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The Keep of Grunwich Forest

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Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#51: Dec 24th 2014 at 8:57:38 AM

Oisín nodded and smiled at the question, "I was planning one last stop by the shrine, to speak with her mother. You'd be more than welcome to join me there."

Oisín reached into his saddlebag and drew out a shortsword which he held over his hands, "This should help you lad, better than any pitchfork, should there be need. Though I urge you that caution and wisdom is the better part of valour. I'd like you to hold back and give me a hand with traps and weapon bearing; if I can not protect you and ask you flee, then do so. If you hold to me orders here and prove a steady hand, then the time will come for you to have a go at fighting."

edited 24th Dec '14 9:02:59 AM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#52: Dec 24th 2014 at 10:20:43 AM

For now, Al nodded reverently as he was handed the blade, practically having stars in his eyes as he felt the weight. Biting his lip at the mention of the very real danger, he nods his head once again "I last saw Ria's mother on the statue of the Goddess in the town square... I heard she moved there from the main temple after the pastor tried to console her on her loss... but, we still don't know if Ria... has been lost, right?"

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#53: Dec 24th 2014 at 10:26:14 AM

"Then it's settled," Lissa said quietly, standing back up. "We need to go fetch Oisin now, whether he's done with his business or not, and get going. The longer we wait, the less likely it is that we'll find her alive."

It's been fun.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#54: Dec 24th 2014 at 11:16:59 AM

"We don't," Oisín said with a frown, "But it will not do her any harm to know that we are going after her lass, certainly. It might do her well to know a friend of her daughter is coming as well."

He smiled again, "Come along now lad, we mustn't tarry long. Me companions haven't a wit of patience. To speak the truth, I'd say there are days where I'd admit that they haven't a wit of much else... but they're a good lot, steadfast in war and in friendship. And one can ask for little more."

With that, he led Tírnanóg behind him on the walk to town and kept alongside his young apprentice, listing off his plans. He'd need an extrahand to set some of these traps and keep an eye on the cave entrance. Aldrik was to keep a distance. Holding a javelin or two at the ready, along side his sword. A steady and obediant hand would be all that was necessary for now. If all else failed, he was to cast a Javelin and flee as fast as he could.

Oisín promised he'd see no harm to the lad, and he had no intention to forlet on his promise.

edited 24th Dec '14 6:56:44 PM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#55: Dec 24th 2014 at 12:17:22 PM

"Agreed, then let us find your missing oath bound knight and be off into the hunt" says Leina with bright cheer as they moved off the tower.


Al for his part took in the instructions as fairly as a young lad may, repeating them to himself a couple of times after Oisin told them. Then he pointed out the grieving mother, though the paladin would have no trouble finding her.

The lady was kneeling before the statue of the Goddess, hands held together in prayers, muttering pledges as she might to the deity if they would bring back her girl. Most of what could be seen of the woman was her red hair, greying but a little bit with age.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#56: Dec 24th 2014 at 12:51:59 PM

"I am well pleased to see you not in mourning but in praying for her safety," Oisín gave a small smile as he approached the statue in the town square, "But it is still a grim sending off."

"I've been told of your daughter, by the Steward and by her friend. By your Goddess and my God," He knelt by the statue as in prayer, "I'll do everything I can to bring her home safe. Until then, I beg you, that you keep hope of her survival and find solace and joy in life; that she need might be greeted by in open, smiling, arms and not find you bent and weeping as though she were dead."

Oisín looked to her, "A day of light and hope, I beg of you by my oath, that you might see your daughter returned, for few bonds are as strong as parent to child and these are bonds by which I am tied to my oath."

edited 24th Dec '14 12:53:13 PM by Fauxlosophe

daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#57: Dec 24th 2014 at 1:37:36 PM

Ria's mother would speak with Oisin but a bit, her face clearing up as new hope surged within her. She was a widow and her daughter was all she had left in this world. She also revealed the name of the Goddess whose statue she was kneeling at Enlanni, a Goddess of Nature and Good. She bid the Paladin to please rescue her good Ria and finally, gains the strength to get back on her feet and do something beyond praying.

Thus, Oisin and his new squire would be free to meet back with her allies at the Northern gate, to get the hunt started if none of them had other plans or preparations to make.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#58: Dec 24th 2014 at 2:45:05 PM

Oisín gave his blessings as she departed and smiled. He waited for a while in the square with his Squire for the rest to arrive.

