Cast Aside - Witcher RP (Jaded Jinx & Morris)

[Morris]

Skellige, Rannveig village.


Corthis took a deep swig from his beer mug. He really needed a cold one, despite the harshness of the local climate, for to his experience, nothing calmed his nerves better before a job than this. He had the tightly linked chainmail face-veil part of his helmet detached, laid on the cranky old wooden table of the pub. He listened to the gossiping around him with one ear; damn barkeep charged him extra for not liking his attire. Not feeling like picking a fight, he paid up.


The native islanders cast him half-curious, half-scornful and dismissive gazes. Since he was visibly armed, nobody tried to start a brawl in here, but it was clear from the chilly atmosphere he wasn't welcome. If it wasn't for a job offer they clearly meant for someone of his occupation, hanging so clearly from a signpost, he wouldn't be here in the first place.


He was excited at first to come to Skellige, get away from the riff-raff of the continent, away from the constant worry of the Niflgaard-Redenian war from spilling over his personal life and work. He soon had to face disappointment after setting foot in Kaer Trolde. The islanders may have been a tad bit friendlier in the large town at first impression, he soon found out that favours, even small ones, do not come here cheaply either. The distrust and suspicion towards him was palpable.


Nevertheless, even if he wanted to go back to the continent, he'd have to earn some spending money first. So he took on a few simple offers that he could find; there was no competition whatsoever. There were no witchers in Skellige - not anymore, to his knowledge at least.


So here he was, preparing to trace down a nest of Drowners who have been killing some fishermen. He will meet up with the village elder within the hour, gather what information he needs, and set out.


Frowning, he lowered his almost empty mug, gripping it tightly. Damn this place. Along with all the others. Had he been who he aspired to be, he would be at least treated to a hint of professional courtesy, or so he wagered... but that was not meant to be.


Eh. Enough ploughing lamentation. He emptied the mug, and started to patch back his armor-veil.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka leaned feather over her horses neck to hear the wizened man as he muttered on, only catching every other word. She grimaced in frustration, but then he raised a gnarled hand and pointed to the tavern.


"He's there? Now?"


A deep frown and a slow nod.


She sat up, surprising her new young mare but pulling hard on her reins to keep her under control. "Thank you, Freya keep you." She said and urged her horse down the road. Her boots splashed in the mud as she dismounted, quickly tying her mare's reins to a post in the yard so she wouldn't wander off. She stomped to the entrance only to stop short. Her heart was racing and her hands itched she was so nervous. She took a deep breath. Then another for good measure. Now was not the time to fly off the handle, she need to be calm, she need to convince this witcher to help her.


She walked into the tavern, pushing back her fur lined hood, her eyes adjusting to the dim lighting. She glanced quickly over the patrons and from their side long glances it was easy to see who was not welcome. The man in the sitting alone in the corner looked like battle worthy with full armor and a helm.


Before her nerves could get the better of her, Aeka crossed to the strangers table and sat across from him. "Can I offer you another drink?" She asked. Before he could reply one way or the other she turned and caught the bartenders eye. She held up two fingers and the bartender nodded after a glace between her and the stranger; he wouldn't deny a tankard from someone who was so obviously born and bred Skellig.


"If you'd give me a moment of your time, I have a job I'd like to discuss with you, witcher."

 

[Morris]

Corthis was used to sitting secluded in pub corners, approached usually only by people who mistook his occupation for a plain sell-sword, or angry patrons who couldn't suffer his plain existance breathing the same air as they did. It was a surprising twist, that he was now spoken to by a fair lass, of all things. Before he even answer her generous gesture, he felt a tad bit annoyed that he just finished re-attaching the chainmail-veil of his helmet, and now he had to take it off so he could accept the incoming free beer. At least he hoped it was on her purse.


He eyed her for a few moments, measuring her. She was a firm-formed redhead, already at an age where most of her type are married off, with blue paint running up her cheeks, as if preparing herself for combat. Or so Corthis has heard this was a tradition in some parts of Skellige. She also involuntarily confirmed something by her job offer: the locals had no idea anymore how a proper witcher looks like. Corthis had no amulet, no longswords. What he had were a couple of curved-bladed daggers and a short spear, with stabby heads at both ends. And yet she talked as if he were indeed a proper representative of the job. For now, he decided against enlightening her. No point in wasting trust so quickly.


Finally, he talked back to her, maintaining a monotonous, low tone. - "If this is about the Drowners in the area, I'm already on the case and you needn't waste your coins." - he explained. - "If it's something else, I'll hear you out, but cannot warrant that I'll agree to it until my current work will be done with." - he stated.


Simple work ethic, plus there's also the ever-present issue that he might not survive, and so it'd pointless to agree to anything unless he can live and do it. He hoped the maiden will be understanding. Nonetheless, he was curious as to what she had in store for him.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

"The drowner's yes... that's how I found you. Not many parties would take on downers, let alone a single man." She stop herself from rambling further as the bar tendered set two tankards on the table, he all but ignored the witcher, facing Aeka.


"Get 'cha anythin' else?"


"Nay, thank you." She said, handing him the last of her coppers; it covered the drinks and a bit more. The bartender nodded his thanks and left. She knew this was going to be a stretch and she needed to make it seem like coin was aplenty. She took a long swing on her tank, trying to organize her thoughts. She'd gone over what she needed to say probably a hundred times on her trek, but in the moment she was flustered.


"I live in Skalafell just a few days ride form Fyresdal. About a month back, a few sheep went missin' from the fields. Then a dog, a stray cow... The men thought it must've been wolves growin' too bold, so they went hunting. But it weren't no wolves, instead they found a fiend. Luckily it was busy with the cow it had taken the night before so everyone came home." She took another drink. "The elders didn't want to put up a notice.. rather try the olden ways since no one's been hurt yet." She said in a mocking tone.


