Mas Bagus

Absolved Will Be the Saviors

"Going to Katwiz did not strike me as a sound option. Given it's a major town, and that as you said, has the possibility of being under the red stripes' control, picking Katwiz as our next destination seemed rather reckless. We have an injured person for one, which would be a liability should we end up in a fight. That said, you are also correct that looking around in the dark for where the Red Stripes' enemy may be also seems to be a fool's errand...So, why not attempt to go back to Dragon's Maw? As I've said, our mission was to bring back Paladin Thomas and his entourage. We found the group dead at their base camp, and now we have confirmation that Paladin Thomas was also dead. Why exactly are we remaining in this land rather than making our reports and awaiting further orders?"

@Randomguy

Truth be told, Carmen did not expect someone would oppose his plan. So when Carnathia expressed her doubt, it added up to his building agitation. He felt like his devotion was being attacked. "Because I do not believe it until I see him myself," he answered, clinging to a fragile compassion to remain composed.

“I didn’t want to ask at the time because we were still recuperating, but are you saying that this Thomas person we’re looking for is dead?” asked Osric.

"That Redstripes scoundrel from the camp, said so." a scowl escaped him, and he reached for a shield hung on his back. No doubt it once belonged to Thomas himself, and he wasn't delusional enough to eliminate the worst possibility. Part of him might have already accepted this possibility but was unable to find the justification.

He looked at Carnathia searchingly. Her question demanded a justification, why not retreat to Dragon's Maw? Why were they still here?
The light from the fire camp washed on his face, there was silence for a moment, but only a few would notice another fire flickering in their Captain's eyes.

"There is still a hope that Thomas is still alive, and I don't want to abandon that hope. I can feel it. Even if he dies, I want to know why." Slowly the anger started to seep into his voice."We are more than capable of infiltrating this region. And if our concern is our wounds, then there was no better place to head to than a nearby town. It is I believe, a better option than risking weeks going back to Dragon's Maw."

The sternness in his demeanor told one important thing the Captain did not say. A zeal that turns into a determination to seek retribution. He wanted to make them pay.

"Orders aren't worth following if it means leaving people to die, Senorita Carnathia. And from whose that order you mentioned came from but from a misanthrope elf that knows nothing of our values?! Why should I follow that?! To lay down my arms and leave after they murdered my brethren?"

Carmen stared at Carnathia with a hidden disdain. The situation was heating up, but before anyone could throw another argument Osric intervened, not a moment too soon, really.

“I think before we do anything, lets at least finish patching ourselves up. Even in the fire light, I can see that apple on your head, Carmen. To take a ball to the skull like that, you’re lucky it didn’t knock your head off. That Lynx girl seems to be healing in that, um, ice block of hers. With her in that state, we’re not really going anywhere anyway until she thaws herself out. Lets give it the night and discuss it again in the morning.”

To that, Carmen nodded. He had been enduring the pain, and there was a truth that it muddled his judgment. But was it? The wound was caused by the enemy, and he embraced the pain as the fuel to plan his next move. Retreating back to his corner, Carmen was quickly on a deep thought regarding what he just said.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"And whether we like it or not, we might need to watch each other's backs out there."

"Oh, I am sure we can count on each other," Sonia said earnestly. "But I wouldn't put my hopes high. It has been weeks since this Lady's disappearance, and so far the clues are... limited at best." inching her seat a bit closer to Kaelara, Sonia then continued.

"I've been a hunter for years. And I tell you if the plan is to go into that ruins and rescue that Lady, my assessment tells me there are four possible outcomes in this. One, the Lady's dead, and her remains were eaten by a beast. Two, she has been ferried away outside this region, and lastly, she was somewhat spirited away to God-knows-where. Like those missing men."

Sonia raised her hands to make a spooky gesture. If anything, to ease up Kaelera's stiff demeanor.

"Yeah, of course, the last possibility is we found her in that ruins, malnourished but alive."

She knew those weren't exactly an optimistic observation, but Sonia wasn't one to keep things in her chest, and she would be more than happy to hear someone having a similar thought. "And one more thing, shouldn't we be curious about our rewards if, by the end of this quest, the Lady is found but as skeletal remains? Hmmm? Feels like a gamble, no? And where the heck is the Duke? Shouldn't he be here? It's his daughter's life on the line."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"Feels like our little village has become the focus of attention lately… albeit for the wrong reasons. I do hope you all find the poor missing Lady…"

Sonia chuckled, but her voice was not as enthusiastic as before. "We hope so too, Master Innkeeper, we hope so too.."

Despite the innkeeper's offering, Sonia decided not to poke him with any questions and instead let Kaelara inquire instead. Although he seemed to be easing up now, God knows the Poor fellow might be unable to handle multiple questions at once, thus she wouldn't risk a breakdown in communication.

So Sonia would sit tight and listen. And why not enjoy the food when she was at it?