"Right," Oisín said as he looked over the rest of the party once they arrived, "I'd like the lot of you to meet Aldrik Carter, Esquire. And I see you have our other new companion in tow."

He gave a quick bow to the Gnome, "I am Oisín of Dunallen, son of Saḋḃ, last of the Dunallen Fianna. What is your favourite name?"

edited 24th Dec '14 6:56:19 PM by Fauxlosophe

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#59: Dec 24th 2014 at 5:55:58 PM

"New companion...?" Lissa could hardly believe her ears. "The boy? You can't be serious, Oisin. You saw what the creature did to the wall; its footprint is half the size of the boy lying down!" She spared Aldrik but a glance, one more of concern than anything, but clearly of dismissal. "Would you have dragged a child into the ruins at Falias, knowing what we faced in there? Could you just not find one that looked half-starved enough?" Her voice was low but sharp, even craning her neck up to meet the near full head of height he had on her. "Lady in the Tower, it already has one citizen and you want to bring another into its den?"

It's been fun.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#60: Dec 24th 2014 at 6:40:53 PM

"He's a full fifteen winters," Oisín replied with a frown as he turned from the gnome, "Proper age for Squiring and it's well time I took on an apprentice. You might not have read on the subject, but it's a right old tradition and I can see no harm in passing on the ways of my forebearers. Aside from that, the lad wants to help and I see no reason he shouldn't be allowed. By Oghma, his parents have agreed to the matter."

He paused looking over the group with a bit more of his usual smile, "He's not to fight now, but he can be a good hand with trap setting and armour bearing, as any squire should. I'd not dream to send him out without proper armour of his own."

edited 24th Dec '14 6:49:24 PM by Fauxlosophe

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#61: Dec 24th 2014 at 7:12:45 PM

Sanna had made a detour to pick up some additional equipment, anticipating a long hunt, but the scene she encountered when she returned was hardly encouraging, if Lissa's outraged voice was any indication. And it was no surprise, given the boy that the half-elf had managed to drag along the way - and, from the sounds of things, wanted to train as a squire.

"Let him come, scholar. I ran with the wolves when I was a whelp. If he lives, he is stronger for it, and if not... it is regrettable, but such is Nature's way. But keep him out of trouble, half-blood, or he will only hinder our hunt. And we must hurry." Her frown met Oisin's. "There are northbound tracks which I can follow, and I found this-" she held the glove out again, gesturing to Aldrik, "-next to them. You are from this town - do you recognise it, boy?"

edited 24th Dec '14 7:48:41 PM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#62: Dec 24th 2014 at 7:43:00 PM

Leina smiled bright at the paladin's introduction, obviously noting down each of the titles within her head as she replies "Oh that's a hard one to reply. I guess my favorite one is Nim, but that doesn't really fit for this interaction. Leina of the Brillhills will suffice for official matters, but feel free to come up with another one"

"As for the boy... he must be a brave one to willingly venture into the Grunwich forest. Everyone in the region knows to be wary of the place" says the wizard lady with a light shrug of her shoulders "Then again, he can hang back and guard the horses probably"

Al frowned a little at the comment of half starved... yeah, he was slim but half starved. Then again, the boy began to worry as the argument was made around him... and more as the feral looking elf woman said that either he lived or he died. Taking a light gulp, he put a hand on the shortsword he had been gifted to gather his courage, stepping a bit closer to Oisin. Still... an elf warrior, and sir Oisin seemed like one as well. The one chastising him did have an aura... even though she was arguing against him, he couldn't but wonder at her as well. The whole party, from the armored holy man and the noble looking knight, to the little robed gnome seemed like sprung from a fireside tale.

So when asked a question, he did his best to answer, looking at the glove "I... don't exactly recognize it. It is a leather glove and Ria... Ria did wear them. She worked as a cook on some kitchens and helped around where help may be needed. It's looks like it could be hers... the local tanner makes them like that"

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#63: Dec 24th 2014 at 7:54:05 PM

"Good enough," Sanna muttered, and reclaimed the glove. "Try not to die."

