| Heartwood Logs |
2000-08-25
| Heartwood |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
No Rest for the Wicked...?
The airy commons hall is clothed in fanciful decoration this
evening. The slender marble columns rise up to heavy timber rafters,
wrapped from floor to roof with sprigs of evergreen, holly, ribbons, and
small wooden carvings of stars, harts, shields, and snowflakes. Even the
tools of a soldier's trade did not escape the festival spirit, bedecked
with ribbons and other bright trappings.Bordertown: Dragonstooth Tavern Commons
The tavern commons
is more than just a crowded and bustling place this evening. Hurricane
Keegan, settled behind the bar, is literally buried between requests and
work -- for tonight is Midwinter's and his loud and boisterous voice well
suits the festival atmosphere. Tonight it is the pretty Reveka who works
the crowded floor, weaving between mercenaries and merchants, farmers
and artisans, a handful of mugs in one hand and a plate of food in the
other. She does not work alone this evening, no. A bit more clumsily a
tall man in a green tunic and surcoat aids her. Garrick Tannerson might
not be the prettiest barmaid the Dragonstooth has ever seen, nor the
most skilled, but he does seem to be enjoying himself as the evening
falls and the darkness outside deepens. Behind the bar the dragon's
jawbone has been decorated with green and blue ribbons, and now looks
more playful than fierce...
As the little troupe makes their way up the stairs, they find the tavern hall a grand chaos of color. Romana claps her hands, smiling, caught for a moment with eyes wide at the lovely spectacle. Even the poorest of Keegan's patrons wears their best, come to banish the winter in their finest. The center of the commons has been opened up -- no tables there -- crowded with dancers both of the town's merchant nobility and the most common. The music is provided by semifamiliar faces -- it seems Keegan is also friendly with the Romany. A few, both young and old, huddle at a far table, where a young Romany lass, watched over by both grandmother and more than a couple of her brothers, slowly deals out three black-backed cards...
Brisa grins cheerfully, enjoying the spectacle of sound and color, and waves happily at both Reveka and Garrick, commenting in an aside to her friends, "That Garrick is a very nice man, da?" She also smiles and waves to the Rom, and gives the dancing a rather wistful look. She's glad Romana wove ribbons and flowers into her hair... she doesn't feel quite so dowdy as usual, faced with others in gay apparel. Anuje follows the others up the stairs, her eyes widening at the bright room. She's somehow managed to acquire a party tunic that fits her well, while still maintaining her ever-present illusion. She nods to Brisa. "Yeah."
Romana just slips her hand in Brisa's, smiling softly. "Brisas not in a mood for dancing tonights?" She looks out and tilts her head. "Romanas not see Captain Koromovs or Jakey Mohlkyvhins?"
Benedict enters in, smiling widely at the grand splash of color and festivity, the gaiety of it all (and he's more than a little relieved that Mordyn isn't working tonight. Too bright for Jagnar's dark daughter? he wonders). Granted, he wears a slightly nicer blue robe than normal -- one that hasn't seen Hastur-only-knows how many miles of road -- but it's comfortable and not entirely out of place, he supposes. He grins as he sees Garrick serving. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, actually. He must care about everyone in this town a lot."
Brisa tilts her head thoughtfully at Benedict's words... then smiles, "What an interesting idea, Benny-varishch... I wonder what it's like to have lived in a town so long that everyone knows you and loves you."
Benedict grins quietly to Brisa. "You don't seem to be the type who wants to find out, Brisa."
Brisa grins down at Romana, "Babochka, I'd dance with you any time you like... I just don't want to cut into your fun." She looks up at Benedict's words... and just for a moment her face goes very still. Then she smiles politely, "I guess not." Her smile gets more sincere as she watches Reveka whirl lightly past... then she looks around, and finally points, "There -- shall we sit there?"
Reveka spins past Benedict, actually smiling a little, hard at work this evening. But she catches the young brother's words, her eyes flashing, her skirts swirling as she spins away to deliver another order, "He said it's his Midwinter's gift to... me!"
Benedict blinks to Reveka, and then laughs softly. "Sorry, Reveka. It's a fine gift... then..." At that point she's probably moved so far that she couldn't hear him. "Still," he comments, "I'm sure he's well-liked here." Anuje grins at Reveka and glances over at Garrick. The last up the stairs, Dominic rests at their head. He just gives Anuje a glance, his eyes sparkling mischievously. But for what, the little man doesn't say.
Brisa half wades, half dances through the crowd, making a way for her friends towards the table, where she'll sit. Benedict tries to make his way through the crowd to the table Brisa's picked out. Anuje follows Brisa and Romana, turning this way and that and trying to avoid bumping people. Brisa beams quietly at Romana, thinking how nice she looks... certainly one of the loveliest ladies here! She grins a little more mischievously as her gaze crosses Garrick and she wonders how he and 'Jakey Mohlkyvhins' will like their handsome horses! Anuje unknowingly wonders the same thing as she glances from Brisa's and Romana's hair, and then over to Garrick.
Romana blinks, watching back as Brisa lightly weaves through the crowd to find herself a place to just sit down. Then she lightly slips through the crowd herself, each step a dance, and she sometimes twirls, when an admiring man greets her. But, sapphire eyes sparkling, she settles in behind Brisa. For a moment she just sits there. Then she so luxuriously wraps her arms around Brisa's shoulders and lovingly drapes herself over her companions. Her eyes sparkle as she catches sight of the Romany, her fingers tapping out the rhythm of their music. "Always liked Romany music... so nice to dances to."
Roxanna follows, stopping to chat briefly with people she's helped over the past weeks and nodding to well-wishers. She arrives at the chosen table a little after the others and settles in to watch the festivities, setting her instrument against the wall behind her. Brisa blinks a little startledly -- a public arm-full of Romana is certainly both delightful and unexpected! -- then grins happily and gently hugs Romana back. "Would you like to dance, mishkhhyra?"
Benedict is by now certainly used to Romana's affection for Brisa and doesn't give it a second thought, grinning cheerfully at the sight and then looking around the room. Such a festive folk, he thinks a little soberly. They deserve a lot better than Velikii. Then, with resolve, before turning his thoughts to more pleasant things, They'll get better than Velikii. And I'll be there to See it for Hastur.
