Elendor
Sneaking into Redvyrne
Jadiran goes through with the crazy mission and all seems to be going well.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dunland - Redvyrne
Description: [Gabhran(#15443)]
By the time Sionn's wife concocted enough sleeping potion for the Bear militia that had taken Redvyrne Keep, first snow had begun to lightly dust the landscape of the fertile fields of Redvyrne.
It is late evening, about half mile from the tunnel entrance. Earlier in the day, a pregnant woman had been released from Redvyrne Keep and was found on the road by the group that now plans this daring rescue.
She described life at Redvyrne Keep.
"They butchered and ate our livestock. They killed and ate the chickens that laid the eggs. They ate the dried fish and vegetables in our cellars. They drank all the ale."
The woman explained in tears.
"But they were always fighting among each other. They made sure that we didn't hear anything important but I know that they were getting nervous that no help from the other Bear had arrived."
She wrapped the blanket closer to her shivering body and sipped hot tea from a mug.
"I know at least one of them is decent. When he discovered I was with child, he insisted that I be released. There were some who refused, so he beat them until they agreed. The Bears - they are wild people. Almost like animals. Ugh!"
[Carac(#32384)] After the meeting with the woman Sionn would hold them for another hour while Seamus ran back to the tavern to fetch something. "I've an idea," he says to Jadiran and the others along in their party. "If they are waiting for reenforcements from Caerdh, why do we send them some?" he asks. "Or at least a messenger."
Seamus would return with a used and stained tunic of the sort worn by the Creatrach Guard. "I had need for a disguise or two in my younger days," he would explain. "What I'm thinking is we dress young Dunhallow in this and have him walk right up to the gates. Claim he's come from . . . " he pauses for a moment trying to remember who had taken the high seat of Bear. "Kedhern," he finally says.
"This way the boy won't have to worry about sneaking in or out, and might give him a better chance to slip the concoction into the drinks they'll be lifting to celebrate their coming aid."
Jadiran has been rather quiet as the hour grows nearer for this mission he's found himself on. His attitude has dimished considerably as his mind is put to better tasks than thinking up ways to piss off the people around him. He looks up as Sionn offers his suggestion, a doubting frown upon his face. "And if they ask me anything about the place they'll see right through the lie. I don't know..."
He's had the sense to find more sensible garb. The nice tailored outfits he usually wears are replaced with subdued garments of earthy tones, and the usual green sash he wears is absent so that his tight curls hang around his face in a reckless fashion.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn shakes his head. "You have to act boy!" he demands. "Kiern grant me patience," he says, with a roll of his eyes towards the heavens.
"Look," he says then to Jadiran. "You've seen the inside of a Keep before have you not?" he asks. "I've been to Creatrach and it ain't much different, save it's got red where we've got green, an the people are a lot dumber. Besides, they'll be to happy to see the ale your bringing with you to ask too many questions. Just tell them that Kedhern sent you ahead to bring message that reenforcements will arrive in a fortnight."
Jadiran licks his lips, looking off in the direction of the keep. "Okay.. sure. We can drug the ale ahead of time. That should be easy enough then." He nods, seeming to build up some confidence again. He reaches for the tunic, looking it over with some distaste before pulling it on over his head. "I hope they're as dumb as you say they are." He murmurs. "Only fools will fall for this."
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn nods and then with a skill that suggests he's done something of this sort many times in the past begins to carefully remove the lid from the keg without disturbing the seal. Once it's open he pours the concoction into the ale and replaces the seal. "I'll go with you a bit farther," he says then and lifts the keg. "If they ask where the keg came from tell them you took off some farmer on the road."
He begins to move in the direction of the keep. "If they ask you for more information about Kedhern's plans what are you gonna tell them?" he asks.
"Okay, thanks.." Jade says, a nervous tone still in his voice but he seems to be building up his resolve to do the job. As Sionn moves on with the keg, he follows after, checking to make sure the knife he wears at his side is easy to reach under the tunic. He's left his bow and arrows at home as they're rather useless on this venture.
"I'll tell them I don't know, I wasn't going to get the piss beat out of me for asking." Jadiran answers easily, falling into step beside the older man.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn nods. "Right, but remember, you're a Bear not a Wulf. So, curse more and walk like you got broomstick shoved up your arse and don't forget to scowl and grunt alot." He stops then and points towards the walls beginning to show in the distance.
