The Sudden Approach of Unexplainable Power: IC

[unleashed]

“No, following tracks is something I haven’t mastered as yet... though I can find then at times. Then, I was told they wouldn’t be too hard to find, so perhaps if I head that way,” Aekalos remarks, pointing to the southwest, “I’ll see signs of their camp as I get closer, like smoke from fires, or maybe even an orc or two, out to do some mischief.”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Maris pulls out her sword and her face takes on a menacing scowl. "So, by your words I take it to mean that you plan on going alone from here?" She then breaks into a smile and adds, "Cause we wouldn't mind slapping around an orc or two..."

 

[unleashed]

“Well, that was definitely my plan before finding anyone to travel with, considering as a force of one I didn’t think angering them any more than necessary was advisable... after all, there’s no point provoking a stronger pursuit.” Aekalos then grins as he adds, “It’s possible though, that I might want some help with a distraction, but I won’t know for sure until I get a look at their camp. Anyway, let’s head down to Janston first, as I’m interested to hear if the locals are having any problems with the orcs.”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

"Fair enough." Maris adds.

The walk to Janston passes uneventfully, just like the rest of the trip. Even at a leisurely pace it wouldn't have taken more than about fifteen minutes to walk into Janston. Not that there is much to see in Janston, either. Janston appears to be a small community mixed between farming and lumberjacking. There is an obvious smith working in town, although most of the wares out for display are lumberjack axes, farmer's plows, and horse shoes tacked over each door so that the horseshoe ends are pointed up into the air.

 

[unleashed]

“What a strange sight, a horseshoe over every door,” Aekalos remarks, chuckling as he notices the unusual decoration, “I wonder if they’re there due to some kind of superstition, as I’ve heard some people associate horseshoes with luck.” Looking around he adds, “Hmm, I wonder if they have a tavern or something here, as that’s usually the best place to hear about local happenings.”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

"Don't know," Maris replies with a shrug. The deeper perspectives of Aekalos' questions are lost on her lack of curiosity.

"Luck? Only a fool believes in luck," Erast says stubbornly. "If you know enough you make your own luck. If you are smart enough, you can plan ahead. That's my kind of luck."

Maris replies, "I don't see much in the way of a tavern, though. Town's too small."

Maris seems to be right. Outside the blacksmith's shop there are several ruts where carts seem to be dragged frequently. Beyond that, there is not much besides residences and farms in this tiny town.

 

[unleashed]

“No tavern, huh, well I don’t suppose many people would stop here unless they need the blacksmith’s services. I hope the blacksmith hears a good deal of local news though or I might have to start knocking on doors,” Aekalos remarks, heading towards the blacksmith’s shop.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

After knocking solidly upon the closed door (Liberty in action taken), Aekalos can hear a response from the inside. The voice is clearly female, but not really feminine. "You can come on in if you so desire, I'm just working on the next plow for the fields!"

Assuming Aekalos enters, inside he can see two tall, burly figures. Both of them bear a strong resemblance to orcs, although not entirely so. They each have upper and lower protruding canine teeth.

The one with the hammer is the one who spoke. The other one is is the process of stoking the fire, changing around the water used for cooling the hot iron, and shuffling supplies back and forth. This second one also appears to be female, however in both of their cases it looks as though the hard life of labor has prevented them from taking on too many female aspects.

 

[unleashed]

[SBLOCK=OOC]No problem. I didn’t know whether the door was open or even if there was a door for that matter, so I’m happy with the actions taken on Aekalos’ behalf. [/SBLOCK]Aekalos smiles broadly as he enters, taking in the two women as his eyes quickly adjust. “Good afternoon ladies. I was just passing through and was hoping, since there appear to be no other businesses here, that you might be able to fill me in on any local gossip before I push on. You know, local bandit troubles, areas that should be avoided... generally things that might prove dangerous to a traveller who doesn’t know the area.”

 

[Nonlethal Force]

The other woman (who didn't speak earlier) hefts up a heaver blacksmithing hammer and holds the handle in one hand and the head in the other. "Who's askin' and for what purpose? We don't gossip around these parts without good cause. Might end up on the wrong end of a sword if you say the wrong thing." She clearly looks to be on the defensive by the question. The other orclsh woman also stops what she's doing and stare at the trio.

Maris steps up to a position beside Aekalos and lays a hand lightly upon the hilt of her sword. Erast cerfully stays a smidgen to the outside of the door just in case.