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[Mahumia]

Bartha had found some logs at the forest’s edge. Nonetheless, she didn’t feel like returning to the rest just yet. She glanced in the direction of the farmhouse and felt like she was back in her teenage years. Overall she was quite confident, but the contrary was true when it came to courting. Usually it went better when there was alcohol involved  - lots of it. And at the moment, she was seriously craving for a stiff drink. If everyone was about to make love to each other, she’d settle with making love to a bottle of booze… as usual. There should be some stock in that farmhouse somewhere, right? Drowning herself in self-pity would not help at all, she was quite aware of that… but she preferred getting a hangover over constantly getting pushed into her face that no one was interested in her. She grabbed the logs, hauled them over her shoulder and started to make her way back to the farm. The logs were heavy and stressing on her shoulder… that was alright. She glanced at the group: Beldin and Tessa were gone, and both the male Dalish and Laurelin as Etienne and Tempest were preoccupied. Good, no one was paying attention to her. She made her way to the chopping block, where she dropped the logs to the ground.

 

After placing one log on the block, she pulled the axe out of the block. She took a moment to inspect the tool. Apparently it had had better days, as it was bearing heavy marks of use, but it would do its job. With an overhead motion she brought the axe down to the log, cleaving it.

She wasn’t quite expecting anyone to be interested in a lasting relationship, but she was hoping for a tumble every now and then. But obviously, dwarves were never someone’s first choice. She recalled Beldins comment about wanting to get to know her better, before scurrying of to the bath tub. No, she didn’t blame him. There were better options available, after all. And at least he tried to reject her in a friendly matter. She wiped her forehead before turning the wood on the block, allowing her to quarter it. It was on moments like this that she missed Elias most. Of course, he wouldn’t have chosen for her either, but at least he had managed to make her feel… accepted. And he made her forget that she was different. Of course, she was technically a dwarf, but she didn’t really feel like one. She’d spend most of her life amongst humans, and therefore somehow felt more attracted to them. It caused her to end up somewhere in the middle of nowhere between the life of a dwarf and the life of a human. She’d learned to just live with it, and take life as it comes.  But she remembered how torn she had been during her teenage years: no stone sense, but no connection to what humans called ‘the fade’ either. She had really no clue what would happen to her when she would come to pass on one day: the Stone wouldn’t accept her, but neither would the fade.

 

Satisfied with the size of the cut blocks,  she moved on to the next log. Perhaps that was why she and Elias could get along so well, in hindsight. As a mage, he probably didn’t ‘fit’ either. But she’d never known that secret about him, not until he and his family had disappeared. She wondered if she would have crossed his mind since then. On the few occasions that their family would pass lake Calenhad on the north side, she’d stare at the tower in the distance. Wondering if he was there and what he would be doing. A few times she’d considered to try and swim to it, so she could pay him a visit. Etienne had confirmed that he was alive and indeed in the White Spire. When this was over, she should actually do that: go to the tower. Maybe he wouldn’t want to see her, but she would have at least tried to see the one true friend she once had. 

[ChachiBobinks]

"It might've been better her for her if she was a mage," Tempest said, her voice still quiet but with a hard edge. There was an anger there... but it was clearly not directed toward Etienne.

 

"They told me that they would find her a nice family. Good Andrastians who would raise her right. They said she would be better off without me. It was a lie. It was a horrible lie. She wasn't better off. It was... awful... for her."

 

Tempest inhaled a deep breath, and forced the moment of emotion she'd allowed to animate her to recede.

 

"If she was a mage, she would have been at the Circle and maybe I could have protected her. But for some reason that was not the Maker's will. I am grateful for the time I have with all three of my children. I just wish I could have spared them the pain they suffered."

 

Her anger brought his brow up and his mouth opened wordlessly. She had a point - had she been a mage, she'd have been sent to the Circle, but he knew from his own experience that there was no guarantee that they'd end up in the same place. His parents had padded the pockets of every Chantry official they could find until he had been moved from the White Spire to Kinloch, joining his sister. It was no easy task at all.

 

Nodding slowly, he turned his gaze back to the spar. "No child is better off without their parents," he said quickly, before he could stop himself. It wasn't within his nature to say anything contrary to the beliefs of the Chantry and Circle. But time spent outside of the Chantry's grasp was giving him the opportunity to think on his own. "And they have you now. It's unfortunate they did not before, but... you are good to them. And they have you now."

 

His lips twisted as he drew himself up from the bench. "I hate to depart so quickly, serah Tempest, but I ask that we continue this discussion later."

 

(Etienne done so Ruth can bomb drop XD)

[TreeHuggerHannah]

It wasn't that Cara didn't have her parents, Tempest thought wryly to herself. It was that she had one and not the other, and it was the wrong one. That was how Cara got hurt.

 

She was a little startled by Etienne's hasty departure, and was worried she'd offended him somehow - that perhaps by speaking of her own experiences, she had somehow invalidated his own experiences or beliefs. She told herself she was being paranoid, though. More likely she'd simply bored him by talking too much about herself. Or perhaps it had nothing to do with her, and he had some task awaiting him... or he was desperate to spend more time with Rael.

 

It didn't matter, really. She had tasks she should be tending to as well, rather than spending her time chattering. It had been a little while since she'd checked on Eshara; now that the Dalish woman was feeling a bit better, Tempest didn't want to make her uncomfortable by hovering, but it would do to at least look in on her.

 

"Of course, serah," Tempest said. "Until later, then."

 

She wasn't sure if Etienne really did want to continue the discussion later or was just being polite, but she wouldn't put him on the spot. If he wanted to talk at some future point, she wouldn't be hard to find. If not, she'd drop the subject here.

[berelinde]

Plot Post: Nightfall

 

The last crimson glow of sunset faded from the western windows when the door slammed open and three human males entered the kitchen. Torchlight on the porch suggested that more waited outside. One of the men, all would recognize: Coalan, Vintiver's blacksmith. He was dressed as he was the first time you saw him, in rough woolen tunic and a stained leather apron, but unlike the last time, he now carried an enormous maul. Another wore chainmail, with a sword at his belt and a shield on his back. Beldin and Rael would recognize him as Tarl Dale, the village warden (mayor), a former soldier and one-time adventurer. He was a handsome man in his mid 40s, with short, iron grey hair and direct, steel grey eyes. None of you knew the third, but he was unarmed, dressed in homespun, and was visibly upset.