"There she is," he says nodding in the direction of the keep, and handing the ale cask out towards him. "Kiern go with you, lad."
Jadiran grins and nods. "Swear more.. got it." He takes the keg and hefts it awkwardly up onto one shoulder, testing the weight a bit to make certain he has it balanced. Before he heads on to the keep he looks back at Sionn. "If I don't survive this stupid plan, tell old Conn that he better feel really guilty about questioning my claim at only having a few months left to live." Jade grins and then moves off towards the keep at a casual pace.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn watches and lifts a hand when the boy's off a bit. He then shakes his head and chuckles and begins to head back towards his home. "I'll make that boy Ceann, yet," he says to himself with a chuckle, and then begins to softly whistle an old traveling song.
Courtyard <>
After lying in a state of disrepair for some time, the walls of Redvyrne Keep have been repaired anew with solidly mortared stone, and stand tall all around the Courtyard. A temporary perimeter of crude sod and earth mixed with fire-blackened rocks yet remains within that stronger protection as a reminder that this place has fallen in the past and been restored. Smaller buildings have arisen near the inner Keep's bulk for those who provide valuable services to the Chieftain. In the center, a covered well with a winched bucket maintains a constant water supply for the residents. Warriors on guard duty stand constant vigil over the fortified gates to the north which give access to the Keep proper.
The main Keep looms to the south, its forbidding ramparts rebuilt over the remnants of older ruins. All around, the earthy smells of hay and dung mingle with wisps of wood smoke drifting skywards. People stroll leisurely or walk with hurried paces depending upon the urgency of their business.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Even from this distance, the air smells of burned wood. Smoke billows from behind the tall gate and walls. A guard stands vigil and upon spotting the young man approach, he takes a torch and lights it.
"Someone approaches!" He yells to the people below. "I SAID, someone approaches!" There is a pause before he says "How should I know? He's got no army behind him."
The guard once again looks at Jadiran. "Who are you?"
Jadiran takes a moment to lower the keg to the ground, absently rubbing his shoulder as he looks up towards the torch bearer. He licks his lips, though it does little since his throat is dry. "The name's Garan.. Kedhern sent me to give you a message!" He calls up while his eyes roam the walls of the keep. "Thought you might like to know when help is arriving." He adds.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"It is a messenger! He brings news from Kedhern!"
The guard yells down excitedly. "Open the gate! He is alone and unarmed! Open the gate! I think he carries a keg!"
It takes only a moment but grunting is heard from the other side and the gate slowly cracks open.
"Enter!" A voice commands.
"By Kiern.. how did they ever take the keep to begin with?.." Jadiran murmurs softly to himself under his breath. Then he graces the guard with an appreciative smile of relief and leans down to scoop up the keg again. He approaches the opening in the gate, "Want to give me a hand with this? Damned heavy after a couple of miles.. Poor bastard farmer practically threw it at me when he saw me."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
A pair of eager men rush out to retrieve the keg, but it only takes one to heft the heavy keg onto his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. Into the Keep he walks in, where he is greeted by a dozen men who descend upon the keg.
The courtyard is strewn with trash, and lit by two large bonfires. There is another handful of men standing by the Keep proper, watching.
A young woman is at the well fetching water, and she stares at the newcomer.
"Close the gate, you fools! And double the guards!"
A deep voice booms from the Keep and a man that appears to be the leader of the militia walks out.
"And someone go wake Baodan!"
"Hey! That was-.." Jadiran lets the protest die as the men rush off with the keg, scowling. He slowly looks around the courtyard, pushing back some of the sandy brown curls in annoyance as they fall in his eyes. His wandering gaze stops at the young woman, and when he sees her staring at him he flashes her a charming smile. "Good evening."
The activities of the guards is nearly forgotten, but the deep voice brings Jade's focus back to the task at hand. "Baodan.. he the one in charge?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The giant who called for Baodan wears the Bear clan's name well, as he slowly thunders across the courtyard. Just as he passes by the well, the young girl sucks in a sharp breath and drops the bucket into the well. When he glances at her, the girl hurriedly looks into the well and begins to pull on the rope. With a grunt, he continues his walk towards Jadiran.
