The Romans said... "nullum bonum impunitum"... no good deed goes unpunished... Such is the wisdom of old, yet, in his many years of serving customers at his tavern, patrons that hailed from all places and walks of life, Dean Morgan had never seen such a case where a seamlessly innocent man could be so heavily punished merely for an act of kindness... justice was indeed an ass!
All seemed to be fine in the village of WeepingWillows when the new character arrived there all but a few hours prior to the events.
At the time of arrival, the modest yet busy market square was bursting with life and chatter, money exchanging hands as quickly as the goods did too.
Yet, as the day was decaying and dusk set in so did the cold night. Considering the raising night chill and tiredness after the long journey undertaken, nothing felt better for our wandering warrior than a large pint of mead and hot stew at the lively tavern owned by good old Dean Morgan called The Night Owl.
Little did lord Toyle know he would have been better off avoiding it altogether and trudging along to the next town.
Alas, no matter how great, no hero can ever foretell their own future nor downfall for the matter, and it is for this very reason that he made his way to the tavern for a sought after rest and hearty meal.
There she stood by the raging fires of the large fireplace, an alluring, mysterious woman he had never seen before, alone, by a table.
Judging by her robes she did not seem a wealthy one and given the evident lack of luggage it was clear this woman was of poor means or had left in haste, either way, for a wealthy lord like him, second only to the prince of the realm, it would be quite selfish not to assist a damsel in distress.
He came over to the opposite seat, where they could have each other in sight. There was a dark aura surrounding her, a sense of hidden danger that called out to him. He was of course a devoted follower of the dark arts, letting the forces that be often guide his footsteps, it was perhaps for this reason that fate had put them on the dinner table that night.
"May I take a seat?" asked Toyle politely not wanting a helpless beautiful young woman, to remain alone in a tavern, at such late hour, when rowdy men might try to take advantage of her for lack of companion
All seemed to be fine in the village of WeepingWillows when the new character arrived there all but a few hours prior to the events.
At the time of arrival, the modest yet busy market square was bursting with life and chatter, money exchanging hands as quickly as the goods did too.
Yet, as the day was decaying and dusk set in so did the cold night. Considering the raising night chill and tiredness after the long journey undertaken, nothing felt better for our wandering warrior than a large pint of mead and hot stew at the lively tavern owned by good old Dean Morgan called The Night Owl.
Little did lord Toyle know he would have been better off avoiding it altogether and trudging along to the next town.
Alas, no matter how great, no hero can ever foretell their own future nor downfall for the matter, and it is for this very reason that he made his way to the tavern for a sought after rest and hearty meal.
There she stood by the raging fires of the large fireplace, an alluring, mysterious woman he had never seen before, alone, by a table.
Judging by her robes she did not seem a wealthy one and given the evident lack of luggage it was clear this woman was of poor means or had left in haste, either way, for a wealthy lord like him, second only to the prince of the realm, it would be quite selfish not to assist a damsel in distress.
He came over to the opposite seat, where they could have each other in sight. There was a dark aura surrounding her, a sense of hidden danger that called out to him. He was of course a devoted follower of the dark arts, letting the forces that be often guide his footsteps, it was perhaps for this reason that fate had put them on the dinner table that night.
"May I take a seat?" asked Toyle politely not wanting a helpless beautiful young woman, to remain alone in a tavern, at such late hour, when rowdy men might try to take advantage of her for lack of companion
The Past ~
Yennefer of Vengerberg, the violet-eyed quadroon elf who was born a hunchback, was sold by her stepfather to Tissaia de Vries for four marks. Tissaia de Vries tutors and develops young mages for the royal courts of the continent's kingdoms. It is a magic school for girls. Yennefer's stepfather did not want to raise a violet-eyed hunchback, which he considered an abomination; therefore, she was taken away against her will. She was carried and tossed like a bale of hay into the back of a horse-drawn cart and then onto Aretuza. She was to live and eat at a sorcerer's castle while being trained as a Mage and the Kingdom's Counselor.
While there, she contemplates suicide while holding a shard of glass and staring at herself in a dirty, old, cracked mirror. Tissaia de Vries warns her and reminds her that she has a bright future at the Aretuza School of Sorcery and Magic. But only if she can control her erratic emotions, which tap into Chaos's powers. That requires skill. Teaching that aptitude is the foundation of all magic. Chaos is a powerful source of magic in the world they inhabit.
