[color=gray][h3][sup][sup]CAST:[/sup][/sup][/h3][/color][@Yankee][@Theyra][@13org][@xAlter]

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[center][table][row][cell][h3][b][sup] A SPIDER'S THREAD [/sup][/b][/h3]
[justify][color=silver]  [color=#4FAB55]“What’s the verdict on House Fenris?”[/color]

[b]“Their keep ‘s taken, the black wolf ‘s dead.”[/b]

[color=#4FAB55]“With absolute certainty?”[/color]

[b]“Aye, th’ blackcoats took some casualties in the process, fucker wouldn’t stay down— but e’s dead for sure. Black wolf’s now a blackened husk on the pyre.” [/b]

[color=#4FAB55]”Splendid, I’ll correspond with Elkheart to relay this information to him. Once his clan hears word of the Fenris instability, I assume they’ll mobilize to head north.”[/color]

[b]“And my end o'the bargain?”[/b]

The well-spoken man cloaked in a forest green tapestry stared down at the young northman with auburn hair that asked this question. Within the looming figure’s cowl, two faint green glows could be seen where one would assume eyes were meant to be. His face was indiscernible beneath that hood, perhaps due to magic, or something else unnatural swirling within the umbra beneath the cloth. 

The cloaked man reached down into a bone decorated leather satchel hanging from the side of his black horse; from within it a slow draw outward would reveal a simple gray metallic wristband etched with runic glyphs. The stranger extended it out to the auburn-haired northman with not a spoken word, just nudging it towards him in silence.

[b]“Quite weird for some southern wanderer t’ have an elvish artifact stowed ‘way.”[/b] The young northman took the wristband and slipped it onto his wrist, sliding past his ginger arm hairs before it tightly fastened itself onto his freckled skin.

[color=#4FAB55]“Weirder for someone from the three clans of the North to betray their own people.”[/color] The hooded figure replied frankly before turning to step upon a bootloop along his horse’s side and swinging over to sit atop the stallion’s saddle.

[b]“I ‘ve no love for the North, not for a long time now. Be happy to see ‘t burn, Heavenspeak and all.”[/b] The northman grunted before drawing a circular pattern into the dirt of the forest floor, which slowly caused the earth to churn and fold in on itself until a passage opened beneath him— stairs and all.

[color=#4FAB55]“Then we are allies all the same, but I would pray the Heavenspeak does not burn and melt away. Should that come to pass?.. that old thing would make certain that the North’s opposition is wiped out in a fortnight.”[/color]  Following those words, some strange trick of shadow and light shimmered across the dark stallion the cloaked sat upon and slowly it would become translucent until the horse and its rider were completely invisible. But the sound of hooves against dirty and dead leaves could not be mistaken as he rode off into the dark of night.

[/color][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://cdn.displate.com/artwork/270x380/2024-12-22/9c7636ec-f1a8-4aed-b824-9a2d592a63be.jpg[/img]

[center][sup]Two enemies meet in the Skitterskog
One is a northman with ties to the betrayal of Fenris
The other a mysterious hooded figure cloaked and concealed in magic[/sup][/center]
[color=2e2c2c]................................................................[/color][/cell][/row][/table][/center]
[center][table][row][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell]

[img]https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ce/2f/f3/ce2ff33067691b6410443c3a49294470.jpg[/img]

[center][sup]Strangers gather for the first time
News of Stonecrown being attacked reaches new ears
The ensemble agrees to head east[/sup][/center]
[color=2e2c2c].................................................................[/color][/cell][cell][h3][b][sup]STRANGERS IN THE BACKROOM[/sup][/b][/h3]
[justify][color=silver] It was almost as if the Stone’s Throw itself breathed out a sigh of relief when every mercenary in the room agreed to assist Brigitte. The wooden walls creaked and cracked as a gust of cold northern wind spilled in beneath the door and swelled the room with icy air. The Lady of the North visibly melted at the revelation of this outcome, shoulders dropping and head slumping down as the adrenaline siphoned out from her body and that cold sweat warmed with the rapid beating of her heart. There were so many ways this interaction could have gone? All three could’ve said ‘No’ and all Maeki would really be able to do is offer a night or rest and supplies before sending her on her way. But perhaps that was how the winds of fate worked? Blowing the pendulum in one direction only lasted for so long before it would need to swing back in her favor. Or maybe like her mother always said; The Heavenspeak whispers unheard to bend destiny in favor of the North.