"No, he isn't. I am." He declares, looking at Jadiran's face. "I'm Irvin."
A cheer goes up as the keg is opened.
"Garan, is it?" He asks, looking at his tunic. "You one of old Gabhran's men?"
Jadiran is watching the girl again, and is just taking a step to approach her when Irvin makes his way over to him. His green eyes look the large man over and he shakes his head. "No, Kedhern sent me." He speaks a bit louder in a triumphant tone. "And you can all celebrate because I'm here to tell you that the reinforcements will be here within a fortnight!" He gestures at the girl, "Who's that?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Another cheer goes up as they start pouring the keg into a tankard, and a fight quickly breaks out as a pile of men wrestle for the tankard.
Irvin nods at Jadiran. "Huh. Could have sworn you were one of Gabhran's. No offense but you don't got much meat on you. And you know how he likes taking in skinny orphans under his wing. An old softie he is."
He glances at the girl. "Her? Oh, she's some farmer's daughter. Pretty, isn't she?" Irvin takes a walk towards the Keep, and they near the well again. "Want to meet her?"
"Huh?" Jadiran tears his eyes away from the young woman and looks back at Irvin. "Oh.. I guess. Hell if I know. Kedhern picked me because I'm fast." He grins. "Yeah, let me meet her. She's a Wulf, huh? I suppose a pretty face can forgive some things." He flicks his gaze back towards the men that are enjoying the ale, then hurries to catch up with Irvin. "Might want to grab some of the ale before it's gone, eh? I'd be demanding some after carrying it all that way, but.. " His gaze goes to the woman at the well again. "I think I'll just have water, instead."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Irvin lets out a chuckle. "Well come inside the Keep when you're done. I want to hear the message privately. Do not say anything to anyone without talking to me first. "
The large man walks back into the Keep as the other men continue to pass the keg around. Already, the word spreads that a Bear reinforcements is on its way and the mood becomes celebratory.
When Irvin is out of earshot, the girl pulls the bucket out of the well. Taking advantage of the sound of sloshing water and the general cheering, she quietly mutters, "Jadiran, what do you think you are doing? You are going to get yourself killed."
Jadiran laughs. "Yeah, got it. Don't wait for me." He says, grinning and heading towards the well. As he gets closer to the woman, some of her features become clearer and his brows lift in recognition. The smile widens as she scolds him and the young man simply leans against the well.
Jade responds in a low voice with a mischievous smile on his face. "What I am doing, is wasting a bit of time talking to you. It's been a while, how are you? How's your family?.. and what is that smell? Do they have dead cats shoved in the corners or something?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Oh you don't need to lie to me on your last night alive. You don't even remember my name, do you Jade? My family, indeed." She hefts the bucket from the well and begins to pour it into a pitcher.
"Yes. The place reeks of Bear stench. They are more like pigs than bears. Now get away from me before you get /me/ killed, unless you are here to tell me that there is an army behind the gates." She whispers.
Jadiran grins and chuckles softly, his gaze wandering away from hers. His words are still pitched low to keep them from carrying. "A name is but something that is assigned by parents when we are born. I remember -you-.. Is that not enough?" He rubs his hands, licking his lips as some of his earlier nervousness begins to return. "Last night alive. That doesn't lend me much support considering I'm here to rescue you."
As he notices some of the drinking men occassionaly glancing his way, he reaches to place a hand on her shoulder. "There is an army and soon they will be in the keep. Where are the rest of the people that are being held here. Can you gather them and take them down to the wine cellar in the keep?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Are you insane? You are a sniveling coward who can't even own up to responsibility as a father. Why would anyone trust you with the lives of a dozen clansmen and women?" Her whispering grows fierce as she speaks through gritted teeth.
From the corner of her eye, the girl too notices one of the Bear men taking an interest in their conversation. Her internal struggle is reflected in her clear brown eyes. She closes her eyes and her jaws go tight. When she opens her eyes, she nods at Jadiran.
"I can try. Most of the old and probably all of the children. But there will be others who cannot be helped. But I can do it"
When one of the Bear men gets up and begins to walk over, she suddenly stands up straight and SLAPS Jade across his face.
"I would rather have my eyes be gouged out by crows than to bed with you!"
