Liberty Beguiling

" Jerry, you don't know how happy you've made me, I really didnt want Sval to have to kill you. Now, let's to and find Dimi, you'll feel better with a friend at your side. " Xan nods in Sval's direction, hoping to convey  success. "We have a lot to do before your old friends arrive. Do not waste the opportunity to be usefu l" he comments to Jerry as he leaves the room returning to see what trouble Aleixo and Petros have managed to get into in the meantime.

Sval smiles and extends a hand to help the former  bandit up. When Jerry takes his hand, Sval yanks him to his feet, pulling him so close that, had Jerry been so inclined, he could have kissed Sval without much movement. But this is a different kind of intimacy. Sval's eyes narrow as he speaks. "You have your second chance. Don't make me regret it."

Melanthios looks incredibly disturbed at the thought of someone twisting one of these sacred events. "A fiend perhaps. I wish I'd been alongside you then only so that I could tear the imposter apart with my own hands." He shakes his head, trying to dispel the abominable images from his mind. To help this, Melanthios pulls out his lyre and begins strumming a pleasant tune. As his fingers pluck at the strings they seem to shift and shimmer slightly. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmExqfKa1Uc&amp;list=PLMvX0QJ8-buESzv9mIYfFwhvsD0NaM4_h&amp;index=7&amp;t=56s&amp;ab_channel=AtelierSkald" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmExqfKa1Uc&amp;list=PLMvX0QJ8-buESzv9mIYfFwhvsD0NaM4_h&amp;index=7&amp;t=56s&amp;ab_channel=AtelierSkald</a>

As Jerry leaves Xan and Sval to join his friend the healer stops the Norscan from following immediately with a raised hand. "My friend, I wanted to say to you, that I think we should be on our guard. This is a mercurial band, many strong men with different goals. Aleixo is a good man, he may become a great man, I fancy he will but we may need to keep an eye on him, their is danger from all sides. I don't think Petros is a danger to him, but that massive woman who follows him about looks less stable, and we do not know the others all that well. But let us weather this other storm first, if they wish to I suspect the bandits could be here any time now, and we must be ready." He smiles at Sval as he goes to rejoin the rest "May your blade and bow strike true when needed."

Sval nods and slaps Xan on the shoulder as he turns to leave.&nbsp; "Do not worry, old man. This group is head-strong, certainly. But we'll find a common ground when the bandits come calling." He turns back to Jerry.&nbsp; "You, come with me."&nbsp; Dragging the former bandit with him, he finds Brimblebread in the guest house.&nbsp; "Jerry, meet Brimblebread, the reason you and Dimi are still alive. Brimblebread, meet Jerry, your new ward."&nbsp; As he turns to exit, Dimitrios bumps into him, telling him that Aleixo was looking for him in the tower.&nbsp; Approaching the tower, Sval can hear the faint lyre-song emanating from atop the guard post. Climbing up, he sees the newcomer skillfully plucking the strings of the instrument. Rather than interrupt, Sval leans against the ramparts and listens. He knew how to play as well, though he rarely practiced -- and he had never been as skill as this bard... aoidoi, the Hellenians called them.

Brim had just finished the last strokes on her art when Sval had come to her door with the other bandit in tow. Giving him a happy wave and a toothy grin, she hopped off her bed and strolled to the door, sticking out a hand to Jerry. "I'm really excited to meet you Jerry! I think both you and Dimi have an opportunity here to really turn a new leaf, you know?"&nbsp; As if on cue Dimitrios strolled up to the group, inviting them back to the tower. Seeing Sval turn to leave, Brim followed along, beckoning Jerry and Dimi to follow, as they made their way towards the sound of softly-plucked strings. Hearing the music, she cursed to herself, aw dang, as she wished she'd brought along her own instrument.&nbsp; When the towering man with the strange appearance finally plucked the last of the notes from his lyre, Brim brought her hands together to rapidly begin applauding. "That was really beautiful, sir! Wish I'd known we were gonna play, I'd have grabbed my biwa!"