Five years passed in Aretuza, during which she and Istredd, a young student sorcerer, fell in love and had a sexual relationship. Yennefer had told her young lover that she was half-elven and that her biological father had died during the Great Cleansing. Elven blood cursed her appearance, giving her the twisted spine, violet eyes, and crooked jaw. Unbeknownst to Istredd, that information had inadvertently been passed on to his wizard mentor, Stregobor, sabotaging Yennefer's promotion to King Aedirn's Court as his Royal Mage and Counsel.
Yennefer refused to give up her ambitions for King Aedirn's Court, and when she discovered her seat had been forfeited due to nepotism, she exacted her revenge. The violet mage realized that hard work and intelligence are not enough; beauty and power must be combined in such a package. In a man's world, a woman must be fearful. She enters the transformation room and demands to meet The Artist, a sorcerer who can reshape or perfect Aretuza graduates' flaws. Yennefer's transformation is more complicated than minor flaws; it requires numbing herbs and more time.
The Grand Ball would be in session, full of graduates and royalty, and Yennefer would have no choice but to perform the transformation right away; she would have to bear the pain and suffering without sedation. Her uterus was sacrificed to transform; this was the price. However, she requested that the Artist save her violet eyes and cut wrists. Yennefer didn't want to forget where she came from or who she was. Yennefer soon entered the ballroom, imbued with allure and beauty, reclaimed what had been taken from her, and was seated in King Aedirn's Court for 30 years.
After 30 years of serving Aedirn's King Virfuril, Yennefer has grown bored and cynical. She describes her prestigious role as a court mage as being little more than a "glorified royal arse-wiper" tasked with cleaning up petty political messes for thirty years. While she is technically the mage of Aedirn, she is seen accompanying Queen Kalis of Lyria and her newborn daughter back to their kingdom, which she finds tedious and beneath her.
Ronin Mage, an assassin armed with a lethal spider-like insectoid known as a krallach, slaughters the Queen's guards before attacking the carriage. Yennefer quickly concludes that the King of Lyria hired the assassin because Queen Kalis had failed to produce a male heir after many years of bearing only daughters. Yennefer opens a swirling portal and flees with Kalis, jumping through various landscapes such as a desert and a rainy village. However, the assassin tracks them down by means of the Queen's jewelry. Exhausted and berated by the ungrateful Queen, Yennefer eventually portals away, leaving Kalis behind him. In a desperate attempt, Kalis offers her infant daughter as a "sacrifice" to the assassin, but he still murders the Queen.
Yennefer returns to kill the krallach and save the baby, but as she escapes through the final portal, the assassin throws a dagger.
On a remote beach, Yennefer discovers the baby has died from the wound. This failure, combined with her bitterness toward the "game" of royal courts where women are treated only as "vessels," leads her to permanently abandon her post to seek her own destiny and a way to regain her fertility. Yennefer discovers on a remote beach that the baby died as a result of the wound. This failure, combined with her bitterness toward the "game" of royal courts, in which women are treated only as "vessels," drives her to leave her post permanently in search of her own destiny and a way to reclaim her fertility.
The Night Owl
After burying the infant, she steps through another portal, her heart still broken. To ascend in Aretuza, she needed to claim her stake in her destiny as the High Mage of King Aedirn's Court, which required complete transformation, and the option of ever having children was taken away from her. Yennefer is a survivor; she wipes away a tear from the corner of her eye and walks down the moonlit trail. Her clothes were torn and blood-spattered, and she could hear Tarevrn's people chattering; she couldn't be seen in this state; they'd think she was insane.
She uses a simple spell to clean up, leaving the clothing intact and unstained. Her gaze falls on the Night Owl sign on the wooden doorway. Yennefer enters and takes a seat, dressed in a purple hooded robe and attempting to draw as little attention as possible. The violet mage takes a seat away from the crowd, near the fireplace, which helps warm her hands. She is unaware of her current location; she has been traveling across continents and portal jumping, and she requires time to think and be still.