Jadiran's jaw drops open when she accuses him of being a father. "What??" He asks, the shock clear on his face and he completely forgets where he is for the span of a few breaths. When her hand strikes him across the face it snaps him out of the brief lapse in remembering the situation and he stumbles back. "I'll find you later!" He says in a louder, angry voice. She's given one long, confused gaze as he rubs his cheek where she smacked him, then turns to walk towards the men that are drinking.
"Give me a couple mugs of that! I have to go talk with Irvin and I hauled the damn thing here. I deserve some." He demands.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The Bear men roll with laughter. "Don't worry about it, lad. Your pride stings more than the slap. Better men than you have been kicked, punched and scratched by that snarling wolf bitch. Here. This oughta help you."
They hand him two crude cups only half filled with the tainted whiskey. "Gotta make sure we have enough to go 'round." They explain. "It's been a dry couple of days and you know how some get when the barrels go empty. So what took Kedhern so long?"
"Thanks.." Jadiran says in a mollified voice as he takes the two mugs, lifting one to his lips and pretending to take a drink. "Irvin said I have to report to him first. I better get to it. If I had known you were so parched I would have brought more." The archer draws away then, heading toward the keep door and pulling it open.
Once inside, Jade will look around in a searching fashion before inquiring where to find Irvin and encouraging any guards to get some ale while there's any left. He resists the urge more than once to take a sip of the tainted drink and wet his own throat.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
But before Jadiran goes inside the Keep, a drunken Bear soldier already starting to feel the potency of Sionn's wife's concoction staggers towards Jadiran. His face is swollen with a black eye and a busted lip. Dried blood is crusted on his bushy beard."
"Hey.. HEY! Yeah, I'm talkin' to you." He staggers close to Jade and begins jabbing the youth with his pointer finger. "You watch that Irvin. Some of us think he's workin' for the Wulf. You tell Kedhern that Irvin punched out his own men just cuz he felt sorry for one of them wulf bitches and wanted to set her free. We told him it'd be too dangerous for us but did he listen? Noooooo." He staggers badly, and falls on his rump. He laughs drunkenly.
Once Jade is inside the Keep, he will notice a slight difference in the atmosphere. The guards standing on duty look every bit as mean and dirty as the rest, but they seem to have a bit more discipline.
"No weapons." They growl. "Leave 'em here."
Jadiran gave the staggering man outside a wide berth with several nods. When the guard inside insists on weapons he narrows his gaze in irritation. "Looking to swipe my blade?" He asks, but reaches to pull the long bladed knife from his belt. It lacks ornament, but has good craftmanship since Mainchin footed the bill for it. He hands it over with obvious hesitation. "I better get it back. Was a gift from my father before he died."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The guards seem completely disinterested in the make of Jadiran's blade nor its history. They pat him down roughly, making sure he carries nothing that can be used as a weapon. When they are satisfied with their inspection, they let out a snort.
"Why in Kiren's name is taking Kedhern so long to send reinforcements?"
"You'll have to talk to Irvin. He ordered me not to say anything." Jadiran is still watching the blade in a nervous fashion, his eyes following where it is kept. After a moment he says impatiently. "I don't have anything else. Let's go. I want to be done with this and relax." He scowls, rubbing the red splotch on his cheek, "I need to find that woman again, too."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
With Jade's last comment, the indifference and nonchalance of the guard changes in an instant. He raises his fist in anger as if to strike Jadiran.
"You don't touch the women. They aren't whores. You understand?" He snarls. "And if you have a problem with that, Irvin will pound your skull till you do."
Jadiran brings his arm up defensively while juggling to precious mugs of ale. He steps away from the guard, frowning. "Irvin's the one that said I could talk to her." He counters in a sarcastic tone. "I'll take it up with him, then." Again, the young man seems impatient. "Which way?" He begins to head towards a door.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The guard would reward Jadiran's sarcasm and arrogance by silently watching him walk over to a door, struggle with his mugs to open it, only to discover that it is a storage room.
The Guards chuckle between themselves.
"Did ya find Irvin in there? No? Look again. Maybe he's under the mop."
Jadiran glares back at the guard. "Ass.." He mutters under his breath, then moves on and will check each door until he finds the proper one. He's too stubborn and nervous to get into it with the soldier and every moment that passes is starting to weigh on him. How long until the men outside realize something is wrong?
