Blood Axe and Mist: Chronicles of Adventure Part 1:The City of Syphel (Closed for Siobhancan99)

[Shadowlace]

Autumn winds whipped through the dense forests a few miles from the pastures of the small frontier town of Syphel. The town was known for its mutton, wool, and wheat, especially for the kingdom of Rostrum. The land was mostly farmers with a few local tradesmen that every town needs. Still few real crimes or maladies happen to these shepherds. At least until recently.

Despite the patrols, Rostrum has on the border to the lands of the Ur peoples Urlok, something stirred in the wilderness. Something other than local threats of wolves, hill cats, and bears were taking livestock. It was the recent loss of the entire Vos Family and farm that made this sleepy little town call for some aid. This night however the heroes were still too far away. Tonight another farm, the Holart farm began to gather for the night. This several-paddock farm housed some of the few pigs alongside the sheep and goats most farmers had here. Most were resting inside the main barn alongside a cart and horse.

This farmhouse housed seven people, including Alcar Holart the middle-aged farmer whose house this was, his wife Dolinda, and their three daughters Kyr, Dori, and Carlinda. Aside from them were two farm hands Nor and Gerney. All would be at the table ready to eat. Unfortunately tonight this family faced death. First cries of livestock came, Nor and Gerney left to check. Cries of alarm happened yet as soon as the warnings came they were followed by silence. The livestock seemed to still make noise. Alcar grabbed his pitchfork and looked at Dolinda to take his old axe and the knives to protect the girls. Alcar would walk out next and fall silent too. After that, the four women fell silent and the farm was left empty. It wouldn't be until the next morning that their neighbor the crotchety old man Winnick found the farm empty save the bodies of Nor and Alcar who were twisted and bloodied. This was only four mornings before the adventurers arrived.

----------------------------------------4 days Later----------------------------------------------------------------

Two figures began to come down the dirt-packed trail. Well, two figures and a giant bear. One of the two humanoid figures was a tall woman with bright crimson hair atop the fair-skinned and muscled body of a Urlok woman. The grizzled bear behind her loped though watched carefully the fields around her. Still this woman was easily close to seven feet in height, which made her incredibly fierce. combined with her grey-black leather scaled lamellar shirt, a huge battle axe, a round wooden shield with the UrHolt tribe insignia, the Black Basilisk on a periwinkle blue, a Spear in hand, a sword on her hip, and a short bow on the other, the woman seemed ready for anything.

Icy blue orbs scanned the path as she strode, the green cloak with fur trim billowed as she spoke. " Syphel home of sheep and goat, We come to cure what threatens ye"

The woman was Ulfhilde Valen, aka The Bear Maiden had come to the wood, wattle, and thatch houses of Syphel seeking its main path, where Tavern, Smithy, and Temple rest. Their shingles and stones ruled the buildings, with Tavern and Temple being the largest and tallest and the ones around stone and thatch tradesmen. Most of Rostrums' frontiers held such a plan, One The Bear Maiden knew well. Her years as a UrHolt warrior pushed her into other tribe lands and other kingdoms to raid villages and towns for resources and slaves, Rostrum being one of them. This trip would not be for that, she was no longer a tribe member, she had been exiled for her choice and she stuck with it.

Still, any of the people who were out and about in the chill of the autumn morning stopped to stare before slinking away with haste.If not for her and her obvious Urlok heritage but for the bear that walked behind her and her companion. The bear had a huge pack on its back and it too had grey black scales on it. Scales in a form of armor that protected a lot of its body without hindering its movement much.

the fields became smaller and smaller space until the trio came to a small earthen rampart. It was an archaic defense against opposing forces still it marked the edge of the original town which now housed all the craftsmen, temple, and tavern. This was Syphel, this is were the adventure beings!

 

[siobhancan99]

The companion was decidedly smaller, and less impressive. She was compact, with a build akin to a gymnast or a dancer that might look muscular, if she had been standing next to anyone but the hulking woman beside her and her bear. Fair complected, with blonde hair and light blue eyes that held none of the intensity of the large woman. She was pretty, without being memorable. She had a pleasingly symetrical face, without any hallmarks of great beauty. Pretty but forgettable. It was a face that had served her well in times past, but now with her current company she was decidedly more memorable as "that blond woman with the Giantess and the bear." Still, that couldn't be helped.

Freya (Sometimes Sigrun, sometimes Gretchen, and on one memorable occasion the Duchess of Garaint) drew her dark cloak around her to ward off the autumn Nip in the air. The stiff leathers she wore on the road kept off most of the chill, but there was something in the air she couldn't put her finger on. Something that chilled the spirit as much as the flesh. From the recesses of her hooded cloak, she spoke lightly "While I'm sure the plight of the sheep and goats is indeed one for the ballads, my friend, we should focus on the people. After all, it is the gratitude of the people that puts coin in our pocket, and it is that coin that feeds you and that bear of yours." It was often the shorter woman's role to remember the practicalities of things.

"an earth rampart. Still, with its location... they must not really fear bandits these days. Also I note that those who live without have not withdrawn to the safety of the inner town." She blew on her hands to warm them, then looked up at her tall companion "So to the Inn first? or do you intend to seek out the village elders and announce your presence?"

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde looks down at her smaller companion. A large loud laughter ushers forth from the warrior's gut. A web of crimson braids danced from the alto laughter that escaped. Moments passed until Ulfhilde managed to regain her composure and speak. " My Ketta, you crack me up. We let the Elders send a messenger to the Tavern. Food and Drink first, as you never know whether it be your last."

The taller woman moved closer to Freya, her Ketta or Kitten, and gave her a side hug and a smile showing the white teeth that many an enemy found fearsome, here it was a sign of affection. It lasted a few steps before she broke away and breathed in deeply. " It is odd, though Rostrumi tends to have active patrols out here. Usually Hobilar Infantry or Light Calvary for maximum momentum."

It was a grim fact Ulfhilde knew having taken a lance tip in her ribs under her left breast. This was in her youth when she barely passed her first moon blood. She learned from that first raid, and much more on subsequent ones, her body was a testament to her years of hard-fought battles knowing more often than not the hard way how to fight and live on the battlefield.

At the rampart gate, two poorly outfitted youths stood with crudely made spears and square wooden lashed shields with padded armor in gray and white that held leather plates sewn to them. It was the hastily cobbled together arms and armor of the desperate. The lads looked up, eyes blinking as they took in the woman, then the bear, and then back to the woman.

"HALT!" one of the youths, a man some sixteen winters with a barely noticeable scuff on his chin and some loose straw yellow hair sticking from under the leather cap she wore. Ulfhilde tried not to look intense or to smile, as she knew many outside the Urlok Tribes interpreted the facial features correctly.