 

"Good evening," Tarl Dale said as he made his way to the hearth. He sniffed the stew bubbling on the fire, and nodded with appreciation at the good smells issuing from the pot "Delicious, I'm sure, but was the inn not to your satisfaction?"

 

He stirred the stew, replaced the lid, and straightened, his thumbs looped in his belt. 

 

"We passed by this way not an hour ago, as we drove the Fuldors' livestock back to the village," he explained. "It struck Harald here as odd that there should be smoke in the chimney -"

 

"Seeing as how it's my house," the third interrupted.

 

"As you can imagine, Harald was quite surprised," he went on as if Harald had not spoken, "and he asked that we should return and find out who had taken up residence. I had not expected to find you here. I have not yet met some of you. I am Tarl Dale, warden of Vintiver."

 

"Tarl, is that you?" said a weak voice from the doorway behind you. Eshara is out of bed, and all but tumbled into the room. The warden sprang forward to take her elbow and help her to a seat on the hearth.

 

"Maker's breath, Eshara!" he cried, cradling her chin in his hands and examining her face in the firelight. "What happened to you! Why didn't you send to me for help?"

 

"We were attacked in the forest," she said. "My whole clan was taken. I was coming to warn you."

 

"A likely story!" Coalan harrumphed. "She's lying! She's just trying to get you off your guard."

 

Tarl sat beside Eshara and put his arm around her to support her. She laid her head wearily against his chest and seemed to drift off for a moment.

 

"Don't be daft!" the warden snapped. "She's sick, injured. She won't hurt me or anyone, and that's a fine way to speak of the woman who healed your arm when you burned it three years ago."

 

"Bah!" Coalan spat. "She was hiding her evil nature. They all were. They were tricking us into accepting them, only to stab us in the back!"

 

"String her up, I say!" Harald the homeowner agreed, looking daggers at Laurelin and Mercuriel. "You can't trust any of them!"

 

Tarl Dale stood, surrendering Eshara to the care of Laurelin and Rael who were standing nearby and walked forward to stand before Coalan, his hands on his hips. Coalan was the larger man by a wide margin, but something about the warden's stance suggested that even without the sword, he would be more than a match for the blacksmith.

 

"Are you going to fight me, Coalan?" he demanded. "Because if you intend to harm this woman, you're going to have to kill me. Is that what you want to do?"

 

Coalan slumped, defeated.

 

"N- no, my lord," he said.

 

"But there will be a trial?" Harald asked. "She and her kind must all pay for what they've done!"

 

"There will be no trial," Tarl said. "Neither she nor her people have done anything wrong. You heard yourself that her own people have come under attack."

 

"It's a lie!" Coalan and Harald protested.

 

"That's enough," Tarl said with an air of finality. "Eshara is under my protection, and any attack against her is an attack against me. Do I make myself clear?"

 

The other two men nodded reluctant assent, and made no move to stop him as he stooped beside Eshara once again.

 

"Will you come with me back to my house?" he asked her gently. "I can protect you better there than here."

 

Eshara stirred and spoke, her voice audible, but faint, "I was trying to reach you anyway, so yes, I will go, but what of my friends? I was almost dead when they found me, and it's only because of them that I'm speaking to you now."

 

"Then they are welcome in my home as well," he said and turned to face you. "Most heartily welcome, as any friends of Eshara's would be. Please, come back to Vintiver with me, and see for yourself that your charge is safe and well cared for."

 

He lowered his voice and addressed Mercuriel directly, probably because he was the only Dalish present with a sword on his back.

 

"I swear upon my life that Eshara will come to no harm in my care," he said. "Even if Vintiver did not owe a debt to her clan for many years of friendship, she is dear to me, and I can leave her to neither the dangers of the forest nor the dangers of the village. Please come with me, I beg you. My manor is secure, and we'll all be safe enough once we're there, but it's half a mile away. I do not fear for my own sake, but should the others turn on me, your blades will protect her. And you may find that my house offers better hospitality than Harald's, as long as you have need of it."

 

Tarl Dale's arrival...

Spoiler

Sorry, Bartha, I tried to put you front and center in the first group shot, but you kind of got masked by Tarl.

 

But maybe you won't mind. If you have to look somewhere, there are worse things to look at.

Spoiler

{You are free to refuse to accompany Tarl back to Vintiver, of course, but you would probably not depart before morning in any case. Tempest has the map Eshara drew, by the way. If you do decide to go back to Vintiver, you will have all night to explore his mansion, engage in role-playing, resupply, visit the tavern (although another influx of families from outlying farms has filled every bed), or cause trouble in the village. I'm going to assume that the party is heading out into the forest in the morning, so the next official story-moving plot post will occur then regardless of your decision. Should anyone choose to interact with NPCs (Tarl Dale, Eshara, Vintiver villagers), I'll post their parts, obviously.}

[Mahumia]

Slowly Bartha removed her hands from the hilts of her daggers and started to relax a bit. For some moments, she was sure that it would turn out in a fight.

 

She eyed Tarl: 'Not bad... not bad at all. It doesn't hurt the eye to look at that one.' His offer sounded very appealing to her anyway, as she didn't want to stay at that farmhouse in the first place. And well... it would be a bit awkward to stay here camping, whilst the owner had just shown up. Speaking of which... she turned towards the homeowner. "Messere, would you have a moment for me?"

[mysteriouspast]

Rael supported Eshara with her arm and looked over her head at Laurelin. "I think the warden to be sincere. I've met him before and he's always seemed the reasonable, honest sort." She looked back at Eshara who seemed weak, but much better than she had the day before. "She'll likely be more comfortable there anyway."

 

She subtly eyed the two men who were calling for Eshara's murder only moments ago. "I'd rather stay with her and go to Dale's place in Vintiver. I like not the looks of these men and I think they mean to try to get at her again."

