The Adventure

Etta pats Gevin's hand and puts on her cockiest smirk.

Etta: "Compassion? Sure you're talking about me? But seriously: I appreciate you not browbeating me like that old windbag. And yes...it's time to guzzle some ale!"

She turns away and heads down the village's main path, trying to keep her expression neutral.

If he knew what I truly felt and thought... and I still haven't told him the truth about that glimmer-vision. Ah, fuck it...drink and merriment will whisk my troubles away, at least for tonight....

---

Etta awakens with the rooster's crow...reluctantly. Groaning, she rolls around in her bed, wishing the sun would go away for a few more minutes.

The previous night had been as celebratory as expected. Etta had reunited with her parents (Keegan and Lyla) briefly, then headed out for drink.

The longhouse was filled, and there were plenty of villagers who opened their doors to let the festivities trickle in. Many a toast was given to Etta and Gevin, and several people gave them gifts of food and trinkets...but as before, Etta noticed whispers and hard stares, clearly directed at Malkath's Vestige.

She overheard one comment that particularly riled her up: "Caldus let her keep it? The old man's losin' his wits...."

But the night was so glorious that the normally combative Etta went with the flow...more or less. The drink made her giddy and witty...but not lustful.

And she certainly could've found a lover. Either an old flame, or some new man, someone who looked at her differently now that she was a returning heroine. But she went home alone around one in the morning, and wasn't filled with regret.

Well, maybe a little regret.

Would've been nice to wake up beside some strapping lad...but my head still ain't right. Guess drink alone ain't gonna clear it. Need time as well.

Finally, she gets up. The Vestige is right where she left it, leaning against the nightstand. The gemstone barely gleams, as if it's also groggy. Etta starts fixing a breakfast of eggs and bread.

Her "home" is little more than a shack on her parents' property. She was still too young to have her own space...or that's the excuse she usually gave. In reality, she could've parlayed her skills into better accommodations, but she'd never taken that step.

Now's the time, I guess. If I'm an Ironsworn, I can't keep acting like a child.

After her breakfast is finished, she dresses, packs her gear, and tidies up the shack. Last night's fun still weighs her down; she hopes Gevin will agree to a moderate travel pace, if they are setting out today. If they aren't, Etta has no qualms with sticking around the Bluff for a few days.

Geving smiles wide as they enter the longhouse. Before long, he's already 4 pints of ale deep and on his way to another. At first he felt a bit uncomfortable as people were staring at his red eye. They would look away when he glanced back, but he knew what was going on. Luckily the ale made that feeling go away.

"Here's to another great adventure." He toasts. He enjoys Etta's company as they drink together. Until one of the patrons makes a comment about Caldus letting Etta 'keep it'. "Hey, why don't you mind your business, huh?" He shouts back probably more angry than he should be.

Normally this would most surely result in a brawl of some sort, but somehow the man simply apologized and left the longhouse. Gevin found that odd, but was soon distracted by a cute looking girl that was shyly glancing at him. "Well Etta, I don't know about you, but I think I might get lucky tonight." He winks, finished his ale and wishes his companion a good night. "See you in the morning."

---

Gevin woke up in a house that wasn't his. He had a minor headache, but it was all worth it. He had a great night. Best one in weeks! He hurriedly grabbed his stuff, took a last look at the woman he had spent the night with and headed to his home to get ready to leave town.

As he washed his face, once again he saw the red eye staring back at him. It made him shudder but at the same time it made him realize the importance of being an ironsworn. These things happen to people who can carry the burden so that others may live without these worries. He looked himself in the eyes and grabbed his dagger to swear upon the iron it held. "To protect the Bluff and the people within, I vow to find out what it means to be an ironsworn."

Once in the village square, he saw Etta already there and good to go. He waved, still looking happy. "I'm good to go, Etta. Just need to pick up some bread on our way out."

"I guess the first thing we need to do is figure out this symbol on the map here." He tells Etta as they walk. "Any idea what it could be depicting."

Etta smirks as she sees Gevin's wide grin, and the obvious bounce in his step.

Etta: "You sure you don't wanna tarry a bit, get some more rest with that...new friend o' yours?"

But Gevin is ready to leave, so they head out. Etta also says an Iron Vow, so that they're both bonded together for this quest once again.

While they know which direction they're supposed to be heading, they don't know what the map's landmarks mean. Etta suspects Caldus remembered all of them, but didn't tell them to challenge them...or maybe he was just being spiteful.

Etta gazes at the map, then at the Vestige. Could it help? Reina had taught her various tricks, but using this magic was still risky.

I have to learn sometime. And the sooner, the better...then Caldus and the loremasters won't dare take this from me.

Etta: "Hold on a second, Gevin. I want to try something with the Vestige."

