Wow. I'm Productive This Week!
Apr. 28th, 2009 09:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienAnd here it is, the latest 7th Seas episode! Enjoy. :)
When we last left off, Our Heroes were back in Freiburg reassembling their existence after their sojourn south as slaves- They've reclaimed the mansion, and are slowly dealing with the damage. Erik has sent a message home for kinsmen to act as guards and staff, and the carriage house is being converted to a mead hall to house them. Illyana has inquired for local help, with no luck due to previous encounters that Erik has had.
Her next step it to speak with Herr Proust of the Rosicrucians, who, she has been told, has more information about the gangs operating in the area of the manor. The meeting is to take place the next day. While the group have reclaimed their losses, there is still the matter of revenge.
The day dawns with Erik waking first and early. He lets Djiel rest, and heads out to the carriage house to begin its conversion to a mead hall. He starts clearing out the detritus that has been piled in the structure by previous owners, and it is fairly obvious that it hasn’t been used for its intended purpose for some time. Next to wake is Djiel; he sees that the ‘white devil’ isn’t in his bed, and frantically searches for the man he’s attached himself to. It isn’t long before the tribesman finds Erik, and this accomplished he takes up a sentry position on the roof of the house.
Eventually, Illyana and Zora wake, drawn by the clatter from the carriage house and the scents of Armand preparing breakfast. The pair individually prepare themselves for the day, then head downstairs. Before they do, Armand has gone to the carriage house. “Master Erik? Breakfast is served...” Erik nods, looking about him at his handiwork. He decides that he’s performed a satisfactory amount of work for the morning, cleans up at the rainbarrel and proceeds to table.
While Zora and Illyana are mannered at breakfast, Erik, and Djiel following his lead, eat in a manner modern society would call barbaric. This gets an eyebrow-raise from Illyana and a mild expression of disgust from Zora, but this of course doesn’t dissuade either man. The meal progresses, with Illyana starting conversation about midway through: “So. What do we do?” “We build. The hall must be prepared, and the manor restored,” replies Erik. “Da. I meant more what do we do about gangs?” “Ah. We will deal with them.” Erik’s confidence is total.
Armand says, “fighting them alone would be insane.” Illyana tilts her head as she looks to him. “You will find us all mad by standards of Eisen.” “I’ve had worse,” he counters. Having seen the manor and knowing somewhat of the history of the titles that Erik won, she can well believe that.
With the meal concluded, Erik and Djiel head back to the evolving carriage house, while Zora and Illyana go out to gather information and take care of errands. Zora, naturally enough, heads to the docks. Information isn’t easy to find, but she does at least discover that the name of the particular band of brigands that they’d tangles with were called the ‘Mad Wolves’. She continues trying to find out more, but people either don’t know anything, or aren’t willing to share.
Illyana, for her part has her meeting with Dietrich Proust. She gets directions to the Rosicrucian chapter house and makes her way there- what she finds is hardly what she expected. A small, one-bedroom house with the crest of the Rosicrucians on a shingle out front, with what seems to be a smithy in the back yard. She enters, finding nobody within; however, she can hear pounding of metal from the smithy, and proceeds back.
She waits for the man to notice her, and when he does he greets her in courtly manner. He offers tea and cakes, and through a long, chivalric discussion she eventually discovers the same thing that Zora has learned, plus one other small tidbit- the merchants of the area are ALSO fed up with the brigands. Illyana takes her leave of Herr Proust, and makes her way to the merchants populating the area near the manor. With luck, the merchants will provide her what is needed to find the villains.
Returning to Zora, with the information-well being dry for the moment, she decides to seek out a new battle-axe for Erik. Her luck here is also poor- she knows that he’ll not accept a Vendel-made weapon, and in Freiburg there are few if any smiths producing what Erik desires. She ends up having to order one to be shipped from Vestin shores, but manages to barter the price down from 50 guilders to 32.
Back at the manor, the clearing of the carriage house continues. Piles of junk of varied types are moved out, and the space is revealed to be fairly large. There IS a carriage within, too. Djiel knocks a largish pouch down, spilling a bit of the contents- a black powder he’s not familiar with. He shows it to Erik, who grins... HE knows what it is! He takes some of the powder and makes a small pile on the ground, then strikes a match to it- the pile FLARES and sparks, causing Djiel to fall back in superstitious awe! Erik calms him, and lets him try for himself; thereafter he has to stop Djiel from lighting the entire pouch!