A bucket of wine and a whole herd of blue crockery mugs are set upon the little troop's table, and Garrick also lays out a basket of bread and cheeses. While he looks a bit harried, the Guard Captain smiles, "No, no coin... it's on Jake, Dandy, and myself tonight, aye?" He then sets another small package wrapped in silk next to Brisa. "Oh. And Reveka says stay away from the house beer. Keegan saw himself running out of stock around noon... it's a little... how do we say... thin."
Roxanna smiles at Garrick. "We'll keep that in mind, thanks."
Benedict blinks in surprise at the repast that Garrick sets out. "Oh, my! Thank you, Captain!" He does glance a little edgeways at the package Garrick sets beside Brisa, grinning.
Brisa blinks, both at the gift of dinner and at the package... nodding absently at Garrick's words, she swiftly but carefully opens the silk wrapping on the package. "Thank you, gospodin captain, from all of us, for dinner... although you certainly do not have to do that?"
Anuje grins. "Yes. Thank you."
Three steps away, Garrick looks over his shoulder and smiles, "It's Midwinter's, yes? Besides, I heard Jake mumbling something about how this way his good friend Keegan doesn't have to sully his festival with a sword- Dayallan's coin." He take another step, laughing. "Though you are going to have to tell us how you managed to tie all those ribbons without ending up kicked through the wall..." He continues to speak as he walks away, summoned by another patron, "...kinda like Erik, when Jake overheard him saying the horses looked cute..."
Brisa laughs aloud delightedly -- then coughs, trying to choke it off with some attempt at dignity... Roxanna grins delightedly. "Well, they did. Don't know why Jake would be so annoyed by that..."
Anuje snickers and covers her mouth. "Poor Erik..."
Brisa grins a little puzzledly though, at the comment about 'sullying' the festival with a sword. She calls cheerfully to Garrick, "Da, I thought Terrorfang looked rather proud of himself!" She shakes her head and grins, still amusedly bemused at that rather... silly -- to her way of seeing it, at least -- name... it must have been Jake who chose it! Roxanna debates for a moment, but decides to leave Brisa puzzled rather than spoil the evening with a fight...
Benedict grins, looking over to Brisa. "I suppose Erik said that in earshot of the horses, actually."
The little package is unwrapped... and within are two bracelets. Both are fancy bangles, made in the manner of interlaced knotwork strands. They shine, finely polished, the black metal so deep it reflects blue. Darksteel. A pair of mercenaries and a merchant just stop, looking down as the gift is unwrapped. Their eyes grow wide for a moment at the valuable metal. Brisa murmurs quietly, "Wonder what he meant by Dayalla's coin, though?" then blinks in astonishment at the bracelets, her jaw dropping.
Benedict's eyes catch the glint and he looks down at the package. That's when his own jaw drops. "Good heavens!" he murmurs.
Roxanna's eyes widen in surprise. "Bozhemoi."
Anuje lifts her brows. "Nice."
Romana looks over Brisa's shoulders, her eyes sparkling. "What is... oh! Banglies!"
Brisa cautiously reaches to pick one up -- then she changes her mind, using the edge of the silk so she doesn't smudge the fine metal. She blinks, suddenly remembering the seven darksteel shackles... "Could this be the... um..." She frowns thoughtfully... then looks up at her friends, "Do any of you know how to tell if something's magical?"
Anuje blinks and looks around. "I don't see the Captain..."
Benedict blinks at Brisa's request. "Magical...? Why for?"
Roxanna says, "Why should it be?"
Brisa says, "Well..." her voice is pragmatic, even though she's still studying the bracelets with quiet wonder, "-he certainly wouldn't give me handfasting bracelets... and I asked him to get armor for Romana... so..." she sounds a little puzzled, "Um... maybe this is it?"
Romana looks down at the black metal bracelets. "Darksteel, easy to magics is..."
Anuje shakes her head slowly. "No. I'm sure he meant those for you, Brisa."
Roxanna says, "If it had been for Romana, I'm sure he would have given it to her, not to you, Brisa."
Brisa nods curiously, "That's what I was thinking too, slatke..." She tilts her head puzzledly at Anuje, "But... I'm a Dayallan, Anuje... I mean, that's... that's only slightly less improbable than Mohlkavin giving me these, da?"
Benedict blinks, looking at the bracelets again, and nods in agreement with Anuje. "I think he meant them for you, Brisa. But... he's certainly not proposing a handfasting to you. They do look really, really pretty though." He glances up at the mercenaries and the merchant who seem to be passing by and noticed the package.
Brisa adds a little confusedly, "And... they're certainly far too fine for me anywise... um... I think...?"
Anuje grins. "Just accept them, Brisa. It would be rude not to." Romana just blinks, shaking her head.
Brisa nods, looking almost nervous, "Oh, da, I understand it would be rude not to... I just..." She looks up confusedly for a moment, "Why?"
Benedict says, "I don't think they're 'too fine' for you at all, Brisa... but they might be the sort of thing you might want to be careful about showing..." his voice drops, "-unless they are somehow magical."
Brisa stares at the bracelets, almost as if she expects them to leap up and bite her or something... finally, cautiously, she'll slip them onto her shield wrist. Should be safe there... maybe... she studies the bracelets a bit more, then finally sighs and shakes her head, still confused. She smiles ruefully at Benedict, "Don't know how to tell, Benny-varishch."
Anuje nods. "So... are we gifting now, eating now, or dancing now?"
Roxanna says, "I don't know about you, but I'm going to eat something."
Brisa glances at Romana, wondering if it's rude to give a gift received to someone else more appropriate... then decides reluctantly -- probably so. Anuje nods. "Food is good." Roxanna pours herself some wine and takes a bit of bread and cheese.
Romana smiles quietly down upon Brisa and kisses her cheek lightly, "Very pretties..."
Brisa helps herself to food and grins quietly at Romana, "Spacebo, mishkhhyra... I wish I had something half so fine for you, though." She grins more shyly, "We could dance later if you wanted maybe?"
Benedict hrms and nods quietly. "Good point, it is hard to tell." He grins to Anuje and nods, "That is a good idea..." He helps himself to a bit of the bread and cheese, staying clear of the wine just yet.
