Strangers on the Road

Posted on 16 Dec 2020 @ 3:44am by Mage Kalian Winter & Warrior Martin Josceran & Warrior Rhiannon Cadash & Rogue Elinowy Ursulas

4,440 words; about a 22 minute read

Mission: Lore's Labour's Lost
Location: Jader road - past the workhouse
Timeline: Cloudreach 17th - mid-morning

The sun was only starting to rise higher in the sky when the group of three set off towards the refugee camp. The streets were already busy at this early hour, mostly with merchants and artesans going about their craft. Bakers were bringing out the first batch of the day, hoping the tantalizing smell would attract customers. It was all a stark contrast to the misery they were heading towards.

"So, Kal - Korbyn, I think you should do the talking. You can probably be more convincing than me at being not-a-guard," Martin said with a self-deprecating grin. And Sister - I mean, Elinowy - " he stopped, wondering if there was a way to suggest she not talk like a particularly fervent Chantry Sister without sounding offensive. "Er, well, we probably should just let Korbyn talk to them."

Gathering her shawl up against the breeze, it occurred to her how comfortable and familiar her habit was. She felt out of sorts not wearing it. "Very well. But I assure you I am quite familiar with speaking like a regular commoner. I discourse with them often during my duties." she replied.

"I can do the talking," said Kalian, "but I don't think you have anything to worry about, Martin. Remember, you're a disgraced guardsman, and Elinowy…" Kalian had considered the Sister's appearance more than a few times that morning and had decided the problem with her disguise was that if she was a prostitute, she'd have a substantial income. Speaking in her usual way was the best way to convince the dwarf that Elinowy was truly destitute. "I think it's best for Elinowy to speak as she usually does, to regular commoners."

They'd reached the river by then and set foot on the stone bridge that led to the workhouse. Down the road past the workhouse, Isla had said. They had a bit of walking to do before they reached the meeting place, which in itself was suspicious. Someone honestly trying to hire refugees would have more luck holding interviews directly at the workhouse. Why set the meeting place so far away, if not for nefarious purposes ? Martin's hand fell to his hip, missing the familiar weight of a sword hanging at his belt.

"If things look like they're about to degenerate," he advised his two companions, "don't hesitate to run, alright ?"

"The Maker will guide us. If we must flee, a way will be opened." she replied confidently.

"I agree with Martin. Running away if things go wrong is the best option. Let's hope if we make the dwarf doing the hiring nervous, she just tells us to get lost," said Kalian. They passed by the refugee camp and workhouse, then headed south down the road. "We should try to find out where they're taking people, and what this work is, and why they're paying so much."

"Worst case scenario, if the recruiter gets suspicious, we leave and then we can always try to follow her from afar without getting seen," Martin said. "But safety first. I urge you to consider, Sister, that should there be clear danger you take that as a sign the Maker wants you to run. Besides, if you don't run I can't run either; I'm sure you wouldn't want my blood on your conscience." He gave Elinowy a quick smile.

They were just leaving the Jader city boundary when Kalian heard riders on the road, coming up behind them. He moved to the side of the road, and his gaze settled on group's leader. A pretty woman with long silver hair riding a horse. No, he realized, it was an unusually small horse or pony, and the size of the horse had thrown off his perspective. The attractive woman was a dwarf. He hoped she was not the dwarf woman they were looking for, but either way he still bowed as her entourage approached, and called out, "Good day, fair rider."

---

Rhi had been asked by her mother to see what this new request for a contract was about. She had gathered four of the family guard, two heavy warriors and two who knew their way around not being seen unless they wanted to be. Rhi had wanted to hire a mage, though finding a mage who was not in the circle, would not easy.

She had made her way to the stables, made her way to a small dark grey horse with a black mane and tail. "Avandra, you ready for a good walk sweety?" She asked her horse as she had fed her a sugar cube. The horse blinked and nuzzled Rhi. After saddling her up and her guards doing the same with their horses the group left the stables and headed out of the city.