"Who comes to Syphel" the other lad maybe younger shakily said to them. Both boys seemed to be frightened, but for the most part, kept rooted in place and ready to set themselves against an attack. It was admirable, but The Bear Maiden was no novice, and neither was her companion. Both boys would be dispatched with swift effectiveness. It was humorous thinking these youths would be effective against anything that came here seeking blood. "Mae'n ymddangos yn rhywbeth mwy nag y mae'r wŷs yn ofni'r bugeiliaid hyn" ( "Seems something more than the summons has these shepherds afraid") Ulfhilde utters to her companion in her native tongue before she addresses the pair.

"We are here about the adventurer summons? Wait I have the thing" Ulfhilde lets her spear rest next to her shoulder before she begins to dig around for the paper. It was rolled up like a scroll and put somewhere, she had wrapped it in a purple ribbon with a silver ring about it. As she dug through her stuff Gwr, her bear, sat on its haunches and rested its head softly on Freya's shoulder, wanting to get a chin scratch.

It was at this moment that the boys noticed the other woman and blinked having realized the error and nervously the younger one asked Freya. "Are you with them, and what is with the bear?" He was more confident speaking with Freya than the towering Ulfhilde or even the bear Gwr.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Well its good that you at least have your priorities in order" The smaller woman grinned up at her friend as they momentarily entered into a friendly embrace. "I could do with a bit of shepherd's pie and an ale. I also wouldn't mind being out of the air." She gestured around "something feels off to me."

When they approached the gate she watched the familiar sight of the guardsmen being unable to handle the reality of her companion. Generally, the Urlok were not friends of these farm folk. Raiders, warriors, killers. The Urlok were not a gentle people. The redhead was also unnaturally tall even for one of her people. A man of her height and breadth would have been astounding, and a woman of her size was a once in a lifetime event. At least down here in the more civilized lands. Not QUITE civilized though. Syphel was a frontier town, after all. Even if it was perhaps a generation past the time where the settlers huddled in their makeshift fort, it was hardly a bustling metropolis. She looked over the gate, and the makeshift armor of the frightened farmboys. Honestly, on the frontier like this... even a more civilized bit of it... there was no excuse for not having a more ready militia. Perhaps though, the better men were out in the field attempting to take care of whatevver ill befell the town. Or... more ominously... they had already died trying.

Still, whether the utter unpreparedness of the town was the result of poor planning or terrible circumstance, it was in these cases that opportunity presented itself. Well prepared towns that could handle their own problems didn't pay top coin to have others dispose of them. It was here, where there was a confluence of a little bit of established wealth and a dearth of homegrown problem solving talent that people in their profession made their money.

When Gwr rested his head on her shoulder, she absently scratched under his chin with a gloved hand. "what bear?" she deadpanned. She regretted it, as the boy was probably either civic minded and an integral part of the community, or connected to someone who was. "I kid, of course. The bear is my friend here's boon companion. She's raised it since it was a cub and it is fantastically loyal to her. As to who we are, we are Freya of Konnigsborg and Ulfhilde of the Urlok. We come in response to the summons" she fished it out of her own pack, offering it to the boy. "Have many arrived in response to your plea?"

 

[Shadowlace]

The more composed boy looks to Freya and shakes his head. "No ma'am, most adventurers refuse summons out here. Cause well..." He nods towards Ulfhilde."The Urlok tend to keep them away"

Ulfwilde laughed at that and nodded." Those adventurers must not know Ur people well" The crimson-haired woman looked at the smaller men and then back to Freya before she nodded.

"See we have the thing, er summons!" Ulfhilde told the blonde-haired boy with a more stern grin from her taller perch. Ulfhilde wasn't sure why she was so tall or strong, her Priestess Ysolde once told her she was blessed by Wotan and Ayla, or better yet the embodiment of War and Beauty, though Ulfhilde didn't believe it. She was stronger and taller than most people sure, but beautiful? Ulfhilde didn't see it. Men and women of her tribe and several of the enslaved did want to curry her favor but alas Ulfhilde chalked that up to her phenomenal strength and skill.

Still, Ulfhilde wondered about this constantly. Her mother Hilda was no great warrior for the tribe, she did defend it, but for the UrHolt Hilda was a merchant. Ulfhilde and her siblings have varied some pure Ur stock, others a mix of other people as Hilda kept many a nationality to aid in her business. Unlike her other Ur siblings, whose fathers were known, Ulfhilde knew not who her father was, none of the UrHolt tribesmen who worked for her mother were, and none of the captured Ur men were as well.

"Oh that is Master Kerns' sigil and signature for sure. We'll get you two to the Town Council, but the bear stays out" the one who had been addressing Freya said squeaking at the word bear. Seemed he wasn't as composed as they had thought him to be.

"Gwr Oedi" Ulfhilde commanded and then nodded to the two youths as the bear began to mill about playing with a clod of dirt seemingly being lazy, but alert. Seeing this the pair looked at each other and then asked.

"Will he be okay without you here? I mean is he, urm it...well.." the Brunette said but was interrupted.

"Trained, Aye. If not he'd be elsewhere or dead" Ulfhilde said as she stepped forward easily turning aside the tips of the boys' spears and striding onto the far side of the earthen rampart. There she stood and looked over her shoulder at the boys.

"Well if yer to escort, then escort" Gestures the taller woman with a frustrated but playful smile. Probably came off a grimace or a glare, but it did not matter as long as this business was done and Ulfhilde could get to an Inn for some ale and hot food. Later she may look for a hot spring to dip in or maybe a sauna. If none of those existed a hot bath would be in order.

"Yes" "Right" The two uttered at the same time and then hurridly rushed before the barbarian and began to lead them to the Tavern.

As Freya caught up Ulfhilde gave a soft giggle as he spoke to the smaller woman."Did you see the lads thinking me some demon of legend, they about pissed themselves! I could barely keep a straight face" Which thankfully she had. Though the woman did enjoy the life she seemed to enjoy the battle just as much if not more. Strangely for those who got to know her Ulfhilde appreciated a lot of other aspects of life, a flower beginning to bloom during the last of winter and first of spring, peaking up from a dwindling patch of snow to drink in the light. Sunsets and sunrise the woman if up would bask in them letting the scene unfold in its natural wonder and beauty.

At the Tavern a sign hung with a picture of a blonde-haired girl weeping over a fallen knight, under it in the Trade Tongue was 'The Lady's Lament'. The blonde-haired boy held up his hand and spoke a bit more authoritatively then at the wall. "Please wait here as Verrick announces you to the Mayor and council."