Continuing their digging, they also find a few more useful things- a rapier in good shape, unadorned but of good steel, and a heavy digging pick. This last Erik hefts and swings a few times, deciding that it will be a serviceable replacement for his lost axe, at least for the time being. Eventually, the carpenter (carpentress?) that Erik hired arrives, and they work out the details of what needs to be done for the conversion. Erik then directs her to Armand, who shows her through the manor and explains the repairs needed.
Leaving her in the care of Armand, Erik and Djiel make their way into the city to obtain a new spear or spears for the latter. His current weapon, while serviceable, is possessed of a knapped-obsidian head, and is hardly going to survive the rigors of combat against metal weapons. Following the directions given to them by Armand (who made sure that they weren’t going to Vendel merchants), they find themselves in a small merchant’s square across town.
The first shop they enter turns out to not be a smithy, nor are the wares purveyed within of a martial bent; on top of this the proprietor can’t speak Vestin! Consternation is rapidly reduced when the man fetches his son, who CAN converse with the Vestin prince. While he doesn’t have what the pair seek, he can assist them by leading them to a colleague who can. Erik purchases a drinking horn, and gives two guilders to the young man to act as a guide.
The trio wend their way to the establishment of Herr Pabst. They cross several bridges, their guide paying the tolls. When they finally get there, their guide, Wilhelm, acts as translator; they learn that the man makes each weapon for his customers specifically. They order two spears, to be delivered to Drachen manor. When Wilhelm hears that, he asks for an autograph!
They start back towards the manor. As they do, Erik catches sight of Zora going into a large restaurant! He tries to sneak up, but gets spotted by her as he peers in the window! Djiel, for his part seemingly vanished, but Zora sees him when he sneaks in behind Erik as the latter enters. Dinner is arranged... And Zora learns that you can’t fully trust advertising in Freiburg! She’d come to the establishment
seeking the cuisine of the Isles, and instead they seem to only serve Eisen fare. Erik is also incensed for a time when he learns that they don’t serve mead, but is mollified when he learns that they do serve ale.
Meanwhile, Illy is checking out the merchants local to the manor. The cloth merchant she speaks to first is totally unwilling to discuss the matter, but directs her to another seller named Olga, who's been 'in the area forever'. Speaking to her, Olga also can't tell Illyana much- but she says 'stick around til dinnertime. They'll be around.' Illyana grins. She pays for the little information she received, and with Olga's directions takes up a position to try and see what the thugs look like.
After their meal, the others wend their way back to the manor. Once there, they discover that Armand has gone all-out once again and has roasted a stag for an evening meal! While Zora is still full, Erik and Djiel of course tuck in with zeal. With the meal Armand offers a selection of beverages, and Djiel discovers that he likes iced fruit tea- such a cold beverage is unheard of in the near-tropical regions he comes from!
Illyana’s waiting has paid off. The thugs DO come by, performing what looks to be an oft-repeated shakedown of the local sellers. As they pass, she knows that in her human form she’d likely be recognized immediately, or at least would be easily spotted with her white hair. Fortunately, she has an alternative. Stepping further into shadows, she concentrates... And soon a great grey-and-white wolf pads silently after the brigands. They pass from their rounds of the merchants to an ugly, low-class tavern, spending hours carousing within; knowing that they likely are not quartered there, Illyana conceals herself and waits. Eventually, they exit, reeling, and proceed on their way, the wolf following them to their lair.
The hour is growing late, and concern is rising in Erik. “Armand, have you seen Illyana?” “No, sir. She left early today and hasn’t returned...” Erik frowns. He and Zora know that they’ve returned to a viper’s nest, and that their return will likely have been noted. It’s decided to go out seeking Illyana. They have little luck finding her, but fortune does have her spot them! She shifts back to human and approaches her companions. “I went hunting,” she tells them. “And I have found them, or at least some- a warehouse near here!” Grins go around, and the decision is made to face their foes immediately.
Illyana leads her companions the short distance back to the warehouse. Its a smallish building, with a single sentry, masquerading as a sleeping drunk, out front. The sentry being the first target, Erik indicates the target to Djiel. With one perfect throw, the man dies with nary a sound. They approach, checking the building for other exits and further sentries. One exit is found, in back- Erik and Djiel rapidly barricade it from the outside with the junk piled in the alley, sealing it. They then return to the front of the building, still able to hear the drunken card games continuing within.