"But it wasn't helping and animals where still going missing. Then last week... the lads from the village got it in their heads to hunt the fiend themselves, prove their worth. My brother was among them, he was the only one who didn't come back. The other lads said Eilluc, my brother, was... wasn't fast enough and... when he fell... they couldn't stay and had to flee." She downed the rest of her drink before her emotions could get the better of her.


"So..." she cleared her throat. "I'd like to hire you to help me hunt down and kill the rutty bastard that killed me brother."

 

[Morris]

Corthis leaned back on the chair whilst he took a sip. He wanted to savour the drink, because he really wasn't nearly drunk enough for this proposition.


He should have anticipated this much - typical witcher's work. Dumb people tried to handle something they couldn't, someone died, and there's suddenly a sensible enough individual, a relative of the deceased, to look for a professional. Which would be all fine and dandy, had she not mentioned that she would hire him. Not the village, not the elders, but according to the context of her sentence, personally her. Judging from her attire, she didn't seem very wealthy, and as the faint rushes of emotion displayed themselves on her features, it seemed she would be the kind of person who's hotheaded enough to spend her family's savings on this errand, heedless of the financial consequences.


And on a different note, a Fiend. Of all the blood-craving beasts that roam the world, hers had to happen to be a Fiend. Corthis wasn't a cowardly man, but he was well aware of his limitations and the extent to which he could muster countermeasures to increase the likelyhood of success. A Fiend would not be a simple challenge by any means. They are smart, fast, agile and bite or tear people's heads off with a single move.


Comparing the risk-to-reward ratio, he found it rather unfavourable. - "For what it is worth, you have my condolences for your brother. He was very brave... but Fiends are nasty business, even for witchers." - he stated plainly - "Not easy prey. I'll need to buy extra armaments for hunting one, mainly Devil's Puffball and Grapeshot. Blizzard potion would also be handy. Not sure how many alchemists have materials for them. Could be costly in and of themselves." - he elaborated, his eyes drifting to the window, looking at some bypassing merchant moving through with a cart.


He kept some pause before turning back to Aeka. - "300 Crowns, half up front, plus combat supply expenses." - he dropped it bluntly. He was almost entirely sure the girl was going to flip out and leave, and he wasn't going to blame her if she does. Reality was always tough to deal with.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka wanted another drink, to chase away the burn in her chest for the loss of her brother. She nodded, appreciating the words even from a stranger. She had spend two days with her mother mourning, on the third she went to the elders who denied her plead. Four days travel to find one of the only people who could help her avenge her brother. She refused to cry in front of him. No more until she found him and brought him home.


She listened quietly as the stranger spoke. Devil's puff? Blizzard? These must be the odd concoctions witchers use during battle. She honestly had only ever heard the stories, cat eyes, a silver sword for monsters, a steel sword for men and a medallion around the neck. Stealing children. Turning soil barren. Butchering entire villages on a whim. But, she wasn't one to blindly believe the tales of old men. Even still, she tried to catch a glimpse of the witcher's eyes through the slits in his helmet as he spoke.


Her brow furrowed when he set the price. She didn't respond, as she thought through the price. It was too high; if she had been drinking she'd have choked on it.


"It's too much. I can offer you... 200 and perhaps some information." She would have to convince the elder's once the beast was dead. Dropping a bloody trophy at their feet and demand they pay the witcher for his services was an image that might have brought a smile to her face any other time, but... if they wouldn't be convinced, she could always sell the horse. She grimaced inwardly at the thought. She liked the young mare. "I can give you 70 now and guaranty hot food and a dry place to sleep until our agreement is fulfilled. Any herbs you need for your... potions, if they are native, I can find them for you."

 

[Morris]

Corthis gently shook his head. - "Lady, there is a reason why in the countryside, witchers are hired by communities, not by individuals." - he took notice of how she sought to make eye contact, perhaps trying to see if he indeed had cat eyes, the most peculiar feature of a witcher. He kept looking straightforward, not caring in particular of her potential discovery. - "And even if you had that much up and ready - which I personally doubt from the way your eyebrows and cheeks are twitching - there are a lot of 'ifs' involved in your secondary compensation."


He didn't wish to point it out to her that since she was clearly not of the upper classes, he had plenty of doubts concerning the worth of her 'information'. Hot food and shelter are nice, but not necessities. Plus, the ingredients? Even if she holds some herbalist knowledge, some materials - such as saltpeter - could only be acquired from certified suppliers, not just laying around in the wild.


It was actually surprising a bit, though, that the lass was trying to convince him to this extent. She really must have wanted her brother avenged. He could respect that; but he won't be part of her drama unless there's sufficient profit to be involved. However, Fyresdal lay days of travel away from here. If he tells her to go home and convince others to pool some coins, that Fiend will get all the more time to kill... to kill.


So... Ah hell. Might as well drive the point home: - "Hmpf. Tell you what. Let's say I accompany you to Fyresdal. Let's even say I lower my price to say, 250 crowns if you can provide me with natural ingredients like Sewant mushrooms and such. But once we're at your village, you must ensure that you and the other villagers will pay me what I ask for, and put it on display to see you're not cheating me. If that can be arranged, I'll take the beast on, and even gift you its head as a trophy. But if not... I'll be taking your 70 coins because you wasted my time when I could have looked for other assignments."