As Roxanna reaches for her bread there is the slightest commotion at the tavern's entrance. A young man in Bordertown greens looks in. He immediately scans the crowd, and then begins to push his way inside towards Reveka's helper. A second look and it seems that his tunic is more than ruffled up, it's stained -- as if he had stumbled in the street-side dirt... very hard.
Anuje frowns slightly and quickly nudges Brisa. Brisa looks up... then also frowns, watching alertly... and with slight worry. Benedict blinks, looking over to the man who comes in, making his way to Garrick. His voice drops, and he deadpans, "I think that fate is about to come knocking on our door again..."
Roxanna frowns, watching as the guardsman goes over to talk with Garrick. "Methinks Reveka is about to lose her helper."
Anuje nods quietly. "Maybe I should go see what's going on..." Brisa nods quietly to Anuje, then stays seated... she'll just draw attention if she moves.
"Captain..." The young guardsman finally corners Garrick. "I'm sorry... I know you said you weren't to be disturbed tonight..." He takes a breath and straightens himself up. "It's trouble... sir. Real trouble. At the Eastern Gate Tavern."
Brisa stands... then blinks... then sits again and tries to look inconspicuous while she listens intently. Anuje was ready to move, but she can hear clear enough from where she sits. "Doesn't sound good. You were right. It was a good idea to stay here."
Benedict glances to Brisa and Anuje. "Eastern Gate Tavern... have we ever been there?"
Brisa sighs softly... she would have liked to dance with Romana tonight, but it looks like that's not going to happen. Quietly she says to Benedict, "That's where the Wild Horde is staying, Benny."
Anuje curses under her breath. "Thought it was going to just be a festive night."
Benedict lets out a breath. "Oooh dear, should have known -- blast," he says softly. "Crowns to stars it's some of the local Jvrillians."
Brisa shakes her head slowly at Anuje's words, then murmurs quietly, "Crowns to stars it's the Mark, Benny-varishch... the other Jvrillians here have been decent men all."
Benedict blinks. "The Mark?
Brisa says, "Michael's Dark Mark."
Anuje says, "Garrick can handle it, right?"
Brisa smiles at Anuje, "I do not know, Anuje-varishch... but I fear I will have to go and be sure my sisters are all right."
Roxanna says, "Perhaps... and perhaps not. He might want Brisa along in any event, as the official employer of the Horde."
Benedict grimaces. "That hardly sounds good. And you're right, Brisa, I'm sorry. The Jvrillians we've met have been decent. Grumpy," he adds a little wryly, "-but decent." Brisa covers a small grin at Benedict's words.
Anuje grabs a piece of bread and meat and starts eating quickly. "Ifth w're gnn die. Ith not gnn be hngry."
Brisa murmurs, "I don't know, Roxy, but I should find out." She smiles and hugs Romana lightly, "Perhaps I shall be back soon, slatke... don't worry," then rises and steps quietly through the crowd, heading for Garrick.
"The Gate?" Garrick looks to his guardsman, his eyes darkening. "The Mark?"
The guardsman just shakes his head. "No sir... that's what I mean, trouble... it's just them."
Garrick sets his plate and his remaining mugs down on the bar. Frowning, he begins to make his way towards the door. "Hurricane, I have to check this out..." His frown is even darker, "...this just doesn't make sense."
Benedict blinks, looking up as Brisa departs, a little worriedly. Brisa gives the guardsman a puzzled look... then just silently follows Garrick. Anuje frowns and glances to Dominic. "Something in their drinks?" She slips from her seat and follows, grabbing a loaf as she leaves.
Dominic looks to Anuje, shrugging his shoulders, "Don't know... unless someone got a certain Dayallan angry."
Roxanna says, "This is very strange... Brisa, I think we should follow along. Either something is very wrong, or Garrick is being set up here." Benedict nods, slipping from his seat to go with the group.
- The trouble is first noticed as the small group reaches
the shadow of the town gate. A pair of riderless horses meets them
on the way, happily trotting towards the center well. Garrick leads,
his guardsman a step behind him; Brisa, Anuje, and their companions a
handful of paces after that. Turning the corner, bits of broken glass
sparkle in the moonlight. The Horde swordsman who had been tossed through
it lies sprawled unconscious. To the right of the door, his face red,
another trooper has obviously had much too much to drink and is retching
against the wall. The barkeep, the lass who runs the place, is huddled
against the wall of the town with one of the Guard looking over her. They
nod as Garrick enters... while from within the bar the harsh and bitter
yelling can be heard.
Brisa starts to reach for the horses... then sighs and leaves them be. Emergencies first. Benedict blinks as they come up on the scene. "Oh, heavens preserve us...," he murmurs. Anuje glances around, looking for Mordyn or Michael and his men. Roxanna heads first for the innkeeper, leaving the arguments to those better able to handle them. "Romana."
"...stars and streams I don't give a damn about that he's been here for years -- no one touches me like that, I'm going to get a unicorn, damn his eyes..."
"...hold her down... it was just a bloody dance... I'm gonna kick your teeth in, bitch... he's my friend..."
"...HOllll... eerrrug... oh tcha... *splashsplatter*"
"...holier-than-thou Imperial can't even hold his beer..."
Brisa gets a very worried look -- and runs into the inn before someone gets really hurt -- she knows that voice -- and that temper! Benedict doesn't need much more than to hear that bit about the teeth. He's running down the street to the tavern, probably panting slightly by the time he gets there. Oh, Hastur, what now?! Brisa mutters under her breath, "Lady, I don't know what's going on here... but Your presence and guidance would be very welcomed!"
"...you dare draw steel...?"
"...oh SWIV- BARRIS HAS HIS AXE!"
The guardsman looks across to Roxanna as she moves quickly forward. Beside him the Innkeeper looks very scared, a bit disheveled, but certainly in one piece. Romana takes one instinctive step to follow Brisa, but then she steels herself and quickly turns to Roxanna's side. One heartbeat, then two -- and Roxanna is assured that the Innmistress is whole, and turns to follow Garrick, Brisa, and Benedict inside. As Brisa and Benedict enter the tavern a second Horder comes tumbling out the tavern's other window -- however, it is impossible to tell if he tumbled through on his own accord... or not. While within...