The death of an infant made her dizzy, and she was seeking a place to sit and learn about the town. As she thinks, a male enters the tavern wearing armor, which is not a good sign; she wants nothing to do with authority, let alone a kingdom. Her attention drops to the wooden table in hopes he overlooks her. There are several other women in the corner eyeing customers. Yennefer's gaze is drawn to the flickering fireplace flames.
May I take a seat?
Yennefer's heart flutters; she's unable to cope with any more upheaval. Her violet hues rise to meet his, and she begins to speak to avoid suspicion or attention. "Umm, well..." his blues shimmer against the flames, and Yennefer takes a breath and smiles into his eyes weakly. "Please do. I welcome the company." Her eyes scan the room, trying to identify this continent, but she can't seem to locate it. How far has she come? "I feel slightly embarrassed. I appear to have lost my way." Her brows furrow; she leans in slightly, whispering. "Who is the Lord or Baron in these parts? Or who is the local Lord of this realm?"
From behind the counter, the barmaid yells in Yennefer's direction, "Have ye a thirst for the new ale or wine, my lady?" Her gaze shifts from the stranger to the barmaid. "Yes, please. Wine will suffice. "Yennefer understands she must pay; she lacks coins. She's unable to use her spells in front of the stranger and signs, returning her gaze to him. The violet mage needs to trust someone; her palm reaches for a shake. "My name is Yennefer of Vengerberg."
"Vengerberg is a very far and distant kingdom. This is the realm of Camelot. King Conrad outlawed all magic three seasons ago, but, his blood thirsty purge of mages and wizards has seen these lands become barren and cursed, pests and diseases, draughts, poverty, hunger and death all around. The king himself is enduring a living death. His son has tasked me with making amends, somehow, though it is not an easy task to find and appoint a new court mage" explained Toyle, paying for his and her food and drink
"What brings you here? So far out?" asked Toyle
"What brings you here? So far out?" asked Toyle
Yennefer studies his face with her violet eyes. He hasn't offered his name, which is unusual after she'd given hers, unless he is deliberately withholding it. She withdraws her hand, placing both in her lap, and listens.
"I see; Camelot, you say?" She immediately considers portal spells, a way to bridge Camelot and her Continent. "King Conrad, is it?" Her gaze flickers between the handsome stranger and the barmaid, who is now watching her, likely anticipating payment.
"How awful, this persecution. I hope His Majesty has luck finding a healer, though that's a challenge considering he purged them. I wouldn't fault anyone for avoiding Camelot." She peers into his blue eyes, resisting the urge to delve into his mind. "You are tasked with this...?" Before he can answer, the barmaid calls from across the room, "My lady! The wine and food are ready!"
Yennefer sighs, realizing she lacks currency. The stranger, however, retrieves the food and drinks. "I thank you kindly," she says, appreciative.
She chews on the stale bread, sips her wine, and contemplates her situation. She needs to return home and secure lodging. "I...may know something about basic healing. I would do my best to improve his majesty's health." She clears her throat. "However, my priority is lodging before discussing the King and his healing."
This situation makes her uneasy. She doesn't take heresy lightly. In her world, mages are valued, acting as royal advisors. Sometimes they are more influential than chamberlains, the church, or even the royal family.
What brings you here? So far out?
Her eyes remain on the wine. "I was on a journey, but there was a sudden detour. It's all still hazy. Distressed, I fell asleep in the carriage and awoke driverless. Then I walked..." She swallows her wine.
"I see; Camelot, you say?" She immediately considers portal spells, a way to bridge Camelot and her Continent. "King Conrad, is it?" Her gaze flickers between the handsome stranger and the barmaid, who is now watching her, likely anticipating payment.
"How awful, this persecution. I hope His Majesty has luck finding a healer, though that's a challenge considering he purged them. I wouldn't fault anyone for avoiding Camelot." She peers into his blue eyes, resisting the urge to delve into his mind. "You are tasked with this...?" Before he can answer, the barmaid calls from across the room, "My lady! The wine and food are ready!"
Yennefer sighs, realizing she lacks currency. The stranger, however, retrieves the food and drinks. "I thank you kindly," she says, appreciative.
She chews on the stale bread, sips her wine, and contemplates her situation. She needs to return home and secure lodging. "I...may know something about basic healing. I would do my best to improve his majesty's health." She clears her throat. "However, my priority is lodging before discussing the King and his healing."