He waited in anticipation as to her reaction. Most witchers would have flat out refused her request at this point, but if she could convince her village to pay up, it would be beneficial to his purse. And if she is doubtful if she may, she'll just give up now.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

The witch shook his head "Lady, there is a reason why in the countryside, witchers are hired by communities, not by individuals. And even if you had that much up and ready - which I personally doubt from the way your eyebrows and cheeks are twitching - there are a lot of 'ifs' involved in your secondary compensation."


Aeka scowled, crossing her arms. Her face was too expressive meaning she was never any good at telling a lie. And he had read her like an open book, even from behind his face mask. She wanted to snap back, to say the first thing that came to her mind but she held her tongue. She would simply have to sell her horse and come back with more coin. How long would he stay here? Where was she going to find someone willing to buy the mare at a reasonable price... And the trip home without her would be all the longer. While she thought, the witcher had also been thinking and she felt a spark of hope when he spoke again.


"Hmpf. Tell you what..." She listen, nodding slightly in understanding.


Again, she kept herself from jumping on the offer. 250 crowns was still so much... but surely the elders would consent when she returned with the witcher. It had already been four days and the fiend could even more damage in the 3 days it would take for them to return. And with more damage the higher the price on its head would rise beyond burning indents and chatting to the gods. She closed her eyes for a moment, giving a silent pray to Freya that no one else had been injured by the Fiend.


As for the ingredients; sewant mushrooms? Yes, she knew those, white with tops cracked like bark. She had thought they would ride hard, straight back to Skalafell but if she needed mushrooms they would have to stop at her Cousin Ustren's. They had often played in the woods and caves close to his home. His father and now he kept the area safe for both his live stock and his children living so near the wilderness. They... they also may have not heard of her brothers death. It would be better she tell them than they hear it from the mouth of another.


"Very well, witcher. I will be sure you are compensated for your services. You have my word." And in Skeillge, you lived by your word. With that she pulled her coin pouch from inside her jacket. She removed 3 coins and pulled the draw string tight, tossing it to the witcher. "There you are. 70 crowns." She stood, crossing her arms. She was anxious to get moving and she knew the witcher still had his drink and drowners to take care of before they could leave, but that wouldn't stop her from making her eagerness known.


She then offered him her hand. "Aeka an Oskell."

 

[Morris]

He observed as she became contemplative at first, and compliant next. She's giving her word, she says - if he heard this from someone in the continent, he'd have smelled trouble. But Skelligens took their promises seriously, this much he learned from his short time here. Well, well... what do you know. She's willing to put this much at stake.


He gazed at the pouch with the coins, somewhat tempted at the sight. But old lessons die hard: - "First of all: keep your pouch for now. I'm not taking payment for a job I haven't begun yet." - he stated as he gently pushed the pouch back to her; this was part of his work ethic. He never took multiple assignments at once, even if he otherwise kept his eye out for offers. Relevantly, he must settle matters with the Drowners first. No advance payments before then, the coins would only weight him down. He then stood up, taking her handshake. How unusually polite... witchers are seldom offered such courtesies. - "Second of all: Corthis of Lyria. Pleased to make your acquaintance."


He finished his drink after the handshake, taking the armour-veil up and leaving the mug on the table. Grabbing his spear from the corner of the wall, he started walking out. - "And thanks for the beer. I appreciate it." - perhaps unwittingly, he let a hint of sincere gratefulness slip into his voice, breaking the monotonous tone.


Corthis expected the lass to try and follow him, so after exiting the tavern, he turned back to explain: - "I'm off to meet with the village elder about the Drowners. If all goes well, this won't take longer than a day. I presume you can afford to stay that long."


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Corthis of Lyria, she committed the name to memory. Her respect for the witcher grew with the surprising decline of her money. She grabbed the pouch as he finished his drink, returning to inside her jacket. The greed of man was insatiable and it was said, the greed of witchers was even more so, but perhaps this meant there were a few more rumors she could dismiss as conjecture... At least, for this witcher.


She nodded, the hint of a smile gracing her serious expression. She could feel a bit of the weight lifting off her shoulder; the path looking the slightest bit brighter.


She followed the witcher outside, holding her hand up to block the sun from her eyes as they adjusted.


"I'm off to meet with the village elder about the Drowners. If all goes well, this won't take longer than a day. I presume you can afford to stay that long."


"Aye, I can stay." She said, approching her horse who shook her head, whinnying and tugging at her tied reins. She shushed the mare, patting her neck as she undid the reins and smoothly rose into the saddle. "But I hope you won't mind a second shadow; I don't plan on letting you out of my sight." She even allowed her a smirk. "You may even receive a warmer reception with a native escort."

 

[Morris]

Corthis tilted his head to the side at the none too subtle advances. If he were of the more sarcastic sort, he'd have questioned whether her virginity is in dire need of slaying as well. However, he was not that unrefined as to offend a helpful person, plus as much as he loathed to admit, there was a good chance her presence would improve upon his bargaining chances.


"Follow for now, if you will. I'm sure the elder won't mind your company." - he shrugged ultimately, walking away. The house he was looking for wasn't a long distance away, perhaps half an hour on foot, a homely wooden lodge on a small hilltop.


...


When they arrived, the owner of the modest, but well-kept house was sitting on a bench outside, carving some small wooden figurine that Corthis could not recognize amidst his fingers as of yet. He raised his grey-haired, balding head, inspecting the visitors. His gaze lingered on Aeka, perhaps charmed by her comely appearence, before his eyes shifted to a more serious glint and his eyebrows furrowed as Corthis walked up to him. A bit hesitantly, the old man gestured for him to come closer.


Corthis introduced himself on short notice. - "Corthis of Lyria. Heard of the troubles with the Drowners. Locals told me to seek you. Elder Ulfinn, if I'm correct? I can help get rid of the wretches - for proper compensation."