The other boy, this Verrick rushed in and began to speak. His voice was firm but the wooden door seemed to muffle the noise that making out anything was hard. It didn't take long for the boy to come back. He peaked his head out and gestured for the two women to follow him in. As he did the common room seemed to be bursting with people. All are a bit blurry-eyed and many are holding staves, knives, and other improvised implements. Most were either really young or really old. Otherwise, women and children seemed to wait to look at five middle-aged men at a table who had been looking over maps and discussing things.

 

[siobhancan99]

"I think they weren't sure that the cure for what ails them isn't worse than the disease. That's for sure." Freya nodded to her companion as they made their way towards the inn, then looked up at the sign.

"She'd be lamenting more if he was awake and behind her" Freya observed with a wry grin.

She adjusted her packs, trying to get comfortable. They carried quite a bit of gear, and they'd lost the packhorse at some point. For her companion it was no issue lugging around her life on her back, but for the smaller Freya she was desperate to unload it and also inquire about the purchase of a nice stout donkey while they were in town. "Honestly, I'm concerned about the lack of able bodied menfolk we're seeing around. It could mean they are all afield, but if that was the case I suspect we'd have encountered them on the road. More like.. they've already thrown what they have at the problem and its been like so many odd bits of meat in a sausage grinder. To extend the metaphor, I'm not eager to be browning in some pan." Freya was capable, but being capable was a far cry from being eager. She was content to use her illusion skills to fleece gullible locals and live the easy life of a traveller on the road. Her companion was more about the glory. The struggle. Freya was about silk sheets and a beautiful body next to her in bed, a nice wine breathing in the decanter nearby. Without land though, she had no way of maintaining that lifestyle in perpetuity... so here she was.

 

[Shadowlace]

"We'll be fine, Besides, if these Syphel folk are like other Frontier folk, the men hide in smaller units in houses so the women and children are in the center." The tall woman says looking at the men gathered at the table. Ulfhilde smiled striding up as if this were her castle. It wasn't hard to be that commanding when the woman was in fact no slouch when it came to confidence. At least to all those in public. In private she had her moments.

"AN URLOK HERE!!! GUARDS GUARDS!" Came one of the older men as he looked up to see her for the first time. The other men looked up and gaped as well. What sort of creature was this standing before them so brazenly? Who would do this, well Ulfhilde would. Ulfhilde was though, she stood and smiled as she pulled her writ and placed it in front of them.

"We came because of this" It was a hard slam onto the table. The motion rattled the ink jars and the mugs. Seeing one the red-haired woman grabbed it and took a drink. It wasn't a drink to write poetic verse about, but it was better than nothing. The men before her eyed the writ, then her, then the writ then Freya. Seeing a normal-sized woman the council looked past Ulfhilde to her.

"Is this barbarian with you? If so mind to reign in her leas..." Said the oldest of the men, yet Ulfhilde stopped him with a simple flash her hand reached out and grabbed the man's collar. Lifting slightly she pulled his face close to hers and growled.

"She's with me! Now tell me what this is about." The UrHolt Amazon demanded, her patience thin. If need be she'd add her other hand and throw the miserable man out the doors. She was strong, but a full-grown man with a bit of weight to him was still a task for her. It's the reason why she had Gwr, the bear was three times as strong as a regular bear. Still, her strength and fierce face had their effect.

"Fine, I will tell you, since you kindly answered our summons. Though the last group didn't fare well." He said and Ulfhilde let go. the man straightened his collar and then coughed.

"Our village and its many farms have been getting ransacked. The women and girls are taken, men slaughtered and livestock well only half of them are taken. We are not sure what is doing it, but tracks lead nowhere, and well a group of adventurers has already taken it, but that was 2 days gone. One came back, missing an arm, and a variety of wounds. All we could get out of him was Rats! So our men have been in the houses waiting for some sort of attack and killing any rat they see. With us needing to protect ourselves, we can't really head out and look for these 'Rats', otherwise, we sent the summons to help find the lost women, but if you can do that and kill these 'Rats' then we will add in another hundred SIlver crowns to the already agreed upon 100 Gold crowns." He said as he looked to Ulfhilde. Ulfhilde stepped down and walked over to her companion Freya and as she did spoke softly and hopefully in a tongue that only she and Freya knew.

"What do you think? Do you think they are hiding something? If so do we risk exposing it and asking for more?" That is all she said as she then took her place beside the smaller woman.

 

[siobhancan99]

Freya nodded at the explanation as to where the men were. That boded well. At least they weren't dealing with a town on its last legs. Towns like that tended to cry after the job was done about how with no menfolk they wouldn't survive the winter without the coin they'd promised. She felt instantly a little better about the proposition.

When Ulfhilde leaned down though she sighed and replied in the same tongue "Remember that long conversation we had about how your bear eats honey and not vinegar and prying the most coin out of these fellows generally involved not making them hate you? Remember that?" She rolled her eyes at her friend "Because I feel like we have to have that conversation. Again." She looked them over "I think its likely they have no idea what they're up against. Also, having lost one set of adventurers they probably would be a little more forthcoming since they want the problem solved, and they don't want the word to get out that whatever is up here is a death trap. I mean, unless they're totally in league with it and feeding it adventurers. In that case though, best to ask for the extra money after we have proof. We can always renegotiate the deal if we find out something unsavory that they want hidden. I do feel a bit slighted they are offering such a pittance for the return of their womenfolk though. We could rope them together and take them down to Saladesh and sell them on the block for more, even after feeding them for the 100 mile trek we'd still turn a better profit." She huffed. She wasn't a slaver but not getting market price for such a good still rankled "I say we agree. Worst comes to worst and we find out that there's something we can't really handle... we just fuck off for the next town and put the word out that this job isn't worth it. Eventually they'll up the price out of desperation, and we come back with friends. Besides... we're already here. We need a pack animal, we need a bath and something to eat. We might as well make nice with the locals. Nice. you know, like ... friendly."

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde sighed and then huffed as she chuckled. "Friendly as in brothel? I don't think there is a brothel. Though the blonde one that tried to stab me would be fun to break"

Ulfhilde though stepped forward and looked at the men. Before she spoke she turned to look at Freya and wink. After that, she shot back to the elders and spoke."Yes, we will take it. Though we will need to recuperate and rest. Oh, and my bear will need food and lodging too." Ulfhilde looks about the village and smiles as she wants to pull off all her ferocity!

"Fear not Syphel! I Ulfhilde the Bear Maiden, Freya my companion, and Gwr the Bear will seek out your lost women and return them be them alive or their bodies. Now, who has food and ale for us? One does not face death on an empty stomach!?!" The red-haired woman stated with gusto. She turned from the Council and looked about the room, which once again gives a wink to Freya. The barbarian was trying to sell it, but most of the people seemed to be a little more anxious unsure how to take the giant woman.