Erik tries to ram the door open, but it holds; however, Illyana kicks the door right after that, and it opens! Those inside go suddenly quiet as they see their attackers! Illyana throws an axe, but its deflected by a swiftly raised plate! This really doesn't help much. The other three companions rush in, Djiel killing one instantly with a spearthrust, and in short order Erik kills two more. Seconds after that, in an unbelievable flurry of action Djiel destroys the remaining three. The battle is over almost as it begun.
Erik decapitates them and puts the heads on pikes out front of the warehouse. Before he completes this grisly task, Djiel takes the eyes from each... And eats them. He offers two to Erik, who also partakes. Illyana simply turns away, and Zora steps outside and vomits, out of the sight of the others. They take the coins found on the scene to return to the merchants, and exit the horrid scene, leaving it for the rest of the gang to find...
Illyana plans for more hunting the following evening.
They head back to the mansion, and Djiel decides to make a ceremonial drink... Armand assists him, offering various herbs and water, and at some point Djiel spits into the brew. Now, nobody but Armand saw that particular act. Everyone drinks the concoction down, although Armand sneakily manages to spit his out. After, Erik washes it down with mead, providing some for Zora as well. Illyana goes for a stronger palate-cleanser, drinking akavit.
Later, Erik checks out the soon-to-be mead hall- No real progress, but there have been changes. Some of the supports have been removed, and new rafters have been placed to redistribute the load. This learned, he proceeds to get riotously drunk. Or at least thoroughly drunk. With Djiel and Illyana’s help, he makes it to bed.
Morning dawns, grey and dim as is usual for Eisen. It seems rather bright to Erik... He’s a touch hung over after the previous night’s indulgences. He staggers out, tromps downstairs and goes to the water barrel- on his first try to dunk his head he misses, scoring an ugly gash on his head when he hits the rim. His second try is more accurate, and he whips his head out and back, water arching out and over from his hair.
When he comes back in, Armand approaches. “Master Erik, this arrived for you.” He hands Erik a letter, bearing the waxen seal of Freiburg! Erik and his entourage have been invited to a formal ball!” The matter is briefly discussed, and the acceptance letter is written and sent. As none but Illyana have clothing anywhere close to acceptable for court, and hers wouldn’t survive scrutiny either, a tailor is sent for as well. Breakfast is had, and with the completion of the meal the tailor arrives.
Erik is measured first, then Illyana; she requests that her dress be break-away, that she would be free to fight if necessary. “Ah. That won’t be a problem,” the tailor says. “I have a pattern for that.” Not exactly a calming thought! Erik will be dressed in modified Vestin finery, Zora in something fitting for her origins, brightly colored. Illyana’s will, as most of her garb, be made up of light blues, greys, silver and white.
That leaves Djiel. The tailor has NO experience dealing with such a man as now stands before him, and Djiel has never experienced dealing with a tailor, either! It takes some convincing, but he eventually holds still for the measurements. It’s decided that he’ll wear something close to what Erik will be in... Not that he really knows what to expect. For that matter, neither to his companions.
While this goes on, there is the sounds of a building crowd outside. Armand goes to the door to check, and there is a crowd of merchants and local citizenry, looking to the new Lord for protection from the gangs! When Erik and company come outside, they’re given an offer- a guilder a head for every gangmember taken care of, and Erik is offered the barber’s daughter for a bride if he so wishes! He thinks on this, foremost wondering, “Is she cute?” He gets the urge for a haircut.
The crowd disperses, and he and Djiel make their way to the barber shop. They enter, and the proprietor refuses payment for the services he renders- trimming up Erik’s beard and hair expertly, and shaving Djiel’s head- this last is a little harder to do, as he’s never seen a cut-throat razor before! Even to those familiar with the device, its hardly a comforting thing to see coming close to face or throat... Erik doesn’t manage a glimpse of the Barber’s daughter, however.
Illyana, for her part fetches the chair she’d had made before their unforeseen trip south. The journey is uneventful, and she commissions a porter to deliver it to the manor for her.
Once they finish at the barber shop, Erik and Djiel walk around Freiburg, essentially making their presence known. While wandering the merchant’s district, Erik yells out, "Who speaks Vestin?" "I do!" Rings out. Its a Vestin man, slightly more of Vendel garb... "What do you do here?" Asks Erik. "I'm a bodyguard." "Who do you guard?" "Nobody, at the moment." "Good. I have need of you, kinsman- do you speak Eisen?" The man nods. "Passably." Erik grins. "Good. Come with me. I need you to translate, and I might have a job for you..." With the man in tow, whose name is Bjorn, Erik heads to the armourer where Djiel’s spears are being made. With Bjorn translating, the blade design gets adjusted to something more reusable and suited to Djiel’s style of fighting. The order is increased, and the trio return to the manor.