By the time Sionn's wife concocted enough sleeping potion for the Bear militia that had taken Redvyrne Keep, first snow had begun to lightly dust the landscape of the fertile fields of Redvyrne.
It is late evening, about half mile from the tunnel entrance. Earlier in the day, a pregnant woman had been released from Redvyrne Keep and was found on the road by the group that now plans this daring rescue.
She described life at Redvyrne Keep.
"They butchered and ate our livestock. They killed and ate the chickens that laid the eggs. They ate the dried fish and vegetables in our cellars. They drank all the ale."
The woman explained in tears.
"But they were always fighting among each other. They made sure that we didn't hear anything important but I know that they were getting nervous that no help from the other Bear had arrived."
She wrapped the blanket closer to her shivering body and sipped hot tea from a mug.
"I know at least one of them is decent. When he discovered I was with child, he insisted that I be released. There were some who refused, so he beat them until they agreed. The Bears - they are wild people. Almost like animals. Ugh!"
[Carac(#32384)] After the meeting with the woman Sionn would hold them for another hour while Seamus ran back to the tavern to fetch something. "I've an idea," he says to Jadiran and the others along in their party. "If they are waiting for reenforcements from Caerdh, why do we send them some?" he asks. "Or at least a messenger."
Seamus would return with a used and stained tunic of the sort worn by the Creatrach Guard. "I had need for a disguise or two in my younger days," he would explain. "What I'm thinking is we dress young Dunhallow in this and have him walk right up to the gates. Claim he's come from . . . " he pauses for a moment trying to remember who had taken the high seat of Bear. "Kedhern," he finally says.
"This way the boy won't have to worry about sneaking in or out, and might give him a better chance to slip the concoction into the drinks they'll be lifting to celebrate their coming aid."
Jadiran has been rather quiet as the hour grows nearer for this mission he's found himself on. His attitude has dimished considerably as his mind is put to better tasks than thinking up ways to piss off the people around him. He looks up as Sionn offers his suggestion, a doubting frown upon his face. "And if they ask me anything about the place they'll see right through the lie. I don't know..."
He's had the sense to find more sensible garb. The nice tailored outfits he usually wears are replaced with subdued garments of earthy tones, and the usual green sash he wears is absent so that his tight curls hang around his face in a reckless fashion.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn shakes his head. "You have to act boy!" he demands. "Kiern grant me patience," he says, with a roll of his eyes towards the heavens.
"Look," he says then to Jadiran. "You've seen the inside of a Keep before have you not?" he asks. "I've been to Creatrach and it ain't much different, save it's got red where we've got green, an the people are a lot dumber. Besides, they'll be to happy to see the ale your bringing with you to ask too many questions. Just tell them that Kedhern sent you ahead to bring message that reenforcements will arrive in a fortnight."
Jadiran licks his lips, looking off in the direction of the keep. "Okay.. sure. We can drug the ale ahead of time. That should be easy enough then." He nods, seeming to build up some confidence again. He reaches for the tunic, looking it over with some distaste before pulling it on over his head. "I hope they're as dumb as you say they are." He murmurs. "Only fools will fall for this."
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn nods and then with a skill that suggests he's done something of this sort many times in the past begins to carefully remove the lid from the keg without disturbing the seal. Once it's open he pours the concoction into the ale and replaces the seal. "I'll go with you a bit farther," he says then and lifts the keg. "If they ask where the keg came from tell them you took off some farmer on the road."
He begins to move in the direction of the keep. "If they ask you for more information about Kedhern's plans what are you gonna tell them?" he asks.
"Okay, thanks.." Jade says, a nervous tone still in his voice but he seems to be building up his resolve to do the job. As Sionn moves on with the keg, he follows after, checking to make sure the knife he wears at his side is easy to reach under the tunic. He's left his bow and arrows at home as they're rather useless on this venture.
"I'll tell them I don't know, I wasn't going to get the piss beat out of me for asking." Jadiran answers easily, falling into step beside the older man.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn nods. "Right, but remember, you're a Bear not a Wulf. So, curse more and walk like you got broomstick shoved up your arse and don't forget to scowl and grunt alot." He stops then and points towards the walls beginning to show in the distance.
"There she is," he says nodding in the direction of the keep, and handing the ale cask out towards him. "Kiern go with you, lad."