The one council member she threatened clears his throat and speaks." Yes, that can be arranged. The barn out back has been converted to a Feasthall for us while the crisis is well ongoing. We will have food there soon, as for rooms we can let you stay in one of the rooms upstairs but you will have to share rooms. After you return we can make other arrangements" Was all the man said with a sneer on his face. He thought and leered at Freya, finding her a bit more palatable. It was creepy but after that, he went back to studying the maps.

Ulfhilde stepped down and pointed to the stairs. "Let's go put our stuff away." She announced to Freya as she bridged the gap. Once beside her again she smiled and spoke in the shared tongue that the Bear Maiden doubted any others in the room knew.

"Figured we can talk about what we should ask the Elders and Soldiers in private. Though I call dibs on the blonde one." Ulfhilde says making her way to the stairs hoping Freya follows her. In fact, Ulfhilde really wanted to get out of her armor and maybe get a bath. She smelt like wet leather and dry manure.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the meeting beady eyes watch and relay the images it captures and the sounds heard to something far off but dangerous. The rat squeaked and scuttled back down into its hole, followed by two others. Scouts to an unseen master that our heroes have yet to meet.

 

[siobhancan99]

Freya shuddered "you can have any of them you want. I wouldn't fuck these inbred frontier hucklebuck fucks with your pussy. My fingers will provide all the relief I need. I mean, unless one of the serious menfolk is around and is shockingly handsome or something. So far... unimpressed with the local flesh."

She unpacked her goods, and undid her leathers, letting the stiff armor fall to the floor. She kicked it carelessly under the one cot "I'll be glad to have a damn bath that isn't some cold mountain stream. Though if they don't have one available I say we let this town face their makers alone" She joked, of course. There was gold to be had here and where there was gold, there was Freya. Everything worth having in life could be had with gold. Land, wine, the pleasure of a companion for as long as it took one to relieve their tensions. All of that was gold. Freya loved gold like she loved nothing else in this world, because it was everything. Well, it wasn't the company of a boon companion and so perhaps she valued her friendship with Ulfhilde more than gold. Still, gold was to be had was the point."I'll say this for farm folk, they probably will lay a generous spread. Some good fresh bread would be wonderful." On the road they lived primarily off game, and what fruits they could find in the forest. Some civilized food would do a body and mind good, she decided.

She unpacked her spellbook, then placed a ward on it that would incinerate anyone but her or Ulfhilde that touched it, and a script floating above it that warned the same. If the thief was illiterate... fuck em. They'd regret it for a moment and then never regret again.

She started to peel off her tunic, then remembered she wasn't alone. She turned, looking over at Ulfhilde "why don't you go find out about the bathing situation first, and maybe i'll sit in the common room and see what I overhear."

 

[Shadowlace]

"Why not, he is cute, reminds me of Gol, my first manservant. Mother gave him to me, he was captured in the neighboring Volstock, before they were conquered. My first man too. Poor Gol tried to kill me though. He was my first kill too." Ulfhilde said with a somber tone. As she does she takes off her cloak and begins to fiddle with her armor. The natural grey black scales were that of the Black Basilisk, the symbol of her former tribe. She had slain one for the blood and spittle turns a person to stone. This armor was not as strong as fabled dragon hide but it was hard as stone but light as leather.

Once that was freed a thin linen shirt rested beneath the lamellar. Breathing in the freedom of release from the added weight and looked over at Freya and smiled."You know the farm wives or even maidens could lend a hand with the right word or coin. As for the bath, I will ask. They may have a hot spring. Syphels' neighbor Yrlholme has several." As she spoke she shimmed out of her pants greeves to stand bottomless. Several smaller and a few larger scars decorated her legs.

She pulled off her linen shirt and looked at her bindings. More scars decorated her body as her muscles showed through as well as her ample chest heaved. From her cloak, she pulled out a thicker tunic, a wool coat, and a wool skirt. It was an old trick she had to bundle the clothes and place them under your cloak but between the pack and her back. it was there she began to don watching Freya. Freya was a bit modest, but it was one of those cultural quirks the Barbarian loved about her. She also loved that the woman wanted money as much as she wanted ale and pleasure.

Once donned she refastened her weapons belt with sword and dagger on it. She then put back on her travel cloak and smiled. She dressed in the simple manner of her people. It is mostly greens and browns, but well made with flourishes of embroidery, tiny pops of pink flowers, the Maidens Heart as they were called by the Ur tribes added the necessary feminine touch to her more masculine vibe.

"I hope they have Honeyed Ham and Bread! I do so love honey! Also, you know I have no problem with you undressing. We are friends, companions, and also both women! Don't be shy" Teased Ulfhilde as she came over and tugged at Freyas' clothes before hopping back to dodge whatever counter the smaller woman had. Freya was faster than her, it was a scary sight to behold, but many a creature and fighter had been taken down from the fast hands of Freya.

After this, she headed over to the door sweeping out in a dangerous roll. Like a mountain cat, she was ready to strike at any moment. At this moment the woman, though sorely less armed could still be a force to reckon with. A hardened warrior of over a decade she was deadly. Even before that, she was trained in a variety of weapons, primarily Spear and bow to hunt, or clubs and knives in the day-to-day or in practice for larger weapons.

Still once out the door she swept down the stairs and found the first woman she saw. With a curtsy, Ulfhilde asked. "Forgive me, Good woman, is there a warm bath, a sauna, or a hot spring to use to wash up?"

The straw-haired woman blinked, her brown eyes shocked at the image of an Urlok in such clothes, or even more shocking a woman of Ulfhildes' size and strength in a dress so common. Quickly the matronly woman composed herself. Ample bosom heaving as she inhaled an answer came. "Yes, The Inn has a bath out back. It can be heated with a simple spell, but all our magic-capable citizens, including my dear Hurnd, are out with the men or waiting here to heal the injured."

"Not a problem I can heat it with my magic. Could you get some ale and tea, my companion and I like to drink while bathing." This was something Ulfhilde had adopted when in the sandy lands of the Adjm. They lounged in public baths, but often drank tea and conversed. Same with the UrJol of the coast, who used saunas' as social time, drinking and conversing. The Adjm though had some of the better social gatherings and often mixed, despite their prudish reputation.

With that Ulfhilde went out to check for Gwr and get him into a nice warm stable. The poor bear was not one to wait without wanting to eat, something. Hopefully not the boy. She really did see a lot of Gol in him. The woman just hoped he wasn't dumb enough to try and kill her after. Killing a person you slept with right after the act was almost blasphemous to her.

 

[siobhancan99]

Freya watched her friend slip out, then undressed. Her own body had a few scars, mostly stab wounds from her years living on the street before she was taken in by the Hedge Wizard who trained her in the beginning of the art. She was vain, and so any wounds she got on the road she had magically healed to the extent she could, to not be scarred. Every one was a reminder of a life of poverty that she never wanted to return to.