- Bordertown:The Eastern Gate Tavern:
If festival decorations once cheered this commons hall, by now it is impossible to tell. A celebration turned to shadow, somehow a perfect echo of the charred timber framing and the now broken but oft-repaired tables. The room is crowded, and it is not a comfortable crowd. In small groups the Wild Horde are tangled. Kori MacLaine is held down by a handful, screaming with fierce defiance as a leather-booted foot slams into her belly. A handful hold her down, while another handful try to drag the others off of her... and of those holding her down, one can't tell if it's to help her assailant -- or to keep her from ripping out his throat.
Three are trying to wake Rafe Deynnekko, his head on his table, obviously having knocked over a bucket of beer. Perhaps they are right and the Imperial scion just cannot hold his drink. The captain herself cannot be seen, or at least not well. That just might be her, sat back on her heels, trying to keep from throwing up. And having failed a few times. But most dangerous... most dangerous, by the far window -- everyone is scattering. Eyes afire, Barris Ironhand has his black axe out. Now it is obvious how the second Horde trooper went out the window, for Garrick follows him, barely managing not to be sliced in half himself.
Brisa looks around instinctively for the captain -- how could she let this happen?! It's probably his good cheer being destroyed so quickly and suddenly, or simply too much cool night air, but Benedict makes a very ill advised leap for the one kicking the Fireball. Brisa inhales deeply, thinking tightly to herself, like Poppy when she's furious -- cold, loud, and SURE -- help me, Dayalla! She steps in, feeling frozen inside and not really wanting to see whatever it is she'll see, and bellows at the top of her lungs, in her best imitation of an outraged-boss-tone-of-voice, "HOLD!"
The young Dayallan's call does catch many by surprise. For a moment there is silence and a good handful of Horde troopers use it as a good moment to tackle some of their compatriots. One wipes his sleeve across his mouth, and just sits back against the wall. Kori's assailants are too focused on their wrath, and the Fireball is aptly named. Anuje frowns and yells to Roxanna over the din, "Something in the drinks, Roxanna!"
The swipe of Barris' axe clears a table, splintering it, sending goblets of drink, cheeses, and warm garlic bread scattering. His eyes lock on Benedict, and he growls, "...jackal."
Roxanna comes in just in time to hear Barris' growl. "Bozhemoi." She starts the chant for the sleep spell, hoping to knock him out before he does any more damage.
Brisa looks around in shock, then shakes her head and snaps, "Get a grip on yourselves, men! Are you not the Wild Horde?! Not animals! Go wait outside -- you should be ashamed of yourselves!" Brisa crosses her fingers -- maybe that will both snap some of them out of this -- and clear the room a bit -- before Barris does it terminally. Anuje makes a dash towards the kitchen, leaping over fallen people and dodging. Brisa calls, "Anuje! Can you to get a bucket of any liquid -- water is best -- from behind the bar? Throw it in the captain's face -- yell at her, wake her up, get her on her feet -- she can stop this -- but DON'T get in a long sword's lunge of distance to her 'til she's rational!"
Benedict leaps into the fray, diving for the trooper who is kicking the downed Dayallan. It's a hard tangle, grasping for bits of tunic and limbs, taking an elbow in the gut, only to turn around and see Barris Ironhand coming down upon him. Barris' axe shimmers, rune covered and darker than midnight, its edge sleek and well honed -- then suddenly there is someone between Barris and Benedict -- just an ordinary soldier, younger than Brisa, throwing himself between the ex-Jvrillian and the Hasturian Brother -- and Benedict can see the soldier lifted off his feet, bent over in half as the axe gets buried in his belly, tossed aside trailing a river of crimson and sinew. Barris pulls his axe back, his first assailant cast off like a broken merebeast, readying it for his true quarry. The others draw back, and while it doesn't stop the ones not listening, Brisa's words do rally those still following their leaders' ideals. Both Kori's assailant and she herself vanish under a horde of the Horde.
Benedict stumbles, falling to the floor -- then looks up in horror and shock as Barris cleaves the soldier. "NOOOOOOOO!" he screams. No, it's supposed to be the other way around, we're supposed to be protecting him...! He glares up at Barris, knowing he doesn't have enough time to get up and run, baring his teeth slightly against the gut-pain, determined to go to Hastur -- if that One would even take him still -- with his eyes open and Seeing...
As Barris takes a step forward, as a quiet lady in cream and white whispers a prayer. His eyes close, he stumbles forward. There is a brief moment of confusion in Benedict as Barris gets a bit of a blank look and closes his eyes... then Benedict's confusion becomes almost hysterical humor as, almost in slow motion, the huge man topples down atop him. "Yaaaah-!" *WHAM* "Owwwwww..." Luckily Benedict breaks his fall, and sprawled atop him, Barris sleeps. With Barris down, Roxanna immediately turns her attention to the gutted soldier who tried to stop him.
Anuje hears the sickening sound as she reaches the kitchen door, turning as if in slow motion to watch. She regains herself as she sees Barris crumple and immediately heads behind the bar to get some water. Inside the kitchen Anuje doe find two buckets, and after dumping out the beer or wine she can fill them with water. The kitchen smells wonderful, full of the evening meal's sharp spices.
Brisa carefully kicks the axe free of Barris' hands, then lays it on the table near Rafe... then heads for the bar with a grim look, looking for a bucket of water. Got to get the captain back on her feet, then figure out what in Krysta's hells happened here. True, Barris is down, but that doesn't mean it is over. Two groups of troopers still struggle, each torn in three directions. Those who wish to fight the others, those who are helping the others, and those just trying to hold their compatriots down. The string of epithets coming from Kori shocks everyone -- everyone save perhaps Anuje, who recognizes both the accent and quarry-bred vocabulary.
The Captain can barely move, doubled over and with dilated eyes, her skin cold and clammy, heaving out what little she has left in her stomach. And so close to dying the trooper is -- nearly disemboweled Roxanna finds him, the bite of darksteel neater and cleaner than any other wound she has ever seen. It will take her strongest healing just to keep him alive, and the only reason she can is because she is next to him now. But there is one strangeness to his condition, something that Roxanna had never before seen. Looking up, she finds herself not alone. Romana kneels next to the soldier, her skirts in his blood. She blinks and says in a very matter of fact voice, "Romanas help, yes?" Now it is Roxanna the teacher.
