Fantasy Red Fever

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

His permission to join was ignored by the rather busy sister of the abbey, much to his charging but nevertheless followed her along those who were acknowledged by the elven sister.

Upon following the group from behind, his eyes saw the mourning groups of peasants crying for the dead which were cremated in order for the plague to be contained temporarily, sadness filled inside of him causing him to stop, the feeling of pity to those who lost their loved ones due to the plague grew in his heart, to which he also felt before when the Realm where he served before has fallen due to plague that was rumored to had begun from his Mother.

"What a saddening sight to see... May they rest in peace and suffer not from the wretched plague." He said under his breath as he followed the group from behind, minding not the Knights that stood guard in the gates, the vendors and their fishy wares nor the Lycan that the Elven sister that she spoke with. His hands clenching the grip of the Red Spear

Catching up a bit after losing his focus on the cremation of the bodies, he checks out the group that consists of a motherly-like bard whose hands knows Archery and the blowing of a flute, two giant lizards who tower over him, their brute strength that even dwarfs him, a Count who seems to know his way in the upper class and a Sister of the abbey, which he has heard before but never saw them in the open.

"May the son, Uthar, smile upon us." he said to himself, before opening a container of Ale and taking a swig before keeping it in his pack on his back.

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"My... What a lively bunch..." Imelda quietly muttered in her native Northern tongue as she followed the party out of the tavern and off towards their destination. Some Lord's manor if she heard right. As they walked through the market, Imelda got a good look at the people who still attempted to have a sense of normalcy with their peddling. The fishmongers in particular got a good chuckle from her as their attempts at passing off old fish for new would only fool the inexperienced or desperate. Still, she silently supported their work and admired their will. Or was it greed? Either way, she made a mental note to donate some fish if she ever catches any later.

The party soon reached the gateway leading into the slums. And just from the smell, Imelda knew that she would soon see the sights that haunted her during her trip towards the city. Even as she smiled warmly at the guards, she knew she can never be prepared for the coming sight. Bodies piled high in preparation for cremation, the weeping and sobs of those still living as they mourned their dead, the sick smell of burning flesh and ash as the crematoriums worked overtime to get rid of the bodies before it breeds more of the illness, the stoic looks of men and women in priestly garbs. The view was the same but she can never get used to it. Nor does she wish to be jaded enough to ever do. So it was a huge relief for her as they exited the slums and began their trek through the forest. Being in a sort of familiar surroundings made her heart feel at ease. Well, at least until she heard someone ask if they were looking for a cure.

"Hm? Who's ask.... ing...?" Imelda paused as she saw the speaker. A humanoid looking wolf-like creature standing behind the group. Before Imelda could reach for her bow, Sister Marian stated that the lycan could follow. Biting back her own question, she relaxed slightly and smiled.

"The more the merrier, right?" Imelda softly chuckled before quietly approaching the wolf. After checking to make sure that no one else was looking, the soft look in her eyes turned into a glare.

"Listen close, Vargar (wolf). I pity whatever curse turned you into this beast but know this... The moment you succumb to your.... instincts... Will be the moment I cure your existence. Understood?" Imelda threatened in Northern before suddenly smiling softly. "That being said, welcome to our merry band."

Rumble Fish

 

[Shireling]

Aldous Underhill
​

"Nothing lives in these woods but foresters and deer," the halfling replied to the lizard with the inquisitive snout. He grumbled in absolute irritation when Marian pressed her hand down on his hat and ruffled his hair. He quickly took off his tricorn and fixed his reddish brown hair back into its usual tame position before placing the hat back over his head. He caught a bit of the conversation of the others, but being the only one so low to the ground he failed to hear anything in great detail. He turned in Marian's general direction.

"I am Mr. Underhill, trusted forester of Count Vayner. and I would be quite appreciative if you would not touch my head in such a rude fashion." He leaned against his bow as his eyes surveyed the somewhat drear country landscape before them. He was genuinely surprised they had caught no poachers out recently looking for the Lord's deer. Banditry and theft were always want to accompany famine and disease wherever they roamed across the country.