She folded her clothes, then cast a cantrip to clean them. It was easier on the clothes and kept the color longer than washing. A holdover from less comfortable days. Besides they smelled better and were dry if she needed them. She simply changed into a robe so she could head out to the baths, and if the locals wanted to stare a bit then let them stare. She looped off the tie, then headed down the steps. A few eyes turned towards the flash of cleavage and the pale legs revealed by the short robe. She walked unconcerned through the inn, inquiring as to where the bath was. When she got there, Ulhilde was not yet there. She sighed, liking that the other woman was so physical and would have relished pumping the bath water. She set about working the pump, and icy ground water filled the tub slowly with each pump. She studied the sigils on the tub, then let a bit of power flow into them, activating the magic.

"well then" she marvelled "someone had a bit of money" the tub sprang to life, whorls of energy coursing through the copper of the tub. the icy water was soon steaming, and after a few minutes, she slipped into the water, surprised when the servant came in with the tea. "oh! uh. oh." she sank under the water a little and laughed "um, just there is fine. I'm sure my friend will be in any time"

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde walked up to tell Freya and then found her not there. With a crook of her brow, the woman must have gone to the common room. Laughing at the fact that her companion wouldn't want to know about the bath first, then Ulfhilde would have them to herself. With a smile, she grabbed her soap, a strange mix of herbs, honey, milk fat, and flower oils', before returning to the common areas. As she stepped down a girl looked at her and spoke.

"Um, I was told I am supposed to find someplace for your bear?" The girl said, probably no older than fourteen or so winters. She was plump with dirty brown ringlets framing her face. Ulfhilde regarded her and nodded. Should be obvious that Gwr was hers. No other had come with such a massive animal. Also, the barbarian knew that Gwr was inside that rampart by now. Bears unlike wolves can climb. Gwr like a loyal dog would come to her.

"Good, we have him in the barracks stables for now. The Border Guard hasn't been around in a month, so it will be safe. Question what do I feed him or her?" This young woman asked her. Ulfhilde blinked looking at the girl. It was a strange thing for a village girl to volunteer doing something like taking on the care of a foreigner's steed, let alone a bear! To top it all off the lass seemed to not have an ounce of fear.

"Good to hear. Well, Gwr, is a boy, and he loves meat, but also fruits and veggies. He might not trust food tossed to him, but if you drizzle a bit of honey he will eat it up. Oh, and his preferred meat is fish!"Ulfhilde replied to the girl. Watching her she smiled and curtsied as she scurried off into the kitchens. Ulfhilde blinked and continued in the direction of the baths.

A few strides took the tall muscular woman through the halls out the door and into the bathhouse. Once inside, she began to undress, after she hung her weapon belt and set the soap on the rim of the tub. No shame crossed her face as she noted Freya and a servant. Ulfhilde inhaled and nodded.

"Two cups please," Ulfhilde says politely. Strangely Ulfhilde had learned servants were not slaves, At least in Urlock culture. It took a year before it fully hit here, but the concept is no longer lost on her. With no fear, she had her cloak and coat off. Next came her skirt, which showed the shapely bare legs crotch, and rear to the servant and Freya. Next off came the tunic. Finally, Ulfhilde unwrapped her chest revealing two shapely spheres that also had a scar or two on them.

After undressing and showing her ample breasts, the red-haired woman folded her clothes and sat them on the bench. It was now the warrior pulled herself into the tub, slowly lowering her body and savoring the hot bath. A giggle crossed her lips looking at Freya.

"Are you being bashful? Cause I doubt the servant cares. Besides, you forgot soap"Ulfhilde grabbed the bar of soap and laughed now out loud. With the other hand, the warrior grabbed the slender tea cup and strangely cradling the glass, she brought it to her lips and took a sip.

"You are gonna have to get past the shyness. You are beautiful and have a fertile frame. The Smiling Mother Ayla blessed you with it, be proud, let them see it! I know I let them look." beginning to lather herself the Barbarian spoke these words. It was safe here. For the most part. Ulfhilde liked Freya. The woman was stalwart and fun. She fought in a strange manner, but its effectiveness was not debatable. The blonde even brought in arcane magics and the abilities of an infiltrator. Now if only she could get the woman to bring some hair soap.

 

[siobhancan99]

One of the many advantages of travelling with Ulfhilde was she was not shy about drawing attention to herself. That suited Freya just fine, truth be told. One reason she was so effective is that everyone was watching the crazy giant lady splitting people in half with an axe, or strangling them with her hands or whatever. It tended to leave their guard down a bit for the blond. She sipped at her own tea, looking over at Ulfhilde "I don't want to diminish your light or attempt to compete with you. I'm fine letting all eyes be on the formidable Ulfhilde." She gestured to Ulfhilde's naked form "I mean, who would look at me when they have all of this to feast their eyes on" she grinned at her companion and sipped at her tea, setting it aside on the sideboard and letting herself sink into the hot water up to her chin. She soaked in the hot water, letting it loosen her muscles, and closed her eyes to rest back against the copper of the tub. She could feel the heat in the metal, and brought her hands up to rest on the edges "So did you learn anything in your little excursion? see anything interesting? find any young men you want to ravish and smother with your mighty barbarian bosom?"

She let the heat of the tub soak into her, relaxing her. "See any rats?" She hadn't, herself seen any since she came in here... thank all the gods "I wonder what the hell that man was going on about. the one that said rats did all this."

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde laughed a deep laugh at Freyas' comment. True Ulfhilde was a veritable whirlwind be it in battle or just in life. It was a strange thing she had succumbed to, after a few different near-death experiences and her exile. She would enjoy life and damn those who dared to hold her down. Freya though had tempered that some. The fiery-haired warrior woman needed some social tempering, for in her culture a fist to the face and a brief spar can determine the outcome of an argument or deal. Heck, often a fight would happen between Maidens to see who got what man or woman from the raids.

"You sell yourself short. Those curves and natural beauty, as well as the flexibility. Also the lack of scars. Southlanders seem to not like women with battle scars. You are a catch. A for men, save the older ones looking over the maps, only youths, Boys with bare stubble on their faces. The Goodwives and maidens though there are plenty. Not the same entertainment but after round, the women would be putty in my hands. I swear you Southlanders shy away from the fun of being with a woman, Does one not learn the Lessons of Being a Good Wife and Mistress? Strange people" Ulfhilde blushes a bit and then sets up to put a hand on Freyas' knee.

"Not you though. You seem to be more level-headed and understanding than other Southlanders" The Bear Maiden followed up a bit embarrassed that she had blurted a lot of that out. So Ulfhilde squeezed the other woman's knee in comfort before pulling her hand away. Smiling a soft smile, one without teeth that hopefully looked warm and caring.