When she was about to take a spoonful of warm stew, the adventurer next to her introduced herself out of the blue.

"I'm Kaelara Ashwyn"

"Oh yes... yes, you are the Gal earlier." The demoness managed, unfazed by the sudden but rather anemic gesture. She could respect someone who thoroughly felt the tedium of introducing oneself to five different people within two hours, so she too should be brief with her replies. "Sonia is the name. A hunter."

Both women seemed to share a silent agreement that for now knowing each other names should be enough for pleasantries and it allowed a room for the innkeeper to continue his account. Sonia listened intently, and while she was chewing a piece of bread, there came a revelation that there was a knight apparently, heh, of course, there would be, the question was...

"Don't you think it was strange that the captain found the Lady's personal effects but none whatsoever about the knight?" murmured Sonia "Heck, he didn't even mention anything about it. I ain't one to badmouth my employer, but considering we are the replacement of that Captain's missing men, I'd take this job with a bit more precaution."

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"Th-thank you for your patronage, we hope you enjoy your food and stay!"

"You're welcome." when the bartender bowed, Sonia looked around to appreciate the cozy simplicity, the smell of old wood, and the delightful aroma from the kitchen. When her attention was on the stammering bartender again, she tried to offer a smile to ease his nervousness, because it seemed generous tipping wasn't enough...

"A lovely inn you have here, yes?" Sonia began after the bartender handed her order to the kitchen staff, her red eyes watched his every movement, (especially when he pocketed the money), yet her voice was still friendly and assuring. "How has business been lately?-- Good, I presume?"

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"U-uh… erm… y-yes! A vacant room–w-we have! Th-That'll be fifteen coppers for the night, please!"

Fifteen coppers was indeed a good bargain, even in a rural place like this. Smiling back at him, Sonia opened her purse and merrily counted her coins. "Fiveteen coppers for the room," she said, before placing an additional twelve pieces. "And here, for venison stew, mead, and a loaf of bread. Keep the change!"

Letting the innkeeper count her payments, Sonia turned to the other patrons, realizing the curiosity she had drawn for herself. A smile and regards were delivered, but from where she was sitting, the receptions were mixed at best. Not her fault, Sonia thought.

"So where is that bearded fellow Robert?" She asked when Engie removed her headwear, drawing some more onlookers' attention to them.

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

Another newcomer joined, and Sonia was slightly taken aback by how the conversation developed. Truth to be told she had not much to say about the logging business, and felt a bit relieved that this fellow commented on Robert's merchandise.

Shifting her attention to something else, the demoness glanced at a metal signboard hung in front of a large wooden building not far. It reads Whistling Reed.

The men were still chatting, and Sonia did not interrupt until the newcomer introduced himself and then directed the question to Sonia.

"And you as well, ma'am."

"Sonia Al-Hathya. Glad to meet you."

After some nodding, this fellow named Arthur excused himself to head toward the town hall. Considering that there would be better circumstances to exchange pleasantries, Sonia said nothing and turned to wave her hand.

They stood at the inn's entrance now, and the first thing that caught her attention was that redhead adventurer leaning on the counter and chatting with the bartender. Instinctively Sonia entered the establishment and looked around as she walked, and noticing that they too looked at her like there was something odd about her presentation. Sonia had grown accustomed to it and paid the ogling gentlemen no heed. For what was worth, this was... a human civilization; it was funny how years working in the wilderness could make a trip to an inn a fascinating experience.

Sitting on one of the stools at the counter next to the redhead. Sonia waited until there was a pause in their seemingly important conversation. The adventurer girl had made some initiative it seemed. Sonia heard her asking about the missing Lady.

"Good day!" the hunter said, trying not to intrude too abruptly. "Any vacant room left?"

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"Well thank you," said Sonia, taking the first step out of the building. Meanwhile, Jean continued behind her.

“Any specialties, no I can’t say they have any. It sort of changes by the day. I saw some deer hanging near by, so we could probably expect some venison tonight. It ought to be pretty good. There is plenty to forage around after all."

The young demoness nodded, her eyes surveying the road, and found that inn's description to be quintessential to the town's general look. It promotes the kind of feeling of not expecting much, or less. And she finds that acceptable enough.

“I’m sorry if my answer isn’t all that solid. This is actually my first time being out here, and with how far out it was even from the neighboring village, I think it’s safe to say this isn’t really much of a tourist town.”

"No it's fine," she said, putting aside a thought about venison stew to the back of her mind. A moment later, the bearded lumberjack somehow managed to catch up with them, and he immediately offered to share his knowledge.

"Master Bayard is decent man. His son is a bit younger than I am, and settling in about as well as you'd expect. Still a bit timid though. Their inn is clean, and they don't overcharge. This far out, the food they serve is at the mercy of what's available. It's pretty much the same for my family back home. I understand that some people are accustomed to having more choices more towards the larger cities, but out here, seasonal dishes are the most common. Theo does a better job cooking than I ever will, at least... .. It wont get you a better price, but if you want to make his day, tell him he did a good job."