Roxanna nods to Romana. "First, and quickly, we need to pack him back inside himself, then it will take a healing spell to patch him well enough to have a chance at survival." Her hands move swiftly, with Romana instructed to help and to hold bits in place as the trooper leaks blood. Once the immediate, grisly part of the job is done, she begins the prayer of healing.
Those trying to counter Kori's assailant get their reinforcements as Garrick returns through the door and wades into that knot of troopers. He doesn't argue, he just silences. Anuje moves back out into the room and hands Brisa a bucket as she heads over to Rafe. "I don't think they need splashing...but maybe a good drink of this fresh water."
Brisa glances incuriously at the troopers -- let them sort it out. She thanks Anuje, then heads for the captain. She will, however, cautiously tuck her new bracelets into Anuje's hands before she heads for the captain, "Don't know if they're magic yet or no... can you keep them for me for a bit, please, varishch?" Anuje nods and quickly slips them on to keep them out of the way. Brisa will set the bucket on the table, wipe the captain's face with the dampened corner of her tunic, then try giving her a drink. She also wants to check the captain's mug contents and food. Anuje's actions with Rafe very closely mimic Brisa's with Koromov. She tries to coax him to drink, glancing up only to make sure she isn't in any danger.
Romana simply reaches down, helping Roxanna slip the insides of the soldier back in from his outsides. Indeed, her eyes are wide and fascinated. She listens to Roxanna's words, her expression sharp, with the intensity of a child learning something new. Anuje has a more difficult problem, however. Raphael is unconscious, his skin red in patches, and while he breathes, he is cold to the touch. Anuje frowns, consternation drawn on her face. She places her hands over Rafe's torso and mutters, hoping her skill is enough. The captain first grimaces, shaking her head and pulling sharply back from Brisa, "Go... go away, what do you think I..." -and then she stops her own words. She closes her eyes tight, trying to concentrate, as if she might be repeating something over and over in her head. She lets Brisa wipe her mouth, and she tries to drink down what is offered.
At the Captain's table is a big platter of cheese, plates of venison, and rich-smelling breads. The top is covered with wine, and on the floor lies a pair of goblets and a lot of broken glass -- similar to the other tables. Buckets and goblets of beer, a bucket of wine. Venison and chicken seems to be the meat of the day, and a spicy soup is also here and there... and there... and there. Brisa sighs, then calls, "Benedict! Do you know anything about poisons? Don't they have to be in something that will hide their taste or smell...? -like a spicy soup?" She looks around for someone unoccupied -- she'd like to talk to that innkeeper girl. She keeps trying to carefully get the water into the captain as she speaks, and wonders if maybe bread will help the sick here, the same way crushed grass helps animals with upset stomachs. She looks around for plain loaves -- are there any?
Benedict is trying, trying to get the dead... well, not dead, but still very, very heavy weight of Barris off of him, after it uncontrollably toppled onto him. I almost wish I'd died, he thinks morosely. Better dead than for someone to die for me... and, -his mild humor asserts itself at least a little, better to be dead than crushed by this great ox of a man. He could have at least worn padding of some kind... wait... that's Brisa... "Oh... uhm... as far as I know, yes... I mean... arrgh, bloody...! Most poisons do have to be masked... ahh, blast it to cinders..."
Finally, Kori's assailant is held back, a handful of Horde soldiers dragging him up the stairs -- which leaves Garrick staring down Kori MacLaine. By now, however, she has little fight left in her -- a broken soldier for the moment. The room is actually filled with folks Brisa can talk to -- mercenaries sitting awkwardly, bent over double, others trying to get their compatriots back to their rooms. Her search for bread, however, only turns up a few loaves. Most are heavily spiced. In fact some still lie in the oven, warming, the delicious smell of garlic filling the kitchen. A pair of Horde troopers kneels down next to Brisa, looking to their Captain, "Captain... can you get back to your room..." Two more hover next to Anuje and Rafe, looking towards Roxanna.
Her prayer completed, there is a soft, shining glow where Roxanna had touched the gut-shorn soldier. A simple spell, healing -- one with a myriad of uses -- from taming a bruise to saving a young soldier's life. Across from her Romana takes in a breath, her expression as still as a clear mountain lake... "Romanas learns to do that...."
Roxanna smiles at Romana, "The spells will come when you take your vows to Her. For now, you learn how to heal by yourself." She heads over to Rafe to determine what poison was used on these folks.
Anuje quickly moves out of Roxanna's way. "I tried to help. I don't think it worked."
Romana looks over towards Benedict. She furrows her brow, bites her lip, but says nothing. Brisa points two of the Hordesmen towards Benedict, "Get Barris off him." She looks around, then calls out, "Everyone that did NOT have some of the soup, raise your hand!" as she paces over to give Kori a hand up.
Kori shakes away the offered hand, looking up to Brisa, tense and on edge. "I didn't have any bloody soup..." However, just as curious, most of the other troopers who are now caring for Horde also raise their hands for a moment. "Only soups I like you can eat with a dagger..." comes one reply.
Brisa stares levelly at Kori, "Sister, pull yourself together... your captain needs you." She turns, then nods, "So... I am guessing something was ceremonially served first to captain Koromov, and gospodins Barris and Rafe, da?"
At Brisa's earlier words two troopers walk to Barris and look down. Then they stop. They look very worried, "Do you want to wake him?" "I don't want to wake him." "Will he wake up, Lady?" They turn to Roxanne for their answer.
Roxanna says, "He'll wake up tomorrow. Don't try to wake him now, we need to figure out what sent him berserk."
Brisa rolls her eyes, then moves over and grabs Benedict's hands to pull him out from under Barris. Anuje stands out of the way, leaning against the bar. "He thought Benny was Lord Jakal."
Brisa glances at Anuje, "Who?"
Benedict yelps quietly as he gets pulled bodily out from under Barris. It's certainly not a pleasant sensation, and as he's trying to take stock of his appendages and internal organs, wincing, he looks curiously over to Anuje. "Who...?"