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#64: Dec 24th 2014 at 7:57:36 PM

"We'll follow the tracks then," Oisín nodded as he looked to his apprentice with a reassuring smile, "Unless Nim knows divination, then the glove is hardly a matter concerning the lot of us."

He turned to Leina with his same smile, "I'm certain you'll be earning one amongst us soon."

edited 24th Dec '14 7:59:16 PM by Fauxlosophe

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#65: Dec 24th 2014 at 8:50:09 PM

Lissa sighed, shaking her head and tucking a loose strand of dark hair back behind her ear. "If we let fifteen-year-olds do everything they wanted to do, there would be a lot more poor country girls left with bastard children," she muttered, a rather earthy bit of wisdom she'd heard from Cook every time she'd gotten fresh with the staff down in the kitchens. "Sorry... Aldrik, right? I suppose as long as you're careful-" And don't let Oisin's foolish ideas make you think you can take on a giantkin by yourself- "you can come along."

edited 24th Dec '14 8:50:39 PM by RedSavant

It's been fun.
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#66: Dec 25th 2014 at 1:16:04 AM

"Well, Divination isn't as easy as that... And got to admit I'm more of a changer than a seer. We'll have to go with Sanna's tracking skills" says the Gnome, turning to the elven druid after shooting a smile at the paladin.

Aldric nodded his head at Lissa, his steady gaze saying that he would do his best not to disappoint "Well... I know the area... at least a little. My family travels the roads driving goods from one town to the next"

Thus, the party seemed ready to depart... going off after the tracks left by the mysterious attacker of the night. The tracks seemed to lead near perfectly to the north... the giantkin barely bothered by obstacles in its way, given his big size and long steps. They didn't touch any actual road, walking through the fields and then through bare grassland and hills towards what seemed like their objective... the Grunwich Forest in the distance. Along the way, the party would find other signs of the creature... dropped pieces of wood and wreckage from the attack, a dropped apple and other foodstuff that it apparently hauled out of town.

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#67: Dec 25th 2014 at 2:00:01 AM

"More food? Hope the brute is sated." Sanna kept one eye on the tracks and the other on their surroundings, looking for two things: a sign that they were approaching the monster's lair, and any hints of potential traps or ambushes. Even the beasts of the forest had their own animal cunning, after all, so why not giantkin?

Perception check.

edited 25th Dec '14 2:02:30 AM by Pyrite

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#68: Dec 25th 2014 at 9:49:00 AM

"The beastie is hardly hiding," Oisín said as he rode along side his Squire, "He's a bold one, he is. It seems that we'll hardly need your hunting at all for this one now, Sanna."

SonofMelonHead Green food from the ceiling Since: Sep, 2011
Green food
#69: Dec 25th 2014 at 12:20:54 PM

As the group proceeded onward, Drusus watched as the treeline of Grunwich grew closer.

As the others spoke of the evidence they found, Drusus looked upon the boy Oisin had brought along. In Drusus' opinion, Oisin had evidently chosen not to heed his advice, though he kept silent about it. When Oisin set his mind on anything he was passionate about, which was a number of things, it was usually difficult to persuade him not to. By Oisin's passion, it was a certainty the boy was coming along.

With the others occupied for the moment, Drusus stepped toward the boy to speak with him privately.

"Young man," he said, "a word for you to keep in mind for the upcoming hours. The Elf woman's advice to you was abrasively put, but it is advice you would be wise to heed. You are not nearly well trained enough to handle anything like what we are hunting personally, or any threat you may find out in the wild."

"If you should have the misfortune to meet any such threat, do not try to fight it. Run away by the most efficient means possible for you. Do not worry about our safety, we are capable of protecting ourselves. Intervening recklessly may cause more harm than good; for the time being, look to your safety above all else. Do you understand me?"

Drusus watched the boy's reaction perceptively.

Insight check on Aldrik's reaction

edited 25th Dec '14 2:20:24 PM by SonofMelonHead

"And then the dead man of the dead did dead things to all the dead people."-Two Best Friends Play Dark Souls
daltar (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#70: Dec 25th 2014 at 1:53:00 PM

At the point they were, very close to the forest but not within its shadows yet, there seemed to be no sign of the giantkin beside his tracks. It had walked long through the cover of the night, though his bigger stride should have eaten the miles faster than their tracing steps. No traps were set in their way.