Jadiran grins and nods. "Swear more.. got it." He takes the keg and hefts it awkwardly up onto one shoulder, testing the weight a bit to make certain he has it balanced. Before he heads on to the keep he looks back at Sionn. "If I don't survive this stupid plan, tell old Conn that he better feel really guilty about questioning my claim at only having a few months left to live." Jade grins and then moves off towards the keep at a casual pace.
[Carac(#32384)] Sionn watches and lifts a hand when the boy's off a bit. He then shakes his head and chuckles and begins to head back towards his home. "I'll make that boy Ceann, yet," he says to himself with a chuckle, and then begins to softly whistle an old traveling song.
Courtyard <
After lying in a state of disrepair for some time, the walls of Redvyrne Keep have been repaired anew with solidly mortared stone, and stand tall all around the Courtyard. A temporary perimeter of crude sod and earth mixed with fire-blackened rocks yet remains within that stronger protection as a reminder that this place has fallen in the past and been restored. Smaller buildings have arisen near the inner Keep's bulk for those who provide valuable services to the Chieftain. In the center, a covered well with a winched bucket maintains a constant water supply for the residents. Warriors on guard duty stand constant vigil over the fortified gates to the north which give access to the Keep proper.
The main Keep looms to the south, its forbidding ramparts rebuilt over the remnants of older ruins. All around, the earthy smells of hay and dung mingle with wisps of wood smoke drifting skywards. People stroll leisurely or walk with hurried paces depending upon the urgency of their business.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Even from this distance, the air smells of burned wood. Smoke billows from behind the tall gate and walls. A guard stands vigil and upon spotting the young man approach, he takes a torch and lights it.
"Someone approaches!" He yells to the people below. "I SAID, someone approaches!" There is a pause before he says "How should I know? He's got no army behind him."
The guard once again looks at Jadiran. "Who are you?"
Jadiran takes a moment to lower the keg to the ground, absently rubbing his shoulder as he looks up towards the torch bearer. He licks his lips, though it does little since his throat is dry. "The name's Garan.. Kedhern sent me to give you a message!" He calls up while his eyes roam the walls of the keep. "Thought you might like to know when help is arriving." He adds.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"It is a messenger! He brings news from Kedhern!"
The guard yells down excitedly. "Open the gate! He is alone and unarmed! Open the gate! I think he carries a keg!"
It takes only a moment but grunting is heard from the other side and the gate slowly cracks open.
"Enter!" A voice commands.
"By Kiern.. how did they ever take the keep to begin with?.." Jadiran murmurs softly to himself under his breath. Then he graces the guard with an appreciative smile of relief and leans down to scoop up the keg again. He approaches the opening in the gate, "Want to give me a hand with this? Damned heavy after a couple of miles.. Poor bastard farmer practically threw it at me when he saw me."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
A pair of eager men rush out to retrieve the keg, but it only takes one to heft the heavy keg onto his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. Into the Keep he walks in, where he is greeted by a dozen men who descend upon the keg.
The courtyard is strewn with trash, and lit by two large bonfires. There is another handful of men standing by the Keep proper, watching.
A young woman is at the well fetching water, and she stares at the newcomer.
"Close the gate, you fools! And double the guards!"
A deep voice booms from the Keep and a man that appears to be the leader of the militia walks out.
"And someone go wake Baodan!"
"Hey! That was-.." Jadiran lets the protest die as the men rush off with the keg, scowling. He slowly looks around the courtyard, pushing back some of the sandy brown curls in annoyance as they fall in his eyes. His wandering gaze stops at the young woman, and when he sees her staring at him he flashes her a charming smile. "Good evening."
The activities of the guards is nearly forgotten, but the deep voice brings Jade's focus back to the task at hand. "Baodan.. he the one in charge?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The giant who called for Baodan wears the Bear clan's name well, as he slowly thunders across the courtyard. Just as he passes by the well, the young girl sucks in a sharp breath and drops the bucket into the well. When he glances at her, the girl hurriedly looks into the well and begins to pull on the rope. With a grunt, he continues his walk towards Jadiran.
"No, he isn't. I am." He declares, looking at Jadiran's face. "I'm Irvin."
A cheer goes up as the keg is opened.