The sun had come up and the group had made it through the city and was on the road to their destination, when they came upon a group of three walking along the road. As Rhi and her guards approached she could see that all three were human, two men and a woman. The two men were dressed in clothes that showed that they had seen better days. The light haired one walked as if he knew how to handle himself. Former soldier or guard possibly. Rhi thought. The other, a dark haired man, was cute and had a smile that said......well......she grinned at the thoughts that ran through her head. Yet when the woman turned enough for Rhi to see her face and the flash of red hair. Rhi slowed her horse as her and her guards got closer.

The woman with the two men looked like she may be a lady of the night yet the way she walked said differently. To Rhi it didn't matter, thoughts, oh so many thoughts ran through her mind as her eyes sparkled with mischief. It took her a moment to actually realize that the dark haired man had called out to her. Pulling her attention from this red haired beauty, she looked to the one who called out.

Martin watched the dwarf woman approach. Her appearance was striking, if nothing else. Her ample, comfortable breeches looked like the sort favoured by sailors, but he had yet to meet a sailor comfortable on horseback. Her escort, if not her jewelry, hinted that she was more than a mere sailor. Some sort of mercenary ? Could she possibly be the recruiter they were looking for ? If so, her group was one Qunari short, but even like that Martin didn't like those odds. His hand went to rest on the pommel of his sword but only dropped to his side as it found only thin air.

She slowed Avandra down to a slow walk to keep pace with the three. She inclined her head and gave the young man a mischievous smile. "A good day it is. (she glanced at Elinowy) Especially when I come upon such a treasure." Her gaze lingered for a moment before returning to Kalian and Martin. "What brings you all out on a walk on this fine day?" She shook her head slightly then smiled. "I am so sorry, where are my manners. I have forgotten to Introduce myself." She extended her hand to each of the three as she introduced herself. "I am Rhiannon, second in command of the ship Night's Kiss."

It looked like Elinowy's disguise worked just fine. Martin really, really hoped the dwarf woman didn't try to pay for the Sister's charms. Things could get very awkward, very fast.

At least it looked like he'd been right about the sailor part. He'd never seen that dwarf while he patrolled the docks - and he'd have remembered her, if he had seen her - but then again, he'd only patrolled there a handful of times in the past years. Her accent definitely sounded local.

Elinowy turned in curiosity to watch the rider's approach. The lead rider was an affluent looking Dwarf. While a member of a lesser fallen race, Dwarves had proven themselves honest honorable traders. She had negotiated on her small Chantry's behalf with them for years. Unlike her feelings for elves, dwarves were certainly a tolerable species. She gave a friendly smile to the approaching rider who curiously slowed. Kalian's greeting brought her along side. She seemed to attract the Dwarven woman's attention. "Partha Salroka," she said. Peace Friend was a practiced phrase for greeting trading partners, which she said with a surprisingly good accent. There was a familiarity that did not fit the rough clothes and surroundings, not that the tall red headed woman really fit to start with.

Kalian barely controlled his eyeroll at the Sister greeting the dwarf in dwarven. So much for their disguises. He attempted to recover. "A pleasure to meet you, lady Rhiannon, second in command of the Night's Kiss. My name is Ka – Korbyn, and this is Martin, and this is Elinowy. We saw an advertisement for workers, and we are looking for employment. It is our understanding that we may find the recruiter outside of Jader, along this road." He bowed deferentially. The poor woman in the refugee camp had said the dwarf doing the hiring was accompanied by a qunari, although this pretty dwarf and the recruiter could still be one in the same.

Well... they could always claim Sister Elinowy had been fostered by surface dwarves as a child, Martin supposed. Or, worst-case scenario, they'd say she was moon-touched - and hope the Sister didn't know, or ask, what that meant.

"Lady." He bowed, a tad stiffly, and hoped he looked at least a little gruff. "We don't mean to get in the way of your party, but if you see the recruiter please tell them to wait for us. We really need that job. I don't want my sister," he pointed to Elinowy, "to have to do street work anymore."

While far from the fiery red of Sister Elinowy's, Martin's hair was coppery enough to make a sibling bond believable, and it would also fit in with the Sister's disguise. Hopefully she'd forgive Martin the barely-veiled hint regarding her profession.

The whole disguise and dishonesty thing was proving difficult for Elinowy. At Martin's comment, she shot him a side long glare before reminding herself that they were acting. She did her best to recover. "Y-yes. What my brother said. We are poor and in need of work and he would like to keep me off the streets," she stated, immediately feeling ill at ease with herself. "So as not to offer my bodily charms in return of currency or sustenance." She should have stopped while she was ahead.