[color=brown]“Well’en that’s that! Ye’ve got’n a little caravan of caraways ta’ make sure ye’ make it to the border in one piece!”[/color] Maeki cackled out loud and even slammed his fist down onto the wooden table as a rush of excitement surged in his blood.

[color=orange]“Don’t get too excited half-blood, they ‘ve quite the burden traveling with Lady Fenris. I wouldn’t take th’ main road— but Eastruin, the old dwarven tradeway, that’s sparsely used by ‘ne other than travelers.”[/color] Bet leaned in towards Maeki, whispering into the tavernkeep’s ear for the briefest of moments before stepping away and heading back towards the door of the back room. “Good luck t’ all of you. Winds ‘n your favor— that’s the old saying ‘aye?” She looked to Eirun and winked an eye before returning back to the bar to make sure the tavern wasn’t being destroyed in her absence.

[color=#C3BDFF]Thank ye' all, truly— as for pay ‘nd all ‘at, I’ll cover everyone’s room ‘n board expenses for th’ night. When we reach Bastion, th’ eastern town close t’ the border, ‘ve got a handful of platinum which should be more than enough t’ keep everyone fed.”[/color] Brig’s long-winded response was less of a nervous word-vomit and more-so a desperate explanation as to how she could compensate these strangers for risking their lives to travel with her.

[color=brown]“Don’t ye’ worry about rooms ‘nd grub fer the bunch of ye’ . Since everyone ‘ere is willing ta’ fight for the Wolf, it’s on tha’ house! And I’ll be sending a raven ta’ the Iron Wall so th’ dwarves up north know ‘bout Kurt. They won’t be too happy ta’ hear that mage cunts ‘re sparking shite up without ‘em knowing about it.”[/color] Maeki offered a coy smile to Brig and Nika before slamming his hand one final time onto the table and rising from his seat and slowly making his own way to the door.

[color=brown]“O’ one last thing, Aslan ‘nd Eirun, I meant ta’ tell ye’ both before you left. A child arrived early today claimin’ that some nobles from Luxu were combin’ through th’ forests with a pyromancer. Eastern borderin’ forests remain safe, but if ye’ need to send word ta’ anyone you know out ‘ere, I’d do so sooner than later!”[/color]  Maeki was a rather jubilant half-dwarf despite his history as a war veteran from the Rebellion, and rarely did he choose to bring the mood of the room into a downward spiral. Another dark omen for the group to carry with them it seemed, that as they ventured East away from danger that not even Brig had known about. The West might have something else going on unbeknownst to them.

[color=#C3BDFF]“Right — well… I suppose th’ best thing t’do would be rest up, gear up, I’ll coordinate with Maeki for supplies ‘nd all that.”[/color] Brigitte looked back to Nika as she spoke, spending no time hesitating on action since it was apparent that the clock was already ticking.

[color=#C3BDFF]“If any of you need something specific, let th’ merchant know their order ‘ll be paid in full by Fenris.”[/color] Once those words were spoken, Brig reached down into a satchel tightly attached to her jerkin and from within plucked out three iron coins with a wolf’s head etched onto their surface. She stepped up to each of the mercenaries and offered each one the insignia of Fenris as a means to prove legitimacy to their claims of her payment.

Once completed she would step back to Nika with the most exhausted smile weakly worn upon her lips. Cracked and bloodied as they were, the warmth on her expression seemed… hopeful? A light in the darkness, a glimmer of hope that had just sparked to life now in this moment.

It looked good on her, Nika thought. Bedraggled as she was following the pair's flight and learning of the attack on the keep, even a little optimism was better than the mania and despair she'd been wearing. He returned the same weary smile back to her. Her hope was infectious, fragile as it was, and some residual energy stirred Nika's body. It would not last for long.