Melanthios soaks in the praise from the little goblin girl and beams at the assembled audience. "Thank you, friend. I don't think I've heard the song of this 'biwa' before, I look forward to it!" Melanthios stands and gives a little bow. "I am Melanthios Nysaeus, bane of tyrants, bringer of ecstasy, devourer of beasts. &nbsp; I've traveled from the northern jungles to sow The Deliverer's seed across the land. Aleixo here has told me of the bandit oppressors that plague this place and I have pledged to lend my aid to defend this outpost from their tyranny." &nbsp;

Aleixo nods, "A fine fellow, knows lots of the wilds and the pleasures of life. And enjoys a good drink!" He raises the skin, taking another swig and passing it off to Brim. "Join us, sit and talk. It seems we have much in common." He nods at the two former bandits as he speaks.

Brimblebread takes the skin from Aleixo and hops up onto a stool, her legs swinging freely above the ground as she grips the drink in both hands and raises it to her mouth to imbibe. The bitter liquid within forces her to pull it away just as quickly, her face twisted into a look of abject disgust. " Kimoi! &nbsp;Is that what alcohol tastes like? Eughh..." She hurriedly passes it back to Aleixo and shakes her head about. "I'll stick to water and teas. That said, I'd be happy to play you something on the biwa! I haven't had a chance to play much since leaving home, anyway." She considers running the numbers in her head on how long it's been now, but quickly gives up on the idea. "So Sir Melly, how exactly does one go about devouring tyrants and bringing eku-sta-shi to beasts?"

Dimi and Jerry do as they are told, but remain quiet and subdued. Both are clearly still suffering from the wounds that they suffered during the fight and processing the new turn of events.

Aleixo laughs as the goblin struggle with the wine, taking a swig himself and passing it on to Sval. He stays quiet though, interested to hear the answer from the newcomer.

Sval takes a swig from the wineskin and passes it back to Aleixo, then realizes that Dimitrios and Jerry both had wounds that were still hurting. He motions for the others to carry on the conversation and digs out his alchemy supplies. Crushing up some of the celandine he had taken from Petros' ... friend's ... &nbsp;house, he makes a similar tincture to what the had made for Luthien a few days prior. He divides it into two bowls, and hands a bowl each to the bandits. "Drink," he says. "It will help you heal."

Xan joins Aleixo as he drinks with the others, sitting a little apart but close enough to hear the conversation, winking conspiratorially to Brim "I see we have a new friend, how convenient. You have told him what is coming I trust ?" The aasimar asks the goblin. In the fading light his eye glows gently as he looks over the newcomer. " Greetings, I am Xanthos, you have chosen an interesting time to arrive. Our fortune must be better than I had thought." He leans back resting against a wall

Melanthios grins like a wolf. "To devour a tyrant, you start from his roots. You go to his servants, his daughters, his wife. You sing to them songs of freedom, of dancing wild under starlight, of drinking deep and laughing loud. You tell them that they have the power to throw off the binds that their tyrants have placed on them, even the ones they did not know where there. They will come with you, they always do. They come out to the jungles, to the mountains, to the forests. They come to the revel, to the Dionysia, they come to shed their skins like serpents, they become like those ecstatic beasts. Then come their tyrants, their husbands, their fathers, foolish and indignant. They come to take back what is theirs. But the thralls they seek to reclaim are dead. Instead these men, charging blindly into the wood, are met with song, and howl, and claw, and tooth. Blood flows like wine to sate those thirsty roots. And truly, with such a feast, what beast would not be overjoyed?" The predatory smile remains as he takes his skin from Xan and takes a long pull of the wine. "Yes, Xanthos, it would seem so. Tell me, what paths have led you all to this place that you now defend?"

"Yes, Luthien.&nbsp; We insist.&nbsp; You are still recovering and a last line of defense is needed.&nbsp; If they make it past us, you must protect them.&nbsp; if they do, hopefully they will be few in number and injured and demoralized.&nbsp; You might be able to scare them off with just your transformation, eh?" &nbsp;Petros says with a grin.&nbsp; "Now, are you sure you want me to take this back now?" he says holding up the ring Luthien had placed back in his hand.&nbsp; "I suppose your point that I will need it more now is a reasonable one.&nbsp; Well, rest now, and I'll check back in on you in the morning.&nbsp; I should go check on the men outside.&nbsp; Based on the noise, I suspect the wine is flowing," he finishes with a parting smile. Heading back out to the ramparts, Petros makes his way towards the group and takes a seat across from the newcomer.