[BFace]

"String her up, I say!" Harald the homeowner agreed, looking daggers at Laurelin and Mercuriel. "You can't trust any of them!"

 

At this, Tessa drew herself up and prayed silently to the Maker that she not have to kill a man in his own home. Then she stepped quietly, but purposefully, in front of Laurelin and Mercuriel and crossed her arms.

 

As Vintiver’s Warden spoke, Tess begrudgingly began to relax, although when Eshara stumbled out, she almost reached for her weapon before seeing that Warden Tarl was a reasonable man.

 

When he’d finished his plea to the assembled group, Tessa looked around at her companions.

 

They obviously couldn’t stay here any longer. But how safe would they be going back into Vintiver?

 

As Bartha spoke to the man whose home they stood in, Tessa relaxed a little. To take him out of the talking here seemed like it might cool his temper some.

 

Then as Rael spoke, Tessa listened to her before nodding at her. She turned to the Warden then.

 

“Warden Tarl, I’m thankful that you vouch for Eshara’s safety, but you’ll have noticed that she isn’t the only Dalish with us. And when people are angry and lookin’ for violence, are they going to notice that the other elves with us aren’t Dalish? Can you vouch for them as well?”

[TreeHuggerHannah]

After Etienne had taken his leave, Tempest returned to the sickroom to tend to any of Eshara's needs that her companions had not yet seen to. When she was satisfied that Eshara was as well as possible under the circumstances, she turned her attention to tidying up the room, not wanting to leave a mess.

 

She didn't see the men approaching the house, but she did hear the slam of the door and the sound of raised voices. Tempest made her way to the door of the room, following Eshara, Laurelin, and Rael.

 

When the newcomers had finished speaking, Tempest said, "I think it would be wise for us to go with the warden. I trust to his honor that none of us will come to harm if he can prevent it, and we have prevailed upon this farmstead's hospitality long enough."

 

She turned to Harald. "I apologize for how we have inconvenienced you, messere," she said. The form of address was deliberate; they were in his house, after all. "We believed that this farmstead would be abandoned for some time to come, and did not intend to do you any harm. We merely wished to help this poor woman. I am by no means wealthy and cannot do much, but perhaps I might offer you a small amount of coin as a token gesture to repay the stress we have caused you?" 

 

It wasn't that Tempest was indifferent to how Harald had just spoken of Eshara. Wanting to hang the Dalish woman for no reason was, of course, a horrifically brutal suggestion. On the other hand, she could imagine how Harald himself felt - frightened and cornered by unknown dangers, and perhaps even violated by finding strangers in his house. Tempest hoped that by showing a little empathy, she might be able to mend things in some small way with Harald also.

[ChachiBobinks]

Etienne had been sitting in the great room, diligently studying a book on potions, when the door flew open. He closed his book quietly and set it aside, eyes watching the men with the slightest tinge of danger in his gaze. When they threatened not only Eshara, but reacted to the Dalish among them as well, he flew to his feet. His hand grasped his wand, which he kept tucked into his sleeve for safe keeping, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. They all wore boots that were larger than the young mage, but he wasn't intimidated. 

 

He was glad, however, that Tarl Dale seemed to be an ally. However... how did that put Eshara at the farm to be attacked? And why hadn't he been looking for her? If she was so special to him, he would have been on a search party, not a cattle drive. 

 

Thumb running against the decorated jewels adoring the handle of his wand, Etienne relaxed, but only the slightest bit. 

 

"Your friend's reactions are enough to tell us how safe our friends will be," Etienne added, nodding to Tessa. His voice had taken on an Orlesian drawl they'd not heard him use before. He felt that at least two of the three would be a menace (if not a complete danger) to them while the other left him extremely questionable. Maker bless the soul who even thought to hurt a single one of them, better yet the Dalish. Better yet any of them at all. 

[Brian ofthe Dialogue Wheel]

Sarel had been kneeling down, feeding Fen'Harel when the doors slammed open behind his back. He quickly stood, seeing three humans come in. As they interacted, more and more Sarel could feel the tingle of magic at the back of his mind, the tips of his fingers, and behind his eyes. Still, though, he saw those gathered who moved to protect the Dalish, and would mark them forever as allies. He liked the words the Warden said, but also considered those he kept the company of, at least at the moment, a sign to not blindly trust him. 

Sarel lifted his staff a couple of inches of the ground to be ready, and moved closer to Rael and Etienne. Etienne had been brave enough to stand against them, and Rael was an ally.

[berelinde]

...Speaking of which... she turned towards the homeowner. "Messere, would you have a moment for me?"

The man in homespun shuffled his feet and crossed his arms across his chest, but his hands were balled into fists, and the jut of his chin suggested that he was far from mollified.

 

"Aye," he said, "I've a moment for ye, even as ye stand, eating my meat and supping my beer."

 

Tarl Dale sighed in exasperation and turned toward Harald.

 

"Meat and beer which you left for whomever should come across them," he said. "Meat and beer which Owen and his kin do without, so that you and your family may not while you shelter with them. I'll pay you for what they ate, Harald, but don't pretend you didn't hoard it out of greed. You stay with a family much poorer than you are."

 

Harald did not back down.

 

"I'll not strike ye, warden," he said, "and I'll heed yer command about the harlot while she's under yer roof, but it's my right to say who takes shelter at my hearth, and it's my right to share my harvest as I see fit."

 

Tarl's hand seemed not to move, but the smack resounded through the kitchen, and Harald staggered backward, massaging his jaw.

 

"Would you kiss your daughter with that mouth?" he said. "I invite these people into my home. Disrespect them, and you disrespect me, and my memory is long, Harald One-Field. Or did you think I would not notice the fine crop of pumpkins you left for the frost south of the fence line?"

 

"Anyway," Harald said after a pause, "you wanted to talk, miss?"

 

 

Rael supported Eshara with her arm and looked over her head at Laurelin. "I think the warden to be sincere. I've met him before and he's always seemed the reasonable, honest sort." She looked back at Eshara who seemed weak, but much better than she had the day before. "She'll likely be more comfortable there anyway."

 

She subtly eyed the two men who were calling for Eshara's murder only moments ago. "I'd rather stay with her and go to Dale's place in Vintiver. I like not the looks of these men and I think they mean to try to get at her again."