[color=rosybrown]"I'll help you with th'supplies,"[/color] he told Brig with a nod. The sooner they got it done, the sooner they could both chance a rest. 

The pact knight looked to the mercenaries before the newly formed group could filter out of the room. [color=rosybrown]"We'll meet out front t'morrow. Early, w' th'sun,"[/color] he said. His eyes narrowed - not in a hostile way, but searching. He could not so easily give the three of them his trust, especially with the Lord of the North's words still echoing in his recent memory, but something lighter than that was probably doable. Some confidence that they'd show up in the morning without any nasty surprises. 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Maybe not so early, Nika... ‘ve not slept in a bed for th’ whole trip. If you ‘d like to wake up at th’ crack o’ dawn and assemble with ‘em to make sure they’re taken care of.”[/color] Brig smiled weakly to her knight and stepped in his direction to rest a weak arm on his shoulder, slumping her weight onto the man for support. He let her, of course, automatically shifting his posture slightly to better hold her up. [color=rosybrown]"Aye, aye,"[/color] he said softly, the pair's tone and actions a little more casual than perhaps expected from noble and servant.

[color=#C3BDFF]“We’ll talk privately ‘n the room Maeki’s prepared for us. There’s a few things I need t’ find out, but we’ll leave early t’morrow— that’s guaranteed.”[/color] The smile melted away a little more with each word spoken by Brigitte, and the warmth on her expression froze over as she seemed to stare straight through Nika into the wall behind him.

Nika's gaze lingered on Brig as she sobered and her own grew unfocused for a few moments before he threw one last look at Aslan, Eirún, and Siegfried. He did not reiterate the meeting time, but seemed to imply it without words all the same. Maybe this part was actually a test, as they'd leave when the Lady Fenris was ready but they'd assemble before that; take stock, ready the horses, and see who was going to take this mission as seriously as they said.

He gave them a stiff nod, and then his attention was back on Brig. [color=rosybrown]"C'mon,"[/color] he said, ushering the both of them from the back room. 

As they departed from the back room to leave the mercenaries alone with Maeki, Brig glanced back one final time with a pale look on her face. [color=#C3BDFF]“Tomorrow,”[/color] It was a promise that she would be there, and she hoped that they would too. She notes the innkeepers mention of Western forces making their presence known in the forests, it wasn’t the first time and she knew it wouldn’t be the last. But she also knew that nobles quite often underestimated the beasts that inhabited the north, and even more so the people who lived alongside them.

[/color][/justify][/cell][/row][/table][/center]
[center][table][row][cell][h3][b][sup]A[color=2e2c2c].[/color] Night's[color=2e2c2c].[/color] Respite[/sup][/b][/h3]
[justify][color=silver]Part way through finalizing things with Maeki, Nika had taken a break to practically shove Brig into the room they'd been given upstairs so that she could rest. Her strength had been flagging for a while, and the relief following the meeting with the mercs only appeared to sap it from her faster. There wasn't much more to go over with the half-dwarf anyway, and actually packing and securing the supplies was something that Nika could handle just fine on his own.

The tavern owner was turning out to be a very generous person, but given that he felt indebted to the Fenris family it wasn't all that surprising. Kurt seemed to inspire that in people; despite the surly impression he tended to give off, he was more hands on and helpful than most men, let alone rulers. It was reassuring to know that the man, and thus his daughter, had allies even far afield from Stonecrown. Maeki was far from the only person Lord Fenris had helped, after all.

Nika returned to the room a little later with a small platter of food in his hands, courtesy of Bet. His shoulders hung low, heavy, like the plate wasn't the only thing he was carrying, but at least he didn't seem to be in poor spirits at the moment. Their road provisions were all set and ready to grab in the morning, they'd apparently found a few competent hired swords, and best of all they had a roof over their heads again. Things were looking up a little. 

He hadn't forgotten what Brig had said earlier though. He glanced over at her while he set dinner down on a short wooden table. 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Thank you, deeply, Nika.”[/color] Brig settled down onto the tavern room’s bed, which wasn’t all that fancy, but a mattress filled with pheasant feathers and a fur blanket was more than the noblewoman could ask for to put herself at ease. 

