Stories Swift and Measured
Twenty Sixth Day of Ashinu-hamba (Ashinu Descendant) 1348 A. L. (After Landfall)
In the end Wanderer chooses to stay true to the ways of his fathers, though you took care to lead him to the fires of your company and announce that he would hence forth serve just as they did and for like pay. Though the smiles had been hesitant in some quarters the warning chill of the evening and the warmth of the fire had made sure that the toasts would be many and long.
On the next day it begins to snow, the first drifting snowflakes coming with the dawn, then faster and faster until your journey to Willowbrook is made among swirling white that brings to mind more February than November that Zaia insists this would be according to the turning of the stars. Soon you lose the small dark forms of your otter-kin guides though their silent voices urge you on. Still, between Silver under you, Inge nestled against your chest and Swift Pebble choosing to ride on your shoulder you certainly do not lack for company.
While Silver is saving most of his attention for the path and Inge reads one of the mental sheeted books in Zaia's alchemical library by the light of her own conjuring the little otter is more than happy fill the time with talk. Particularly talk of 'adventures' in the northlands, asking all manner of questions and clarifications so that she would not miss anything in the story to her kin.
"Perhaps talk of daemons stealing the bodies of men might prove a bit too frightening," you note gently, though to little effect.
"What's there to be scared of? It's not like there are any of them here, are there? I was scared too when the Wyrdoki were shouting and banging their swords, and then they were fighting and there was blood, and then the fake shaman went crack and he made big wings and then he whooshed and then there was more blood and fighting. But we won in the end, the big fire was free and the tribes made peace. I wanted to go see the big fire, but I didn't want to stick my nose in where I did not belong. I didn't fight at all..."
One of the advantages of speaking thus is that one does not have to take any breaks for breath, you realize, biting back a smile at the sheer bubbling excitement.
"If we had been unable to speak to the Wyrdoki save by the intercession of their then foes likely as not we would not have peace now," you finally cut her off. "You helped a great deal."
For a moment there is shocked silence save for the sound of the wind and the crunch of hooves against stone.
"Thank you thank you thank-you thankyou..." The words crash into each other until all you can feel is the sense of wordless gratitude like the warmth from a merrily crackling fame.
"I mean, I'm happy you think so, but do you think that I could fight?"
Well isn't that a question to be asking a little while before seeing her kin again. It does not take a seer to guess why she would ask that now of all time. Ultimately the choice is hers, all you can do is give honest answers. "I think your folk managed to not only stay safe against all the perils of this land but keep those who would disturb the beast of the cursed hills away, no small feat that. If you wish to learn how to fight and train diligently I am certain you will do well."
The hum of contentment rises even higher, then falls a little to some other thought, melancholy perhaps.
"You have been fighting for a long time right, years and years?"
A span that means more to the short-lived otter-kin then to men, you think regretfully as you agree.
"Why though, why do this and not some other thing? Why not stay in the hall where it's warm and safe?" Swift Pebble presses.
"For one it is a thing I do well, fighting and leading alike. I suppose I would make a decent cook..." at the dubious sounding snort from Silver you pointedly add: "and a good stable hand. Otherwise I do not have many skills save for lordship, but land is not..." You shake your head, that would be a lie, or at least close to it. You certainly are not working to gain any land to rule over by traveling into the farthest north on a perilous trading expedition. "I want to see the world and all its marvels and to do what good I might along the way." There is a pause, enough for two steps from Silver. "though I won't say no to any gold along the way," you laugh.
The men behind you must have heard that last one because out of the swirling snow there come calls of: "Hear, hear" and "For Verley."
"That sounds nice," Swift Pebble says, more slowly. Resolve grows in her voice.
"I think I will come too." She pauses a moment, then asks.
"Could you tell my parents how it's not that dangerous and I will be alright and come back knowing stuff about the south?"
What do you reply?
[] Agree, try to calm the fears of her parents as best you can
[] Decline, it is not your place to meddle in such things, perhaps her family will persuade Quick Pebble to stay, but if so then it is for the best
[] Write in
OOC: Right now Quick Pebble is Commoner 2, but otter-kin are swift to learn, both in retraining and leveling up.