Illyana has by this time arrived back with her chair, and everyone is present. Introductions are made, and Erik asks, “Are you up to hunting tonight?” All answer in the affirmative, so he turns to Bjorn. “If I take your hire, what would you desire for pay?” Bjorn grins. “Passage back to Vestin would be adequate.” “A bargain then. When it can be arranged, I shall get you home.” With that, Bjorn excuses himself to fetch his possessions. Djiel decides to trail him, but Bjorn does exactly what he stated- he goes to a seedy inn across town, gathers his things and heads back to the manor.
With the return of Djiel and Bjorn, Illyana prepares to go out. To Zora she says, “I am going to try to track next group. If you see large grey-and-white wolf, do not shoot me?” Without explaining further, she leaves. Zora just shrugs.
She makes her way back to the nearby merchant’s row, and takes up a position to watch once again. THe first group she sees seems... Almost too young to be ‘real’ gang members, and act more like kids playing at being a gang than the real thing. She lets them pass without following, only to hear shouts of outrage and blows moments later! She checks, and sure enough a merchant has been beaten up. She glowers, and fails in her attempt to go wolf.
She then attempts to shadow the bravoes, but is spotted; the group scatters, and she realizes that she’s lost her quarry. Angry with herself, she heads home. Once there, she explains her failure: “I made mistake. At first I thought too young, then they beat a man. I followed, and was spotted. They scattered then, and I lost trail.”
Erik listens, then simply says, “Let’s go for a stroll. We should hunt some wolves.”
“Right!” Says Bjorn. “I’m ready!” Notably, Erik’s new man is less than steady on his feet... With Illyana trailing, the group goes out into Freiburg once again.
They head roughly to where Illyana lost the group of gangmembers. They initially see nothing, but suddenly gain their quarries in an unexpected way- an ambush! Two groups, one to either side of them. Fortunately, Zora spots them and shouts a warning. They attack Illyana first, perhaps because they recognized her from earlier. She takes a slice, but the cut is only superficial. Before she can make a return strike, Djiel leaps in, impaling one, kicking another and slamming a third down in a whirlwind of attacks! However, Djiel is blooded with a knife-strike, a deep cut to his side.
Erik attacks, moving against the second group of attackers- He slams his pick down through the neck and ribs of his foe, killing him instantly! Zora leaps to a windowsill, swings onto a roof, grabs a clothesline, and swings down- Erik is facing five-to-one odds for a moment, and one of them manages to score a cut on him. As this happens, Zora strikes! Her swing brings her down, locking her legs about the neck of one man while she cuts the throat of another with her sword! Three foes remain facing the Vestin and pirate.
He attacks again, his heavy pick this time scoring against nothing but the cobbles of the street. Zora, unfortunately is stabbed in the gut, the villain twisting the blade as he pulls it loose! Sorely wounded, she falls back.
Illyana prepares to act, aiming to go wolf to tear out the throats of the remaining foes... But Djiel is far faster- The remaining men die before they even know what happened! With the fight over, Zora is down, badly hurt. Erik is enraged by this, and carries her back to the mansion while Illyana, who has naught but a flesh wound, goes to fetch a physician.
She reaches a bridge guard, and asks for directions to a physician; rather than help her, the man demands a guilder for the knowledge! She considers killing the man, but she knows Zora needs help. With a glower she pays the tithe, etching the mans face in her memory. She gets the information, and as quickly as possible finds the home of her target.
Illyana bangs on the door, and shortly an elderly man comes and asks her business. “A friend has been knifed. She is badly hurt.” “Ah, a house call then? Allow me to prepare.” He is soon ready, and Illyana commissions a carriage to get them to the manor as quickly as possible.
Once there, he sets to work. Zora is laid upon a table and the doctor gets to work. It isn’t too long before her wound is dressed, and the doctor proceeds to treat Djiel. This takes Erik convincing him that the doctor isn’t going to hurt him; this form of ‘magic’ is nothing like the healing Djiel has had in the past. Erik is last, and soon the wounded have been repaired as much as possible. “You three should not be exerting yourselves for at least a day, longer if possible. Payment is not necessary, as the service that you are providing our community is payment enough. However, if this becomes frequent, I would need compensation for my time and materials.” The doctor is thanked, and a carriage hired to return him home.
Erik hovers some about Zora, and his concern is rewarded- she kisses him passionately.