 

"Tarl Dale is a trusted friend of my clan," Eshara said, turning her luminous green eyes on Rael. "He knows us almost as well as we know ourselves, and your trust in him is not misplaced, but I do not fear the villagers. They are frightened and they are angry, but once this conflict is resolved, they will remember our truce, and they will remember the many happy years we walked in peace."

 

 

“Warden Tarl, I’m thankful that you vouch for Eshara’s safety, but you’ll have noticed that she isn’t the only Dalish with us. And when people are angry and lookin’ for violence, are they going to notice that the other elves with us aren’t Dalish? Can you vouch for them as well?”

Warden Tarl Dale nodded at her, his eyes reflecting both comprehension and respect.

 

"I can, and I will," he said. "My home is a sanctuary. In times of peace, I shelter merchants, traders, and emissaries too poor or too controversial to find welcome at the inn. In times of conflict, I open my doors to all who deserve protection, and my people respect my judgment. Please trust in me now when I say that any harm visited upon the elves among you - Dalish or city-born alike - will be visited upon the perpetrator seven-fold. Vintiver has long been a haven for those seeking shelter from the forest and the highway, and I will not see her reputation besmirched for the sake of a passing grudge."

 

He smiled at Rael, the hard lines of his face softening into gentleness.

 

"Hard times make us savage, but that is not our wont," he said. "Elves of Denerim, Amaranthine, and Gwaren find shelter here, and fair pay for honest work. We are too few to turn any good workers away, and too proud to belittle the labors of those we take in."

 

His gaze turned to Eshara, and his voice grew bitter, though no less gentle.

 

"As for the Dalish," he said, "there will always be barriers between our people, and duty places its demands upon us all, but I will not allow the ancient treaties to be forgotten, nor will I allow ties of love or honor to be forgotten."

 

He cleared his throat.

 

"Although, if you do accept my offer," he said, "I recommend remaining within doors. No man, woman, or child of Vintiver will violate the sanctuary of my manor, but I cannot promise that you may walk safely past the perimeter after dark, be you human, elf, or dwarf. The evil that afflicts us cares nothing for race, it seems."

 

 

She turned to Harald. "I apologize for how we have inconvenienced you, messere," she said. The form of address was deliberate; they were in his house, after all. "We believed that this farmstead would be abandoned for some time to come, and did not intend to do you any harm. We merely wished to help this poor woman. I am by no means wealthy and cannot do much, but perhaps I might offer you a small amount of coin as a token gesture to repay the stress we have caused you?" 

Tempest addressed Harald, but it was Tarl who answered.

 

"Please, my lady," he said. "From the moment you considered my offer of hospitality, you became my guest. Let me make reparation to Harald and his family. It is a pittance, and my tenant has long wanted a hand in my coffers. It will give satisfaction to us both, I think."

 

Harald listened with rapt attention. His cheeks flushed, but his head bobbed from side to side in an unequivocal "well, he has a point" gesture.

 

"So long as I get my coin," he said.

 

 

"Your friend's reactions are enough to tell us how safe our friends will be," Etienne added, nodding to Tessa. His voice had taken on an Orlesian drawl they'd not heard him use before. He felt that at least two of the three would be a menace (if not a complete danger) to them while the other left him extremely questionable. Maker bless the soul who even thought to hurt a single one of them, better yet the Dalish. Better yet any of them at all. 

Tarl Dale's eyes narrowed at the threat in Etienne's voice as he regarded the young man as if he were taking his measure.

 

"That is one reason I ask you to accompany us," he said, "that you may satisfy your concerns for your friends' safety. You may remain here if you wish, or sleep on the tavern floor, or make your way elsewhere, as it pleases you. I issue an invitation, not an order. Eshara has stated a desire to come with me. Will you attempt to deny her the right to make her own choices? Have she and her people not suffered enough from our interference?"

 

"Have we not suffered enough at their hands?" Coalan retorted. "We didn't ask them to slaughter Rory, to slaughter the Fuldors!"

 

Tarl Dale strode forward and took Eshara's hand. He opened it gently, and arranged its fingers across the back of his free hand.

 

"You saw Rory and the Fuldors, Coalan," he said. "You helped Sister Arda prepare the bodies for the funeral, and you saw the wounds that marked them. Do these look like claws to you?"

 

He released her hand, but not before caressing it lightly. He and Eshara exchanged sad, wistful smiles.

 

"She could be a shapeshifter," Coalan said, undeterred. "Or a demon in mortal form."

 

"Or there could be something out there that is stalking both our peoples," Tarl said. "There are things in this forest that are older and viler than our tiny minds can imagine. If we do not put our petty squabbles aside, they will tear us apart while we bicker."

[Mahumia]

Bartha shifted her weight from one foot to another, feeling awkward after following the conversation between Tarl and the homeowner.
"My name is Bartha, and I would like to thank you for your hospitality, messere. My sincere apologies if we were not the intended visitors, but I assure you that we had nothing but good intentions. My lord Tarl has already offered to see your costs are cared for, but I intended to leave some coin upon our leave. As we meet you now, I'd rather settle this in person." She opened her hands in an inviting gesture. "We arrived yesterday evening, so that would mean we've used two days of food supplies for nine people. Further there has been an accident with your plates, which has broken some of them. Do you think that 4 silver will cover your costs?"

[obsessedwjpn]

Mercuriel's fleeting moment of joy with Laurelin was quickly overshadowed by the arrival of three humans. One apparently owned the little farmhouse they were staying in and the other two had journeyed from the town of VIntiver. They all looked well-armed and two of the three seemed very unhappy with the current situation, especially the fact that elves, namely Dalish, were present.

 

Mercuriel was not surprised by the reaction of the two men to the sick Dalish woman's presence, let alone his own and Laurelin's, because he had learned on his travels that few humans appreciated the Dalish or elves for that matter. The Dalish were seen as outsiders and viewed as dangerous and unpredictable, perhaps even evil if one witnessed the magic some elves possessed.