Brisa says, "Sorry, Benny-varishch... thought you'd want out though."
Anuje says, "Lord Jakal of Montague. A vicious, mean- *ahem*."
Kori slams herself back against the wall -- and as Brisa watches, she can see Kori's face turn crimson in places... then Kori just closes her eyes. One of the older troopers looks up from beside Rafe, "No... she eats with us, just like one of us... the only thing special the Captain had was a bottle of wine she got from Captain Mohlkavin."
Brisa tilts her head thoughtfully at Kori -- is that a blush of shame and/or fury? -or signs of incipient nausea? She says quietly, "What did you eat and drink, Kori?"
Captain Garrick finally returns from helping a few ornery members of the Horde to their rooms. He nods to Brisa, looks about at the calming maelstrom, then heads back outside. Benedict gives a small smile to Brisa. "I appreciate it, though, thank you." He blinks to Kori. "A bottle of wine...?"
Roxanna checks Rafe, looking at his color and complexion, listening to his heart and breathing, checking his temperature and the feel of his skin. "Did Mohlkavin deliver it personally? And did anyone besides the three of them drink it?" She listens to the soft beat of Raphael's heart. It is slow, very slow... his skin clammy... foxglove, fairy's bell... not a fancy poison... that would have been the healer's first guess. But she knows something is not quite right. Whatever it is, it's a natural toxin... not foxglove, but close. Roxanna confers quietly with Romana this time, wondering if she knows of any poisons similar to foxglove.
Brisa waves at two of the healthy looking Hordesmen, "Go find the innkeeper girl, and bring her here... politely, if Garrick's not already with her." She studies the tables, trying to see what's been eaten at, at all... or was it just the drinks?
Anuje thinks quietly for a minute and then looks over at Brisa. "Do you need any help? Maybe I should go look around."
Kori's knees bend a bit, and she starts to hold her stomach. She curses, quiet. "Amber beer... the hart... the bread... damn it, Lady, why couldn't they just have kept their hands off of me."
Brisa nods to Anuje... then heads over to Roxanna and Romana, "Could a poison be hidden in the garlic bread?" Anuje hmms and walks back into the kitchen.
Roxanna says, "Depends on the poison. That's what we're working on."
Brisa nods, "Let me know if I can help."
Benedict is quiet, because he's spotted the soldier -- unconscious maybe, dead possibly -- who had stepped between him and Barris. Romana looks to Roxanna and tilts her head. Then she looks back towards Benedict, her eyes widening. "Benydicts wrong!" Her eyes flashing, all it takes is Brisa's words to confirm. "What is it... little white bell flowers... small and pretty... you say, found in valleys? Like little horses... fillies... lilies... lilies of the valley." Romana shakes her head, "All of it deadly... and not need to hide... easy to use..." She looks back to Brisa, "Easy. Easy to mistake... for wild garlic."
Benedict blinks at Romana's words. He looks quickly to her, the shock of what happened only now starting to set in. "Oh dear heavens," he murmurs.
Brisa nods thoughtfully, "I see." She glances at Roxanna, "Should we get Kori to throw it up?" She looks at the silent group, "Did anyone here eat any of the garlic bread?" She's guessing most of the sick ones are already out of the room.
Roxanna nods. "Yes, give her something to make her throw up. It's a relatively mild poison, that one. I don't know why it hit them harder than the others, though... unless it was just put into one batch of the bread."
Romana looks back to Brisa and ducks her head, blushing. "Only... only knows how to hurt, Brisa..."
Brisa nods quietly, stepping over to run a gentle hand down Romana's back, "It's all right, mishkhhyra... you'll learn from Roxy-varishch." She nods to Roxanna, "Da, I'll take care of her. I am guessing she and the others were dancing, and the poison enhanced their rage." She heads for Kori with a sigh, "Come, Kori... let's step out back, da?"
Kori takes three steps and then doubles over. She very bitterly speaks. "I don't feel very well..."
Brisa nods, "Da, I understand, sister... come..." She'll try to help Kori out, so she can maintain whatever shredded remains of dignity she has... but if necessary she'll just hold her and keep her hair out of her face while the poor girl throws up.
Inside the kitchen Anuje finds the garlic bread... and yes, the soup too seems to be heavily scented in garlic. There is a small millstone... a mortar and pestle... and there is the scent of garlic and other spices everywhere. Not being a cook, it all looks like it's supposed to be, to Anuje. Some of the spices are in crockery jars... the garlic, however, is wrapped in burlap and obviously newly purchased, probably just for Midwinter's. Anuje hmms and grabs the burlap bundle, being the only item that doesn't seem like it's been part of the kitchen for awhile. She wanders back into the commons with it... just in time to find Kori kneeling in the hallway, trying to hold herself up. "I... hate throwing up. Can't get sick..."
Brisa smiles ruefully, "Don't we all. Empty your stomach, kisa... you'll be better afterwards."
Roxanna looks up at Kori rather fiercely, "Throw up, swordswoman. Your body is trying to save itself; don't kill yourself to avoid looking undignified."
Anuje sets the bundle on the counter and makes her way over to Benedict, kneeling down next to him and putting an arm around his shoulders. "Hey. You okay?"
Brisa grins quietly to herself, then says gravely to Kori, "Don't make Roxanna angry, kisa... you wouldn't like it..." Kori mumbles something about quarries and stones and horses... and then throws up. Brisa looks relieved... and just holds the poor girl while she's ill. Then she'll wipe Kori's face with the dampened edge of her tunic and get her a mug of fresh water also, once she's emptied her stomach.
Anuje glances up at Kori's words and frowns, her face hardening a little. "Bastards..."
Brisa gives Anuje a puzzled look, "What'd she say?"
Roxanna makes a quick check of the others who were poisoned, and determines that at least for now Rafe is the only one in serious danger. She meditates for a moment before invoking the powerful magics necessary to completely cure a person suffering from a deadly poison. The chant is longer than a normal healing spell, the glow brighter, and the healer herself looks to be exerting serious effort, as if it is more difficult to channel this spell. At the end she looks a bit worn, her face somehow a little thinner, but Rafe is sleeping peacefully. Roxanna goes over to check on Barris again, making sure that he is not in immediate danger. His symptoms were more delusional than physical, which usually indicates a less virulent reaction. Roxanna nods, satisfied, then gives instructions on how to take care of the poisoned folks, then stands up and walks back out to talk to the Innmistress.