 

[Petroshka]

For Loksha, there wasn't much to go on about, she followed the group lead by the sharp ears Lehzin had instructed her to follow. She saw the same horrors she had seen when coming into the city, although when they were walking through the slums she caught the scent a particularly foul smelling alleyway. She supposed it was more bodies of lowly peasants who the body takers hadn't gotten around to take or hadn't bothered to. Growling at the smell she huffed her nose and exhaled really quickly to get rid of the sent from her nose. The rest of the way she could sense something stalking them but she didn't feel any ill intent from it so she ignored it. It was until the odd group stopped at a gate of some sort with a groomed woods area on the other side from what she could tell, did things start to get interesting. Sharp ears had place her hand on the short ones head, at first she thought it was a common custom but then the short one seemed to be unhappy about it making her confused, but she didn't dwell on it.

Woe as it may the stalker that had been following them showed itself, a dog like thing. It seemed malnourished and longing for something as it spoke to the group. Naturally Loksha didnt understand what everyone was saying so she kept quiet, simply observing in the background.

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Crumbli Wandering Grim Hollow
Mentions: Above ​

Nairna blinked as she looked at the Elven woman who had spoken to her, the same one who had seen her in the tavern. She frowned a little as she answered, trying to figure out what she had said. She sounded… apologetic? She noticed the woman’s gesture, directed towards her and tilted her head. Maybe she didn’t know what she meant?

“No- Cure… Red… Looking… Bah!” she scratched the back of her neck and looked away, not knowing how else to tell the woman. Just as she started to brainstorm, she suddenly saw another woman come up against her, she also spoke in a language that she did not understand. Why was there two?! She did not know what she was saying but she could tell from her expression and tone of voice that it was a threat. Nairna’s tail erected and her ears pinned against her head. She stood back, just staring at the woman. When she moved away, the Wulver still felt intensely uncomfortable despite her change in tone. She looked between them all, now that they had noticed her she could not help but feel a bit uncomfortable. But, as she opened her mouth, her stomach decided to rumble again. All she could do was put a hand against it and look away.

“Dh'fheumadh tu rudeigin a ràdh dìreach... (You just had to say something)” She grumbled, putting a hand over her maw. The fact that her upper-canines poked out of her mouth due to her overbite made her wary as she looked around the group. They must have assumed she was... some kind of beast. Maybe this really was not a good idea. What if they thought she wanted to eat them?

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes was fairly used to long and boring walks. It was a fairly often task to undertake when strolling through towns in search of those who needed treatment. Or to those who could not move themselves. The stink of fish and brine was lost on the doctor. His herb filled mask did well to fend off any odors of the docks. Certainly a benefit of the beaked mask, as well as providing theoretical protection from any miasma that may cause the fever.

The good doctors attention did eventually fall to the corpses, it was a sight he had seen far too many times. To most people it was a saddening, depressive sight. But to Archimedes, it that, and a sigh of failure. He, or one of his doctors may have been able to save those people. It was a thought that often plagued the doctors mind. Yet he tried his best to remain stalwart.

Archimedes was silent for the majority of the journey, although he was not sullen or downtrodden. He simply decided against any small talk. He did ponder on the party he was with. The concept of many different people, some of different races, and all from different walks of life uniting against the fever was inspiring.

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
Shireling

Marian stares at the suspected lycan for a moment longer as it speaks of the colour red. Its mind had clearly been warped by its illness. It pained her to see a person fall so low to a disease that had no known cure. Perhaps after they find a cure to the red fever they'd be able to find a cure to lycanthropia she thinks, though the more time she invests into the idea the less likely it seems. She turns away from it as she sees the woman who'd offered her flute to the band approaching. Whatever the two might want to say to one another was entirely up to them, and she'd no reason to pry on other introductions.
She devotes her attention to the halfling who she now knew to go by the name of Mister Underhill. Hearing the name jogs no memories so she assumes that while he's a caretaker for the forests that lie before them, he isn't a man of any significant merit around the province. "My apologies Mister Underhill. I uhh, I won't do it again." She takes a few paces towards the forest. She turns her head to look over her shoulder and takes note of the group being all together. "Alright everyone! Let's keep going."