 

Mercuriel felt overwhelmingly protective of Laurelin all of a sudden. He knew her only a short time but he worried that she might get the brunt of the attack if the two men tried anything. Luckily, the third man named Tarl, quickly intervened and offered a place to stay that would be better protected. While the others spoke with Tarl and his men, Dog meandered into the farmhouse and sidled up to Mercuriel. The hound growled slightly at the new occupants, sensing the tension in the air, but Mercuriel quickly shushed him and patted his back. 

 

When Tarl turned to him, Mercuriel was a bit surprised by his words. Although he understood that humans were suspicious of the Dalish, he did not hate humans in turn for this lack of trust. In fact, he didn't even dislike humans. He loved interacting with them and living among their people. He even liked the varied cultures of the human empires. And, if what the other members in this little party said were true, the group would need a better defensible position, let alone new supplies and equipment, if they were to face what was to come. 

 

Mercuriel walked forward and lightly bowed his head to Tarl. "Good sir, I hear what you have said and offer my sword arm in facing whatever this evil is that confronts us. And," he looked at the other two men and frowned, "I feel it would be best if we accompanied this woman to Vintiver." He looked at the other members of the motley group in turn and waited to see what their responses were. "However," he made sure to stare directly at Coalan, "if any harm comes to the sick woman or my fellow Dalish compatriot, you will know what true pain is. Are we clear?" He held Coalan's eyes a few moments longer before turning to Laurelin then looking at Tarl once again.

 

Even if his clan had cast him out long ago, Mercuriel would protect his own. The Dalish had given him new life after he thought he'd lost it all. And he wouldn't ever let a human bring harm to those who blessed him so.

[Lorien19]

The sound of the door being slammed violently startled Laurelin,whose whose head turned abruptly towards the sound.
For a moment,she thought that these "revengers" came back for Eshara but it was in fact three humans that appeared in their stead,one of them glaring at her,Mercuriel and Eshara, in a way that made her glad that murdering someone with your eyes wasn't actually possible,at least for a non-mage.

Eshara appeared to recognize one of them,a warden named Tarl Dale the only one who didn't seem to be suspicious of Eshara,a fact that suggested that perhaps they knew each other.She was to weak to stand so he surrendered her to Laurelin and Rael who immediately offered support to the injured woman.

From what she gathered from the ongoing discussion,the farmhouse belonged to the other man named Harald,while the third openly suggested to murder Eshara in cold blood,as some sort of revenge for the massacre that took place at the Fuldor's.He eyed Laurelin and Mercuriel proclaiming that they were not to be trusted,Laurelin bit her lip and made an enormous effort not to answer back,she did however return the favor and glared back at him.

 

When Tessa,Etienne and Sarel defended both herself and her fellow Dalish,the corners of her mouth titled up in what appeared to be a smile of gratitude.She wouldn't however want any of them to get in trouble partly because of her.Her smile widened when she heard Mercuriel's voice,warning the humans particularly Coalan,she looked at his direction,their eyes met again for a brief moment before he looked back at the warden.

Still that Coalan,didn't seem particularly convinced that the Eshara wasn't responsible for the incident,that took place at the farm.

"She could be a shapeshifter," Coalan said, undeterred. "Or a demon in mortal form."
Laurelin flinched as soon as she heard the word shapeshifter,she hoped that neither her travelling companions nor Eshara would suspect her,since they knew who was responsible for the attack in the first place.But if anyone else besides them, saw her changing her form it wouldn't end well for her.

Like the whole situation wasn't unnerving enough,she noticed Harel flying away from an open window to the distance,disappearing in the darkness.
She couldn't stay silent any longer"She's neither!"She exclaimed furiously at the blacksmith "Just a gravely injured woman,we found dying at Fuldor's barn."She held the elvhen woman's hand firmly over her shoulder "She bore the same wounds as the rest of the family,and If we hadn't found her and treated her."Laurelin explained "She would have also shared their fate."Laurelin then turned her gaze towards the warden ,her expression softened "You are right sir,whatever attacked the Fuldor's,made it obvious that it doesn't make distinctions between Dalish or humans."she paused and glanced towards the blacksmith again "Why would you?"
 

[mysteriouspast]

"Tarl Dale is a trusted friend of my clan," Eshara said, turning her luminous green eyes on Rael. "He knows us almost as well as we know ourselves, and your trust in him is not misplaced, but I do not fear the villagers. They are frightened and they are angry, but once this conflict is resolved, they will remember our truce, and they will remember the many happy years we walked in peace."

 

"It is not the long term for which I worry," Rael replied softly. "For I am certain both your peoples can weather this conflict." She glanced back at Coalan and Harald, both of whom still seemed like they wanted vengeance against Eshara, and Dale's persuasion did little to convince them. "For now," she continued, "I wish only to make sure you survive the night unharmed. These men surely have friends who believe as they do."

 

Rael understood that Eshara meant to go with Tarl Dale, and saw no reason to try to dissuade her. The man seemed to have a... personal interest in the woman and Rael felt certain he would be a good protector. That just left the rest of them. The house they had spent last night in suddenly appeared quite inhospitable to her, and she looked forward to departing for friendlier places.

 

A half mile was quite long, though, when there were secret enemies about--both human and demon. To travel separately would be to court danger.

 

"Let us make haste to the warden's home," she said to any who would listen. "It is Eshara's wish and I will concede to it."

[berelinde]

Bartha shifted her weight from one foot to another, feeling awkward after following the conversation between Tarl and the homeowner.
"My name is Bartha, and I would like to thank you for your hospitality, messere. My sincere apologies if we were not the intended visitors, but I assure you that we had nothing but good intentions. My lord Tarl has already offered to see your costs are cared for, but I intended to leave some coin upon our leave. As we meet you now, I'd rather settle this in person." She opened her hands in an inviting gesture. "We arrived yesterday evening, so that would mean we've used two days of food supplies for nine people. Further there has been an accident with your plates, which has broken some of them. Do you think that 4 silver will cover your costs?"

For a moment, it looked as if the village warden might protest, but he merely nodded, muttering something about the inadvisability of meddling with a generous spirit.

 

Harald's eyes opened wide in surprise before narrowing in calculation.