And with that bit of romance, we close for this episode- see you next episode!
When we last left off, Our Heroes were back in Freiburg reassembling their existence after their sojourn south as slaves- They've reclaimed the mansion, and are slowly dealing with the damage. Erik has sent a message home for kinsmen to act as guards and staff, and the carriage house is being converted to a mead hall to house them. Illyana has inquired for local help, with no luck due to previous encounters that Erik has had.
Her next step it to speak with Herr Proust of the Rosicrucians, who, she has been told, has more information about the gangs operating in the area of the manor. The meeting is to take place the next day. While the group have reclaimed their losses, there is still the matter of revenge.
The day dawns with Erik waking first and early. He lets Djiel rest, and heads out to the carriage house to begin its conversion to a mead hall. He starts clearing out the detritus that has been piled in the structure by previous owners, and it is fairly obvious that it hasn’t been used for its intended purpose for some time. Next to wake is Djiel; he sees that the ‘white devil’ isn’t in his bed, and frantically searches for the man he’s attached himself to. It isn’t long before the tribesman finds Erik, and this accomplished he takes up a sentry position on the roof of the house.
Eventually, Illyana and Zora wake, drawn by the clatter from the carriage house and the scents of Armand preparing breakfast. The pair individually prepare themselves for the day, then head downstairs. Before they do, Armand has gone to the carriage house. “Master Erik? Breakfast is served...” Erik nods, looking about him at his handiwork. He decides that he’s performed a satisfactory amount of work for the morning, cleans up at the rainbarrel and proceeds to table.
While Zora and Illyana are mannered at breakfast, Erik, and Djiel following his lead, eat in a manner modern society would call barbaric. This gets an eyebrow-raise from Illyana and a mild expression of disgust from Zora, but this of course doesn’t dissuade either man. The meal progresses, with Illyana starting conversation about midway through: “So. What do we do?” “We build. The hall must be prepared, and the manor restored,” replies Erik. “Da. I meant more what do we do about gangs?” “Ah. We will deal with them.” Erik’s confidence is total.
Armand says, “fighting them alone would be insane.” Illyana tilts her head as she looks to him. “You will find us all mad by standards of Eisen.” “I’ve had worse,” he counters. Having seen the manor and knowing somewhat of the history of the titles that Erik won, she can well believe that.
With the meal concluded, Erik and Djiel head back to the evolving carriage house, while Zora and Illyana go out to gather information and take care of errands. Zora, naturally enough, heads to the docks. Information isn’t easy to find, but she does at least discover that the name of the particular band of brigands that they’d tangles with were called the ‘Mad Wolves’. She continues trying to find out more, but people either don’t know anything, or aren’t willing to share.
Illyana, for her part has her meeting with Dietrich Proust. She gets directions to the Rosicrucian chapter house and makes her way there- what she finds is hardly what she expected. A small, one-bedroom house with the crest of the Rosicrucians on a shingle out front, with what seems to be a smithy in the back yard. She enters, finding nobody within; however, she can hear pounding of metal from the smithy, and proceeds back.
She waits for the man to notice her, and when he does he greets her in courtly manner. He offers tea and cakes, and through a long, chivalric discussion she eventually discovers the same thing that Zora has learned, plus one other small tidbit- the merchants of the area are ALSO fed up with the brigands. Illyana takes her leave of Herr Proust, and makes her way to the merchants populating the area near the manor. With luck, the merchants will provide her what is needed to find the villains.
Returning to Zora, with the information-well being dry for the moment, she decides to seek out a new battle-axe for Erik. Her luck here is also poor- she knows that he’ll not accept a Vendel-made weapon, and in Freiburg there are few if any smiths producing what Erik desires. She ends up having to order one to be shipped from Vestin shores, but manages to barter the price down from 50 guilders to 32.
Back at the manor, the clearing of the carriage house continues. Piles of junk of varied types are moved out, and the space is revealed to be fairly large. There IS a carriage within, too. Djiel knocks a largish pouch down, spilling a bit of the contents- a black powder he’s not familiar with. He shows it to Erik, who grins... HE knows what it is! He takes some of the powder and makes a small pile on the ground, then strikes a match to it- the pile FLARES and sparks, causing Djiel to fall back in superstitious awe! Erik calms him, and lets him try for himself; thereafter he has to stop Djiel from lighting the entire pouch!