“Wow,” Brim sat enraptured by the firbolg’s flowing prose. As he spoke, her legs, which had been swinging since she first hopped on to her stool, slowly came to a stop. “I don’t know I fully understand everything you said but it certainly sounded &nbsp;impressive. Did you practice that first?” Without waiting for an answer she speaks back up, her feet resuming their happy jaunt below, “I think if I had to devour a tyrant I’d personally start like with any other creature; roasted until evenly brown and slightly pink in the middle. Oh, in my clan we used to like to add some spices for flavoring and use local plants to add some extra variety. Maybe tyrants don’t cook the same though?” She raises a brow to ponder, but a sudden shift in her features betrays a different thought, as her eys go wide and she sputters out&nbsp; “But I swore off such things, of course!”

Looking at Aleixo but addressing Brim, Petros says "I don't know about that Brimblebread.&nbsp; All that seasoning.&nbsp; Spices.&nbsp; Herbs.&nbsp; That all gets in the way of appreciating the flavor of the particular tyrant you're consuming. Wouldn't it be preferable to just add salt and let it bring out the true flavor of the tyrant so you can be sure of its flavor before passing judgment?&nbsp; You can always season to taste later." &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Xan looks around at Aleixo and for Sval or any of the others, keeping his face still. Turning back to Melanthios he replies " Those are interesting parallels to somethings we have seen recently, I hope this is strange coincidence and that you are going to be a valuable asset to our band " . Raising is own skin, filled with water, to his lips he drinks and as he does he murmurs an arcane phrase,tracing a pattern with his free hand.&nbsp; The spell plays put invisibly, a vague sense of the wild and the Fey clings to Melanthios, but nobody else stands out in any obvious way. He reaches to his athroat and his fingers gently brush the amulet resting there. The confusion of voices assailed him immediately, and he takes a moment to target his magic. The newcomer seems pleased&nbsp; to be meeting the group and having their attention, he pushes the magic at Dimi and then Jerry feeling their thoughts of pain and fear. He resolves to help them before he sleeps and recovers his strength.

Aleixo ignores Petros' stares, taking another swig of the wine before passing the skin around again. He laughs at the description of cooking tyrants though. "I prefer to leave them uncooked. A simple spear through the body is enough, eating them rarely removes them any further from the people they held over."

Dimitrios and Jerry seem surprised and grateful for Sval's ministrations. Dimi begins to relax a little and drink of his cup.

Melanthios nods along with Aleixo. "Yes, raw is best. Heart still pumping sweet red nectar." He says this with all seriousness, but then adds a disarming smile.

Stormchaser said: The next morning, the party are woken by the warmth of golden sunlight and the bird song of the savanna. Somehow, last night's encounter seems like a distant memory to Petros. The memory remains, but was it real or merely a vivid dream? One thing is certain, an intuitive understanding of the location of the Thorn Ford has been burnt into his mind.

Sval awakes early and walks throughout the outpost, getting a lay of the land. He inspects their makeshift defenses as the sun begins to crest over the walls. This place was plenty defensible, and with all the competent people inside, he liked their odds. He checks his sword, his poisons, his bow, and his arrows. Everything was ready. He was ready. He kneels on the ground and waits for the others to awake, meditating on the day to come.