She had waited for him to return to begin breaking down her jerkin, unclasping buckles, removing belts, and tugging at the leather string that kept the leather armor taut on her forebody. Once it was removed, what damage she had sustained from the explosion at her home would be a bit more obvious— small wooden shrapnel had grazed her sides near the hips to leave superficial lacerations. Nonetheless, there were obvious bloodstains in her undershirt and Brigitte hissed as she took a soaked cloth from a steel bowl nearby to begin wiping the wounds. “And thank th’ Speak that our western enemies 're reviled by most.” She chuckled weakly before dropping the red-soaked cloth back into the bowl.

There was a window that looked out from the room out into Blackpebble, night had come swiftly and still people went about their day with torches and lanterns in the cold darkness, completely unaware of what trouble had encroached upon the North. Perhaps it was better this way, knowing of the attack on her father might’ve stoked chaos among the common folk. Maybe more turncoats would come out of the woodwork, but that was a problem for another day. Mend up, gear up, get the fuck out of town and head east would be the plan for now; but the fear of who she could and couldn’t trust still weighed heavily on her mind.

[color=#C3BDFF]“I think Bet s’a spy.”[/color] Brig broke her own introspective silence frankly. [color=#C3BDFF]“I don’t think she’s ‘n enemy, spy might not even be th’ best word for it. But Maeki trusts ‘er so I don’t think we should say anything.”[/color]

A heavy sigh spilled from her lips between gritted teeth, and then she’d slowly pulled herself off the bed back to her feet and lumbered towards the food Nika had brought to the room. The platter was quite generous; cheese, cured meats, a small bowl of what looked like potato soup, and what Brig went for directly... a sprig of deep red snowberries. She plucked the whole batch from the plate and wolfed them down in a single mouthful, staining the inside of her mouth the same color before grabbing the wooden spoon to begin shoveling some soup down her throat. They had rations for the trip, but that typically meant dried jerky, hard bread, and barley beer, they were all easy calories that could last the distance of long trips without the risk of spoiling. 

Her words had caught Nika off guard, and the knight blinked down at the tray for a few moments while Brig dug in. Something like a spy...? Then should he have been testing the food for poison first, or something? Not that he knew what it tasted like. There had been stewards for that kind of thing in the castle, but he guessed that would be part of his job now too, which he'd instantly failed at. At least Brig didn't seem to be suffering any symptoms, thankfully.

[color=rosybrown]"Wha' makes ya say that?"[/color] he asked. He'd begun fishing a few supplies for wound dressing out of their small pack, setting them aside for after the heiress was finished eating. [color=rosybrown]"Y'said you don't think she's an enemy, but if she's not a friend either...? I dunno, she seemed normal t'me... well, mayhap more knowledgeable than you'd guess for a tavern maid."[/color] 

[color=#C3BDFF]“I know her husband’s not from th’ North, but that’s not just it, she knew a lot more than a simple tavern maid should’ve known.”[/color] Brig wriggled her nose and hummed as she tried to iron out the full intuition of what was drawing this conclusion but couldn’t put her finger on it right away. 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Her smell, she carries th’ scent not of poison or blood. But ink and paper, s’hard to pick up with the stench of food ‘nd liquor.. but it’s there. Like I said, I don’t think we should linger t’ find out what she’s doing, but might be worth holdin’ onto.”[/color] She didn’t feel that whoever Bet was working for was a threat, or else Maeki likely would’ve thrown her out a while ago. But it wasn’t her father, or she would’ve known about this plan and would have had a different reaction altogether. Another lord in the North, or maybe even the East?

[color=rosybrown]"I'd never doubt your nose, lady wolf,"[/color] Nika said with a hint of teasing.