Continuing their digging, they also find a few more useful things- a rapier in good shape, unadorned but of good steel, and a heavy digging pick. This last Erik hefts and swings a few times, deciding that it will be a serviceable replacement for his lost axe, at least for the time being. Eventually, the carpenter (carpentress?) that Erik hired arrives, and they work out the details of what needs to be done for the conversion. Erik then directs her to Armand, who shows her through the manor and explains the repairs needed.
Leaving her in the care of Armand, Erik and Djiel make their way into the city to obtain a new spear or spears for the latter. His current weapon, while serviceable, is possessed of a knapped-obsidian head, and is hardly going to survive the rigors of combat against metal weapons. Following the directions given to them by Armand (who made sure that they weren’t going to Vendel merchants), they find themselves in a small merchant’s square across town.
The first shop they enter turns out to not be a smithy, nor are the wares purveyed within of a martial bent; on top of this the proprietor can’t speak Vestin! Consternation is rapidly reduced when the man fetches his son, who CAN converse with the Vestin prince. While he doesn’t have what the pair seek, he can assist them by leading them to a colleague who can. Erik purchases a drinking horn, and gives two guilders to the young man to act as a guide.
The trio wend their way to the establishment of Herr Pabst. They cross several bridges, their guide paying the tolls. When they finally get there, their guide, Wilhelm, acts as translator; they learn that the man makes each weapon for his customers specifically. They order two spears, to be delivered to Drachen manor. When Wilhelm hears that, he asks for an autograph!
They start back towards the manor. As they do, Erik catches sight of Zora going into a large restaurant! He tries to sneak up, but gets spotted by her as he peers in the window! Djiel, for his part seemingly vanished, but Zora sees him when he sneaks in behind Erik as the latter enters. Dinner is arranged... And Zora learns that you can’t fully trust advertising in Freiburg! She’d come to the establishment
seeking the cuisine of the Isles, and instead they seem to only serve Eisen fare. Erik is also incensed for a time when he learns that they don’t serve mead, but is mollified when he learns that they do serve ale.
Meanwhile, Illy is checking out the merchants local to the manor. The cloth merchant she speaks to first is totally unwilling to discuss the matter, but directs her to another seller named Olga, who's been 'in the area forever'. Speaking to her, Olga also can't tell Illyana much- but she says 'stick around til dinnertime. They'll be around.' Illyana grins. She pays for the little information she received, and with Olga's directions takes up a position to try and see what the thugs look like.
After their meal, the others wend their way back to the manor. Once there, they discover that Armand has gone all-out once again and has roasted a stag for an evening meal! While Zora is still full, Erik and Djiel of course tuck in with zeal. With the meal Armand offers a selection of beverages, and Djiel discovers that he likes iced fruit tea- such a cold beverage is unheard of in the near-tropical regions he comes from!
Illyana’s waiting has paid off. The thugs DO come by, performing what looks to be an oft-repeated shakedown of the local sellers. As they pass, she knows that in her human form she’d likely be recognized immediately, or at least would be easily spotted with her white hair. Fortunately, she has an alternative. Stepping further into shadows, she concentrates... And soon a great grey-and-white wolf pads silently after the brigands. They pass from their rounds of the merchants to an ugly, low-class tavern, spending hours carousing within; knowing that they likely are not quartered there, Illyana conceals herself and waits. Eventually, they exit, reeling, and proceed on their way, the wolf following them to their lair.
The hour is growing late, and concern is rising in Erik. “Armand, have you seen Illyana?” “No, sir. She left early today and hasn’t returned...” Erik frowns. He and Zora know that they’ve returned to a viper’s nest, and that their return will likely have been noted. It’s decided to go out seeking Illyana. They have little luck finding her, but fortune does have her spot them! She shifts back to human and approaches her companions. “I went hunting,” she tells them. “And I have found them, or at least some- a warehouse near here!” Grins go around, and the decision is made to face their foes immediately.
Illyana leads her companions the short distance back to the warehouse. Its a smallish building, with a single sentry, masquerading as a sleeping drunk, out front. The sentry being the first target, Erik indicates the target to Djiel. With one perfect throw, the man dies with nary a sound. They approach, checking the building for other exits and further sentries. One exit is found, in back- Erik and Djiel rapidly barricade it from the outside with the junk piled in the alley, sealing it. They then return to the front of the building, still able to hear the drunken card games continuing within.
Erik tries to ram the door open, but it holds; however, Illyana kicks the door right after that, and it opens! Those inside go suddenly quiet as they see their attackers! Illyana throws an axe, but its deflected by a swiftly raised plate! This really doesn't help much. The other three companions rush in, Djiel killing one instantly with a spearthrust, and in short order Erik kills two more. Seconds after that, in an unbelievable flurry of action Djiel destroys the remaining three. The battle is over almost as it begun.