Azul wakes slowly, sleep had eluded him this night. The upcoming battle and the fight with his companions weighed heavily on his mind. Though if he is honest with himself it is mostly the argument that disrupted his sleep. His people valued group cohesion and unity above all else, and feared his actions may have disrupted that. But to let injustice go unpunished was as near a foreign concept as he could imagine. Hearing a deep almost disapproving hoot from above him, he looks up as Sofia flies from her perch. Her deep brass feathers catching the morning light as she lands on his shoulders. "You are right little one, now is the time to prepare not dwell on the past." Stroking&nbsp;her feathers as he speaks. He then checks his armor going over each piece to make sure that it is in fighting condition, before donning the gear. After his armor is assembled he reviews his spell book, an ornate leather book with intricate brass draconic lettering. Ensuring that his spells that can shield and protect him were fresh in his mind. He says a quiet prayer to Athena as he reviews his magics, praying for wisdom, strength and the clarity of mind to provide resolution to this issue. Storing his book he looks to Sofia and says&nbsp; "Please watch the path the bandit mentioned old friend, let me know if you see any signs of movement. Stay high in the sky, and unnoticed if possible" As Sofia takes off he looks around the fort and finds Petros and in gravelly Hellenic says&nbsp; "Good morning Petros, are you prepared for the day? For good or ill I feel our actions today will echo throughout this land."

The wellspring of his power invigorated Xan, the healer rising more easily than he often did. The day felt momentous already, something gnawed at him, telling him to be ready. He felt energised and he had used his healing magics last night giving them a chance to recover while he slept. He had been glad to ease the suffering of the two new conscripts&nbsp; Jerry and Dimi but had been unwilling to drain himself completely in case they had been attacked in the night and he had not yet recovered. He saw others rising, Sval was up early, the joys of youth, he thought to himself. Well good luck to him, age finds us all far too fast, and if it doesnt then your thread was cut too soon anyway, which is even worse. He heard the dragonborn's voice as he spoke to Petros, smiling a little at talk of significant deeds happening today, they all felt it then, just like him. The skein of destiny would focus itself on them and they must not disappoint the watching gods.&nbsp; He closed his eyes in prayer, kneeling on the bedroll, he seldom prayed, he was aware enough of his heritage to know what he was, what he represented, the gods had blessed him greatly, but the shared ancestry, no matter how slight the celestial blood in him was, seemed to deter him rather than encouraging him into prayer. But today he prayed devoutly, he offered up his services, he wished for their blessings to do good in their name, for forgiveness for hid inability to save the lives of the revelers, and for many other small sins. He also gave thanks for the opportunity to do good, to have been granted the ability to save the people here with Orion, and for the strength to defend them again. Satisfied he rose, smoothing his clothing and looking about for something to eat, the faint rumble in his stomach pleading not to be ignored.

As the first rays of sunlight crept through the curtain-covered windows of the guest house, Brimblebread leapt from her bed, hopping to the ground with a smile already on her face. The promise of the brand-new day shone brightly on through every thought as she ambled around the room with fervor, collecting the erratically discarded pieces of her armor to quickly pull back on herself. In between it all she started out a prayer to any god that would listen, beseeching them to grant her the conviction necessary to continue bringing new chances and opportunities to the lost and soon-to-be-not-so wicked. Grabbing her crook from the corner once more, she bounded out the door to go find some food.&nbsp;

As soon as Aleixo rises he dons his armour, checks his blades, all cleaned and sharpened during his watch the night before and props his spear close to where he planned to station himself in the attack. Dimi carries his helmet, and Aleixo reminds him of his role in the coming battle, to warn his old companions to turn on their masters, and to ensure a weapon is always in Aleixo's hand. Other than that he is to stay safe and back, and protect himself.

Not long after dawn, Aleixo and Sval spot a large group of men approaching on the northern horizon. At this distance it's hard to make out any details, but some appear to be mounted and others are accompanied by large beasts of some kind.

"Quite some force. This battle will be glorious indeed." Aleixo takes his helmet from Dimi, fluffing up the plume to it's full height and glory before placing it on his head. "we should go below, warn the others. stay out of sight, we want only Orion visible." &nbsp;He heads down the ladder with Sval to raise the others and move them to their final battle positions.

Seeing the look on Aleixo's face as he moves towards them Xan sighs "That many huh? Oh well l, it means they'll have fewer to fight back with when we kick on their door I suppose." He pauses momentarily as he channels a fragment of his power, an invisible layer of protection covering him entirely, a small thing, but possibly the difference between life and death.&nbsp; "I'll be in the tower then." The golden haired aasimar moves quickly heading for the tower where he will have a good vantage point. " Aleixo,make sure the men get a good speech." He calls as he heads up.