"Garan, is it?" He asks, looking at his tunic. "You one of old Gabhran's men?"
Jadiran is watching the girl again, and is just taking a step to approach her when Irvin makes his way over to him. His green eyes look the large man over and he shakes his head. "No, Kedhern sent me." He speaks a bit louder in a triumphant tone. "And you can all celebrate because I'm here to tell you that the reinforcements will be here within a fortnight!" He gestures at the girl, "Who's that?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Another cheer goes up as they start pouring the keg into a tankard, and a fight quickly breaks out as a pile of men wrestle for the tankard.
Irvin nods at Jadiran. "Huh. Could have sworn you were one of Gabhran's. No offense but you don't got much meat on you. And you know how he likes taking in skinny orphans under his wing. An old softie he is."
He glances at the girl. "Her? Oh, she's some farmer's daughter. Pretty, isn't she?" Irvin takes a walk towards the Keep, and they near the well again. "Want to meet her?"
"Huh?" Jadiran tears his eyes away from the young woman and looks back at Irvin. "Oh.. I guess. Hell if I know. Kedhern picked me because I'm fast." He grins. "Yeah, let me meet her. She's a Wulf, huh? I suppose a pretty face can forgive some things." He flicks his gaze back towards the men that are enjoying the ale, then hurries to catch up with Irvin. "Might want to grab some of the ale before it's gone, eh? I'd be demanding some after carrying it all that way, but.. " His gaze goes to the woman at the well again. "I think I'll just have water, instead."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
Irvin lets out a chuckle. "Well come inside the Keep when you're done. I want to hear the message privately. Do not say anything to anyone without talking to me first. "
The large man walks back into the Keep as the other men continue to pass the keg around. Already, the word spreads that a Bear reinforcements is on its way and the mood becomes celebratory.
When Irvin is out of earshot, the girl pulls the bucket out of the well. Taking advantage of the sound of sloshing water and the general cheering, she quietly mutters, "Jadiran, what do you think you are doing? You are going to get yourself killed."
Jadiran laughs. "Yeah, got it. Don't wait for me." He says, grinning and heading towards the well. As he gets closer to the woman, some of her features become clearer and his brows lift in recognition. The smile widens as she scolds him and the young man simply leans against the well.
Jade responds in a low voice with a mischievous smile on his face. "What I am doing, is wasting a bit of time talking to you. It's been a while, how are you? How's your family?.. and what is that smell? Do they have dead cats shoved in the corners or something?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Oh you don't need to lie to me on your last night alive. You don't even remember my name, do you Jade? My family, indeed." She hefts the bucket from the well and begins to pour it into a pitcher.
"Yes. The place reeks of Bear stench. They are more like pigs than bears. Now get away from me before you get /me/ killed, unless you are here to tell me that there is an army behind the gates." She whispers.
Jadiran grins and chuckles softly, his gaze wandering away from hers. His words are still pitched low to keep them from carrying. "A name is but something that is assigned by parents when we are born. I remember -you-.. Is that not enough?" He rubs his hands, licking his lips as some of his earlier nervousness begins to return. "Last night alive. That doesn't lend me much support considering I'm here to rescue you."
As he notices some of the drinking men occassionaly glancing his way, he reaches to place a hand on her shoulder. "There is an army and soon they will be in the keep. Where are the rest of the people that are being held here. Can you gather them and take them down to the wine cellar in the keep?"
[Gabhran(#15443)]
"Are you insane? You are a sniveling coward who can't even own up to responsibility as a father. Why would anyone trust you with the lives of a dozen clansmen and women?" Her whispering grows fierce as she speaks through gritted teeth.
From the corner of her eye, the girl too notices one of the Bear men taking an interest in their conversation. Her internal struggle is reflected in her clear brown eyes. She closes her eyes and her jaws go tight. When she opens her eyes, she nods at Jadiran.
"I can try. Most of the old and probably all of the children. But there will be others who cannot be helped. But I can do it"
When one of the Bear men gets up and begins to walk over, she suddenly stands up straight and SLAPS Jade across his face.
"I would rather have my eyes be gouged out by crows than to bed with you!"