As for the other question the leggy woman reclined back and took a deep breath before taking a drink of her tea. "Strangely, a young woman is taking care of Gwr. No fear in her voice, I am surprised. As for the rats, no sight of them, but there are signs of them. Strangely not as much as there should be. Rats love villages. What is even more strange is the lack of cats and dogs. Have you noticed any?"

With that, another server came in a skinny lad with tousled sandy brown hair and round brown eyes. He wore the woolen shirt and breeches of the town's wool. They were in soft tans as for what was in the lad's hands were fresh rolls and some honey. " Pardon the intrusion m'ladies, but these were sent by the Tavern Mistress, thanking you for coming. She hopes for your success and the safe return of her daughter who was recently taken from one of the farms"

He set the tray beside the tub and waited to be dismissed in hopes he can leave, without his mental imagery coming true. This was justifiable as Ulfhilde knew all too well that her people would come in and raid the place stealing men, women, children, livestock, and valuables. Raping and pillaging the place before slinking back into the night. Though these supernatural disappearances would pause any advancement. Ur scouts were good at spying and ferreting out potential threats to the raiding party.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On a sill near the top of the bathhouse, a small beady-eyed creature watched and listened. It seemed focused on the outsiders, taking in the sounds and sight, especially the nakedness they flaunted in the chamber. The creature itself probably cared little for the imagery but his master would be transfixed. It knew it could be exposed at any minute, though the creature was compelled to obey, and obey he did.

 

[siobhancan99]

Freya waved the servant off, laconic. "thank the lady"

She laughed and covered Ulfhilde's hand a moment "why do we not lay with other women? Something something prophet something something" she rolled her eyes and laughed "but its ingrained. Cultural taboo." She spoke a word and refreshed the heat of the bath, then sighed happily and let go of Ulfhilde's hand to snag one of the rolls. "I know, I'll spoil my dinner." She didn't care, she was ravenous and with the heat of the bath she was feeling quite human, and thus turned to her other creature comforts.

"this could be like... what was the name of that town... where the rich guy was stealing the women and killing the men off? pretended it was a cult?" She frowned, it was one of their earlier adventures. "you ended up bringing that dreadful woman along with us, the one who was so pretty and so useless. You left her in Gruneswald. What was her name. Greta? Greta." She shook her head "I never saw what you saw in her. I mean. I guess I do. She was pretty. But still. Pretty in that way of rich girls who learn how to needlepoint instead of sew a seam. Pretty in that way of being a bird in a gilded cage."

She looked over at her companion, not wanting to admit a tinge of jealousy at the time. Greta had looked like her. Blonde, blue eyed. short. She'd wondered sometimes if the girl had been a proxy for her. But they were partners, and she was a firm believer in not fucking about where her money was. Ulfhilde was money. and safety. Ulfhilde was a squadron of men, except she only ate for 2 instead of ten. The bear was a nice addition too. Plus, despite her companion's severe awkwardness and sometimes overly boisterous nature, she was fun to be around. Freya was always bored. Ulfhilde took the edge off that.

"we should ask about the cats and dogs. Could be some sort of weird religious taboo. If so, they'll regret it if the trouble really is rats. If the dogs and cats disappeared though... might be something to this rat thing."

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde laughs, the Prophet, a propped-up priest who thought their god was the one and only god. His zealots flooded the counties and frontiers preaching these supposed virtues' Urlock would not have it. Many of these 'missionaries' were slain or enslaved. It explained a lot, though, even though that was years before her mother's mothers were alive. Still, it was nonsense, both women and men should find companionship in each other's same sex. The UrHolt, her tribe specifically was dominated by women. These women often partnered up with male slaves to help propagate and share.

"Gurdy, I mean I called her Gurdy! She was fun, until that ordeal with the stableboys. She enticed the pair and cut them when they didn't pull out. Strange woman Gurd.., sorry Gertrude. I mean the fertility blocking potions were in my pack, all she had to do was come and grab one." Ulfhilde took a roll and ate one. As she did she sighed and then looked up at the ceiling.

"Why did you send him away? He had nice calves. I kinda wanted to pull him in and show him the gates to Vyrnhilde" After that she grabbed the soap and began to lather herself. She scrubbed using the rough cloth sack and slab of fat and herbs within to work her body. She seemed not to care if Freya watched. Freya was an incredible woman, one he actually could see herself with. Still, she was exiled from UrHolt for rejecting the Then Princess's offer of marriage. After that, she went out and slew one of the Black Basilisks, got it turned into armor, and came back to her people. There she fought the champion a grizzled Half-Ogre slave called only Hammer. Ulfhilde lost that battle, leg, and arm broken, abs splayed open, face broken. She had lost her right to re-enter the tribe. Ulfhilde can in a few years return to challenge again, but she was given healing despite the law. Princess Astra made it so. In thanks Ulfhilde bestowed her original name to the Princess, to keep until she came back. That was the true day Ulfhilde was born.

"The people up here, do hold to more traditional beliefs of the Ros, not the Prophet influenced ones. Dogs and cats should be littering the town. Cats to keep down mice and rats. Dogs to help guard the sheep and help hunt. No, that is not a good sign. Something more than a cult is going on here. If I pray to the goddess she may grant me the ability to talk to animals for a short while. They may give me some more information" She says finishing scrubbing her easy-to-reach places. The red-haired woman holds the cloth wash sack over to Freya and smiles.

"Could you get my back?" is what she asked. Freya was more capable in her position to scrub her back than she.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Another small creature slides up along the rat, its eyes watching before it lifted off and began to fly off. After it left more rats seemed to appear in the little windows. Others began to climb onto the roof and others began to surround the bathhouse. Almost as if waiting.

 

[siobhancan99]

"remind me, is that the front gate or the back gate?" Freya deadpanned.

She ate another roll, then set about actually washing herself. She kept her eyes on Ulfhilde's, out of respect in part and also not wanting to cross a line with her partner. Not that her partner would view it as a line crossed, more in a not wanting to fuck up a perfectly sound business relationship kind of way. When the giant barbarian turned she nodded "of course" She grabbed the soap and a rough cloth, soaping up the cloth then starting to work it along the muscular back. It was almost mannish, so chorded with muscle. her hands traced along it, feeling the iron hard muscle beneath the skin. The scars that littered the landscape of her back. She used the rough cloth to really exfoliate, scrubbing Ulfhilde clean, but also taking her time, lingering a bit to feel the power of the muscles that laired just beneath the scarred flesh. She rested her hand against the small of the other woman's back a moment, then soaped up the cloth and began to thoroughly wash the small of Ulfhilde's back, just above the cheeks of her toned and muscular ass "Though I could call one of those newly minted men back in here. Let them see your ... gates."