 

"Aye, I reckon that would cover your feed," he said, "and the use of the well pump. The firewood -"

 

"That's enough, Harald," Tarl interrupted. "That's twice what you deserve, four times when you include what I've pledged. See that you share your windfall with Owen's family, or your next tax assessment may be more thorough than you're accustomed to."

 

"Aye, aye," Harald grumbled, "I'll give something to Owen. And that'll do, miss. Thank you."

 

He said the last as if it choked him, but not everyone is capable of being gracious when they've a grudge and a greedy nature.

 

... "However," he made sure to stare directly at Coalan, "if any harm comes to the sick woman or my fellow Dalish compatriot, you will know what true pain is. Are we clear?" He held Coalan's eyes a few moments longer before turning to Laurelin then looking at Tarl once again.

 

Coalan's expression remained unchanged, clearly unimpressed by Mercuriel's threat. Tarl's, however, lit with a crooked, wry smile as he said, "If harm comes to Eshara or any of you, I will have fallen before they reach you, but you may torment me in the Beyond, if it is within your means."

 

His smile became less ironic.

 

"But come," he said, "we have a common desire to protect those who need it. I welcome your aid and your company, by whatever terms you propose."

 

He lowered his voice so that only Mercuriel and Laurelin could hear.

 

"And if we survive this," he said, "I give you my vow that I will see that your trust and your courage receive the gratitude that you're due."

 

 

She couldn't stay silent any longer"She's neither!"She exclaimed furiously at the blacksmith "Just a gravely injured woman,we found dying at Fuldor's barn."She held the elvhen woman's hand firmly over her shoulder "She bore the same wounds as the rest of the family,and If we hadn't found her and treated her."Laurelin explained "She would have also shared their fate."Laurelin then turned her gaze towards the warden ,her expression softened "You are right sir,whatever attacked the Fuldor's,made it obvious that it doesn't make distinctions between Dalish or humans."she paused and glanced towards the blacksmith again "Why would you?"
 

"What makes you think we can trust you?" Coalan demanded. "You're one of them! You could have claws under your nails, too, and slit the warden's belly the moment he closes his eyes!"

 

"Er... maybe we back off a bit on the threats, Coalan," Harald said meekly. "If she is one of them, you don't want her ripping out your innards, too..."

 

"So, what do you want to do?" Coalan asked. "Line us all up in the square and let them choose which of us they'll murder?"

 

"We could cut their fingers off, maybe," Harald said, no doubt confirming anyone's suspicions that he might not be that bright. "They can't cut us open without claws."

 

"Do try not to be an idiot, Harald," Tarl said with a sigh. "No one has claws, and you two are the only ones in any danger of having your innards torn out if you don't stop wasting our time, because I swear by the Maker that I will tear them out myself if you don't get a move on. Night has fallen. Whatever is out there, it will be stirring soon. We need to get back to the village with all haste."

[berelinde]

{As it seems that everyone is in agreement, I'm going to take this show on the road. Please award yourselves 100xp for roleplaying the encounter. Each player interacted in character and to a satisfying extent, so rewards are due.

 

Should you wish to continue RP on the road, Tarl Dale, Coalan, and Harald are all available, although none are required.}

 

With Tarl Dale's last words, he gently gathered Eshara in his arms and lifted her, carrying her out of the farmhouse.

 

Outside, a small crowd was gathered, six men and one woman, all dressed in simple country garments. Most carried torches, but a few held clubs as well. Only the woman had a bow slung across her back. They drew closer to the door when the warden emerged with his burden, but they parted at his word and made no attempt to hinder either him or the party as they passed. Their eyes show suspicion and fear, but also obedience.

 

Tarl alone had a horse - a fine chestnut gelding, but a riding animal, not a warhorse - and he set Eshara in the saddle before mounting behind her and bidding the horse to walk on.

 

He rides at a leisurely pace, and anyone who desires to do so may easily approach or walk beside them. The villagers, however, hang back, giving the party room to move. Fearful whispers reach the party's ears, but none of it seems violent, and most voices express relief that things had gone so peacefully.

 

Beldin drew level with Tarl.

 

"Did he send any men?" he asked the warden conversationally.

 

Tarl snorted.

 

"He tried to take the three I brought with me!" he replied "And he demanded that I send another score! That br-"

 

"That bann of mine," Beldin interrupted, putting a hand on the reins.

 

"That bann of yours," Tarl ammended, "kept at me for two days before releasing me to come back to Vintiver. Does he not understand that people are dying out here?"

 

Beldin hung his head. "I don't think he sees beyond Logerwold," he said.

 

"Well, he won't have to for much longer," Tarl said. "It's his duty as bann to protect everyone in his bannric, even those outside his village. If he can't do that, he doesn't deserve our support. When this is over, I'm going to ride to Denerim and petition King Cailan for the right to establish our own bannric. We're populous enough and prosperous enough to support the motion."

 

"It saddens me, but it may be for the best," Beldin said. "Vintiver is too far from Logerwold for effective governance in any case. May... may I ask a personal question, my lord?"

 

"If you think this is the time and the place for it," Tarl replied, though there was no reproach in his voice.

 

"Did you see the bann's family while you were there?" It was a simple question, but Beldin hesitated as he spoke.

 

"I saw his wife and his son."

 

"Were they... well? Does the boy favor his mother?"

 

"It's hard to say," Tarl said carefully. "One tow-headed child resembles another, and both his parents are fair. They both seemed well enough, although the boy needs toughening if he hopes to keep the title when his father relinquishes it. Lady Keila is a gracious hostess, and that's about all I can say, as I saw little of her. She was in conference with a dressmaker, I'm told."

 

"I imagine she was," Beldin said flatly. "Thank you, my lord."

 

With that, he fell back to walk in silence behind the horse.