The topic lapsed into the sounds of eating as Nika picked portions off of the tray for himself and finally joined Brig in devouring the dinner spread. They'd eaten together hundreds of times before, but never in such bleak circumstances. 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Surt traitors.”[/color] Brig spoke quietly without making eye contact with Nika. “Do y’ think uncle knows, or ‘s involved?.. I couldn’t imagine.” She went silent again as the spoon was placed back down onto the plate. [color=#C3BDFF]“But t’ learn that his two youngest sons?.. even ‘f he’s not involved. Don’t think he ‘ll be too happy ‘bout that information.”[/color]

Nika didn't respond at first. Unpleasant silence swelled between the two of them as Brig's pact knight turned to busy himself with applying a thin layer of some of the poultice Maeki had included with the supplies onto a cloth dressing. His own feelings on that particular subject were so varied that trying to sort through them just left the man confused, so he hadn't tried. He was angry, of course, but the betrayal that appeared to him to come out of nowhere had brought with it shock, sorrow, and even a sense of shame. He was a Surt too, technically, but he hadn't noticed a damn thing leading up to it. 

When Nika finally did speak, his voice had grown quieter too. [color=rosybrown]"He must know. Before, or by now. I... want to believe that Lord-Uncle Surt wasn't part of it, but I never would've thought that Jord, arsehole that he is, would do somethin' like this either."[/color] 

He'd honestly thought that if Jord ever snapped it would have been his life that the Surt son tried to take, not Lord Fenris'. Their relationship had never been great -there was a point where it had even been openly antagonistic- but Nika had hoped they'd gotten over the worst of it. Had Jord's anger shifted targets leading him to become wrapped up in some conspiracy, or had he always harbored feelings of rebellion? And was there any sign that Nika could have picked up on that would have prevented this whole thing? 

He shook his head slightly to rid the thought from his brain. [color=rosybrown]"An'that's to say nothin' of Jorg. Can't imagine how it must feel to learn his son's death was a ruse and he's come back just to try an' kill Lord Fenris."[/color] 

Brigitte listened intently as Nika spoke, finding herself having a high degree of value in whatever he had to say on this matter. The Surt clan were closely integrated with that of Fenris, but they took Nika in... so she could only imagine how he was feeling right now. It nearly soiled her appetite before finally she remembered something, information that existed before the attack in Stonecrown. [color=#C3BDFF]“I think that Lord Surt, Uncle Bren, was supposed t’ be heading East s’ well.. t’ meet with some dwarven foreman about securing blast iron for th’ soldiers.” [/color]

And then a frown slowly formed along her lips as the thought of her father and uncle both being led out of the safety of their cities to be cornered or killed while out doing good deeds for their people. Blackcoats were high priced assassins you’d never see in the North, they’re often hired by western or southern merchants to kill off competition without leaving evidence to point back at them. There were multiple of them too, so whoever helped orchestrate this must’ve had deep pockets. 

Nika nodded. The head of house Surt had said something like that, he recalled. It said nothing about whether the man was involved, as being away would have been awfully convenient if he was, but just as inconvenient if he wasn't. Still, Nika couldn't imagine that his son's activities hadn't made their way to the man's ears in some way or another even if he had been ignorant to the plot. 

When they traveled east, would they run into the Lord Surt? Would they find him safe and sorrowed but willing to help, or under siege himself, attacked away from home? Or... would they find that they'd be walking into the arms of another traitor?

[color=#C3BDFF]“Thinkin’ bout all this shit is splittin m’  head open.”[/color] Both of Brig’s hands come up to her forehead as she grips along her hairline.

[color=rosybrown]"You're tellin' me,"[/color] Nika replied softly. [color=rosybrown]"Here, c'mere, lemme dress the cuts proper."[/color] 

He held his own hands, full of clean bandages, up expectantly. 

Brigitte scooted towards Nika and lifted the bottom of the bloodstained shirt to display the superficial cuts once again. There were horizontal lacerations along each side, only an inch or so deep and blood had already begun to coagulate. Strangely enough, Kurt and Brigitte did seem to heal naturally a little faster than your ordinary northman would; but with as fresh as these cuts were, some dressing would definitely help speed the process up even more. [color=#C3BDFF]“We’ll have to take th’ main road for some time, but if things go t’ shit— probably best we head into the Eastweald. Beasts ‘re gunna try killing us, but ‘ts better than mage knights finding us.”[/color]

[color=rosybrown]"Right,"[/color] Nika replied automatically, more focused on pressing the bandages onto Brig's wounds and wrapping, but he paused when the words actually sunk in. [color=rosybrown]"Then you wanna take a direct route to th'border? I believe ya about Bet, but I think she's right that we should avoid th'main thoroughfare."[/color] 

[color=#C3BDFF]“I completely agree with her, but if we’re going t’ try and make it to th’ border at a reasonable speed, we’ll need t’least start on th’ main road and make as much distance s’we can.”[/color] Brig hummed to herself between little grunts with each press of bandages onto fresh wounds.