Jadiran's jaw drops open when she accuses him of being a father. "What??" He asks, the shock clear on his face and he completely forgets where he is for the span of a few breaths. When her hand strikes him across the face it snaps him out of the brief lapse in remembering the situation and he stumbles back. "I'll find you later!" He says in a louder, angry voice. She's given one long, confused gaze as he rubs his cheek where she smacked him, then turns to walk towards the men that are drinking.
"Give me a couple mugs of that! I have to go talk with Irvin and I hauled the damn thing here. I deserve some." He demands.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The Bear men roll with laughter. "Don't worry about it, lad. Your pride stings more than the slap. Better men than you have been kicked, punched and scratched by that snarling wolf bitch. Here. This oughta help you."
They hand him two crude cups only half filled with the tainted whiskey. "Gotta make sure we have enough to go 'round." They explain. "It's been a dry couple of days and you know how some get when the barrels go empty. So what took Kedhern so long?"
"Thanks.." Jadiran says in a mollified voice as he takes the two mugs, lifting one to his lips and pretending to take a drink. "Irvin said I have to report to him first. I better get to it. If I had known you were so parched I would have brought more." The archer draws away then, heading toward the keep door and pulling it open.
Once inside, Jade will look around in a searching fashion before inquiring where to find Irvin and encouraging any guards to get some ale while there's any left. He resists the urge more than once to take a sip of the tainted drink and wet his own throat.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
But before Jadiran goes inside the Keep, a drunken Bear soldier already starting to feel the potency of Sionn's wife's concoction staggers towards Jadiran. His face is swollen with a black eye and a busted lip. Dried blood is crusted on his bushy beard."
"Hey.. HEY! Yeah, I'm talkin' to you." He staggers close to Jade and begins jabbing the youth with his pointer finger. "You watch that Irvin. Some of us think he's workin' for the Wulf. You tell Kedhern that Irvin punched out his own men just cuz he felt sorry for one of them wulf bitches and wanted to set her free. We told him it'd be too dangerous for us but did he listen? Noooooo." He staggers badly, and falls on his rump. He laughs drunkenly.
Once Jade is inside the Keep, he will notice a slight difference in the atmosphere. The guards standing on duty look every bit as mean and dirty as the rest, but they seem to have a bit more discipline.
"No weapons." They growl. "Leave 'em here."
Jadiran gave the staggering man outside a wide berth with several nods. When the guard inside insists on weapons he narrows his gaze in irritation. "Looking to swipe my blade?" He asks, but reaches to pull the long bladed knife from his belt. It lacks ornament, but has good craftmanship since Mainchin footed the bill for it. He hands it over with obvious hesitation. "I better get it back. Was a gift from my father before he died."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The guards seem completely disinterested in the make of Jadiran's blade nor its history. They pat him down roughly, making sure he carries nothing that can be used as a weapon. When they are satisfied with their inspection, they let out a snort.
"Why in Kiren's name is taking Kedhern so long to send reinforcements?"
"You'll have to talk to Irvin. He ordered me not to say anything." Jadiran is still watching the blade in a nervous fashion, his eyes following where it is kept. After a moment he says impatiently. "I don't have anything else. Let's go. I want to be done with this and relax." He scowls, rubbing the red splotch on his cheek, "I need to find that woman again, too."
[Gabhran(#15443)]
With Jade's last comment, the indifference and nonchalance of the guard changes in an instant. He raises his fist in anger as if to strike Jadiran.
"You don't touch the women. They aren't whores. You understand?" He snarls. "And if you have a problem with that, Irvin will pound your skull till you do."
Jadiran brings his arm up defensively while juggling to precious mugs of ale. He steps away from the guard, frowning. "Irvin's the one that said I could talk to her." He counters in a sarcastic tone. "I'll take it up with him, then." Again, the young man seems impatient. "Which way?" He begins to head towards a door.
[Gabhran(#15443)]
The guard would reward Jadiran's sarcasm and arrogance by silently watching him walk over to a door, struggle with his mugs to open it, only to discover that it is a storage room.
The Guards chuckle between themselves.
"Did ya find Irvin in there? No? Look again. Maybe he's under the mop."
Jadiran glares back at the guard. "Ass.." He mutters under his breath, then moves on and will check each door until he finds the proper one. He's too stubborn and nervous to get into it with the soldier and every moment that passes is starting to weigh on him. How long until the men outside realize something is wrong?
Players: Jadiran
Located in: Dunlending
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