Charging forth down a path of hardened dirt, Marian leads the group into the count's personal hunting grounds. The forest was a lush one with the ground beside the path sporting healthy tufts of ankle high grass that peters out into the darker areas of the forest. From the group's position there was little change in the elevation with the left side of them being a very slight incline and the right side being relatively level. She looks about as they march finding there was little to say beyond small talk. Perhaps the silence was good for them. It allowed them to hear their thoughts instead of attempting to drown out the silence.
She skims the small shrubbery and large oaken trees for signs of life but finds little. For a hunting ground she'd expected there to be more. She saw no hares, no deer, certainly nothing of grandeur amongst the shadows cast by the tree tops overhead. "Mister Underhill, you said you're a grounds keeper here? If I might be so bold to ask, where exactly are the animals?" Her tone is sincere and while she as no intention of offending the halfling she suspects her question might be interpreted as questioning of his abilities to keep the grounds safe or fit for the count.
The deeper they walk the quieter it seems until they come across a corpse propped against a dark and thick tree adjacent to the path. The incline to their left had faded away to be as level as the right side. She looks at the body of what appears to be a young man. His ears are rounded and by his over all size she can only assume the man was a slender human. From his nose there seems to be a large amount of dried blood and judging by the paleness of his skin, and the darkness of his veins, he'd come here looking for help or silence as he passed on. She pauses by the corpse for a moment waving the others to continue on before kneeling beside the body and placing her lips to his forehead. His cold and firm skin tell her that he'd been here for a while. She lets out a sigh and places a hand over his eyes, closing them shut. "I'll tell someone where you are. You deserve a cremation." She whispers before raising herself from her position and following the group.

Not too far from where the body lies they find the exit of the wooded lands. The beaten path cuts across a large open field filled with grazing cattle and leads to what she assumes is castle Vayner. A large looking keep surrounded by two walls. The interior being of stone with what appeared to be man-sized wooden boxes along the top and the outer most wall being shorter and made of wood. It was larger than her abbey by a considerable amount and while she knew nobility lived in luxury even this catches her off guard. She picks up the pace to be alongside the halfling once more and turns to him. "I take it this is the place?"
Walking through the open field the cattle seem unphased by the group. Even the suspected Lycan wasn't enough to peak their concern. Marian notes their incredibly docile behaviour and smiles to herself as she recalls past conversations between her and her sisters at the abbey regarding their own cow and its nature. She'd only been gone for a day at most and already she was missing home. She finds herself tempted to pat one of those nearer to the group by decides against it. Maybe if they walked back this way she'd be able to sneak a gentle head pat in somewhere.

The group finally arrives at the gates of the castle where the guards present shout out to travellers below. "Halt! What purpose have you for being here?"

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

Gerard looks on as Marian interacts with the victim of the Red Fever, its body reminded him of his father who had a similar fate. However, he moves on like the rest of the group that he's following from the rear and protecting them in the rear with his spear in hand. Following the group, he saw the sight of green emerald fields, reminiscent of the Northern Lands that he used to serve with the merry bands of honorable knights, but his eyes fixated to the large looking keep, its exterior is a stark contrast to what he was used to see back home.

"Count Vaynor's keep... by Uthar that keep looks unsecure... But i'll let the Divines judge." He spoke to himself, looking unfazed at the rather large and luxurious keep in a middle of the field he keeps pace at the rather quick group who were assembling by the castle gates. His quick judgement of the place was served back to him upon seeing the castle guards that he did not noticed from afar.

"Apologies Lord Uthar for my quick judgement." His hand grasps his spear upon looking at the sky above, asking forgiveness for his quick judgement, a topic that was that was taught to him by the Knights to avoid.

 

[Petroshka]

Loksha followed silently unsure of what the others were talking about instead rather focusing on the eerie silence the forest exuded she could swear she felt something else stalking them but when she focused on the sense it quickly disappeared as if it wasn't corporeal. Grunting at the feeling she let herself fall behind the group even going behind their newest member, the wolf incase something were to ambush them. Although now being near it she looked upon its form, it was grotesquely thin and even gave Loksha a sense of pity. Reaching in her pouch of things she grabbed some dried meat reminiscent of jerky and tapped the wolf's shoulders handing it out toward it.

Rumble Fish

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

Death. It seems even in the pristine woods she found comfort in, there is no way to escape the harsh reality of the sickness. The man's body was a pitiful and sobering sight. The blood, dry and encrusted, showed that his death was recent enough that decay has yet to work on the body. Imelda wondered if the man simply sat down to rest and regain some strength on a quest to get cured or did he simply wanted to die in a peaceful place? It doesn't matter now. Watching the Little Sister give the corpse his final blessing moved Imelda to near tears but she held strong, opting to play a small tune on her flute, hoping that the man's spirit has finally found peace.

Leaving the woods and the body behind, they came to a lush fields where cattle of various sizes went about grazing and living. Fattening up themselves for future slaughter sure but that didn't stop Imelda from patting one as she got close. It calmed her down to see that life still lives despite the plague and it seemed to spare the animals at least. Walking past the cows, they came upon the gates of their destination.