This situation makes her uneasy. She doesn't take heresy lightly. In her world, mages are valued, acting as royal advisors. Sometimes they are more influential than chamberlains, the church, or even the royal family.
What brings you here? So far out?
Her eyes remain on the wine. "I was on a journey, but there was a sudden detour. It's all still hazy. Distressed, I fell asleep in the carriage and awoke driverless. Then I walked..." She swallows her wine.
Toyle listened to her story and immediate needs attentively, giving her his fullest attention.
"Darkness showed mercy upon Camelot to lead you here for this encounter. You need not worry about sustenance or lodging. You shall reside at the royal castle and give counsel to the prince on the best way to make kingdom-wide amends for the bloodshed occurred. Restoration is required though I know not how.
I personally guarantee your safety. As my protegee, your life is assured. The reason I was tasked with this quest is because I am a devoted follower of the dark ways. I believe in forces beyond us that can hinder or help entire kingdoms, changes fates and destinies at will and we ought to afford it proper respect" Admitted Toyle
"I'm duke Toyle, the prince's personal protector and best friend, leader of the armies of Camelot" introduced Toyle
"Your purple eyes indicate your abilities go well beyond healing. How deeply do your powers extend? Is there any hope for redemption for this cursed and forsaken kingdom?" asked Toyle taking her hand to shake it in an amicable gesture
"Darkness showed mercy upon Camelot to lead you here for this encounter. You need not worry about sustenance or lodging. You shall reside at the royal castle and give counsel to the prince on the best way to make kingdom-wide amends for the bloodshed occurred. Restoration is required though I know not how.
I personally guarantee your safety. As my protegee, your life is assured. The reason I was tasked with this quest is because I am a devoted follower of the dark ways. I believe in forces beyond us that can hinder or help entire kingdoms, changes fates and destinies at will and we ought to afford it proper respect" Admitted Toyle
"I'm duke Toyle, the prince's personal protector and best friend, leader of the armies of Camelot" introduced Toyle
"Your purple eyes indicate your abilities go well beyond healing. How deeply do your powers extend? Is there any hope for redemption for this cursed and forsaken kingdom?" asked Toyle taking her hand to shake it in an amicable gesture
"I don't know what to say. That's quite generous." Naturally, Yennefer appreciates the offer. But she also needs to return home; this kingdom of Camelot is a considerable distance from her home. "Restoration for the lives taken?" She wonders how this is possible. The Great Cleansing, also known as the Purge, was a program planned and carried out by the Northern Kingdoms to mercilessly and systematically slaughter Elves using human hands. Yennefer's biological father was, in fact, killed during the Purge.
"Your protégée..." she says with a smile, listening intently to Toyle. "Dark arts have rules, and sometimes when we cross boundaries without understanding the cost, there are consequences," Yennefer recalls, utilizing fire magic on Sodden Hill to combat the Elven army. Yennefer won, but at the expense of her powers. The mage became powerless and had to learn her lesson in redemption to reclaim her powers. Certain forbidden or darker magic necessitates an appropriate source to channel it. Or it may burn out one's soul, as the default source.
"I am honored, Duke Toyle." He then inquires about her eyes, "It's a mutation of sorts, passed down from my biological father." She is unsure how much she can share with Toyle; she must be patient. Royalty and politics can get dirty. Can she entrust him with her lineage? This kingdom has repeated the same mistakes and has been slaughtering magical beings. Perhaps she can make a difference and restore faith in the Kingdom. Time will tell.
She breathes in and considers how much to confess. "In the royal courts, I have provided counsel. There were healings. Another aspect of my duties was teaching. " Yennefer looks at Toyle. "I'll examine the King and try my best to cure what ails him. A kingdom can become exposed and vulnerable due to a sick ruler.
"I am at your disposal, Duke Toyle, lead away," Yennefer says, finishing the last slice of bread and the last drop of wine. "But after I have stabilized the kingdom with a healthy king, I would need to journey back to my home." She hopes he realizes this is a short-term circumstance.