 

{Here is the floor plan of the warden's manor. It is the largest single structure in Vintiver apart from the winery (it has 10 bedrooms plus the warden's room), but it has only one floor and a wine cellar accessible through a trap door in the pantry. The building was always the residence of the village warden, but it is also the town hall, the courthouse, and the prison, when necessary. It is a strongly built house, designed to serve as a sort of keep where the villagers could flee in case of attack. Its walls are thick stone and the roof is slate. On the map, "F" represents a fireplace. There is no bathroom. There are chamber pots in every room, and when somebody wants a bath, the servants bring a large copper tub and hot water to the person's bedroom. Tarl Dale is a deferential man, and he would prefer to assign the more spacious and comfortable rooms to the ladies, the unlabeled bedroom next to the library and rooms 2 through 5 on the map. He'll be placing Eshara in his own room so that he can care for her himself (he will sleep on the couch). I'll post the floor plan now so that you can plan any exploration encounters or arrange any intraparty RP, but I'll post the party's arrival at the manor separately, as he will want to welcome you to his home properly and he will have to issue orders to his servants about seeing to your needs while you stay with him.}

 

Spoiler

 

{Mahumia and I have RP planned for Bartha and Beldin in the wine cellar after the servants and most of the party go to bed, so I'm calling dibs on it as a late night rendezvous point.}

[mysteriouspast]

Rael walked nearly silently behind Beldin, and couldn't help but eavesdrop on his conversation with Tarl. She supposed Esharra got the full dialogue, so she didn't feel too bad about it. Thinking it over, she realized she'd been unconsciously avoiding Beldin since the... incident. He'd made a grateful gesture to her the next morning, but other than that, they'd managed to evade each other all day. She sighed to herself. If she and Beldin were going to be working together, she had to make sure they were on good terms.

 

Picking up her speed a little, she managed to catch up to Beldin and the warden as they finished their conversation. Feeling to nervous still to converse with Beldin head on, she instead addressed Tarl.

 

"Warden," she called slightly louder than she needed to, both to gain his ear from his higher elevation, and to alert the three of them of her presence. "I wasn't able to greet you properly back at the house. Your intrusion was most fortunate." She smiled and bowed her head. "We are all gratified that you helped cooler heads prevail." She cast a knowing glance at Esharra. "And that Esharra is in such good hands."

 

Turning to Beldin, she said more quietly, "Beldin... might I speak with you?"

 

(Rael and Tempest will converse at the manor. Then, MUCH later, Rael and Etienne will encounter each other.)

[TreeHuggerHannah]

Tempest flinched as Tarl's hand struck Harald's face. It was the sound, more than anything. The edges of her vision started to go blurry, and she knew what would happen if she didn't get her reaction in check. This would be a very, very bad time for a flashback. Tempest focused on her own breathing for a moment, keeping each inhalation slow and deep, until she was sure she was under control again.

 

Although Tempest's natural inclination was to insist on paying her own debts - both for the sake of equity and the sake of her independence - she decided it would be wiser not to refuse Tarl's offer to repay Harald on the party's behalf. The warden might take offense if his generosity was rebuffed, and it would be far better to have him as an ally than an enemy. And of course, the amount of money would a pittance for someone of his station, and a major financial hardship for one such as Tempest.

 

"Thank you, messere," she replied. "Your offer is most kind."

 

Everything seemed to have calmed down, and Tempest was relieved. The crowd of people outside made her wary again, but since they didn't seem to intend any violence, she decided there was no immediate threat.

 

As they walked, she addressed Eshara while Tarl was occupied in conversation.

 

"Are you alright?" she asked the Dalish woman. "What was said about you back there was horrific. I'm sorry that happened. Please understand that although for your safety as well as ours I was trying not to make enemies, had it been necessary I would have given my life to protect you. We all would have. Please don't feel... alone... because of what happened."

[obsessedwjpn]

The journey with the warden was an awkward one. Despite Tarl's insistence on his good relationship with Eshara and the future treatment of the whole party at his mansion in Vintiver, Mercuriel had a bad taste in his mouth leftover from their earlier interaction. The two other men who appeared alongside Tarl were anything but kind and seemed more than happy to put any and all Dalish to the torch. This put Mercuriel on guard as the group made their way to the next destination.

 

Plus, if things weren't bad enough with humans blaming the Dalish for problems, the group also had to be on the lookout for an unleashed demon or demons apparently. Mercuriel really didn't like the situation one bit. He kept close to Laurelin as the party walked forward, touching the side of his hand to hers from time to time. He wanted to make sure she knew he was there, nearby and on watch.

 

Dog, against all odds, seemed to be in a rather cheerful mood. Perhaps the rest at the farmhouse and the food in his belly comforted him. Mercuriel didn't quite understand the hound's personality. Earlier, Dog seemed ready to take Tarl and his men's heads off but now he bounced along, chasing a stray rodent or rabbit that he saw fly through the brush. As much as the hound's mood confused Mercuriel, he knew better than to question whether Dog would respond appropriately to any threat. If something happened, Dog would act swiftly just as he did.

 

Mercuriel looked out into the forest around them and scrunched his forehead in thought. Since when had everything become so complicated? He then smiled to himself. It had always been complicated. This was just a different kind of complicated. Luckily, he had Laurelin and the other beautiful ladies in the group to keep his mind from straying too far into the darkness. He sighed and lifted his arm to settle his hand on Delphine's handle. Touching the sword gave him comfort. He then looked up towards Beldin. The two had not sparred as planned due to Mercuriel's change of plans: i.e. flirting with Laurelin as soon as he saw the opportunity. Mercuriel would have to give Beldin another chance, perhaps then the two could talk about what was going on with Beldin and Tessa. Or they could talk about how chummy Beldin seemed with Tarl. 

 

Creator, he looked to the sky, please allow us safe passage to our destination.

[Mahumia]

Bartha patted her pouch. It had been a risk to offer the homeowner extra coin, but, as usual, it had helped to ease the tension. She was relieved... she had managed to stay calm and professional, whilst she had felt an increasing urge to strangle the man.... seriously, try and charge them for the use of the well?

She had quickly collected her belongings and waited for the rest, outside amongst the crowd. An angry mob would be the last they could use, so she had tried to chat a bit with the villagers.

On the road she had glanced at Beldin and Tarl. The two appeared to know each other?

She looked around, and noticed the elven mage who had joined them. As she hadn't had the opportunity to properly speak with him, she moved over and started to walk next to him.
"Excuse me? Have I noticed correctly that you and Etienne know each other?"