"Well it looks.... Nice...? Aha...." Imelda half-hearted joked before the guards shouted at them.

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Crumbli Petroshka
Mentions: Above
It seemed nothing was getting through to the others. Nairna growled in frustration and kept quiet. Aside from the confusion, it seemed that they were still allowing her to follow them without much protest. She looked around as they continued onward. As they moved onward, they began to leave behind the grim and sober smells and sights of the town, and towards the open and fresh forests. Nairna’s ears flicked and her nose quivered as she took in the sight. This was more familiar and settling for the Wulver. She felt the clean and crisp air run through her fur, making her raise her snout in the air to take in a deep breath. The smell of unfortunate death had previously made Nairna feel unwell, the scent of the fresh grass and cold air made her feel both better and calmer.

She was broken out of her thoughts by both the scent of dried meat, and a tap on her shoulder. Just as the scent came to her senses, she felt her stomach rumble. With a sigh, her ears drooping, she turned around to be greeted with the Lizardwoman, holding a piece of dried meat in her hand towards her. She was only slightly taller than Nairna herself, and the Wulver had seen her kind before during her travels, so she was not surprised or alarmed by her appearance.

She glanced down towards the meat, her yellow eyes glanced back up towards the holder, silently questioning whether or not it was acceptable for her to take the meat. She really did not want to take it. What could she give in return? Nothing, she had nothing at all except for a couple of gold coins in her pouch. She thought about acting as though she had not seen her, but she was let down by her rumbling stomach. With a sigh, Nairna reached forward, gently taking the jerky in her soft paw from the woman.

“Tapadh leat… (thank you)” she mumbled softly before taking out the few copper coins from her pouch, holding them out towards the woman.

“Cha robh mòran ach... bha mi a 'faireachdainn dona. (not much but... I would feel bad)” she said with a slight chuckle as she glanced downwards, feeling rather unsettled by the whole thing. She really was not used to speaking to others. She took a moment to look around the area, her ears flicked back with concern. This was going to take a while for her to get used to everyone.​

 

[Shireling]

Aldous Underhill
​

Aldous walked on wordlessly for a while using his bow like a walking stick and trudging along the road. He too noticed that there was little in the way of wildlife about, although it still irritated him when Marian remarked on this. He stiffened his jaw and replied tartly, "Animals are sometimes wiser than intelligent creatures. They can smell the plague, I am sure." They marched on.

When they came to a stop, he noticed the reclined form of a human body in the woods. He searched the face, but he did not recognize him as anyone he knew. He was dressed in peasant clothing, likely a serf from a nearby village who had stumbled through the woods racked with plague. He had found two such individuals so far. He knelt and allowed Marian to pray over the body before they moved on to the castle.

When the opportunity provided itself, he marched to the front of the procession. "Constable," he declared to the guard, "tell His Grace that these travelers come with my blessing, I am escorting them."

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.

Looking over at the stout Mister Underhill, Marian listens to his words carefully. She was curious to the prestige of this figure. From what she knew, most grounds keepers were nameless faces who made sure poachers stayed far away but this grounds keeper seemed to be well known first in the city and now at the castle. She hears the guards from the gatehouse call out once more and turns her focus to them. "Aldous is that you? I didn't recognise you with such tall company." The vocal guard turns around to the his companion and leans close to him. The two share a quiet laugh before the gates are slowly cranked open. Their thick wooden boards drag against the dusty tracks that lead inside, up-heaving a fine cloud of dirt. "Come inside. We'll see to it that the duke's informed of your visit."

Marian raises a hand over her mouth as the wind pushes the dust in the direction of the group. Small pieces strike at her eyes causing her to close them in discomfort. She leaves them closed for only a few fleeting seconds before taking small steps forward towards the interior of the keep. Her eyes open once more, greeting her with what seems to be a stable. Inside the stalls are no fewer than six horses and a large pile of straw leans against the wooden half walls for each of the animals. She turns her still recovering eyes to the left where houses appear to be built at random and the dirt track breaks away into many twisting and winding paths. None of the houses were built like the others and all of them seem fairly small. By power of deduction she assumes these houses are for the soldiers and their families as well as those who tend to the duke's land. She looks at the party and clears her throat. "If you guys want I'm sure you could explore for a little while. There's probably a tavern or a temple somewhere around here. Otherwise I'll be waiting at the next gate if you want to stay with me."
With that, she begins to walk towards the interior gate. She suspects it leads to the duke's manor but at this point can't be sure of anything. The path she takes is one of the most linear about this small township and as she passes by many of the houses she realises there were a range of different professions about including a blacksmith. What looked from a glance like his house with a rear porch was actually a small forge. Outside in the covered area was a figure hunched over a large table. The figure flicks his eyes up at her, revealing himself to be a rugged looking man with greying hairs, while hammering an glowing piece of iron into shape. She nods politely to which he returns in kind before returning to his work.