Toyle nodded in acceptance at her offering, making his way out of the heavy oaken entrance door speaking to her as they left the establishment
"Yes, let us work together to find a way to lift up this dreadful curse that weights so heavily upon this land and you shall be rewarded in gold for your services and permitted to freely go about your business, milady. If you feel up to doing so by the end of this endeavor." nodded Toyle in acceptance at her warning, making his way to the stable to bring out two horses, one for each of them, mounting his steed and reading himself for the slow and long trudge back to the royal palace.
He had gone far and wide throughout the kingdom for an entire season seeking a healer or a mage that could help correct this kingdom's mistakes and bring stability again. He had almost given up hope of succeeding were it not for this chance encounter.
Camelot had not just a sick kind... but a very sick land too
"Yes, let us work together to find a way to lift up this dreadful curse that weights so heavily upon this land and you shall be rewarded in gold for your services and permitted to freely go about your business, milady. If you feel up to doing so by the end of this endeavor." nodded Toyle in acceptance at her warning, making his way to the stable to bring out two horses, one for each of them, mounting his steed and reading himself for the slow and long trudge back to the royal palace.
He had gone far and wide throughout the kingdom for an entire season seeking a healer or a mage that could help correct this kingdom's mistakes and bring stability again. He had almost given up hope of succeeding were it not for this chance encounter.
Camelot had not just a sick kind... but a very sick land too
Yennefer nods at Toyle. "Yes, of course." He appears cheerful, which helps to alleviate her concerns. Royalty, politics, and mages form unusual bedfellows. She slips on her purple hooded robe as they leave the Tavern, and smiles politely at the barmaid. She waits outside the barn for Toyle, who approaches with two horses. She accepts the invitation to ride with him. The mage and the duke soon journey towards Camelot.
She truly hopes she discovers an acceptable remedy for the King, and brings him to health; Toyle seems like a man she can grow to trust. It will also be nice to have proper quarters for the time being; she prays all goes well for her and for the people of Camelot.
She truly hopes she discovers an acceptable remedy for the King, and brings him to health; Toyle seems like a man she can grow to trust. It will also be nice to have proper quarters for the time being; she prays all goes well for her and for the people of Camelot.
The journey was mostly uneventful if eerily quiet. What would normally be a weaving of wind, rain and rays of sun was simply scorching dry heat wherever they passed. The horses grew thirsty but there was no water to be found. The fountains and wells had dried up, the springs too, there was no morning dew, nothing that could quench the beasts thirst, only scorching sun and dry wind.
Wherever they journeyed, the plants were withered or withering, the trees of the forests had dried up too, most of them clearly dead, devoid of any leafy canopies with which to find refuge from the sun. Wherever they travel, it looked more a desert than the fruitful green lush kingdom Camelot had always been known to be.
"You will have to excuse the scenery... we lack water wherever we go" admitted Toyle finding no grass for the horses, no green leaves at all, forced to leave the tired beasts to their misfortune and acquire fresh horses to continue the journey with.
Wherever they journeyed, the plants were withered or withering, the trees of the forests had dried up too, most of them clearly dead, devoid of any leafy canopies with which to find refuge from the sun. Wherever they travel, it looked more a desert than the fruitful green lush kingdom Camelot had always been known to be.
"You will have to excuse the scenery... we lack water wherever we go" admitted Toyle finding no grass for the horses, no green leaves at all, forced to leave the tired beasts to their misfortune and acquire fresh horses to continue the journey with.
Yennefer felt the dark stallion's panting heat through her palm on its neck, the dryness mirroring the land's cursed appearance. The targeted mages had the common folk damned as well. The mistrust runs deep; this would be a challenge.
Yennefer observes the trail ahead: a stretch of sparse, withered greenery. Convinced the horses wouldn't survive the journey, she speaks to Toyle. "The beasts will die of exhaustion. We must stop to rest and rehydrate." Realizing he might not understand, Yennefer seeks out a large, nearly dried-up Oak tree with potential. Veering the horse near the withering oak, she dismounts. No one in sight, she's compelled to use her abilities.
Lacking atmospheric moisture, Yennefer taps into the earth's power veins using Elder Speech (Hen Llinge). Shedding her robe, the violet mage presses her palms to the dry soil, closes her eyes, and begins chanting, focusing intently despite her horse's whines. She commands Chaos, drawing moisture from deep roots miles away. The soil darkens as pools of drinkable water slowly emerge, summoned by her focused mantra.