The elder nodded, still measuring the would-be witcher's attire and lean built body. - "I'm elder Ulfinn, alright... and are ye a witcher, lad? Where's yer medal? Yer swords?"


Ah hell. He should have figured the old people of the islands were more familiar with his trade. Nevermind that, he could give answers: - "My medal is beneath my armor. Kept away from sticky hands. Continent became an unsavoury place, you might have heard. As for swords, I'm of the Viper school. Some of us prefer daggers rather than bulky blades." - he slapped on his two curved daggers, hanging from his belt. This second detail was at least true; he knew two people - Serrit and Auckes - who forewent their traditional swords in favour of shorter weapons. He wondered what became of them since then...


Ulfinn seemed unconvinced. - "Lift yer helm, lad. I wanna' see yer puss peepers."


"My what?" - Corthis didn't get the meaning at first.


"Yer eyes, ye twat." - the elder spat out.


Corthis let out a sigh. After a second of annoyance, he lifted off his rounded helmet... revealing that almost his entire upper head above the lips were covered by a thin linen mask. From behind, Aeka could also spot that at the back of Corthis' neck, his skin tone was... uneven. Some parts darker, others lighter, sharply contrasting. Once the elder nodded, Corthis turned a bit aside, looking at the girl. Well, she did want to see his eyes, didn't she? Those amber cat-like eyes. The only proper mutation he got, really. Done with the display, he put back his helm on top.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka nodded, clicking at her horse to urge her to follow the witcher. She let the horse walk slowly, meandering a bit as they followed the path through the village. As they walked she watched Corthis. It had been a long time since she was young enough to ask for stories from her father, but she remembered them well enough. Stories about beasts and men, about knights and princesses, and of course monsters and witchers. Many stories about witchers were to scare children, threatening them with being whisked away in the night if they didn't behave. But her father also told stories his grandfather had told him, about their grace and silence, their brutality and mystery. Those tales had instilled a quiet curiosity for the monster hunters and surely not all the terrible rumors where true.


As she thought of the stories she felt her chest constrict with grief once again. He didn't know; her father didn't know his first born, his son was dead. He would come home, ready to greet his family after the long trek, only to find it... lacking. She bit her lip, scowling. The best she could do was have a head mounted on the wall and a grave waiting for him. She needed them too.


To distract herself from the sad thoughts she watched Corthis' foots steps and found it difficult to actually follow them in the mud and dirt. And sure enough, his movements had a supernatural grace about them. She wondered if she practiced long enough that she might move the same way.


When they reached the house, she stopped her horse beyond the haphazard fence that followed the path. She leaned on the saddle as the mare nibbled on weeds growing around the fence, watching silently. She inclined her head to the elder as he took notice of her then pulled out a small dagger from her belt to pick at the dirt under her nails. She listened closely as she worked.


"Lift yer helm, lad. I wanna' see yer puss peepers."


She looked up at this. His eyes? She had also been curious, but not to the point of demanding he remove his helm. As he removed the armor, she felt her curiosity rise. His sink was two tones, dark and light. She almost immediately thought this was some strange freckling. Her shoulders and face where covered with flakes of color from too much time in the sun but she had never seen something so extreme. She was just plain curious now. As he turned she caught the sharp glint of feline eyes. She didn't try to hide that she was watching as their eye meet. Then he was putting his helmet back on.


@Morris

 

[Morris]

"Satisfied?" - Corthis asked, turning back to the elder, who in turn nodded. - "Now then, on to business. How much are you willing to pay for the drowners, per specimen?"


Ulfinn pondered a bit. - "Ten crowns apiece."


Corthis wanted to spit on the ground, only to remember he would be only covering his chain-veil in his saliva if he attempted. - "You're quite a cheapstake. Appearently not enough people died for you to start taking this seriously." - he remarked snidely.


The elder hurled the piece of wood at his helmet, so hard it clanged rather audibly. It hardly made an effect, but it made clear how he felt about the accusation. - "Me own son and grandson got killed first, ye coppersucker!" - he ranted. - "And we cannae' afford more precisely 'cause them Drowners drive us to poverty. Rannveig lived from fishin' as far as anyone remembers. Now folks are leavin' it since there's barely a catch, but plenty o' watery devils."


"...sorry." - Corthis lowered his head. He was used to sob stories, rendering him somewhat insensitive in dealings, but now he unwittingly hit on a nerve. That can't be beneficial... - "I take it there's quite a number of the wretches, then, if you cannot pool too much coins per capita?" - he inquired.


"Dozen at least. Mayhaps e'en a score." - Ulfinn nodded. - "One of the younger fishermen, Orsmun, claims he found their nest. Three of his fellows were dragged 'neath the waves. He got lucky; hapoon'd one of the bastards and swam ashore. Can lead show ye the way."


Corthis crossed his arms. - "I'll still require more compensation. This is a *lot* of Drowners you're asking to be put down."


Elder Ulfinn gently shook his greying head. - "If it's just coin ye's want, cannae' afford no more."


The witcher was trying to think this through. Were that girl not present behind his back, picking her nails with that pocket knife, he'd have declared that he'd just turn around and Rannveig can have their village go empty for all he cares. This was a tactic that often worked in regions where witchers were scarce, and here in Skellige he was appearently the closest thing anyone's going to find. Still... there's got to be something else in this village that could be of value to him. He just didn't know what, exactly.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka went back to focusing on her nail for a moment. Drowners? She knew her Uncle in Fyresdal occasianlly had problems with them, but she'd nevere heard of so many in one place that people were simply leaving to escape the problem. If she joined Corthis, she should be ready to defend herself, even if she had no intention of getting in the thick of it with the monster hunter. She turned in her saddle, reaching back to the oil skin protecting her unstrung bow. She was about to pull it from its safe spot in the saddle bags when the clang of metal made her turned back to the men. The noise had surprised her and the elder's words sturck a chord with her.