She continues about the path until she's stopped by a set of gates. There stands a dark iron barred gate placed in front of a solid looking wooden gate. This, she was sure, was the way into the manor. Now she'd have to wait for the guards to open it for her and anyone who decided to stay with her.

 

[Kokurai Gaisgeach]

The Dust kicked up by the gates caused Gerard to cover his face with his hand, his eyes instinctively closed after some of the small pieces struck his eyebrows causing some minor discomfort,
after taking a few small steps along with the group, he opened his eyes and saw what appears to be a stable. its insides are no fewer than six horses and a large pile of straw leaning against the wooden half walls for the animals, and to the left, houses, ordinary houses built for those working for the Keep's owner, his eyes were finished exploring what he could see until the Elven Sister spoke up, telling the entire group about her being fine for the party to explore the Keep's town. Tempted to go and explore as he has never seen such greener pastures and a peaceful looking town, His eyes scanned the place in hopes for a tavern but Gerard had a dillema in his mind.

"Should I stay or should i go?" He thought to himself, wanting to satisfy his thirst despite his bottle that he brought along is still half full.

after a minute of thinking, he decided to stay with the Elven Sister, and awaits the descision of his comrades.

 

[Petroshka]

Loksha watched the half dog reach into its pouch and held out a few coins saying a few words that she didnt understand, but Loksha felt too bad for the thing and shook her head and pushed the paw back. "Iwa no ni." She wasnt sure what the dog was thinking, perhaps it was feeling guilty for the charity? or its pride was hurt? Either way she did not want to accept these coins from what is obviously a poor and starving being. She wasnt exactly covered in money herself but she came prepared with dried meats and water, especially the fact that she didnt have to eat as often as the warmbloods she is around now.

When their little group finally reached the mansion Loksha was silently glaring at the architecture and to the guards, "Ek tach no so ni" she commented on the aesthetic of the place, she never understood why some tried to pretty up the exterior of buildings, they weren't going to see that part of the building for long at all and it made it vulnerable to the elements. when the gates opened there was a visible amount of dust that made everyone recoil in surprise, she closed her eyes at the sudden hit and opened them again to look at what was inside. To her own suprise there was much more than just a simple large house(mansion) a stables and a few houses. The small woman who seemed to be leading their group turned around and said something and it looked like the others started to walk about to explore the place, unfortunately for Loksha she didnt know what to do nor did she understand most of anything and simple chose to follow the leader.
Crumbli Rumble Fish

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Petroshka
Mentions: Crumbli

Nairna was extremely touched by the lizard-woman's gesture, even though she did not take the coins offered to her. She wondered if it had been too little but her tone of voice told her otherwise. She simply sighed and put them back in her pouch, taking the hint. She then took the piece of dried meat, ripping into it with her admittedly dagger-like teeth. When she swallowed it, she instantly felt her headache stop and her stomach finally silenced itself. She let out a sigh of contentment.
"Tapadh leat. (thank you)" she said in earnest. She still felt extremely uncomfortable with just taking the food without giving her saviour anything in return. She bit her lip a little as she pointed to herself, "Nairna MacCinidh." she added, hoping the woman would understand. She gave her a closed-mouth smile before turning to the elven woman as she spoke to the group. She wished she understood what she was saying. But as everyone seemed to disperse and look around, she figured that she would be free to do the same thing.

As Nairna looked around, a strange scent wafted into her nose, making her wrinkle her muzzle. It was earthy and... stinky. Her nose quivered with audible sniffs as she looked around for the source of the smell. Were those cattle? The Wulver crooned curiously; she had not seen cows since she was a cub. These ones looked different to the ones from her native land far west. They had long and shaggy coats and large horns, whereas these ones had short hair and bigger. They were contained behind a fence. Very curious, the Wulver sat right against the fence, her legs crossed in an awkward pretzel shape. As she observed them, one in particular, a lanky teenage looking calf trying to scratch its ear with one of its back hooves. Nairna was thoroughly entertained by it stumbling as it struggled to keep its absurdly long legs steady as evident by her tail enthusiastically wagging and her quiet grunts of amusement. A simple joy. Thoroughly entertained, her hawkish eyes stared ahead and her ears stood erect on the top of her head, suddenly her anxiety seemed to melt away.​