Rhiannon gave a surprised look and very mischievous smile when the woman spoke to her in Dwarven. "Partha Salroka to you as well." She looked to Kalian and batted her eyes as he introduced himself and the other two. When Martin bowed, Rhi noticed his stiffness in it. Ex soldier or guard. Must have just gotten out, she thought. Her smile brightened though at his bow. Her attention moved back to Elinowy when Martin called her his sister. Hair color was right, Rhi thought. Then the look from Elinowy to Martin cemented the image the three where creating. Brother, sister fallen on hard times. A friend trying to help them out.

Rhi listened quietly as the three spoke. Her eyes never leaving Elinowy for very long though. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. Oh sweetheart, you are not in my way at all." She smiled warmly at Martin, and looked to Elinowy. "No,no,no such a vaen (beautiful) young woman should never have to resort to such things." Her voice filled with a warmth, curiosity and mischief. "You are looking for a dwarf who is hiring workers. (pause) I am always looking for extra help aboard the Night's Kiss. Sadly though I do not think I am the dwarf you are looking for. We have just returned to port and I have not had time to post an advertisement." She gave a sigh as her attention shifted between the three.

"I do find it interesting though. For I am in search of a dwarf as well. May it be that we are looking for the same one?" She shifted slightly to keep all three in her eye line. Her tone became quick as she sat up more in her saddle, "Gresh, Kelec, double up with Barres and Farek." The two guards immediately moved to double up with the other two. Rhi looked back down at the three. "Now I will not take no for an answer. Martin, you take Leesa there, the grey one and Korbyn you take Valsama the chestnut." Rhi moved a little closer to Elinowy, reached out her hand, "Miss Elinowy, you can come sit with me up here on Avandra." Her smile was warm, inviting with a hint of a devilishness.

Martin wanted to refuse the offer; he wasn't sure it would do much to help with their mission, and he didn't like the way that dwarf looked at Sister Elinowy. But try as he might, he couldn't think of a reasonable objection that wouldn't completely throw their disguises. Truly destitute people would jump at an offer like that.

Which, come to think of it, seemed a bit too generous to be sincere.

Riding as opposed to walking seemed a good idea. Elinowy had sat on a horse once when she was quite young. One of the Sisters at the Chantry had brought in a small pony to entertain the younger children during a festival. The horse had marched in a circle while one of the Sisters held her in place in the 'saddle'. She had never had much need of horses in Bete Noire. But the principal seemed fairly straight forward. The hind quarters of the horse barely came above her waist, so riding it shouldn't be too difficult. She smiled kindly to Rhi. "Thank you Milady. I fear in our poverty, my brother and I are not accustomed to horses much. Thank you for your generosity." She took the dwarf's hand and began to figure how to negotiate her way onto the horse. There was no step or stirrup or whatever they were called. She put one hand on the hind quarters of the horse and pulled on Rhi to try and hop up on the beast. Not exactly successful, her momentum carried her face into the back of Rhi's shoulder. "I am so sorry," she muttered struggling to write herself on the back of the animal. Curiously her feet hung barley cleared the ground while sitting on the horse's back. Ungainly and uncomfortable as it was, she presumed this would be better than walking.

Kalian flashed Martin an amused and chagrined look as if to say, whatever this was they were involved in now, was nothing like what he expected. He watched in consternation as the lovely Rhiannon's retinue followed her orders and doubled up on their mounts to leave a horse each for himself and Martin. Kalian knew the basics of horse-riding, relying on his specialized knowledge of some animals, but he was by no stretch a skilled horseman. Still, he took the chestnut's reins, spoke softly to Valsama, then climbed into the horse's saddle. "Thank you, lady Rhiannon. This is a generous and unexpected kindness." Kalian wondered if it was some kind of trick. Or, if this kind dwarf was connected to the suspicious work offer, maybe it was legitimate after all. Or, he mused, looking at Elinowy pressed against Rhiannon, perhaps she just found Elinowy as attractive as everyone else. "Do you know anything about the dwarf we are meeting, and the work she's recruiting for?"