"Me own son and grandson got killed first, ye coppersucker!


She could see the quiet remose in the witcher for a moment, but once again there was that probalem of payment. The witcher knew what his work was worth, but couldn't he see that price was just too high for the people of these lands? Times were harsh, people live on little in the way of coin... It was no wonder witchers were rare and far between in the isles.


"If it's just coin ye's want, cannae' afford no more."





The conversation died and Aeka frowned then dismounted tossing the reins over a fence post. She approached, stooping to pick up the half carved wood piece. She brushed the bit of dirt off it before offering it to the elder.


"He's in need of a horse." She offered, perhpse poking her nose where it wasn't wanted for partically selfish reasons. Without a horse, it would take even longer for them to return to her village. "I am Aeka an Oskell of Skalafell. I have work for the witcher once he is done here." She added with a nod that would hopefully express her respect for the the man's position.


@Morris

 

[Morris]

Corthis was surprised by the maiden's intereference, though he understood her disposition. While he did indeed lack a horse, he didn't fancy asking for one; the only horses he saw in the village were those of bypassing traders, their carts drawn by the steeds. Horsekeeping was a luxury that few could afford in these parts.


Still, the elder did ponder on her words, as his long, thin fingers lifted back the figurine from Aeka's palm. - "Hmpf. Let it not be said I would hold up yer business, fair Aeka. Hmm... a horse, ye say." - he kept a moment of pause, turning his head aside, his gaze drifting off to the distance. - "Actually, mayhaps... mayhaps I could arrange fer that."


"If I might have a say on the matter." - Corthis crossed his arms - "Make sure it's one that can endure long rides. Not a sickly sack of crowbait. If you can assure that, we have a deal. If not, the lady's offer will enjoy my priorities."


Ulfinn seemed hesitant, considering how much this narrowed his choices down. As much as he was glad that the witcher would accept other types of goods, he was in a bit of a pickle. If he doesn't agree to this now, gods know when will the witcher come back, if ever. Ultimately, he nodded with a heavy head, his beard flailing about. - "Aye, 10 coint a-head and a steed. Fine, then." - he lifted himself up from the bench, gesturing towards a house near the edge of the village, with a tattered boat beside it. - "That's Orsmun's home over 'ere. Tell 'im I sent ye... and that his lil' sister will have her new toy by 'morrow."


"Will do. Farewell for now." - and with that said, he was already pacing away to the hut's direction.


As Aeka would follow up behind him, which he inevitably heard, at one point he turned about and waited for her to catch up. - "As much as I'm grateful for your... cooperativeness, I want to get something straight. Please, do tell me you're not even thinking about following me to the Drowner den, once I set out." - he sincerely hoped this was not the case with Aeka. She might be handy with weapons - at least he assumed she didn't carry that bow on the saddle around just for show - but Drowners are faster than most humans, and a lot more resilient to boot. He wouldn't allow anyone close to such creatures, especially not a potential employer.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka was pleased her suggestion was enough to tip the scale and an agreement was made. She followed the elders' gesture but hesitated a moment as the witcher left. "I know and understand your loss. My brother was taken from us as well. Fraya keep you." She said with another nod then jog to catch up to Corthis. She lead her horse, rather than ride at the moment.


"...Please, do tell me you're not even thinking about following me to the Drowner den, once I set out."


"Would you rather honesty or be told what you want to hear?" She glanced up at him, finding it interesting she had no way to gauge his reaction from his expression, but then again maybe he was just as hard to read with or without the head gear. "I was planning on following you, but I'm no fool. I was going to keep my distance. I can protect myself well enough with my bow." She steeled herself for the usual scoffs and disbelief even in a place such as Skellige. Even with woman standing with men in the Jarl's garrisons, it was still an uphill battle to prove her skills.


As they approached the hut she stopped, taking a moment to look out over the ocean. The breeze was crisp and left the taste of salt in her mouth. It seemed to clam from the shore, to think that hiding beneath its waves were monsters; downers and sirens. The threat of sudden storms and the constant hunt for fish making the sea a hard mistress to live with, but every native felt the deep draw to the sea.


The reins tugged in her hands and she was almost pulled off balance as her mare noticed a patch of grass that looked more appealing than the one at her feet. Aeka scowled at her and pulled back, continuing to the fisherman's house.


@Morris

 

[Morris]

At this point, Corthis would have been tempted to cast an Axii on Aeka - had he actually had the capacity to cast the aforementioned Sign. Too bad his training remained incomplete. So as they continued striding downhill to the seaside, he shook his head at her proposition. - "I prefer honesty. You might be no fool, lady, but you're inexperienced in regards to this threat. That's why I'll tell you why you should not come. What's the greatest threat you dealt with? Bandits? Wild boars? This is nothing like it. Drowners are ambush predators, attacking in packs after nightfall, when the sight of ordinary people is weaker. Coincidentally, that's exactly the time when I must confront them, otherwise some might escape and will make it look like I didn't do a throughout job." - he explained as he went through the bottles and small leather sacks dangling from his belt pockets. Swallow, Cat, Necrophage Oil... only one left of each. Not good.


To push his irritation aside, he kept at his lecture to Aeka: - "Drowners are faster than wolves, and their hides are stronger than studded leather. They hide in shallow-watered caverns most often, dark and putrid, where the humid air itself drowns out torches. If you even so much as approach, you'd be within their leap distance and they would cut you off easily. You might get some if you're a skilled quickdraw. But the rest will swarm you, pull you apart like rabid hounds. Seen them do it to enough unlucky bastards to tell you to stay away. I'd hate to take your offer posthumous." - he was coldly professional in his remark, but felt this was a necessity.