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

Coughing slightly from the dust cloud kicked up by the gates. Imelda flashed an annoyed expression at the guards manning the gates but gave them a soft smile in thanks for their work as that party passed. The inside of the estate seemed homely by her standards, the small houses and the general feeling kinda reminded her of the border town she passed by on her way South. While she would have loved to go to the tavern for a drink, her coin pouch was light and she had enough of towns at the moment. Recalling the nearby pasture with the cattle, she decided on what she wanted to do.

"I'll be watching the cattle. Call me when everything is ready." Imelda informed Marian before turning around and heading back out. Finding comfort in the wide expanse before her and a calming view of the forest they walked through earlier. In addition to the calming view, the sight of cattle going about their usual business cheered her up slightly. Her own village didn't have much land to support raising herd animals so it was rare that she got to see one cow, let alone a whole herd. These bovines were a delight to watch, if albeit a little smelly.

"Must be nice... To have so little worry..." Imelda muttered in her Northern native tongue before pulling out her flute and playing a soft, melancholy tune.

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes Veneter
Crumbli
​

Archimedes inspected the corpse. Another fever victim, dead for a while now "You must have been so afraid..." he muttered beneath his beaked mask. The doctor paused, taking a moment to think "For the sake of the fallen we move forward" he said to himself. The saying had become fairly commonplace at his medical school, for if you couldn't save a person you could at least move forward for their sake. Marian essentially kissing the dead mans forehead was concerning for the doctor. Medically there where a plentiful list of why contact with infected corpses was a bad idea. None the less he followed Marian to their destination.

The doctor smiled under his mask when he saw the cows, passive and somewhat dopey creatures. The first library Archimedes studied in had a farm very close to it. His study was often accompanied by the moo's of the gentle bovines. Unfortunately he knew he couldn't pet them. After all he had to make as little contact with animals as possible, even with his gloves on.

As the doctor walked through the streets, catching glances from the various townspeople. Sadly the college had trouble extending its doctors to this specific area, but if he had to represent his college then he would. Upon hearing Marians words he nodded and followed her, catching up to her after her interaction with the blacksmith. Archimedes actually knew a bit about smithing. Mainly how to temper blades and keep the best edges on his scalpels and saws. "Excuse me, sister Marian?" he asked politely "Im sure i don't need to tell you that contact with corpses is unhealthy, especially via your lips. And with the current plague, its very dangerous" He explained in a calm tone, not wanting to worry her too much "I would ask you give me regular updates regarding how you feel" he said. He would probably ask to examine her mouth a few days down the line, just to check.

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
KindlyPlagueDoctor Petroshka Kokurai Gaisgeach

Waiting at the inner gates of the keep, Marian turns to face those that chose to follow her. Much to her surprise a large portion of the party followed in her foot steps. Ahead of the rest stands Archimedes. She meets the dark circles of the doctor's mask and realises he must have been waiting on her. She doesn't recall hearing him ask for her but it's possible he did so without her knowledge. Without asking him what was wrong he begins to inform her of what he considers to be poor decisions regarding the corpse in the forest. She recoils at first, caught off guard by his scolding despite its calm tone. She then relaxes and a smile grows across her face. "I'm sure I'll tell you the moment I feel unwell. But I should remind you, Doctor. Maerl will keep me safe. My fate is in her hands. If the fever didn't claim me when I was at the abbey I doubt it'll claim me now." She takes a half step forward and reaches out her hand to gently rub his arm. "I thank you for your concern though. It's sweet of you."

The gates behind her begin to rumble and make loud banging sounds. She turns to face the double set and once the wooden gates were opened the iron gates begin to slowly lurch themselves into the air. Standing on the other side were four armed guards all of which were dressed in bland coloured tunics. Atop their heads sat helmets that looked more like hats than they did armour. One of the four guards approaches the gate and holds out a hand to the group. "Hand over your weapons and follow us if you would. Duke's orders."
Marian complies with their requests and releases her mace from its holster straps, attempting to hand it over to the closest guard. He takes the mace in his free hand and walks it over to a short wooden table. The table itself was scratched and unimpressive to say the least. It looked to have been made of scrap timber and judging by the patch of dead grass that resided in its shadow, it had been there for quite some time. She follows the guard over to the table where he gives the other guards a hand gesture signalling for them to bring the rest of the group over as well. "Right this way, lads. Drop 'em on the table. Nice and slow."

