any available reflective surface, she will make a worried inspection of her face, hoping the spell hiding her tattoo is still intact. Assuming it is, she'll follow the party through the evening in whatever they do.