Etta tries to commune with Malkath's Vestige, but there's resistance. It feels like her mind is being buffeted by strange, contradictory emotions. And does she hear dark laughter echoing somewhere?

What's wrong with this damnable thing?! Or is it me?

Whatever the case, she feels that pushing harder would cause harm...or even outright catastrophe. So she pulls herself back, and the Vestige's red light dims.

Gevin now hears a string of curses that would astonish the saltiest sailor. Finally Etta is able to speak normally, and addresses her Ironsworn companion:

"Sorry. Fuckin' thing is bein' ornery. I guess we just keep walking towards the first waypoint, unless you wanna try and untangle the meanings yourself."

Gevin grins when Etta makes her comment about his night. "I think I'll manage." He says with a wink.

When Etta tries to use the Vestige to help them on their way, he gets a strange feeling. The light of the gem makes him feel a bit woozy in the head. He holds his hand up to block the Vestige from his view and as soon as Etta stops, the feeling subsides quickly. "Well, it was worth a shot." He says, deciding not to mention this feeling to Etta.

"We know we need to go south-west." He mentions, looking at the map. "It will take us into the ragged coast. I guess it's one of those 'You'll know it when you see it' kind of deals." He shrugs and starts walking. "Come on, we're losing daylight."

The first leg of the journey is a tough one. Mostly because both Etta and Gevin don't know what they're looking for. On top of that, Gevin slips and cuts himself on a rock on his way down. Nothing serious, but it means they need to take some time to stop and take care of the wound so it doesn't fester.

After walking some more, they come across a trail in the forest that shows recent footsteps. "Hey Etta, look at this." Gevin says pointing to the prints. "Someone was here recently. They were heading in the same direction that we are. Let's keep our eyes open. With any luck it's be someone who knows their way around here and can tell us more about what we're looking for."

The duo follow the tracks for several miles, but still can't overtake whoever made them. Still depleted from the previous night's drinking, Etta is nearly ready to call for a rest.

Then they notice something up ahead. It looks like three people sitting in a small clearing. Perhaps they've stopped to rest, as Etta planned to? Though something seems off....

They move closer, and call out a greeting, but only one person glances in their direction. They then realize why: two of the three have been cruelly slaughtered, opened up from shoulder to navel. Their lifeless eyes stare at nothing, and their weapons lay useless by their sides. Both are men, and have the look, even in death, of Ironsworn or adventurers, but Etta has never seen them before.

The remaining "person" stands and stares at them. He's dressed in slashed and stained leather armor, a leather helmet, and wields a colossal greatsword; the sword is covered with blood and guts. His black eyes seem to pierce their innermost thoughts, and his flesh is wrinkled and sickly-looking. He also has seemingly-critical wounds, but they don't seem to bother him.

He speaks, and his voice is both cunning and whiny, like a hapless peasant with delusions of grandeur: "Well met, travelers. I hope this scene doesn't frighten you...too much. These two were unsettled by my...unfortunate appearance, and attacked me immediately. I had to defend myself."

Gods, what is he?! A husk? A wight? Something worse?

Etta smiles, and tries to keep her tone jaunty: "Well, it seems you're a formidable warrior, since you dispatched these two with ease. But who...what...are you, exactly? 'Scuse me for being forthright."

Man: "I can be a valuable ally, or a deadly foe. Which will you choose?"

Etta: "Allies, o' course! But why so threatening? We haven't instigated anything, have we?"

Man: "Not exactly...but you're poised to either run or fight. I can see it in both your eyes...in your minds, too. Do not attempt either; it will end badly for you. Rather, let us discuss how we can help each other. For isn't that one of the pleasures of existence? To aid your fellows?"

Evil, power-mad trickster. The longer we banter with this monstrosity, the more likely we end up in its web of lies.

She glances at Gevin, wondering how he'll respond....

The person in front of them sent shivers up Gevin's spine. Every part of him told him not to negotiate with this entity. But his side of reason told him that they still had a long way to go. If they spent all their strength fighting here, it would make the rest of the journey al the more dangerous.

He decides to defuse the situation. Play along so that this person will lower their guard. "Excuse our reflexes, but I'm sure anyone would have the same reaction if they come across a person standing over two men in such conditions." He acknowledges. "As you correctly commented, we are simple travelers on our way to the village of Cliffhold in the south." He had heard of a village by that name before, but was not at all sure it was in the south. "We only got vague landmarks to follow and are searching for one of them. Perhaps, as you say, we can help each other." He intentionally relaxes his stance to show he's not out to harm the husk but remains vigilant to any sudden moves.

"What is it that you would need help with in return?"