In the meantime, Corthis lifted off his helmet as he felt the weight and wetness of the salty seaside air smothering him. His attire wasn't quite suited for this sort of oceanic weather, though his mutations let him adjust to a degree. When Aeka's horse forced her to stop for a moment before continuing, he cast her a questioning gaze, pondering if she comprehended all he said.


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka grunted in reluctant acceptance. "You have a point." She had little doubt in her quick draw but she was not going to try to convince him now. She would let the matter rest for the moment. It was a problem that she would have to address though; if he was so against her joining him on this, he would surely be more firm in his choice when dealing with the fiend and there was no chance she would quietly wait at home, hoping Corthis returned with the fiends head and her brother's remains... if there were any remains to be found. No, she would be sure the beast was riddled with arrows before it met its ends at the witcher's silver blade.


"Fine. I will listen to your warning."


There was a young woman sitting outside the house, her sleeves roles up as she scrubbed clothes on a wash board. She looked up at their approach and Aeka could see her face wet, her eyes full of worry. She raised her arm in greeting and the woman hesitated for waving back. The woman turned and called, "Ma!" A second older woman appeared from the house in a rush. Her expression fell and she crossed her arms.


"Who are you? We don't want any trouble." She said, practically glaring at the imposing figure


Aeka glanced at the witcher then stepped forward. "I am Aeka an Oskell. The witcher Corthis has been hired by your elder to hunt the drowners. We are looking for Orsmun for information."


The young woman gasped, looking to her mother. She turned from the witcher to shake her head at Aeka. "Orsmun is not here. Fool thought to rid us of the devil's himself!"


"He did what?" Aeka gasped.


"He wouldn't listen to sense. He left with a pack full of oil bombs and his head full of stories of glory." He gestured toward the tattered boat with a hopeless expression.

 

[Morris]

"Seriously?" - Corthis sounded up, audibly upset, in a tone that sent the poor young girl hide behind her mother. First, Aeka's brother and now this. In all honesty, was this some national sport in Skellige which he wasn't aware about? That older brothers are indeed supposed to run blindly to their deaths when trouble comes knocking in the form of monsters? Perplexing. - "And neither of you have... nevermind. When did Orsmun leave and how?"


"On foot, with a backpack. Said he'll approach the sea devils from a cliffside. Left for northwards along the coast, two or three hours ago." - the mother explained.


Corthis felt like this would be an appropriate moment to bury his face in his palm, but resisted the urge. - "And you didn't tell anyone?"


The mother shook her head. - "If you saw the blaze in his eyes... he wouldn't turn back, even if Madman Lugos himself would be running against him. Said he'll burn out the root of our evils, avenge his friends, save the village. So brave, and I know his heart is in the right, but ye Gods..." - she shivered. - "If something happens to him, little Ylva won't have anyone left but me." - she looked to her daughter, gently hugging her by the shoulder.


Just great, Corthis thought. Now he'll have to go after the idiot right away, and drag him back kicking and screaming if he has to. - "Normally I don't do charity work." - Corthis folded his arms. - "But I suppose I can't let an amateur scare off my prey while blowing himself up." - he dryly remarked. - "I'll get Orsmun back first, then move on to the Drowners next."


His new cause confirmed by some wordless, heavy-frowned nodding from the wrinkle-faced lady, Corthis turned to Aeka. - "If Orsmun was heavily laden, it's child play to follow his tracks. But I'd need your horse to be sure to catch up before it's late. Or we'll have to share your mare, provided it can take us both. Your call."


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka turned back to her horse as the witcher confirmed that he'd find Orsmun. This was not going as planned but now their was little chance of her being left behind. She pulled her bow from where it was tucked along side the saddle and in a fluid movement, bent the bow to sting it. A quiver of arrows was carefully tucked into the saddle as well, within quick reach.


"She'll take us both." She said, giving the witcher a grave look then turned back and undid the ties holding the saddles bags. Wouldn't need them nor their weight. She swung into the saddle, taking the reins with one hand, her bow in the other. The horse whinnied at the unaccustomed weight as the witcher sat behind her.


"I'll be back for my things." She called and the mother nodded with a grim expression. She turned the horse away from the house and kicked her into a quick trot down the road. Aeka glanced at the road then up along the path. She could see nothing to distinguish one pair of bot prints from the next, but tracking would have to be left to the witcher. "Hold on, there is a reason I put up with her temperament." She then spurred the mare with a yell. The horse snorted and the trot quickly turned into a full on gallop, despite the the extra weight. She just hoped this time fate wouldn't be cruel.


@Morris

 

[Morris]

Corthis kept the helmet off, tying it to his belt with a linen string, before mounting the mare, sitting behind Aeka, his hands holding into her nimble waist firmly, but not intrusively. - "Easy there, girl." - he muttered to the horse as it whined beneath the unwelcome guest rider. Corthis wasn't particularly heavy; witchers in general were of lean built, and he was no exception - albeit he did know of one, and that would be Letho. Heavens know what that 400 pound tub of muscled lard was up to... he heard rumours here and there, some of which contributed to even more distrust towards witchers than usual.


Shaking it out of his thoughts, he nodded to Aeka, ready to ride out. - "Let's go then. You guide your mare, I'll check for tracks." - and so he did. Without the helmet narrowing his vision, he could use his acute sight to check for tracks even at a trotting pace. The man used the dirt road for the first phase of his walk. Confirming this, he made no complaints to Aeka as she spurred the horse on.