Erik decapitates them and puts the heads on pikes out front of the warehouse. Before he completes this grisly task, Djiel takes the eyes from each... And eats them. He offers two to Erik, who also partakes. Illyana simply turns away, and Zora steps outside and vomits, out of the sight of the others. They take the coins found on the scene to return to the merchants, and exit the horrid scene, leaving it for the rest of the gang to find...
Illyana plans for more hunting the following evening.
They head back to the mansion, and Djiel decides to make a ceremonial drink... Armand assists him, offering various herbs and water, and at some point Djiel spits into the brew. Now, nobody but Armand saw that particular act. Everyone drinks the concoction down, although Armand sneakily manages to spit his out. After, Erik washes it down with mead, providing some for Zora as well. Illyana goes for a stronger palate-cleanser, drinking akavit.
Later, Erik checks out the soon-to-be mead hall- No real progress, but there have been changes. Some of the supports have been removed, and new rafters have been placed to redistribute the load. This learned, he proceeds to get riotously drunk. Or at least thoroughly drunk. With Djiel and Illyana’s help, he makes it to bed.
Morning dawns, grey and dim as is usual for Eisen. It seems rather bright to Erik... He’s a touch hung over after the previous night’s indulgences. He staggers out, tromps downstairs and goes to the water barrel- on his first try to dunk his head he misses, scoring an ugly gash on his head when he hits the rim. His second try is more accurate, and he whips his head out and back, water arching out and over from his hair.
When he comes back in, Armand approaches. “Master Erik, this arrived for you.” He hands Erik a letter, bearing the waxen seal of Freiburg! Erik and his entourage have been invited to a formal ball!” The matter is briefly discussed, and the acceptance letter is written and sent. As none but Illyana have clothing anywhere close to acceptable for court, and hers wouldn’t survive scrutiny either, a tailor is sent for as well. Breakfast is had, and with the completion of the meal the tailor arrives.
Erik is measured first, then Illyana; she requests that her dress be break-away, that she would be free to fight if necessary. “Ah. That won’t be a problem,” the tailor says. “I have a pattern for that.” Not exactly a calming thought! Erik will be dressed in modified Vestin finery, Zora in something fitting for her origins, brightly colored. Illyana’s will, as most of her garb, be made up of light blues, greys, silver and white.
That leaves Djiel. The tailor has NO experience dealing with such a man as now stands before him, and Djiel has never experienced dealing with a tailor, either! It takes some convincing, but he eventually holds still for the measurements. It’s decided that he’ll wear something close to what Erik will be in... Not that he really knows what to expect. For that matter, neither to his companions.
While this goes on, there is the sounds of a building crowd outside. Armand goes to the door to check, and there is a crowd of merchants and local citizenry, looking to the new Lord for protection from the gangs! When Erik and company come outside, they’re given an offer- a guilder a head for every gangmember taken care of, and Erik is offered the barber’s daughter for a bride if he so wishes! He thinks on this, foremost wondering, “Is she cute?” He gets the urge for a haircut.
The crowd disperses, and he and Djiel make their way to the barber shop. They enter, and the proprietor refuses payment for the services he renders- trimming up Erik’s beard and hair expertly, and shaving Djiel’s head- this last is a little harder to do, as he’s never seen a cut-throat razor before! Even to those familiar with the device, its hardly a comforting thing to see coming close to face or throat... Erik doesn’t manage a glimpse of the Barber’s daughter, however.
Illyana, for her part fetches the chair she’d had made before their unforeseen trip south. The journey is uneventful, and she commissions a porter to deliver it to the manor for her.
Once they finish at the barber shop, Erik and Djiel walk around Freiburg, essentially making their presence known. While wandering the merchant’s district, Erik yells out, "Who speaks Vestin?" "I do!" Rings out. Its a Vestin man, slightly more of Vendel garb... "What do you do here?" Asks Erik. "I'm a bodyguard." "Who do you guard?" "Nobody, at the moment." "Good. I have need of you, kinsman- do you speak Eisen?" The man nods. "Passably." Erik grins. "Good. Come with me. I need you to translate, and I might have a job for you..." With the man in tow, whose name is Bjorn, Erik heads to the armourer where Djiel’s spears are being made. With Bjorn translating, the blade design gets adjusted to something more reusable and suited to Djiel’s style of fighting. The order is increased, and the trio return to the manor.