The man thinks for a second and notices the change in demeanor from Gevin. He too lowers his greatsword. "Understandable." He says to the fact that Gevin and Etta were weary at first. "There is a third man that traveled with these two." He gestures towards the two dead figures. "I seek information from him. The reason why that is is my own." He takes a piece of cloth from one of the bodies and starts to wipe his sword with it.

"Since I need him to talk, I cannot outright kill him. As you can see here, however, sometimes my instincts take over and I miss that opportunity. I know of this Cliffhold you speak of, and it's likely that I know the landmark you are looking for. If you can help me get the information I need from this man, I will aid you in finding your way."

Gevin looks at Etta and then replies. "Will you also be striking down this third man? We did not come here to kill random individuals or aid someone in doing so."

The husk doesn't hesitate. "Oh yes. I have every intention to kill him too. As would you if you knew what he did." The man says resolutely. "You have my offer. Take it or leave it."

Etta has no intention of letting this monster slay another person, even if this third man deserved it. Which she doubts, as the husk's behavior screams deception, rage, and madness.

We'll play along for now, but end this thing if we get an opportunity. We've sworn no Iron Vow, so my conscience is clear. Backstabbing evil is a virtue, not a sin.

Etta: "I have the same concerns as my companion...but we are in need of guidance. We accept your offer...though as we travel, maybe we can convince you not to kill this man."

Man: "You won't, but you can certainly try. Hearing your arguments will be an amusing way to pass the time."

He points his greatsword to the south.

Man: "The man I seek headed that way. Attacked me along with his friends, but then scurried away once the battle got heated. As expected of swine such as him. He calls himself Sann the Red, on account of his red hair and beard...and the blood he's spilled. He's tall, pale, lean, and usually fights with a spear. You'll know him when you see him."

Etta: "And you won't tell us how he's wronged you?"

The man glowers and grinds his teeth so loud she can actually hear them: "No. As I said, that's my business."

Etta: "Well, what do we call you? And can you at least give us an explanation for your...condition?"

Man: "A name?" He snickers. "Call me Truth-Eater. And I am a husk, as you've certainly surmised. But be assured: there are good husks and bad husks. I'm certainly a good husk...as long as you fulfill your end of our bargain."

Bullshit. But we've made our choice. We'll just have to keep alert....

Truth-Eater walks closely beside them, obviously not trusting them; its proximity makes Etta shiver. It occasionally makes unwelcome comments: griping remarks about the supposed evil in the world; fake compliments about Etta's attractiveness, or Gevin's toughness; or baffling non-sequiturs.

Gods, this is torture. Such a pathetic creature....

She tries to make Gevin understand her intent with subtle words and gestures, so she doesn't alert Truth-Eater. Hopefully he realizes that she plans to get rid of this husk at the first opportunity.

They make good progress, as the husk's wounds don't slow it down in the slightest. The path eventually dips down into a low area, with hills on either side. The hills aren't that tall, but their sides are steep, and they're covered in dense thickets and gnarled trees.

A prime spot for an ambush....

As soon as she thinks this, an arrow whizzes towards them from one of the hills, piercing Truth-Eater's thigh! The husk lets out a roar-whine, yanks the arrow out, and readies his greatsword.

Truth-Eater: "Who dares?! Is that you, Sann?! I would've thought you'd still be running, like a whipped dog!"

A cocky, raspy voice answers from the hill: "Running from what? You? You're a sad, hapless man...or husk, I should say. Easy to trick, easy to humiliate. I admit, you surprised us earlier...but Sann the Red doesn't get fooled twice."

Truth-Eater's screams seem to shake the very trees: "Idiot! Blackguard! Charlatan! Your death is near! Me and my allies will make sure of that! But not before I force you to talk!"

Sann: "Oh, they're your allies? Willing allies, or have you mesmerized them? It doesn't matter, I suppose. You two, either help us destroy this husk, or stand aside. If you fight with it, you die. We have you outnumbered."

Truth-Eater: "More lies! You can't possibly have found more of your sinister friends already!"

Etta draws her bow, deciding to keep the Vestige hidden for now. But which side will they fight on? Or will they do nothing, and let this strange feud play out?

Gevin had no way of knowing which party was in the right here. Would this husk be true to its word? Would Sann even let them go after defeating the husk if they helped? There was no clear answer. But he had made a deal with Truth-Eater. From their limited interaction, it did seem that it was a 'husk of its word'. And it didn't lie about wanting to kill Sann.

He grabs his shield and gets in front of Etta. If there were others, then he would be ready to take the hit and let Etta do what she does best. "I say we take the husk's side on this one, Etta." Gevin tells her in a low voice so Sann can't hear, now positioned in a defensive stance. "Even though I don't agree with its methods, it seemed somehow trustworthy." Hopefully his judge of character isn't wrong.

