Feint Whispers Chapter #6: A Modest Proposal

[Krug]

Bhartus mutters, "I'd kick his knees if makes another joke about my height." He waits for a reply about the bear so he can be off.

 

[Mirth]

Everyone but Tarowyn detects untruths...

"Seems fair enough, then," Tarowyn replies with disdain for the man's insults, although he senses validity in his assessment of the situation "Since we 'freebooters' have done most of the dirty work for you, you can let your infantry do the rest. Now, unless you've got news about our bear, stand aside."

 

[jasamcarl]

Showing sudden alarm at Norri and Jericho's gestures, several riders place their hands on the hilt of their swords, withdrawing them halfways. The others follow suit. The leader yells, trying to keep his frightened steed steady, "The bear!!!? So you know!? Lord Evenwood would not only have us answer for our disloyalty, but would see us disgraced in death by sending freebooters to do the job!? We will not sacrafice our honor!!!" The rest yell in ascent.


Despite the provocative exclamations, you all detect an uncertainty in the knight's intentions to resort to violence. A bit of diplomacy might get them to open up about what they are doing or have done and avoid a direct confrontation (i.e. easy xp).

 

[Krug]

Bhartus chimes up. "We are after the same aims and are hardly freebooters. I am sure Lord Evenwood trusts in your abilities; he just mentioned it to us perchance. The woods are deep and dark, after all and we might chance upon it sooner than you would," Bhartus says casually.

 

[Festy_Dog]

Norri glances up at the armoured knights, and gulps nervously.

Tempting to slink into the background, but that may set things off if I suddenly disappear.

He keeps his gloved little hands far from his weapons as he waits for the others to yield results.

 

[KaintheSeeker]

"Now, there was nothing said of dishonor sirs." Whitney says quietly. "We're here to find a rogue bear.. nothing more." raises a gloved hand to show no weapon in it, her other holding her reigns. "Now let us not do anything rash."

 

[Mirth]

Showing sudden alarm at Norri and Jericho's gestures, several riders place their hands on the hilt of their swords, withdrawing them halfways. The others follow suit. The leader yells, trying to keep his frightened steed steady, "The bear!!!? So you know!? Lord Evenwood would not only have us answer for our disloyalty, but would see us disgraced in death by sending freebooters to do the job!? We will not sacrafice our honor!!!" The rest yell in ascent.

Puzzled by the reaction of the leader and his men, Tarowyn replies, "Look. We're not here to gain or lose honor for ourselves or anyone else. We're here to stop a killer. If you are trying to find this bear as well, then perhaps we can help. You are standing on its trail, after all." With the last statement, the elf forces a smile and points to a partial, but clear, bear print near the group. "The more time we spend arguing, the more time the bear has to hunt its next prey. Let us not tarry over such petty squabbles anymore, but instead focus on the real task at hand."

 

[Tokiwong]

Jericho relaxes, "We want the bear, not your honor, lets work towards that purpose."

 

[jasamcarl]

Upon hearing the party's arguments, and especially after taking more direct notice of the comely Whitney, the knights turn to each other. A couple shrug, dispensing with their weapons.

The leader looks to Tarowyn, "If you are honestly here for the bear, elf, we will not delay you. Even those of long life have to hear the laugh at some point." He gives a forward motion with his hand, kicking his steed forward along with his companions as they gallop past and to the sides of the party, following the trail back the way you came.

It appears the trail continues to wind north into even more forboding woods.

 

[Tokiwong]

Jericho grins and follows along behind the elfy...