Rhiannon helped Elinowy make her way up in to Avandra. When the young woman slid to get more comfortable she over corrected. She felt Elinowy's face push against her shoulder. When she got settled and held on Rhi smiled. "Oh no vaen, not to worry." She replied to Elinowy

Martin reluctantly accepted the grey horse's reins. The animal had a mean look about it and snorted aggressively when he approached. I'm sure it bites. Sister Elinowy looked far from comfortable behind Rhiannon though as usual she remained serene through what promised to be an ordeal. Martin gathered the reins in his left hand, slid a foot in the stirrup and hoisted himself upwards.

There was no way to hide that he was an adept rider, and so he did not even try. He'd owned his own horse since he was nine until, at fourteen, he'd had to leave it behind when he'd gone to be trained as a Templar. There he'd been trained to ride on a heavy war horse, able to keep a good pace under the weight of a man in full armour, because running after mages occasionally required speed.

The Guard, on the other hand, owned only a couple of horses for emergencies, not an usual occurrence by any stretch of the imagination. If anyone asked, Martin would have to make up some sort of story, he figured as he adjusted the length of the stirrups. The Grey - Leesa ? - tried to take advantage of his momentarily awkward position to rub against Kalian's horse, and Martin pulled sharply on the reins. A little bit further, Rhiannon looked eminently at ease, reins loosely held in one hand. She didn't seem to mind the slightest how Sister Elinowy clung to her to keep her balance.

Come to think of it, it was a little bit unusual for a sailor to handle horses so well.

"Thank you again for helping us. Are you from around here ?" Martin asked Rhiannon. It couldn't hurt to find out a bit more about this charitable dwarf.

Rhi had heard Korbyn ask about the dwarf they were all heading to see. "Roxa I believe her name is. I do not know much of anything really. My mother and I were contacted this morning about negotiating a contract. I have heard that she has a Qunari with her. Not sure what he is called." Her tone was light and conversational.

When Martin had mounted the horse and as he rode, it was evident that he knew horses. She gave him a node when he thank her and gave him a very mischievous grin when he asked if she was from around here. "Martin, my dear. It is no problem at all. We are all heading in the same direction." She paused for a moment giving him a wink. "I was born here in Jader. Well actually aboard the Night's Kiss. Have spent the majority of my time out to sea. (pause) Is it that you are wondering why you may not have seen me around, that you ask me this question? Or is it that your are, how do you humans say it, using a line pick up on me?" As she says this she smiles warmly at Martin though one hand gently brushes one of Elinowy's hands.

Kalian took in this information thoughtfully. The recruiter's name was Roxa, but their current dwarven hostess admitted to knowing no more than they did. He doubted that her guards thought giving up their mounts to double-up was no problem at all, although he sensed only irritation and indulgence in their sidelong glances. As though inviting vagabonds to join her company then flirting with them was completely ordinary behavior for their mistress.

The beast moved uncomfortably under her as she found herself now clinging to Rhiannon. This was not the pony ride of her youth. She struggled to maintain her balance, each movement the horse made seemed to fight against her. She felt Rhi's hand brush against hers. Elinowy figured it was a cue to try and calm down. She was squirming a bit much for riding so small a horse. This was all just so new. The others were speaking, she paid little notice as she was trying to not fall to her death. She clasped her arm around the Dwarven lady's midsection trying to steady the continuous motion of the horse. The beast, Avandra, seemed to sense her unease and shifted again beneath her. Elinowy began to feel herself slide back off the creature's hindquarters she roughly rode on. She pulled herself closer to Rhi, but instead slid off the horse, accidentally pulling the Dwarven lady with her. Mercifully she hit the ground first and could catch Rhi, as she fell on top of her.

Rhi felt Elinowy slipping from Avandra, it was to late. Her attention temporarily on the two young men, by the time she reached to grab Elinowy to try to help her stay on Avander the two of them were on the ground. Still Rhi was quick enough to turn so as to land facing Elinowy.

Elinowy reached up for the falling dwarf, she lay on her back grasping upwards, her breath momentarily taken away as she hit the ground. THe dwarf landed face first on Elinowy's stomach. She took light solace in that the landing was softer and she likely didn't break any ribs. She took a deep breath on the dwarf impacting her and struggled to regain her bearings and composure. "Thank the Maker you are unharmed. I am so sorry Milady. I did not mean to pull you down here.