Even so, it might pay off to try and end the fight without bloodshed. "Listen, buddy." He calls out to Sann as the husk advances. "I don't know if you saw what this husk did to your 2 companions, but I can tell you it wasn't pretty. And attacking will only get you in more trouble. So I suggest you put down your weapons and answer some questions. As for your other friends, they might want to reconsider and make a run for it while they still have the chance or suffer the same fate."

Sann knocks another arrow to go for another shot. It seems he wasn't effected by Gevin's speech.

Sann: "Your delusional pleads will not work here! I know what this thing is out for and there is no way you'll capture me willingly! ATTACK!"

In the bushes next to Etta and Gevin a rustle gives away the position of another person. Gevin quickly moves his shield to guard from that side but not incoming attack follows. Instead, through the shrubbery Gevin and Etta spot another armed man running away.

"Looks like your friends are leaving, Sann." Gevin says with a smirk. This seems to shake Sann's confidence at least somewhat. He lets loose an arrow, aiming it at Gevin this time. A low shot, going for the belly. It strikes the shield, deflecting the attack but the arrowhead flies up uncontrolled and cuts Gevin's forehead. Lucky for him, it's only a superficial wound. It'll bleed something fierce, but nothing life-threatening. "Son of a...!" Gevin exclaims.

Etta disagrees with Gevin's decision to back Truth-Eater. They at least should've played both sides against each other, and tried to tease out more information before antagonizing Sann.

Then again, Gevin's intimidation had worked, and Sann now appeared to be out of allies. Anyway, the two Ironsworn were a team; now wasn't the time to argue.

The trio wait for more attacks...but none come. The husk finally lets out another wail.

Truth-Eater: "The bastard's trying to escape...again!"

He plunges up the hill, heedless of the thorns and branches clawing at him. Etta opts not to follow. Instead, she races down the path, planning to loop around to the other side of the hill, in the direction she suspects Sann is retreating.

She's able to slip into the woods through a less-dense spot, and sure enough, there's Sann, exactly as Truth-Eater described him. His face is contorted by rage and confusion, and he seems to be muttering to himself as he runs.

Your plans have collapsed, Sann, and it's only going to get worse....

Etta doesn't think he's seen her, so she prepares to strike....

Etta's confidence is shattered in an instant, as the ground gives way beneath her! With a yelp, she plunges down, her bow and the Vestige flying from her person.

She lands hard on her side, knocking the wind out of her. She can do nothing but wheeze for a few moments.

Finally struggling to a sitting position, Etta tries to understand what happened. In a few seconds, she thinks she's figured it out: Sann and his allies had covered a natural pit, about 15 feet deep, with forest debris, in the hopes of someone stumbling into it.

And I'm the fool who ended up falling. They knew the path I took was the easiest way to the back of that hill, and planned for it. Clever fuckers! Luckily they didn't put spikes or something down here; probably didn't have time.

She begins climbing out of the pit, but she's lost whatever momentum she had. Hopefully the others aren't stymied by Sann's trickery....

Gevin is right behind Etta. With the target on the retreat, he had needed a minute to switch his shield for a sling. He's rushing forward when suddenly Etta disappears from sight. The pit is quite deep, but not impossible to climb out of. He's now torn between going after the target or helping his friend.

Gevin kneels down next to the pit to help Etta. "Here, grab onto my sling" He uses the weapon as an improvised rope to help her get out. That's when he hears a twig snap behind him. He turns around to face what's there, but it's too late. Sann's buddy who they had seen running away had not gone anywhere. It was all part of the plan and he was now back to help out. With a swift kick to the shoulder, he puts Gevin off balance to make him fall into the same pit. "Nooo!" Is all Gevin can say.

With his last bit of reaction he tries to grab onto the man's leg. With any luck it would spare him a trip down to the bottom. Or at least drag the guy with him.

Gevin manages to cling onto the ankle of the person who just kicked him. The rest of his body dangling down the pit. "You're not getting me that easily!" He tells the man, looking up at him and finally getting a good look at who he's facing. Sann's friend is a man who seems to be in his late 30s. He's going bald and has a rough beard. Two daggers and a shortsword are attached to his belt and he's got a small backpack on. His clothes don't look very fancy, but he's wearing a leather vest underneath a simple button up hempen shirt that has lost most of its buttons.

But then he spots something... Where the buttons are missing and the vest is revealed, a symbol is stamped on the leather vest. The symbol of a mountain peak in front of a swirl. The second symbol from the book that they need to find to get to the place Elder Caldus talked about. He realizes that this guy will know more about it. This symbol does not depict a landmark as such. But it's likely the symbol of a village or group of people.

The man reacts by trying to shake off Gevin. So far he's not reached for his weapon yet. But he won't be surprised for long.