Nakatura Valley game thread

[GlassEye]

"I'll share of my own rations, meager as they are, wood-chopper." Kerim immediately digs in his saddlebags for his rations and offers them to Mistress Qi. Nodding to the father, Kerim continues, "Master Quon, I am somewhat skilled with animals and will tend to yours with your permission. If there is anything else that I can do for you, I am you humble servant." He inclines his head in the local custom of respect to Quon and then again makes himself comfortable.

 

[mfrench]

The kor seems unperterbed by the conflict with Kerim, and takes to his tuneless humming again. Qi thanks the westerner for his contribution, and ladles out warm soup for those gathered around the fire.

***********

Outside in the storm, two more travelers approach the tor seeking shelter. One of them was in great pain, having suffered a broken arm in an accident on the road as the storm broke out. The other, a man from the North named Sen, came across him trudging through the muddy path in clothes that once were quite expensive, and assisted him to reach this place.

With Sen's aid, they approached the rock in front of the hill.

 

[OnlytheStrong]

Upon seeing the travelers, Sen steps in about 15 feet in front of the injured man. He appears relaxed and calm, but is far from it. "This man's arm is injured," he calls out to the group in front of him. "He could use from fresh bandages and maybe some food." Sen grasps his spear firmly, but holds it behind his back.

 

[mfrench]

The two men standing before the rock have a rough look about them, as Sen approaches them, he sees that they are marked with tatooes on their bare arms that are a tell-tale sign of the Shifters. They stop inspecting the rock, and look over the new arrivals.

One of the shifters sneers as everyone at this meeting seems to realize it at the same time: they are all trying to conceal weapons at the approach of strangers. The man with the damaged arm catches up with Sen, appraises the situation, and says, "There's no need for that. Shall we not have Storm-peace, strangers?" The two shifters exchange a glance, and then make an obvious show of putting aside their weapons, while watching cautiously for Sen to do the same.

 

[OnlytheStrong]

Sen shoves his spear point first into the ground at his feet. Shifters, this would be an interesting meeting............. "Can either of you tend his wound better than I?"

 

[mfrench]

One of the shifters comes a little closer, then motions to the hill. "I think there is shelter behind this stone. Let's take a look at it out of the rain, if we can." He returns to his companion, where they have a brief exchange in their native tongue. The talkative one grabs his friend by the arm and drags the protesting shifter behind the stone. Sen manages to catch him muttering something about a curse under his breath.

The man with the injured arm glances at Sen, shrugs, and follows a few paces behind the pair. "They wouldn't dare break the Storm-peace. It would be a death sentence to do so."

 

[OnlytheStrong]

"Please, tell me more of this Storm-peace."

 

[mfrench]

The man with the broken arm, who previously told Sen that his name was Higoshi, explained as they reounded the standing stone to see two shifters standing under the entrance to a cave. "The Storm-peace is respected by every man of honor. It is a tradition that allows travelers to wait out the dangers of the storms without fear of being attacked. Anyone who doesn't peace-bond their weapons when Storm-peace is offered risks the curse of the Storm-lord who controls the rains, and will be branded as an outlaw. I would do everything in my power to see such a man swing from a rope." The two shifters grinned, having caught the not-so-subtle message that Higoshi sent in those last words as the cave-mouth became their shelter from the storm.

 

[OnlytheStrong]

"Something tells me these two could still be trouble," Sen thought silently. He sits silently at the mouth of the cave, his spear laying beside him.

 

[mfrench]

One of the shifters perks up, and peers inquiringly down the tunnel. "Somethin's cookin' . . . and they're sure to have a fire. Let's go see what's for dinner," he says, his smile revealing his his sharp canine teeth.