As they advanced further, Corthis wagered the man would have to take the high road if he meant to approach the nest descending from a seaside cliff. And if there wasn't such a thing, he'd have to go through unchecked wilderness. That is why as the road was taking a curve, he interrupted Aeka: - "Slow the horse down, now!" - as she'd comply, Corthis bore his gaze around. - "Hmpf... no more trails on the road. He's taking a shortcut through the foliage." - he remarked as he tilted his head towards the scarce woods on the high ground. The soil here was more difficult to read; as they'd go through among the pine trees and low-growing bushes, they will likely have to dismount - unless Orsmun was dumb enough to make markings on the trees or somesuch, in case he was bad at navigating.


Trotting closer, it didn't take long for Corthis' idea to be confirmed. Some trees bore a cleanly scraped 'X' letter on their barks. - "Well... what do you know. Orsmun might be spirited, but he sure isn't at home on rough terrain." - he pointed out. - "Don't lead the horse quick, though. There could be other beings in here than an idiot fisherman."


@Jaded Jinx

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Aeka tried not to think about the strangers hands on her waist. She leaned forwards enjoying the wind rushing past her face as her mare rushed along the path. The horse had been her brother's thus why she was so new and temperamental toward Aeka. Eilluc had gotten her as a birthday gift from their father before he left. He would have missed the day and gifted the young mare to his son early. Aeka had burned with jealousy at the time, but now she would rather have never own a horse in her life if only her brother had still been here.


Corthis' voice jolted her back to the present and she pulled back hard on the reins. The horse slowed enough for the witcher to dismount before she lead the horse into a trot, making her circle as she snorted and tossed her head in displeasure at being reined in. When the horse calmed enough, Aeka also dismounted and approached the area the witcher was investigating. She walked slowly after him seeing the mark in the tree. She shock her head at the armature behavior but perhaps Orsmun was more comfortable on the sea than in the woods.


She nodded to the witcher and grabbed a few arrows from the saddle holding them with her bow in her hand. She slowly moved through into the woods, following the witcher and trying to keep her steps in his when she could. The hush under the trees naturally made her lower her voice. "Other beings of my garden variety or your's?"


[dice]23117[/dice]

 

[Morris]

Corthis kept his guard up, spear in hand, as he dismounted and started following the trails on foot, Aeka behind him. - "Hopefully neither." - he muttered to her is a whispering tone. If they are lucky, the wild animals in these parts were hunted down or driven out long ago. Corthis tried to calculate how much of an advantage Orsmun got at this point, encumbered by oil bombs. They could close the distance on the open road quick, and if Orsmun sucks at finding his way around trees, he won't advance at a quick pace. Still, he had hours before they got on his trail.


He treaded forth with catlike grace, slipping from one shadow into another whilst examining the path the fisherman forged ahead. The only animal voices he took notice of were that of birds, and he spotted a stag on a clearing, but that was it. At a steady pace, the witcher and his accomplice ventured deeper.


They could have been venturing for about twenty, maybe thirty minutes, before a loud noise shook up half the woods. A man's pained scream, coming from straight ahead. Corthis put his helmet up. - "Well, shit." - he commented and darted forward at an amazing speed, speartip held out.


It took a few minutes to reach the source of the increasingly desperate cries and inarticulate yelling, but he found it: Orsmun, the young fisherman was cornered by wolves, down on one leg; his right shin and left arm had been mangled bloody, and he was barely fending off the creatures with his harpoon, half its stave broken off. One of his oil flasks was torn open, its content spilling over his clothes. - "Help! Somebody! HELP!" - he was losing both blood and strength quickly.


Corthis was diving straight into the beasts, when he was ambushed. Were it not for instinct and reflexes honed to superhuman levels, he would had been knocked out by the incoming cudgel. Instead, he managed to turn his body around just in time to avoid the strike. He found himself confronted by some ragged, half-naked hermit, his big, all-covering beard frothing with drool and the stench of toxic mushrooms. - "We wolfsies donnae like peoples! Oh no, nononono."


It was official. Skellige was an island because the continent couldn't bear its insanity and willingy broke it off. The witcher steadied himself, outmanouvering the hermit with ease and would had been ready to deliver a strike, had the man not started barking. This pulled the attention of the wolves away from Orsmun, and they turned agaist the newcomers. - "Aeka, defend yourself!" - Corthis commanded, as he piouretted out of the circle of jaws and fangs, slicing up the skin of the wolves with the speartip.


@Jaded Jinx


Dice rolled by Morris | RpNation.com - Best Roleplay Forum

 

[Jaded Jinx]

Her horse snorted only a moment before the scream rip through the wood. Aeka was glad she had taken the time during the trek to remove her quiver from the saddle and attach it to her belt because the mare bucked and took off in the opposite direction. She didn't try to stop the animal, instead hurrying to follow the witcher. Corthis easily outpaced her and she was soon following the pleas for help rather than the witcher.


She was closer to Orsmun than the witcher when she finally saw him through the trees. She didn't hesitate to raise the bow. The arrow she loosed sunk into the neck of the wolf as it lunged at the fish man. A second arrow followed in an insant , knocking the wolf away as it yelped.


She heard another voice but ignored it, seeing the witcher in the corner of her eye and she loosed another arrow, that struck a wolf in the hind courters, causing the wolf to howl and fall as its back leg stopped working. The wolves turned from Orsmun toward her as someone started barking. Confused but not taking the time to look around as two of the wolves broke from the rest as they moved toward the witcher. She back peddeled, shooting at one wolf. The arrow may have been less effective but the beat opened its mouth and practically swallowed the arrow. When its feet touched the ground, the rest of it fell to the ground. She threw herself to the side as the second lunged at her. Claws tore a bit of fur from the lining of her hood. As she turned, she gripped the bow with both hands and smashed the weapon into the side of the wolf. The animal growled, snapping at her. She pulled an arrow from the quiver, stabbing at the wolf. It jumped back giving her the half second she needed to draw the bow and shot the wolf in the chest.