Anuje gives Benedict's shoulders a squeeze and looks around the room and back to Brisa. "I... I'll tell you later."
Roxanna makes sure that no one is in immediate danger, and gives instructions on how to take care of them for the next few minutes. "Call me immediately if anyone goes into convulsions. I need to talk to the Innmistress for a moment." She walks out to where Garrick is talking to the woman. Then she sticks her head back in the door. "And send a runner for Lady Kay. She can probably cure a few folks as well."
Brisa nods, and gets the Hordesmen to pick out someone healthy and fast to take a horse and bring back the Lady Kay. Then she nods again to Anuje... and when Kori's done being ill she'll set her down to wait for the Lady. Brisa looks around the room... then sighs and sets the remaining Hordesmen to cleaning and tidying up, so they don't just stand around uselessly and nervously.
Benedict lets out a soft breath, his shoulders slumping slightly. He gives a silent prayer to the Imperial Court; not only for these people, but in particular this one who nearly died... "Thanks, Anuje," he says softly. "Just seeing that..." He shudders a little, glancing over at the unconscious Barris.
Anuje nods. "I saw... almost. I'm glad I didn't." She glances up to make sure that someone actually went to get Lady Kay.
The two Horde troopers blink in relief, just watching as Roxanna gets up and leaves the now-peacefully sleeping Raphael upon the table. They look back to him, to each other, and then back out the door. Outside Garrick and his guardsman are questioning the Innmistress. She stands there pale, her words scared but sounding honest, "...and then they just started to get angry. Just at little things, really. And they got all red and even more angry, just like master Blakeslee does when he's had too much to drink..."
Roxanna comes out of the tavern and walks -- almost a predatory stride -- toward Garrick and the woman, "They were poisoned, Innmistress. I need to ask you some questions."
Brisa looks relieved at Rafe's healing... then looks at Benedict and Anuje, "Can you keep an eye on the sick ones? Like if their faces start to get red again, to help Roxanna and Romana? And..." she wrinkles her nose, then looks around with a faint sigh, rolling up her sleeves, "I will try, with the others, to make this place look and smell less like a charnel house. If I'm telling them to clean up the least I can do is help."
Benedict looks to Brisa, and nods quietly. "All right." He waits for Anuje before following her to help the sick.
Anuje nods to Brisa and looks at Benedict. "There only needs to be one of us for watching duty. Can you do that while I help Brisa?"
Benedict nods, "I can do that, sure..."
Brisa grins ruefully, "Thanks, varishch," then starts on the unpleasant mess with the rest of the healthy Hordesmen. Slowly the tavern commons becomes a cleaner place. In a back corner Dandelion curls up, leaning her head against the wall, trying to just see straight. A handful of sworders cluster around Raphael in relief... and Romana just sits on the floor next to one of the sick horsemen, holding his hand and just rambling softly, whispering to him. Soon all is quiet and still.
Garrick looks back at Roxanna, "Poisoned?" The innmistress' eyes go wide, her hand rising to her mouth, "You don't think! I... I never!"
Roxanna says, "I don't know what to think yet. Where did you buy that garlic?"
The innkeeper just looks back at Roxanna, crossing her arms. "Haley does the marketing. She's the cook. We got it fresh, just like most our other foods, special for Midwinter's."
Roxanna says, "Where?"
Blinking a bit incredulously, the innmistress shakes her head. "You could ask Haley... but from the market, I would think."
Roxanna frowns. "Was there anyone in your kitchen today besides Haley and you?"
The Innmistress just shrugs again. "Of course -- many of the guests, like Duffy and Jason and Kori, and Jake when he brings in the wood, and the children too. But that's... normal."
Roxanna hmms. "Where is Haley right now?"
"Haley? If she's not in the kitchen, she's probably..." The tavern keep considers for a moment quietly, "...she's probably in her room, next to the kitchen."
Roxanna nods. "All right." She nods to Garrick, and walks back into the Tavern with that same determined stride. "Brisa? We need to talk to the cook, and find out where the garlic is. We may need to search the kitchen."
Brisa sets chairs up, sweeps broken glass, washes down floors, generally helps out... and at one point looks over to Anuje, "Was there anything odd in back when you went there, Anuje?"
Anuje glances over and gestures to the burlap bundle on the counter. "That looked a little out of place. It wasn't in any clay jars or anything. Maybe they picked it up today."
Brisa nods to Roxanna as she enters, "I think Anuje already searched the kitchen, Roxy." She picks up the burlap, opening it carefully so nothing spills, "Hm... Roxy, Romishka, can either of you pick out lily of the valley from garlic?" Brisa suddenly looks a bit concerned, "If there's any left... there's a good possibility other folks in town may have some also, da?"
Anuje frowns. "When did the party at Dragonstooth start?"
Romana looks back, "Romanas might, but it's hard... that's why easily mistaken, yes..."
Roxanna nods. "I think so, if I know I'm looking for it." She pokes through the parcel. "Either that, or it was sold to Haley on purpose because the Horde is staying here. Wouldn't put it past certain people to try something like that." Her eyes widen at a sudden thought, and she puts the parcel down. "Has anyone checked on the staff?" She heads for the kitchen, almost running... and finds it empty. There are three doors there. One is open, leading to a storage room... another obviously leads outside. The third is shut. Roxanna knocks on the closed door. "Haley? Are you in there?" There is nothing but silence... no sound behind the door Roxanna knocks upon.
Brisa blinks -- then she calls to Benedict, "Don't let anyone take this bundle, Benny, da?" and she pelts after Roxanna.
Benedict blinks, and nods hesitantly. "I won't, Brisa!"
Floating back down the hallway comes, "Spacebo!" as Brisa follows Roxanna into the kitchen... she reaches over Roxanna and throws the door open, "She may not be able to answer, Roxy!"