He climbs to his position at the top of the tower with Xan and looks warily at the large beasts.&nbsp; "We should have dug the hole wider. Those are going to be a problem,"&nbsp; he says to nobody in particular. He smiles at the aasimar as he draws his bow and nocks an arrow, holding it loosely.&nbsp; "Do you think we die today?" He hunkers down against the ruined catapult, staying out of sight of the coming invaders.

Melanthios is one of the last to rise, rolling out of bed with a mighty yawn. Seeing the others already springing to action, he has a quick breakfast of dried fruits and nuts and gets dressed with haste. Once he is atop the watchtower, he pulls out his cittern and begins to tune it. "They might not be such a problem. I deliver beasts just as I deliver men." he says confidently. "And as for these men, perhaps I will deliver them to the pits, or convince them to chase the horizon, or madden them with shadows. Perhaps I should begin my performance with a little more discretion." He winks, and his form shifts. The exotic, towering firbolg becomes a human. Still gorgeous with dark skin and long hair, but far less distinguishable than his natural fey form.

Sval blinks in surprise, but shrugs and chuckles.&nbsp; "I think we have a better chance with you around, Melanthios," he pauses, turning to watch the oncoming bandits. "I do not believe I introduced myself yesterday. I am Sval."

Hearing the call to arms Azul slaps Petros on the back and says "Fight well, may the gods smile on us today". He hefts his shield and runs towards his position. With a nod to Aleixo he unslings his spear and assumes a combat stance.&nbsp; &nbsp; His amethyst eyes shine and smoke emits from his nostrils as he waits for the battle to begin.

Azul spoke of great destiny happening today.&nbsp; But Petros didn't think so.&nbsp; He thought it was just one more step along his path of staying alive.&nbsp; This looked like it might be a hard one to take though.&nbsp; "May they smile on us, indeed," he replies to Azul.

Aleixo stands with his spear slung lazily, tip over shoulder. He looks at the group gathered around the bottom and thinks on Xan's words. He is right, I should try to calm their nerves.&nbsp; "Their numbers are greater than ours. But our position is good. No more than a man or two can walk through that door at a time, they can press behind as much as they wish, but all they will do is push the front men onto our sharpened steel. Hold firm. Do not break, do not give ground. Here is the choke hold, and we will hold it. Dimi and Jerry, you know your places, hold at the back, convince them to turn, keep swords in our hands. If chance arises to throw spears, do so, or jab from behind, but do not risk your wounds reopening. Orion, your job is simply to convince them from the tower that this place is undefended. Insist that you had no part in our attack on their people and offer to pay for their lives as a peace offering. It will fail, but will hopefully convince them that only the two of you are in here. They will enter the gates expecting no resistance , be intimidated by the lines of steel, and more susceptible to Dimi and Jerry's words in the confusion and panic." &nbsp;He looks around with a grin on his face. "Fight well, and may the gods be pleased by our bravery and our actions this day!"

"I recognise those creatures, they can fly a little and climb too if I remember well. We must be on our guard, with our forces split the others will not be able to support us from here. Our bastion must not fall, or we lose the ability to slow their attack and the line inside will be overwhelmed." He looks at Melanthios and Sval , "By bow, blade or spell we must hold. And no Sval, we do not die today." The aasimar looks what he is in the morning light, his golden hair given life by the gentle breeze, the intensity of his presence unmistakable. He eye radiates power the white fire roiling inside the orb, always seeming like it will burst into a holy flame. "Not today, my friend."

Sval grins slightly at Xan and looks at Melanthios. "The old man has a positive outlook. That means we will win. The only thing to die today will be the monsters -- both the beasts and the men."