Kalian slid off his horse, intending to help the two women, but the two dwarfs who had given up their horses were already on the ground, drawing their swords. From where he was standing the two women appeared entwined in a carnal embrace with the dwarf on top, and even the two dwarf guards with swords ready held back, uncertain how to proceed. Kalian held out his arms in a peaceful gesture. "Hey, uh, no harm intended! Lady Rhiannon, are you all right? Sis… uh, Elinowy are you hurt?

Martin rubbed the bridge of his nose, somewhat chagrined by the turn their deception was taking. Their cover was getting more transparent by the second. And Kalian, bless his soul, too honest to be good at maintaining their lie. No-one would believe he was actually related to Elinowy by blood... maybe they could say they had adopted him into their family, as flimsy an excuse as it was. Martin did not get off his horse, there were already enough people making a fuss and neither of the fallen women looked seriously hurt. He did eye the nearest guard, wondering how hard it would be to grab their sword and knock them out before they had time to react.

The two guards had slid off the back of the mounts that they had doubled up on, pulling their swords. They did not advance seeing that Rhi had turned so that she was facing what might be a possible threat. When hearing Korbyn say that they mean no harm, they stood back slightly, swords still out though.

Rhi heard Korbyn say that they mean no harm and then ask Elinowy if she is alright. She didn't miss the "Sis" as well. Rhi glanced up quickly at her guards and gave a shake of her head. Then turned her attention back to Elinowy. Her crimson eyes flashed brightly as a very mischievous grin crossed her face. Her voice becoming more of a bedroom tone. "Miss Elinowy, if you wanted to get more intimate, all you had to do was ask." She leaned closer, her crimson colored eyes closing halfway, as if to kiss Elinowy. Just at the last moment she got up and held out her hand to help Elinowy up. "Please, Miss Elinowy, forgive me. Here take Avandra, I can walk."

Martin's hand clenched over his left hip, where his sword should be hanging. He was really beginning to regret his lie about the Sister's profession. He'd thought it clever, at the time, but he'd not anticipated it would lead to this shameless flirting on Rhiannon's part. If it got much more serious, he was going to have to play the part of the protective brother defending his sister's honour.

"It may be best if my sister doesn't ride on her own," he said - as if this was not obvious yet. "And we couldn't let you walk while we ride. You already shame us with your kindness. Elinowy, why don't you ride with me ?"

Elinowy pulled her self up off the ground and made a hasty attempt to pat some of the dirt off the now even dirty clothes she had borrowed. Standing up next to the Dwarf she started to laugh. "No. Please. Thank you Milady, and my dear brother. I believe I have had enough of riding for the day. Do not concern yourselves on my account. I am quite accustom to walking swiftly. I will try to make sure I do not hold make us tardy for our appointments.

Kalian sighed. They probably looked ridiculous. The two unmounted dwarves had sheathed their swords. On the plus side, he, Elinowy, and Martin definitely didn't look like any kind of threat… much less spies, and there could be no doubt in any of these dwarves' minds about why the three of them were unemployed and desperate for work. He addressed Rhiannon's two unmounted guards and gestured to the chestnut. "You two should take Valsama." He bowed to Rhiannon. "If you'll pardon me, milady, I think it's best if I keep my feet on the ground and walk with Elinowy. Beside you on your mount, my lady Rhiannon, if that is what you wish."

Rhi stepped back a little to give Elinowy room to dust herself off. Even dusty this red haired woman was beautiful. Still the other two were very handsome as well. Rhi looked to Martin when he commented about shaming them. "Oh Martin fraluv, (dear). There is no shame. Please understand that I just wanted to help fellow travelers."

Her attention drawn back to Elinowy as she pretty much insisted that she would walk. A small frown briefly crossed Rhi's face. It was quickly replaced with sly grin. "As you wish Lady Elinowy." She replied as she swung back up in the saddle.

She looked to Korbyn, smiled and nodded her head. The two dwarves mounted Valsama without question. They were quite used to their commander's whims. "I would like that Korbyn, Lady Elinowy. Though only if the two I you wish." Her tone was sincere yet held a little mischief.

 

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