Illyana has by this time arrived back with her chair, and everyone is present. Introductions are made, and Erik asks, “Are you up to hunting tonight?” All answer in the affirmative, so he turns to Bjorn. “If I take your hire, what would you desire for pay?” Bjorn grins. “Passage back to Vestin would be adequate.” “A bargain then. When it can be arranged, I shall get you home.” With that, Bjorn excuses himself to fetch his possessions. Djiel decides to trail him, but Bjorn does exactly what he stated- he goes to a seedy inn across town, gathers his things and heads back to the manor.
With the return of Djiel and Bjorn, Illyana prepares to go out. To Zora she says, “I am going to try to track next group. If you see large grey-and-white wolf, do not shoot me?” Without explaining further, she leaves. Zora just shrugs.
She makes her way back to the nearby merchant’s row, and takes up a position to watch once again. THe first group she sees seems... Almost too young to be ‘real’ gang members, and act more like kids playing at being a gang than the real thing. She lets them pass without following, only to hear shouts of outrage and blows moments later! She checks, and sure enough a merchant has been beaten up. She glowers, and fails in her attempt to go wolf.
She then attempts to shadow the bravoes, but is spotted; the group scatters, and she realizes that she’s lost her quarry. Angry with herself, she heads home. Once there, she explains her failure: “I made mistake. At first I thought too young, then they beat a man. I followed, and was spotted. They scattered then, and I lost trail.”
Erik listens, then simply says, “Let’s go for a stroll. We should hunt some wolves.”
“Right!” Says Bjorn. “I’m ready!” Notably, Erik’s new man is less than steady on his feet... With Illyana trailing, the group goes out into Freiburg once again.
They head roughly to where Illyana lost the group of gangmembers. They initially see nothing, but suddenly gain their quarries in an unexpected way- an ambush! Two groups, one to either side of them. Fortunately, Zora spots them and shouts a warning. They attack Illyana first, perhaps because they recognized her from earlier. She takes a slice, but the cut is only superficial. Before she can make a return strike, Djiel leaps in, impaling one, kicking another and slamming a third down in a whirlwind of attacks! However, Djiel is blooded with a knife-strike, a deep cut to his side.
Erik attacks, moving against the second group of attackers- He slams his pick down through the neck and ribs of his foe, killing him instantly! Zora leaps to a windowsill, swings onto a roof, grabs a clothesline, and swings down- Erik is facing five-to-one odds for a moment, and one of them manages to score a cut on him. As this happens, Zora strikes! Her swing brings her down, locking her legs about the neck of one man while she cuts the throat of another with her sword! Three foes remain facing the Vestin and pirate.
He attacks again, his heavy pick this time scoring against nothing but the cobbles of the street. Zora, unfortunately is stabbed in the gut, the villain twisting the blade as he pulls it loose! Sorely wounded, she falls back.
Illyana prepares to act, aiming to go wolf to tear out the throats of the remaining foes... But Djiel is far faster- The remaining men die before they even know what happened! With the fight over, Zora is down, badly hurt. Erik is enraged by this, and carries her back to the mansion while Illyana, who has naught but a flesh wound, goes to fetch a physician.
She reaches a bridge guard, and asks for directions to a physician; rather than help her, the man demands a guilder for the knowledge! She considers killing the man, but she knows Zora needs help. With a glower she pays the tithe, etching the mans face in her memory. She gets the information, and as quickly as possible finds the home of her target.
Illyana bangs on the door, and shortly an elderly man comes and asks her business. “A friend has been knifed. She is badly hurt.” “Ah, a house call then? Allow me to prepare.” He is soon ready, and Illyana commissions a carriage to get them to the manor as quickly as possible.
Once there, he sets to work. Zora is laid upon a table and the doctor gets to work. It isn’t too long before her wound is dressed, and the doctor proceeds to treat Djiel. This takes Erik convincing him that the doctor isn’t going to hurt him; this form of ‘magic’ is nothing like the healing Djiel has had in the past. Erik is last, and soon the wounded have been repaired as much as possible. “You three should not be exerting yourselves for at least a day, longer if possible. Payment is not necessary, as the service that you are providing our community is payment enough. However, if this becomes frequent, I would need compensation for my time and materials.” The doctor is thanked, and a carriage hired to return him home.
Erik hovers some about Zora, and his concern is rewarded- she kisses him passionately.
And with that bit of romance, we close for this episode- see you next episode!