Melanthios returns Sval's smile. "Euoi!" he cheers. "I shall go hail the soon to be dead." With cittern in hand Melanthios walks over to where Orion stands. "I shall be accompanying you, friend. You convince them that this place is ripe for the taking, and I shall make it all the more inviting with my song. They will think I play for their victory, but in truth these notes sing of their downfall." With that he begins to strum the instrument rapidly. Again his fingers blur and the sounds take on an unearthly quality that makes them more resonant and full. This tune is quite lively, as if Melanthios really is trying to throw the small army a party. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aOQ2P8hR1c&amp;ab_channel=TijnB42" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aOQ2P8hR1c&amp;ab_channel=TijnB42</a>

As the band of men draws closer, their numbers gradually become more clear. Five are on horseback, accompanied by four hyenavultures and another fourteen men on foot. The force advances steadily on Orion's trading post, before drawing to a halt just outside of bowshot, where one of the riders trots out in front of his men, who array themselves in a wide arc. He's clad in half-plate and wears a billowing red cape, but his face is grimy and his hair slick and lank. "So y'thought y'could wipe yer arse at us and get away with it, did y'Orion, y'PUSSY?" The man yells, his tone guttural and uncouth. "Come out, come out, wherever y'fuckin' are!"

Orion stands proud on the battlements. "I'm not hidin'. I'm here. Look, I had nuthin' to do with those men that came. Ask Krystan. She'll tell yer. I never raised a hand to any of 'em. Even patched two of 'em up for you. They're here, alive an' well." The sense and strategy in keeping them alive would perhaps have dawned on him here if he weren't so stubborn. &nbsp;"Please. I'll pay for the ones you lost. Gesture of good will. Just leave us be eh? Come and tell me what you need to make this right." The proud man struggles to show vulnerability but also keep his chin high. Saying sorry is hard enough, he refuses to show fear. "I kicked 'em out after. Said they weren't welcome for the trouble they caused. They headed back towards the sea if you want to take your vengeance on them."

Ducked down near to Sval, Xan closes his eyes and feels the power as it flows within him, knowing that action would be likely he called up magics he had rarely cast,a spell to add vigour to his allies, allowing them to continue to fight longer. Aleixo, Azul and Sval all feel the energy flow through them as Xan whispers the words that come unlooked for. He glances over to the ranger and winks, all the whole keeping low and hopefully out of sight of the approaching forces.

The armoured man squints up at Orion, trying to make out the faces besides him. "Who you bloody got up there? I'll 'ave ye nuts for this Orion! You best 'ave a fuckin' heaped ass chest o' gold waitin' in there..." He clicks to his horse and spurs it forwards towards the gates, his men following on behind.

"This is just a travelling musician. I took him up here so that he would not get caught up in any action you decide to take with me below. Come on in and I'll give you what I got." Orion disappears from the parapet, making as if to head down to meet them at the gate. "Well, I hope that did what you wanted. It's all down to you now, you better leave me with some of my property left standing at the end of it or I'll haunt you for the rest of your days." He mutters at the waiting adventurers. "But fer now, I hope you send 'em all t' Hades."

Melanthios gives a cheery smile and nod as he is addressed, giving the impression that perhaps the bard has already gotten into his cups. He remains there playing as Orion disappears below.

The column of men advances on the trading post, watching Orion and Melanthios with suspicion as they go. Fortunately, the bard's playing does seem to ease the tension slightly, but the ambush is almost ruined when the sun begins to glisten off of the tips of Azul's brass horns. Stood atop the makeshift platform as he is, the tall dragonborn's crest peaks out just above the top of the wall as the riders head down the track towards the gate. Sval quickly notices and turns to say something, but the jingling of his chainmail almost gives the Norscan away as he gestures wildly at his companions.

Xan reaches across, resting&nbsp; a hand on Sval's arm. "Easy there, clunky. You don't want to give us away. Typical youngster, always rushing in, take your time, do it right." He pokes his head up a little slowly, and gestures carefully for Azul to duck.

Azul gives a bewildered look at Sval as the man loudly gestures at him, causing Azul to raise his head up higher in his confusion. He almost waives back to the Norscan until Xan holds his hands to head like horns and gestures to duck. Azul then sheepishly lowers his head, crouching low to keep his horns from being spotted.

Sval takes a deep breath. Inhale.&nbsp; Mistakes were always better to make before the battle. Exhale. This would be a tough fight. Inhale. The defenders didn't have the numbers. Exhale. But they would not be taking this outpost. Inhale. Not while he still drew breath. Exhale. Sval switches off and nocks an arrow.