She was blissfully unaware of the presence of the rats, the sight of which would have been off putting to say the least. Instead she just focused on giving her friend a nice moment, exploring her a little, getting her clean.

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde laughed then snorted, before laughing again at her snort. " I would love both, but I doubt these shepherds are hearty enough for the task. So probably the front."

As Freya worked the muscled back with the soap and sack, Ulfhilde began to purr. It was wonderful having an attendant, but even more so having a woman with skilled nimble hands. What made Freya even more skilled was the fact she could get through her thick muscled body to the softer tissue. It was really top tier, almost as skilled as one of the Adjmi Pleasure Pits. Those were good times, even if the Adjmi men weren't so handy, especially the soldiery. Skill the Pleasure pits were remarkable.

"We could bring them both back in and have some fun. Trust me Freya all work and no play makes work three times as dull! Find you a man or woman, roll about in the hay, as the farm folk says!" She states as she looks over her shoulder and stops her eyes from shifting from fun-loving Ulfhilde to the more serious Ulfhilde the Bear Maiden. In doing so she rose and used her huge fist to grab a rat that was on the edge of the tub. As she did a cacophony of rats began to chitter and squeak. It seems the little bathhouse was covered in them.

"Shit, we are surrounded!!!"Ulfhilde says with a sickening pop from her fist, having shattered the rat's body. War had started and she was up on her feet and her body tensing. growling she began to speak in the primal language of the earth her minimal spiritual magic surging through her as Ulfhilde grows claws and large teeth! Her eyes focus more like a bear and two bear ears sprout from the top of her head. The Battle was on as Rats poured in like a flood.

 

[siobhancan99]

"I'm not real keen on teaching these newly minted men how to wield their spears. IF you've the patience for it, by all means" Freya continued her thorough washing, then as she saw the rat in Ulfhilde's hand she gave a not terribly fierce shriek. Rats were disgusting, and she'd long ago stopped sleeping on the street so she was not as accustomed to them any more. She put her hands together, thumbs facing each other and fingers splayed, then spoke a word and a sheet of fire spread out, incinerating a good chunk of the wave of rats. She huddled down in the tub, hoping the hot copper sides would prove some impediment, and launched another of the flame sheets from her hands in another directions "fucking gross" She exclaimed "and of course I don't have my blade. At least we know rats are really behind it. Small comfort."

She watched more rats pour in, and readied herself to try to drown them in the tub. Failing that she had another spell or two but things looked a bit dire in terms of their numbers.

 

[Shadowlace]

In her magically enhanced state, Ulfhilde took on the mantle of the Bear Spirit. Claw and teeth struck and gnashed, slaying rat after rat. The melee did come with a cost. This cost was the fact she took several scratches and bites. Snarling and cursing the Literal Bear Maiden fought on the blood dripping from her mouth and claws but also her wounds.

As she turned to regard her companion fire was summoned and several rats fell to the flames. Ulfhilde grabbed Freya and tossed the woman up on her back. Ulfhilde then waded through the rat's claws and fangs going. She continued to take wounds. They were minimal but numerous. More and more she struck until she got to the door and shutting it behind fell forward and breathed hard.

"Stupid rats" She spat as she began to try and get to her feet. She was exhausted and in pain. It hurt all those painful bites and scratches. The door however seemed to not be bulging out. but the rats did seem to try and scratch and bite at the door and walls. Slowly the barbarian got to her feet and looked at Freya.

"We need to get our gear!" She stumbled a bit more only to fall to her knees and growl."I...I...don't feel so good" With that, she vomited what looked like chunky bits of rat, tea, and sweet buns.

 

[siobhancan99]

"ugh, how many times do we have to go over this? swallowing is gross. you gotta spit" Freya groaned and sat up, naked and now a bit dusty. "well. Fuck" she looked back at the inn "can you hold the door?"

She ran into the inn, not waiting for the answer. Either her companion could or could not hold the door. There was no plan B. She ignored the scandalized stares of the villagers "Rats!" she called out to them "tons of rats! get your pitchforks!"

Running upstairs she grabbed Ulfhilde's sword and her own, then a potion from Ulfhilde's pack, for healing. no time for modesty, she put on some boots and then ran downstairs, otherwise naked. Bursting through the back door she tossed the potion and Ulfhilde's sword at the big womnan's feet, then drew her own blade, ready to... well she wasn't sure what. Honestly, this called for some big magic. Most of her best spells were illusions, unlikely to fool rats with their sense of smell so keen. They'd think of something... hopefully. "Damn villagers better come help"

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde recoiled at the mix of her stomach contents. The putrid bile made her want to sick up again. As she got to her feet she slipped and looked down her foot in her own bile and well her stomach up ended itself again! Having to heave hard enough to put her hands on her knees the proud warrior slowly rose, and by this time her companion had come back.

She grabbed the sword before it hit the ground and let her hands quickly and deftly take the arming sword in a one-handed grip and worked it through the motions. She grinned and pointed to the door. "Open it, Freya. Lets' see if they want to come out and play!"

When the other woman opens the door. Nothing is there. No rats, just dozens of claw and bite marks. Ulfhilde not satisfying steps in, her steps almost graceful yet at the same time, her muscles tightened with precision. To the mighty redhead, a battle was a careful dance with elegantly brutal choreography. So even now She stepped forward sword leading in what almost looked like a southlander fencing style. It was not smart to limit yourself to one style, Ulfhilde had known when a skinny farmer defeated her with two slender sticks in the snow all those years ago. She learned many techniques from him until she ultimately had to defeat him, kill him, yet pass the men's brutal tests.

Thoughts of the wizened farmer urged her next move. foot past the threshold of the door, she pivoted into a spin pulling her blade close, before springing back out empty palm out with sword slightly back a posed for a thrust. She had dipped low with one leg bent forward a bit and the other bent back but solid. She surveyed the room through her cascading locks of crimson and noted no rats, just the blood, and marks they left behind.
Which is when others had come up to investigate.

Seeing the villagers Ulfhilde slowly stood to her feet and rested the flat of her blade onto her shoulder and cared little should these boys and elders look upon her nakedness. One man, salt and pepper-haired fellow with a gambeson of brilliant bronze and an old steel cap stood with what looked like a flat metal shovel with a fanned-out sharpened tip. Behind him were a few of the burgeoning young men, with spears. The man in the cap well groomed and sporting a few fancy rings spoke with an heir of command.

"We heard your friend cry of Alarm barbarian, but it looks as if you handled it. Though" He paused taking in the sight of both nude women. It lingered a bit longer and the pause too seemed to be dragging on. Ulfhilde grunted and gave the man a slight glare telling him to continue or else.

"Though not before they disappeared. Strange." The man who held a well-groomed mustache took off his helmet and handed it and his weapon to a skinny young lad of no more than 8 or so winters. He entered the bath and began to look about inspecting the place before returning back to his spot.