"Aeka, defend yourself!" The witcher yelled. Aeka jerked her head toward Corthis. What did he think she was doing? She thought, pulling more arrows from her quiver realizing she had less than she expected. The sight of the witcher made her hesitate, mouth agap. His speed and supernatural grace stunned her. It was almost ad she was watching a dance, a dangerous dance of flashing steel and fang. The hesitation was only a moment before she rose to her feet as she pulled the string back aiming for one of the wolves.


Aeka yelled in surprise as she was suddenly tackled from the side. The arrow misfired, streaking off into the fight. A half dressed hermit stars fled her chest, spittle flying from his lips as he raved. "Bitchy devil! Killin' e wolvesess! Murders! Murders!!" She shielded her face as he pummelled blows on her head and shoulders. She tried to pull her bow up to strike him, but it was pinned between her body and the stranger. She yelled in raged as she let go and lifted her other arm to protect her head from the beating. Aeka threw her leg up, her knee hitting the crazy man in the back. It was hard enough that it made the man pause in his attack. She took the moment to jerk her arm up, punching the man in the face. His eyes buldged but before he could attack again she punched him again and bucked him off. Aeka braced her hands by her head and flipped back onto her feet. She spun and kicked hard, her foot sinking between the mans legs. He wailed and seemed like he would stay on the ground for a while.


She scrambled for her bow and the few arrows on the groun, aiming at where the witcher and wolves had been, out of breath and still raring for a fight.

 

[Morris]

By the time Aeka recuperated from her encounter with the semi-rabid hermit, there was no need for further arrow shots. Corthis has been ruthlessly efficient in his own strange dance of war, puncturing throats and penetrating the chests of the bewildered lupines, as well as finishing off those specimen who have been receptive of Aeka's marks(wo)manship, but still had life ebbing in them, however fast fading.


To be frank, Corthis was not nearly as efficient as he wished to be; normally, he'd just cast Igni to scare off wild beasts. A few charred tufts of fur were often enough to send animals running, and a great way to gain the upper hand against those sorts of brigands who relied on hounds or horses to fight their battles. But he was glad he was perceptive, having taken note of one of Orsmun's oil flasks leaking. If only a spart from an Igni sign landed on him, he'd had been burnt to a crisp. Therefore, the witcher was forced to fight the traditional way.


The last wolf latched on to his arm, having leaped from hiding, an older and wiser alpha. Its fangs sunk into the protective leather gloves of the witcher, but barely penetrated; in an eyeblink, Corthis unsheathed a dagger and stabbed the poor predator between two ribs, straight to the heart. It didn't suffer long before its jaws yielded to the pull of the cold ground.


Corthis let out a deep sight, as he cast an inquisitive glimpse to Aeka. He knew she was likely good with the bow, but... he didn't expect this sort of expertise. Not that he'd explicitly tell this to her, lest she'll be all the more insistant to walk right into her potential death. Nevertheless, her support was welcome, and it made this annoyance of a sidewalk all the quicker. - "You've managed yourself pretty well." - he admitted. - "Now, let's tend to our friend here."


Orsmun busied himself trying to wrap up his injuries to stall the blood loss, but with one arm also badly hurt, it wasn't easy. Corthis was swift to lend a hand. The young fisherman nodded in acceptance. - "Thank ye, strangers... whoever you two are, you saved my life."


"I'm Corthis, a foreign traveler. The girl is Aeka." - the witcher was straightforward in his introduction. - "And we're getting you back home. Your mom is worried sick."


"Me mom sent you?" - Orsmun blinked, just shortly before gritting his teeth in pain. Corthis wasn't excatly leaving the bandaging loose. - "That's... sweet an' all, but... I can't go back just yet. Got those toad-faces from 'neath the waves to handle yet!"


The witcher let out an audibly pissed grunt. - "Sure, can't see why you wouldn't fare any worse. Look junior. You're down on one arm and leg. Be realistic. You are brave and resourceful, what with those oil of yours, but you're in no good shape for heroics."


"You don't get it, my friend." - Orsmun smirked. - "I got me a plan. Don't need force, just get above their lair. I let the flasks down on an oil-drenched rope, let the tide float them into the creatures' lair, then light it. I'll burn the bastards out for what they did to my village! I'll be a hero, and none will tell otherwise!"


Corthis was tempted to just knock the fisherman out cold, like Aeka did with the hermit, but resisted the urge. - "That doesn't work. Drowner lairs have too much moisture for fish oil to keep burning for long, and they will have enough time to reach open water before sustaining fatal burns. All you'll do is anger them, send them into a frenzy. Anyone dies that night, it will be your fault."


This seemed to have gotten Orsmun's attention. - "You're... you are one of those... monster hunters the old tales speak of? Hexer? Nay, wait... witcher." - his features hardened. - "Oh, of course you wouldn't want me to go through with this. You'd be bereft of the money you'd be squeezing out of my poor village, eh, you charlatan?!" - he tried to shove Corthis' arms away, struggling to his feet. - "Leave me alone, freak! I'm going through with this, don't you try and stop me!" - he tried to raise up his harpoon to emphasise his point, but all he managed to do was stumble to one knee. - "OW!"


"...the way things are, I guess I don't have to try very hard." - Corthis remarked snidely before turning to Aeka. - "Could you try talk sense into him? We need to know the directions. But he'll have to go home." - he walked over to her, standing guard over the unconscious hermit.


@Jaded Jinx