As the ground springs forth a small pool of water for the beasts, she shifts her weight, her right palm pressing against the oak's trunk. She draws energy from the distant and sparse greenery, and she channels it into the oak's trunk. This transferred life force causes the oak to bud and blossom into a canopy of leaves above. Disciplined thoughts and Elder Speech resonate in her mind as she visualizes water below and foliage above.
Overcome by heat and exhaustion, she sought shade and rest. Yennefer allows the horses to drink and rehydrate. Her eyes flutter open, and she hopes Toyle can replenish his horse and rehydrate as well.
"I am thoroughly convinced your presence here is no mere coincidence my lady. This is the only water that can be found in days. Even at the tavern they use cloth to wipe dirty crockery away for lack water" assured and admitted Toyle, leaning down to drink to his heart's content, filling water skins and letting the horses take their fill of the water and rest. It would be a slower journey than he envisaged but if she could bring forth some water, albeit sparsely distributed, she was bringing much needed life and hope.
It was surprising how quickly the tree revived, the water sprung and the leaves blossomed, clear proof she was no ordinary mage and perhaps, mighty enough to help lift the curse that weighted ever so heavily upon everyone in this kingdom.
When they had rested and the horses too, he would saddle the horse again and continue the journey bringing with him the prized scarce water. It would prove vital if it didn't evaporate before they reached their next stop. With this heat, the water would soon grow warm but it would still be adequate for tea if nothing else.
"Ready when you are milady" invited Toyle letting her take her time to rest and drink, recover from the effort before they continued onward
It was surprising how quickly the tree revived, the water sprung and the leaves blossomed, clear proof she was no ordinary mage and perhaps, mighty enough to help lift the curse that weighted ever so heavily upon everyone in this kingdom.
When they had rested and the horses too, he would saddle the horse again and continue the journey bringing with him the prized scarce water. It would prove vital if it didn't evaporate before they reached their next stop. With this heat, the water would soon grow warm but it would still be adequate for tea if nothing else.
"Ready when you are milady" invited Toyle letting her take her time to rest and drink, recover from the effort before they continued onward
Yennefer's breathing steadies, and her violet eyes flutter open as she sees images of the Elders in her subconscious. Her vision adjusts; it appears that Toyle has slaked his own thirst and watered the horses. When she hears what he's mentioning, she hopes it's real and not just a coincidence.
After regaining her orientation, she carefully stands up, splashes water on her face, and then takes her drink. The violet mage places her hand on the horse's snout, and it appears the beasts have calmed.
Her gaze focuses on Toyle. "It's what I had been taught at the school of magic, and what I have in turn taught as well. I've never seen such an arid countryside," she says, picking up her robe and mounting her horse. "This fate is unimaginable for anyone, much less a kingdom. I'm ready...," she says as she pulls the horse's reins and follows Toyle back onto the main route. "I'm hoping it won't be too far to reach Camelot," her eyes look into his.
After regaining her orientation, she carefully stands up, splashes water on her face, and then takes her drink. The violet mage places her hand on the horse's snout, and it appears the beasts have calmed.
Her gaze focuses on Toyle. "It's what I had been taught at the school of magic, and what I have in turn taught as well. I've never seen such an arid countryside," she says, picking up her robe and mounting her horse. "This fate is unimaginable for anyone, much less a kingdom. I'm ready...," she says as she pulls the horse's reins and follows Toyle back onto the main route. "I'm hoping it won't be too far to reach Camelot," her eyes look into his.
"Ten more hours under the scorching sun and we should be reaching the stone walls of capital city. Though I fear the journey bears much resemblance to the draught and death we are leaving behind and passing by" Reported Toyle drawing a map of the route on the arid dusty ground using a dried twig for lack of parchment
Yennefer hears Toyle’s words, she focuses ahead, and hopes to arrive without casualty. “So, be it.”
One would think amidst the misery and hardship, few would trouble thirsty travellers trudging along the road. Such was chastisement enough for any criminal. However, if Toyle expected to have an uneventful journey back, seeing the travel there had been uneventful too, he was sorely mistaken.