[ChachiBobinks]

As the group made their way to the Manor, Etienne hung back and close to Tessa and near enough to Sarel to keep a close eye on the other mage as Bartha spoke to him. Instead of keeping his staff strapped to his back, it was firm in his grasp, used like a walking stick. He was nervous and untrusting, which caused him to keep his magic drawn up, as if readying himself to fire at any moment. Something just felt off. Perhaps it was the aggression shown by the other men; Etienne was trusting by nature, but didn't encounter danger often. 

 

"What do you think of this, serah Tessa," he asked the warrior. "You are clearly blessed with good judgement." 

[berelinde]

 

 

"Warden," she called slightly louder than she needed to, both to gain his ear from his higher elevation, and to alert the three of them of her presence. "I wasn't able to greet you properly back at the house. Your intrusion was most fortunate." She smiled and bowed her head. "We are all gratified that you helped cooler heads prevail." She cast a knowing glance at Esharra. "And that Esharra is in such good hands."

 

Turning to Beldin, she said more quietly, "Beldin... might I speak with you?"

 

(Rael and Tempest will converse at the manor. Then, MUCH later, Rael and Etienne will encounter each other.)

"May they prevail a while longer, messere," Warden Tarl said gravely. He rode with one hand on the reins and the other arm around Eshara, keeping her upright in the saddle while she dozed. "Under other circumstances, tempers might not have become as heated as they had. You brought the bodies back to the chantry, for which I am heartily grateful, but the blood and destruction remained. Many of the villagers who accompany us imagined their own homes and farms in ruins like the Fuldors', and it took its toll... Though I tell you in confidence that Harald was always a jackass."

 

He lowered his voice until it was barely audible over his horse's plodding footfalls, "If it is not to much to ask, may I ask you to give me a report of what you found at the farmhouse? I investigated the site myself, but you will have noticed things that I might not. I would prefer to discuss it in my office where our voices will not disturb Eshara, so you might wish to invite another as chaperon. My affections are engaged elsewhere, but the presence of a third may put your mind at ease."

 

{Maker, he's a talkative blighter!}

 

Beldin's stride faltered at Rael's request, visibly startled.

 

"Aye, as you wish," he said dazedly, and made room for her to walk beside him on the road.

 

 

 

"Are you alright?" she asked the Dalish woman. "What was said about you back there was horrific. I'm sorry that happened. Please understand that although for your safety as well as ours I was trying not to make enemies, had it been necessary I would have given my life to protect you. We all would have. Please don't feel... alone... because of what happened."

Eshara smiled wearily.

 

"I don't take the censure of the villagers to heart," she said, "and you shouldn't either, dear friend. They're frightened. Coalan has grudges that predate the current conflict, and the resolution of them will not move him to empathy. He is broken and deserves pity. The others follow him because he is loud and appears strong, but in their hearts, they know that he is wrong. They raise their blades and their cudgels, but they lack the strength of conviction. You have seen it. I have visited Vintiver every autumn since I was a babe, and I know the villagers to be kind, but easily led. Of those who follow us now, I played with most of them as a child, and known myself welcome among them. They will not strike me on Coalan's order. Only the current crisis drives them to fear, and my own people would say no different, were our places exchanged. Yes, there are those who resent the bond Tarl and I share, but that is a personal matter, not a racial one. Human mothers would see him wed to their daughters and the Keeper has urged me to choose a Dalish husband, but that is not our choice. We can never be together, but it is duty, not hatred, that keeps us apart. He has as much of an obligation to his people as I have to mine, and we cannot abandon that duty no matter how much we wish it fell to another. As for the insults, people often say things they do not mean when they are frightened. It will pass. You will go into the forest and you will defeat this evil, and then all will be as it was, but better, because the elvhen, humans, and dwarves worked together to make it so."

[BFace]

"What do you think of this, serah Tessa," he asked the warrior. "You are clearly blessed with good judgement." 

 

Tessa was hanging back a bit, apart from the folks walking behind them, but near enough that she could stop any nonsense before it started. At least that was her hope.  Etienne’s question made her smile wryly at him.

 

“Am I? Well, that’s good to know-I may need it yet this day.” 

 

She grew serious before going on. “Everyone is on edge. People are dead and not a single one of us knows why.”

 

She stepped closer to the mage so that she could lower her voice. “I mean, we know what Eshara told us, but we don’t really *know* what we’re looking at.”

 

Tess glanced behind them to the handful of folks from Vintiver.

 

“It would take very little-a wrong gesture, or word even, for those folks to lose whatever small restraint they have. They’re frightened people without a direction to lay their blame.  That’s where we most need to watch, I think.”

 

She tilted her head toward Etienne, giving him a guarded grey look. “I’m glad that you sense this tension, Ser Mage, and I hope the rest of our fellows feel it, as well.”

[mysteriouspast]

He lowered his voice until it was barely audible over his horse's plodding footfalls, "If it is not to much to ask, may I ask you to give me a report of what you found at the farmhouse? I investigated the site myself, but you will have noticed things that I might not. I would prefer to discuss it in my office where our voices will not disturb Eshara, so you might wish to invite another as chaperon. My affections are engaged elsewhere, but the presence of a third may put your mind at ease."

 

Rael flushed slightly when Tarl suggested she bring a chaperon to avoid being alone with him behind closed doors. Nevertheless, she bowed her head in agreement and said, "Of course, warden. When things are settled I will relay what I have seen..." She paused and added, "Along with another witness, for completion's sake."

 

Beldin's stride faltered at Rael's request, visibly startled.

 

"Aye, as you wish," he said dazedly, and made room for her to walk beside him on the road.

 

Rael slowed her pace so that she and Beldin would be out of earshot of the others.  Based on the fact that no one had asked about it--or even mentioned it--she assumed Beldin had told no one of their disastrous encounter the night before. She wasn't sure why. Perhaps he wanted to protect her from the ire and suspicion of the rest of the group. Perhaps he didn't want to display his brand to anyone else. Or, perhaps the whole thing made him feel a fool, as it did her. 

 

"I wanted to inquire about your... injuries..." she began, already faltering, with guilty, downcast eyes. "Your trunk--does it still feel well?"