"You know something, Tell Me, "Ulfhilde said watching the man as he inspected the place. Her gaze became heated with anger. The man seemed to regard her stare and held up his gauntleted hand. At the doorway with the other men, he took his cap and then spoke.

"I must speak with our mercenaries alone. I will be fine, besides, I doubt they would like to be oggled any more than necessary. So Kaleb fetches Jemma and has her bring the ladies some robes and blankets. The rest of you go back to your duties, they may strike again!" He ordered before he turned to Freya and Ulfhilde. The man was not like the farmers. He also wasn't the grey-haired man they had spoken with before. This man though was one of the ones who was in the room looking at maps.

"Before you try to intimidate me Ur, know this I may only have a dagger and short sword, but I can and will fight with my all should you step outta line right now. Unlike my fellow council members, I served here in the frontier during the Expansion. I have fought many of the tribes and lived to tell the tales. I will also say, that I would hate to fell someone as talented as yourself who comes to aid our town, though if you try anything I will reap the field of you" The man stated as he stood hand resting on the pommel of his short sword and the other though held out near his waist, could quickly move to draw his dagger.

Ulfhilde nodded and stood waiting. Though like the man, she had shifted into a position to strike should she need it? It was dangerous to do so, a skilled man in armor against Ulfhilde who wore no close and held just an arming sword. It would be more in the man's favor, but Ulfhilde had fought and slain skilled armored men before whilst naked and unarmed. Still, those were desperate situations and this one could easily be avoided.

Robes and blankets came and were offered to the women. the man gestured for the ladies to sit on the benches and they finally spoke again when another woman came with hot tea. He took a cup and gestured for the women to do the same.

"Apologies for Lord Mayor Cornell, He should not have treated you that way. I am Ser Forrest Corday former knight of the Rostrum Red Shields. Thank you for coming and I will tell you things our 'beloved' Lord Mayor hasn't" Forrest says stopping to take a sip of the tea and smiling at the warmth it brought. Strangely amongst the carnage, the rats had left the seasoned man who seemed to think it nothing more than a business meeting conducted over tea.

 

[siobhancan99]

"Ah, the proverbial cavalry" Freya deadpanned at the arrival of the less than adequate reinforcements. At least there was one among them who looked like he knew which end of the dagger to stick in someone. Impressive mustaches as well. Perhaps a well to do landowner. A former soldier at the very least. He confirmed the second when he spoke. Knighted no less. She'd have to find out if there was a Mrs. Corday. She sat forward a bit, not so forward as to openly invite a glance at her decolletage, more just enough that it would draw the eye with plausible deniability. As he and Ulfhilde compared their cocks she rolled her eyes "Yes yes, we're all quite puissant at arms and aren't we just the toughest." She patted Ulfhilde's arm a moment, then took her tea. She crossed her legs, again a subtle movement to attract attention to herself without giving away a look at anything. Though he'd just seen her naked he was a man of some class and would probably enjoy the dance. Or not. He could be as queer as a Flemandian threepence as they used to say. Still, worth investigating. She took a sip of her tea, then relaxed back against the wooden wall of the bath house. "So, I take you are unsurprised at the rats. I admit I'm terribly curious as to where all of this is going. Hordes of angry rats acting in unison is for certain new to me."

 

[Shadowlace]

Ulfhilde ignores the blanket but dons the robe. with a spot of tea in the cup, she sniffs it and then takes a simple sip. Ulfhilde looks over at Freya and her obvious open charms and smiled a wide smile. So her companion found worthy prey, a bit older, but Freya seemed to like them mature and maybe a bit affluent. At the thought, she took another sip.

"I am capable," Ulfhilde says to Freya as she glowers a bit. As she does she slowly lets her visage weaken. Ulfhildes' memory and experience kicked in and found herself remembering that it's not a blanket insult in the southern lands. Due to the relatively peaceful lives the people live. Peacefully opposed to the harsh lands of the colder north.

As for Ser Forrest, he took another sip and slyly took in the view of both women. The elder paused his gaze even more so on Freya. He got an eyeful before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath."No, I am not surprised about the rats. My manor was assaulted by the largest swarm of rats I have seen above ground. They came in the early morning. My guard, my servants, and my adopted son fought hard but lost. All the women were taken and the men..."

He let it hang as he took another sip and sighed." My daughter and a handful of servants and guards survived as they were defending the fields. I don't have a lot of livestock, but I do grow, fodder for animals, grain, hops, and Apples. I was out listening to a neighbor recount their encounter along with my two best men. Sadly aside from Rats, Bats too were seen as well. As for the women getting carried away, our ranger, before he disappeared said a dozen of small little humanoid feet were seen as well."

The knighted man began to look once more at Freya. He blushed a bit drinking in the soft offered flesh. The imagery of him younger and heartier with the woman before him. Hayloft, feather bed, the soft patch of moss, even the snow flashed in his mind before he coughed and refocused."Apologies I was distracted in my thoughts. Where was I...Oh yes, the humans. I am not certain they are Goblins. Goblins tend to eat rats and bats. So I am at a loss for what creature would work with or even control such creatures. Whatever they are they are on the small side, maybe no larger than four feet in height."

"As for the tracks, well they lead into the craggy hills to the north. What the Unlock call the Crannocks. The locals call them the Törpe punci, which is a bit vulgar but accurate. Still, we need these creatures taken care of. The combination of the vermin and the creatures are causing too many losses good people have died and I fear the town may dissolve completely if this continues." The knight stands slowly and places his now empty tea cup down. He takes another long look at Freya and her succulent self before he turned his eyes to both women.

"I am gonna have some minor potion of healing brought to you. After that, I am gonna organize the guard and militia in the inner city, as well as the young children on rat hunting and watch. Should you need any assistance," He paused and pulled free a small ivory horn."Blow this horn and the nearest unit will come to your location. Aside from that, I have only paltry potions and scrolls to offer. The last party took our better offerings, and they well succumbed to the horde of rats. With that My ladies I will bid you both a farewell for now."

The older man stood and took a deep military bow, before making an about-face and leaving the bath. With that Ulfhilde and Freya were left alone for moments, then a couple of young girls came in and began to clean what they could.

"Seems they are more desperate than we had thought. I am also not a fan of the Crannocks. Strange things live in the Crannocks." The large woman says her robe has shifted enough to slip off her shoulders and expose her chest in the room. The Bear Maiden didn't think anything of it at all. She did seem to be in her thoughts thinking about something deep and dangerous.

"I know what I think, as well as what legends and tales I was told about the horrid place. What is your take on it, Freya?" The red-haired barbarian said hoisting her sword up once more and using the blanket to dry it from the moisture.