Upon passing Piper's Lodge, a small village usually nested in a lush forest, now wasting away in the dried up wasteland, unexpected trouble brewed. The lack of healthy wood to cut down and sell was forcing the usually honest wood loggers to turn to banditry in order to survive. They hadn't struck by night, when Toyle passed by, for few travelers were doing so in the late dark hours but they were fully prepared for the assault in broad daylight and struck, no sooner two figures approached by horse.
Finding themselves surrounded and outnumbered by armed thugs it gave little room to continue the journey.
"Greetings, my lord, my lady, we have come to assist you in alleviating your purse, you need not carry so much weight" Assured Robin with a cheeky grin, the crowd of thugs quickly managing to surround the pair of wandering travellers with ease, having the advantage of greater numbers
Upon passing Piper's Lodge, a small village usually nested in a lush forest, now wasting away in the dried up wasteland, unexpected trouble brewed. The lack of healthy wood to cut down and sell was forcing the usually honest wood loggers to turn to banditry in order to survive. They hadn't struck by night, when Toyle passed by, for few travelers were doing so in the late dark hours but they were fully prepared for the assault in broad daylight and struck, no sooner two figures approached by horse.
Finding themselves surrounded and outnumbered by armed thugs it gave little room to continue the journey.
"Greetings, my lord, my lady, we have come to assist you in alleviating your purse, you need not carry so much weight" Assured Robin with a cheeky grin, the crowd of thugs quickly managing to surround the pair of wandering travellers with ease, having the advantage of greater numbers
rolled 1d2 and got a natural 1.
Note: 1-yes, 2-no
Toyle did not immediately comply, neither did he brandish his sword just yet, raising a peaceful palm to speak in a friendly courteous tone.
He positioned his horse forward, half shielding Yennefer's own steed as he addressed the crowd that was baying for blood, money, water or all of it.
"Greetings to you indeed. She is a woman of poor means but she is under the protection of the crown. If purse be all you seek, take mine and be on your way" offered Toyle tugging at the fat pouch that hung by the side of his belt, tossing the coin purse to the ground, some gold pieces scattering along the dirt though Toyle clearly had little interest in gold and much interest in ensuring Yennefer's safety and a swifter return journey as previously explained to her, not wishing to let her down.
He positioned his horse forward, half shielding Yennefer's own steed as he addressed the crowd that was baying for blood, money, water or all of it.
"Greetings to you indeed. She is a woman of poor means but she is under the protection of the crown. If purse be all you seek, take mine and be on your way" offered Toyle tugging at the fat pouch that hung by the side of his belt, tossing the coin purse to the ground, some gold pieces scattering along the dirt though Toyle clearly had little interest in gold and much interest in ensuring Yennefer's safety and a swifter return journey as previously explained to her, not wishing to let her down.
Yennefer observes the crowd while Toyle speaks to them. Among the people, some appear innocent and simply hungry, while others seem like criminals and may pose a threat. She understands the nature of desperation and realizes that Toyle isn’t particularly worried about the gold pieces that were lost, so she decides not to be either. Toyle’s horse is strategically placed to prevent the crowd from approaching Yennefer, but her primary concern is the potential danger they pose to the Duke. Healing is one of her skills, and she is also proficient in combat.
She speaks calmly. "You have your gold pieces; we have nothing left to offer. Let us pass, and we will be on our way." Yennefer offered no threats; there was only peace in her voice.
She speaks calmly. "You have your gold pieces; we have nothing left to offer. Let us pass, and we will be on our way." Yennefer offered no threats; there was only peace in her voice.
Robin looked up at Toyle in a frown. "A man who so easily discards such a heavy payment must be carrying goods that are easily worth ten times more." Countered Robin matter of fact "Seize them but kill them if they resist!" Called out Robin watching his men close in on the witch, unaware she was so, and surround Toyle
"Halt! Please! Don't hurt her! She's under the crown's protection, it'd be treason to do so! Seize me if you must, but leave her be" Ordered Toyle sharply, sword in hand faster than a breath can be exhaled, clearly an unafraid and very seasoned warrior, that could easily take them down.
"We are peacefully heading to Capital City for urgent business and seek you no ill, no harm. Leave us be on our way, you have your money already" insisted Toyle pointing at the coins scattered on the ground
"Halt! Please! Don't hurt her! She's under the crown's protection, it'd be treason to do so! Seize me if you must, but leave her be" Ordered Toyle sharply, sword in hand faster than a breath can be exhaled, clearly an unafraid and very seasoned warrior, that could easily take them down.