 

[Rumble Fish]

Nairna MacCinidh
Interacting with: Wandering Grim Hollow

Nairna continued to watch the bovines for a while until a sweet sound reached her ears. Her ears wiggled and she turned to see Imelda, playing a soft tune on her flute. The sound was comforting to the Wulver, and it made her curious. Getting up, she moved closer to the woman, her ears still perked up but she made sure to not sit too close. The warning given by the woman had still stuck with Narina. She did not know exactly she had said, but the tone of voice made it clear that she did not like her. She sat near the woman but hopefully not close enough to make the woman uncomfortable. Her nose continued twitching as she looked around. Her tail wagged in contentment from the music and she let out a quiet grunt as she continued to survey the surroundings.

With a sigh, she looked away from the woman and shut her eyes, just listening to the flute and letting the wind run through the fur on her face. "Uiseag bheag dhearg na monadh duibh... Na monadh duibh, na monadh duibh..." she half-hummed, half-sang to herself, her grey mane sweeping back a little in the wind. She could just remember the lyrics to this lullaby from when she was a cub when her mother would sing it to her, especially during thunderstorms. It was the only way she could cope with them. Even now she could not handle thunderstorms. With a heavy sigh, she turned to look back at the cows. At least people didn't think they were going to eat anybody...​

 

[Petroshka]

Loksha followed marian and "attempted" at the very least to listen into the conversation between the elf and the tall bird man, but she couldnt figure out what they were saying so everything simply went over her head. Following the elf further four armed men stared down att he elf said something and the elf complied by handing over her weapons, this made Loksha growl slightly at the thought of handling over weapons but she couldnt complain. If things went south she could always use her claws, teeth and tail anyways. Walking over to a small guard and towering over him she could tell he was trying his hardest not to flinch it wouldve made Loksha chuckle a little if the atmosphere was lighter.

Upholstering her special Mace/Sword she handed it over to a guard and watched him stumble, from what she guessed was the weight of her weapon. Next she in unequipped her Shield from her left arm, it took a while as it was strapped on rather than held on. Normally she wouldve ripped it off but she didnt want to damage it this time and she was in no hurry at all. Lastly was her Halberd which was strapped on her back, two guards opted to take it this time and they all set it down on the table next to the elf's things. Once the guards signalled that all was done she nodded at them and followed the elf, perhaps they didnt think her sling wasnt enough of a weapon for them to bother taking?

Crumbli

Spoiler: Mace/Sword

Spoiler: Shield

Spoiler: Halberd

 

[KindlyPlagueDoctor]

Archimedes nodded, genuinely listening to all Marian had to say. Archimedes was a non practicing faithful, something he felt he probably shouldn't tell present company. As he looked down to her he could not help but admire her confidence. Now a days with the fever running rampart people where rightfully afraid and unsure of their future safety. Yet Marian remained stalwart.

He smiled as she rubbed his arm, although her palm would now be covered in wax residue, but he still appreciated the gesture. It was funny, in some places people would happily hug the Doctor, where as some would keep more than an arms distance away from him. As he saw the Elf turn away to face the guards he had a moment to think on what she said "I hope there is room for all of us in Maerl's hands..." he said. He didn't doubts the divines existence, but many had died early deaths...

Archimedes heard the decree to give up their weapons. The beaked man turned to the guards and spoke up "I carry no weapons, only the scalpel and vials of my trade. I have sworn to not use them as weapons...to do harm is to undermine my purpose" he explained, somewhat quoting the oath he had taken. He hoped they would both understand and trust him, and that they would not take his tools from him.

Crumbli

 

[Wandering Grim Hollow]

Imelda Kerrigan​

"Hm? How curious. The Wolf knows how to sing." Imelda thought to herself as she heard what she guessed would be singing. It was in a different language and all but any musician knows a melody when they hear it and this was no exception. Even if it did come from a vaguely humanoid wolf-like being. Truth be told, Imelda was so lost in her own music that she didn't even notice the Wulver come close and to her surprise, seems to be really behaving herself. It was then that Imelda realized that this is the first time she got a good proper look at the Wulver. Its stormy grey fur looked soft to touch and swept about in the wind and the way she gazed at the cows didn't seem predatory but rather melancholic. Imelda thought back on her harsh words earlier and seemed to connect the dots. The Wulver was misunderstood thanks to the language barrier. She felt a pang of guilt and decided to approach the Wulver.