Ah, gotcha! Master Bayard seemed to be the name of the owner of that inn. Sonia quickly noticed that the man had a slightly more balanced assessment of the town and its surroundings, as expected of a regular. Sonia did not know his name, but he was one of the vocal ones he managed to persuade the captain to go into details about their preparations. Not that it was an urgent matter for Sonia, but she genuinely appreciated his thoughtfulness.

"Clean, fairly priced, and the food, hmmm... sounds good from what I heard. Certainly beats camping in the wilderness."

Sonia still felt a bit disappointed that there were no pre-arranged accommodations from their gracious ruler, but she did not show it. Meanwhile, the lumberjack continued.

"This time of year, they might have mushrooms. If they do, consider yourself lucky. They don't keep long, and are only available for a short time every year. ...They tend to have that this run... Probably soup. They have a decent enough sweet ale, but the beer tends to be a bit too heavy on the bitters. Not terrible though. I think it's a regional taste. That, or they need it to last longer. Hard to say, I never asked."

"Seems like a cozy place to hang out," Sonia responded, looking at her left and right. "Probably the only place one could find some amusement in this peaceful town. Makes me wonder if perhaps the Lady we are looking for is kinda fed up with the idyllic air of her hometown and then risked an adventure for some thrills and giggles."

Walked aside to avoid muddy patches on the road. Sonia turned to the lumberman again, for a moment, she considered calling this man a 'sir', but upon a closer look, beyond that bushy beard, he might not be that much older than them. "I'm Sonia Al Hathya. A hunter by trade. What do they call you around these parts anyway?"

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

“Wait, so you were being serious about having explosives?”

Sonia silently sniffed the air and whispered 'yes' to no one in particular. Whatever that meant, the demoness masked it with genuine affability as she turned at Engie and spoke.

"Regardless, feel free to tag along if you feel so inclined."

As cautious as she may, Sonia was not one to enforce anything on someone, and Jean's assessment had a slight merit to it. Still, she expects a certain degree of thoughtfulness from this girl. At least inform the barkeep of her luggage so the correct precaution can be taken.

Sonia turned to Jean again gesturing him to take the lead and start moving. "You seem like a regular around here. Are there any specialties in that inn you can recommend? Well, let's not tarry any longer, shall we? Tell me about this place while we go there."

@Randomness@Soldat Elf

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

"It is zarcasm. Anyvay, zoze Hexbloziffes do not haffe fuzes yet. Zo it is fine, as like ein candle vizout fire nearpy." Engie said to her fellow party members nearby.

Sonia had been on the road long enough but this bubbly princess in front of her was one heck of a specimen. In hindsight, she looked like a wayward noble girl whose smartness encompasses many things but lacks it in the common sense department. Sonia noticed that when she explained the nature of her words earlier; a sarcasm, she said. And suffice to say Sonia wasn't impressed by the girl's explanation.

Still, she intently listened to her, until the point when Engie changed the topic by offering her a room to share.

"Zince zee ozer voman had peen left Halready...

"Miss Engie," Sonia said, discarding her trademark friendliness and swapping it with blunt assertiveness. "I'd like to accept your offer, but as it stands now it seems you intend to bring explosive ordnances into a public lodging establishment without any surety but your words only. Hence, for now, I would say no, and I'd greatly appreciate it if you would pay more attention to your accouterments and ensure they are stored safely, handled responsibly, and informed to nearby authorities. Danke schön."

Giving the girl an enigmatic smile, the demoness turned to Jean and added teasingly. "But, what about master Jean? Why not invite him instead?"

Through a Wayward Glimmer -- to a Faraway Place [Closed]

Sonia waved a hand at the blonde girl. "Sonia Alhathya here, pleased to meet you."

Sonia studied the girl, her features, her accent, and the luggage she brought with her. The latter caught her attention more, and the recollection of the girl declaring the potential explosion brought a ripple of concern.

When the girl was starting to act bothered by her brief but intense scrutiny, the young demoness spoke. "I believe if your equipment is as dangerous as you described, I'd rather have it here than the inn. Or better, somewhere far away from other people." Sonia was still smiling when she said that, and her tone was warm. A perfect gesture of friendliness for the onlookers, but for those gazed by her red-slitted eyes, the glare flashed a crystal-clear message. "Don't you agree?"
@Randomness @Soldat Elf
_____

On the other corner of the hall, Sonia heard the bearded timberman discussing with the old swordsman about his findings and the result of his parlay with the captain. Suffice to say, he brought some interesting information; that the town had a Herbalist who might know more, that the captain promised 3 days' worth of supplies for them, and his suspicion of the captain not being thoroughly honest with them.

After her business in the inn is done, she will check this herbalist as well. Sonia might had a thing in her purse to make their interview more productive. @wierdw