The door flies open, revealing a small room. No bigger than a tavern room it is. Just enough space for a bed, a chair, and a table. There is a shelf, and a chest where little items are kept. On the table, carefully laid out, is a half-eaten bowl of soup, a bit of meat, and a bread heel. On the floor is sprawled the body of an older woman in a simple tunic and surcoat. There is a bit of spittle, a bit of vomit near her face. She does not breathe, and when Roxanna checks her heart is still. Brisa says softly, "Oh nyeh..."
Roxanna mutters something pungent under her breath, but is unsurprised. "I was afraid of that. She tasted the food while she was cooking." Brisa sighs, and murmurs a quiet prayer for the poor woman. Roxanna sighs. "Only Lady Kay can help her now... if it isn't too late even for her. Same symptoms, you'll note."
Brisa nods quietly, "She was an innocent in this, I believe. Poor dama." She sighs, then says, "Well. I am going to go continue helping clean up... I can be of some use there." Roxanna checks the body in a little more detail after Brisa leaves, just to make sure that it was the poison that killed her.
Brisa will return to the commons room, where she'll offer the garlic bundle to Romana to study, and get her bracelets back, with thanks, from Anuje... then continue helping clean. Anuje leans against an unshattered chair, taking a rest. Brisa glances at Romana and Benedict, "Everyone is still holding on? You are both all right also?"
Roxanna comes back out, shaking her head. "Well, she died quickly. Either she was more vulnerable to it, or she got a bigger dose somehow."
...not very long later... the commons of the Eastern Gate Tavern is very quiet. Only a handful remain... a Dayallan and her companions. Most sit at a table. Captain Koromov is a quiet figure in the back corner, forcing herself to stay up, if only just to listen. Garrick sits across the table, drinking a glass of water. Romana still sits next to her hurt soldier. The Innmistress is in bed, Haley's death one too many shocks for her.
Brisa sits quietly next to captain Koromov. Anuje sighs. "It'd be so much less disturbing if it was just a mistake..."
Benedict says softly and reluctantly, "Mistakes of this magnitude... usually somewhere along the line -- not mistakes." He looks up, and looks over to Anuje. "Anuje... thank you again for... for before..."
Anuje smiles and nods. "Guys have to watch each other's backs. Though I suppose that Roxanna saved yours this time."
Benedict smiles quietly. "That's true, and... thank you as well, Roxanna. I was thanking you for... well, after Brisa pulled me out from under Barris...
Romana looks up from her quiet place on the floor. "I think... I think this more lilies than garlic, Brisa." But it is Garrick that confirms their worst fears. "The rest of the town is quiet tonight. Krysta's hells, even Michael. He was the first I checked. He spent the whole night playing Stars and Crowns with Jake."
Brisa nods silently at Garrick's words... then sighs softly, "Well... if someone were evil enough to wish such a death on someone... it would make sense to make sure there was an alibi, da?" She thinks about that statement, then adds, "Not that I mean to say it must be Michael... just that it could have been anyone." She's silent a moment, then adds, "The Horde will have to watch their food carefully... but I do not know how one does that..." She adds softly, "Spacebo, mishkhhyra. Give it to Captain Garrick if he wants it, I suppose."
From the door Dominic looks back grimly, wiping water from his hair. "Knowing that someone is out to get you first always helps." With a shake of his head he settles in at the table. "Sorry. I was checking out one thing. Brandreth is also mad. Seems his best... lady... has been off for the last five days." The little man frowns, shaking his head.
Benedict looks to Garrick, and frowns. "This was certainly no coincidence, then." He closes his eyes. "Blast it to cinders..."
Roxanna says, "Lady Kay should be here soon, then. Perhaps she can bring dama Haley back." She sits up rather suddenly. "And if Kay cannot bring her back, perhaps Lady Kara can help us find out what we need to know."
Brisa looks faintly surprised, "Can she speak to the recently departed? I did not know they could do that." She adds, "Um... if you wish her to try that, it might be most courteous to try it before Lady Kay um... 'steals' one of Krysta's souls?" Then she raises an eyebrow at Dominic, "Mordyn?"
Roxanna shrugs. "To be honest, Brisa, I have no idea WHAT she can do. But if anyone else can help us, it would be her."
Brisa nods to Roxanna, "Then... we should ask her." She glances at Dominic, "Is it raining?"
Benedict blinks to Dominic, then his expression darkens. "Mordyn," he says grimly. "That's why we haven't run into her at all at the tavern.
Dominic looks back to Brisa, frowning. "Aye... the weather just broke... and yes, she's vanished, Mordyn has." Dominic folds his hands and places his head upon the table, grumbling. "I hate not being able to find a girl." Anuje glances at Dominic quietly.
Brisa lightly touches one of the slices of garlic bread neatly stacked to the side... and smiles slowly and ruefully, "We could always invite Mordyn... to have a slice of bread... if she knew she wouldn't want it, da?" Then she sighs softly, "But... only if she's found."
Roxanna says, "Only if she's found, indeed."
Brisa looks curiously at the new bracelets, examining them more closely now she has a moment... then looks equally curiously at Garrick, wondering why he gave them to her. Garrick looks back at Brisa strangely, seeing her wearing the two bracelets. His gaze passes to a dark haired lass and an Atteran, and his eyebrows raise. "I thought they were for..."
Brisa smiles, suddenly understanding, "They are. But shouldn't they be saved until midnight to be gifted? Or do you do things differently here?" She pauses... then blinks in slow astonishment, looking down at the bracelets with a very puzzled look... then she quietly and firmly pulls them off and tucks them carefully away. She makes a mental note... keep more politely formal distance between her and men. She's had... very peculiar and unsettling thoughts... and she's pretty sure they're not hers. She sighs softly to herself... probably shouldn't dance with any of them either. Pity. She thinks hard for a long time, trying to figure out the peculiar thoughts' origins as she waits with the others for Lady Kay to arrive. Finally she gives puzzled looks to several of her friends and Garrick... then just waits silently.
As they wait in silence, Romana's gentle whispering to her injured cavalryman finally fades away. She sighs softly, releasing his inert hand and pulling the covering blanket over the young man's head. Then she rises to join the others, her face sorrowful as the poison claims yet another victim.