As for Aldric, he looked upon Drusus a bit solemnly, bitting his lip after a few seconds and saying "I understand Sire... And yes, I know I don't know anything about this... I do hope to be of use though, Sir Oisin said he saw something in me. And we spoke and he instructed me in what I can do to help and it's all things that I'm certain I can do. I just... want to help bring Ria back"

As for what Drusus saw in the boy's reaction? An earnest desire to help, a bit of doubts of his own ability and fear, certainly... but also courage. He wanted to test himself now now that he had been given the chance... and he clung to this possibility.

Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#71: Dec 25th 2014 at 2:15:32 PM

"I'll be keeping an eye on the lad, Drusus," Oisín said as he continued to ride close to his Squire, "You know well that I never renege on a promise."

He spoke to the group as a whole, "We'd best pick up the pace; I'd sooner be by the lair before nightfall. We've traps yet to set and all."

edited 25th Dec '14 2:16:03 PM by Fauxlosophe

Pyrite Until further notice from Right. Beneath. You. Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Hiding
Until further notice
#72: Dec 25th 2014 at 4:01:15 PM

"Would have been faster if someone didn't insist on drinking wine and abducting young boys," Sanna interjected spitefully, stung by Oisin's insult. "If my skills are not needed, you may laugh all you want once the hunt is over... But not before."

Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#73: Dec 25th 2014 at 6:26:28 PM

<<I said only that your skills were squandered on a hunt such as this,>> Oisín replied with a smile in Sylvan, <<You should know me better than to be thinking I'd be out to spite you or to disparage your fine skills. Or to be thinking that I'd be drinking wine. Have you any faith in me at all, by Oghma?>>

"Aside from that," Oisín spoke to the group more seriously, though with a hint of levity at times, "I'm the only one who has gotten a lay of the town and brought a local to guide us. I've also brought supplies and weapons for our giant hunting. I barely had a sip of porter before I was out the door to do my supplies. Which, I recall Sanna and Lissa promised to join me for as well, and proper decency demands that promises need be kept unbroken, not kegs. Speaking of which; the lot of you agreed to meet in two hours and came before even an hour was past, acting as though I were late, when no harm came of my ramblings; provided we had left well before nightfall, then we'd have been safe."

He cracked his back and continued, "The lot of you have been taking me for a bloody fool without realizing that we still have a good few hours for hunting and most of ye have no more than ye'd have if we were only after a pack of goblins. Impatience as that will make you an early grave and resting place, mark me well as your friend and elder."

edited 25th Dec '14 6:43:58 PM by Fauxlosophe

RedSavant Since: Jan, 2001
#74: Dec 25th 2014 at 8:35:49 PM

"A life is at stake, Oisin," Lissa replied, a bit sharply. "It's not about losing the trail; even I can spot a footprint in soil when that footprint's a meter long, and with Sanna's skills, we have no chance of losing it. Giantkin eat people, Oisin, all the stories say so. As soon as it gets hungry, that woman is dead."

It's been fun.
Fauxlosophe Since: Aug, 2010
#75: Dec 25th 2014 at 9:01:02 PM

Oisín looked to Lissa with a glare of utter incredulity. He took a moment to compose himself before speaking.

"The beastie attacks at night and likely the creature is in sleep or trance, an hour of preparation, finished before you yourselves arrived in the square has done us no harm," He said after a deep breath, "If the poor lass lives, and I have hope yet she does, she should hardly expire in the hour or so we took to prepare ourselves so as that we save her rather than join her."

He paused after this and took another breath.

"And need I remind ye that I was not the one who decided to send off a courrier and wait for their return, so as to set a needless appointment for an open bloody post. That took well longer than two hours. I'd be putting the blame over the one who gave us that clever thought rather than the only one who tried to make preparations; we'd have arrived soon enough to meet the attack or slay the beastie before it left its bloody cave that night. Yet, ala, here you put the blame on me for doing a task that was completed before the lot of you arrived in the square, while the four of you completed the same task that a fool alone might have done well enough with nothing else to show for it."

"Now, I beg you, hold your peace or you'll be making quarrel with me, as you're slander does me no mercy and betrays a bitter lack of faith in my character."

edited 26th Dec '14 10:06:14 AM by Fauxlosophe


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