"We are peacefully heading to Capital City for urgent business and seek you no ill, no harm. Leave us be on our way, you have your money already" insisted Toyle pointing at the coins scattered on the ground
The sword he was brandishing was quite lavish, its hilt bore a coat of arms they didn't recognize but this man was nobility for sure to hold that insignia upon his weaponry.
"Drop the sword and surrender and you've got a deal... milord" Agreed and taunted Robin cockily, knowing nobles never humiliated themselves into surrendering without a fight, expecting Toyle to quickly take action.
He was taken by surprise to see Toyle dismount and drop the sword, kneeling without hesitation, arms stretched out for the thugs to seize him. Robin walked around this confusing noble, who didn't look like a coward either, so couldn't be trusted.
"Not her... no... we don't harm women... you... however... " Trailed off Robin as he hit Toyle hard at the back of the head knocking him out completely.
"Disarm him and bind him, bind her too and put them both on the cart, we will use their horses to leave this forsaken forest and go to the capital to find work there" Instructed Robin looking at Yennefer.
"Nothing personal, just survival. Wrists forward lass, and off to the cart, they'll pay much for you at the capital, apparently." Muttered Robin clueless as to whom either of them were
"Drop the sword and surrender and you've got a deal... milord" Agreed and taunted Robin cockily, knowing nobles never humiliated themselves into surrendering without a fight, expecting Toyle to quickly take action.
He was taken by surprise to see Toyle dismount and drop the sword, kneeling without hesitation, arms stretched out for the thugs to seize him. Robin walked around this confusing noble, who didn't look like a coward either, so couldn't be trusted.
"Not her... no... we don't harm women... you... however... " Trailed off Robin as he hit Toyle hard at the back of the head knocking him out completely.
"Disarm him and bind him, bind her too and put them both on the cart, we will use their horses to leave this forsaken forest and go to the capital to find work there" Instructed Robin looking at Yennefer.
"Nothing personal, just survival. Wrists forward lass, and off to the cart, they'll pay much for you at the capital, apparently." Muttered Robin clueless as to whom either of them were
Yennefer watched the events that occurred before her with concern and disgust. Concern for the knight that was trying to protect her with no thought of his own life, and disgust for the cowardly attack of these men who were nothing more than bandits at the moment.
"No!" She exclaimed when Toyle was knocked on conscious, hitting the ground hard before they began to bind him. She had an urge to protect him, but there were far too many men for her to take on singlehandedly with a weapon, and from what she had seen of this land and heard from Toyle, far too many people would see her killed if she used magic and something went wrong. If someone survived, or even if not but someone stumbled upon the wreckage, things would be dire if it were tracked to her.
No, her best chance to help Toyle was to remain at his side. Luckily, this group of thieves seemed to be going exactly where the pair also intended, and not in the opposite direction. With a sigh she glared down at Robin who had been staring up at her, dismounting her horse and holding her wrists out that he may secure them, before allowing them to help her into the cart. Once on the cart with Toyle, she moved closer and leaned down to him, ensuring that he was still breathing, while the bandits prepared to move out.
"No!" She exclaimed when Toyle was knocked on conscious, hitting the ground hard before they began to bind him. She had an urge to protect him, but there were far too many men for her to take on singlehandedly with a weapon, and from what she had seen of this land and heard from Toyle, far too many people would see her killed if she used magic and something went wrong. If someone survived, or even if not but someone stumbled upon the wreckage, things would be dire if it were tracked to her.
No, her best chance to help Toyle was to remain at his side. Luckily, this group of thieves seemed to be going exactly where the pair also intended, and not in the opposite direction. With a sigh she glared down at Robin who had been staring up at her, dismounting her horse and holding her wrists out that he may secure them, before allowing them to help her into the cart. Once on the cart with Toyle, she moved closer and leaned down to him, ensuring that he was still breathing, while the bandits prepared to move out.
Moderators: Tusitala Guardian_Girl Raider-jack29 The Hanged Man (played anonymously) Janella Silentread (played by JustaBitEvil) Catriona and Calum (played by Cherry_Red) Fulco (played by Reyn) Nettle (played anonymously)