"Um... Heill. Or... hello?" Imelda tried greeting her in Northern first before switching to Imperial, not knowing which one the Wulver understood. After a brief moment of silence, Imelda decided to slowly seat herself on the ground (after checking it for any cow scat). Rummaging around her pack, she pulled out a small bundle of cloth. Unwrapping it revealed a few pieces of dry barley bread and a piece and a half of dried herring. Imelda picked up a piece of bread and the whole piece of dried herring and held it out to the Wulver.

"Here, let's eat together." Imelda offered with a small but wary smile.

Rumble Fish

 

[Shireling]

Aldous Underhill
​

Aldous followed the whole of the procession through the gate, and walked with them into the inner courtyard of the castle. Being an employee of the lord, he retained his weapons and walked amongst the guards after he had identified himself. He waited in earnest to see if his master would bid the guests welcome, knowing that any of the behavior would reflect on him as the one who had invited the whole party to the castle.

 

[Crumbli]

Marian Vesta DeChaut.
KindlyPlagueDoctor Petroshka Kokurai Gaisgeach Shireling

Marian watches her party carefully as the guard asks them to remove their weaponry. She sees mister Underhill avoid their requests and would be lying if she said she weren't surprised at their disregard for his weapons, but if the guards thought of it as okay then she couldn't argue. She sees the doctor converse with the guards to which one places a hand upon his shoulder and nods. "I'll trust you this once, doctor. Any funny business inside though and I'll make sure you're hanged from the battlements. We'll likely end up joining you if you harm the duke." The guard nods to his companion waving the doctor through. Marian's flicks back to Loksha. She watches her closely as the scaled woman lifts weapons she couldn't even imagine the weight of with ease. As each weapon is placed on the table the guards seem only to get more anxious. It slowly becomes clear to Marian why the guards didn't mind leaving mister Underhill with his bow. If Loksha grew enraged, even a little, they'd need all the weapons they could muster to stop her and the commotion would likely bring others like the werewolf who'd wandered off. She stiffens slightly at the thoughts of the fighting that could occur from foul tempers and as her stomach churns from the uneasiness of the air around them she quickly vanquishes the series of violent scenes from her mind.

"Lead the way, Sir. We stay upon your leisure." The guards look to one another as if silently convening before they gather around the unarmed group. After taking their positions in a square around the group they escort them inside the duke's manor. The second set of gates leading into the interior slowly begin to close behind the group and the two oaken doors in front of the group leading inside the duke's home are gently pushed open. They're average in size which, remembering Loksha's height, might be an issue getting past. Compared to the weight of every other door the group had encountered thus far these seemed to be made of paper. Marian reaches a hand out as the pass by and lightly pushes against the door with her palm. It remains steady. She nods to herself in acknowledgement of this fact, almost questioning what she'd expected it to do instead. "Don't touch anything unless told to, sister. It'd make everything a lot easier." The guard at the rear right of the group scolds, his tone being stern yet diplomatic at the same time. "My apologies."
The entrance was a small half room with a large marble feature and timber floors. As they round the corner of the feature going left the breeze from outside becomes blocked out and the temperature drops. Inside the reception hall it's considerably colder than outside and in the echoing distance of deeper inside a fire can be heard crackling furiously. She looks around once again and notes the stone brick walls and high painted ceilings. It had sacrificed width for height and insulation for ornate features. She turns her eyes down towards what was in front of the group. The guards come to a halt in the middle of the room and stomp their boots on the ground. The sound makes small echoes throughout the building and then a quiet befalls them. The fires noise quietens and from the same place a shuffling takes place. Then a tapping of shoes against the ground.

From one of the many doors that lined the hall a man emerges draped in blue and gold. His gowns gently drift through the air with his every movement and his attire strikes Marian as more of a dress than anything else. "Duke Vayner, your grace, we bring before you visitors. If not for Underhill's blessing we'd have turned them away, your grace." The duke walks toward the group with his eyes fixed on the giant among them. "Odd company for Aldous to keep. Perhaps the sea air and ale has changed your views on the taller ones. Go on then, Underhill. Speak. Why do you bring them here?" He looks all of the group up and down noticing the doctor and sister who had yet to gain his attention. The least impressive of them was the man who lingered behind. He seemed far more ordinary and less likely to cause a scene. "I'd like to hear from each of you your reason for coming to see me. I doubt you all share the same motives."