[color=#C3BDFF]“We’ll need t’ get camping gear too if we ‘re planning on goin’ into the sticks. That wildwoman that agree t’ help us, and th’ fellow with the southern complexion seemed t’ have bolts or arrows on him. Think I saw a quiver.”[/color] She carefully tried to reach over to the platter of food and pull a piece of cured venison for herself to start munching on.

Nika couldn't deny either statement. He murmured some noise of agreement before adding, [color=rosybrown]"got some already in what Maeki's given us. Real basic stuff, an' not enough for five people, but I'll see what else we can find in th'morning."[/color] 

He pulled the bandage roll snug and tied it off, patting Brig's back with a calloused hand to let her know he was finished. He'd do his own wounds later. He then pulled away, leaned back on his palms and stared up at the ceiling for a few seconds seemingly wrestling with whether he should say something or not, but eventually he looked back at Brig and asked, [color=rosybrown]"Wha'd'ya think about them, anyway? All three o' them."[/color] 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Can’t trust any of ‘em right away, but more hands ‘nd heartbeats help our odds.”[/color] There’s this stoic look in Brig’s eyes, it’s distant, and the dark sclera within the white widens as she stares through the door to their tavern room.

[color=#C3BDFF]“Doesn’t matter either way, we should both be dead. Th’ fact we’re alive is because Kurt told us t’ flee with our tails tucked ‘tween our legs.”[/color] She scoffs before shrinking down and going limp, sighing the last bit of breath out of her lungs.

[color=#C3BDFF]“Think th’ Eastern lords will accept us with open arms?”[/color]

[color=rosybrown]"Not a chance,"[/color] Nika sighed. He was a little optimistic that they'd get an audience and even some help, but unconditionally, with 'open arms'? That seemed unlikely. If anything, the precarious state of Lord Fenris, and Fenris as a whole, might disillusion Kurt's allies of any thoughts of fighting and coming out on top. He hoped that wouldn't be the case, though.

After another long moment Nika stood up, leaving the bed to Brig. He stretched his arms out and up over his head, feeling the painful and yet pleasant pull of the muscles in his back. [color=rosybrown]"Though nothin' to do but deal with it when we get there. Get some rest for now, alright?"[/color] 

[color=#C3BDFF]“Make sure ye' get some sleep too, ‘specially if ye’re going t’ be awake ‘s early as you usually do.”[/color] Brig would tiredly yawn out as she pulled her shirt back down and turned to lay down onto the bed. A few pelts and fur blankets were pulled onto her before she caught a whiff of what smelled like mead, and touched a sticky part of one of those blankets with a stare of revulsion. Sadly she was alone in her mild horror, as Nika had already turned away.

[color=rosybrown]"I will,"[/color] he promised her. He wouldn't be much use without at least a little sleep after all. They were really going to have to thank Maeki again for giving them food and a room to recharge themselves. 

Quietly, Nika peeled off his own layers to go about redressing his own injury. It wasn't a long process, and once it was through he bundled up once more with an extra fur taken for himself, snuffed the light, and parked himself with his back to the door. He drew his legs up close and folded his arms atop his knees, resting his chin in the divot. From there he could easily see the window and the darkened sky beyond it. If anything tried getting into the room he'd be able to react right away; better to be cautious than caught off guard. Again.

But he would not keep watch all night, like he'd told Brig he would rest too. It was cozy enough huddled there, the room warm from the fireplace below them. 


[/color][/justify][/cell][cell][color=2e2c2c].[/color][/cell][cell][img]https://i.pinimg.com/736x/6d/12/de/6d12def1a9c34f4e014afa8b25f4fbf2.jpg[/img][center]

[sup]The heiress and her pact night rest for the night[/sup][/center]

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